A conversion kit for converting a front-loader bucket for use as a forklift, a bale transporter or similar object mover. Parallel tine assemblies pivoted to a bucket top include tines that normally project forwardly, and cooperating vertical arms linked to the tines. The arms are fastened at their bottoms within protective elbow brackets to which the tines are pinned. The arms support hollow pivot sleeves penetrated by axle members that enable tine assembly rotation. A plurality of box-like receivers forming sockets enable the quick connection and/or disconnection of parts. Lower receiver sockets removably support pivot sleeves secured to quick-connect plugs that are penetrated by axle segments. A pair of rigid, tine stowage brackets may be secured at the rear. After the projecting tines are unpinned from front mounted elbow brackets, the tine assembly may rotate over the bucket to an out-of-the way position.

A three point hay lift assembly includes a hay spear device for a three point hitch and a three point hay lift. The hay spear device includes at least one stabilizer mounted to a frame within about 24 inches of a hay spear mounted to the frame. This enables the hay spear device to be lowered without the stabilizers contacting a trailer platform or bed. The hay lift includes a tube configured to slide over the hay spear that is longer than the stabilizer of the hay spear device. A crossbar limits the insertion depth of the hay spear into the hay bale and at least one stabilizer is attached to the crossbar to prevent the hay bale from spinning. An ear extends from the tube to contact the frame of the hay spear device and prevent the tube from spinning about the hay spear.

The present invention relates to a utility vehicle hay fork attachment device that is comprised of a frame assembly further comprised of at least one horizontal frame member with at least one tine, a mounting plate, and a pair of mounting arms. The device further preferably resembles a garden fork and is made of a metal, such that it can carry strong loads and resist wear from repeated uses. The device is also comprised of mounting arms and a mounting ring that allow multiple means of attachment and support to a vehicle. In this manner, the device can be applied to any utility or all-terrain vehicle known in the art, to decrease the amount of time and effort required for moving hay bales.

A system comprises a mobile machine (14) for collecting a plurality of bales (10,12) dispersed across a ground surface and one or more computing devices. The one or more computing devices are configured to receive location and orientation information for the plurality of bales (10,12), the location and orientation information including a location and an orientation of each of the bales (10,12), automatically determine a preferred path for collecting the bales using the location and orientation information, and present information about the preferred path to an operator of the mobile machine (14).

A system comprises a mobile machine (14) for collecting a plurality of bales (10,12) dispersed across a ground surface and one or more computing devices. The one or more computing devices are configured to receive location and orientation information for the plurality of bales (10,12), the location and orientation information including a location and an orientation of each of the bales (10,12), automatically determine a preferred path for collecting the bales using the location and orientation information, and present information about the preferred path to an operator of the mobile machine (14).

Apparatus and methods for removing net wrap from a bale are described herein. The apparatus includes a frame configured to releasably mount to a vehicle and first and second opposed arms movably coupled to the frame. At least one of the first and second opposed arms moves between a retracted position where the arms support the bale and an extended position where the bale passes between the arms and falls downwardly. The apparatus also includes a cutting mechanism including a cutting element configured to cut the net wrap. The apparatus further includes at least one grabbing mechanism coupled to at least one of the first arm and the second arm to retain the net wrap after the net wrap has been cut by the cutting mechanism and the bale falls downwardly between the arms.

A vehicle supported implement for handling separate loads independently, and related methods of use, are presented. The implement is configured to move a load, such as a hay bale, rotating the load radially about an axis, from a first position at a first elevation to a second position at a second elevation. It includes a first frame member and a second frame member pivotally connected to the first frame member at a joint. The axis of rotation intersects the joint normal to the back side of the first frame member and the second frame member rotates radially about the axis of rotation between the first position and the second position. The implement includes an actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, connected to the frame members to control the rotation. The implement includes an attachment feature on the back side to secure it to a vehicle.

A retention mechanism for retaining an agricultural machine in engagement with a fork assembly. The mechanism may be provided on the fork assembly, agricultural machine or split between them. The retention mechanism may be actuated by a foot associated with either the fork assembly or the agricultural machine. The retention mechanism may employ pivoting latches or a clamping mechanism that clamps upon the forks or tines.

A retention mechanism for retaining an agricultural machine in engagement with a fork assembly. The mechanism may be provided on the fork assembly, agricultural machine or split between them. The retention mechanism may be actuated by a foot associated with either the fork assembly or the agricultural machine. The retention mechanism may employ pivoting latches or a clamping mechanism that clamps upon the forks or tines.

A hay bale dryer features a support frame inside of which there is delimited at least one bale space and at least one manifold carrying a set of aeration spears movable between a deployed position penetrating the bale space and a retracted position withdrawn therefrom. The manifold is moved between the positions by way of an actuator driven linkage, and the aeration spears comprise hollow elongated bodies of tapered thickness toward their distal ends for more effective penetration of the hay bales. A manufacturing method uses a hydraulic press to produce the hollow elongated bodies from lengths of originally cylindrically pipe. Horizontal feeding tables and upright feeding racks feature displaceable bale movers for moving queued hay bales along one or more queuing lanes into one or more bale dryers.