A grappler for a utility implement for handling bales includes a pivot frame, at least one support arm coupled to the pivot frame, and a selectively movable cutting device. The grappler forms part of a utility implement along with a bucket such that the grappler is movable with respect to the bucket.

A grappler for a utility implement for handling bales includes a pivot frame, at least one support arm coupled to the pivot frame, and a selectively movable cutting device. The grappler forms part of a utility implement along with a bucket such that the grappler is movable with respect to the bucket.

The present invention relates to a bale cutting apparatus comprising attachment means for coupling the apparatus to a prime mover and a cutting means to cut through a bale containing fodder. The apparatus has cutting means that is operable to retain the bale against a stop member and cut through the bale such that the fodder is discharged from the bale and any bale covering materials are retained by the apparatus. The present invention eliminates the need to separately remove any covering materials in which the fodder is wrapped.

An apparatus and method for simulating the effects of dew are disclosed. The apparatus includes a moveable platform; a rotatable base, the rotatable base being connected to the platform; and a plurality of elongated rods for penetrating and spraying beneath the surface of a windrow. The rods radiate from a longitudinal axis of the rotatable base.

A method of loading bales into a bale processing chamber of a bale processor. The bale processing chamber is mounted on a chamber frame mounted on wheels for travel on a ground surface in a forward operating travel direction. A bale fork is pivotally mounted on the chamber frame such that in a lowered position the bale fork is oriented substantially horizontally and rests on the ground surface. The chamber frame is moved rearward such that the bale fork slides under a bale resting on the ground surface with a bale axis oriented substantially horizontally in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the operating travel direction. The bale fork and the bale supported thereon are raised above the ground surface. The bale fork is turned such that the bale axis turns to a second direction substantially parallel to the operating travel direction while maintaining the bale rearward of the bale processing chamber. The bale fork is raised to a raised position where the bale falls into the bale processing chamber with the bale axis oriented in the second direction.

A work vehicle and a method for operating a work vehicle are disclosed. The work vehicle comprises a work vehicle chassis, a lifting assembly, a bale handling implement, a sensor arrangement being positioned and configured to optically detect the bale on the ground and a position and/or a space orientation of the bale and a driver assistance system comprising a controller. The sensor arrangement is configured to optically identify a target location on the bale used for picking up the bale with the bale handling implement, the lifting assembly being controlled by the controller based on the target location while the work vehicle is approaching the bale such that the bale handling implement is positioned at the target location on the bale when picking up the bale from the ground.

A bale unroller includes a longitude, a bale cutting assembly, and a dispersing assembly. The bale cutting assembly includes a cutting conveyor, and the bale cutting assembly configured to receive the bale on a first side of the cutting conveyor and to cut the bale into a mat. The dispersing assembly has a longitudinally rear end and an exit longitudinally forward from the longitudinally rear end. The dispersing assembly is coupled at the longitudinally rear end with the bale cutting assembly and is configured to receive the mat and feed the mat out the exit along the longitude.

A bale mover with self-adjusting spinners for loading/unloading bales and unrolling bales. The bale mover includes a cross member and a pair of opposing arms that extend generally orthogonally to the cross member. The cross member is pivotable about an axis extending transverse to the bale mover to move the arms to extend away from the bale mover. The arms are moveable toward one another to pinch a bale between distal ends thereof. A spinner is provided at the distal end of each arm. The spinners include axles secured to the arms and spinner bodies which are rotatable about the respective axles to facilitate rotation of a bale engaged by the spinners. The spinners are also pivotable relative to the axles to enable alignment of the spinners with surfaces of the bale.

Disclosed are hay bale spikes for tractors used to carry hay bales. A hay bale carrying system includes a frame attachable to a tractor. The frame includes a first spike rigidly connected and a second spike movably attached parallel to the first spike, where the second spike is movable to a position that is not parallel to the first spike. An opening in the frame may position a pin to matingly accept the second spike that includes a lever arm on the opposite side of the pin from the spike. The lever arm may include a connector near its end connectable to a hydraulic cylinder such that expansion and contraction of the hydraulic cylinder provides leverage through the pin to the second spike to move the second spike from a first parallel position relative to the first spike to a second non-parallel position.

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.