An apparatus for splitting bales and retaining wrap includes a frame having an interior framework oriented at an angle relative to forwardly-projecting tines, the framework and tines together defining an upwardly-opening cradle that supports and centers a bale of forage bound with a wrap above an inverted apex of the cradle. The apparatus also includes an elongate hooking mechanism extending laterally across the underside of the wrapped bale and configured to capture the wrap together with a thin layer of forage, and an elongate blade rotatably supported on the frame and configured to rotate downward through the bale toward the inverted apex of the cradle. The apparatus further includes a first actuation device that activates the hooking mechanism to capture the wrap and layer of forage, and one or more second actuation devices that rotate the elongate blade downward through the forage to split the bale.

A crop cutting device for an agricultural machine according to the present invention comprises a shaft and a plurality of knives pivotally mounted on the shaft between a retracted position and an extended position. The shaft comprises first engaging means and each knife comprises second engaging means, wherein the first and second engaging means are configured to engage with each other, when the shaft is rotated to force at least one knife into one of the retracted position and the extended position.

A crop cutting device for an agricultural machine according to the present invention comprises a shaft and a plurality of knives pivotally mounted on the shaft between a retracted position and an extended position. The shaft comprises first engaging means and each knife comprises second engaging means, wherein the first and second engaging means are configured to engage with each other, when the shaft is rotated to force at least one knife into one of the retracted position and the extended position.