A system includes a mobile machine for collecting a plurality of bales dispersed across a ground surface. The mobile machine is configured to collect a bale with a first bale carrier when moving in a forward direction and collect a bale with a second bale carrier when moving in a reverse direction. The system further includes one or more computing devices are configured to receive location information for the plurality of bales and automatically determine a preferred path for collecting the bales with the mobile machine using the location information, the preferred path including at least one path segment for moving in a forward direction to engage a bale with the first bale carrier and at least one path segment for moving in a reverse direction to engage a bale with the second bale carrier.

A system comprising a mobile machine for collecting a plurality of bales dispersed across a ground surface, the mobile machine having a minimum turning radius, and one or more computing devices. The one or more computing devices are configured to receive location information for the plurality of bales, the location information including a location of each of the bales, automatically determine a preferred path for collecting the bales using the location information and the minimum turning radius of the mobile machine, and present information about the preferred path to an operator of the mobile machine.

A system comprising a mobile machine for collecting a plurality of bales dispersed across a ground surface, the mobile machine having a minimum turning radius, and one or more computing devices. The one or more computing devices are configured to receive location information for the plurality of bales, the location information including a location of each of the bales, automatically determine a preferred path for collecting the bales using the location information and the minimum turning radius of the mobile machine, and present information about the preferred path to an operator of the mobile machine.

Apparatus for gathering bales that include a forward-looking sensor to sense the bale are disclosed. The apparatus may also include a control system that is configured to alter a portion of the apparatus to lift the bale based on output from the forward-looking sensor. Methods for transferring bales that use such an apparatus are also provided.

A system and a method for loading a hay bale on a vehicle. The vehicle has a frame, a loader assembly mounted to the frame, and a storage assembly mounted to the frame and positioned relative to the loader assembly. The loader assembly has a loader arm rotatably coupled to the frame and a spike extending outwards and orthogonal to the loader arm. The loader arm can be manipulated between a retracted position and an extended position. When in the extended position, the loader arm extends outside the frame with the spike oriented parallel to the frame. The storage conveys a storage plate along a path relative to the loader assembly. The storage plate is arranged to remove the hay bale from the spike as the storage plate is conveyed along the path in a first direction and with the loader arm in the retracted position.

Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a bale collection operation performed by an agricultural machine in a working environment. Operational data indicative of a working parameter of the agricultural machine is used to determine occurrence of a bale collection operation. The determined bale collection operation is associated with one or more bale identifiers in a database linked to the working environment, and the database is updated to indicate the identification of a collection of a bale corresponding to the respective bale identifier(s) in dependence on the association.

Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a bale collection operation performed by an agricultural machine in a working environment. Operational data indicative of a working parameter of the agricultural machine is used to determine occurrence of a bale collection operation. The determined bale collection operation is associated with one or more bale identifiers in a database linked to the working environment, and the database is updated to indicate the identification of a collection of a bale corresponding to the respective bale identifier(s) in dependence on the association.

A bale loading apparatus for use in the agricultural applications that enables conversion from a small bale pickup and transport vehicle to a big bale pickup and transport vehicle. A conveyor lifts big bales from the ground in the field onto the receiving table of a bale transport vehicle. A rotating and sliding motion enables the positioning of the big bale lengthwise across the receiving table of the bale transport vehicle. A control system for managing the big bale loading process is also provided.

A bale loading apparatus for use in the agricultural applications that enables conversion from a small bale pickup and transport vehicle to a big bale pickup and transport vehicle. A conveyor lifts big bales from the ground in the field onto the receiving table of a bale transport vehicle. A rotating and sliding motion enables the positioning of the big bale lengthwise across the receiving table of the bale transport vehicle. A control system for managing the big bale loading process is also provided.

A sled assembly for the transport of a one or more round bales across a ground surface being soft. Said sled configured to slide on top of said ground surface. Said hitch assembly having said lowered configuration and said raised configuration. Said hitch assembly configured to selectively attach to said vehicle and to enable said sled assembly to be dragged behind said vehicle. Said sled comprising said side rail assemblies and said cross beams. Said hitch assembly fixed to a first end of said sled. Said sled assembly further comprising a one or more wheel assemblies.