GB2220637A - Bale lifter - Google Patents

Abstract

A bale lifter 1 comprises a frame 2 which can be mounted on a tractor or other agricultural machinery. Supports 3 are slidably mounted on the frame 2 and the spacing between them can be varied by a hydraulic ram 5, 6 for lifting big bales. <IMAGE>

Description

"Bale Lifter" This invention relates to a bale lifter.

In the production of hay or silage, the end product may be formed into bales for ease of handling and feeding. Bales may be of various shapes and sizes, but this invention relates to bales which are known as "big bales", being larger than the traditionally known bale as understood in the agricultural industry.

These big bales are normally cylindrical in shape, being of a diameter of approximately 4 feet and of a length of approximately 4 feet, although larger bales may be produced.

Whereas the traditional small bale may be handled manually, the weight of the big bale is such that mechanical means are necessary. In the case of big baled silage, the bale is wrapped either with a polythene bag or cling film. In transporting or stacking these wrapped big bales it is necessary to avoid puncturing or abusing the wrapping, as this will result in the rapid deterioration of the silage.

After big bales have been made and wrapped, deformation of the package may occur as the weight of the bale tends to flatten that part of the bale which is on the ground.

Various devices are known for handling the big bales.

However, many of these rely on impaling the bales with spikes and cannot be used with wrapped bales. Other known devices have difficulty in dealing with variations in bale diameter and with the deformation effect.

The present invention attempts to mitigate these problems.

According to the present invention there is provided a bale lifter for use with agricultural machinery, comprising a framework and at least two supports, said supports mounted upon said framework so as to project from it, and slidably adjustable such that the distance between the two supports may be varied.

Preferably, said framework is a rigid structure which comprises a base member upon which said supports are mounted. At least one of said supports comprises a sliding member which is mounted on the base member and is slidable along the length of the base member. This movement is preferably controlled using a hydraulic power means which is actuated from a tractor cab.

The sliding members and base members are preferably of boxsection so that the supports may only move along one axis relative to each other and cannot rotate about the base.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings in which: Fig. 1 shows a bale lifter in accordance with the present invention; and Fig. 2 shows the bale lifter of Fig. 1, in use, attached to a tractor.

A bale lifter 1 comprises a frame 2, which hds two supports 3 attached to sliding members 4. The sliding members are connected to a controlling means which is in the form of a hydraulic ram 5,6. The hydraulic cylinder 5 is doubleacting and has a rod 6 attached to one sliding member 4a whilst the cylinder 5 is attached to the other sliding member 4b. Operating the cylinder 5 consequently widens or narrows the distance between the supports 3. The cylinder 5 is actuated from the hydraulic power of the tractor 7 by means of a valve.

In use, the frame 2 is mounted on the tractor 7, either on the three point linkage at the rear of the tractor 7 or on a front end loader. The cylinder 5 is actuated to set the rod 6 in the wider position, whilst the tractor 7 positions the supports 3 on either side of the bale 8. The cylinder 5 then closes the sliding members 4, which action contacts the supports 3 against the bale 8, and the bale can then be lifted. The operation is reversed to deposit the bale where required.

The frame 2 and sliding members 4 are rigid constructions in box-section steel, so that the shape of the slides prohibits the movement of the supports in an axial or vertical direction.

The supports 3 are constructed of tubular steel (approximately 5" diameter by 45" long) and are rounded or domed at the outer end.

The invention thus provides a sturdy and safe operating unit which can move bales of varying shapes and sizes without damage to the covering material.

Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (8)

1. A bale lifter comprising a framework and at least two supports, said supports mounted upon said framework so as to project from it, and slidably adjustable such that the distance between the two supports may be varied.

2. A bale lifter as claimed in Claim 1, in which the framework is a rigid structure comprising a base member upon which said supports are mounted.

3. A bale lifter as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which at least one of said supports comprises a sliding member.

4. A bale lifter as claimed in Claim 3, in which said sliding member is mounted upon said base member and is slidable along its length.

5. A bale lifter as claimed in any of the preceding Claims, in which the adjustment of the distance between the supports is controlled by power means.

6. A bale lifter as claimed in Claim 5, in which the power means are hydraulic.

7. A bale lifter as claimed in Claim 3, in which the sliding member is composed of box-section steel.

8. A bale lifter substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.