GB2553533A

GB2553533A - Bale handling apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2553533A
Application number: GB1615167.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sloss Colin
Original assignee: Agrispeed Ltd
Current assignee: Agrispeed Ltd
Priority date: 2016-09-07
Filing date: 2016-09-07
Publication date: 2018-03-14
Anticipated expiration: 2036-09-07
Also published as: IE20170176A1; GB201615167D0; GB2553533B; IE87385B1

Abstract

A bale handling apparatus 1 comprising a frame 2, a bale support section 4 pivotably coupled to the frame for pivoting about a first pivot axis and an actuator (fig 2 ref 24) coupled between the frame and the support section, which is operable to pivot the support section about the pivot axis 26 between a carrying state and a depositing state. The support section may comprise a plurality of arms 32 which may be configured to cradle the bale in use. The arms may be provided with a plurality of rotatable devices 42 which facilitate movement between the arms and bale in use. The rotatable devices may be wheels or rollers. The arms may have at least a partial coating of polymer or rubber or protective material.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Bale handling apparatus Abstract Title: Bale handling apparatus (57) A bale handling apparatus 1 comprising a frame 2, a bale support section 4 pivotably coupled to the frame for pivoting about a first pivot axis and an actuator (fig 2 ref 24) coupled between the frame and the support section, which is operable to pivot the support section about the pivot axis 26 between a carrying state and a depositing state. The support section may comprise a plurality of arms 32 which may be configured to cradle the bale in use. The arms may be provided with a plurality of rotatable devices 42 which facilitate movement between the arms and bale in use. The rotatable devices may be wheels or rollers. The arms may have at least a partial coating of polymer or rubber or protective material.

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BALE HANDLING APPARATUS

Field of the invention

This invention relates to a bale handling apparatus and more particularly to a bale handling apparatus for a wrapped bale.

Background to the Invention

It is standard practice for bales of hay to be wrapped in a plastic film such as polythene or any other suitable plastic to prevent exposure to air and moisture. Efforts are taken during the movement of wrapped bales to prevent any damage to this film as this would result in aerobic spoilage and consequently the growth of mould. Damage to the film is most common during the movement of the wrapped bales from one location to another using a bale handler. The typical bale handler comprises a frame which has a plurality of arms or tines extending therefrom upon which a bale may be carried, wherein the frame is coupled to a vehicle, for example a tractor or other agricultural vehicle, such as to allow for easy movement of the handler. Damage to bales during handling occurs most often when the bales are being lifted onto or off the handler with the tines commonly having accumulated rust or other surface debris resulting in an uneven surface which can perforate the lining of the bale upon contact.

An additional problem with typical bale handlers is the time required to lift a bale onto or off of them. For example in a traditional bale handler the tines are kept in their normal lifting position by a spring clip. With this spring clip in place, the traditional handler is placed on the ground and the tractor or other agricultural vehicle is reversed until the tines slide under the bale. The handler can then be lifted up and the bale can be carried to wherever it is desired. To offload the bale the traditional handler is placed on the ground again before the spring clip is released and the handler is lifted. As the spring is released the weight of the bale causes the tines to tip as the rest of the handler is lifted upwards and the bale is deposited on the ground. During this tipping motion the film can easily be torn by one or more surface distortions present on the tines such as those caused by rust as described previously. Furthermore in some cases the bale may not easily come off of the tines requiring the vehicle upon which the handler is coupled, to affect short bursts of forward and backwards motion in an attempt to shimmy the bale off the tines. These short bursts can be particularly harsh on the transmission of the vehicle involved and cause increased wear and tear thereof.

Therefore it would be desirable to provide a bale handling apparatus which provides for a smooth displacement of the bale relative to the carrying section of the apparatus and which provides fast and efficient lifting and depositing of the bale.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly the invention provides a bale handling apparatus comprising, a frame, a bale support section pivotably coupled to the frame for pivoting about a first pivot axis and an actuator coupled between said frame and said support section and being operable to pivot said support section about said pivot axis between a carrying state and a depositing state.

Preferably, the actuator is pivotably coupled to the frame at a first location and pivotably coupled to the support section at a second location the second location being above the first location and said pivot axis in a top-to-bottom direction.

Ideally, wherein, in a front-to-rear direction that is perpendicular to said pivot axis and said top-tobottom direction said pivot axis is located forwardly of said second location and said second location is located forwardly of said first location.

Preferably, said first location and said pivot axis are at substantially the same level in said top-tobottom direction, preferably being substantially at the level of a base of said frame.

Ideally, said first location is rearward of said frame in said front-to-rear direction and said second location is in front of said frame in said front-to-rear direction, said actuator passing through said frame.

Preferably, said support section is pivotably coupled to the frame by one or more passive couplings.

Ideally, the pivotable coupling of the support section by the one or more passive couplings defines the first pivot axis.

Preferably, said support section comprises a support from which a plurality of arms extend.

Ideally, at least first and second arms extend from said support.

Preferably, said arms are configured to cradle a bale in-use.

Ideally, said arms are provided in a spaced apart arrangement extending from opposing ends of said support.

Preferably, said arms extend substantially parallel relative to one another, the arms extending in a forward direction which is substantially perpendicular to the support.

Ideally, said arms are tubular shaped having a circular cross section.

Optionally, said arms are provided with a plurality of rotatable devices.

Ideally, said rotatable devices are configured to facilitate relative movement between the arms and the bale in-use.

Preferably, said rotatable devices are provided upon opposing interior faces of said arms.

Ideally, said rotatable devices comprise rollers or wheels.

Preferably, said arms include end regions which diverge from the longitudinal direction of the arms.

Ideally, said end regions extend away from one another with the distance between the respective end regions in general being greater than the distance between the respective arms.

Preferably, said actuator is coupled centrally to the support, at an apex of said support above the couplings.

Ideally, a support rod is pivotably coupled to the frame, which is configured to support the bale in the carrying state.

Preferably, said support rod is configured to abut the bale carried by the support arm section at an upper region, typically at the apex of the bale in-use.

Ideally, said support rod extends substantially perpendicular to the frame and in the same direction, generally parallel to the arms when in said carrying state.

Preferably, said support rod is pivotably coupled to said frame by at least a secondary actuator.

Ideally, said the support rod is coupled to the frame by one or more passive couplings.

Preferably, said secondary actuator is configured to move the support rod between carrying and depositing states.

Ideally, a plurality of coupling assemblies are provided upon said frame, typically upon the rear of said frame, which are configured to couple the apparatus to a vehicle.

Preferably, said actuators are hydraulically powered and the apparatus is hydraulically coupled to the vehicle in-use.

Optionally, said actuators are electrically powered and the apparatus is electrically coupled to the vehicle in-use.

Ideally, the support rod and arms define a three point holding configuration.

Optionally, said arms and/or support rod have at least a partial coating or layer of a rubber or polymer or other suitable protective material such as to reduce damage to the bale which may be caused by rust or other surface distortions upon the arms.

Ideally, said actuator comprises an extendible actuator such as a hydraulic ram, gas spring or any other suitable extendible actuator.

Preferably, said passive couplings comprise pivotable pins which extend through at least part of the frame and the support arm section, such as to pivotably couple the frame and support arm section.

Ideally, in the carrying state, the support is substantially parallel with the frame, both the frame and the support extending upwards from the base and with the arms extending forwardly.

Preferably, in the depositing state, the support is obliquely disposed relative to the frame with the arms extending downwardly.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals are used to denote like parts and in which:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a bale handling apparatus embodying the invention, shown in a bale carrying state;

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the bale handling apparatus shown in the bale carrying state;

Figure 3 is an alternative rear perspective view of the bale handling apparatus shown in the bale carrying state;

Figure 4 is a rear plan view of the bale handling apparatus shown in the bale carrying state;

Figure 5 is a side plan view of the bale handling apparatus shown in the bale carrying state;

Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the bale handling apparatus shown in a bale depositing state;

Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of the bale handling apparatus shown in the bale depositing state.

Detailed description of the Drawings

Referring now to the drawings there is shown, generally indicated by the reference numeral 1 a bale handling apparatus embodying the invention. The bale handling apparatus 1 comprises a frame 2 which has a bale support section in the form of a support arm section 4 coupled thereto, typically to the front of the frame 2. The support arm section 4 is configured to carry a bale in-use. The frame 2 is shaped and dimensioned such as to define a generally pentagonal shape however in alternative embodiments the frame 2 may be shaped to define any suitable shape such as a triangular shape. The frame 2 typically comprises side members 6, 8, a base member 10, angled members 12,14 and a central member 16 with a plurality of vertical members 18 extending between the angled members 12, 14 and the base member 10. At least first and second limbs 20 typically extend from the base 10 of the frame 2, substantially parallel with each other. The limbs 20 typically extend, from opposing ends of the base 10 of the frame 2, in a forward direction, preferably substantially perpendicular to the frame 2. The frame 2 is configure to include at least one aperture to allow an actuator to pass (although in alternative embodiments more than one actuator may be provided.)

The frame 2 is removably coupleable to a vehicle such as a tractor or any other suitable vehicle and to this end one or more coupling assemblies 22 are provided upon the frame 2, typically upon the rear of the frame 2. The coupling assembly 22 typically comprise one or more brackets or hoops or catches or abutments however they may alternatively comprise any other suitable coupling arrangement. As shown in Figures 1 to 7, preferably at least three coupling assemblies 22 are provided on the frame 2, the coupling assemblies 22 being provided in a spaced apart arrangement with first and second assemblies being located towards opposing ends of the base 10 of the frame 2 and a tertiary assembly being located centrally between the first and second assemblies, typically upon one or more of the vertical members 18 or central member 16, with the tertiary assembly being located at greater height upon the frame 2 relative to the primary and secondary assemblies. Advantageously this positioning of the coupling assemblies 22 defines a triangular three point linkage which provides a strong and secure coupling with a vehicle in-use. In alternative embodiments (not shown) the coupling assemblies 22 may be located at any suitable position upon the frame 2 such as is necessary to removably couple the apparatus 1 to a vehicle. To this end the coupling assemblies 22 may be provided upon one or more of the side, angled or vertical members. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) a plurality of bale handling apparatus 1 such as that shown in figures 1 to 7 may be coupled together such as to be carried by a single vehicle with the coupling assemblies 22 being located accordingly such that the vehicle may adequately carry the apparatus 1 in-use. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, first and second assemblies 22 may be positioned upon opposing ends of the frame 2 such that they extend from the base 10 alongside the side members 6, 8 with the tertiary assembly being located centrally between the first and second assemblies, typically upon one or more of the vertical members 18 or central member 16, with the tertiary arrangement assembly being located at greater height upon the frame 2 relative to the primary and secondary assemblies. Advantageously this positioning of the coupling assemblies 22 upon the support frame 2 may affect a strong coupling between the frame 2 and a coupled vehicle in-use.

The support arm section 4 is configured to support a bale in-use. To this end the support arm section 4 is pivotably coupled to the frame 2 such as to allow the support arm section 4 to pivot relative to the frame 2 about a first pivot axis between a carrying state as shown in Figures 1 to 5 and a depositing state as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The support arm section 4 is typically pivotably coupled to the frame 2 via a primary actuator 24 which is configured to operate the apparatus 1 between the carrying and depositing states. To this end the actuator 24 is configured to pivot the support arm section 4 relative to the frame 2. The actuator 24 preferably comprises a linearly extendible actuator such as a hydraulic ram, gas spring or any other suitable extendible actuator, preferably a powered actuator. The actuator 24 may be configured to bias the support arm section 4 towards either of the carrying state or depositing states. The support arm section 4 is additionally typically pivotably coupled via one or more passive couplings 26 which define the first pivot axis. The passive couplings 26 may comprise pivotable pins which extend through at least part of the frame 2 and the support arm section 4, such as to pivotably couple the frame 2 and support arm section 4. Alternatively the passive couplings 26 may comprise any other suitable pivotable coupling. The support arm section 4 is located forwardly of the frame 2, conveniently between limbs 20, and is conveniently pivotably coupled to each limb 20.

In preferred embodiments the actuator 24 is coupled between the support arm section 4 and the base 10 of the frame 2, typically pivotably so upon a mount 25 which extends rearwardly from the base 10. One end, preferably the butt, of the actuator 24 is pivotably coupled to the frame 2, in particular to the base 10, the other end being pivotably coupled to the support arm section 4, in particular at a location above the base 10. The mount 25 typically comprises a bracket or any other suitable pivoting coupling. Furthermore, at least in the carrying state, the actuator 24 is typically obliquely disposed relative to the frame 2 and the arm section 4 as shown in Figure 2. Advantageously the location of the actuator 24 relative to both the frame 2 and support arm section 4 means that when the arm section 4 is being moved into the depositing state, as shown in figures 6 and 7, the support arm section 4 is operable to deposit a carried bale before abutting any portion of the frame 2 or the actuator 24.

The support arm section 4 comprises a support 30 from which a plurality of arms 32, typically first and second arms as shown in Figures 1 to 7, extend in the forward direction. The arms 32 being arranged such as to cradle a bale in-use. The preferred support 30 comprises a bottom member 34, angled side members 36, 38 and at least one central member 40 which define a substantially triangular shaped support; however the support 30 may alternatively comprise any other suitable shape. The arms 32 are provided in a spaced apart arrangement extending from opposing ends of the support 30, typically from the bottom member 34 thereof. Furthermore the arms 32 extend generally parallel relative to one another. The arms 32 extend in a forward direction which is substantially perpendicular to the support 30. The arms 32 are spaced apart such as to accommodate and carry a typical bale therebetween and to this end the arms 32 are spaced apart at an appropriate distance. The arms 32 are typically tubular shaped having a circular cross section. It is preferred that the limbs 20 are shorter in length than the arms 32.

In a preferred embodiment the arms 32 may incorporate a plurality of rotatable devices 42 such as rollers or wheels which are provided upon opposing interior faces of the arms 32. The rollers are spaced apart along the respective arm 32 and are rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm 32, the rollers may be recessed into the respective arm 32 with part of the rolling surface exposed for engagement with a bale. The rotatable devices 42 are configured to facilitate relative movement between the bale and arms 32 whilst reducing the occurrence of damage to the film surrounding the bale. Optionally the arms 32 incorporate end regions 44 which diverge from the longitudinal direction of the arms 32 such as to better define a mouth 46 through which a bale may easier enter. Accordingly the end regions 44 typically extend away from one another with the distance between the respective end regions 44 in general being greater than the distance between the respective arms 32. Optionally the arms 32 may have at least a partial coating or layer of a rubber or polymer or other suitable protective material such as to reduce damage to the bale which may be caused by rust or other surface distortions upon the arms 32. Advantageously the application of such a coating or layer also increases the grip between the arms 32 and any carried bale in-use.

In a preferred embodiment the support arm section 4 is pivotably coupled to the frame 2 by the actuator 24 and first and second passive couplings 26. The actuator 24 is coupled centrally to the support 30 of the support arm section 4, typically at an apex of the support 30 above the couplings

26. The support arm section 4 is additionally coupled by the first and second passive couplings 26 which pivotably couple the arms 32 to the frame 2, typically to an interior wall of the limbs 20. Advantageously the support arm section 4 is pivotably coupled to the frame 2 by the actuator 24 and passive couplings 26 such as to define a specific pivoting displacement of the arm section 4 relative to the frame 2.

In preferred embodiments, the couplings 26 are located at substantially the same level as the base 10, the location at which the actuator 24 is pivotably coupled to the support 30 being above the level of the base 10. The location at which the actuator 24 is pivotably coupled to the frame 2 is preferably substantially at the level of the base 10 (or at substantially the same level as the couplings 26). The location at which the actuator 24 is coupled to the frame 2 is preferably behind the frame 2 with respect to the support 30. As such, the actuator 24 extends through the frame 2. Hence the location at which the actuator 24 is coupled to the support 30 is forward of the location at which the actuator 24 is coupled to the frame 2. The location at which the actuator 24 is coupled to the frame 2 is rearward of the location at which the support arm section 24 is coupled to the frame 2.

The relative locations of these pivot points allows the support arm section 4 to be pivoted between the carrying and depositing states by a single stroke of the actuator 24 without interference between the actuator 24 and the support 30. The size of the actuator 24 (including the size of its stroke) is selected to provide the required angular movement of the support arm section 4 between the carrying and depositing states, which in preferred embodiments is approximately 50° or 52°.

A support rod 50 is typically coupled to the frame 2. The support rod 50 is configured to support the bale in the carrying state. The support rod 50 is configured to abut a bale carried by the support arm section 4 at an upper region, typically at the apex of the bale. Advantageously the support rod 50, in conjunction with the arms 32 of the support arm section 4, defines a three point holding configuration. The support rod 50 is pivotably coupled to the frame 2, preferably to the central member 16 at a location above the support arm section 4. The support rod 50 extends substantially perpendicular to the body of the frame 2 and in the same direction, generally parallel to the arms 32 when in the carrying state. The support rod 50 is typically pivotably coupled to the frame 2 by at least a secondary actuator 54 which is coupled to, ideally the rear of, the central member 16. Preferably, the support rod 50 is also coupled to the frame 2 by one or more passive couplings 56. The secondary actuator 54 comprises an extendible actuator such as a hydraulic ram, gas spring or any other suitable extendible actuator. The secondary actuator 54 is configured to move the support rod 50 between carrying and depositing states. The support rod 50 comprises a tubular member having a circular cross section. The end region 58 of the support rod 50 typically extends in a diverging direction to that of the body of the rod 50, typically in an upwardly direction relative to the base 10 (away from the bale in use).

Optionally the support rod 50 may incorporate one or more rotatable devices such as rollers or wheels such as to facilitate relative movement between the bale and the rod 50 in-use. Further optionally the support rod 50 may have at least a partial coating or layer of a rubber or polymer or other suitable protective material such as to reduce damage to the bale which may be caused by rust upon the arms 32. Advantageously the application of such a coating or layer also increases the grip between the support rod 50 and any carried bale in-use. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the support rod 50 may incorporate one or more indicative apparatus such as lights or reflectors such as where the apparatus may be coupled to a road going vehicle. Further alternatively a plurality of support rods 50 may extend from the frame 2 such as from the angled or side members 6, 12 such as to define a square or pentagonal or hexagonal holding configuration (not shown) in conjunction with the arms 32 of the support arm section 4.

The primary and secondary actuators 24 and 54 are typically hydraulically powered and to this end the apparatus 1 may be hydraulically coupled to the vehicle. Alternatively the actuators may be electro-hydraulic or electric actuators with electrical power being supplied by the coupled vehicle.

In-use the bale handling apparatus may be removably coupled to a vehicle using the plurality of coupling assembly 22 provided upon the frame 2. Initially the apparatus 1 adopts the bale carrying state were the arms 32 of the support arm section 4 extend perpendicular to the frame 2, substantially parallel to the limbs 20. Further initially the support rod 50 adopts the engaging state where it extends generally downwardly from the frame 2. The vehicle may then reverse or drive forward (depending on whether the apparatus 1 is coupled to the rear or front of the vehicle) when it has aligned the support arm section 4 with a bale, whereupon the bale can be received and carried by the support arm section 4 and the support rod 50. When the vehicle operator desires to deposit the carried bale at a location the primary and secondary actuators 24, 54 may be operated such that the support arm section and support rod 50 assume the depositing state. Whereupon the bale may be pivoted off the apparatus 1 by the pivoting displacement of the support arm section 4 in combination with the upward pivoting movement of the support rod 50 such that the bale may be tipped onto the ground upon which the vehicle rests. In the depositing state the support arm section 4 is obliquely disposed relative to the frame 2 with the arms 32 extending downwardly whilst the support rod 50 extends upwardly relative to the frame 2. Advantageously, the bale handing apparatus 1 may vary between the carrying and depositing states whilst coupled to the vehicle due to the positioning of the pivotable couplings between the support arm section 4 and the frame 2.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bale handling apparatus comprising,

a. A frame;

b. A bale support section pivotably coupled to the frame for pivoting about a first pivot axis;

c. An actuator coupled between said frame and said support section and being operable to pivot said support section about said pivot axis between a carrying state and a depositing state.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuator is pivotably coupled to the frame at a first location and pivotably coupled to the support section at a second location the second location being above the first location and said pivot axis in a top-to-bottom direction.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, in a front-to-rear direction that is perpendicular to said pivot axis and said top-to-bottom direction said pivot axis is located forwardly of said second location and said second location is located forwardly of said first location.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein said first location and said pivot axis are at substantially the same level in said top-to-bottom direction, preferably being substantially at the level of a base of said frame.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 or 4, wherein said first location is rearward of said frame in said front-to-rear direction and said second location is in front of said frame in said front-to-rear direction, said actuator passing through said frame.

6. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said support section is pivotably coupled to the frame by one or more passive couplings.

7. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pivotable coupling of the support section by the one or more passive couplings defines the first pivot axis.

8. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said support section comprises a support from which a plurality of arms extend.

9. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least first and second arms extend from said support.

10. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in claims 8 or 9, wherein said arms are configured to cradle a bale in-use.

11. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in claims any preceding claim, wherein said arms are provided in a spaced apart arrangement extending from opposing ends of said support.

12. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said arms extend substantially parallel relative to one another, the arms extending in a forward direction which is substantially perpendicular to the support body.

13. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said arms are tubular shaped having a circular cross section.

14. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said arms are provided with a plurality of rotatable devices.

15. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein said rotatable devices are configured to facilitate relative movement between the arms and the bale in-use.

16. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in claims 14 and 15, wherein said rotatable devices are provided upon opposing interior faces of said arms.

17. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in any of claims 14 to 16, wherein said rotatable devices comprise rollers or wheels.

18. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said arms include end regions which diverge from the longitudinal direction of the arms.

19. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein said end regions extend away from one another with the distance between the respective end regions in general being greater than the distance between the respective arms.

20. The bale handing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said actuator is coupled centrally to the support, at an apex of said support above the couplings.

21. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a support rod is pivotably coupled to the frame, which is configured to support the bale in the carrying state.

22. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein said support rod is configured to abut the bale carried by the support arm section at an upper region, typically at the apex of the bale in-use.

23. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in claims 21 and 22, wherein said support rod extends substantially perpendicular to the frame and in the same direction, generally parallel to the arms when in said carrying state.

24. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in claims 21 to 23, wherein said support rod is pivotably coupled to said frame by at least a secondary actuator.

25. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in claims 21 to 24, wherein said the support rod is coupled to the frame by one or more passive couplings.

26. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said secondary actuator is configured to move the support rod between carrying and depositing states.

27. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of coupling assemblies are provided upon said frame, typically upon the rear of said frame, which are configured to couple the apparatus to a vehicle.

28. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said actuators are hydraulically powered and the apparatus is hydraulically coupled to the vehicle in-use.

29. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said actuators are electrically powered and the apparatus is electrically coupled to the vehicle in-use.

30. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the support rod and arms define a three point holding configuration.

31. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said arms and/or support rod have at least a partial coating or layer of a rubber or polymer or other suitable protective material such as to reduce damage to the bale which may be caused by rust or other surface distortions upon the arms.

32. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said actuator comprises an extendible actuator such as a hydraulic ram, gas spring or any other suitable extendible actuator.

33. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said passive couplings comprise pivotable pins which extend through at least part of the frame and the support arm section, such as to pivotably couple the frame and support arm section.

34. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein in the carrying state, the support is substantially parallel with the frame, both the frame and the support extending upwards from the base and with the arms extending forwardly.

35. The bale handling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein in the depositing state, the support is obliquely disposed relative to the frame with the arms extending downwardly.

36. A bale handling apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Intellectual

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Office

Application No: GB1615167.2