IES20020948A2 - Agricultural apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An agricultural apparatus for lifting and handling agricultural goods, such as bales, comprises a chassis adapted to be connected to the rear of a tractor and a tilting framework connected to the chassis and adapted to be tilted between a horizontal orientation overlying the chassis and an upright orientation. The tilting framework comprises a mast lift arrangement adapted to support a pair of lifting arms and an extension frame adapted to support two pairs of pivoting arms. The mast lift arrangement comprised a main frame and a movable frame, the movable frame being linearly movable relative to the main frame. <Figure 2>

Description

The present invention relates to an agricultural apparatus and, in particular, to apparatus for lifting and handling agricultural goods, such as bales, pallets, blocks, bags, drowned animals or the like.

Known bale transporters for attachment to a tractor include single and double bale transporters. The single bale transporter, as shown schematically in figure la, comprises a frame 2 for attachment to a tractor and a pair of transversely extending limbs 4 for supporting a single bale in horizontal orientation.

The double bale transporter, as shown schematically in figure lb, comprises a frame 6 for attachment to a tractor and two pairs of transversely extending limbs 8 for supporting two bales in horizontal side-by-side orientation.

However, such transporters tend not to lift the bales very high and the counterbalance with the tractor tends not to be adequate, unless used with a large tractor.

A single bale fork-lift mast type transporter for attachment to a tractor is also known and is shown schematically in figure lc. The pair of transversely extending limbs 10 can be raised or lowered vertically on the frame 12 in a forklift manner.

Although such bale transporters can be used to conveniently collect individual bales, they have «τα_ IE 0 2 0 9 4 e limited capacity as transporters since at most two bales can be transported simultaneously.

For higher capacity transportation, bale trailers are used for simultaneously transporting a plurality of bales. One such trailer comprises a simple long trailer base mounted on a two wheeled chassis, which is towed by a tractor, the bales generally being stacked horizontally in two rows and in two layers.

An alternative trailer, as shown schematically in figure Id, comprises a central longitudinal framework 14 having a plurality of transversely extending limbs 16 for supporting bales between successive limbs. A camshell transporter, as shown schematically in figure le, comprises a trailer with a longitudinal round cross-section frame 18 for receiving a series of horizontal bales along the length thereof.

However, in order to use such bale trailers, the bales have to be individually loaded using a second tractor and loader.

The present invention has been made from a consideration of the disadvantages associated with such known bale handling devices and in order to provide an improved agricultural apparatus, which may overcome one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages. In particular, the invention seeks to provide an agricultural apparatus, which may be used to conveniently carry out all three operations of collection, transportation and stacking of bales.

IE 0 2 0 9 4 8 According to the invention there is provided an agricultural apparatus comprising a chassis adapted to be connected to the rear of a tractor and a tilting framework connected to the chassis and adapted to be tilted relative thereto between a horizontal orientation overlying the chassis and an upright orientation, the tilting framework comprising a mast lift arrangement adapted to support a pair of lifting arms and an extension frame adapted to support two pairs of pivoting arms, the mast lift arrangement comprising a main frame and a movable frame, the movable frame being linearly movable relative to the main frame.

Preferably, the extension frame comprises a bar fixed to the base of the main frame and extending laterally on each side of the main frame. Preferably, two pairs of pivoting arms are pivotally secured to the bar so that the pivoting arms can pivot about the bar between a first position, wherein they extend transversely to the main frame, and a second position, wherein they extend substantially along the plane of the main frame.

Preferably, the tilting framework is tilted by means of an hydraulic ram connected between the chassis and the tilting framework. Preferably, the tilting framework may be tilted to slightly past the vertical position.

Preferably, the main frame comprises fixed, channel section, side frames and the movable frame has guide members extending from each side thereof and adapted to slide within the side frames. Preferably, the movable IEO 20948 frame is operated to move relative to the main frame by means of an hydraulic ram connected therebetween.

Preferably, the apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel lifting arms removably secured to the movable frame and extending transversely thereto, one from each side of the movable frame. Preferably, a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel fixed arms extend transversely from an upper end of the main frame, one from each side thereof.

Preferably, a connecting rod is secured between the two pivoting arms in each pair so that the arms in a pair are constrained to pivot together.

Preferably, the pivoting arms extend in parallel relationship from the bar and are spaced therealong so that one pivoting arm extends from a region adjacent each end of the bar and two pivoting bars extend from the central region of the bar at a position below the main frame.

Preferably, inverted u-shape abutment frames are provided on the bar, on each side of the main frame, one between each pair of pivoting arms and extending substantially parallel to the main frame.

Preferably, the chassis comprises a substantially horizontal triangular frame, the forward apex end of the frame being adapted to be connected to the rear of a tractor, and a pair of wheels on an axle supporting the rearward end of the frame. Preferably, the chassis comprises two side barriers mounted forwardly on the IE 0 2 0 9 4 8 triangular frame, one on each side thereof, the side barriers comprising inverted u-shape frames extending upwardly from the triangular frame. Preferably, the chassis comprises two guard barriers, one above each wheel.

Preferably, the movable frame comprises front and rear rectangular sub-frames connected together by transverse spacer limbs, each sub-frame having a leg extending upwardly from the central region of the upper limb of the sub-frame. Preferably, the hydraulic ram for operation of the movable frame is connected between the free ends of the legs and extends down between the subframes .

Alternatively, the movable frame may have a rectangular central frame with two rectangular sub-frames mounted at the lower region and on the front and rear surfaces thereof. The hydraulic ram for operation of the movable frame may be connected to a central region of an upper limb of the central frame and extend down between the sub-frames .

Preferably, the rear sub-frame has two depending legs from which the lifting arms extend. Preferably, the legs are secured to the sub-frame by removable pins. Preferably, the front sub-frame comprises the guide members, one extending from each side thereof.

Preferably, as the tilting framework is operated to tilt towards the horizontal, the pivoting arms fold inwards under gravity to extend along the plane of the main frame. Preferably, the movable frame may be moved ΙΕ η 2 0 9 4 8 linearly until it overlies the pivoting arms, when the latter are in the position wherein they extend substantially along the plane of the main frame.

Preferably, when the tilting framework is in the upright orientation, as the movable frame is raised upwards, the pivoting arms fold outwards under gravity to extend transversely to the main frame.

Preferably, the apparatus includes optional fitments, such as a crane hook arrangement, fork lift blades or pallet loading arms, which are adapted to be removably secured to the movable frame.

The invention will now be described further, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figs, la to le are schematic views of prior art bale transporters; Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of an agricultural apparatus of the invention; Fig. 3 is side view of the agricultural apparatus of figure 2; Figs. 4a and 4b are schematic side views of a crane hook arrangement and fork lift blades attachment, respectively, for optional fitment to an apparatus of the invention; IE 0 2 0 9 4 8 Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a pair of pivoting arms of the agricultural apparatus of figure 2; Fig. 6 is a rear view of the agricultural apparatus of figure 2; Fig. 7 is an enlarged side view of a pivoting arm of the agricultural apparatus of figure 2; Fig. 8 is an enlarged side view of the abutment frame arrangement of the agricultural apparatus of figure 2; Fig. 9 is an enlarged rear view of the abutment frame arrangement of the agricultural apparatus of figure 2; Fig. 10 is a plan view of the trailer chassis of the agricultural apparatus of figure 2; Fig. 11 is an end view of the trailer chassis of the agricultural apparatus of figure 2; Fig. 12 is a rear perspective view of part of the mast lift arrangement of the apparatus of figure 2; Fig. 13 is a rear schematic view of the tilting framework of the apparatus of the invention; Fig. 14 is a side view of the mast lift arrangement of figure 12; IEO 209 48 Fig. 15 is rear perspective view of part of an alternative mast lift arrangement for the apparatus of the invention; and Figs. 16a to 16j are a series of schematic illustrations showing the operation of the apparatus of the invention, in use, for collection, transportation and stacking of bales.

Various known prior art bale transporters are described above with reference to figures la to le.

Referring to figure 2, an agricultural apparatus 20 of the invention is in the form of a trailer adapted to be connected to the rear of a tractor in conventional manner. The apparatus 20 comprises a chassis 22 and a tilting framework 24 connected to the chassis by an hydraulic ram 26.

The tilting framework 24 comprises a mast lift arrangement 30 which supports a pair of lifting arms 32, 33 and an extension frame 50 which supports two pairs of pivoting arms 52, 53 and 54, 55.

The tilting framework 24 is mounted adjacent the rear end of the chassis 22 and the hydraulic ram 26 allows the tilting framework to be moved, as indicated by arrow x in figure 3, between a first upright position, as shown in figure 2, and a second horizontal position overlying the chassis 22, as shown in figure 16.

The mast lift arrangement 30 comprises a main frame 34 having fixed, channel section, side frames 36 and a ΙΕΟ 2094 8 movable frame 38 having guide members 40, as shown in figures 12 and 15, extending from each side thereof and adapted to slide within the side frames 36. The movable frame 38 is operated to move relative to the main frame 34 by an hydraulic ram 46 connected therebetween. As shown in figure 14, the main frame 34 has a pivot bracket 35 and a tilting pin bracket 37 for connection of the tilting framework 24 to the chassis 22.

The pair of spaced apart, parallel lifting arms 32, 33 are fixed to the movable frame 38 and extend transversely thereto, one from each side of the movable frame. A further pair of spaced apart, parallel fixed arms 42, 43 extend transversely from the upper end of the main frame 34, one from each side of the main frame. As the movable frame 38 is moved relative to the main frame 34, the lifting arms 32, 33 are moved towards or away from the fixed arms 42, 43, as indicated by arrows z in figure 3. Thus, in use a bale can be clamped between the fixed arms and the lifting arms .

The extension frame 50 comprises a bar 56 fixed to the base of the main frame 34 and extending laterally on each side of the main frame 34. The bar 56 has four pivot joints 58, each comprising a pair of parallel, forwardly extending plates 60, as shown more clearly in figure 5. Each pivoting arm 52, 53, 54, 55 has an angled end 68 which is located between a pair of plates and is pivoted thereto by a pivot pin 62 which passes through the angled end.

IE 0 2 0 9 4 8 Referring to figure 5, a connecting rod 64 is secured between the angled ends of the arms in each pair of pivoting arms, so that the arms in a pair pivot together. A locking pin 66 is provided for each pair of pivoting arms so that the pair may be held in position and prevented from pivoting relative to the bar 56 when desired, by passing the locking pin through a corresponding apertures provided in the pivot joint and the adjacent pivoting arm.

Referring to figures 6 and 7, the pivoting arms 52, 53, 54, 55 can pivot about the bar 56 between a first position, wherein they extend transversely to the main frame 34 and lie at ground level G, and a second position, wherein they are folded up and extend along the plane of the main frame 34, as shown by the dotted outlines in figure 6.

The pivoting arms 52, 53, 54, 55 extend in parallel relationship from the bar 56 and are spaced therealong so that one pivoting arm 52, 55 extends from a region adjacent each end of the bar 56 and two pivoting bars 53, 54 extend from the central region of bar 56 at a position below the main frame 34.

Each of the lifting arms 32, 33 and the pivoting arms 52, 53, 54, 55 may have an outwardly turned free end 70, as shown in figures 5 and 12, in order to facilitate the reception of a bale onto the pair of arms .

Typically, the spacing between the arms of each pair of lifting or pivoting arms is designed to allow a IE 0 2 0 9 4 8 standard bale, for example of approximate size 1.2m (4 feet) by 1.2m (4 feet), to be supported on the pair of arms .

Bracing struts 44 extend diagonally from the side frames 36 to the outer ends of the bar 56, generally in the plane of the main frame 34.

Abutment frames 48 are provided on the bar 56, on each side of the main frame 34, one between each pair of pivoting arms. The abutment frames 48, as shown more clearly in figure 8 and 9, are inverted u-shapes in the form of tubular tombstone style barriers and extend substantially parallel to the main frame 34.

As shown in figure 8, the abutment frames 48 extend outwardly from the main frame 34 or struts 44 by approximately the diameter or width of the pivoting arms and are attached to the struts 44 by spacer rods 45.

Each abutment frame abuts and supports the end of a bale loaded on the corresponding pair of pivoting arms and protects the bale plastic covering from damage by the lower arms. The abutment frames also act to hold the bales securely and keep the bales stable when the tilting framework is tilted from the vertical loading position to the horizontal transport position.

The chassis 22, as shown more clearly in figures 3, 10 and 11, comprises a substantially horizontal triangular frame 72, the forward apex end 74 of the frame being ΙΕΟ 209 4β adapted to be connected to the rear of a tractor, by a suitable hitch arrangement 76.

A pair of wheels 78 on an axle 80 supports the rearward end of the frame. Power to operate the apparatus is provided by suitable means, such as a control valve bank 82, connected to the tractor.

Two side barriers 28 are mounted forwardly on the triangular frame 72, one on each side thereof, and comprise inverted u-shape frames extending upwardly from the triangular frame. The side barriers 28 act to support and protect the side of a bale loaded on the lifting arms when the tilting framework is tilted to the horizontal position. The side barriers 28 may be curved outwardly to correspond to the curvature of the bale.

The chassis further includes two guard barriers 84, one above each wheel 78. The guard barriers are welded to the triangular frame 72 and comprise frame sections extending outwardly from the triangular frame over the wheels. The guard barriers protect the bales loaded on the apparatus from bush damage and the like and support the bales during transportation with the tilting framework in the horizontal position.

Referring to figures 12 and 14, the movable frame 38 of the mast lift arrangement comprises a rectangular central frame 90 with two rectangular sub-frames 92, 94 mounted at the lower region and on the front and rear surfaces of the central frame 90.

IE 0 2 0 9 4 β The hydraulic ram 46 for operation of the movable frame 38 is connected to pin 96 located centrally on the upper limb of the central frame and extends down between the sub-frames 92, 94. With this arrangement, the ram connecting pin 96 plane of the central frame. extends generally in the The space 98 provided between the sub-frames 92 , 94 accommodates the hydraulic ram. In addition, the two inner pivoting arms 53, 54 fit within this space when in the folded up position so that the movable frame 38 can pass down over the folded pivoting arms.

Referring to figure 15, an alternative mast lift arrangement for the apparatus of the invention comprises a movable frame 38 having front and rear rectangular sub-frames 100, 102 connected together by transverse spacer limbs 104. Each sub-frame has a leg 106 extending upwardly from the central region of the upper limb of the sub-frame.

The hydraulic ram 46 for operation of the movable frame 38 is connected to pin 108 located between the free ends of the legs 106 and extends down between the subframes 100, 102. In this arrangement, the ram connecting pin 108 extends transversely to the general plane of the sub-frames.

The space 110 provided between the sub-frames 100, 102 accommodates the hydraulic ram. In addition, the two inner pivoting arms 53, 54 fit within this space when in the folded up position so that the movable frame 38 can pass down over the folded pivoting arms.

IE0 209 4Β On each movable frame, as shown in figures 12 and 15, the rear sub-frame 94, 102 has two depending legs 112 from which the lifting arms 32, 33 extend. The legs 112 are secured to the sub-frame by removable pins 114 so that the lifting arms are removable from the apparatus if desired. The front sub-frame 92, 100 comprises the two guide members 40, one extending from each side thereof.

In order to accommodate the conventional bale size 1.2m (4 feet) by 1.2m (4 feet), the mast cylinder 46 has a 1.5m (5 feet) stroke so that a working height of 1.5m (5 feet) is achieved for clearance over the lower bales .

Referring to figure 13, it will be seen that, when the pivoting arms 52, 53, 54, 55 are in the folded position, they do not obstruct the movement of the movable frame 38.

In use, the hydraulic ram 2 6 may be operated to move the tilting framework 24 from the upright position shown in figure 2 to a horizontal position overlying the chassis 22, as indicated by arrow x in figure 3. As the framework tilts towards the horizontal, the pivoting arms 52, 53, 54, 55 fold inwards under gravity, as indicated by arrow y in figures 3 and 7, to extend along the plane of the main frame 34, as shown by the dotted outlines in figure 6.

The hydraulic ram 4 6 may then be operated to move the lifting arms 32, 33 away from the fixed arms 42, 43 so IE 0 2 0 9 4 β that the lifting arms overlie the pivoting arms during transport of the apparatus.

When a bale is to be loaded, the tilting framework 24 is again raised to the vertical position, the lifting arms being in their lowest position to receive a bale thereon. The lifting arms 32, 33 are then raised with the first bale towards the fixed arms 42, 43 until the bale is clamped therebetween.

At the same time, the pivoting arms fold outwards under gravity and are ready to receive the second and third bales, as shown in figure 2. Between loading of the second and third bales, the tilting framework is tilted back about halfway so that the second bale is clear of the ground while moving the apparatus to the site of the third bale.

When three bales have been loaded on the apparatus, the tilting framework is moved to the horizontal position for transportation to the bale stacking site.

The tilting framework is then raised to slightly past the vertical position until the weight of the bales is on the ground so that, as the apparatus is moved forward, the three bales are left in a naturally stacked configuration.

Referring to figure 16, a series of schematic illustrations shows the operation of the apparatus of the invention in use connected to a tractor 100 for collection, transportation and stacking of bales 200.

IE 0 2 0 9 4 8 Initially, the apparatus is empty and the tilting framework 110 is in an upright position relative to the chassis 120, as shown in figure 16a. The mast lift arms are raised to the highest position, as indicated by arrow A.

The tilting framework 110 is then moved from the upright position to a horizontal position, as shown in figure 16b and as indicated by arrow Bi. As the framework tilts, the pivoting arms fold inwards under gravity to extend along the plane of the main frame, as indicated by arrow B2.

When the tilting framework 110 overlies the chassis 120, as shown in figure 16c, the mast lift arms are moved to the lowest position to overlie the pivoting arms, as indicated by arrow C. The apparatus is then ready to be moved to the bale collection site.

The tilting framework 110 is then moved from its horizontal position to the vertical position, as shown in figure 16d and as indicated by arrow D. No further hydraulic movement is needed. The apparatus is then ready to receive the first bale on the mast lift arms, which are in the lowest position.

When the first bale has been located between the mast lift arms, the latter are raised to the highest position so that the bale is compressed between the mast lift arms and the upper fixed arms thereby clamping it safely in position, as shown in figure 16e. As the mast lift arms are raised, the pivoting arms IE 0 2 0 9 4 β fold outwards under gravity to extend transversely to the plane of the main frame, as indicated by arrow E.

As shown in figure 16f, the pivoting arms are then ready to receive the second bale, which is loaded onto one pair of pivoting arms.

The tilting framework 110 is then tilted back about halfway or about 45° so that the second bale is clear of the ground, as shown in figure 16g and as indicated by arrow G. The load remains stable because the weight of the first and second bales is balanced over the tilting axis.

The apparatus is then moved to the third bale and the tilting framework 110 is again moved to the vertical position, as shown in figure 16h and as indicated by arrow H. The third bale is then received onto the other pair of pivoting arms, alongside the second bale.

When the third bale has been located in position, the tilting framework 110 is moved from its vertical position to the horizontal position, as shown in figure 16i and as indicated by arrow I. The apparatus is then ready for transporting the bales. Optionally, at this stage, the mast lift arms may be moved slightly rearward towards the lower position so that the first bale presses lightly against the second and third bales .

When the bale stacking site has been reached, the tilting framework 110 is raised from its horizontal position to slightly past the vertical position, that ΙΕΟ 2094 8 is the tilting framework is moved past 90°, for example to say 100°, as shown in figure 16j and as indicated by arrow J, until the weight of the bales is on the ground. The apparatus is then moved forward leaving the three bales in a naturally stacked configuration.

Thus, the agricultural apparatus of the invention may be used to conveniently carry out all three operations of collection, transportation and stacking of bales.

With optional fitments, the apparatus of the invention may be used as a low capacity forklift or crane to lift other items, such as, for example, fertiliser pallets, concrete blocks, cement bags, drowned animals or the like.

Thus, for example, referring to figure 4a, a crane hook arrangement 8 6 may be fitted to the movable frame 38 and can be raised or lowered as required by the hydraulic ram 46.

Similarly, for example, referring to figure 4b, fork lift blades or pallet loading arms 88 may be attached to the movable frame 38 and can be raised or lowered as required by the hydraulic ram 46.

The lifting arms 32, 33 may be removable, as described above, to facilitate such attachment of such optional fitments .

Unlike conventional fork lifts, such a fork lift or crane arrangement on an apparatus of the invention can ΙΕΟ 2094 0 handle substantial weights due to the balancing effect of the trailer chassis.

It will be seen that the agricultural apparatus of the invention has several advantages over known bale transporters. The apparatus collects bales at random without the need for a front loader and transports bales quickly and safely. The apparatus stacks the bales in the normal confiquration and can be used for retrieval later for further transport or feeding.

The load on the apparatus is always in a stable position and is protected from bush and tree damage. In addition, the apparatus of the invention can be conveniently used with the smallest to the biggest tractor.

The apparatus is particularly suitable for use by primary users of round silage bales, such as small farmers on marginal land, because it only has two hydraulic rams. Thus, it can be operated by the most basic hydraulic systems on small or old tractors.

Furthermore, due to the weight distribution, the load is always stable irrespective of the towing tractor and the pressure on the ground is low so that the ground is not damaged. The apparatus is also relatively easy and cost-effective to manufacture.

It will be appreciated that the present invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiments, which are described by way of example only. ΙΕΟ 20 9 4 8

Claims (6)

Claims

1. An agricultural apparatus comprising a chassis adapted to be connected to the rear of a tractor and a tilting framework connected to the chassis and adapted to be tilted relative thereto between a horizontal orientation overlying the chassis and an upright orientation, the tilting framework comprising a mast lift arrangement adapted to support a pair of lifting arms and an extension frame adapted to support two pairs of pivoting arms, the mast lift arrangement comprising a main frame and a movable frame, the movable frame being linearly movable relative to the main frame.

2. An agricultural apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the extension frame comprises a bar fixed to the base of the main frame and extending laterally on each side of the main frame and wherein two pairs of pivoting arms are pivotally secured to the bar so that the pivoting arms can pivot about the bar between a first position, wherein they extend transversely to the main frame, and a second position, wherein they extend substantially along the plane of the main frame.

3. An agricultural apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel lifting arms removably secured to the movable frame and extending transversely thereto, one from each side of the movable frame. IE Ο 20948

4. An agricultural apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel fixed arms extend 5. Transversely from an upper end of the main frame, one from each side thereof.

5. An agricultural apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the movable frame may be

6. 10 moved linearly until it overlies the pivoting arms, when the latter are in a position wherein they extend substantially along the plane of the main frame.