Merlin J Nitzsche

US Patent:

59064676, May 25, 1999

Filed:

Dec 18, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/992845

Inventors:

Merlin J. Nitzsche - Wisner NE

International Classification:

B60P 128

US Classification:

414 245

Abstract:

A device for retrieving hay bales from a field, transporting the bales, and depositing the bales in a vertical stack. The device has a wheeled chassis and a bed inclinable to three possible positions. The bed comprises a vee shaped trough having a stop at the rear of the bed and a pair of powered jaws pivotally hinged to the front of the bed. The bed is inclined to a retrieval position with the front end contacting the ground, for retrieving bales by scooping action. In this position, the jaws can be opened to better engage a bale, and closed to urge the bale upwardly onto the bed. The bale is transported with the bed in a second, horizontal position parallel to the ground. The bed can be inclined to a third, vertical position for depositing the bale. A number of bales can be retrieved, axially aligned by the vee shaped bed, and deposited as a stack. The device has a draw bar having apparatus for towing the device directly behind a draft vehicle, or for positioning the device behind and also to one side of the vehicle, so that bales may be retrieved by forward motion.