Bale stacking wagon

Abstract

A multilayer, free-standing stack of bales is built from the bottom up in a machine that forms each successive layer and then raises the layer directly overhead to retaining structure that supports the layer, as well as any others above it, at a high enough elevation to avoid interference with the formation of the next layer therebelow. After the stack has been completely built by raising successive layers up to the retaining structure, the stack may be discharged out of the machine while still in an upright condition and at any selected one of a number of vertical positions, e.g., onto the ground or onto the bed of an awaiting tractor-trailer. Each layer contains a pair of end-to-end tie bales across one side of the layer that are disposed in transverse relationship to all other bales of that layer, and the tie bales of adjacent layers are disposed at opposite sides of the stack so that the bales of each layer all overlap more than one bale in an adjacent layer, thereby adding cohesiveness and integrity to the stack. Stack retrieving and single bale unloading are provided.