Control linkage for two function bale pickup

Abstract

A control linkage for a round bale wagon is disclosed wherein both the operation of the bale pickup mechanism to squeeze a bale of crop material for firm engagement between a pair of projecting arms and the operation to lift a bale so engaged onto the load bed can be controlled by a single control lever. The squeeze and lift operations are powered by separate hydraulic cylinders operatively controlled by respective control valves having three position spools, spring loaded to the central, neutral position. The control linkage includes a cross link interconnecting the two respective control valves and a connecting link extending from a point on the cross link, closer to the squeeze valve than to the lift valve, for connection to the control lever. Movement of the control lever effects a movement of the squeeze valve spool to manipulate the squeeze function of the bale pickup mechanism before effecting a movement of the lift valve spool, which manipulates the lift function of the bale pickup; however, due to the spring loaded spools, the lift valve spool will return to the central, neutral position before the squeeze valve spool. A hydraulic system is also provided so that the squeeze function of the bale pickup mechanism can only be manipulated whenever the lift valve spool is in the neutral position.