Bale accumulator

Abstract

A bale accumulator is provided for use in conjunction with a baler from which, during operation, bales successively are discharged. The accumulator comprises a bale receiving table movable between a home position for receiving a bale from the baler and a bale transfer position. A loadbed is disposed to receive bales from the bale receiving table and to accumulate a plurality of bales thereon. The bale receiving table is pivotally mounted on a shuttle mechanism which itself is movable along a transverse linear path between retracted and extended positions. When the bale receiving table is in its home position, it is located in a lower position with the shuttle mechanism assuming its retracted position. In this condition the bale receiving table is disposed at least partially vertically underneath the loadbed. Positioning means are provided for moving the receiving table from its home position underneath the loadbed to its bale transfer position generally alongside and at the level of the loadbed. The positioning means are operable, when moving the bale receiving table to the bale transfer position, to simultaneously pivot the bale receiving table upwardly around its pivotal mounting on the shuttle mechanism and to translate the shuttle mechanism with the receiving table thereon from its retracted position to its extended position. The arrangement is such that the bale receiving table is moved through a composite path of elongated and curved shape.