Low Profile Flatbed Hauls Two Big Bales

Low Profile Flatbed Hauls Two Big Bales HAY & FORAGE HARVESTING Bale Handling (5) 8-4-35 Necessity was the mother of Galen Ackerman's new flatbed bale hauler invention for pickups. His cattle were spread out too far to feed with a tractor and he didn't want to tie up a pickup with cumbersome bale-handling equipment. His new-style flatbed bale hauler stows away flush with the flatbed so, that when you're not hauling bales, you can use the space for other hauling chores. "It'll pick up and haul two bales weighing up to 2,100 lbs. each, then unroll them with a fingertip control operated right from the cab," says Ackerman. It takes just 10 seconds to lift one bale onto the Hydra-Bed with the engine idling. The rig deposits the first bale towards the front of the bed, then picks up a second. "Because of the unique linkage and low hinge point on the free-floating arms, the bales sit lower and farther ahead than on any other pickup bale handler. This gives the truck more stability and better load distribution," says Ackerman. The Hydra-Bed is 7 ft. wide by 8.8 ft. long and is equipped with stake pockets. There's also a recessed standard gooseneck well that you can hook up to without moving or unhooking anything on the bale hauler. All wiring is enclosed and a 10-gal. oil reservoir is mounted at the front of the flatbed. The bale arms are completely synchronized and can be lowered to the ground for unrolling. The rebuildable, hydraulic pump is belt-driven off the crankshaft. It includes an electric clutch for disengagement, switches and wiring. The Hydra-Bed fits most pickups and sells for right at $4,000, 10 including options ù such as the gooseneck ball. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Galen Ackerman, Rt. 4, Sabetha, Kan. 66534 (ph 913 284-3109, or 284-3674).

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