Grappler, utility implement, and method
A grappler for a utility implement for handling bales includes a pivot frame, at least one support arm coupled to the pivot frame, and a selectively movable cutting device. The grappler forms part of a utility implement along with a bucket such that the grappler is movable with respect to the bucket.
1. A grappler for a utility implement for handling bales, comprising:
a pivot frame;
a support arm coupled to the pivot frame;
a selectively movable cutter; and
wherein the support arm comprises at least one prong, where the cutter is movable along the at least one prong.
2. The grappler of claim 1 , wherein the support arm comprises a cross support including at least one prong, where the cutter is movable along the at least one prong.
3. The grappler of claim 1 , wherein the support arm is pivotable relative to the cutter.
4. The grappler of claim 1 , further comprising a cutter pivot motor engaging at one end on the support arm or at a cutter support arm of the cutter.
5. The grappler of claim 4 , further comprising a pivot lift pivotally coupled at one end to the support arm and at the other end to the cutter support arm.
6. The grappler of claim 4 , further comprising a guide slot defined in the support arm, the cutter slidably movable over the cutter support arm and within the guide slot.
7. A utility implement for handling a bale, comprising:
at least one bucket configured to collect the bale;
a grappler comprising a pivot frame, a support arm coupled to the pivot frame, and a selectively movable cutter;
wherein, the grappler is movable relative to the bucket; and
wherein the grappler is pivotable relative to the bucket.
8. The utility implement of claim 7 , further comprising a control apparatus for selectively moving grappler relative to the bucket.
9. The utility implement of claim 8 , wherein the control apparatus selectively moves the grappler manually or automatically.
10. The utility implement of claim 7 , wherein the support arm comprises at least one prong, where the cutter is movable along the at least one prong.
11. The utility implement of claim 7 , wherein the support arm comprises a cross support including at least one prong, where the cutter is movable along the at least one prong.
12. The utility implement of claim 7 , wherein the support arm is pivotable relative to the cutter.
13. The utility implement of claim 7 , further comprising a cutter pivot motor engaging at one end on the support arm or at a cutter support arm of the cutter.
14. The utility implement of claim 13 , further comprising a pivot lift pivotally coupled at one end to the support arm and at the other end to the cutter support arm.
15. The utility implement of claim 13 , further comprising a guide slot defined in the support arm, the cutter slidably movable over the cutter support arm and within the guide slot.
16. The utility implement of claim 7 , wherein the grappler comprises a cross support and the support arm comprises a first support arm and a second support arm, where the first support arm is pivotally coupled to a first side of the bucket and the second support arm is pivotally coupled to a second side of the bucket.
17. The utility implement of claim 7 , further comprising:
a first cutter support arm and a second cutter support arm, the first and second cutter support arms being coupled to a cross support; and
a cutter strip comprising a plurality of knives disposed on the cross support.
18. A method for handling a bale, comprising:
providing a utility implement including a bucket, a grappler, a cutter, and a control apparatus;
collecting the bale with the bucket;
controlling a movement of the grappler toward the bale when the bale is in the bucket;
controlling a movement of the cutter such that the movement of the cutter lags behind the movement of the grappler.