A bale handling apparatus (10) has a frame (2) arranged to be mounted to a loader, a lower bale-engaging portion (11, 14), an upper portion (17). The upper portion (17) supports an arm (3) pivotally mounted (4) to the frame (2) at the upper portion (17) and having a configuration extending distally (31) from the frame and downwardly (33). An hydraulic ram actuator (21) acts on the arm proximally of its pivot joint (4), whereby a short displacement of the ram causes alarge sweep of the arm (3), rotating the arm (3) between an upper open position and a lower closed position for gripping a bale together with the frame. There is a pair of rollers (34) on lateral sides of the end of the arm (3, 33) for gentle gripping of a bale and convenient fitting between juxtaposed bales (B). The apparatus can pick up bales at any desired orientation, without damaging the wrapping. <；Figure 13>；
