A bale handling unit 5 comprises a frame having first and second lower locking members 20a, 20b, a first bale receiving portion 2a having a first sub-frame 10a, and a second bale receiving portion 2b having a second sub-frame 10b. Each of the sub-frames comprise bale receiving means 9a, 9b and a resiliently movable buffer assembly 11a, 11b which comprise a first upper locking member 23a, 23b which are moveable in response to the bale receiving means receiving a bale. The frame is attached to a vehicle and the bale receiving portions are independently vertically moveable relative to the frame. Wherein receipt of a bale by the bale receiving means moves the movable buffer to move the upper locking member above the lower locking member to prevent downward movement of the bale receiving portion relative to the frame
