The invention refers to a bale forming apparatus for forming a bale from loose material, in particular from agricultural crop material. The bale forming apparatus comprises a pivotal bale forming member. A retaining device controls the pivoting of the pivotal bale forming member. The retaining device comprises a hydraulic system (14, 22, 24, 28.1, 28.2) for a hydraulic fluid (30) and a flow restricting device (40.1, 40.2, 46.1, 46.2). A piston (22, 24) of the hydraulic system (14, 22, 24, 28.1, 28.2) is mechanically connected with the pivotal bale forming member. A fluid line (28.1, 28.2) of the hydraulic system (14, 22, 24, 28.1, 28.2) is guided through this piston (22, 24). The flow restricting device restricts a flow of a hydraulic fluid (30) through the fluid line (28.1, 28.2).
