A gate latch mechanism (22) is provided on a round baler (10) to pull a gate (20) into a closed position and to lock it during baling operation. Bearings (38) and (40) of an actuator (32) on the gate (20) and on the latch (34) are located such and with respect to a bearing (24) of the gate, that during the closing movement of the gate (20) by means of the actuator (32), said actuator (32) experiences a movement away from the bearing (24) of the gate (20), which allows a locking pin (36) to move over the latch (34) and to overcome an early interference with the latter.
