Malone Farm Machinery, based in Ballyglass, Co Mayo, launched its Express bale chaser last year.

The Express was crowned the overall winner of the 2020 Innovation Arena Awards.

It can carry 16 bales at a time, eight on the bottom (four either side) and eight on the top (four either side).

Because two rows of bales are being carried, the machine is shorter and more compact than other options. Rollers on the collection tunnels help guide bales into position.

Once the first eight bales are loaded in the tunnels on either side, they are raised and unloaded on to the top tier of the chaser, which is in its lowered position at this stage. It is then raised up hydraulically at either end.

All functions are carried out using the on-board joystick controls

The bottom eight bales are then collected and raised on to the main body of the chaser before the top tier is lowered on to the bottom tier. The collection tunnels secure both tiers while in transport position.

The Express is fitted with rear steering boggie axles and 710/45 R22.5 tyres as standard. The draw bar can be offset hydraulically during loading.

All functions are carried out using the on-board joystick controls through the tractor’s load-sensing hydraulics.

Malone has not yet finalised pricing for the Express chaser yet.