Abstract: A pull type agricultural implement, such as a round baler, having a main frame, a pair of ground engaging wheels rotatably attached to the main frame for supporting the implement, a hitch assembly for attaching the main frame to a vehicle for towing the implement, and a locking mechanism operatively associated with the main frame for locking at least one of the wheels. The locking mechanism comprises a lock member moveable between a hold position in which the lock member precludes the rotation of the at least one of the wheels and a release position in which the lock member permits rotation of the at least one of the wheels. The locking mechanism further comprises a spring assembly for providing a force for holding the lock member in the hold position, and a camming arrangement for engaging the frame to provide a force to overcome the holding force to urge the lock member out of the hold position to the release position.

Abstract: Improved tailgate latching apparatus for a round baler having a main frame, a tailgate, stub shafts for pivotally coupling the tailgate to the main frame, and a bale forming chamber mounted on the frame and the tailgate for forming crop material into a cylindrical package of crop material, which chamber has a generally transverse opening for permitting the ingress of crop material. The baler also includes a pickup for picking up crop material from the field and feeding it rearwardly along a path in the direction of the transverse opening, a drive for pivoting the tailgate from a closed position to an open position for discharging the bale onto the surface of the field, and a latching assembly for holding the tailgate in its closed position, which assembly comprises a latch arm mounted on the main frame, a latch pin mounted on the tailgate in operative relationship with the latch arm.

Abstract: Improved pickup apparatus for a round baler for traversing a field to form cylindrical bales of crop material. The baler comprises a main frame having a bale forming chamber thereon with a generally transverse opening for permitting the ingress of crop material. The chamber includes a floor roll for supporting the bale as it is being formed, which floor roll includes conveying means disposed to engage the crop material after it has passed through the transverse opening. An improved pickup is provided for picking up crop material from the field and feeding it rearwardly along a path in the direction of the transverse opening. Also included in the pickup is a stuffer mechanism comprising crop engaging elements for engaging the crop material as it is being fed rearwardly and urging it along the path and into the transverse opening. The stuffer includes a striping function for engaging the crop material and stripping some or all of it from the crop engaging elements in the vicinity of the transverse opening.

Abstract: A method of tensioning the apron of a round baler includes utilizing a pair of springs and a pair of hydraulic cylinders connected between apron take up arms and a tailgate of the round baler in a manner such that the springs normally urge the apron take up arms toward an inner position whereas the hydraulic cylinders resist movement of the apron take up arms from the inner position to an outer position. The hydraulic cylinders provide a primary source of apron tension and the springs provide a secondary source of apron tension so that, during bale formation, the apron tension generated by the hydraulic cylinders increases while the apron tension generated by the springs remains substantially constant.

Abstract: A system for tensioning the apron of a round baler includes a pair of springs and a pair of hydraulic cylinders connected between apron take up arms and a tailgate of the round baler. The springs normally urge the apron take up arms toward an inner position, and the hydraulic cylinders resist movement of the apron take up arms from the inner position to an outer position. The hydraulic cylinders provide a primary source of apron tension and the springs provide a secondary source of apron tension. During bale formation, the apron tension generated by the hydraulic cylinders increases while the apron tension generated by the springs remains substantially constant.

Abstract: A shearbar for forage harvesters includes a lever pivotally connected to a lower elongated shearbar support member. Opposed portions of the lever support opposite sides of the shearbar. An adjustment member is movable for pivoting the lever and moving the bar. A minimum number of parts avoid undesirable tolerance buildup.

Abstract: The crop conveyance path of row crop attachments includes gathering and gripping members moving relative to a floor. The path sometimes becomes clogged between the gathering and gripping members and the floor. A sweeping member is provided between the floor of the path and the gathering members. The sweeping member assists in maintaining a clear crop conveyance path and also assists the gathering and gripping members in stabilizing stalk crop material during conveyance along the path.