Abstract: A spindle having a threaded end and a lubricated area spaced from the threaded end, the spindle having a first lubricant passageway extending from the spindle end and terminating adjacent the lubricated area and a second lubricant passageway communicating with the first lubricating passageway and the lubricated area. The spindle further having a key opening adjacent the outer end, the key opening extending through the spindle longitudinal axis and the first lubricant passageway being spaced from the axis so that grease may be inserted through the first lubricant passageway without entering the key opening. In an alternate embodiment, the passageway and key openings intersect but the lubricant passageway is larger in diameter than the diameter of the key opening so that when a key is placed in the key opening, lubricant can flow on either side of the key as it flows through the first lubricating passageway, the key being dimensioned so that substantially no lubricant flows through the key opening.

Abstract: An aerator main frame has wheels and a hitch by which the main frame is pulled on the ground, such as by a tractor. The main frame has a transverse conveyor for transporting a cut crop laterally of the direction of travel and for depositing the cut crop in a row on the ground. A header frame is pivotally supported to the main frame. Idler wheels attach to the header frame support it adjacent the ground. A header conveyor is supported by the header frame to lift a row of cut crop from the ground and to deliver the cut crop onto the transverse conveyor supported by the mainframe. A hydraulic ram extends between the main frame and the header frame so that the header frame may be pivoted upwardly to lift the idler wheels off the ground when the aerator is being transported from one location to another and pivoted downwardly to permit the idler wheels to roll on the ground so that the header frame is positioned close to the ground to pick up a row of cut crop.

Abstract: An aerator for crops such as hay which is pulled by a tractor or other vehicle. The aerator includes a first header conveyor to lift a first swath from the ground onto the first header conveyor. A first hitch extends between the tractor and the first header conveyor. A first rear conveyor transports the swath from the first header conveyor and thereafter returns it to the ground. A second header conveyor lifts a second, adjacent swath from the ground onto the second header conveyor. A second hitch extends between the first hitch and the second header conveyor. A second rear conveyor transports the swath from the second header conveyor and thereafter returns it to the ground.