Abstract: 1. A covered grain tank (12) used on a harvesting vehicle (10), the grain tank (12) includes a grain tank (12) having a first receptive portion (18) fixed to a top edge of the grain tank, the first receptive portion (18) having a downwardly facing opening, a first cover portion (100, 102, 104, or 106) having a first extended portion (24), and a first hinge (120) connecting the first cover portion (100, 102, 104, or 106) to the grain tank (12), the first extended portion (24) being positioned in the first receptive portion (18) when the first cover portion (100, 102, 104, or 106) is in a closed position.

Abstract: A straw chopper for an agricultural harvesting machine includes a housing, a rotor carried by the housing, and a stationary knife bank. The rotor includes a plurality of pendulously mounted knife blades. The stationary knife bank includes a plurality of stationary knife blades adjustably movable toward and away from the rotor. The stationary knife bank includes a tension rod extending longitudinally through the stationary knife bank and having a threaded end, and at least one wing nut threadingly engaged with the threaded end.

Abstract: A beater for an agricultural combine comprises an open rotor frame mounted on a drive shaft. The open frame defines a cylindrical periphery to which are mounted transversely extending mounting plates. Adjacent mounting plates define mounting channels. Replaceable crop-engaging blades are mounted in the mounting channels. The mounting plates are provided with a first upturned portion and a second upturned portion. Each replaceable blade is provided with a crop engaging portion and an integral mounting portion. The crop engaging portion of the replaceable blades is provided with first and second mounting lips. The first and second mounting lips respectively engage first and second edges on the first and second upturned portions to prevent rotation of the replaceable blade. The crop engaging portion of the replaceable blade extends outwardly from the mounting channel to engage the crop. Open gaps in the mounting channel are formed between adjacent replaceable blades.

Abstract: A beater for an agricultural combine comprises an open rotor frame mounted on a drive shaft. The open frame defines a cylindrical periphery to which are mounted transversely extending mounting plates. Adjacent mounting plates define mounting channels. Replaceable crop-engaging blades are mounted in the mounting channels. The mounting plates are provided with a first upturned portion and a second upturned portion. Each replaceable blade is provided with a crop engaging portion and an integral mounting portion. The crop engaging portion of the replaceable blades is provided with first and second mounting lips. The first and second mounting lips respectively engage first and second edges on the first and second upturned portions to prevent rotation of the replaceable blade. The crop engaging portion of the replaceable blade extends outwardly from the mounting channel to engage the crop. Open gaps in the mounting channel are formed between adjacent replaceable blades.

Abstract: The discharge section of an axially arranged rotary combine is provided with a metering edge overhanging a discharge chute. The metering edge is asymmetrical having a downswept edge and an upswept edge. The downswept edge is more open that the upswept edge. The downswept edge opens continually until the bottom dead center of the metering edge. The upswept edge closes continually form the bottom dead center of the metering edge.

Abstract: The discharge section of an axially arranged rotary combine is provided with a discharge chute having a ramp on the downward swept side. The ramp is provided with upper and lower metering edges for metering the flow of crop material other than grain from the helical flow to a transverse discharge beater. The floor of the discharge chute is provided with three guide vanes that define specific flow paths of the crop material being expelled by the axial crop processing unit and directing this crop material uniformly across the transverse discharge beater. The upward swept side of the discharge chute is provided with a filler plate for engaging crop material that was not engaged by the vanes to direct this crop material to the upward swept side of the discharge beater.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a beater for a combine having a hollow drum having a triangular cross section with first, second and third apexes that define the first, second and third wings of the beater. Identical first, second and third members are mounted to the triangular drum at the apexes. Each of the members have upturned ends that are joined together to form fourth, fifth and sixth apexes which define the fourth, fifth and sixth wings of the beater.