Abstract: An improved method is provided for wrapping generally cylindrical bales of hay with twine to maintain the structural integrity thereof, in which a unique pattern of twine bindings is utilized to achieve greater strength and reliability. A related form of improved bale wrapping apparatus is also provided, in which the electrically driven twine guiding tube is electrically controlled in manner to automatically produce the pattern of bindings contemplated by the method, and which requires operator attention or control only for initiating the otherwise automatic operating cycle. The method and apparatus significantly utilize time reference techniques correlated with the known rate of rotation of the bale to produce the improved pattern of bindings and to control the production thereof automatically.

Abstract: In the event that crop material is loaded into the baling chamber more heavily in one portion than another, the forming belt at the area of insufficient volume will become slackened relative to the remaining belts. Such slack condition is sensed by the monitor, and a signal device such as a light, buzzer or bell is actuated to indicate to the operator that additional crop material is needed in the deficient portion of the chamber so as to prevent the bale from becoming improperly shaped. The operator can thereupon take steps to assure that material is loaded in such a way as to make up for the deficiency.

Abstract: Individual row units on the harvester, each including a crop transfer trough, cutting apparatus at the forward end of the trough, and cooperating conveyors along the trough, are independently swingable relative to one another for changing the distance between the troughs at their forward ends in accordance with the row spacing encountered in a particular field. The spacing at the rear ends of the troughs remains unchanged in all positions of swinging movement of the units so that the dimensions of the discharge zone into which the crops are delivered by the units may remain constant. Individual sets of disc cutters serve as the cutting apparatus for the row units and are driven by the same mechanism that operates the conveyors.