Abstract: A round baler includes an apron having an expandable inner course which cooperates with a sledge assembly to define a bale starting chamber when the sledge assembly is in a bale starting position. The sledge assembly is movable between the bale starting position and a full bale position. The sledge assembly includes a plurality of rollers and an idler roller in engagement with the apron to maintain the apron in close proximity to one of the rollers during movement of the sledge assembly between the bale starting and full bale positions.

Abstract: A round baler utilizes a combination of rollers and belts arranged to define a generally D-shaped bale starting chamber. An inner course of the belts forms the rear wall of the bale starting chamber while the rollers form the front wall of the bale starting chamber. The belt inner course extends upwardly and forwardly when the chamber is empty and is expandable in length during bale formation.

Abstract: An apparatus selectively operable either to invert and laterally displace the windrow from its original position or merely to laterally displace the windrow without effecting an inversion thereof is disclosed wherein a first discharge chute can be utilized to effect an inversion of the windrow while a second discharge chute can be utilized for merely shifting the windrow without inversion. The discharge chute is positioned laterally of and adjacent the discharge end of a cross conveyor conveying an elevated windrow of crop material laterally of its original path of repose upon the ground. The first discharge chute redirects the flow of crop material forwardly and over a discharge edge whereupon the forward motion of the apparatus will effect an inversion of the windrow into a second path of repose laterally spaced from its original path.

Abstract: A system for tensioning the bale forming apron of a round baler includes first and second pairs of drive sprockets for moving the apron. The first pair of drive sprockets are driven at a first speed, and the second pair of drive sprockets are driven at a second speed which is slightly slower than the first speed. This differential in sprocket speeds tensions the inner course of the apron extending between the first and second pairs of drive sprockets. The system also includes a slip clutch assembly for temporarily disengaging the second pair of drive sprockets from being driven at the second speed whenever the differential between the first and second speeds reaches a preset limit.

Abstract: A mechanism for changing the cutting angle of the cutterbar on a crop harvestng machine, such as a mower-conditioner or windrower, relative to the ground is disclosed wherein the cutting angle can be changed while the harvesting machine is being operated. This on-the-go adjustment mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder positioned as the top link between the frame of the harvesting machine and the header in which the cutterbar is mounted. Changes in the length of the hydraulic cylinder affect a pivotal movement of the header about the lower links interconnecting the frame and the header to change the angle of the cutterbar relative to the ground.

Abstract: A torque limiting power transfer mechanism for use on an apparatus connectable to a power takeoff shaft, such as pull-type agricultural equipment is disclosed wherein the drive shaft connectable to the power takeoff shaft is rotatably connected to the clutch mechanism. Stops affixed to the clutch mechanism limit the amount of rotational movement of the drive shaft relative to the clutch and provide a limited amount of rotational movement to facilitate a connection of the drive shaft to the power takeoff shaft, yet provide a positive driving connection between the drive shaft and the clutch mechanism.

Abstract: An improved bale kicker is provided for use on roll baling machines to propel bales rearwardly of the machine upon discharge therefrom. The bale kicker may be easily adjusted in the field, without using tools, to kick bales of different weight.

Abstract: A crop harvesting machine convertable between a longitudinally movable operating position and a laterally movable transport position is disclosed wherein the frame of the crop harvesting machine is pivotally rotated about a pivot axis carried by the draft member such that the header becomes positioned in a generally vertical alignment while a wheel assembly mounted on top of the frame during the harvesting operation is rotated into engagement with the ground. When the tongue is swung around into a laterally extending position and one of the operating wheels is turned 90 degrees to a laterally oriented position, the crop harvesting machine can be transported in a laterally extending direction. A cam operated selector valve diverts the flow of fluid through the hydraulic circuit from the header lift cylinder to a hydraulic cylinder used to rotate the frame about the pivot axis when the tongue is moved to a preselected actuating position.

Abstract: A mechanism for pivotally moving the windrow forming shield on a crop harvesting machine from a generally horizontally extending operative position to a generally vertically extending transport position is disclosed wherein the pivotal movement of the frame relative to a pivotal axis carried by the draft member effects a pivotal movement of the windrow forming shield. A first sprocket is stationarily fixed to the draft member while a second sprocket orbits about the first sprocket as a result of the frame being pivotally moved about its pivot axis. An endless chain entrained around both the first and second sprockets effects a rotation of the second sprocket during its orbital movement around the first sprocket to cause a rotation of a connected pivot shaft and effect a pivotal movement of the windrow shield. By making the second sprocket half the size of the first sprocket, the windrow forming shield can be moved through 180 degrees of movement while the frame is being rotated 90 degrees.

Abstract: A roll baling machine including a floor roller, a bale forming apron, and drive apparatus connected between the floor roller and the bale forming apron. The drive apparatus causes rotation of the floor roller in response to movement of the apron in a normal direction during bale formation. The drive apparatus includes a clutch mechanism which drivingly disconnects the floor roller from the apron in response to movement of the apron in reverse direction such as when a bale is discharged from the machine.

Abstract: In a roll baling machine, a portion of the bale chamber is tapered in width from top to bottom or from rear to front to facilitate bale ejection.

Abstract: A large crop material bale handler mountable to a prime moving vehicle operable to retrieve, transport and discharge large crop material bales is provided with a main support frame, a traveling load support with material engaging elements fastened to the lower portion thereof, power lifting apparatus to raise and lower the load support, and grappling members pivotally affixed at a pivot point to the load support and extending outwardly and downwardly therefrom. The grappling member has a material engaging end and an opposing end. The pivot point further overlies the plane of the material engaging elements such that when the grappling member is in the engaged position the material engaging end, in combination with the material engaging elements, exerts a grappling and lifting force on a bale.

Abstract: In a crop roll forming machine having a reversibly rotatable upper bale forming means, lower bale forming means and a drive means there is provided an improved control means affixed to the frame movable between at least a first position and a second position for cooperative interaction with the drive means and the upper and lower bale forming means to selectively cause the lower bale forming means to be driven in a generally rearward direction when the control means is moved from the first position to the second position so that a partially formed crop roll is ejected rearwardly from the machine onto the ground.