Abstract: An agricultural leaf stripper which can adopt numerous configurations allowing leaf stripping of bushes and trees of varying shapes and sizes consists of a structure capable of being transported along a horizontal axis parallel to the ground and consisting of a structure formed of two parts one of which is fixed to the transporter vehicle and the other of which can slide vertically on the fixed part and supports a rectilinear rail generally parallel to the structure and able to be moved horizontally towards and away from the structure and tilted with respect thereto, the rail carrying at least two pneumatic leaf stripping heads, each stripping head being able to be set to a desired position on the rail independently of the other leaf stripping heads, and each being able to be set to a desired orientation about its working axis on the rail.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing plant material from a plant body generally comprising a conveyor-stripper assembly having a pair of parallel driven endless belts, with a gap between the belts sized to allow the passage of the plant body but not the plant material growing thereon. A method for harvesting plant material from a plant body comprising pulling the plant body through a gap between two moving endless belts to strip the plant material from the plant body and convey the plant material to a collection point.

Abstract: A detasseler system mountable to a mobile platform, wherein the system comprises a lift assembly and a detasseling assembly connected to the lift assembly. The detasseling assembly structured and operable to detassel the plants in a single row of plants in a test plot as the detasseler system is moved through the test plot. The detasseling assembly comprises a head assembly comprising a carrier bar connected to the lift assembly, a cutter head disposed at a first distal end of the carrier bar, and a puller head disposed at an opposing second distal end of the carrier bar. The detasseling assembly additionally comprises a sensor boom fixedly connected at a proximal end to the lift assembly, and an angled sensor bar assembly connected to sensor boom.

Abstract: A sugar beet puller wheel set includes a pair of generally upright, spaced apart, symmetrically non-parallel puller wheels, rotatably disposed on axles attached to a frame and having a gap therebetween. A gap adjuster is associated with at least one of the puller wheels, and is configured to move the at least one puller wheel axially along the respective axle with axial rotation of the gap adjuster, allowing selective adjustment of the gap.

Abstract: The invention provides a mechanical device to assist in weed removal from crops in an organic manner by mechanically pulling weeds by use of a rotating member to grasp and pull weeds from the soil while leaving the desired crop in place. The rotating members may be wheels, metal rollers, and combinations thereof removably attached to a tractor wherein one rotating member is larger in diameter than a second rotating member diameter.

Abstract: The invention provides a mechanical device to assist in weed removal from crops in an organic manner by mechanically pulling weeds by use of a rotating member to grasp and pull weeds from the soil while leaving the desired crop in place. The rotating members may be wheels, metal rollers, and combinations thereof removably attached to a tractor wherein one rotating member is an inflated rubber tire and the second rotating member is a metal roller wrapped with a rubber lagging and may include a posi-pull system.

Abstract: Agricultural devices and methods of operating the same are provided. In one aspect, an agricultural device includes a frame including a hitch and a roller assembly coupled to the frame. The roller assembly includes an outer roller and an inner roller. The outer roller includes a pair of end plates and a plurality of spaced-apart engagement members extending between and coupled to the end plates. Each of the engagement members include an inner edge extending into the outer roller and the outer roller is rotatably coupled to the frame. The inner roller is positioned in the outer roller and includes a pair of end plates and an exterior surface extending between the end plates. The inner roller is rotatably coupled to the outer roller and the inner edges of the engagement members are adapted to be positioned proximate the exterior surface of the inner roller.

Abstract: The invention provides a mechanical means to assist in weed removal from crops in an organic manner by mechanically pulling weeds by use of a rotating member to grasp and pull weeds from the soil while leaving the desired crop in place. The rotating members may be wheels, metal rollers, and combinations thereof removably attached to a tractor wherein one rotating member is an inflated rubber tire and the second rotating member is a metal roller wrapped with a rubber lagging.

Abstract: A harvester for root crops such as beets is provided which preferably provides continuous flow of root crops from a header, along a transfer assembly, through a processing run, and to an elevator assembly. The harvester can be configured to include or accommodate interchangeable header assemblies having different numbers of rows and/or row spacings. The transfer assembly can be of a floating type and helps to provide an even distribution of beets to the grabrollers. The processing run includes full-length cleaning grabrollers disposed parallel to the direction of travel. Modular elevator assemblies can be provided to further enhance harvester versatility. Such an approach includes interchangeable ferris wheel and scrubber chain elevator assemblies. An improved scrubber chain elevator assembly can be used which has a wraparound scrubber chain design. A pivoting tank conveyor for evenly filling a holding tank can be included.

Abstract: A stalk and root eliminator for efficiently cutting, uprooting, and lifting vegetation from the soil. The stalk and root eliminator is able to accomplish each of these functions in a single pass, greatly reducing the time it takes to clear a field. The stalk and root eliminator includes a front hitch mount for coupling the chassis of the stalk and root eliminator to a tractor, a cutting device, a series of plows, and a rotary picker aligned with each of the plows.

Abstract: The invention comprises a beet harvesting device. The device has a first plurality of pairs of laterally positioned harvesting discs, and a second pair of laterally positioned harvesting discs, with the second pair being spaced longitudinally from the first plurality of pairs of discs and laterally between the paths of the first plurality of pairs of harvesting discs so that beets may be harvested in a path between the first plurality of pairs of discs, to thereby provide a novel apparatus for more readily harvesting beets in paths narrower than customarily harvested with a first plurality of pairs of laterally positioned harvesting discs.

Abstract: A combine having a variable speed drive that rotates at least one of a plurality of thrashing cylinders that thrash crops. Three of the thrashing cylinders have a gradually increasing number of flexible fingers that thrash the crops. The combine also includes a drum separator located downstream of the thrashing cylinders with respect to the direction of crop flow in the combine. The drum separator separates desirable portions of the crops and is part of a tailings return system. The combine also includes disk separators that are configured to minimize damage to desirable portions of the crops.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing unwanted plants such as post harvested plants in a field, has a frame assembly, at least one depth wheel, at least one pair of counter-rotating cutter disc stacks supported by the frame assembly, the stacks being spaced from each other such that a plant passing between the pair of stacks is cut, each stack being formed from a plurality of axially spaced apart cutting discs.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing plant stalks after harvesting includes a frame structure supported from a ground surface for translatory movement at a predetermined rate and in a predetermined direction along a row of plant stalks and at least one pair of pneumatic tires having their peripheries in pressure contact with each other and thus forming a nip for receiving plant stalks therein. The rotating pneumatic tires are disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the ground surface, and the pair of pneumatic tires being rotated at a predetermined peripheral speed. The predetermined speed of the pneumatic tires is determined by and less than the rate of movement of the frame structure. The nip of the pneumatic tires thereby grasps the plant stalks for a sufficient period of time and for a sufficient distance of movement of the frame structure such that the plant stalks are pulled from the ground surface with their roots substantially attached thereto.

Abstract: A stalk puller and chopper assembly 10 drawn behind a tractor 11, the stalk puller and chopper assembly comprising a puller means in the form of a pair of contra-rotating rubber wheels 12 and 13 on a shaft 21. The wheels are located upstream of a feeder means comprising a pair of guide plates 14 and 15 and an array of toothed feeder blades 16 mounted on a feeder shaft 17. The guide plates co-operate with the wheels and the rotating feeder blades 16 to deliver stalks extracted by the wheels to a downstream chopper assembly 19 where chopper blades 18 on shaft 22 shred the stalks which are then discharged rearwardly at 20 in the form of mulch. As can be seen the stalks are controllably delivered sideways into the choppers. The clearance between the cutter blades 18 and the anvils of the toothed feeder blades is exaggerated in the drawings with the usual clearance being about 2 mm.

Abstract: A windrower (1) useful for collecting stalk material from a field (43) and depositing the material In a windrow (61). The collection of dust and debris in the windrow is minimized by the use of a screen (24) located above the auger (29) which transports the cut stalk material to a discharge chute (14). The screen (24) permits lighter airborne particles to escape from the region surrounding the auger (29) before they are entrained and deposited into the windrow. A screen (47) is also placed beneath the auger (29) to permit small, dense particles to fall from the region surrounding the auger and be deposited on the ground (43). A flexible barrier (48) is placed between the auger and the cutting assembly (32) so that material falling through the screen is not reintroduced to the cutting blades (39, 42). A second barrier (64) is positioned behind the auger so as to form a volume (66) within which material is confined so that it will not become airborne.

Abstract: A stalk and root shredder that is provided with rollers which grasp and move stalks and roots upwardly into the path of rotation of blades which shred the stalks and roots and deposits them back onto the ground surface. The stalk and root shredder is hydraulically powered from pump units mounted directly from the tractor by connection with the power take off spline thereby eliminating the use of a power take off shaft. The hydraulic system includes separate hydraulic motors for driving the rollers and blades with the hydraulic system including a cooling arrangement which maintains optimum operating temperatures of the motor and hydraulic fluid. The stalk and root shredder includes a supporting frame and wheels with this structure being quite similar to that illustrated in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,015,667 issued Apr. 5, 1977 with the present invention relating to the improvements in the structure and hydraulic operation of the rollers and blade assemblies mounted over the rollers.

Abstract: A towed type beet harvester includes a main frame having ground engaging wheels and having a lifter wheel assembly for excavating beets, potatoes, carrots and similar root crops. A front set of grab rollers are positioned rearwardly of the lifter wheel assembly and are coated with a high impact plastic material to minimize damage to the harvested crop. A rear set of grab rollers are positioned rearwardly of the front set of rollers and are also coated with a high impact plastic material. A vertically disposed discharge wheel assembly is positioned interiorly of the harvester main frame and conveys harvested crop to a reversible discharge conveyor. An open top holding tank is mounted at the rear of the harvester for temporarily holding the harvested crop during the harvesting operation.

Abstract: A sugar beet harvestor having a grab roller assembly is equipped with a cleaner for removing mud and debris from the rollers of the grab roller assembly. The cleaner has a pair of rails that movably support a traveler. Downwardly directed blades attached to the traveler have lower ends located in close proximity to the rollers of the grab roller assembly. A reversible power driven drive operates to reciprocate the traveler along the rails thereby moving the blades relative to the outer surfaces of the rollers so that mud and debris on the rollers are removed therefrom.

Abstract: The invention is a mechanized beet harvester with a front-end beet digging and lifting assembly. A special grabroll assembly whch directs the beets inwardly from both ends of the harvester towards the center and backwardly towards a low level pick-up reservoir in an elevator assembly which lifts the beets to a storage/discharge system.

Abstract: A corn detasseling head which includes a frame having a pair of generally parallel shafts projecting rearwardly and downwardly from the frame, whereby the shafts are inclined upwardly in a forward direction relative to a normal forward direction to travel of the head. A pair of cylindrical elements are mounted respectively on the shafts for rotation about their axes relative to the frame, the cylindrical elements defining a detasseling nip. The shafts lie in a plane inclined downwardly and outwardly in a transverse direction relative to the normal forward direction of travel of the head. Therefore, an outward throw angle for the detasseling nip is defined to throw tassels outwardly away from the respective row of corn stalks from which they are being removed.

Abstract: A lifter wheel filler spoke assembly designed for permanent installation on a lifter wheel. The filler spoke assembly is comprised of a ring plate with filler spokes equally spaced about the circumference of the ring plate, with the ring plate being provided with a plurality of slots used for attaching the assembly to the lifter wheel. The slots allow the filler spoke assembly to be rotated between a closed and open position.

Abstract: A peanut vine digging and vine inverting apparatus is disclosed consisting of a plurality of diggers in the form of modified discs; a tap root cutter for each row of diggers and means for positioning the vines on the ground with the peanuts upwardly to be sun dried.

Abstract: A vegetable digger is provided for furrowing vegetables from the earth and for removing the vegetables from the earth and thereafter depositing them above the ground. The digger includes a frame having a front, opposed first and second sides, a rear and a plurality of wheels. One furrowing disk is provided which will loosen the dirt in the furrowed sections of the ground when the digger moves in a predetermined forward direction. At least one earth moving disk is provided for moving the loosened dirt away from the vegetables, and at least one unearthing disk for raising the vegetable bulbs towards the top of the ground. At least one transfer disk is provided for conducting the bulbs from the dirt and into the conveyor. A method is also provided for using the apparatus to remove bulbs which are buried in the ground and then deposit them back onto the ground so that they can be picked up by a trailing harvesting machine which will separate them into market-grade and process-grade vegetable bulbs.

Abstract: During the first pass across a field of row-planted sugar or red beets, the apparatus digs the beets from a specific number of rows (six being illustrated but the apparatus herein disclosed can be structured for four or five rows as well), elevates the beets at one side of the apparatus to a given height and discharges the elevated beets into a tank from which they are periodically re-elevated and discharged into a truck at the side of the apparatus opposite the side at which they are elevated and re-elevated, the truck trailing the apparatus over rows form which beets have been removed when not receiving re-elevated beets. On the next pass in a reverse direction across the field, the truck runs in the swath where the beets have been removed during the first pass, and the beets during the second pass are continually discharged into the the truck without resort to storage and without re-elevating the beets as done on the first pass.

Abstract: A machine for shredding stalk, particularly that of cotton, is disclosed which comprises a wheeled frame adapted to be trailed along crop rows, a power driven unit, and a stalk puller device. The device comprises a pair of frictionally coupled rollers, at least one of which being rotatably driven by the power unit about an axis forming an acute angle with respect to the vertical. Stalk which becomes engaged between contacting circumferential portions of the rollers is pulled, plucked from the ground and fed in a generally backwards direction by the rollers. A first shredding device is provided comprising a series of cutting knives rotating in a direction away from the rollers. The cut stalk becomes airborne and is conveyed backwards along a first, streamlined shroud member overhanging the first shredding device. A second shredding device of similar construction is installed, operating in tandem with the first shredder, whereby the stalk is cut into small chips and discharged from the machine.

Abstract: During the first pass across a field of row-planted sugar or red beets, the apparatus digs the beets from a specific number of rows (six being illustrated but the apparatus herein disclosed can be structured for four or five rows as well), elevates the beets at one side of the apparatus to a given height and discharges the elevated beets into a tank from which they are periodically re-elevated and discharged into a truck at the side of the apparatus opposite the side at which they are elevated and re-elevated, the truck trailing the apparatus over rows from which beets have been removed when not receiving re-elevated beets. On the next pass in a reverse direction across the field, the truck runs in the swath where the beets have been removed during the first pass, and the beets during the second pass are continually discharged into the truck without resort to storage and without re-elevating the beets as done on the first pass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for severing trees and other similar objects extending at least partially above and at least partially below the surface of the ground. A frame member which is mountable on a vehicle is moved in a substantially horizontal plane above the surface of the ground. A pair of circular cutting disks having sharpened peripheral edges are rotatably mounted on the frame laterally spaced from each other. The disks are arranged such that the imaginary planes formed by the sharpened edges of the disks are inclined from the surface of the ground and intersect at a point below the surface of the ground, such that the inclined planes have opposite slopes and such that the sharpened edge of one of the disks is substantially adjacent the sharpened edge of the other disk.

Abstract: A cooperative roll hay conditioner in which the rolls are pneumatic tired wheels and one of the pneumatic tired wheels is snuggly surrounded by a steel cage to effect the crimping of harvested hay as the hay passes between the cooperative pneumatic tired wheels.

Abstract: A tractor-drawn agricultural implement serving to extract and to shred stalks and roots from a reaped cotton field, comprises a frame mounted on two wheels, on which are mounted a shredder and a blower unit. The shredder is completely enclosed in a casing which is provided with a stalk inlet opening and with an outlet opening connected to the suction side of the blower unit. Two arms are pivotally connected to the frame above the shredder inlet, each arm being provided at its lower end with two obliquely positioned, hydraulically rotated extractor wheels fitted with resilient tires which have their adjoining surfaces pressed together and pull the stalks out of the ground while passing thereover. The implement is characterized by the conveying means serving to grip the extracted stalks and to insert them into the shredder casing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of treating or cultivating soil consists of a mobile chassis which when propelled over the ground, has means for removing a predetermined amount of soil from the ground to create an open trench therein, tilling the removed soil and mixing additives therewith and further mixing the soil and forceably replacing the soil into the trench.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/CH78/00028 Sec. 371 Date June 5, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date June 5, 1979 PCT Filed Oct. 9, 1978 PCT Pub. No. WO79/00191 PCT Pub. Date Apr. 19, 1979A mobile endive-harvesting machine has a fixed but position-adjustable uprooting plowshare and a spoked wheel disposed in front of a conveyor. The machine has an uprooting unit consisting of the spoked wheel which is driven at a speed greater than the travelling speed of the machine, and a disc disposed alongside the wheel and rearwardly and transversely spaced relative to the plowshare. The disc and spoked wheel define between them a vertical V.

Abstract: Corn detasseling apparatus and method are disclosed whereby tassels are quickly and cleanly separated from corn plants while preventing damage to the leaves and the remainder of the stalk. The apparatus includes a detasseling head having two opposed rollers with alternating ridges and grooves which extend longitudinally with respect to the rotational axis of the rollers. The ridges and grooves of each roller intermesh with those of the opposing roller to form a wavy nip, and during rotation of the rollers, the tassels are securely grasped by the nip and pulled off the plants. In addition, the ridged rollers function as impellers which create forceful air currents that flow downward and blow the leaves of the plants away from the nip. Accordingly, the tassels are removed from the plant without any rough handling or damaging of the leaves, and with minimal cutting or shredding of the tassels to form objectionable trash.

Abstract: The specification describes a beet harvesting machine having apparatus for digging the beets and apparatus for elevating them either to a truck or to a holding tank in which the holding tank is provided with a horizontal conveyor for discharging the beets from the holding tank and with a downwardly and inwardly sloping front wall which terminates short of the horizontal conveyor and the bottom portion of which is hinged on a horizontal axis so that it can be swung to a vertical position to minimize the opening between the front wall and the horizontal conveyor or to a forward extended position to maximize the opening between the front wall and the horizontal conveyor.

Abstract: Corn detasseling apparatus is disclosed that comprises first and second sets of cylindrical segments aligned end-to-end to form first and second rollers, respectively, that are mounted on a frame in parallel contacting relationship. The circumferential surfaces of the cylindrical segments of the first roller are in contact with those of the second roller to define a detasseling nip. Since it is preferred that the circumferential surfaces of the cylindrical segments be made of a resilient material, the segments can be inflatable tires that are abutted end-to-end to form a roller, and in which case the circumferential surfaces are on the treads of the tires. In accordance with the present invention, the number of cylindrical segments in a set can be varied to adjust the length of the roller, the location of the segments on the roller can be changed to minimize wear, and damaged or worn segments can be replaced without having to replace an entire roller.

Abstract: An improved root crop harvester having a narrow and compact processing chassis adapted to simply and easily receive header assemblies of differing capacities. The header assemblies include a transverse roll conveyor for gathering roots received from the digger wheels into a stream for discharge through a central opening in the transverse conveyor to a fore-and-aft extending roll conveyor carried by the processing chassis. The fore-and-aft roll conveyor is inclined upwardly from front to rear to increase the scrubbing and tumbling action and is also provided with a reversing roll section at its rearward end to discharge the roots to the side. The fore-and-aft conveyor is also sloped across its width at its rearward end to aid in discharging roots transversely to the roll conveyor length. The conveyors on the processing chassis are carried between the support wheels to reduce side drafts, minimize wheel slippage in wet field conditions and improve transport maneuverability.

Abstract: A roll conveyor having paired counter-rotating grab rolls includes a reversing roll section on one grab roll for discharging material conveyed along it perpendicularly to the axes of rotation of the paired rolls. One roll of each pair is composed of separate conveying and discharge or reversing sections that are rotatable about a common axes and in opposing directions. The reversing section is provided at one end of the roll conveyor and cooperates with the other rolls at that end to tumble material transversely from the conveyor. The non-reversing rolls adjacent the reversing section are further provided with helical flightings of opposite hand that meet midway along the reversing section to gather material for sideways discharge.

Abstract: A spring cushioning mounting for beet harvesting devices to permit upward movement of the harvester should the same engage a rock or the like including an attachment, L-shaped member mounted on the carrier for the harvester to engage a tool mounting bar and be received therearound and a pivot secured to the tool mounting bar with the upward leg of the L-shaped member pivotally received therein and spring loading elements connecting the other leg of the L-shaped member with the pivot member to normally bring the L-shaped member into position against the tool bar.

Abstract: This invention is a weed puller apparatus connectable to the rear or front portions of a tractor and can be used jointly with a cultivator to loosen the soil. The weed puller apparatus includes (1) a main support means selectively connected to the rear or front of the tractor; (2) a weed pulling means connected to the main support means; and (3) a power and control means operably associated with the power supply of the tractor and connected to the weed pulling means to drive same. The weed pulling means includes cooperating pairs of contacting weed pulling assemblies, some are driven by the power means and others are driven by frictional contact between adjacent ones.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting assembly designed to remove vines and like undesirable growth from cultivated trees, plants and the like, comprising a frame movably and adjustably attachable to a tractor or like towing vehicle. A gripping head is movable and adjustably attached to the frame by an orienting means movably interconnected between the gripping head and the frame in such a manner as to absorb shock when the gripping head engages a tree from which vines are to be removed. Head disposition means and additional adjustment means are mounted on said frame and movably interconnected relative to the gripping head so as to position the gripping head between an operative and non-operative position and also in predetermined path of travel relative to a tree or obstacle intended to be encountered.

Abstract: A preferred number of lifter wheel assemblies each have a pair of lifter wheels rotatably carried at one end of a strut which is pivotally mounted at its other end to a clamp unit having a horizontal flange which projects forwardly past the front transverse beam of the main frame of the sugar beet harvester. An elongated rigid member is welded to the underside of each strut and has a flange at its forward end which projects beneath the clamp unit flange. Heavy-duty coil springs normally maintain the flanges together to cause the lifter wheels to be biased into the ground. Each spring individually yields or compresses when the lifter wheels associated therewith ride upwardly over a submerged rock, thereby preventing breakage of any of the components constituting the lifter wheel assembly.

Abstract: A cleaning conveyor is illustrated as part of a beet harvester and includes a plurality of transversely extending elongated rollers which move the beets laterally to feed into a vertical auger conveyor. At the vertical auger end, the forwardmost and rearwardmost cleaning rollers are yieldably mounted and the cleaning conveyor is positioned relative to the vertical auger conveyor so that the flow of beets into the vertical auger conveyor is unobstructed by dirt and mud buildup above the cleaning rollers or by the repelling force of the rotating vertical auger.

Abstract: A novel beet harvesting machine is disclosed having a rectangular frame with a front yoke and longitudinal and transverse support beams and being pulled by a tractor at the yoke for harvesting and delivering beets into a truck. The beet harvesting machine of the present invention utilizes hydraulic motors for powering the flailing of the dug beets rearwardly into the machine, the conveying of the flailed beets further rearwardly in the machine, the delivering of the beets laterally and the elevating of the beets upwardly and into the truck. The reservoir for the hydraulic fluid is integral with and disposed in the center of one of the longitudinal and transverse beams. A pump is provided for delivering the fluid from the reservoir and into the hydraulic motors of the present invention. A cooler for dissipating heat in the fluid is further provided.

Abstract: A harvesting machine is disclosed which is especially adapted to harvesting asparagus; however, it is effective for a variety of objects such as apples, nuts or golf balls. The harvester, which may be pushed, pulled or self-propelled, includes a rigid outer frame supported on ground engaging support wheels which are positioned to travel adjacent the asparagus rows or the like. A rigid picking head frame is pivoted from the extreme rear of the outer frame so that rough ground will not cause extreme up and down movement of a picking head which is adjacent the forward end of the outer frame. Ground engaging drive wheels mounted on the picking head frame are also positioned to travel adjacent the asparagus rows or the like and provide a drive for the picking head which includes pairs of a parallel spaced apart flexible elastomeric discs having protrusions on the radial surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A machine for lifting sugar beets from the soil, separating the soil and foreign matter from the sugar beets and elevating the sugar beets for loading on a transport vehicle. The machine has beet lifting wheels which lift the beets from the soil and direct the beets to link conveyors. The conveyors carry the beets to one end of a grab and cleaning roller assembly. The grab and cleaning roller assembly has a plurality of smooth and spiral ribbed rollers that are rotated to clean and move the beets the length of the roller assembly to a disc assembly. The disc assembly comprises a plurality of discs that are rotated in a direction to move the beets to the inlet area of a loading elevator. The loading elevator is independently supported on the ground with a wheel assembly. Adjusting structure is used to adjust the heighth of the elevator. Separate controlled hydraulic motors are operable to drive the conveyors, the disc assembly and the loading elevator.

Abstract: A conveyor cleaning mechanism is provided for a root crop harvester utilizing an annular root elevating conveyor. Rotatable stripper wheels project between circular rib members which comprise the root elevating conveyor and eject roots, rocks, mud and foreign materials wedged therebetween.

Abstract: A machine for pulling weeds from rows having crops, as sugar beets. The machine has a transverse tool bar carrying a hitch. The hitch connects the tool bar to a tractor. A plurality of weed-pulling units are mounted on the tool bar. Each weed pulling unit has a pair of engaging pneumatic tires that are driven in opposite directions with a hydraulic motor. A pair of gauge and guide wheels connected to the tool bar locate the tool bar and weed pulling wheels above the surface of the ground so that the engaging rotating pneumatic tires will pull weeds from the rows of crops.

Abstract: Apparatus for harvesting row crops utilizing forwardly inclined gripping wheels mounted on the receiving end of a harvesting machine to lift crop stalks out of the ground and hold them for severing by a cutting blade. A low level drive shaft below the gripping wheels drives them through power transmitting means positioned completely below the wheels.Baffle members behind and under each pair of gripping wheels prevent harvesting crop materials being conveyed laterally on a harvesting machine receiving platform from being caught by the revolving pickup wheels and thrown back on the ground. Flexible, brush skirts depending from the stalk gripping wheels assist in moving crop materials rearwardly of the wheels onto a receiving platform.

Abstract: A root crop harvester having an annular root elevating conveyor supported for rotation about a horizontal axis and for elevating mud laden roots, a retaining mechanism to contain roots being elevated in the conveyor and a cleaning mechanism for removing mud and foreign materials from the elevating conveyor.

Abstract: A root and stalk shredder having a frame, a pair of longitudinally extending, parallel, power driven lifting rollers rotatably mounted on the frame and extending longitudinally parallel to a path of travel of the shredder, guide means mounted on the frame forward of the rollers in the direction of movement of the shredder for guiding stalks between the rollers, a blade assembly mounted on the frame over the rollers and operatively associated with the rollers for cutting roots and stalks lifted by the rollers, and a plow assembly mounted on the frame and provided with a fin assembly for facilitating use of the shredder to re-shape a bed being cleared. A bed re-shaping assembly is mounted at the rear end of the shredder frame for covering over shredded crop residue deflected down into the bed by a deflector shield also arranged at the rear of the shredder frame.