Abstract: An apparatus for a quick release cutting device blade assembly is provided. The apparatus includes a blade carrier assembly. The blade carrier assembly includes an adaptor and a backing plate configured to fit over the central post and including a second flat surface. The adaptor includes a flat end plate including a first flat surface, a central post, and a female threaded portion configured to be engaged to a male threaded portion of an output shaft of a cutting device. The blade carrier assembly is configured to affix a cutting device blade between the first flat surface and the second flat surface. The female threaded portion includes a thread pattern configured for resisting a tool-lock condition when a force transmitted through teeth of the thread pattern is maintained below a maximum operational force.

Abstract: An improved cutter assembly for use with a header of an agricultural harvester is provided. The assembly includes a pair of oppositely directed knife blades or cutter bars and a center knife drive. A crank shaft drives both knife blades in linear reciprocating paths with no fore and aft movement. As a consequence, harmful fore and aft vibration is eliminated. The assembly is simple and durable in design, less susceptible to vibration-induced wear and tear, and comparatively simple to manufacture and repair.

Abstract: A gardening tool, such as a mower, has a main body having an accessory, such as a mowing blade, and a motor for driving the accessory. A handle is rotatably connected to the main body. At least one operation assembly is associated with the handle for being operated by a user to control the motor when the handle is located in a predetermined position. A control system prevents the motor from being controlled by the operation assembly and halts the motor when the handle is located out of the predetermined position.

Abstract: A gardening tool, such as a mower, has a main body having an accessory, such as a mowing blade, and a motor for driving the accessory. A handle is rotatably connected to the main body. At least one operation assembly is associated with the handle for being operated by a user to control the motor when the handle is located in a predetermined position. A control system prevents the motor from being controlled by the operation assembly and halts the motor when the handle is located out of the predetermined position.

Abstract: A crop mass predictive sensor, comprising an imaging device, a laser-based device such as a LIDAR, a first radar emitting a frequency of energy that is absorbed by plant mass, and a second radar emitting a frequency of energy that passes through plant mass without being absorbed, wherein the imaging device, laser-based device, first radar, and second radar are focused on the crop material in front of an agricultural vehicle, and the information gathered from the imaging device, laser-based device, first radar, and second radar is used to calculate an estimated mass for the crop material that is about to enter the agricultural vehicle.

Abstract: An agricultural working machine has a one control/regulating unit designed to adjust and monitor working parameters, quality parameters or both of the agricultural working machine that influence a harvesting process. The adjusting and monitoring are carried out in an automatable manner by the control/regulating unit using stored families of characteristics. The agricultural working machine also has at least one display device for depicting setpoint values and actual values of the working parameters, quality parameters or both. The control/regulating unit actuates defined measurement points in the stored families of characteristics and the specifically actuated measurement points are located in the boundary regions of the family of characteristics or outside the active working region of the particular family of characteristics.

Abstract: A cutting blade for a lawn mower includes a body defining an aperture for mounting the cutting blade to the lawn mower, a cutting edge formed along at least a portion of the body, and a lift portion extending from the body away from the cutting edge.

Abstract: Residue management systems for an agricultural vehicle include a managing assembly configured to manage agricultural residue. The managing assembly includes a rotating member configured to rotate about a shaft that extends along a lateral axis of the agricultural vehicle relative to the direction of travel a frame configured to support the managing assembly. The managing assembly also includes a support arm coupled to the frame and configured to pivotally couple to a support structure of the agricultural vehicle proximate to a rear end of the agricultural vehicle relative to the direction of travel. The support arm is configured to facilitate movement of the managing assembly between a lowered operational position and a raised transport position.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure describes an apparatus that harvests crops as the apparatus moves in a direction of travel across a field. The apparatus includes a crop harvesting assembly configured as a line of implements, the line being transverse to the direction of travel. First and second devices for adjusting a vertical position of left and right sides of the apparatus, respectively, are independently operable. Adjustment of a vertical position of at least one of the left and right sides of the apparatus results in tilting the line of implements relative to a horizontal plane defined at a ground surface under left and right ground contacting elements. In other aspects, a method and system are disclosed for automatically positioning a line of implements of an apparatus to follow a ground surface proximate the line of implements.

Abstract: A plant trimming apparatus comprising a container having top and bottom end regions and a grate supported therein. A cutting blade and a fan blade are rotatably supported within the container. The fan blade is operative to create an air flow from the top end region to the bottom end region+vortex. The apparatus comprises a blade motor including a shaft, wherein the cutting blade and the fan blade are supported on the shaft. The cutting blade includes a plurality of forward or rear leaning blades that cooperate with the grate openings to cut parts off the plant. The blade has an outer ring extending between each of the plurality of blades. A lid assembly is attached to an upper rim portion of the container and supports an agitator motor that is connected to an agitator arm that is disposed within the container above the grate.

Abstract: A drive coupler (102, 104) for coupling a reciprocating knife (106) to a drive member (112, 114) is provided, wherein the reciprocating knife (106) includes at least one elongate bar (120, 122, 180, 182) having a longitudinal extent and fixed to a plurality of blades (138), wherein the at least one elongate bar (120, 122, 180, 182) is supported on support members (140) that constrain the at least one elongate bar (120, 122, 180, 182) to reciprocate in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal extent of the at least one elongate bar (120, 122, 180, 182), the drive coupler (102, 104) comprising: a first elongate strap (146, 162) configured to be attached to the at least one elongate bar (120, 122, 180, 182); a second elongate strap (146, 162) configured to be attached to the at least one elongate bar (120, 122, 180, 182); and a means (152, 164, 187, 189, 193, 200) for (i) flexing the first elongate strap (146, 162) with respect to the second elongate strap (146, 162), (ii) for flexing the first elongat

Abstract: The pivoting action sickle drive has a low profile allowing incorporation in or below a floor of a header of a plant cutting machine to allow passage of cut plant material thereabout. The drive includes a substantially flat rotatable input element, and a drive arm connected eccentric thereto for eccentric rotation along an epicyclical path. The arm extends to a connection with a pivot arm of a pivot element that connects to a knife arm that drives a sickle knife assembly, such that the pivot element, knife arm and knife assembly will be reciprocatingly driven by the eccentric rotation of the drive arm. A second drive can oppositely drive a second sickle knife assembly, such that opposite forces generated by the drives will cancel. The drives can be packaged in a forwardly tapered or curved enclosure, and the pivot elements can be correspondingly shaped to streamline the drives.

Abstract: An attachment for a power lawnmower enables cutting wet grass and includes a cross bar adapted to be supported by the forward end of the lawnmower. An elongated support member has a front frame portion and a rear frame portion, where the rear frame portion is secured transversely to the cross bar and extends forwardly therefrom. A rigid bracket is connected transversely to the front frame portion of the elongated support member and cantilevered above the ground. A flexible member has a first side secured along the rigid bracket and has a second side extending below the rigid bracket. The flexible member is adapted to contact the wet grass during forward movement of the lawnmower in order to remove moisture from the wet grass.

Abstract: A fruit harvesting machine that includes a bin storage compartment into which multiple produce bins can be received and collected for transport out of an orchard or field. Bins may be moved about the storage compartment via rollers and lifted via a bin lift system. Filled bins may be replaced by new bins with minimal interruption to the harvesting operation. The machine may also include drive components, hydraulics, an operating console, and other systems.

Abstract: A sickle drive incorporated into a generally flat package or enclosure or floor. The drive includes an epicyclic mechanism, including a rotatable input element in an upper region of a cavity of the enclosure, and an eccentric element below the input element rotatable eccentrically thereby. A drive arm is connected to the eccentric element for rotation about, and eccentric rotation with, the eccentric element, and extends to a pivot element which can be the only component extending upwardly from the enclosure or floor, such that the shaft will be pivoted by the eccentric movement of the drive arm. A knife arm connects to the pivot element and a sickle knife assembly which will be reciprocated by the pivoting action. A second epicyclic arrangement can be employed such that opposite forces generated by operation of the drive will be largely canceled.

Abstract: One embodiment is a combine having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, a grain bin for receiving grain from the forward section grain transfer assembly, and a transverse crop residue baler disposed at the rear of said combine and moving integrally with said combine. The transverse crop residue baler also can be towed by the combine and is connected to the combine by two widely spaced-apart joints that permit only movement in the pitch axis. The combine can be devoid of an on-board grain bin and comprise a forward unit; the transverse crop residue baler disposed at the rear of and carried by the forward unit; and the combine includes a rearward unit jointedly attached to the forward unit and having, steerable and powered wheel assembly, an on-board grain bin, and a grain off-loading assembly.

Abstract: A sectional driveshaft arrangement of a corn head comprises a first row unit that is driven by a first driveshaft. The first row unit in turn drives a second driveshaft that drives a second row unit.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a machine for generating electrical energy comprises a housing. A rotor has interior blades for rotation in response to receipt of material. The rotor has an outer surface and an inlet. A first magnet assembly is secured to the outer surface of the rotor. A first stator winding is in electromagnetic communication with the corresponding first magnetic assembly, such that if the rotor rotates a first electromagnetic signal energizes the first stator windings based on the flow of material into or through the inlet.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for driving a first sickle bar section (42) and a second sickle bar section (36) of a harvesting platform (20) comprises a first gearbox (54) and the second gearbox (74) having an output drivingly connected to a respective first end of a respective sickle bar section (36, 42). Drive trains connect the first gearbox (54) and the second gearbox (74) to an input drive shaft (24). At least one of the drive trains comprises a belt drive. A synchronization transmission (82) is coupled to the second ends of the sickle bar sections (36, 42) and couples them in opposite movement directions.

Abstract: A slot driven low profile sickle drive has an input rotatable about an upstanding rotational axis and carries an eccentric captured in a slot in one end of a pivot arm pivotable about an upstanding pivotal axis. A power source is connected in rotatably driving relation to the input. The opposite end of the pivot arm connects to a knife assembly of a sickle. The input, eccentric and pivot arm are generally flat, and the power source is vertically coextensive therewith for incorporation in or below the floor of a header of a plant cutting machine. Rotation of the input causes epicyclical orbiting of the eccentric, resulting in sideward pivoting of the opposite end of the pivot arm and sickle knife. A second drive can oppositely drive a second sickle knife, such that opposite forces generated by operation of the drives will be largely canceled.

Abstract: An air intake system supplies cooling air to at least one heat exchanger and through which the cooling air flows. The air intake system is equipped on the inlet side with a device for removing and shredding components of the cooling air adhering on the inlet-side surface of the sieve. The device is formed with a suction device and a cutting device. The cutting device is formed of comb-like elements on a surface of the sieve and on a surface section of the suction device facing the surface of the sieve. The comb-like elements disposed on the surface of the sieve are designed as knives disposed on support or knife strips oriented transversely thereto. These support or knife strips extend with separations therebetween.

Abstract: A vegetation cutter is comprised of a frame rod assuming a shape of a pole, and having a front end portion and a rear end portion; a cutter head mounted on the front end portion of the frame rod and including a rotary cutter and a drive motor connected to the rotary cutter; a controller head including a control circuit for controlling the drive motor; and a handle fixed to the frame rod to be held by hands of a user. The cutter head includes a cutter frame for enclosing the drive motor therein, rotatably supporting the rotary cutter below the cutter frame and being connected to the front end portion of the frame rod at an upper rear end portion of the cutter frame. The cutter frame is comprised of a shell wall member and a motor enclosure for enclosing the motor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for steering a second agricultural machine which can be steered over a field relative to a first agricultural machine. The device includes a distance meter mounted on one of the machines and operable for recording measured values with regard to direction and distance of objects adjacent to the distance meter over a horizontal region. The device also includes an evaluating means which is connected to the distance meter and is designed to output a steering signal for causing guidance of the second machine relative to the first machine on the basis of the measured values of the distance meter.

Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester includes a main frame with frame parts, a preparation and conveyor device with a chopping assembly, a post-chopping device and a conveying device, a tower connected to an upper discharge chute, a heat exchanger, an engine, lateral covering elements enclosing an engine compartment and a compartment partially enclosing the preparation and conveyor device. The covering elements extend from a rear region to a region adjacent to a driver's cab, are guided at a bow-shaped supporting element connected to the main frame such that the covering element is pivotable about a horizontally extending pivot axis provided at the upper edge or horizontal leg of the supporting element and, about a substantially vertically extending pivot axis provided at one end of the horizontal leg.

Abstract: To provide a mower with which a mowing cord can be kept in an appropriate protruding state, in a mower in which a mowing cord 11 of resin is wound on a rotating body 1, the rotating body 1 is provided with a winding member 3 on which the mowing cord 11 is wound, the winding member 3 has a first peripheral concave groove 38 and a second peripheral concave groove 39 on which the mowing cord 11 is wound, and a winding portion 11d of the mowing cord 11 is wound as to be aligned from an inner side in a diameter direction to an outer side within each of the first peripheral concave groove 38 and the second peripheral concave groove 39.

Abstract: Methods for improving the agriculture of sesame, an Improved Non-Dehiscent (IND) sesame class and methods for breeding IND are disclosed. The IND sesame holds its seed in capsules for four or more weeks after ideal harvesting time, during extended adverse weather conditions, thus offering the grower flexibility as to when to harvest. The methods also improve current agricultural methods for growing sesame by allowing growers to leave the crop in the field for a longer period of time without the loss of seeds and concomitant reduced yield. The grower is able to reduce the ratio of combine harvesters required for mechanical harvest of sesame crops. Further, a method of growing crops in geographical areas previously unsuitable for sesame agriculture is disclosed. IND allows ready release of seed from the capsule during mechanized harvesting with minimal broken seed.

Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting machine includes a chassis supported on driven front ground wheels and steerable rear ground wheels. A crop harvesting attachment is supported on steerable driven wheels and is mounted to the front of the harvesting machine for pivoting about an upright axis. The harvesting attachment delivers harvested crop to an intermediate conveyor which feeds the crop to an input conveyor of the harvesting machine. The harvesting attachment includes a power operated steering actuator and is steered b a steering control device of the harvesting machine.

Abstract: An automated method and system includes an automatic guidance system (AGS) and swath pattern. The AGS steers a vehicle towing a rotary baler in an “S”, or oscillatory pattern around a predetermined approximate centerline of the swath path. The oscillatory pattern may be user defined. By steering the vehicle in an oscillatory pattern referenced to the A-B line, a windrow of crop material may be distributed into an even and optimal bale size and density by the baler. Bale chamber sensors detect an imbalance of crop density and in response, AGS adjusts an interval or amplitude of oscillatory pattern.

Abstract: A tractor comprises a tractor frame, driven ground engaging means, and an electronic tractor controller. A baler comprises a baler frame coupled or connected to the tractor frame, a crop receiving means, a baling chamber, a bale size sensor associated with the baling chamber, and an electronic baler controller. The baler controller is operable to submit a halt signal to the tractor controller when a bale size signal provided by the bale size sensor indicates that a bale has reached a size equal to or exceeding a first predetermined size. A control method includes the baler controller generating a tractor halt signal in response to certain conditions of the baler system and the tractor controller preventing tractor motion in response to the halt signal.

Abstract: A arrangement is provided for the anticipatory assessment of plants to be gathered by a harvesting machine, disclosed as a combine harvester, and includes a non-contact sensor arrangement for the generation of signals representing at least one characteristic of plants located ahead of the machine, a measurement device for recording at least one characteristic of the plants actually gathered by the machine, and an evaluation device for producing calibration data with the aid of signals generated by the measurement device and from statistical parameters derived from the signals of the sensor arrangement and for the calculation of the characteristic of plants to be gathered with the aid of statistical parameters, which were derived from the signals of the sensor arrangement, corresponding to the plants to be gathered, and with the aid of the calibration data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling driving means which are designed to steer and move a robot vehicle (3) that is designed as a lawn mowing vehicle. The driving means are controlled so that the robot vehicle (3) travels through several sections (2) of a working area (8) in a specific movement pattern according to a section travel strategy with the help of dead reckoning such that two adjoining course sections (5) overlap with a predefined probability transversely to the direction of travel of the robot vehicle (3).

Abstract: An improved cutter blade or disc mower blade is provided having structure to reduce the tendency of vegetation to slip off and around the blade edge and tip. The disc mower blade is attached to a rotary cutter module and driven by a mowing machine. In one aspect of the disc mower blade, the disc mower blade includes a knife edge with serrations distributed along the edge such that vegetation does not slide along the edge during operation of the mowing machine. Further, another aspect of the mower blade is that the knife edge may be curved so as to prevent the vegetation from sliding along the edge during operation of the mowing machine. In another aspect, the disc mower blade includes a winglet disposed at a tip of the blade such that vegetation cannot slide past the blade during operation of the mowing machine.

Abstract: A discriminator identifies windrow pixels associated with a windrow within a collected image. A definer defines a search space with respect to a vehicle. An evaluator determines respective spatial correlations between the defined search space and the windrow pixels for different angular displacements of the search space. An alignment detector or search engine determining a desired vehicular heading as a preferential angular displacement associated with a generally maximum spatial correlation between the defined search space and the windrow pixels. An offset calculator estimates an offset of the vehicle to a central point of the windrow or a depth axis to achieve the desired vehicle heading and desired position of the vehicle with respect to the windrow.

Abstract: An automated method and system includes an automatic guidance system (AGS) and swath pattern. The AGS steers a vehicle towing a rotary baler in an “S”, or oscillatory pattern around a predetermined approximate centerline of the swath path. The oscillatory pattern may be user defined. By steering the vehicle in an oscillatory pattern referenced to the A-B line, a windrow of crop material may be distributed into an even and optimal bale size and density by the baler. Bale chamber sensors detect an imbalance of crop density and in response, AGS adjusts an interval or amplitude of oscillatory pattern.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus, comprising: a pull-type implement having a top surface; a tongue assembly pivotably mounted to the pull-type implement; and a gearbox assembly mounted on the top surface and offset from the center of the top surface, the gearbox assembly comprising: a top gearbox unit rotatably coupled to a driveline via a joint that is functionally distinct from a constant velocity (CV) joint, the top gearbox unit pivotably coupled to the tongue assembly; and a bottom gearbox unit in pivotal relationship with the top gearbox unit.

Abstract: This invention is a dual function tree pruner and fruit harvester that use the same equipment for pruning and for harvesting. The Fruit Tree Pruner and Harvesting Machine features: a Self-Propelled-Vehicle (SPV), computer controlled robotic arms, a Digital Imaging System (DIS), a Radar Ranger System (RRS), Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) Guidance System, Geographic Information System (GIS), a Power Pruner or Power Stem Cutter as appropriate, a fruit vacuum system, a fruit catcher, a fruit handling system, and a fruit bin loader. The operation is automated and the operator monitors and sets parameters. The Fruit Tree Pruner and Harvesting Machine can prune a tree to a predetermined profile. The tree can be shaped per the orchard's requirements. The invention utilizes data obtained during the pruning process to find the fruit, and to remove the fruit while maintaining the fruit quality suitable for the fresh market.

Abstract: A monitoring device for at least one auxiliary assembly which influences the exhaust-gas quality of an internal combustion engine and consumes a resource in order to attain a desired quality of exhaust gas, includes at least one sensor for measuring a variable related to the resource, and an arithmetic unit for estimating the current quantity of the resource on the basis of the variable measured by the at least one sensor, and which is designed to calculate and indicate an operating capacity of the internal combustion engine that remains before the resource is depleted. Potential resources are the absorbance capacity of a particulate filter and/or the quantity of an ammonifier that is available.

Abstract: A suspended operator platform for use with a ride-on lawnmower or the like is connected to a rigid chassis of the ride-on lawnmower by a suspension system that has a parallelogram linkage. The operator platform supports an entire body of the operator and isolation mounts connect a seat assembly to the operator platform. Steering controls of the ride-on lawnmower are connected to the operator platform so that the steering controls move with the operator platform and are suspended and/or isolated from the chassis. The suspension system includes a course-stiffness adjuster and a fine-stiffness adjuster that for adjusting suspension stiffness to correspond to a particular operator and/or terrain.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically correcting a steering command from an auto guidance system to adjust for misalignments between the crop rows and the header due to errors which may include, but are not limited to a stack up of errors from the remote positioning system information translation, planter and harvester machine centerline differences, harvesting and planting pattern differences, and the like, that integrates row sensor information into the auto guidance system.

Abstract: A timber-working head comprises a first motor, a second motor, a feed wheel, and an adaptor plate. The first motor comprises a first rotary output element. The second motor comprises a second rotary output element. The feed wheel is fixed to the first rotary output element for rotation therewith. The adaptor plate fixed to the second rotary output element for rotation therewith. The adaptor plate comprises radial projections arranged about the periphery of the adaptor plate and received respectively within corresponding axially recessed portions of the feed wheel so as to provide an operational interface between the adaptor plate and the feed wheel.

Abstract: A method for collecting biomass, such as straw, and for producing a pyrolysis liquid, such as oil or tar, from the biomass, includes the step of collecting the biomass from a growth site, e.g. a field, by means of a mobile unit. The biomass is continuously fed into a pyrolysis apparatus accommodated by the mobile unit, as the mobile unit is moved across the growth site. While the biomass is processed in the pyrolysis apparatus, further biomass is simultaneously being collected. The pyrolysis apparatus may be a flash pyrolysis or fast pyrolysis apparatus relying on centrifugal forces for forcing biomass towards a reactive surface in a pyrolysis reactor. The mobile unit may be self-propelled.

Abstract: The invention concerns a harvested crop residue chopper and distribution arrangement for a combine (10) with a straw chopper (60) with a rotor (74) that can be brought into rotation about a horizontal axis (98) with chopper blades (76) fastened thereto that define an outer envelope (96), and with at least one impeller blower (82) arranged downstream of the straw chopper (60) with impeller blades (84) that can rotate about an axis of rotation (88) that extends vertically, in which the impeller blades (84) are provided with outer edges (94) that conform to the envelope (96) of the chopper knives (76) and follow it very closely and are not in contact with it.

Abstract: A mobile cooling apparatus and method for harvested produce includes working platform and a cooling zone. Produce harvested along the working platform and transferred thereto is placed into the cooling zone which, in one embodiment, is located on an opposite side of the working platform from where harvesting is occurring. The cooling zone may be open at an outward facing end thereof, to permit offloading of harvested produce to a second mobile apparatus. The cooling zone may be dimensioned to contain at least one pallet and, in one embodiment, two pallets positioned side-by-side.

Abstract: The present invention is a lawn mower with a compression ignition combustion engine that can use multiple fuel types such as petroleum based fuels or plant based fuels or any combination thereof. The lawn mower includes a chassis with a rear end having a plurality of spaced wheels, a compression ignited engine mounted on the chassis to provide power to the lawn mower and a plurality of grass cutting blades mounted directly or indirectly on an output shaft of the compression ignited engine. The lawn mower also includes a handle projecting from the rear end of chassis and a fuel tank and a fuel line supported by the chassis to provide the multiple fuel types to the compression ignited engine.

Abstract: A riding mower assembly may include a mower frame, first and second wheels, and a steering assembly. The steering assembly may include a steering frame member fixed to the mower frame, a first steering arm rotatably coupled to a first end of the steering frame member and having the first wheel coupled thereto, a second steering arm rotatably coupled to a second end of the steering frame member and having the second wheel coupled thereto, an actuation mechanism, and a cross-member. The actuation mechanism may include a first end coupled to the steering frame member and a second end coupled to the first steering arm. The actuation mechanism may include a motor having an actuation arm extending therefrom that rotates the first steering arm. The cross-member may have a first end coupled to the first steering arm and a second end coupled to the second steering arm.

Abstract: A device includes a housing configured with a working element. The device further includes a motor configured for urging motion of the working element. The device further includes a power control module. The power control module is configurable for being in electrical connection with at least one of the motor, a first power source configuration and a second power source configuration. The first power source configuration is configurable for being electrically connected to a battery assembly having a DC power output. The second power source configuration is configurable for being electrically connected to a power inverter, the power inverter configured for receiving an AC power and further configured for outputting a DC power to the second power source configuration. The motor receives power via the power control module from the first power source configuration and/or the second power source configuration.

Abstract: A hybrid electric lawnmower is described which includes a first and a second electric motor operating blades and the ability to drive the motors from either 120 VAC line voltage or from a battery pack. There is a user selectable power selection switch for switching between DC or AC power and also a boost and conserve feature which allows for increased speed of the blade as necessary. Running the mower at the conserve setting prolongs battery pack duration per charge. Power supply and control systems allow the user to select operation of the motors in either series or parallel configuration depending on the power source.

Abstract: A direct drive system for the rotating cutter shaft assembly in a flail mower includes a internally splined collar having a thermal interfitment within and welded attachment to a rotating shaft assembly. An externally splined shaft from a drive motor mounted to the flail mower housing fits into the internally splined collar to provide rotational force to the rotating cutter shaft assembly.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement for spectroscopic examination and throughput acquisition of a crop flow is provided, the arrangement having a spectrometer which comprises a light source, a window, a dispersive element and a detector, the light source is positioned to illuminate the crop flow during operation through the window, and positioned such that light reflected by the crop flow passes through the window and onto the dispersive element, which is positioned to deflect the reflected light onto the detector in different directions as a function of wavelength, a throughput-determining device cooperating with the crop flow, and a recording device for recording the measured values of the spectrometer and of the throughput determining device.

Abstract: A grass catcher assembly for coupling with a grass cutting device includes a covered frame and a support defining an aperture for receiving debris from the grass cutting device. The covered frame may be pivotally coupled with the support for one or more of collecting the debris when the covered frame is in a closed position and emptying the debris when the covered frame is in an opened position.