Abstract: The present invention provides an improved dust control system for removing debris and particulate matter from a fouled air stream. The system may be incorporated into crop harvesting equipment to eliminate the dust pollution generated by conventional harvesting equipment. The dust control system may use a multi-stage air filtering process that employs inertial separation techniques to eliminate particulate matter from the fouled air, without the need for water or electrostatic mechanisms to capture the fine particulates in the fouled air.

Abstract: A reinforced feeder housing for an agricultural machine includes a housing body having a top surface, a bottom surface, and two opposing side surfaces each extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The housing body includes a front opening through which crop material is directed into the feeder housing from a header of the agricultural machine, and a rear opening that is substantially opposite the front opening through which crop is expelled from the feeder housing and is delivered to a threshing mechanism of the agricultural machine. Various panels of the housing body are reinforced to improve the structural integrity of the feeder housing and prevent damage to the welds in the housing body.

Abstract: A float cylinder and accumulator are coupled between a header main frame and an attachment frame. The float cylinder is orientated so that its mechanical advantage in applying a float force to the header varies with the position of the main frame relative to the attachment frame. Similarly, the pressure exerted by the cylinder varies inversely with its mechanical advantage.

Abstract: Self-propelled vehicles for supporting and operating a device are disclosed. Example devices include agricultural devices. The vehicle includes mounting arms that allow the device to be extended forward or rearward of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the device is releasably coupleable to the vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes rear drive wheels and front caster wheels.

Abstract: A combine grain cleaning system having front and rear rollers, a conveyor belt having an upper surface extending from the front roller to the rear roller, a motor operatively connected to the conveyor belt and configured to drive the upper surface in a belt travel direction from the front roller to the rear roller, and a baffle located adjacent the rear roller. The baffle has a leading edge, a trailing edge located behind the leading edge with respect to the belt travel direction and below the leading edge with respect to a vertical direction, and a baffle surface extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge. One or more sieves are located below the baffle, and a fan is provided to direct an airflow at least partially upwards in the vertical direction adjacent the rear roller. A method for separating grain is also provided.

Abstract: An unloading system for a harvester is described as including a crop delivery apparatus, an unloading structure, a belt, and a deflector. The crop delivery apparatus has an outlet through which a flow of crop material is expelled. The unloading structure receives the flow of crop material from the outlet of the crop delivery apparatus and includes a conveyor tube portion extending along a longitudinal axis and defining a passage therethrough with an open intake end. The belt extends into from the intake end through the passage for transporting the flow of crop material through the conveyor tube portion. The deflector extends within the unloading structure from an upstream end to a downstream end such that at least a portion of the flow of crop material received from the crop delivery apparatus contacts the deflector and is directed towards at least a portion of the belt.

Abstract: A transport member includes: a shaft portion having a linear portion that is linearly disposed along a linear section of a transport path, and a curved portion that is curvedly disposed along a curved section of the transport path; and screw blades that are spirally formed on an outer circumferential surface of the linear portion and the curved portion, and that transport a powder material by rotation of the shaft portion in one of axial directions of the shaft portion, the screw blades having a small-diameter portion which has an outer diameter smaller in the curved portion than in the linear portion.

Abstract: A header for an agricultural harvester. The header includes a connector adapted to be connected to a feeder of the agricultural harvester. The header further includes a cutter bar and a first lateral crop transporting mechanism to move crop material towards a first opening at the connector. The header further includes a second lateral crop transporting mechanism provided at a distance from the first lateral crop transporting mechanism. The second lateral crop transporting mechanism is provided to move crop material towards a second opening at the connector, the second opening being different from the first opening.

Abstract: A combine has a feeder house extending forward from the front of the combine, with the front of the feeder house defining a rectangular frame for supporting a harvesting head. A gauge wheel arrangement is supported on the rectangular frame and in turn supports the harvesting head. The gauge wheel arrangement includes a center frame that abuts the rectangular frame and pivots with respect to it. A left side frame with gauge wheels is hinged to the center frame. A right side frame with gauge wheels is hinged to the center frame. The center, left, and right frames can support the harvesting head and permit the harvesting head to pivot with respect to the feeder house, as well as supporting a part of the weight of the harvesting head on the gauge wheels.

Abstract: System utilizes stereo cameras to sense the position of a tractor-drawn grain cart relative to a combine during the unloading (on-the-go) process. The sensing system also detects the fill level of grain in the cart and adjusts the relative position of the tractor to the combine to achieve an even fill to the desired fill level.

Abstract: In another embodiment, a method of harvesting an agricultural product includes guiding the agricultural product through a plurality of inlets in a first direction with a plurality of airflows, separating the agricultural product from the first plurality of airflows, directing the agricultural product to a cross-conveyor, conveying the agricultural product through the cross-conveyor from the plurality of inlets to an outlet in a second direction, and guiding the agricultural product through the outlet in a third direction with a second airflow. The first direction is substantially parallel to a travel direction, the second direction is crosswise to the first direction, and the third direction is substantially parallel to the travel direction. The agricultural product is conveyed through the cross-conveyor substantially without the first plurality of airflows, and the second airflow includes the first plurality of airflows.

Abstract: A method and device for harvesting threshed crops including a threshing assembly (3) arranged downstream of a cutting assembly (2) of a combine harvester (1) for separating the grain-chaff mixture (12) from the straw. A chaffing device (4) is arranged downstream of the threshing assembly (3) for separating the total straw fraction into a first and a second straw fraction (5.1, 5.2). A comminution device (8) is arranged downstream of the chaffing device (5) for comminuting the second straw fraction (5.2). A blower (10) having a suction pipe (9) draws in and mixes the grain-chaff mixture (12) and the second straw fraction (5.2) to form a mixture (18) of grain, chaff, and second straw fraction and conveys the mixture (18) into a silo (14).

Abstract: A drive system embodied as belt drives of a self-propelled combine harvester includes, on one machine side of the combine harvester, a main drive pulley. The main drive pulley is driven by an internal combustion engine. Proceeding from the main drive pulley, a device for separating out residual grain and a straw chopper are driven via a first intermediate drive stage. A functionally reliable drive of the device for separating out residual grain, the straw chopper and powerful front harvesting attachments and a high power density combined with limited installation space is ensured by use of the drive system.

Abstract: A device for tensioning a tension mechanism of a conveying device includes a number of feeder aids extending between a drive wheel and at least one guide wheel. At least one hydraulic cylinder (including a hydraulic piston) adjusts a wheel center distance between the at least one guide wheel and the drive wheel in order to change the tension of the tension mechanism. The at least one hydraulic cylinder acts directly on the guide wheel. In order to tension the tension mechanism, the hydraulic piston is displaceably disposed in a pressure chamber and acted upon by pressure medium from a pressure source via a check valve that opens toward the pressure chamber. Once a blocked state of the check valve is reached, the pressure chamber is connected to a device for receiving a defined volume of pressure medium.

Abstract: A concave for a harvester combine and methods of use are provided, such as a concave for a combine harvester, the concave comprising a first longitudinal member comprising a plurality of first longitudinal member wire guide grooves substantially at the same height position relative to a bottom of the first longitudinal member; a second longitudinal member comprising a plurality of second longitudinal member wire guide grooves substantially at the same height position relative to a bottom of the second longitudinal member; a first transverse member and a second transverse member substantially parallel to one another affixed to the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member; and a plurality of module members affixed to the first and second transverse members.

Abstract: A slat for use in an agricultural harvester including a web securable to a material moving system. A first and second leg extending outwardly from one side of the web, the first leg providing primary impetus for movement of crop material in a first direction by the material moving system. A third leg extending outwardly from an opposed side of the web and providing secondary impetus for movement of crop material by driven movement of the material moving system. In response to the slat encountering a foreign object that becomes wedged between the first leg, the third leg and structure of the material moving system and preventing driven movement of the material movement system in the first direction, upon application of force urging movement of the material movement system in an opposed second direction, the third leg facilitating a rotational movement of the slat for dislodging the foreign object.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a reel and a chaff spreader of a combine, having a first hydraulic motor for driving the reel and a second hydraulic motor for driving the chaff spreader, wherein the hydraulic motors are connected in series with regard to the flow of hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: In a sickle cutting system, it has been found that a significant reduction in average stubble length, which is calculated based on the distance crop is pushed forwardly without cutting occurring, can be obtained by a combination of one or more of the features where the cutting stroke is reduced from the conventional length of 3.0 inches to a value of the order of 2.0 inches; the length of the cutting edge of each knife blade is increased to a length greater than 2.2 inches; the width at the rear of the ledger surface of each guard is increased to greater than 1.0 inches; and the front edge of the blade is formed with an apex to shed crop material to one or other side of the apex.

Abstract: Provided is a harvesting module including twin parallel rotating shafts. The rotating shafts each have impact rods that are configured to rotation in opposite directions. The shafts are sloped so that one end of the shafts is closer to the ground than another end of the shafts. The rods are fixed to the shafts in a spiral formation using a series of self locking rings fitted over the shafts.

Abstract: A cart is towed behind a combine harvester for collecting corn cobs and includes a conveyer belt feeding into a system for separating cobs from residue to be discharged and a tank for receiving and transporting the cobs. An unload auger is provided from the tank to one side of the cart while the cart moves forward. Power for driving the cart is obtained from a chopper drive of the combine harvester. The separating arrangement includes a series of sequential blower fans for blowing air through the discharged material as it is discharged from a conveyor and into a spreading guide disperses the residue. The cobs are conveyed using a series of augers where the auger to flight distance is at least 2 inches and particularly a pair of augers feed the cobs through a front wall of the tank so as to push cobs upwardly into the tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for harvesting threshed crops. The device according to the invention for harvesting threshed crops includes a threshing assembly (3) arranged downstream of the cutting assembly (2) of a combine harvester (1) for separating the grain-chaff mixture (12) from the straw, a chaffing device (4) arranged downstream of the threshing assembly (3) for separating the total straw fraction into a first and a second straw fraction (5.1, 5.2), a comminution device (8) arranged downstream of the chaffing device (5) for comminuting the second straw fraction (5.2), and a blower (10) having a suction pipe (9) for drawing in and mixing the grain-chaff mixture (12) and the second straw fraction (5.2) to form a mixture (18) of grain, chaff, and second straw fraction and for conveying the mixture (18) into a silo (14).

Abstract: A conveyor provides a link between a combine harvester and a baler which is towed behind the combine harvester. The conveyor has a front inlet end positioned to receive trash flowing from the trash outlet of the combine harvester. The conveyor also has a rear outlet end positioned to deliver the trash to the inlet of the baler so that the trash can be baled without ever touching the ground.

Abstract: A conveyor provides a link between a combine harvester and a baler which is towed behind the combine harvester. The conveyor has a front inlet end positioned to receive trash flowing from the trash outlet of the combine harvester. The conveyor also has a rear outlet end positioned to deliver the trash to the inlet of the baler so that the trash can be baled without ever touching the ground.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a reel and a chaff spreader of a combine, having a first hydraulic motor for driving the reel and a second hydraulic motor for driving the chaff spreader, wherein the hydraulic motors are connected in series with regard to the flow of hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A grain conveying apparatus and system for conveying and separating elements of a grain mixture of a first minimum size, such as cob pieces, and a second maximum size smaller than the first minimum size, such as grain or corn, including an upper passage having at least one aperture generally smaller than the cob pieces and larger than the grain or corn. As the grain mixture is conveyed through the upper passage, the cob pieces will pass across the apertures, and the grain or corn will pass through the apertures to the lower passage thereby separating the elements of the grain mixture as it is conveyed from a source bin to separate receiving bins.

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: The method and system for vehicular guidance comprises an imaging device for collecting color image data to facilitate distinguishing crop image data (e.g., crop rows) from background data. A definer defines a series of scan line segments generally perpendicular to a transverse axis of the vehicle or of the imaging device. An intensity evaluator determines scan line intensity data for each of the scan line segments. An alignment detector (e.g., search engine) identifies a preferential heading of the vehicle that is generally aligned with respect to a crop feature, associated with the crop image data, based on the determined scan line intensity meeting or exceeding a maximum value or minimum threshold value.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to harvesters and, more particularly, to a combine for harvesting row crops, which has been modified, to collect and measure grain continuously from a plurality of strip test plots.

Abstract: Disclosed is an articulated harvester composed of a forward bogey having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, but being devoid of an on-board grain bin. A rearward bogey is attached by a joint to the forward bogey and has a powered wheel assembly, an on-board grain bin for receiving grain from the forward bogey grain transfer assembly, and a grain off-loading assembly. The disclosed improvement includes the rearward bogey having a powered wheel assembly of a powered stiff axle wheel assembly pivotable for steering the articulated harvester when the joint has articulated by a defined number of degrees. The joint may be connected to the rearward bogey powered stiff axle wheel assembly by a beam that has a second joint disposed ahead of the stiff axle and actuatable to crab the articulated harvester for grain unloading.

Abstract: A clean grain conveyor system for a harvesting machine having grain gathering, cleaning and temporary storage capabilities includes a clean grain elevator mechanism, a grain storage tank and a loading auger conveyor for moving grain from the elevator mechanism to a discharge end at the storage tank. The conveyor includes a hollow generally cylindrical tube extending obliquely upwardly from the elevator to the grain storage tank and a coaxially disposed auger journalled for rotation within the hollow tube. A grain flow deflector is fixed to the tube discharge end for minimizing grain scattering outside the tank and for selectively directing the flow of grain from the tube discharge end to compensate for different crops and crop conditions, and to generally center the pile of accumulated grain within the tank.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to harvesters and, more particularly, to a combine for harvesting rows crops, which has been modified, to collect and measure grain from two separate small strip test plots. The present invention is a dual plot combine with two separate and distinct internal sections of the combine. The combine's intake has two floatably mounted feeder house. This invention harvests two lots simultaneously while maintaining the integrity of each plots' harvest data. The dual plot combine has two separate unconventional grain paths for collecting and measuring the cleaned grain drums The divided clean grain bin and weigh bucket are positioned at a low position, inside the vertical confines of the combine, on a single side of the combine. The altered grain paths allow the data collection on the clean grain from each plot to be completed quickly. This in turn allows the combine to progress to the next set of two plots quickly.

Abstract: An imaging device collects color image data to facilitate distinguishing crop image data from background data. A definer defines a series of scan line segments generally perpendicular to a transverse axis of the vehicle or of the imaging device. An intensity evaluator determines scan line intensity data for each of the scan line segments. An alignment detector identifies a preferential heading of the vehicle that is generally aligned with respect to a crop feature, associated with the crop image data, based on the determined scan line intensity meeting or exceeding a maximum value or minimum threshold value. A reliability estimator estimates a reliability of the vehicle heading based on compliance with an intensity level criteria associated with one or more crop rows.

Abstract: A finger for a crop gathering auger for an agricultural combine, including an elastomeric tethering outrigger which arches a failure region of the finger and will retain a free end of the finger in connection with a mounting end thereof when the failure region is broken.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved threshing and separating mechanism and method for a combine. The mechanism includes an elongated rotor mounted for rotation about a rotor axis within a rotor housing on the combine. The rotor has a threshing portion and a separating portion. The housing has a threshing section and a separating section corresponding to the threshing portion and the separating portion. The housing surrounds the rotor and is spaced from the rotor to form an annular space between the rotor and the housing for crop material to flow through in an axial crop flow direction from an inlet end of the housing to an outlet end of the housing. A rear portion of the rotor is tapered in a rearward direction to create an increased volume at the outlet of the rotor housing to prevent stagnation of flow of straw material in the transition of velocity between the housing outlet and the straw beater.

Abstract: A combination of a powered combine carrying a combine grain bin for housing harvested grain and a towed grain cart carrying a grain cart bin for housing harvested grain includes harvested grain transfer between the combine grain bin and the grain cart bin and improved off-loading of harvested grain from the combination. A generally horizontally disposed first grain movement assembly is pivotally connected to a second grain movement assembly, which in turn is pivotally connected to a vertically disposed grain movement assembly in the grain cart, such that the rear end of the second grain movement assembly moves in all horizontal directions, but not in the vertical direction. The first grain movement assembly has an arcuate trolley ahead of the pivoted joint with the second grain movement assembly. An off-loading grain movement assembly is disposed for off-loading grain only from the combine grain bin.

Abstract: Disclosed is an articulated harvester composed of a forward bogey having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, but being devoid of an on-board grain bin. A rearward bogey is attached by a joint to the forward bogey and has a powered wheel assembly, an on-board grain bin for receiving grain from the forward bogey grain transfer assembly, and a grain off-loading assembly. The disclosed improvement includes the rearward bogey having a powered wheel assembly of a powered stiff axle wheel assembly pivotable for steering the articulated harvester when the joint has articulated by a defined number of degrees. The joint may be connected to the rearward bogey powered stiff axle wheel assembly by a beam that has a second joint disposed ahead of the stiff axle and actuatable to crab the articulated harvester for grain unloading.

Abstract: A threshing and separating mechanism for a combine includes an elongated rotor mounted for rotation about a rotor axis on the combine within a rotor housing. The rotor has a threshing portion and a separating portion. The rotor has a rotor tube that is tapered continuously in the threshing portion and has threshing elements extending from the rotor tube. The housing has a threshing section and a separating section corresponding to the threshing portion and the separating portion. The housing surrounds the rotor and is spaced from the rotor tube to form an annular space between the rotor tube and the housing for crop material to flow through in an axial crop flow direction from an inlet end of the housing to an outlet end of the housing. The housing includes a smooth transition section between the threshing section and the separating section of the housing.

Abstract: A new and improved conveyor feeder house chain slat having a unique shape and structure that provides sufficient structural rigidity to improve crop throughput while reducing clogging of crop material. The unique slat also provides additional support to the chain. Because the chain rides on the rear of the elongated section of the slat, the slat contacts the feed house, rather than the chain, reducing chain wear, overheating and lubricant evacuation. Because of the new slat configuration, the slats can be secured to the chain with removable securing means, enabling easier replacement of an individual slat if necessary.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically coupling fluid systems and electrical systems, respectively, of a header and a feeder of an agricultural combine as the header is lifted by the feeder. The feeder and header include lifting elements pivotably engageable with lower portions of the feeder and header spaced apart, such that when the feeder is raised, the header will be lifted by the feeder and pivoted so as to bring the lower portions together. A first coupler block is supported on the feeder and includes at least one fluid coupler and at least one electrical contact, and a second coupler block is supported on the header and also includes at least one fluid coupler and at least one electrical contact. The fluid couplers and the electrical contacts are configured and positioned so as to couple and be brought into contact, respectively, as the lower portions of the feeder and the header are brought together. They can also automatically uncouple when the header is removed from the feeder.

Abstract: A material chopper for chopping a material is provided. The double shear chopper may include a counter shear bar, a plurality of stationary knives associated with the counter shear bar, a shaft, at least one rotor section operatively connected to the shaft, each of the at least one rotor section configured to rotate with the shaft, at least one knife holder in each of the at least one rotor section, at least one knife operatively connected to each of the at least one knife holder, and slots in each of the at least one knife holder, wherein edges of the slot provide counter shear surfaces for the plurality of stationary knives. The material chopper may be added to or incorporated into a harvesting machine such as a combine.

Abstract: A guayule harvester comprises a hydraulic-powered cutting and conveying device pulled and powered by a farm tractor. Guides lift the shrub and expose the trunk to a pair of horizontal circular saw blades at the same time that opposed pick-up belts engage the shrub branches and impel the shrub to an elevator conveyor belt. The elevator belt carries the now-severed shrub to the height of the entrance to a transport trailer, and then drops it onto an extendable lateral conveyor, which drops it into the carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a combine harvester, the combine harvester having a front and a rear and being capable of separating grain from trash when moving in a forward direction over ground in which a crop is grown, the combine harvester being supported from a forward and rearward set of ground engaging wheels through a chassis, the combine harvester having a trash outlet proximate the rear; a towable baling apparatus for converting trash into compacted bales, the baling apparatus having a front end and a rear end and an inlet adjacent the front end for receiving trash; a conveyor having a forward end and a rearward end, a trash inlet adjacent the forward end and a trash outlet adjacent the rearward end; the forward end of the conveyor being pivotally attached to the combine harvester proximate the rear such that the trash outlet of the combine is disposed above the trash inlet of the conveyor; the rear end of the conveyor being pivotally attached to the baling apparatus such that the trash outlet of the conve

Abstract: A combine header is disclosed that comprises a shiftable gate which either permits or blocks passage of grain to a particular portion of the combine. The combine header allows for continuous harvesting of multicrop research and test plots without commingling different grain varieties.

Abstract: A green cicer bean harvesting method and apparatus. A harvesting combine (100) comprises a threshing apparatus (130) including a rotatable cylindrical drum (132) with an apertured outer wall (134), a main beater (140) and a plurality of satellite beaters (144, 146, 148), and a conveyor system (120, 122, 124) for transporting de-podded beans to a hopper (111), and a pod net conveyor (126) that filters the beans entering the hopper. A return chute (128) returns podded beans from the pod net conveyor to the drum. The apertures in the drum increase in size from smaller apertures at the front of the drum to larger apertures at the rear of the drum. The combine, drum, and beater operating parameters and dimensions are selected to enable effective mechanical harvesting of green cicer beans.

Abstract: A rotary crop processing unit for a combine is shown having a generally cylindrical rotor within a frusto-conical housing. The rotor is arranged in the housing with a generally constant gap between the rotor and the bottom of the housing along the housing length and with an increasing gap between the rotor and the top of the housing in the crop flow direction.

Abstract: A rotatable drive for a feeder and a header of an agricultural combine for drivingly connecting spaced rotatable elements on the feeder and the header to a rotatable power source on a chassis of the combine, the feeder and the header being jointly mounted to the chassis for pivotal movement relative thereto about a predetermined pivotal axis through a predetermined range of harvesting positions. The drive includes a first gear box mounted on the feeder for pivotal movement therewith and including a rotatable input, a first rotatable output rotatably connected to the input and to at least one of the rotatable elements, and a second rotatable output rotatably connected to the input. The drive includes a second gear box mounted on the feeder and having a rotatable input rotatably connected by a drive shaft to the second output of the first gear box and at least one rotatable output connected to another of the rotatable elements.

Abstract: At least one of pre-planting information, planting information, growing information, harvesting information, chemical information, weather information, adjacent crop information, processing information, manufacturing information and retail information is stored in data storage. The stored information is arranged to provide a data profile associated with a particular crop for a defined geographic area. A storage identifier is associated with the arranged data profile for the particular crop. The storage identifier identifies at least one of a container and segregated storage bin for holding a particular crop for a tracked (e.g., an assigned) time duration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for articulating an articulated vehicle from a rest position, the vehicle being composed of a forward unit and a tracked rearward unit having a pair of powered tracks. The forward and rearward units are connected by a joint and an articulation cylinder. The method powers up only one track while simultaneously actuating the articulation cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention is a grain unloading assembly for unloading clean grain from a combine grain bin, wherein a combine harvests grain and cleans it to provide the clean grain. Such grain unloading assembly includes a vertical flighted conveyor adapted to operate in either direction which is disposed within a housing that is fitted at its top with a bin spout, a discharge spout, and a moveable door that permits communication of the flighted conveyor either with the bin spout or with the discharge spout. Another aspect of the invention is an unload assembly including a distal frame nested within a proximal frame. The distal frame is extensible from and retractable into the proximal frame. This unload assembly includes a conveyor system that permits the conveyor to extend as the distal conveyor extends and retract as the distal conveyor retracts.

Abstract: The present invention is addressed to a joint which includes an upper frame member carried by the forward unit and having a recess on its lower side and a lower frame member carried by the forward unit, having a recess on its upper side, and being spaced-apart vertically below the upper frame member so that the recesses are in vertical registration. The joint further includes a shaft carried by the rearward unit and a bearing retainer assembly carried by the end of the shaft and disposed between the recesses. The bearing assembly includes an annulus surmounting a hub connected to the shaft. Thrust bearings between the annulus and hub permit the hub to co-rotate with the shaft with respect to the annulus, while nibs carried by the annulus are associated with tapered roller bearings so that the outer annulus co-twists with the shaft respect to the forward unit.