Abstract: A header positioning assembly for adjusting a header relative to a chassis includes a lift mechanism configured to couple the header to the chassis, at least one lift actuator configured to apply a force to the lift mechanism to adjust and maintain an orientation of the lift mechanism relative to the chassis, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the at least one lift actuator or to the lift mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is positionable in at least two orientations and configured so that when the adjustment mechanism is in the at least two orientations, and without uncoupling the adjustment mechanism from the at least one lift actuator or the lift mechanism to which the adjustment mechanism is coupled, the adjustment mechanism changes one or more of a location and a direction of the force applied to the lift mechanism by the at least one lift actuator.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a passive relay device for farming vehicles and implements, as well as an online farming data exchange, which together enable capturing, processing and sharing farming operation data generated during combined use of the farming vehicle and farming implement at a farming business. The farming operation data includes detailed information about individual farming operations, including without limitation the type of farming operation, the location of the farming operation, the travel path for the farming operation, as well as operating parameters and operating events occurring while the farming operation is performed.

Abstract: A fork-arm lift tractor includes a vehicle body, a supporting plate disposed above the vehicle body, a lifting device for driving the supporting plate to be lifted, a front and rear fork-arm assemblies, a front and rear fork-arm drive assemblies. The front fork-arm assembly includes two front fork-arms rotatably disposed at the supporting plate. The rear fork-arm assembly includes two rear fork-arms rotatably disposed at the supporting plate, and the front and rear fork-arms may be deployed or retracted from both sides of the supporting plate. The front fork-arm driving assembly includes a front transmission part, and a front power device disposed at the supporting plate and may drive the front transmission part to move horizontally linearly so as to rotate the two front fork-arms. The rear fork-arm driving assembly has almost the same structure of the front fork-arm driving assembly and is used to rotate the two rear fork-arms.

Abstract: A system for positioning crop windrow guide shields projecting generally rearwardly alongside the crop discharge stream as it exits an agricultural mower. The shields are coupled for simultaneous, coordinated movement and repositioned by a powered actuator in response to either a manual input by a vehicle operator or automatically by a controller based on a steering angle deflection between a tractor and a towed implement. The system may be adapted for use with a single implement being operated on a side hill to control windrow drifting. The system may also be used with simultaneously operated front-mounted and pull-behind mowers to direct the crop discharge streams into a merged windrow.

Abstract: A mid-mount mower has a mower unit mounted under a vehicle body between front wheels and rear wheels. The mower includes a lift link mechanism having a front link and a rear link, an intermediate structure interconnecting one end of the front link and one end of the rear link via a pivot axis, a blade housing having an engaged portion engageable with an engaging potion of the intermediate structure and a guide face configured to guide the engaging portion ad the engaged portion to an engaging position so as to establish connection between the blade housing placed on a ground surface and the intermediate structure in association with a movement of the vehicle body in a front/rear direction.

Abstract: A header drivetrain coupling system including a harvester driveline mounted to a harvesting vehicle and a header driveshaft mounted to a detachable header. The harvester driveline is supported for rotation at an inboard end on a feederhouse and at an outboard end on a header tilt frame even when the header is detached therefrom. The harvester driveline comprises a telescopic portion which permits a coupling member on the outboard end to be moved into and out of engagement with a coupling member on the header driveshaft. A sliding support assembly is provided to support a bearing housing which holds the outboard end of the harvester driveline on the tilt frame. An actuator is configured to move the bearing housing with respect to the tilt frame to selectively engage and disengage the coupling members.

Abstract: A header assembly is removably attached to lift arms of an agricultural harvester by lift pins on the header assembly received in upwardly facing cups on the ends of lift arms. Guides including target portions suspended lower than the lift pins receive the lift arms to position the cups below the lift pins. The guides are pivotally connected to the header assembly and are rotated by the lift arms engaging guide lift elements as the lift arms are raised to engage the cups with the lift pins.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for effecting a load-bearing interconnection between a header and a feederhouse of a self-propelled harvester is provided. The mechanism has a hook element secured to one of the header and feederhouse, the hook element having a limb defining an edge of a jaw opening with a inwardly tapering edge for longitudinally aligning and receiving a transverse pin secured to the other of the header and feederhouse. The limb has a non-vertical face configured to engage the other of the header and feederhouse and align such in the transverse direction as the feederhouse is lifted to engage the pin and jaw opening.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a harvesting header of a harvesting machine having a running gear on which a feeder housing is mounted. A front side of the feeder housing has a header mount that moves relative to the feeder housing and on which the harvesting header is detachably fastened. An automated coupling mechanism is provided to link a driven shaft from the harvesting machine to a drive shaft of the harvesting header as the header is connected to the harvesting machine. The drive connector connected with the header mount is movable relative thereto during the attachment of the harvesting header to axially align the driven shaft and drive shaft as the harvesting header approaches the feeder housing during the attachment to accommodate differing header drive shaft orientations.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for securing a header to an agricultural vehicle has latching pins located on opposite sides of a centerline of the vehicle. The latching pins are movable between latched and unlatched positions from the same side of the machine. As one example, the harvester is an agricultural combine harvester and the header mounts to a feederhouse. The latching mechanism can be mounted to the feederhouse and moved into and out of engagement with the header to retain or remove the header.

Abstract: A mower may have a removable mower deck and a removable attachment which includes a hopper and conveyor assembly for discharging particulate material from the hopper.

Abstract: An agricultural mower including a chassis, a pivotal tongue coupled to the chassis and a transport arrangement coupled to the chassis. The transport arrangement has a first suspension element pivotal about a first axis and a second suspension element pivotal about a second axis. The second suspension element additionally being pivotal about the first axis.

Abstract: A pull-type crop engaging machine such as a rotary mower comprises a frame mounted on transversely spaced field ground wheels for movement with a hitch arm extending to a tractor and a transport assembly attached behind the frame for moving downwardly to a transport position so that in the transport position the hitch arm extends from one end of the frame generally in the transverse direction for towing the machine in the transverse direction. The transport includes a transport ground wheel which acts to raise the frame to pass underneath the crop engaging system to support the machine on the wheel, on a second wheel behind the frame and on the hitch. The movement of the hitch and the wheel is connected and started at a position of the hitch so that the machine remains balanced. A shield behind the frame includes a portion which moves with the transport wheel.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a first cutting or collection system, a height-adjustable feeder connected to the first cutting or collection system; and a hydraulic lifting device connected to the feeder. The hydraulic lifting device includes a pivotable element carried by the machine; a beam-shaped element hingedly connected at one end to the feeder and at the other end to the pivotable element; and a cylinder hingedly connected at one end to the beam-shaped element and at the other end to the pivotable element such that extension of the cylinder causes the pivotable element to pivot and a height of the feeder to change.

Abstract: A feederhouse for attaching a header to an agricultural combine has a sill plate that supports a support beam of the header during operation of the header. A mounting hook with a hooked end is supported for forward and rearward movement with respect to the sill plate. A locking pin is configured to lock the mounting hook at either of a first position and a second position with respect to the sill plate. When the support beam is supported by the sill plate and the mounting hook is locked in the first position, the header is disposed at a first angle with respect to the feederhouse. When the support beam is supported by the sill plate and the mounting hook is locked in the second position, the header is disposed at a second angle with respect to the feederhouse.

Abstract: A harvesting header and feederhouse for use with a crop harvesting machine has a feederhouse interface at a distal end of the feederhouse and a header frame providing structural support for the harvesting header. The header frame has a top beam, a bottom beam, and first and second vertical main structures connecting the top and bottom beams. The feederhouse interface and the vertical main structures of the header frame are pivotably connected to enable the header frame to pivot with respect to the feederhouse interface.

Abstract: An inclined conveyor assembly for a combine has a housing, an upper inclined conveyor roller rotatably mounted at the rear of the housing, and a lower inclined conveyor roller positioned at the front end of the housing. An endless conveying element has drivers and rotates about the lower and upper inclined conveyor rollers. A pendulum frame on which a harvester head can be mounted articulates at the front end of the housing and is pivotable about a pendulum shaft. The pendulum shaft is inclined at a rearward and upward angle.

Abstract: The feeder of a combine has at least one rotatable cam and hook, rotatable about a common axis. The cam is arranged to gradually reduce the distance between the feeder and the header by rotating the cam away from the header and the hook is arranged to grip a bar located on the header as the cam is being rotated away from the header, thereby securing the header to the feeder. A coupling mechanism automatically establishes a hydraulic and/or electric coupling between the feeder and the header, through the reduction of the distance between feeder and header.

Abstract: An attachment for laterally shifting a working implement is provided. The attachment can have a primary frame having a first side and a second side, the primary frame can be connectable to the vehicle so that the primary frame extends substantially perpendicular to the vehicle. A secondary frame can have a first side and a second side and be moveably connected to the primary frame so that the secondary frame can move laterally relative to the vehicle. An extension frame can have a first side and a second side and be moveably connected to the secondary frame so that the extension frame can move laterally relative to the vehicle. A working implement, such as a mower, can be operably connectable to the extension frame so that the working implement can be shifted laterally relative to the vehicle using the attachment.

Abstract: A system is provided that automatically stops a tractor as a function of a status of a round baler. This may include a controller such as a baler controller directly or indirectly detecting initial movement of an actuator that moves a wrapper assembly. Based on this detection, conditions for starting a wrap procedure may be determined either by actuator position or by a time period required for moving the wrapper assembly from a home position to a wrap start position. A time period required to bring the tractor to stop may be determined and compared with the time period required for the wrapper assembly to move from the home position to the wrap start position. The baler controller may send a tractor halt command signal for stopping the tractor to coordinate and synchronize bringing the tractor to a complete stop at the same time that the wrapping material is inserted and applied onto the bale at the beginning of a wrapping procedure.

Abstract: A system for positioning crop windrow guide shields projecting generally rearwardly alongside the crop discharge stream as it exits an agricultural mower. The shields are coupled for simultaneous, coordinated movement and repositioned by a powered actuator in response to either a manual input by a vehicle operator or automatically by a controller based on a steering angle deflection between a tractor and a towed implement. The system may be adapted for use with a single implement being operated on a side hill to control windrow drifting. The system may also be used with simultaneously operated front-mounted and pull-behind mowers to direct the crop discharge streams into a merged windrow.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a harvesting header of a harvesting machine is provided. The harvesting machine has a chassis on which a feeder housing is fastened. On the front side of the feeder housing a fastening device is attached. The fastening device is movable with respect to the feeder housing. On the fastening device, a harvesting header can be attached. The drive arrangement comprises an output shaft for driving the header, the output shaft being be set in rotation by the harvesting machine and is coupled with the fastening device and can move with the fastening device relative to the feeder housing. A harvesting header drive shaft of the harvesting header can be drivingly connected to the output shaft.

Abstract: An automatic connection mechanism for a mid-mounted implement to a tractor is disclosed. The automatic connection mechanism includes a rear lift linkage pivotably attached to the tractor, that automatically and releasably engage the rear of the implement. The forward lift linkage is pivotably attached to the front of the implement, and automatically and releasably engages the forward end of the tractor. A PTO coupling member also is attached to the rear lift linkage to engage an opposing PTO coupling member on the implement.

Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment of the cutting deck assembly (3) with a main structure (2) of the lawn mower (1), to allow an easy disengagement of the cutting deck assembly (3) for cleaning and maintenance processes. A ride-on lawn mower (1) comprising a main structure (2) and a front mounted cutting deck assembly (3), wherein the main structure (2) comprises an elongated support member (4) for supporting the cutting deck assembly (3) in an operable position, characterized in that the cutting deck assembly (3) comprises an elongated attachment portion (8) adapted for sliding engagement with the support member (4) of the main structure (2) to form a rigidly secured mounting of the cutting deck assembly (3) to the main structure (2) and to enable a sliding dismounting of the cutting deck assembly (3) from the main structure (2).

Abstract: A method of gradually relieving pressure in a hydraulic system of a work machine, wherein a pump in fluid communication with the hydraulic system and a fluid reservoir, is operable for pressurizing fluid from the reservoir and pumping the pressurized fluid into the hydraulic system, wherein the pump is restrictive to fluid flow therethrough when not operating, and the hydraulic system includes at least one valve in fluid communication with the work element configured for receiving the pressurized fluid. The valve is controllably operable in at least two operating modes, including a first mode wherein the pressurized fluid can pass therethrough between the pump and the work element or elements, and a second mode wherein the fluid is prevented from passing between the pump and the work element.

Abstract: An automatic connection mechanism for a mid-mounted implement to a tractor is disclosed. The automatic connection mechanism includes a rear lift linkage pivotably attached to the tractor, that automatically and releasably engage the rear of the implement. The forward lift linkage is pivotably attached to the front of the implement, and automatically and releasably engages the forward end of the tractor. A PTO coupling member also is attached to the rear lift linkage to engage an opposing PTO coupling member on the implement.

Abstract: An automatic connection mechanism for a mid-mounted implement to a tractor is disclosed. The automatic connection mechanism includes a rear lift linkage pivotably attached to the tractor, that automatically and releasably engage the rear of the implement. The forward lift linkage is pivotably attached to the front of the implement, and automatically and releasably engages the forward end of the tractor. A PTO coupling member also is attached to the rear lift linkage to engage an opposing PTO coupling member on the implement.

Abstract: An automatic connection mechanism for a mid-mounted implement to a tractor. The automatic connection mechanism includes a rear lift linkage pivotably attached to the tractor, that automatically and releasably engage the rear of the implement. The forward lift linkage is pivotably attached to the front of the implement, and automatically and releasably engages the forward end of the tractor. A PTO coupling member also is attached to the rear lift linkage to engage an opposing PTO coupling member on the implement.

Abstract: A mid-mount riding rotary mower which has a two-piece frame. The frame includes a front section that is pivotally connected to a rear section. The mower deck is carried beneath the mower between the front and rear wheels and is attached to the front frame and follows the movement of the front wheels. The front frame includes swing arms that allow the front wheels to spread open and be clamped for different operating conditions. The mower deck can be removed from underneath the mower when the arms are fully spread.

Abstract: A control system for the header flotation and lift hydraulics of an agricultural windrower that manages the effective and efficient removal of the header.

Abstract: A device for mounting an edge trimmer to a lawnmower, comprising a front clamp mounted to the lawnmower, and a rear clamp mounted to the lawnmower, wherein the front and rear clamps receive and support a shaft of the edge trimmer, and are adjustable to different angles with respect to a first axis substantially parallel to a surface on which the lawnmower rests.

Abstract: A mid-mount riding rotary mower which has a two-piece frame. The frame includes a front section that is pivotally connected to a rear section. The mower deck is carried beneath the mower between the front and rear wheels. The mower deck is attached to the front frame and follows the movement of the front wheels. The front frame includes swing arms that carry the front wheels from a first position in front of the mower to a side position for deck maintenance. In the maintenance position the deck can be removed from under the mower easily by rolling the deck forward. Either detachment of the deck or telescoping arms enable the deck to be moved out from under the mower. The deck can then be tilted up to a stable vertical orientation for maintenance of the blades.

Abstract: An automatic latch assembly for coupling a combine feeder and combine header, said latch comprising a slidable gearbox and a telescopic jack shaft assembly extending therefrom, a hydraulic activation assembly, and spring-loaded couplers.

Abstract: The mounting mechanism comprise: on the straddle carrier side, a main frame mounted on wheels and suitable for selective lifting and lowering of the main frame in relation to the ground; on the equipment side, an auxiliary frame suitable for fixing to the main frame using detachable connection mechanism allowing it to be detached; and of a number of struts for supporting the auxiliary frame on the ground when the auxiliary frame is separated from the main frame. The main frame and the auxiliary frame both comprise a pair of parallel, substantially horizontal girders. One of the frames comprises mechanism for longitudinal guidance able to co-operate with the girders on the other frame to guide the two frames in along each other, when the main frame moves longitudinally with respect to the auxiliary frame supported by the struts.

Abstract: A mid-mount riding rotary mower is disclosed. The mower has a two-piece frame. The frame includes a front section that is pivotally connected to a rear section. The mower deck is carried beneath the mower between the front and rear wheels. The mower deck is attached to the front frame and follows the movement of the front wheels. The front frame includes swing arms that carry the front wheels from a first position in front of the mower to a side position for deck maintenance. In the maintenance position the deck can be removed from under the mower easily by rolling the deck forward. The deck can then be tilted up to a stable vertical orientation for maintenance of the blades.

Abstract: An automatic connection mechanism for a mid-mounted implement to a tractor is disclosed. The automatic connection mechanism includes a rear lift linkage pivotably attached to the tractor, that automatically and releasably engage the rear of the implement. The forward lift linkage is pivotably attached to the front of the implement, and automatically and releasably engages the forward end of the tractor. A PTO coupling member also is attached to the rear lift linkage to engage an opposing PTO coupling member on the implement.

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: An underbelly mower has a cutting deck suspended beneath a frame by a height adjustment mechanism. The deck is adjusted between different cutting heights by extendable mechanical advantage device such as an electric screw and hydraulic ram operating in cooperation with the height adjustment mechanism. The mechanical advantage device also operably moves the deck between a cutting configuration and a maintenance configuration. A deck quick release and attachment mechanism, including hook members, operably allows a user to quickly and easily disconnect and reconnect a rear of deck to the frame when moving between cutting and maintenance configurations.

Abstract: An automatic latch assembly for coupling a combine feeder and combine header, said latch comprising a slidable gearbox and a telescopic jack shaft assembly extending therefrom, a hydraulic activation assembly, and spring-loaded couplers.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester is disclosed having a crop processor movable into and out of the crop flow path and a service compartment arranged rearwardly of the crop flow path for accommodating an operator. A lifting mechanism is provided in the service compartment which is movable between a first position above the crop processor when the latter is withdrawn from the crop flow path and a second position outside the service compartment.

Abstract: A combination of a harvesting machine, a crop picking head, and a vehicle to support the crop picking head. The vehicle features a mount and at least one wheel extending down from the mount that supports the crop picking head and alleviates the weight on the front wheels of the self-propelled harvesting machine when driving on the road. The vehicle is attached to the crop picking head when driving on the road and detached from the crop picking head when harvesting a field. The crop picking head includes a support frame which supports the harvesting equipment. In the preferred design, the mount is connected such that the support forces of the vehicle pass directly to the support frame rather than load more fragile components of the crop picking head.

Abstract: A mower deck assembly which essentially “flips up” or raises from a mowing configuration to an access configuration with minimal manipulation of controls and manual lifting. A deck is connected to a frame by a parallelogram suspension which includes front and rear support arms. A rear of the deck removably connects through a height adjustment mechanism that includes the hook and capture device selectively allows the rear of the deck to swing freely so that when the mower is in a non mowing configuration. The deck has mounted thereon a plurality of pulleys, including blade pulleys connected by a single drive belt and driven by a single motor. One of the pulleys is a tension pulley that can be manipulated to disengage the pulley system. The front of the suspension includes a fine height adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: Pivoting hooks usable with four bar parallelogram implement lift linkages are provided. The hooks are pivotally attached at the forward edge of the implement to receive the cross bar of a suspension mechanism such as that taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,617. The pivotal connection and axis about which the hooks are supported on the deck comprise one corner of the four bar parallelogram lift linkage. The hooks pivot forwardly and downwardly to receive the cross bar and then swing up as tension is applied to the hanger to support the deck. As the cross bar slides forwardly into the throats of the hooks when the hanger is tensioned, it is retained in the proper parallelogram lift geometry so that the deck remains level as it is adjusted throughout its vertical cutting height. The use of the pivoting hooks permits decks with extended fore and aft dimensions to be used with existing four bar parallelogram designs.

Abstract: A hinge assembly hingedly connects a first mower frame member defining a first frame hole to a second mower frame member defining a second frame hole, wherein at least one of the first and second frame members is a frame member of a mower deck of the mower.

Abstract: A tool lifting apparatus for gardening vehicles such as lawn mowers or the like, of the type that comprises a lever-type frame, which supports the tool and is associated with hydraulic-cylinder lifting actuators, coupled between the frame and the vehicle chassis. The lever-type frame is coupled to the vehicle chassis to perform oscillations with respect to a longitudinal axis. The lever-type frame defines a third-class lever in which the lever fulcrum is arranged to the rear of, and parallel to, the front axle of the vehicle and to the rear of the actuators.

Abstract: A hinge assembly hingedly connects a first mower frame member defining a first frame hole to a second mower frame member defining a second frame hole, wherein at least one of the first and second frame members is a frame member of a mower deck of the mower.

Abstract: A device for suspending a mower cutting deck that includes a retention member connected with the frame of a vehicle. The retention member receives a linkage bridging the cutting deck and the frame. To receive this linkage, the retention member includes a channel having a top end through which the linkage is inserted and a bottom end in which the linkage seats when the deck and the frame are connected. A throat portion is provided between the top and bottom ends. The throat portion is laterally offset from the ends and provides an abutment which opposes inadvertent vertical movement of the linkage beyond the bottom end to substantially prevent it from moving out of the retention member. With this opposition, the deck can maintain its attachment with the frame of the vehicle while using a minimal amount of hardware.

Abstract: A lawn care vehicle with a tool attachment such as spiral-bladed mowing units arranged in front and underneath the lawn care vehicle in offset fashion. A tool frame to which the tool attachments are mounted is received within rails for allowing the tool frame to shift longitudinally with respect to the rails, thereby allowing the tool frame and tool attachments to shift outwardly with respect to the vehicle frame to maintenance positions.

Abstract: Pivoting hooks usable with four bar parallelogram implement lift linkages are provided. The hooks are pivotally attached at the forward edge of the implement to receive the cross bar of a suspension mechanism such as that taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,617. The pivotal connection and axis about which the hooks are supported on the deck comprise one corner of the four bar parallelogram lift linkage. The hooks pivot forwardly and downwardly to receive the cross bar and then swing up as tension is applied to the hanger to support the deck. As the cross bar slides forwardly into the throats of the hooks when the hanger is tensioned, it is retained in the proper parallelogram lift geometry so that the deck remains level as it is adjusted throughout its vertical cutting height. The use of the pivoting hooks permits decks with extended fore and aft dimensions to be used with existing four bar parallelogram designs.

Abstract: Pivoting hooks usable with four bar parallelogram implement lift linkages are provided. The hooks are pivotally attached at the forward edge of the implement to receive the cross bar of a suspension mechanism such as that taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,617. The pivotal connection and axis about which the hooks are supported on the deck comprise one corner of the four bar parallelogram lift linkage. The hooks pivot forwardly and downwardly to receive the cross bar and then swing up as tension is applied to the hanger to support the deck. As the cross bar slides forwardly into the throats of the hooks when the hanger is tensioned, it is retained in the proper parallelogram lift geometry so that the deck remains level as it is adjusted throughout its vertical cutting height. The use of the pivoting hooks permits decks with extended fore and aft dimensions to be used with existing four bar parallelogram designs.