Abstract: A harvesting header includes a cutter bed having a plurality of cutting elements arranged transverse to the header and a crop chopping and conditioning region having a crop chopping device and a crop conditioning device. The crop chopping device is configured to chop crop cut by the cutter bed into smaller lengths and the crop conditioning device is configured to crimp the crop to aid in drying. The first chopping roller has a tubular, cylindrically-shaped body and a plurality of parallel knife-mounting lugs extending radially outward along substantially the full length of the body. A plurality of chopping knives are attached to the knife-mounting lugs and arranged around the body, each chopping knife having a length that is shorter than the length of the knife-mounting lug to which it is attached such that each chopping knife covers only a portion of the lateral length of the first chopping roller.

Abstract: A round module builder for forming a round module. The round module builder comprising a first module-forming portion configured to receive a crop. A second module-forming portion is pivotally coupleable to the first module-forming portion. The first module-forming portion and the second module-forming portion are configured to rotate the crop into the round module. A wrapping device is coupleable to at least one of the first module-forming portion and the second module-forming portion. The wrapping device is configured to position a wrap onto the round module. A wrap indication device is coupleable to at least one of the first module-forming portion and the second module-forming portion. The wrap indication device is configured to measure an indication of the wrap on the round module.

Abstract: A flail rotor head attachment for use with any type harvesting machine having crop residue processing elements and including an input opening for receiving crop residue. The attachment includes a frame structure for operatively coupling the attachment to the harvesting machine, a flail rotor and an auger each mounted on the frame structure and a drive mechanism for rotating the flail rotor and the auger. The flail rotor includes a plurality of cutting elements for picking up and chopping crop residue from a field. The auger includes at least two flightings positioned in opposite directions for funneling crop residue towards the opening of the harvesting machine. Another embodiment includes a rake positioned between the flail rotor and the auger, the rake and the flail rotor rotating in the same direction and the auger rotating in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A wide cut harvesting platform includes a rotary cutter bar having right- and left-hand outer and inner cutting units having respective inner and outer cutting discs at its opposite ends rotating in appropriate opposite directions for conveying cut crop from outer ends of the cutter bar to a central crop discharge path leading to a crop conditioning arrangement extending across the path. A first embodiment includes horizontal, right- and left-hand converging augers mounted so as to diverge forwardly above inner and outer cutting discs at the opposite ends of the cutter bar from locations at opposite sides of the discharge path and forward of the conditioner arrangement. A second embodiment includes first and second forwardly diverging augers like the first embodiment but being shorter and respectively terminating outwardly adjacent right- and left-hand converging drums respectively mounted to, and for rotating together with the right- and left-hand outer cutting discs.

Abstract: The drive has an input rotatable about an upstanding rotational axis and carries a cam followed by a pivot arm pivotable about an upstanding pivotal axis. A power source is connected in rotatably driving relation to the input. The pivot arm connects to a knife assembly of a sickle. The input, cam 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 offset movement of the cam about the rotational axis, resulting in sideward pivoting of the pivot arm and sickle knife. A second cam drive can oppositely drive a second sickle knife, such that opposite forces generated by operation of the drives will be largely canceled.

Abstract: A feed drum for an agricultural harvesting head has fingers extending through the surface of the feed drum that translate laterally and generally parallel to the rotational axis of the feed drum as the feed drum rotates to compress the crop mat laterally inwardly toward a central axial portion of the feed drum.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header with a cutter bar and a draper assembly has a draper canvas driven by a drive roller with a cylindrical roller body having an outer surface surrounding an axis of rotation of the roller for engaging an inner drive surface of a canvas wrapped therearound. The roller has a plurality of ribs arranged on the outer surface of the roller body extending along a part of the body in an axial direction and angularly spaced around the outer surface. The ribs have a height less than 6 mm and a width less than 6 mm arranged such that the ribs do not engage into any recesses in the drive surface of the canvas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural machine such as a combine harvester. The machine comprises a feeder (1) such as a straw elevator, and a detachable header (2). The feeder comprises at least one rotatable cam (15) and a hook (16), rotatable about a common axis (14). The cam is arranged to gradually reduce the distance between the feeder and the header by rotating the cam (15) away from the header and the hook is arranged to grip a bar or pin (18) located on the header as the cam is being rotated away from the header, thereby securing the header to the feeder. An agricultural machine according to the invention further is equipped with a coupling mechanism (20) for automatically establishing a hydraulic and/or electric coupling between the feeder and the header, the coupling being actuated through the reduction of the distance between feeder and header.

Abstract: A mower-conditioner including a plant mowing mechanism including a cutting device, a plant conditioning system and a mechanism lifting these elements relative to the ground, this assembly being carried by a frame and including a fairing, the machine also including a plant ejection channel positioned as an extension of the plant conditioning system. The fairing is articulated to the plant ejection channel by a transverse axis that is positioned inside the machine, above and slightly behind the plant conditioning system, and the plant ejection channel is itself articulated to the frame.

Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester is provided having a frame, a chopping drum, an accelerator arranged downstream of the chopping drum and a channel between the chopping drum and the accelerator. The channel has a section in which a conditioning unit or a hollow shell can be selectively inserted. The conditioning unit and the hollow shell are jointly supported on a pivot arm pivotable by way of a displacement drive about a pivot axis running horizontally and transverse to the forward direction. The conditioning unit is mounted on the pivot arm rotatably about an axis parallel to the pivot axis. The conditioning unit cooperates with the frame by way of a positive guide, which has the effect that the conditioning unit rotates about the axis in the same direction as the pivot arm.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine is provided having a frame, a crop processing unit that is movable with respect to the frame between an operating position, in which it is inserted into a channel through which crop can flow, and a non-operating position outside the channel. A transport unit is provided with a first arm articulated to the frame of the harvesting machine pivotably about a first vertical axis, a winch and a traction device connected to the winch for lifting the crop processing unit out of its non-operating position and for moving the crop processing unit into a position outside the harvesting machine. The transport unit further is provided with a second arm holding the traction device and articulated to the outer end of the first arm pivotably about a second vertical axis.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the present invention employ either a sensor in communication with the auger or a sensor in the form of a switch operated by the user of the auger. When the sensor detects that the auger is operating or the switch is operated by the auger operator, an indication of auger operation is published to a remote location. The indication may be in the form of an aural or visual indication or in the form of a wireless transmission.

Abstract: A motor support system including a motor having a shaft rotatably secured to and maintained in a substantially axial alignment with a second shaft configured to change angular orientation along at least one plane of travel perpendicular to the axial alignment.

Abstract: A continuous flow transport system is disclosed for transporting harvested crops from a forage harvester to a processing plant in a slurry form.

Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting machine is provided that has operating devices to take-up and/or process harvested crop, which can be driven by means of a drive belt, that can be driven by a belt pulley about an axis of rotation extending horizontally and transverse to the forward operating direction of the harvesting machine. Two internal combustion engines are provided on the harvesting machine and each are supported on the frame arranged side by side alongside each other relative to the forward operating direction, with crankshafts extending in the forward operating direction. A connecting gearbox is arranged ahead of the internal combustion engines in the forward direction of operation and is connected or can be connected so as to drive with the first crankshaft, the second crankshaft and the belt pulley. The connecting gearbox includes two angle gearboxes that are connected to a transverse shaft arranged in the transverse direction that is connected or may be connected, in turn, with the belt pulley.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supply of treating fluid to a cutting apparatus directly to cut vegetation substantially simultaneously with the cutting of the vegetation. Treating fluid is delivered from the supply to an intermediate, sealed reservoir into which a desired volume of treating fluid is maintained and a rotary shaft seal is provided to seal the reservoir against entrance of debris. The treating fluid is then delivered from the sealed reservoir, via centrifugal force, through a channel to a passageway formed in the bolt connecting the cutting blade to a blade mount of the mower.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for processing crop materials in a forage harvester. The apparatus may comprise a pair of rotatable rollers for cutting crop materials passed between the rollers, and a bifurcated frame supporting the rollers in a proximate condition to each other. The bifurcated frame includes a first frame portion and a second frame portion, with a first one of the rollers being mounted on the first frame portion for moving with the first portion and a second one of the rollers being mounted on the second frame portion. The first frame portion may be movable with respect to the second frame portion to move the first roller laterally away from the second roller.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame, and a pair of crop processing rolls carried by the frame and defining a nip therebetween. At least one of the crop processing rolls includes an outer surface with a plurality of cleats. Each cleat has a leading edge with an undercut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for baling crop materials using a baler with a pickup thereon for picking up crop materials from the ground and moving such crop materials towards a baling chamber. The pickup has a pickup frame operatively attached to the baler, the frame having a plurality of laterally spaced apart tines of a type which is typical for balers. A powered rotor is rotationally attached to the baler a predetermined distance above and forwardly of the pickup frame, the rotor being powered to rotate in at least one direction.

Abstract: A machine is provided for harvesting stalk-like crop, with a frame, to which in each case at least three mowing and intake arrangements are attached of which the first mowing and intake arrangement that is directly adjoining the longitudinal center plane of the machine and can be driven in such a way that their forward regions of the machine, as seen in the forward operating direction, move towards the outside. The second mowing and intake arrangements, that follow the first mowing and intake arrangement to the outside move in the opposite direction to the first mowing and intake arrangements. The third mowing and intake arrangements, which follow the second mowing and intake arrangements to the outside, are driven in the same direction as the first mowing and intake arrangements.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame, and a pair of crop processing rolls carried by the frame and defining a nip therebetween. At least one of the crop processing rolls includes an outer surface with a plurality of cleats. Each cleat has a leading edge with an undercut.

Abstract: A header has a feed drum with a tapered ends that extends forward of the back sheets of the header to engage cut crop material.

Abstract: A device for processing fodder including a rotor driven in rotation about its longitudinal axis, a first guide element partially surrounding the rotor, a second guide element configured to occupy at least two positions relative to the rotor, a first control member configured to move the first guide element into at least two positions relative to the rotor and to hold the first guide element in these positions, a link between the first guide element and the second guide element so that a change of position of the first guide element modifies the position of the second guide element, and a second control member configured to dispose the second guide element according to the various configurations.

Abstract: A rod for rotating rod-bands for agricultural machines, and a method of making the same, are provided. The rod comprises a rod body and metallic securement pieces serving for placement on flexible, pull-resistant belts. The securement piece has a first, flat length section secured to one of the belts by rivets or the like, and a second length section with a sleeve-like configuration for accommodating the rod body.

Abstract: A forage harvester chopper arrangement is located within a housing provided with an access door mounted for pivoting vertically between a chopping position, wherein access to the chopping arrangement is prevented, and a grinding position, permitting access to the chopping arrangement by a grinding arrangement. A locking arrangement is associated with the access door and an actuator is coupled to the access door and the locking arrangement by a linkage containing lost-motion means which operates such that when moving the access door to its grinding position, the locking arrangement is moved to its unlocked position prior to the access door being raised to its grinding position, and such that when returning the access door to its chopping position, the access door is closed before the locking arrangement is moved to its locked position.

Abstract: A device for treating forage, intended to accelerate the drying and comprising a rotor which is rotated about an axis and includes a support and at least one conditioning element. The conditioning element includes at least one active part which is used to work the forage, a first connecting part which is used to connect the conditioning element to the support via a first connection, and a second connection which connects the conditioning element to the support if the first connection breaks.

Abstract: A mower-conditioner includes a pair of conditioner rolls oriented for feeding crop along a flight path extending upwardly toward an impact surface of a swath forming shield. A crop deflector includes a panel disposed so as to intersect the flight path at a location between the conditioner rolls and the impact surface of the swath forming shield so as to cause the crop to follow a steeper path so that it impacts the forming shield with greater impact than it would otherwise, which causes the crop to fall in a random orientation so as to form a fluffy windrow.

Abstract: In a forage harvester having a cutter for chopping gathered crop material, a unit is arranged downstream of the cutter, the unit including an accelerator arranged in the path of crop flow for propelling the crop towards a discharge spout, and a crop processor for cracking kernels which is selectively movable into and out of the crop flow path at a location between the cutter and the accelerator. The accelerator comprises a rotor and housing which are together movable towards the cutter when the crop processor is withdrawn from the crop flow path.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine that comprises a crop processing mechanism and an elevator assembly for conveying harvested crop material to the crop processing mechanism is provided. The elevator assembly comprises an elevator housing, an elevator mechanism mounted in the housing, at least two flexible endless members, and a plurality of slats mounted transversely to the flexible members. The slats have an S-shaped cross section that provides additional strength tot the slats while reducing the chance of damage to the crop conveyed by these slats.

Abstract: An externally installable and removable bearing and shaft assembly for supporting an end of a rotatable member for rotation relative to a support member or structure, which when installed, applies an axial preload force against a shaft of the assembly, for reducing the occurrence of flexure or bending of the shaft due to side loads during the rotation which can lead to fatigue failure including shaft breakage.

Abstract: A mounting assembly and a rotational position sensor adapted for indicating a rotational position of a feeder of an agricultural combine relative to a frame or chassis supporting the feeder for rotation, utilizing a transfer shaft for connecting a rotatable element of the sensor to a rotatable member of the feeder, which can be a pivot member or pin which pivotally supports the feeder on the combine frame or chassis for rotation relative thereto about an axis through the center of the pivot member or pin. The transfer shaft is held or captured in a housing of the mounting assembly that also supports the sensor, the shaft being allowed to rotate about an axis of rotation of the rotatable element of the sensor. A mounting bracket holds the housing and the sensor on the combine in a predetermined, fixed position and orientation, for holding the protruding end of the shaft in engagement with the rotatable member.

Abstract: Hay and forages, these days, are often mown, conditioned, and tedded. A disc mower with strap-type protrusions or fingers extending radially outward from the shaft turning the discs and extending upward from the cutting knives several inches will provide each of these three actions at once.

Abstract: A draper header includes two side drapers each running from an outer end guide roller at a first end of the header to an inner end guide roller adjacent the discharge location of the header and a central feed draper located at the discharge location and including a front guide roller just behind the cutter bar and running to a rear guide roller in front of the feeder house of the combine harvester. An auger is located between the discharge rollers with a front edge of the flight forward of the rear end of the discharge rollers to feed the material inwardly and underneath the auger to the inlet of the feeder house. The feed draper carries cleats which are angled to the rollers in two sections converging to a central leading apex to reduce forces on the cleat as they pass over the front guide roller which is of reduced diameter to fit within a small space adjacent the cutter bar.

Abstract: A drive system for a crop processing device and for a crop transport device of a forage harvester, can be operated at least in a first operational mode and in a second operational mode. In the first operational mode, the crop processing device is driven by a first drive power supplying device, and at least part of the drive power is made available to the crop transport device by a second drive power supplying device. The second drive power supplying device is a reversible, variable speed device and is solely coupled to the crop processing device when the drive system is in a second operational mode. In order to prevent a movement of the crop transport device in the second operational mode, in which, e.g., the crop processing device can be worked with a sharpening device, a stop device is suggested that stops the crop transport device in the second operational mode.

Abstract: A machine for harvesting forage including in particular a cutting mechanism and a device for treating the cut products. The treatment device includes at least two ribbed rollers which are driven in rotation by a transmission. The transmission includes at least one flexible element which collaborates with a driving member and driven members which are mounted on shafts which drive the rotation of the rollers. At least one of the driven members is mounted on its shaft by a freewheel configured to transmit rotational movement from the driven member to the shaft in just one direction.

Abstract: A reimpactor for an agricultural flail-conditioner is described to redirect conditioned crop to the rotating flail-conditioner for additional treatment prior to depositing it on the ground for drying. The reimpactor is constructed partially of a shock-absorbent material, such as urethane, so that it may retain its shape even upon impact with foreign objects such as stones or misshapen flails, thus displaying significant longevity and durability characteristics.

Abstract: A treatment device for treating cut fodder includes a treatment rotor, first and second supports, and a driving device for driving the treatment rotor. The first support of the treatment device is located near a first end of the treatment rotor. The first support includes a first bearing in which the first end of the treatment rotor is guided in its rotation. The driving device includes a transmission device. The transmission device includes a first and second wheels, at least one endless transmission member, and a regulating or adjusting mechanism for regulating or adjusting the tension in the at least one endless transmission member. The second wheel of the transmission device is mounted on the first end of the treatment rotor. The at least one endless transmission member is wound around both the first and second wheels of the transmission device.

Abstract: Bale collector having a mobile frame for connecting behind a bale delivery device, such as a baler, by which round bales can be deposited at desired points on the land. The bale collector provides a storage place for a single round bale, a non-return element for preventing rolling back of the bale from the rear and a tilt control element connected between the frame and the rear bearing part for tilting a rear end of the rear bearing part between an upper position of a collecting state and a lower position of an unloading state.