Abstract: A ground clearing machine including a mobile frame supporting a perforated drum positioned to receive debris upon forward movement of the frame. An internal driven shaft pivotally mounts flails and flexible blades alternating with the flails. The combined action of the flails and blades pulverizes the debris for rearward discharge through the drum perforations.

Abstract: A ground grooming machine including a mobile frame supporting a central elongate air flow assembly producing a downwardly directed pressurized flow of air within confining arcuate baffles. A brush assembly with two elongate floating brushes mount on the frame forward of the air flow assembly, and a single floating brush mounts on the frame in following relation to the air flow assembly.

Abstract: A crop stripper has a moving shaker pan between the stripper drum and an auger receiving the gathered crop parts from the drum. The pan has a conveying platform arranged in a series of descending steps from the stripper drum to the auger. It is constrained to oscillate in a manner in which the front end has both horizontal and vertical components of movement whereas the rear end moves along a small downwards incline. It is found that these features help to promote the rearward movement of crop parts such as grain, so reducing spillage in the space between the stripper drum and the auger.

Abstract: A brush cutter work head (20) has a protective shroud (36) with a vertical side opening (40) to expose a portion of a circular cutting blade (42) to enable the blade (42) to cut brush. A spray nozzle (82) is mounted on a sliding member (74) that slides within a tubular housing (58) incorporated into the work head housing (28). The sliding member (74) has a retracted position in which the nozzle (82) is positioned above a portion of the housing (28), and a projecting use position in which the nozzle (82) is aligned with the opening (40) above and outward of the blade (42). A gripping thumb (44) is pivotally mounted on the work head housing (28) and is operated by an actuator (52) within the housing (28) to pivot between a flush nonuse position and a gripping position in which it opposes a jaw (38) formed by a lower portion of the shroud (36).

Abstract: A device with which mowed straw material is prepared, that is, broken up into fibers, in order to speed up the drying process. In order to create a compact device that effectively prepares the straw material, there is an aggregate 3 provided with a central roll 5, to which there are assigned planetary rolls 6, 7 arranged around part of the outer circumference and rotating in the opposing direction, and the straw material is led into the clearance zone between the planetary rolls 6, 7 and the central roll 5. In order to improve preparation, the central roll 5, as well as the planetary rolls 6, 7, are provided with a surface structure matched to one another. The aggregate 3 comprises all components necessary for preparation and can be pre-assembled and installed in a grass-matting machine in vibration-isolated fashion via the elastic support 20.

Abstract: A crop hold down arrangement for a pick-up comprises a roll supported by means of pivot arms from the frame so as to enable the arms to pivot vertically and guide the roll in the direction of crop being fed by a tined pick-up drum to a conveyor in response to an increase in the height of a crop windrow being picked up. A chain is provided between the frame and roll-support arm to limit the downward travel of the arm so as to keep the roll from interfering with the tined pick-up drum. A spring assembly is provided for counterbalancing at least a portion of the weight of the arm and roll assembly so that the roll will easily rise over a relatively light and fluffy crop windrow.

Abstract: In a method of conditioning crop which is continuously processed by means of movable tools of at least one driven tool carrier, the components of the crop are introduced into spaces between the movable tools of the same tool carrier before at least the stalks are squeezed by the tools by narrowing the interspaces, and the components are subsequently discharged by increasing the interspaces again. In the apparatus for carrying out the method, tools (W) are elongated and shaped in the form of rods, fingers or bristles and are arranged on tool carrier (T) with interspaces (Z) approximately in parallel with each other and at a predetermined adjusted density (G1) at which transverse distances (a1) of at least stalk thickness (d) exist between adjacent tools (W).

Abstract: A crop conditioner has a frame adapted to travel along the ground, an upstream pair of vertically spaced ribbed rollers to which is supplied a stream of crop to be conditioned, and a downstream pair of ribbed rollers downstream of the upstream pair. A drive counterrotates the upstream rollers at a predetermined speed and thereby takes in the crop stream, conditions it, and puts it out toward the downstream rollers. A drive also counterrotates the downstream rollers at a predetermined speed which is different from the predetermined speed of the upstream rollers and thereby takes in the crop stream from the upstream pair, conditions it, and outputs it, normally laying it back on the ground.

Abstract: The invention concerns a new arrangement of the reaping platform of harvesting machines with a feed drum (2) supported behind the cutter bar (3) in the direction of travel and with, where appropriate, a reel (5) interacting with it, the bearing arrangement of the feed drum (2) being adjustable forwards and backwards in the horizontal direction relative to the cutter bar (3) and, if appropriate, being adjustable so that it can move up and down in the vertical direction relative to the bottom of the reaping platform trough (1).

Abstract: A windrow inverter having a crop pick-up mechanism operable to elevate a windrow of crop material from the ground onto a transversely moveable draper conveyor is disclosed wherein a wing draper attachment mounted on the frame of the windrow inverter on the opposing side of the transverse cross conveyor from the discharge chute. The wing extension is moveable between a raised transport position and a lowered operating position and is latched into the selected position by a latching mechanism. A hydraulic system is provided to operatively drive the draper for the wing extension and the cross conveyor in opposing directions to permit the windrow inverter to be utilized to discharge windrows of crop material to either selected side of the windrow inverter. The drive mechanism utilizes a selective combination of a mechanical ground drive and a hydraulic drive to power the operation of the pick-up mechanism, cross conveyor and wing attachment.

Abstract: A cost- and labor-effective, efficient, safe, and easy-to-use lawn care apparatus is provided. The apparatus can not only cut grass as known in the art but can also be used to dispense liquid either behind its cutting path or by a manually directed wand. A tank agitation feature period continuous intermixing of the tank.

Abstract: A self-propelled compost windrow turning and aerating machine includes a longitudinally extending vehicle main frame supported on a pair of front wheels and a rear castered wheel. An upper longitudinally extending subframe is swingably supported from the rear end of the main frame to raise and lower the front end of the subframe relative to the main frame. A blower housing mounted on the subframe has a material admitting opening leading to a rotary fan provided in the housing, the blower housing having a discharge opening with a spout for directing material blown out of the housing. Material debridging and feeding mechanism supported on the subframe in advance of the blower housing removes material from a compost windrow and delivers it to the material admitting opening, and an engine drive system powers the front wheels, the fan, and the material debridging and feeding mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of forage material and other agricultural plants by crushing and impact maceration. The apparatus includes a pair of rotatable, generally cylindrical crushing rollers and a rotatable impact rotor having outwardly extending projections such as fins. Forage material is first passed between the crushing rollers where force applied to the rollers flattens the tubular structure of the plant stem, splitting or creating longitudinal cracks and making the plant fiber more compliant and ribbon-like. Additional maceration occurs as the crushed material is next impacted by the impact rotor, resulting in further splitting and separation of the stems into ribbons. The resultant macerated forage material produced may be subsequently pressed into mats for accelerated field drying. The mats could then be harvested by either baling or chopping when the desired moisture content is achieved.

Abstract: A conditioning roll for use in an agricultural machine for conditioning crop material includes a hollow inner core and an outer shell bonded to the inner core. The inner core has a plurality of ridges extending generally lengthwise thereof. These ridges form a plurality of generally longitudinal lobes on an exterior surface of the conditioning roll. The inner core is preferably formed of extruded aluminum while the outer shell is preferably formed of a relatively thin layer of polyurethane, resulting in a conditioning roll that is lightweight.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in the conveying of a crop that has been cut. The apparatus is designed to be installed in front of a conventional pick-up normally mounted on the platform of a combine, baler or the like. Initial engagement of the downed crop is by this auxiliary pick-up. This pick-up is substantially smaller in diameter than the conventional one, it is mounted so that it can be adjusted to handle various types of crops and land conditions, it has a tooth wear adjustment, the teeth are mounted in an outward spiral from the center to throw out rocks and dirt and the teeth are extremely easy to mount.

Abstract: An implement for processing mown crop having a plurality of mower members and a crop processing member. The crop processing member has a hood and a carrier, to which are fitted tine-shaped elements by means of connecting members, that cooperate to process by crushing or crimping, the crop cut by the mowing members. The connecting members provide supporting walls on the side of the tine-shaped elements facing away from the side from which they are loaded during normal operation. The supporting wall encloses, at least at the upper portion of the connecting member, an angle with the tine-shaped element that permits the tine-shaped element, made at least partly of a synthetic resin material, to bend thereby absorbing the shock and lessening the potential for damage when solid objects are intermingled with the crop being processed.

Abstract: A hay conditioning unit includes drier units which utilize microwave energy to dry hay as that hay moves through a housing on a conveyor belt. Various temperature and moisture sensors are located along the path of the hay to sense the temperature and moisture of the hay so that hay can be discharged from the unit to have a precisely controlled moisture and protein level. Other controls are included to permit such state conditions to be controlled in a desired manner, and further controls are included to permit manually overriding the automatic process controls.

Abstract: A mower includes a frame having a connecting mechanism for connecting the frame to a motor vehicle. The mower also includes at least one harvesting mechanism which comprises cutting elements and is connected to the frame through a suspension device. The suspension device permits the displacement in height of the harvesting mechanism relative to the frame. The mower further includes a lightening device operatively connected to the harvesting mechanism and comprising at least one spring connected directly to the harvesting mechanism. The lightening device makes it possible to reduce the pressure with which the harvesting mechanism rests on the ground by transferring a part of the weight of the harvesting mechanism to the frame.

Abstract: A mower-conditioner drive system includes a main support casting having an outwardly projecting stub shaft and an inwardly projecting pivot pin mounted to an upright wall section at one end of a header frame. A slip clutch is received on the stub shaft and includes a main drive plate coupled to one shaft of an angle gear box and includes inner and outer pressure plates connected for being frictionally driven by the drive plate, the inner pressure plate having a main drive spur gear integral therewith and the outer pressure plate having a drive sheave integral therewith. The main drive spur gear forms part of a drive train for driving either a pair of conditioner rolls or for driving an impeller conditioner while the drive sheave is coupled by a belt for driving either a sickle-type cutterbar or a rotary type cutterbar.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting crop including a rotor (11) mounting on a movable frame (12) and carrying a succession of transverse combs (14) each formed of an array of outwardly projectint teetch (15) traverse to the direction of movement of the apparatus through the crop. Each tooth (15) is pointed with side edges diverging away from the distal tip of the tooth. The rotor rotates in the overshot mode and the combs intrude into the crop and gather crop stems between adjacent pairs of teeth and detach grain and grain heads, or other required crop parts, by rubbing or breaking the parts free from the stems. The junction of adjacent teeth (15) preferably has an enlarged aperture (21) to assist striping and to allow withdrawal of striped stems. In other embodiments, the teeth may be replaced by a brush-like structure or by rods or other crop engaging elements, backed by plain transverse ribs for collecting and conveying detached crop parts.

Abstract: A self-propelled harvester, in particular for green fodder, comprises a cutter bar, an auger, a conveyor belt, a first crop conditioning device, a transport belt, a buffer space, a dosing roller, a second crop conditioning device, and a depositing belt for depositing the harvested and conditioned fodder onto the ground in the form of a substantially endless mat. The first conditioning device serves to injure the outer cellulose layer of the crop stems and blades; the second conditioning device serves to press the crop into a mat of substantially uniform thickness and width.

Abstract: A grass dethatching apparatus which includes a frame adapted for mounting the apparatus on a prime mover vehicle. The frame supports a drum housing which defines a thatch discharge opening in the upper forward side thereof. The drum housing carries a pivotably mounted, vertically adjustable roller on the forward side thereof, and a stationary supporting roller on the rear side thereof. A roller actuation system is used to adjust the position of the vertically adjustable roller. A rotary drum subassembly is mounted in the drum housing for rotation about a horizontal axis, and includes axially and circumferentially spaced blades mounted on spacer sleeves. The sleeves are mounted on an elongated shaft. A thatch-catching bag is detachably mounted on the drum housing at a location for catching thatch discharged through the thatch discharge opening in the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting mushrooms comprises a mobile frame 1 that can move along guidings 3 and a knife 10 with a cutting edge 11. The mushrooms cut off by the knife 10 move upward along a sloping surface and are transported by the conveyor 25 which has carriers in the form of brush bristles 26. The carriers 26 have a mutual spacing which corresponds approximately with the width of the buttom of the mushroom so that a cut mushroom is gripped between successive carriers and is transported standing upright. Owing to this individual transport damage is prevented.

Abstract: A mower conditioner includes a main frame having a header connected thereto by a four bar linkage which permits the header to float over the ground during harvesting operation. The header carries upper and lower conditioner rolls with the opposite ends of the upper roll being respectively mounted to a pair of arms mounted for pivoting vertically such that the upper roll moves towards or away from the lower roll in response to crop density variations. A float spring assembly is provided at each side of the mower conditioner and each has its upper end supported by the frame and has its lower end pivotally coupled to a force transfer linkage that is pivotally mounted to the header for movement about a transverse axis and is pivotally linked to an adjacent one of the conditioner roll support arms whereby the force transfer linkage acts to transfer a lifting force to the header and a downward biasing force to the upper conditioner roll.

Abstract: A control system for operating one or more different mechanisms on a cotton harvester as a function of engine speed. The control system includes an apparatus for generating a speed signal representative of current engine operating speed and control circuitry connected to the apparatus for controlling operation of at least one and, preferably, a plurality of different mechanisms arranged on the harvester as a function of engine speed.

Abstract: A conditioning implement having first and second conditioning rolls, one of which is movably mounted, includes a mounting system for selectively urging the movable roll toward the other roll. The mounting system includes a pair of mounting plates adapted for placement one on either side of the movable roll, with the mounting plates being pivotably mounted to a frame. An adjustment subassembly is connected to the mounting plates. In a first position, the adjustment subassembly exerts a maximum biasing force on the mounting plates for urging the movable roll toward the other roll with a maximum biasing force. In a second position, the adjustment subassembly relieves the biasing force exerted on the mounting plates, thus allowing movement of the movable roll away from the other roll to accommodate passage of a mass of material therethrough. A system is provided for interconnecting the adjustment subassembly with a lifting and lowering system for the conditioner.

Abstract: The bearing assembly includes a synthetic resinous collar which circumscribes the tube and oscillates therewith against the inside of a metal bushing wedged within a metal housing that is bolted to the adjacent tine tube carrier arm of the reel. The bushing is constructed from a pair of generally semicircular half-sections that are abutted together to make a complete annulus when held within the housing, thereby permitting removal of the bushing from the tube by simply separating the two half-sections from one another after the housing has been slipped axially off the end of the bushing. A slit in one side of the collar permits opposed wall portions thereof to be spread apart so that the collar may likewise be removed from the tube in a transverse direction rather than requiring axial movement along the tube which would be obstructed by crop-engaging tines of the reel.

Abstract: A crop conditioner having treatment chamber with front and rear ends adapted to enclose a longitudinal portion of a windrow laying on the ground over which the crop conditioner travels. A plurality of steam outlet nozzles within the chamber near the front end thereof directs steam to the crop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for picking pulse crops, said device being provided with a frame, with a picking drum having teeth, which is supported by the frame and which is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation, and with a guide plate extending around the drum and co-operating therewith, as well as with transport and cleaning means for the picked pulse crop. Furthermore the frame is provided with coupling means for coupling the frame to the three-point hitch of a tractor or the like. The construction is such that during operation the drum will be located beside the tractor, seen in the intended direction of movement, while the transport and cleaning means will be located at least largely behind the tractor.

Abstract: A system carried in a harvesting machine and adapted to align crops in a row so as to enhance harvesting, comprises a crop aggregating means which aggregates the crops by bringing first and second crop engaging means into engagement with right and left sides of the crops as the crops pass rearwardly. The system further comprises a locomotion means, which provides the main locomotion for the harvesting machine, an aggregating drive means to drive the crop engaging means rearwardly and a control means, connected together in a fluid circuit. The control means comprises a pressure differential valve, and first and second sensors. The pressure sensors are adapted to sense first and second fluid pressures, respectively, at first and second sides of the aggregating drive means and to actuate the pressure differential valve. The pressure differential valve relieves pressure in the fluid circuit when there is a pre-determined pressure difference between the first and second fluid pressures.

Abstract: A mobile harvester of leafy produce has two harvesting sections with a cutter located forwardly for severing the produce from the ground. A continuous belt having a large number of openings moves in a closed path presenting an upwardly facing surface. A low pressure plenum underneath the belt provides a vacuum attraction to the belt upwardly facing for picking up severed produce. An enclosure ove the belt protects against wind removal of produce leaves from the belt. The two harvesting sections are individually adjustable for proper height above the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting crop including a rotor (11) mounted on a movable frame (12) and carrying a succession of transverse combs (14) each formed of an array of outwardly projecting teeth (15) traverse to the direction of movement of the apparatus through the crop. Each tooth (15) is pointed with side edges diverging away from the distal tip of the tooth. The rotor rotates in the overshot mode and the combs intrude into the crop and gather crop stems between adjacent pairs of teeth and detach grain and grain heads, or other required crop parts, by rubbing or breaking the parts free from the stems. The junction of adjacent teeth (15) preferably has an enlarged aperture (21) to assist striping and to allow withdrawal of striped stems. In other embodiments, the teeth may be replaced by a brush-like structure or by rods or other crop engaging elements, backed by plain transverse ribs for collecting and conveying detached crop parts.

Abstract: A biasing mechanism for a roll-type conditioning apparatus having a pair of generally vertically spaced, counterrotating conditioning rolls in which the upper roll is biased toward engagement with the lower roll is disclosed wherein a torsion bar interconnects the opposing ends of the upper roll such that any movement of either end of the upper roll away from the lower roll effects a twisting of the torsion bar to increase the biasing force exerted thereby on both ends of the upper conditioning roll. The torsion bar is connected to a mounting mechanism which includes a hub assembly pivotally connected to the frame of the conditioning apparatus on a pivot arm movably mounting one end of the upper conditioning roll. The pivotal connection of the hub assembly effects a rotational movement thereof whenever the pivot arm is moved to effect a corresponding twisting of the torsion bar connected thereto.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of sterilized plant matter consisting of the steps of; treating coarse chopped plant matter with heat to achieve dehydration, compression filling airtight fiber reinforced plastic bags with dehydrated plant matter, injecting high pressure steam into the dehydrated plant matter while in the bag and sealing the bag. A product consisting of steam sterilized coarse chopped plant matter under vacuum in air tight fiber reinforced plastic bags.

Abstract: A conditioning roll mechanism is disclosed for use on a mower-conditioner to provide uniform conditioning of crop material passing therebetween. Each conditioner roll is formed with a plurality of transversely extending lobes interspersed with corresponding troughs to provide an intermeshing configuration with the opposing conditioning roll. The configuration of the external surface of each conditioning roll permits the rolls to be mounted in a nominal working position in which a substantially uniform clearance is maintained between the conditioning rolls during rotation thereof to provide uniform conditioning of the entire crop material plant.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a preservative or other substance, in solid or liquid form, onto a crop material being baled, the substance being dispensed onto the crop material before it is baled at a rate which is dependent on the moisture content of the crop material and the bulk rate of flow of crop material through the baler. The apparatus, which may be mounted on a square baler or a round baler, includes a first sensor for sensing the moisture content of the crop material and producing a first signal, a second sensor for producing an output signal indicative of the bulk rate of corp flow through the baler, and a control circuit responsive to the first signal and the second signal for producing a pulse width modulated signal for controlling the speed of a motor. The motor controls the rate at which the substance is dispensed from a container onto the crop material.

Abstract: A conditioning roll for use in a conditioning mechanism on a hay harvesting machine is disclosed wherein the conditioning roll is formed by a plurality of axially stacked lobed rings movably mounted on a core member rotatably supported by the hay harvesting machine. Key members affixed to the core and engaged with slots in the lobed rings effect a rotation of the lobed rings with the core. An oscillating mechanism is operatively associated with the lobed rings to position the lobed rings in a plane non-perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the core. The oscillating mechanism effects an oscillating movement of the lobed rings during rotation of the core to provide a transverse movement of the outer peripheral surface of the lobed rings while in engagement with the crop material to effect a more aggressive conditioning thereof.

Abstract: The ground rolling bale forming machine has a plurality of belts having expandable lower run portions for rolling the bale material along the ground. The lower belt runs are trained about a material pick-up means and a movable bottom front roller. In a bale starting position, the bottom roller is adjacent the pick-up means and is movable forwardly to a bale formed position in response to the growing diameter of the bale. The axes of the pick-up means and bottom roller are in a generally common horizontal plane throughout the forming operation to provide for an enclosing engagement of the lower belt runs about a major portion of the peripheral surface of the bale.

Abstract: A conditioning roll mounting structure is disclosed wherein the mounting shaft for the conditioning roll is permitted to be rotatably driven while permitted to reciprocate linearly transversely of the bearing apparatus. A bushing in the form of a support hub having an antifriction surface engaged with a non-circular conditioning roll mounting shaft is pressed within the inner race of a ball bearing whose outer race is secured to the frame of the hay harvesting machine. A drive mechanism can be attached to either the support hub or directly to the shaft provided that provisions are made for accommodating the transversely reciprocating roll movement. The structure permits the conditioning roll to be rotatably supported within the frame of the hay harvesting machine, while being capable of a linear movement between the non-circular conditioning roll mounting shaft and the support hub to which it is mounted. The non-circular mounting shaft can be in the form of splines or standard hexagonal configuration.

Abstract: A conditioning roll is disclosed wherein the roll has a hollow core of a predetermined length with a plurality of axially aligned, outwardly projecting guide rails detachably connected thereto around the outer circumference of the core. Each guide rail is associated with an elastomeric lobe having a predetermined shape and being mounted on the guide rail for axial slidable movement relative thereto. The guide rails are preferably of a T-shaped cross-sectional configuration to maintain the position of the lobe radially relative to the core.

Abstract: A mower-conditioner includes mowing elements for cutting hay and throwing the hay in a backward direction relative to a work direction, conditioning rollers mounted on lateral walls behind the mowing elements, and deflectors positioned at least partially in the path of the thrown hay. The deflectors are mounted adjacent the lateral walls. Each deflector includes an upright planar portion and a front portion. The planar portion is backwardly inclined away from a corresponding lateral wall so as to form a first angle with respect to the axes of the rollers. The planar portion is also angled by an acute second angle with respect to a vertical plane parallel to the first angle such that an upper part of the planar portion is closer to the corresponding lateral wall than is a lower part of the planar portion. The front portio is rounded about an upwardly directed axis and extends outwardly away from the other of the reflectors.

Abstract: A conditioning roll for use in a conditioning mechanism on a hay harvesting machine is disclosed wherein the conditioning roll is formed by a plurality of individual lobes slidably mounted on transverse guide members detachably affixed to a core member. Each lobe is connected to a lobe reciprocating apparatus for effecting a transverse reciprocating sliding movement with respect to the core of the conditioning roll while the respective conditioning roll is being rotated. The conditioning mechanism is provided with a pair of intermeshing conditioning rolls connected to respective lobe reciprocating apparatus so that the lobes on the respective conditioning rolls are transversely moving in opposite directions at the throat formed between the rolls through which crop material passes to be conditioned in an aggressive manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning hay and straw has a casing with a table and an inlet through which the hay and straw is fed. A set of tines (a rake) is positioned downstream from the inlet. A set of rotary tines is positioned to rotate through the rake to provide a combing and beating effect on the hay and straw fed thrugh the apparatus. Downstream of the tines is a chamber with a vacuum pump operatively connected to provide a suction through a perforate wall to remove spores and dust particles from the beaten and combed hay or straw. An outlet from the apparatus is located downstream from the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: There is disclosed a flexible rubber belt having molded lugs on the bottom surface and at least one row of molded cleats on the top surface. A plurality of these belts are transversely spaced apart to form a conveying assembly. The conveying assembly is useful as a drag or raddle chain conveyor in combines or in round balers.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a cut-off mown-material carpet, the carpet is advanced through a processing nip 22 between two powered rollers 4 and 5 that rotate in opposite directions and have matching elevations 13 and 14 and depressions 15 and 16 in their surface, buckling the carpet. The carpet is advanced through the nip at different speeds at each surface of the carpet.

Abstract: A crop conditioner having treatment chamber with front and rear ends adapted to enclose a longitudinal portion of a windrow laying on the ground over which the crop conditioner travels. A plurality of steam outlet nozzles within the chamber near the front end thereof directs steam to the crop.

Abstract: A counterweight mechanism for use in conjunction with a conditioning apparatus having a reciprocating conditioning roll is disclosed wherein the counterweight is mounted within the hollow core of the reciprocating conditioning roll and connected to an ocillating mechanism to effect a transverse reciprocating movement thereof in opposition to the reciprocating movement of the conditiioning roll. The ocillating mechanism can include a cam mechanism operatively associated with the counterweight and housed internally of the conditioning roll to effect a linearly reciprocal movement of the counterweight in response to the rotation of the reciprocating conditioning roll. The counterweight can be slidably mounted on a non-circular shaft corresponding to the reciprocating conditioning roll so that the counterweight is rotatable with the conditioning roll yet is linearly moveable relative thereto.

Abstract: A support frame is provided for support from the three point hitch of a tractor and rotatably journals an elongated horizontal roll for rotation about an axis extending transversely of the support frame. The support frame includes opposite side ground skid portions and the roll has its lower periphery elevated slightly above the under surfaces of the ground skid portions. Although other structure may be provided for driving the roll, a forwardly directed swing arm is pivotally supported from the support frame at its rear end and rotatably journals a ground engageable drive wheel at its forward end. The roll is journalled for rotation about an axis coinciding with the axis of oscillation of the support arm and the drive wheel is drivingly coupled to the roll for rotating the latter in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the drive wheel and at a peripheral speed which is at least substantially equal to the peripheral speed of the ground wheel.

Abstract: A conditioning mechanism utilizing a pair of counterrotating conditioning rolls for use in a hay harvesting machine is disclosed wherein at least one of the conditioning rolls is mounted for transverse reciprocating movement relative to the other conditioning roll. An oscillating mechanism is provided to effect the transverse reciprocating movement of the at least one conditioning roll upon rotation thereof. Associating the oscillating mechanism with both the upper and lower conditioning rolls permits a shorter stroke of linear movement for each respective roll while permitting a general counterbalancing of the movements thereof. A positioning of the oscillating mechanism to provide for the relative movements of the conditioning rolls to be slightly out of phase will insure a continuous transverse movement of the conditioning roll to be applied to the crop material passing therebetween.

Abstract: A mobile harvester of leafy produce has two harvesting sections with a cutter located forwardly for severing the produce from the ground. A continuous belt having a large number of openings moves in a closed path presenting an upwardly facing surface. A low pressure plenum underneath the belt provides a vacuum attraction to the belt upwardly facing for picking up severed produce. An enclosure ove the belt protects against wind removal of produce leaves from the belt. The two harvesting sections are individually adjustable for proper height above the ground.