Abstract: A topography following material collection device and related methods thereof are disclosed. According to an aspect, The device comprises a topography following system, a material collecting system, a plurality of ground contacting implements, where the topography following system provides support for the material collecting system at a desired height with respect to a ground surface, and the material collection system supporting the ground contacting implements in supplemental and augmenting stages, such that the device is adapted to be moved over ground with laterally-stable progress while following topography of the ground to collect material from the ground.

Abstract: A suspension system for forage rakes having at least one floating forage rake wheel has a hydraulic cylinder is used for both lift and suspension of the floating forage rake wheel. A hydraulic accumulator provides expansion room for hydraulic fluid to move in and out of the hydraulic cylinder during suspension.

Abstract: An adjustable rake assembly for raking and baling material in a single pass is provided. In particular, a rake assembly is provided wherein at least one rake is configured to be moved with respect to the frame between a first position and a second position via a telescoping rake connection and a rotating rake connection. The position of the wings and/or rakes may be changed via a control system.

Abstract: A machine for pulling out the cut-off vine branches (S) that are hanging on a tying wire (F), including a supporting frame (1), a gantry (2) comprising an arm set mounting so as to swivel and having an overhanging end, a gripping device (3) for the cut branches (S) including at least one gripping disk (23) connected to the overhanging end and showing notches (24) for gripping and dragging along the cut branches (S), a transfer device (4) comprising a transfer element (28) showing notches for gripping and dragging along the cut branches (S) gripped by gripping disk (23), and a detaching device (5) for the cut branches (S) arranged at the outlet of transfer device (4) and including a device for capturing the cut branches (S) and pulling them in the direction opposite to transfer device (4).

Abstract: The haymaking device has a frame having a main beam which extends in a longitudinal direction and defines a longitudinal centre line, and two side arms extending on both sides of the main beam, wherein the side arms each carry at least one crop processing tool and are at an inner end hingeably connected to a slide connection which is slidable there along the main beam, wherein the side arms are movable between a transport position, in which they substantially extend along the main beam, at a first angle to the main beam, and an operative position, in which the side arms extend at a second angle, larger than the first angle, from the main beam, wherein the side arms are movable between the transport position and the operative position by a sliding movement of the slide connection along the main beam.

Abstract: A harvesting device for harvesting and/or picking up crop such as plants or plant parts located on the field is configured with a pick-up unit with a working width oriented transversely to the direction of travel (F), for picking up the crop. The pick-up unit has a multiplicity of pick-up elements, each of which can move at least partially in the vertical direction and are disposed along the working width. Outer ends of the movable pick-up elements form envelope curves during operation. A conveyor unit for further conveying the picked-up crop is provided downstream of the pick-up unit in the direction of the crop flow. The harvesting device so arranged improves the pick-up or intake of crop because the conveyor unit at least partially overhangs the envelope curves of the pick-up elements in the direction of travel (F).

Abstract: An adjustable rake assembly for raking and baling material in a single pass is provided. In particular, a rake assembly is provided that includes a frame and two movable wings configured to be moved to at least one transport position, in which the wings are disposed proximate a main axial member of the frame in a folded arrangement. A rake assembly is also provided wherein at least one rake is configured to be moved with respect to the frame between a first position and a second position via a telescoping rake connection and a rotating rake connection. The position of the wings and/or rakes may be changed via a control system.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally an adjustable rake assembly for raking and baling material in a single pass. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a rake assembly that includes a frame and two movable wings configured to be moved to at least one transport position, in which the wings are disposed proximate a main axial member of the frame in a folded arrangement. The present invention also provides a rake assembly wherein at least one rake is configured to be moved with respect to the frame between a first position and a second position via a telescoping rake connection and a rotating rake connection. In some embodiments, the position of the wings and/or rakes may be changed via a control system.

Abstract: A shield apparatus is mounted on the header of an agricultural implement which includes a rotatable collecting member to direct collected material rearwardly towards a rear discharge opening. The shield apparatus includes a panel member and a mounting bracket assembly which supports the panel member above the rear discharge opening of the header spanning in a lateral direction transversely to the forward working direction such that the panel member extends from a rear edge rearward of the collecting member to a front edge which is spaced forward and upwardly in relation to the rear edge. The shield apparatus ensures that material thrown upwardly above the rear of the header frame is redirected downwardly into the rear discharge opening of the header for collection by the implement in the usual manner. The shield apparatus does not interfere with the visibility of the operator when the panel member is clear.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally an adjustable rake assembly for raking and baling material in a single pass. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a rake assembly that includes a frame and two movable wings configured to be moved to at least one transport position, in which the wings are disposed proximate a main axial member of the frame in a folded arrangement. The present invention also provides a rake assembly wherein at least one rake is configured to be moved with respect to the frame between a first position and a second position via a telescoping rake connection and a rotating rake connection. In some embodiments, the position of the wings and/or rakes may be changed via a control system.

Abstract: A rake apparatus includes a tongue with a hitch, front rake arm positioners each pivotally connected to a forward portion of the tongue assembly, rear rake arm positioners pivotally connected to a rear portion of the tongue assembly, and rake arm assemblies including a rake arm assembly front end and a rake arm assembly back end. The rake arm assemblies are pivotally connected to one of the front rake arm positioners and one of the rear rake arm positioners. Distances between the rake arm assembly front ends and the tongue are greater when the rake arm assemblies are in an operating position than when they are in a traveling position. The rake arm assembly back end of each of the rake arm assemblies is positioned farther in the forward direction when the rake arm assemblies are in the operating position than when the rake arm assemblies are in the traveling position.

Abstract: A wheel rake including an adjustment mechanism for adjusting wheel beam angle for more aggressive or less aggressive raking action.

Abstract: A vertically folding rake assembly is configured for forming a windrow of cut agricultural crop material. The rake includes a trolley; a pair of rake arm suspension supports interconnected with the trolley and movable in a vertical plane between a raised position and a lowered position, and a vertically movable linkage arrangement configured for moving each of the rake arm suspension arrangements between the raised position and the lowered position. The rake further includes a rake arm suspended from each of the rake arm suspension supports. Each of the rake arm suspension supports includes a linkage pivotally connected to the trolley and a vertical support member that is pivotal about a vertical pivot axis and in support of the rake arm. The rake arm suspension arrangement further includes a pivot connection to provide pivoting movement of the rake arm about a horizontal axis, and a counterbalancing biasing arrangement to center each rake arm.

Abstract: Drying of wet ground surfaces provided with stalks includes removing droplets from stalks with comb-shaped slitted, cubical or squared projections provided on an underside of a broad plank, and guiding the removed droplets along the slitted, cubical or squared projections toward lower edges of the slitted, cubical or squared projections and from there onto the ground surface.

Abstract: A foldable hay rake has two rake arms comprised of two or more arm members with rake wheels thereon. The hay rake arms are pivotally secured together to a pivot assembly to pivot in a vertical plane. The pivot assembly is pivotally secured for pivoting in a horizontal plane to a vertical post having positioning wheels at a lower end. An upper end is pivotally secured to outer ends of wing arms comprised of parallelogram members which are pivotally secured to a central base frame, which has a power cylinder to pivot the wing arms in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A rake wheel includes a hub and a plurality of tines connected to the hub and extending outwardly therefrom to an annular rim concentric with the hub. Each tine is journaled through a first plurality of apertures formed in the rim and projects outwardly from the rim. A second plurality of apertures is formed in the rim, having a size and shape substantially the same as the first plurality of apertures, and will receive the tines when the first set of apertures becomes worn or otherwise ineffective.

Abstract: A foldable hay rake has two rake arms comprised of two or more arm members with rake wheels thereon. The hay rake arms are pivotally secured together to a pivot assembly to pivot in a vertical plane. The pivot assembly is pivotally secured for pivoting in a horizontal plane to a vertical post having positioning wheels at a lower end. An upper end is pivotally secured to outer ends of wing arms comprised of parallelogram members which are pivotally secured to a central base frame, which has a power cylinder to pivot the wing arms in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A windrow merger has a frame supporting first, second and third pickup assemblies, with the two outside pickup assemblies foldable between an extended use position and a retracted travel position. Each of the pickup assemblies includes a reversible conveyor providing multiple windrow merging configurations. The pickup assemblies are interchangeable and aligned to define an unobstructed pickup face.

Abstract: A rake wheel construction for an agricultural hay rake includes a central hub and a series of rake fingers that extend outwardly from the central hub. A peripheral rim is located outwardly of the central hub, and each rake finger is engaged with the rim at a location between an inner end and an outer end defined by the rake finger. An open area is located between the central hub and the peripheral rim, and a disc member is located in the open area between the central hub and the peripheral rim. A series of bracket members are secured to the disc member, and are located inwardly of the peripheral rim, and a brace member extends between the central hub and each bracket member.

Abstract: An agricultural rake basket flotation system that employs tension springs to support a portion of the weight of the rake basket, toward the lateral ends thereof, thus allowing for a more sensitive and complete response to encounters with obstacles and irregularities in the ground level.

Abstract: A tine element which is installed on a rake wheel of an agricultural implement which displaces harvested products such as hay and cut grass, the tine element comprising a first and second tine with the outboard end of each tine being disposed so that it points normal to the direction of travel of the tine element around the axis of the rake wheel. Each of the tines has on its inboard end a coiled part and such coiled parts are joined by a common central part. In operation, one of the tines is disposed above the other tine with the lower tine being longer than the upper tine. The coiled parts comprise coil torsion springs and each part has different elasticity characteristics so that the resilient deflection of the lower tine is greater than the relative deflection of the upper tine and the flexibility of the each tine is optimized to obtain better adaptation to the ground and to provide a longer life span for the tine element.

Abstract: A hay making machine, particularly a windrower for plant matter, comprising a structure carrying at least one raking wheel. The latter is connected to the end of a carrying arm in such a way as to be able to pivot about a first axis and a second axis. The two axes of articulation of the raking wheel to the carrying arm form angles &agr; and &bgr;, the values of which are between 10° and 80°, with the direction of forward travel of the machine.

Abstract: A V-rake includes a drawbar assembly adapted for connection to a tow vehicle, in combination with a transverse cross-member connected to the drawbar assembly. Wheels are mounted to the cross-member, to form a trolley for conveying the V-rake. A rake arm is mounted to each end of the cross-member, and includes a series of rake wheels. The rake arms are moveable relative to the cross-member between an open, operative position and a closed, transport position, and the rake wheels are moveable relative to the rake arms between a raised, inoperative position and a lowered, operative position. The transverse cross-member is a rigid, fixed-length member to increase the structural rigidity of the trolley. A windrow width adjusting arrangement is interconnected with the rake assembly, and includes a windrow forming rake assembly mounted to the transverse cross-member adjacent each end thereof.

Abstract: A rake assembly for attachment to a tractor includes a mounting assembly for mounting to a tractor and an arm having a first end, a second end and a middle portion. The arm is fixedly coupled to the mounting assembly. A securing mechanism secures the arm to the tractor. A plurality of fingers for raking the ground surface is each mountable to the arm. Each of the fingers has an elongate member having a first end, a second end and a middle portion. The elongate member has a bore therein, which is generally adjacent to the first end of the elongate member. The middle portion of the elongate member has a curve therein such that a length of the elongate member forms a loop for wrapping about the arm. A bracket secures the elongate member to the arm. A head portion for contacting the ground surface has a first end and a second end. The head portion is generally hollow, and the first end is open. The second end of the elongate member is fixedly inserted in the first end of the head portion.

Abstract: A lifting force is applied to a wheel rake arm through a spring assembly wherein a coil spring is placed in compression rather than tension. In the preferred embodiment a rod is connected at one end to a rake wheel arm and the free end of the rod extends through a sleeve and then a coil spring which engages a stop at the opposite end of the rod. The sleeve is connected by linkages to an actuating rod.

Abstract: A V-rake includes a drawbar assembly adapted for connection to a tow vehicle, in combination with a transverse cross-member connected to the drawbar assembly. Wheels are mounted to the cross-member, to form a trolley for conveying the V-rake. A rake arm is mounted to each end of the cross-member, and includes a series of rake wheels. The rake arms are moveable relative to the cross-member between an open, operative position and a closed, transport position, and the rake wheels are moveable relative to the rake arms between a raised, inoperative position and a lowered, operative position. The transverse cross-member is a rigid, fixed-length member to increase the structural rigidity of the trolley.

Abstract: A lifting force is applied to a wheel rake arm through a spring assembly wherein a coil spring is placed in compression rather than tension. In the preferred embodiment a rod is connected at one end to a rake wheel arm and the free end of the rod extends through a sleeve and then a coil spring which engages a stop at the opposite end of the rod. The sleeve is connected by linkages to an actuating rod.

Abstract: A "V" type pull rake includes a rigid primary frame to which rake arms are pivoted for movement about vertical and horizontal axes. The rake arms include at their outer ends upstanding posts to which control assemblies are connected and extend over the rake wheels and raked material to the primary frame. The control assembly includes a pair of pivotally interconnected members with the control assembly of each rake arm including two pivotal connections allowing pivotal movement about vertical and horizontal axes. Rake arms extensions are pivotally connected to the outer ends of the rake arms and actuating rods for raising and lowering the rake wheels extend along the rake arms over the pivotal connection to the rake arm extension and include a pivot rod for allowing the actuating rod to function when the rake arm extension is pivoted relative to the rake arm.

Abstract: A pulled dethatching unit includes a frame having a tow bar extending forwardly for attachment to a draw bar of a pulling vehicle. The rear end of the frame has an arm pivotally attached to each side with each arm having a wheel rotatably mounted thereon. The two wheels and the tow bar cooperate so that tines, which are mounted in two rows on the frame for independent movement, do not carry any of the weight of the unit so that the bottom tip of each of the tines is slightly spaced from the ground in its rest position. Each of the tines in each of the rows is offset from each of the tines in the other row. Forward motion of the dethatching unit causes the bottom tip of each of the tines to deflect rearwardly and downwardly as it comes in contact with grass. In their deflected positions, the bottom tips of the tines contact the thatched layer to tear it loose from the soil and alternately flip the thatched layer to fall on the ground.

Abstract: An attachment for a front lift of a farm tractor comprises an elongated tool bar extending forward and supporting at its far end a large claw having three spaced downwardly curved, sharpened tines. The end of the tool bar nearest the lift is welded both directly and through braces to the front side of a rectangular hitch-and-tool-supporting frame, and drilled plates welded to the back side have properly spaced holes for coupling to the front lift.

Abstract: A texturing broom apparatus for surface grooving freshly laid uncured concrete pavement comprising a traveling horizontal endless conveyor belt having a texturing broom, provided with a row of straight spring steel tines projecting from a base board in spaced apart side-by-side parallel relation, pivotally mounted on the conveyor belt for pivotal movement thereon in a vertical plane parallel to the direction of belt travel with the row of tines extending transversely across and outwardly from the belt and the tines disposed parallel to the longitudinal vertical plane of the belt. Spring means biases the pivoted broom forwardly of the direction of belt travel to a limiting idle position and the broom is supported on the belt in a position with its tines in a trailing working position disposed above and at a shallow working angle of less than about 20.degree.

Abstract: A dethatching unit is mounted for attachment to the front end of a self-propelled lawn mower, for example, so that the dethatching unit is pushed by the lawn mower and thatches the ground prior to mowing thereof. The dethatching unit includes a frame having a caster wheel at its forward end and arms at its rear end for attaching to the mower. The wheel and the arms cooperate so that tines, which are mounted in two rows on the frame, do not carry any of the weight of the unit so that the bottom tip of each of the tines is slightly spaced from the ground in its rest position. Each of the tines in each of the rows is offset from each of the tines in the other row. Forward motion of the dethatching unit causes the bottom tip of each of the tines to deflect rearwardly and downwardly as it comes in contact with grass. In their deflected positions, the bottom tips of the tines contact the thatch layer to tear it loose from the soil and ultimately flip the thatched material to fall on the ground.

Abstract: A brush windrower for accumulating brush and trimmings from under orchard trees, in which a main frame extends rearwardly from a tractor which is driven between the tree rows, and a rake bar extends outwardly from the main frame and passes underneath the overhanging branches to gather the brush. The rake bar is pivotally attached to the main frame and a hydraulic cylinder swings the rake bar around the pivot point to move the accumulated brush into the drive middles of the orchard. The rake bar is hinged to permit the rake teeth to tilt, thereby fully releasing the brush. Depth of extension of the rake bar is regulated hydraulically or by adding extensions to the rake bar. The rake bar also can be tilted to sweep evenly across sloping ground.

Abstract: A lawn rake and cultivator comprising a frame having multiple rows of depending tines, each of which has a forward end which inclines forwardly and upwardly the majority of the time during forward travel, for pitching thatch forwardly and upwardly out of grass due to resiliency of the teeth which causes them to move backwards and forwards as they engage the ground and support the frame, one or more teeth being held upwardly for row crop cultivation by passing harmlessly across the row crop, the teeth being stiffened for special uses by a horizontal stiffener fixed to the frame and having openings therethrough receiving center portions of the teeth.

Abstract: A dethatching unit is mounted for attachment to the front end of a self-propelled lawn mower, for example, so that the dethatching unit is pushed by the lawn mower and thatches the ground prior to mowing thereof. The dethatching unit includes a frame having a caster wheel at its forward end and arms at its rear end for attaching to the mower. The wheel and the arms cooperate so that tines, which are mounted in two rows on the frame, do not carry any of the weight of the unit so that the bottom tip of each of the tines is slightly spaced from the ground in its rest position. Each of the tines in each of the rows is offset from each of the tines in the other row. Forward motion of the dethatching unit causes the bottom tip of each of the tines to deflect rearwardly and downwardly as it comes in contact with grass. In their deflected positions, the bottom tips of the tines contact the thatch layer to tear it loose from the soil and ultimately flip the thatched material to fall on the ground.