Abstract: Cutting apparatus (10) comprising a body assembly (11) including a lower wear disc (12) and an upper lifting and cutting assembly (13), mounted for driven rotation on a mower via driving hub (14). The lifting and cutting assembly (13) includes four blade assemblies (15) each comprising a pivoting angled blade (16) pivotally supported on lug (17) by bolt (20), located at the outer end of lifting means (21) comprising a curve walled portion (22) extending from a hub (23) and having an upper edge (24) which curves in a trailing direction out to the blade assembly (15 at 25). The cutting apparatus (10) forms a mower in assembly with a frame assembly (35) having mounted thereto a plane roller (36), a ribbed roller (37), describing therebetween a nip (40). The rollers are driven by train (41) adapted to be engaged by the PTO of a vehicle.

Abstract: A rotary cutter disc includes shields for the nuts of the knife mounting bolts. Each shield includes a U-shaped well in which a respective one of the nuts is located, the well being oriented so that its open side is directed away from the center of the disc, whereby centrifugal force ejects crop particles and other matter from the well. In one embodiment, the shield is provided with inclined wear surfaces which also serve as crop guide vanes. In a second embodiment, the shield is integral with a crop guide vane. In each embodiment, the underside of the shield is provided with a locating lug which is adjacent the knife mount bolt hole in the bottom wall of the shield. The disc is provided with an elongated knife mounting bolt hole and the shield locating lug is positioned to enter the elongated hole alongside the knife mounting bolt so as to properly orient the shield and keep the shield from rotating when the mounting bolt nut is being screwed on or off.

Abstract: A mower comprising a cutting mechanism which, during work, extends transversely to a direction of work, a hitching structure connected to a motor vehicle, a carrying beam connected, on one hand, to the cutting mechanism by a first articulation and, on another hand, to the hitching structure by a second articulation and of a third articulation, which allows the second articulation to pivot with respect to the hitching structure, a device, for moving the carrying beam and the cutting mechanism between at least one transport position and one other position, and vice versa, and a lifting member for moving the carrying beam and the cutting mechanism between a work position and a maneuvering position, wherein the lifting member is associated with a damping member for absorbing abrupt movements of the carrying beam with respect to the hitching structure when the carrying beam is in the maneuvering position or respectively in the transport position.

Abstract: A self-propelled, walk-behind commercial type lawn mower having a frame with a mower deck attached to a front section of the frame, an engine mounted to a rear section of the frame, and a handle bar assembly attached to and extending rearwardly and upwardly from the rear section of the frame. The mower deck includes at least one rotatable wing section pivotally attached to the frame of the mower deck for movement between a substantially horizontal operating position and a substantially vertical non-operating position. The rotatable wing section extends the mowing width of the mower deck and allows mower to travel through narrow passageways of an enclosed mowing area. A locking mechanism secures the wing section in its substantially horizontal operating position and a substantially vertical non-operating position. A rotatable caster wheel attached to the front of the wing section may be retracted to provide maximum clearance when the wing section is in its vertical position.

Abstract: A cutting element for a rotary cutting machine comprising several adjacent cutting members each of which is intended, during work, to rotate about an upwardly directed respective axis. Said cutting element comprises an active zone intended to cut plants and a connecting zone intended to connect said cutting element to a support of a respective one of said cutting members of the cutting machine. Said connecting zone has, in cross section, a relatively flat central part, a first edge inclined toward one side of a plane of extension of said central part, and a second edge inclined toward the other side of said plane of extension.

Abstract: A disc mower conditioner utilizing a modular disc cutterbar to sever standing crop material by impact action. The side sheets of the disc mower conditioner are provided with a rolling crop divider that can be an optional attachment. The rolling crop divider is constructed as a series of overlapping rolling coulters mounted to the side sheet by bearings to enhance the rolling operation of the coulters. The rolling coulters effectively divide the crop material to direct tall and entangled crops into the header to be severed by the rotating knives. The coulters are arranged in a trailing orientation to present a curved leading edge that is highly effective in directing tall, entangled or viney crops downwardly into engagement with the adjacent disc cutter.

Abstract: A fastening assembly is adapted for attaching a composite insert to a mower deck. The insert has an opening extending therethrough and a recessed portion adjacent the opening. The recessed portion has a shoulder and a first abutment surface. The assembly includes a spacer receivable in the recessed portion adjacent the shoulder. The spacer has a passage therethrough alignable with the opening in the insert, the passage having a second abutment surface. The spacer also has an outer periphery, a portion of which forms a third abutment surface alignable with the first abutment surface for non-rotatable engagement therewith. The assembly also includes a fastening member which has a head and a shank. The shank includes a threaded portion and a further portion adjacent to the head. The further portion has a fourth abutment surface engagable with the second abutment surface whereby the fastening member is non-rotatably receivable within the spacer passage and the insert opening.

Abstract: A pull-type harvesting machine is adapted for laterally offset attachment to a tractor. The machine has a frame and a harvesting head supported by the frame including a cutting apparatus for cutting crops as the machine is towed across a field, and a gear box operably connected with the cutting apparatus. A pull tongue is pivotally coupled to the frame about a first vertical axis for varying the position of the machine relative to the tractor. A mechanical drive line extends along and is rotatably supported by the pull tongue for supplying driving power to the cutting apparatus through the gear box. The gear box is pivotally mounted on the header about a second vertical axis spaced from the first vertical axis. The drive line includes a fixed position portion and a telescoping portion supported at fore and aft ends by the tongue and the gear box, respectively.

Abstract: A mower conditioner includes a rotary style cutter bed and a pair of laterally extending crop conditioning rolls spaced rearwardly from the cutter bed. Crop flow is improved in the machine by a laterally extending conveying roller located between the cutter bed and the nip defined by the conditioning rolls. In particular, the conveying roller serves to lift cut crop up from the cutter bed and convey the crop rearwardly to the nip. This ensures that the cut crop moves in a steady stream from the cutter bed to the conditioning rolls, and thereby reduces the risk of cut crop being thrown forwardly by the cutters. A downwardly open area is preferably defined between the conveying roller and the cutter bed to provide a space through which dirt and debris can drop out of the machine. The conveying roller preferably has a rotational axis that is lower than the rotational axis of the lower conditioning roll and generally vertically aligned with the substantially planar cutting zone defined by the cutter bed.

Abstract: The brush cutter (10) includes a rearwardly positioned tractor (11) and a forwardly positioned cutter assembly (12). The outboard rectilinear cutting blades (49 and 51) rotate in their forward arcs toward each other and toward the longitudinal plane (28), so as to urge the cut vegetation inwardly toward the adjacent blades for mulching. The leading skirt (31) of the cutter deck (30) is positioned forwardly of the blades so as to engage and bend the taller brush and young trees in the direction of movement of the brush cutter before the lower portions of the vegetation are cut, thereby inducing the vegetation to fall in the path of the brush cutter, so that it is overrun by the brush cutter and mulched.

Abstract: A gang mower mountable on a tractor and having a plurality of independently-cutting mower units whose cutting heads are individually powered by hydraulic motors. Each mower unit is suspended from the end of a support arm which can move vertically through a distance of about 12 inches, each mower unit is itself mounted beneath a swivel ball joint that allows the mower to undergo pitch, roll and yaw motions as well as the up and down movements of the support arm. Moreover, this mower suspension mechanism allows each of the mower units to hold the ground due to its own weight alone and does not require any stabilizing force to be applied through springs or otherwise. The freedom of motion of the suspension mechanism in combination with an independent drive for each mower unit yields a gang mower with a smooth, wide-cut mowing action.

Abstract: A machine for cutting plant matter equipped with a limiter device includes a first assembly connected to a first unit and a second assembly connected to a second unit. The second unit is connected to the first unit by an articulation allowing the second unit to pivot about an axis of the articulation within limits allowed by at least one stop. The stop is elastically deformable so as to limit pivoting of the second unit about the axis when the second unit is subjected to a first pivoting torque, and so as to tolerate a much greater amount of pivoting of the second unit about the axis when the second unit is subjected to a second pivoting torque.

Abstract: Implement or machine which can be moved along a work surface, which includes a carrying structure or chassis, a working unit articulated to the carrying structure or chassis, and a device for connecting the carrying structure or chassis and the working unit together, wherein the connecting device includes at least one parallelogram connection which can be converted into a quadrilateral connection.

Abstract: A mower comprising a frame, a deck with a discharge located forwardly of at least one cutting blade, a baffle in the deck disposed between the blade and discharge that is spaced from the top wall of the deck defining a discharge aperture in the deck that creates suction and focuses clippings toward the discharge, and wheels coupled to the frame by a suspension preferably of independent construction. Each blade is massive for high inertia, generally planar, and disc-shaped having at least three cutting arms that each have a tab extending below the plane and having a cutting edge. Each arm preferably also has an upwardly extending suction-increasing flap. The suspension has a pair of control arms pivotally mounted to the frame with each arm having a mounting arm extending above the frame capturing a biasing element that urges the arms away from each other to keep the wheels in contact with the ground.

Abstract: A mower which includes a cutting mechanism connected to a carrying structure by connections wherein each connection includes a device preventing at least some of the vibrations from being transmitted between the cutting mechanism and the carrying structure. The cutting mechanism includes a gear box at which are arranged cutting members each rotating about a respective axis of rotation which is at least approximately vertical during work and the carrying structure to which the cutting mechanism is connected includes at least one connection which has a flexible element.

Abstract: A foliage harvester is provided, as is a mechanical drive arrangement which includes a pivotally mounted main gearbox. An extension assembly extends forwardly with respect to the main gearbox for a relatively short length, and a connection assembly operatively joins the rotating portion near the rear end of the mechanical drive assembly in a manner which prevents substantially any side-to-side or generally horizontal movement between that portion of the mechanical drive assembly and the rotatable main gearbox. At the same time, this operative joining incorporating use of the connection assembly permits limited up-and-down or generally vertical movement of the mechanical drive assembly with respect to the pivotable main gearbox. In an especially preferred arrangement, the implement is a center pivot mower conditioner, and the mechanical drive operates the cutting and conditioning assemblies during operation of the mower conditioner on either side behind the towing vehicle or tractor.

Abstract: A mowing apparatus with multiple articulating cutting decks includes a pair of side cutting decks attached to a center cutting deck. The side decks are pivotally attached to the center deck and pivot about axes which lie in the planes defined by rotation of the respective cutting blades. The cutting blades are driven by pulleys and belts. Proper tension in each side drive belt is maintained during pivoting of the corresponding side deck by an assembly comprising a pair of idler pulleys rotatably mounted on a pivotally attached pulley arm which is biased in the direction which increases tension on the belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural cutting machine includes a chassis, a harvesting mechanism and a suspension device connecting the harvesting mechanism to the chassis. The suspension device includes a lower suspension member and an upper suspension member forming an articulated quadrilateral which allows the harvesting mechanism to move relative to the chassis. The geometric axis of the articulation connecting the lower suspension member to the harvesting mechanism passes through or substantially through the center of mass of the harvesting mechanism.

Abstract: A deck for a rotary cutter includes upper and lower deck walls configured together with vertical aprons and wheel support plates at the opposite sides of the deck to form a box structure. Three gear box supports are welded within three pairs of vertically aligned holes respectively provided in the upper and lower deck walls. The upper deck wall is shaped generally convex in fore-and-aft, vertical cross section and is free of ledges formed from framework of stringers so that debris tends to fall off and water tends to run off the deck.

Abstract: A gang-type rotary lawn mower including a frame supported by wheels for movement over the ground, a power source which is mounted on the frame and which drives at least two of the wheels, an operator's seat mounted on the frame, a steering system enabling the operator to steer the lawn mower, at least two side-by-side front rotary cutting deck assemblies mounted on the frame, the front deck assemblies defining a gap between adjacent front deck assemblies, and at least one rear rotary cutting deck assembly mounted on the frame behind the front deck assemblies, each rear deck assembly being aligned with a respective gap between adjacent front deck assemblies, each of the front and rear deck assemblies including a single-spindle mulching deck defining a downwardly opening space, a single spindle mounted for rotation about a generally vertical axis within the space, and at least one cutting blade mounted on the spindle for rotation therewith.

Abstract: A crop harvester having a wheeled frame with a tongue pivotally connected to the frame in the vicinity of a longitudinal centerline. The tongue, rotatable about a first generally vertical pivot axis, is swingable between extreme left and right positions on opposing sides of the longitudinal centerline with its distal end adapted for connection to a prime mover. A drive line transmits rotational power from the prime mover. A crop harvesting header, suspended from the frame in a forward disposition, includes operable components for engaging and processing crop material as the harvester is pulled over a field of standing crop. A gearbox receives rotational power from the drive line and transmits it to the operable components. The gearbox, mounted on the crop harvesting header in the vicinity of the longitudinal centerline forwardly of the first generally vertical pivot axis, is journaled for rotation about a second generally vertical pivot axis.

Abstract: A rotary blade assembly for a rotary mower that provides an equivalent cut with a substantial reduction in necessary driving power, and a method of implementing the same to reduce the necessary driving power of a mower. The rotary blade assembly includes a support structure fixedly disposed to a rotary drive shaft, at a height sufficient to avoid or to minimize contact with vegetation, such that the rotary drive shaft rotates the support structure about an axis. The rotary blade assembly includes a plurality of cutting elements that project downwardly and outwardly from the support structure to a predetermined distance such that the cutting elements are positioned to avoid contact with the ground and to cover the area to be cut in a more uniform way. The support structure of the rotary blade assembly can be a support arm having the cutting elements spaced over a length thereof.

Abstract: A center pivot mower conditioner includes an input driveline connected directly to a power transfer arrangement forming a part of the mower conditioner for providing input power to the cutterhead assembly and to the conditioning roll drive arrangement. The power transfer arrangement is in the form of a gearbox having a stationary lower section fixed to the frame of the mower conditioner, and an upper section pivotably mounted to the lower section for movement about a substantially vertical pivot axis. The driveline provides input power to the gearbox upper section, which is transferred to the lower section through a vertical pinion shaft. The vertical pinion shaft is connected to the cutterhead assembly for providing input power to the cutterhead assembly. The gearbox is preferably located toward the center of the mower conditioner, to provide input power to the cutterhead assembly substantially in the center of the cutterhead assembly.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a body, a connecting mechanism, an operating device for pivoting the connecting mechanism into at least two working positions, transmission elements which include at least one gearbox, and a control mechanism intended to pivot the gearbox into operating positions corresponding to the working positions of the connecting mechanism. In accordance with the invention, the control mechanism is installed, among others, between the gearbox and the operating device. This control mechanism can also include a first control cylinder installed between the connecting mechanism and the body and connected in series to a second control cylinder installed between the body and the gearbox.

Abstract: A modular disc cutterbar utilizes self-contained cutter modules clamped between alternating spacer modules by fasteners engaged with the spacer modules. To resist bending moments in the cutterbar, selected fasteners can have a length to span more than one cutter module. The drive mechanism is also of a modular construction including a symmetrical, reversible sealed drive apparatus within each cutter module and a transfer shaft passing through each interstitial spacer module to interconnect each cutter module drive mechanism. The drive apparatus incorporates an oil slinger to keep the remote seals lubricated. The rock guard for each cutter module is mounted on the adjacent spacer modules, while the skid shoe mounting is simplified. A crop mover mounted on each disc member above the cutting knife improves the transfer of severed crop material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural machine for harvesting plant matter including: a mobile frame; a draw bar connected to the mobile frame; a harvesting mechanism having two conditioning units, each one provided with two contra-rotating conditioning members; and transmission members intended to impart movement to the conditioning units and including a transmission box equipped with a first output shaft and with a second output shaft. The inner end of each first conditioning member is supported by the corresponding first output shaft, and a transmission device of each second conditioning member couples an end thereof to the corresponding second output shaft.

Abstract: A disc mower conditioner utilizing a modular disc cutterbar to sever standing crop material by impact action supports the cutterbar from the header of the mower conditioner by a pair of transversely spaced support arms mounted by spherical bushings to the header to allow flexing of the support arms as induced by the cutterbar. The mounting of the spherical bushings utilize conical washers engagable with conical sockets in spacers to limit vertical movement of the spacer relative to the header when the corresponding support arm flexes. The mower conditioner header further includes an optional viney crop guide that has a curved leading edge that directs viney crop downwardly into engagement with the adjacent disc cutter. The viney crop guide is also bent inwardly to contain and control the flow of crop material.

Abstract: A rotary cutterbar housing is constructed of a plurality of modules mounted in side-to-side relationship with the opposite sides of each module being planar and being secured in face-to-face engagement. A spur gear train is located within the housing and includes at least one gear in each module which is meshed with a spur gear of an adjacent module so that portions of the teeth of the spur gear associated with one of the modules extends a short distance into the other module, and vice-versa. The opposite sides of the modules are parallel to each other and are inclined relative to vertical such that a module between two other modules can be unbolted from them and removed without requiring the other modules to be moved in order to provide clearance for the protruding portions of the gear teeth.

Abstract: A pull-type harvesting machine is adapted for laterally offset attachment to a tractor. The machine has a frame and a harvesting head supported by the frame including a cutting apparatus for cutting crops as the machine is towed across a field, and a gear box operably connected with the cutting apparatus. A pull tongue is pivotally coupled to the frame about a first vertical axis for varying the position of the machine relative to the tractor. A mechanical drive line extends along and is rotatably supported by the pull tongue for supplying driving power to the cutting apparatus through the gear box. The gear box is pivotally mounted on the header about a second vertical axis spaced from the first vertical axis. The drive line includes a fixed position portion and a telescoping portion supported at fore and aft ends by the tongue and the gear box, respectively.

Abstract: A disc mower conditioner utilizing a modular disc cutterbar to sever standing crop material by impact action supports the cutterbar from the header of the mower conditioner by a pair of transversely spaced support arms mounted by spherical bushings to the header to allow flexing of the support arms as induced by the cutterbar. The mounting of the spherical bushings utilize conical washers engagable with conical sockets in spacers to limit vertical movement of the spacer relative to the header when the corresponding support arm flexes. The mower conditioner header further includes an optional viney crop guide that has a curved leading edge that directs viney crop downwardly into engagement with the adjacent disc cutter. The viney crop guide is also bent inwardly to contain and control the flow of crop material.

Abstract: A disc mower incorporates a modular disc cutterbar. The drive mechanism for the mower utilizes a V-belt drive apparatus that requires proper tensioning which is accomplished through a spring tensioning mechanism that includes an indicator to visually determine when the proper tension has been applied. The indicator includes a bracket positioned adjacent the spring and has a length substantially equal to the length of the spring required for exerting the proper spring force for tensioning the drive belt.

Abstract: A modular disc cutterbar utilizes self-contained cutter modules clamped between alternating spacer modules by fasteners engaged with the spacer modules. To resist bending moments in the cutterbar, selected fasteners can have a length to span more than one cutter module. The drive mechanism is also of a modular construction including a symmetrical, reversible sealed drive apparatus within each cutter module and a transfer shaft passing through each interstitial spacer module to interconnect each cutter module drive mechanism. The drive apparatus incorporates an oil slinger to keep the remote seals lubricated. The rock guard for each cutter module is mounted on the adjacent spacer modules, while the skid shoe mounting is simplified. A crop mover mounted on each disc member above the cutting knife improves the transfer of severed crop material.

Abstract: A cutting machine includes a cutting mechanism, an operating device and a carrying beam connected to the cutting mechanism by an articulation. The operating device includes a retractable stop which limits the upwards pivoting of the carrying beam about a longitudinal axis of the articulation when the cutting mechanism is extending in a windrowing position and which is retracted to allow the cutting mechanism to be placed in a transport position. The retractable stop is set in place and retracted automatically by a control mechanism when the cutting mechanism is brought from a work position or from the windrowing position into the transport position.

Abstract: A modular disc cutterbar utilizes self-contained cutter modules clamped between alternating spacer modules by fasteners engaged with the spacer modules. To resist bending moments in the cutterbar, selected fasteners can have a length to span more than one cutter module. The drive mechanism is also of a modular construction including a symmetrical, reversible sealed drive apparatus within each cutter module and a transfer shaft passing through each interstitial spacer module to interconnect each cutter module drive mechanism. The drive apparatus incorporates an oil slinger to keep the remote seals lubricated. The rock guard for each cutter module is mounted on the adjacent spacer modules, while the skid shoe mounting is simplified. A crop mover mounted on each disc member above the cutting knife improves the transfer of severed crop material.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a body, a connecting mechanism, an operating device for pivoting the connecting mechanism into at least two working positions, transmission elements which include at least one gearbox, and a control mechanism intended to pivot the gearbox into operating positions corresponding to the working positions of the connecting mechanism. In accordance with the invention, the control mechanism is installed, among others, between the gearbox and the operating device. This control mechanism can also include a first control cylinder installed between the connecting mechanism and the body and connected in series to a second control cylinder installed between the body and the gearbox.

Abstract: A cutting machine which includes a hitching structure supporting, via a suspension arm, an elongated cutting mechanism connected to the suspension arm by one articulation of horizontal longitudinal axis pointing in the direction of travel during work, and a locking device intended in the transport position to lock automatically this one articulation. The locking device includes a connecting member connected on the one hand to the cutting mechanism by another articulation of geometric axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the one articulation, and on the other hand to the hitching structure by a connection allowing, in the work position, a movement of the connecting member with respect to the hitching structure, and preventing, in the transport position, a movement of the connecting member with respect to the hitching structure.

Abstract: A cutting machine including a cutting mechanism which can occupy at least one work position and one set-down position; a hitching structure; a carrying beam connected on the one hand to the hitching structure by a first articulation and on the other hand to the cutting mechanism by a second articulation; a lightening device including an elastically deformable element, and a locking device intended to block the first and second articulations. In the set-down position, the hitching structure and the carrying beam are held by the elastically deformable element and the first and second articulations are locked.

Abstract: A disk mower moveable in a cutting direction includes a mower cutter support and a plurality of mowing disks mounted on the cutter support, the mowing disks being aligned in a direction generally perpendicular to the cutting direction. Each of the mowing disks rotate within a working circle having a working circle diameter, the working circle diameter of at least one of the mowing disks being different from the working circle diameter of at least one other mowing disk.

Abstract: A modular disc cutterbar utilizes self-contained cutter modules clamped between alternating spacer modules by fasteners engaged with the spacer modules. To resist bending moments in the cutterbar, selected fasteners can have a length to span more than one cutter module. The drive mechanism is also of a modular construction including a symmetrical, reversible sealed drive apparatus within each cutter module and a transfer shaft passing through each interstitial spacer module to interconnect each cutter module drive mechanism. The drive apparatus incorporates an oil slinger to keep the remote seals lubricated. The rock guard for each cutter module is mounted on the adjacent spacer modules, while the skid shoe mounting is simplified. A crop mover mounted on each disc member above the cutting knife improves the transfer of severed crop material.

Abstract: A pull-type mower conditioner includes a crop harvesting header vertically movable relative to the frame of the mower conditioner between a raised transport position and a lowered operative position, a lift mechanism to effect the movement of the crop harvesting header relative to the frame, and a transport latch mechanism to control the locking of the lift mechanism in the transport position. The lift linkage incorporates a cam mechanism that serves as an upper flotation limit under normal operating conditions and automatically converts into a device for securing the header in the transport position when the header is moved into the transport position.

Abstract: A mower includes a cutting mechanism extending, in a work position, transversely to the direction of travel during work; a hitch structure connectable to the hitch device of a motor vehicle; a carrying beam articulated on the one hand to the hitch structure by a first articulation and on the other hand to the cutting mechanism by a second articulation; a lightening device which includes an elastic element intended to lighten the cutting mechanism in the work position; a control device which includes a body connected to the hitch structure by a third articulation; a tie rod connected to one of the ends of said elastic element and sliding on the other hand in said body; a stop element limiting, at least in one direction, sliding of the tie rod with respect to the body; and a set-down member connected, in the set-down position, to the carrying beam by the stop element.

Abstract: A mower includes a linking structure designed to link the mower to a motor vehicle; a cutting mechanism with driven cutting elements that include cutting tools; and a windrowing device designed to move laterally, toward a median plane of the cutting mechanism, the product that has been cut by the cutting elements before it is dropped to the ground. The windrowing device has at least one guiding element for the cut product, located in the vicinity of one of the lateral ends of the cutting mechanism, and considering the direction of work, behind the front of the cut of the cutting mechanism. The guiding element has at least two rotors arranged crosswise to the direction of work and to the rotation axis directed upward during work. The rotors are hung to a carrying structure linked to the cutting mechanism and/or to the linking structure, and the rotors are driven in rotation by way of a driving mechanism.

Abstract: A mowing machine comprising a mowing unit, a crushing member and an adjusting mechanism, by means of which one or more crushing parameters can be adjusted. At least one sensor is provided, by means of which the extent to which the crushing member is loaded during operation is recorded. This sensor also supplies one or more control signals to the above-mentioned adjusting mechanism to obtain automatic adjustment of the machine's crushing parameters. The adjusting mechanism can adjust the relative positions of the crushing member and the mowing unit, the rpm of the crushing member and the size of the crop channel, among other things.

Abstract: A rotary mower cutter disc includes a replaceable knife mount shield which, in one embodiment, comprises a unitary slotted body which is received over the edge of the disc and held in place by the knife mounting bolt. The nut holding the bolt in place is located within a cylindrical cavity of the shield. In a second embodiment, the shield in made in two pieces mounted in sandwiching relationship to the mounting location of the disc having a back-turned lip defining a slot received over the edge of the disc and with the other piece being located on the side of the disc beside the lip and forming the cylindrical cavity for protecting the nut of the knife mounting bolt.

Abstract: A mower-conditioner has a header equipped with a rotary cutterbar for severing crop and directing it to a crop conditioner spanning a crop discharge opening centered rearwardly of the cutterbar and having a width some-what less than the length of the cutterbar. The cutter discs at the extreme outer ends of the cutterbar are equipped with upright, crop converging drums. For shorter cutterbars, paddles are mounted only to the tops of the cutter discs at the extreme outer ends of the cutterbars for operating in conjunction with the converging drums to move cut crop inwardly and rearwardly to the crop conditioner. For cutterbars of an intermediate length, paddles are also provided on the pair of discs respectively adjacent the discs at the extreme outer ends of the cutterbar and for cutterbars having a longer length, short crop converging drums are mounted to these adjacent discs.

Abstract: A mower including a cutting mechanism, a hitch structure, a carrying beam, and an operating device. The operating device makes it possible to bring the cutting mechanism at least into the work position and into the windrowing position. This operating device includes an operating member connected, among other things, to the cutting mechanism which includes a first lever, a second lever connected to the carrying beam and to said first lever, and a latch intended to stop the upward pivoting of the cutting mechanism when bringing into the windrowing position, and an operating element connected to said operating member and to the hitch structure.

Abstract: A pull-type mower conditioner includes a crop harvesting header vertically movable relative to the frame of the mower conditioner between a raised transport position and a lowered operative position, a lift mechanism to effect the movement of the crop harvesting header relative to the frame, and a transport latch mechanism to control the locking of the lift mechanism in the transport position. The transport latch mechanism has a biasing lever operably positionable between locking and unlocking positions. An extension spring is connected to the biasing lever to bias the lever in the selectable positions. The transport latch will not engage whenever the header is moved to the transport position to avoid an obstacle unless the biasing lever is moved to the lock position.

Abstract: A mowing machine includes a harvesting mechanism which extends during mowing transversely to a working direction, and a lightening device for the harvesting mechanism which includes at least one elastically deformable member whose action can be adjusted by way of an adjustment device connected to the elastically deformable member. The elastically deformable member can include a deformable envelope which contains a gas under adjustable pressure. The adjustment device can include a supply circuit provided with at least one electrovalve or gate connected to the deformable envelope. In an alternative embodiment, the adjustment device can include at least one jack connected to a mechanical spring, and a supply circuit provided with at least one gate or electrovalve connected to the jack.

Abstract: A modular disc cutterbar utilizes self-contained cutter modules clamped between alternating spacer modules by fasteners engaged with the spacer modules. To resist bending moments in the cutterbar, selected fasteners can have a length to span more than one cutter module. The drive mechanism is also of a modular construction including a symmetrical, reversible sealed drive apparatus within each cutter module and a transfer shaft passing through each interstitial spacer module to interconnect each cutter module drive mechanism. The drive apparatus incorporates an oil slinger to keep the remote seals lubricated. The rock guard for each cutter module is mounted on the adjacent spacer modules, while the skid shoe mounting is simplified. A crop mover mounted on each disc member above the cutting knife improves the transfer of severed crop material.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus is provided for a pivot assembly on a disc mower incorporating a disc cutterbar to sever standing crop material by impact action. A first circular labyrinth seal has a T-shaped cross-section and fills a correspondingly-shaped groove between the pivot support arm and the gearbox housing. The combination of the T-shaped groove and corresponding labyrinth seal creates a labyrinth path for the entrance of dirt into the pivot assembly. A second circular face seal is constructed with a deformed inner diameter to create a lip that engages the face of the gearbox hubs. The deformed inner diameter lip of the face seal creates an inner cavity underneath the seal that can be filled with grease to provide a further deterrent to the entry of dirt into the pivot mechanism.