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 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 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.

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: In a roll baling machine having a bale forming apron defining an expandable bale chamber, guide members extending into the bale chamber to support the apron and thereby define an initial shape for the bale chamber, the guide members being movable out of the bale chamber during bale formation without being opposed by springs which exert force to urge the guide members back into the bale chamber only after a bale that is being discharged from the machine has cleared the guide members.

Abstract: A combine harvester including a crop elevator, a threshing mechanism to which in use the crop elevator feeds crop material, and a removable stone trap located between the crop elevator and the threshing mechanism and having an inlet disposed generally at the transition between the crop elevator and the threshing mechanism is disclosed wherein the stone trap is supported in the operative position by a first releasable pivot and is retained in the operative position by a latch, the arrangement being such that on release of the latch the stone trap pivots forwardly of the machine about the first pivot while still being supported by the first pivot, the latter being disengaged on final removal of the stone trap from the machine.

Abstract: In a crop roll forming machine having cooperating upper and lower bale forming means there is provided an improved automatic twine wrapping mechanism for binding a completed crop roll with binding material. The automatic twine wrapping mechanism is triggered by one of either two trip devices to automatically effect the serial steps of the twine wrapping cycle.