Abstract: A brake module for a hydraulically braked tractor coupled to a pneumatically braked trailer has a trailer control valve connected via hydraulic control inlet to a hydraulic pressure line leaving a master brake cylinder, and via pneumatic inlet to a compressed air reservoir. Hydraulic control pressure determines pneumatic output pressure level at a trailer control valve pneumatic outlet. The brake module has a break-off prevention module which, if the control line leaks or separates from the trailer control valve relative to the trailer brake system, closes a supply pressure coupling head supply line and causes trailer brake system venting. The break-off prevention module has a pneumatic supply pressure inlet and a pneumatic tear-off control pressure inlet connected to the air reservoir independently of trailer control valve pressure inlets. Supply pressure inlet supply pressure passes through the break-off prevention module and feeds to a trailer control valve pneumatic supply pressure inlet.

Abstract: A mowing sickle drive system comprises a knife bar supported by a frame and drive apparatus operable to drive the knife bar in a reciprocating linear motion at a variable drive frequency. A spring is coupled to the knife bar for applying a restoring force to the knife bar toward a neutral position when in motion. The spring has a variable modulus of elasticity that is controlled dependent upon the drive frequency.

Abstract: A vehicle control device incorporating at least one vehicle control element and a vehicle terminal is disclosed, the at least one vehicle control element being adapted to control a functionality of a vehicle implement or tool, the vehicle terminal incorporating a terminal display, the terminal display being adapted to alter the functionality of the vehicle implement or tool associated with the vehicle control element, the terminal display also indicating the functionality associated with the vehicle control element, wherein the vehicle control element incorporates a vehicle control display element, the vehicle control display element indicating whether the functionality of the vehicle control element has been altered. This enables a driver when looking at the vehicle control element easily to see from the vehicle control display element whether the functionality of the vehicle control element has been altered.

Abstract: A combine harvester tailings return system includes a tailings conveyor and an ejection channel for depositing tailings upstream of a cleaning system. A proximity sensor is mounted to the ejection channel and is configured to sense the height of a layer of tailings during transit through the returns system.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor having an auxiliary control station located outside of the tractor cab. The auxiliary control station is used for the actuation of tractor components, e.g. hydraulic cylinders, when an operator is outside of the cab. The auxiliary control station has a user interface which allows the external controls of the auxiliary control station to be reassigned to operate different actuatable elements of the tractor, thereby providing for increased ease-of-use of the tractor when an operator is outside of the cab.

Abstract: A drive train arrangement for a tracked or two-wheel drive utility vehicle including a transmission and differential axle. The transmission has on a first side a rotatably driven input adapted to couple to the output of a motive power unit of the vehicle, and on a second side opposed to the first, an output shaft. The differential axle unit, which may be a steering differential, has an input coupled with the transmission unit output shaft and a pair of output shafts operationally coupled with the input via a plurality of planetary gear sets. The transmission unit output shaft extends outwardly of the unit also on the first side, and has a vehicle brake assembly mounted to the output shaft on the first side.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit provides relief pressure operation for a lift cylinder and/or top cylinder in an implement linkage of a utility vehicle. A relief pressure control valve has a first position providing a connection between a variable displacement pump and one side of the hydraulic cylinder, and a second position providing a connection between that side of the hydraulic cylinder and a drain or reservoir. A connection carries an indication of the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder chamber as a load-sensing signal to control adjustment of the pump.

Abstract: A fender assembly for an agricultural tractor including a carrier bracket which supports a wheel fender adjacent to a vehicle wheel. A steering mechanism is provided as part of the fender assembly, such that the wheel fender can be rotated relative to the carrier bracket. Accordingly, the rotation of the wheel fender can be controlled based on a steering signal generated by the vehicle steering system, to ensure that the wheel fender accurately follows the movement of the adjacent tractor wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis arrangement, preferably for use in an agricultural tractor. The chassis has two frame elements and a differential housing, where the ends of the frame elements are connected to the side of the differential housing facing the rear of the vehicle. A tank cover is attached adjacent to that side of the differential housing, to define a fluid storage tank between the tank cover and the surface of the differential housing.

Abstract: A grain cleaning system in a combine harvester including a frame, a chaffer sieve, and a lower sieve. A clean grain chute is located under the lower sieve to catch grain falling therefrom and is inclined to direct the caught grain to a clean grain trough. A tailings return chute is disposed under the clean grain chute and is configured to direct tailings to a tailings collection trough. A multi-configurable plate is mounted to the frame and positioned under a rear portion of the chaffer sieve. The plate is moveable between different operating positions. In a first operating position the plate is configured to guide material incident thereon to the tailings return chute. In a second operating position the plate is configured to guide material incident thereon to the clean grain chute.

Abstract: A drivetrain for an agricultural vehicle and method for controlling the same. The drivetrain includes first and second driven axles with a variable pivot angle hydraulic motor connectable to drive the first axle through engagement of a first clutch mechanism. A further motor is connected to drive the second axle. In operation, the pivot angle of the variable pivot angle hydraulic motor is reduced with variation in a vehicle parameter value, such as transmission ratio or ground speed, to a point at which the pivot angle reaches zero at a first parameter value. With the pivot angle at zero and parameter value continuing to vary due to the drive of the further motor, the first clutch mechanism is disengaged at a second parameter value, with the first and second parameter values separated by an interval determined at least partly by an operating characteristic of the first clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A combine harvester having a grain pan arranged to catch a crop stream, the grain pan being driven in an oscillating manner to convey the crop stream rearwardly to a rear edge. A cleaning unit including a fan for generating a cleaning airstream which is directed under the rear edge. The grain pan includes a floor profile which defines a transverse profile comprising ridges and troughs. The troughs provide a plurality of longitudinal channels, wherein the ridge-to-trough height increases in the direction of conveyance. Crop material conveyed by the grain pan experiences channels that deepen towards the rear edge of the pan.

Abstract: A vehicle control lever which has a moveable control panel provided on the lever. The control panel has a plurality of operating elements to control different vehicle functions, wherein the configuration of the operating elements can be re-assigned to control different vehicle functions based on the position of the control panel on the control lever.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor having a three-point hitch with a top link. The tractor is provided with a lifting block adjacent the three-point hitch. The lifting block has a retractable cable which can be used to assist in the raising or lowering of the top link, to allow for easy manipulation of the top link by an operator. In addition, the cable of the lifting block can be used to assist in the coupling of a rear attachment system of the tractor with relatively heavy implements.

Abstract: A cooling package for a vehicle, such as an agricultural tractor, having a heat exchanger with a fan providing air flow and a charge air cooler assembly that airflow is routed through multiple times in order to cool a compressed charge of air. As the temperature rise experienced by the cooling airflow is relatively minor compared to the initial temperature of the compressed charge of air, the airflow is initially routed through an outlet-side portion of the charge air cooler to cool the compressed charge of air towards the outlet side of the charge air cooler, and subsequently routed through an inlet-side portion of the charge air cooler to cool the compressed charge of air towards the inlet side of the charge air cooler.

Abstract: A low-pressure vehicle braking system and method of operation that controls the supply of brake fluid based on the pressure differential between left and right master cylinders associated with the different wheel brakes allowing for pressure harmonization between the left and right wheel brake circuits and a brake system module suitable for installation on an existing vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer brake system and method with a hydraulic control line and supplementary line arranged between a towing vehicle and a towed trailer, wherein the trailer braking system is actuated from the towing vehicle by controlling the hydraulic pressure in the control line and the supplementary line. The trailer brake system may be operated to actuate a trailer brake using a trailer-based hydraulic accumulator, to provide for relatively fast response time for the trailer brake.

Abstract: A fender assembly for a tractor, as well as a tractor having such a fender assembly. The fender assembly is constructed as first and second fender parts, connected via a rail. The rail has a partial spiral or helical shape. As a result, the second fender part is moveable on the rail along a path substantially parallel to a portion of the circumference of a wheel of the tractor, in a direction downwardly and outwardly relative to the first fender part. This provides a fender assembly allowing for improved access to tractor components located inboard of the fender assembly, as well as allowing for ease of access to the second fender part for an operator standing on the ground adjacent the tractor.

Abstract: A tractor control system, which controls an operating condition of an implement attached to the tractor. The control system includes a sensing means providing a force signal which indicates the pull force necessary to pull an implement in a desired position; a control which receives the force signal; and means for measuring at least one parameter associated with the tractor mode and/or the implement mode and the implement position is adjusted to a new position when the force signal varies. The control system includes pre-determined values associated with certain tractor and/or implement modes. A measured parameter is compared with a pre-determined parameter value and if the measured parameter would result in an undesired movement of the implement, the force signal is deactivated, or the response to the force signal is deactivated to prevent undesired movement of the attachment.

Abstract: A fender assembly for an agricultural tractor including a carrier bracket which supports a wheel fender adjacent to a vehicle wheel. A steering mechanism is provided as part of the fender assembly, such that the wheel fender can be rotated relative to the carrier bracket. Accordingly, the rotation of the wheel fender can be controlled based on a steering signal generated by the vehicle steering system, to ensure that the wheel fender accurately follows the movement of the adjacent tractor wheel.