Abstract: A tractor includes a cab mounted analysis/display unit (1) connected to a number of on-board sensors for detecting speed, fuel flow, etc and also capable of receiving data input manually or via a data carrier. The unit (1) is also connected to an on-board GPS navigation system (24), and includes means for generating maps of tractor-related parameters and/or parameters derived therefrom. The math usefulness of the system is in derby “on the go” maps of cost related data for a given field operation. Cost maps for cumulative operations and maps of gross profit margin are possible by adding “on the go” generated cost data to previously generated cost and/or yield data as the tractor performs an operation in a field.

Abstract: A method of collecting yield data from a harvesting machine includes the steps of establishing a first data set comprising raw data by continuously recording yield and position data periodically at data points when the harvesting machine is in a harvesting area. Each data point is tagged with a code indicative of a harvesting parameter of the said harvesting machine. A filtering process is applied to the first data set to create a second data set, wherein invalid data is removed by the filtering process. The filtering process includes the step of identifying all data points in the filtering process where the status of at least one harvesting parameter indicates that the harvester is not harvesting.

Abstract: An arrangement 1 for selectively actuating the four-wheel drive and differential lock engagement means of a vehicle comprises a hand operable selector mounted a bracket 4, the bracket 4 including a pathway, the selector comprising a protrusion which co-operates with the said pathway, so that movement of the selector in a first direction from a first position to a second position actuates four-wheel drive, and further movement in the first direction from the second position to a third position actuates the said differential lock, the pathway preventing the selector from moving in the first direction from the second position to the third position without first being moved in a second direction.

Abstract: In a control system for a power shuttle transmission, the transmission comprises a first clutch pack engagement of which drives a transmission output in a first direction, and a second clutch pack engagement of which drives the transmission output in a second direction, and means to engage and disengage the first and/or second clutch pack, the control system comprising control means to initiate and complete engagement and/or disengagement cycles of the first and/or second clutch pack, and wherein the control system comprises adjustment means for actuation by an operator of the transmission to adjust the said engagement/disengagement cycle.

Abstract: A body panel assembly for a tractor engine hood comprises a top panel (8), side panels (12) and a front grille panel (18). Forward ends of the top and side panels are secured to a frame (3) mounted on or integral with the front of the tractor chassis (1). The grille panel (18) is mounted at least partially by releasable means on an alignment member or members (17, 26) whose exact position may be adjusted during the assembly process to ensure accurate alignment of the front grille panel (18) to the side panel (12).

Abstract: A tractor includes a cab mounted analysis/display unit (1) connected to a number of on-board sensors for detecting speed, fuel flow, etc and also capable of receiving data input manually or via a data carrier. The unit (1) is also connected to an on-board GPS navigation system (24), and includes means for generating maps of tractor-related parameters and/or parameters derived therefrom. The main usefulness of the system is in deriving “on the go” maps of cost related data for a given field operation. Cost maps for cumulative operations and maps of gross profit margin are possible by adding “on the go” generated cost data to previously generated cost and/or yield data as the tractor performs an operation in a field.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle is provided with means for continuously sensing the weight of an accumulated payload and a GPS navigation system (18). Weight and positional information, and optionally also sensed vehicle speed, are analysed in an analysis/display unit (14) and a map generated of e.g. weight/hectare. The principal application is an agricultural trailer with payload weight sensors (15), towed by a tractor with GPS and analysis systems. A map of yield of e.g. a root crop may be generated as the crop is harvested and continuously deposited into the trailer as it moves along.

Abstract: A system for accelerating the front wheels of a vehicle, eg an agricultural tractor, on turning a corner, comprises steering angle sensors (21) which, via a control unit (22) enable or disable drive to the front wheels from a hydraulic motor (11). The drive from the hydraulic motor from the front wheels is via a one-way clutch (14). The hydraulic motor (11) is powered by a pump (6) driven either directly from the vehicle engine or from the main transmission.

Abstract: A transmission casing for a tractor, eg on agricultural tractor, having a three point linkage for lifting implements, incorporates reinforcing bars (22) running the length of the casing to the top and on each side. Turnbuckles (26) allow the bars (22) to be placed in tension, thereby placing in compression the upper parts of the castings (1, 2, 3) making up the body of the transmission casing. In this way, the load bearing capacity of the casing the and thus of the tractor may be increased.

Abstract: A crop harvesting machine comprises two or more separate storage compartments (5a,5b) and a mechanism (6) for diverting harvested crop between the storage compartments as the machine moves across a field. The machine may also include a GPS positioning system and a control system (1) for controlling the diverter (6) on the basis of the machine's position and a map of harvesting instructions. The machine may in addition or alternatively include sensors (8) to analyse properties of the crop as it is harvested, enabling the control system (1) to control the diverter (6) accordingly.

Abstract: A transmission, particularly an agricultural tractor transmission, has a creep gear facility whereby speeds under 0.5 km per hour are possible without slipping a clutch. Planocentric gearing (20) is used for the creep gear, selectively clutchable into the transmission by means of a dog clutch (31). The planocentric gearing comprises an input eccentric (32) which runs inside an inner ring member (33) carrying external gear teeth (34). The inner ring (33), in use, oscillates within an outer ring (36) having interior gear teeth (35) with which the exterior teeth (34) mesh at one point at any given time. Pins (38) are mounted on the inner ring (33) which are received in apertures (47) in a stationary reaction member (44). The oscillating motion of the inner ring (33) is transferred to the outer ring (36) as rotation, at a reduced speed from the input, giving a reduction ratio of 10:1 or higher in a single stage. The direction of the drive is preserved from input to output.

Abstract: A tractor electronic linkage control system comprises electronic draft force and linkage position sensors (30, 33) and manual draft force and linkage position controls (31, 32). An electronic control unit 17 derives draft and position error signals and continually compares them to determine whether the system is to operate in draft control mode, where the draft error signal governs linkage movement, or position control mode, where the position error signal governs linkage movement.