Abstract: A hydraulic system and method for service mode on a work machine is operatively coupled to a cutting element for felling trees. The hydraulic system comprises a hydraulic motor, a hydraulic pump, a feed actuator, a feed line, a directional control valve, a voltage battery, and a controller. The hydraulic motor is coupled to the hydraulic circuit for operating the cutting element. The hydraulic pump is operable to supply pressurized fluid to the hydraulic motor. The feed actuator extends or retracts the cutting element. The feed line is coupled to the hydraulic actuator. The directional control valve is located on the feed line of the feed actuator. The controller receives a cutting element service mode signal, moves the directional control valve to pressure the feed line for extending the cutting element where the valve is powered by the voltage battery upon receiving the cutting element service mode signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating remaining life in an agricultural baler comprise a reciprocating plunger for compressing gathered agricultural material into bales. A first sensor generates signals corresponding to force applied to the reciprocating plunger and any baling components configured to at least partially carry forces applied to the plunger. Based on input signals from at least the first sensor, forces associated with a load are recorded and a life state is estimated for the reciprocating plunger and/or at least one associated baler component. An output signal is then generated corresponding to the one or more estimated life states. In an embodiment, an input signal from a second sensor indicates completion of a bale, wherein an amount of life consumed from the plunger and/or baling components is determined in association with the bale, based at least in part on operating conditions of the baled material.

Abstract: A work vehicle for cutting crops includes a header a supported by a chassis of the work vehicle. The header includes a cutter assembly having a cutter bar frame supporting a series of rotary cutters arranged in a lengthwise direction. A gear train, having a first gear and a second gear, is coupled to the series of rotary cutters to transfer power thereto. A cutter control system includes a first motor coupled to the first gear of the gear train and a second motor coupled to the second gear of the gear train. A controller, including a processor and memory architecture, is operably connected to the first motor and the second motor to control operation thereof. The cutter control system drives the first gear at a first speed via the first motor and drives the second gear at a second speed via the second motor. The second speed is different than the first speed to pre-load the gear train into enmeshing engagement with each other in one rotational direction.

Abstract: A method for silaging harvested crops includes distributing and compacting silage consisting of shredded foliage plants in a silo. The silo is then sealed and then fermented in the silo. At least one part of the silage is flushed with an inert gas after an aerobic phase of the fermentation is detected with a first sensor. The inert gas may also be introduced into the silage if a penetration of atmospheric oxygen is detected in the silage with a second sensor.

Abstract: A tandem wheel assembly for a work vehicle includes a tandem wheel housing, a center drive member rotatably disposed within the housing, first and second wheel end assemblies, a coupler between each wheel end drive member and the center drive member, and a brake assembly. Each wheel end assembly includes an input shaft, a wheel end drive member mounted thereon, a wheel end gear train coupled to the input shaft, an output shaft coupled to the wheel end gear train, and a wheel end hub coupled to the output shaft for supporting one of the wheels. The brake assembly is coupled to the tandem wheel housing and to the input shaft or the output shaft of at least one of the first wheel end assembly or the second wheel end assembly and reduces the amount of backlash.

Abstract: A disk for use with a tillage machine includes a body portion rotatable about an axis of rotation. The body portion has a circumferential edge and a concavity with a first radius defined from a point on the axis of rotation. A hub portion is continuous with the body portion and presents an abutment face having a concavity with a second radius defined from a point on the axis of rotation. An aperture extends through the abutment face and is centered about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlled loading by a self-propelled work vehicle comprising ground engaging units supporting a main frame, and at least one work attachment moveable with respect to the main frame for loading and unloading material in a loading area external to the work vehicle. Using at least one detector, such as cameras and/or vehicle motion sensors, location inputs for the loading area are detected respective to the main frame and/or at least one work attachment. A trigger input is detected in association with transition of the work vehicle from a first work state to an automated second work state. In the second work state, at least movement of the main frame and/or the at least one work attachment is automatically controlled relative to a defined reference associated with the loading area. Such a system and method facilitates loading operations and accordingly higher productivity regardless of operator experience.

Abstract: A transmission includes a drive element, a first output element, a primary transmission unit, a reversing unit, and an intermediate gearbox. At least two of the at least nine shifting elements of the primary transmission unit, at least one of the at least two shifting elements of the reversing unit, and at least one of the at least two shifting elements of the intermediate gearbox are activatable in combinations of at least four shifting elements so as to establish at least twenty-eight forward gears between the drive element and the first output element.

Abstract: A transmission arrangement for a vehicle includes an input gearbox including a first input shaft, a base gearbox connected to an output side of the input gearbox in a direction of a power flow, and a drive unit for rotatably driving a drive shaft at a rotational speed. The drive shaft is drive-connected to a second input shaft of the input gearbox. The transmission arrangement also includes a locking device being transferable into a locking position for arresting a rotation of the second input shaft.

Abstract: A transmission includes a drive element, a first output element, a primary transmission unit, a reversing unit, and an intermediate gearbox. At least three of the at least eight shifting elements of the primary transmission unit, at least one of the at least two shifting elements of the reversing unit, and at least one of the at least two shifting elements of the intermediate gearbox are activatable in combinations of at least five shifting elements so as to establish at least twenty-eight forward gears between the drive element and the first output element.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of controlling a mobile agricultural machine includes obtaining prior field data representing a position of plants in a field, obtaining in situ plant detection data from operation of the mobile agricultural machine in the field, determining a position error in the prior field data based on the in situ plant detection data, and generating a control signal that controls the mobile agricultural machine based on the determined position error.

Abstract: A method for spin set bearing setting verification in a preload state on a shaft. An inertia wheel may be disposed on the shaft. The inertia wheel or the shaft is rotated. A first rotational speed is measured at a first time. The inertia wheel may decelerate over time to achieve a second rotational speed measured at a second time. The second speed is less than first speed. The change in time between the first time and the second time is measured. The bearing setting may be adjusted if the change in time is outside a predetermined time range. The bearing setting may remain unchanged if the change in time is within a predetermined time range.

Abstract: A tractor battery charging module includes a compartment where a portable battery for a handheld battery power tool may be stored and connected to a tractor electrical system. The tractor electrical system charges the portable handheld tool battery in a first mode when the tractor ignition is on, and the portable handheld tool battery recharges the tractor battery in a second mode when the tractor ignition is off. The first mode includes a step up converter to convert the tractor electrical system voltage to the portable battery voltage, and the second mode includes a step down converter to convert the portable handheld tool battery voltage to the tractor electrical system voltage.

Abstract: One or more information maps are obtained by an agricultural work machine. The one or more information maps map one or more agricultural characteristic values at different geographic locations of a field. An in-situ sensor on the agricultural work machine senses an agricultural characteristic as the agricultural work machine moves through the field. A predictive map generator generates a predictive map that predicts a predictive agricultural characteristic at different locations in the field based on a relationship between the values in the one or more information maps and the agricultural characteristic sensed by the in-situ sensor. The predictive map can be output and used in automated machine control.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a chassis, a crop-cutting member coupled to the chassis; and a crop-conditioning member coupled to the chassis and positioned rearward of the crop-cutting member. The crop-conditioning member includes a first macerator assembly and a second macerator assembly. The first macerator assembly includes a first roll configured to rotate about a first rotational axis, a second roll configured to rotate about a second rotational axis, and a first endless member surrounding and engaged with the first roll and the second roll. The second macerator assembly is spaced apart from the first macerator assembly; and a maceration zone is defined between the first macerator assembly and the second macerator assembly. The endless member rotates to macerate crop disposed between the first macerator assembly and the second macerator assembly.

Abstract: A mobile communications station may include a supporting frame including an interface for mechanical coupling to a vehicle for transporting the mobile communications station, wherein the interface includes fastening points for attachment of a three-point hitch; a first antenna mounted on the supporting frame to facilitate communication with mobile devices; and a second antenna mounted on the supporting frame to facilitate communication with a distant location, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are to facilitate a bidirectional communication link between the mobile devices and the distant location.

Abstract: A height of cut adjustment system for a rough, trim and surround mower deck includes a first height of cut linkage on a left side of the mower deck and a second height of cut linkage on a right side of the mower deck. A connecting rod extends transversely across a top of each mower deck to connect the pair of height of cut linkages together. A height of cut adjustment lever may be secured to the connecting rod. The height of cut adjustment lever may have teeth that engage notches in a pivot plate at each selected height of cut.

Abstract: A baler implement includes a housing that defines a baling chamber for forming crop material into a bale. The baler implement further includes a knotter system having a component that is moveable between a standby position and a wrapping position while wrapping the bale. A knotter sensor communicates a knotter engagement signal in response to movement of the component. A reader is in communication with the knotter sensor and is emits an interrogation signal for reading an identification tag on the bale. The reader emits the interrogation signal for a predefined period of time in response to the knotter engagement signal from the knotter sensor indicating movement of the component of the knotter system while wrapping the bale with the strand material.

Abstract: A traction control system for a trailing vehicle includes an electric machine, a ground engaging apparatus in contact with a ground surface, a speed sensor measuring the speed of the ground engaging apparatus, and a controller providing a traction control signal to the electric machine. The controller is in communication with a force increase control. The controller provides a temporary increase in tractive force of the electric machine when the force increase control is activated either manually or automatically. The amount of temporary increase in the tractive force can be variable and adjustable.

Abstract: A transmission includes a drive element, a first output element, a primary transmission unit, a reversing unit, and an intermediate gearbox. At least three of the at least seven shifting elements of the primary transmission unit, at least one of the at least two shifting elements of the reversing unit, and at least one of the at least two shifting elements of the intermediate gearbox are activatable in combinations of at least five shifting elements so as to establish at least eighteen forward gears between the drive element and the first output element.