Abstract: A method and system of harvesting crops involves cutting and threshing the crop, separating graff (a mixture of grain kernels, chaff, weed seeds, and other organic matter) from straw (plant stalks), and returning the straw to the field. This is preferably carried out in a harvesting unit of the pull type having a graff storage tank. The collected graff is moved to a stationary cleaning mill in a different location by means of a suitable vehicle such as a truck. Storage of the graff prior to cleaning is avoided and the cleaning mill, and preferably the harvesting unit and vehicle, are designed to make this possible. This avoids difficulties caused by the poor material flow of graff. Various details of the equipment are also novel.

Abstract: A hitching arm for a graff harvester comprising a rigid elongated element having two opposite ends for connection, respectively, to the graff harvester and to a propulsion device, wherein the arm has upwardly extending sections extending from each opposite end towards a centre of the hitching arm, and an elevated centre section. The shape of the arm allows the arm to pull a harvesting unit having a cutter head at the front extend over the cutter head.

Abstract: A harvesting unit for graff (a mixture including grain, chaff and weed seeds). The unit includes a wheeled harvester body and a harvesting header. A threshing unit is provided to separate stalks from graff and a tank is provided for storing the graff. The tank has a rear well and a floor provided with a elements that move the graff to the well. A graff collection bed is provided beneath the threshing unit and has a transverse collection trough. Augers in the trough move the graff laterally and graff elevators lift on each side of the storage tank lift the graff to the storage tank.

Abstract: A method and system of harvesting crops involves cutting and threshing the crop, separating graff from straw, and returning the straw to the field. This is carried out in a harvesting unit of the pull type having a graff storage tank. The collected graff is moved to a stationary cleaning mill in a different location by means of a suitable vehicle such as a truck. Storage of the graff prior to cleaning is avoided and the cleaning mill, and the harvesting unit and vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive apparatus for powering mechanical components of a pull-type implement, such as a crop harvesting unit, having an elongated extending hitching arm for pivotal attachment to a powered vehicle provided with a power take-off shaft. The drive apparatus includes a hydraulic pump for attachment to the hitching arm, a mechanical drive shaft for operation of the hydraulic pump upon attachment of the drive shaft to the power take-off shaft of the powered vehicle, and connections for hydraulic fluid lines for delivery and return of hydraulic fluid to and from a hydraulic motor for operation of the mechanical components of the pull-type crop harvester. The apparatus may include an articulation assembly to isolate the drive for the pump from movements between the hitching arm and the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system of harvesting crops involves cutting and threshing the crop, separating graff from straw, and returning the straw to the field. This is carried out in a harvesting unit of the pull type having a graff storage tank. The collected graff is moved to a stationary cleaning mill in a different location by a truck. Storage of the graff prior to cleaning is avoided and the cleaning mill, and preferably the harvesting unit and vehicle, are designed to make this possible.