Abstract: A vehicle having a base structure with bodywork and a fuel tank assembly mounted on the base structure is disclosed wherein the fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank having a filler neck, access to the inlet of which is gained through an aperture in a panel forming part of the bodywork. A grommet, fitted to the filler neck, has a skirt portion at one end, adapted to encircle the filler neck, at least one flange at the other end, adapted to engage the edge portion of the aperture in the panel, and an overflow channel disposed between the flange and the skirt. The overflow channel is provided with an outlet adapted for connection to a drain pipe. The filler neck is also provided with an outer portion of a first cross-sectional area and an adjacent inner portion of a second cross-sectional area which is smaller than the first cross-sectional area.

Abstract: An agricultural baler for making cylindrical bales of crop material having a sledge assembly moveable between bale starting and full bale positions. The sledge assembly includes a plurality of rollers which cooperate with an apron to define a bale forming chamber. A dispensing mechanism is carried on the sledge assembly for dispensing web material into the bale forming chamber whereupon it is wrapped circumferentially around a cylindrical package of crop material. A net supply assembly is associated with the dispensing mechanism to provide net for feeding into the bale chamber via the dispensing mechanism. Included along the feed path of the net is a net severing assembly for cutting the net after it has been wrapped around the cylindrical hay package. The net severing assembly includes a free falling cutting element for operatively engaging the net prior to entry into the chamber.

Abstract: A tractor having a front axle that pivotally moves laterally in response to a corresponding steering action of the steerable wheels mounted on the front axle is disclosed wherein the ballast assembly is supported directly by the front axle so as to be laterally movable relative to the chassis with the shiftable front axle. The ballast assembly is formed by individual weights mounted on an arcuate rack detachably connected to the front axle. The individual weights are connected together by fasteners to form a unitary package positioned centrally between the steerable wheels.

Abstract: In a powershift transmission system the output shaft and driveline unwind and then wind up during shifting under load as the torque applied to the shaft through a first clutch is reduced and the torque applied to the shaft through a second clutch is increased. The degree of winding or unwinding is dependent on the load being driven by the shaft and is manifested as an apparent increase or decrease in the rate of rotation of the output shaft as measured at the transmission end of the shaft. The rate of rotation of the transmission output shaft is sensed during shifting and the second clutch pressure is controlled in accordance with the sensed rate of rotation so that the second clutch pressure varies according to the load. The arrangement reduces sudden accelerations under no-load conditions but permits near optimum clutch pressures at heavier loads.

Abstract: An agricultural baler for making cylindrical bales of wrapped crop material. The baler includes a sledge assembly moveable between bale starting and full bale positions. A plurality of rollers on the sledge assembly cooperate with an apron to define a bale forming chamber. Wrapping is accomplished via a system that includes a dispensing mechanism carried on the sledge assembly for dispensing sheet material, such as net or the like, into the bale forming chamber whereupon it is wrapped circumferentially around a formed cylindrical bale of crop material as it is rotated in the chamber. The net wrapping system includes a net feed path having configuration that assures reliable net wrap start-up which in turn enhances overall operation.

Abstract: A shift lever control apparatus for generating electrical control signals for controlling a remote transmission shift system. A lever moves in two orthogonal directions and is shiftable to a plurality of positions. An array of electrical detectors sense the position of the lever and generate an electrical signal indicating the position of the lever to a microprocessor.

Abstract: An apparatus fitted with a power take-off (PTO) drive connectable to ancillary equipment and means for actuating and deactuating the PTO drive is disclosed wherein an interlock system includes sensor means for sensing whether the PTO drive is operative and producing an output signal representative thereof, timer means coupled to the actuating and deactuating means and initiated when said means is operated, and means responsive to the sensor output signal and coupled to timer means and operable to produce a deactuating signal if the sensor output signal is of a predetermined nature when the timer times out. The deactuating signal is applied to a selected component of the apparatus to deactuate that component.

Abstract: A windrow inverter having a crop pick-up mechanism operable to elevate a windrow of crop material from the ground onto a transversely moveable draper conveyor is disclosed wherein a wing draper attachment mounted on the frame of the windrow inverter on the opposing side of the transverse cross conveyor from the discharge chute. The wing extension is moveable between a raised transport position and a lowered operating position and is latched into the selected position by a latching mechanism. A hydraulic system is provided to operatively drive the draper for the wing extension and the cross conveyor in opposing directions to permit the windrow inverter to be utilized to discharge windrows of crop material to either selected side of the windrow inverter. The drive mechanism utilizes a selective combination of a mechanical ground drive and a hydraulic drive to power the operation of the pick-up mechanism, cross conveyor and wing attachment.

Abstract: An agricultural baler for making cylindrical bales of crop material having a sledge assembly moveable between bale starting and full bale positions. The sledge assembly includes a plurality of rollers which cooperate with an apron to define a bale forming chamber. A dispensing mechanism is carried on the sledge assembly for dispensing sheet material, such as net or the like, into the bale forming chamber whereupon it is wrapped circumferentially around a cylindrical bale of crop material in the bale forming chamber. A net spreading system is associated with the dispensing mechanism to assure that the net being fed into the bale chamber via the dispensing mechanism is maintained at its nominal width which corresponds generally to the width of the chamber.

Abstract: A manure spreader has a tank with endwalls including guides for receiving opposite ends of a rotating auger shaft thus permitting a change of position of the rotating auger in the tank relative to the manure. The auger may change position in response to the condition of the manure or may be a controlled change in response to actuation of fluid powered pistons.

Abstract: A suitcase weight for use in forming a ballast assembly for the front of an agricultural tractor is disclosed wherein the weight has a body member including a rearward portion adapted for support on a carrier detachably connected to said tractor. Each individual weight further has an upper and lower fastener opening forming a transversely extending passageway for the insertion of a fastener from each side of the ballast assembly for engagement with a fastener strip inserted through flutes formed in the body member and extending vertically from each of the fastener openings. Each weight is thicker at the forward end than at the rearward end to form an arcuate ballast assembly when the weights are clamped together.

Abstract: A radiator for the cooling system of a vehicle, and having a header tank and a bottom tank interconnected by a core through which air can flow, the header tank being provided with a filler tube fitted with a double seal filler cap through which coolant can flow in opposing directions, depending on the conditions pertaining at a given instant in the header tank, is disclosed wherein the header tank is formed integrally with a coolant recovery tank. The coolant recovery tank is connected to the header tank by a passageway extending from the coolant recovery tank to a point in the filler tube of the header tank which is normally on the unpressurized side of the filler cap, but which is connected to the pressurized side of the filler cap when the predetermined coolant pressure set by the pressure relief valve in the filler cap is exceeded.

Abstract: Twine wrapping apparatus for a round baler having a bale forming chamber with a generally transverse crop infeed opening. The apparatus is mounted forward of the opening and includes an extendable twine arm for dispensing twine into the chamber to wrap bales formed therein. A coupling mechanism provides controlled swinging movement of the arm through a predetermined path that originates in the middle of the opening. The twine arm is in its outermost extended condition at the initiation of the twine dispensing phase and retracts as it travels along its path to a generally transverse rest position.

Abstract: Twine wrapping apparatus for a round baler having a bale forming chamber with a generally transverse crop infeed opening. The apparatus is mounted forward of the opening and includes a twine arm for dispensing twine into the chamber to wrap bales formed therein. Coupling means provide for swinging movement of the arm through a predetermined path during at least a portion of which the arm dispenses twine in the vicinity of the opening. The twine arm includes a clamp having one member affixed to the outer end of the twine arm and a second member that is moveable relative to the first member and is urged thereagainst to provide a clamping force for holding the twine.

Abstract: A vehicle having an engine compartment with an engine and an air cleaner mounted therein is disclosed wherein the cover for the engine compartment comprises two hinge panels with an air inlet formed in each one thereof. An air duct extends from within the vicinity of the air inlets in the hinge panels to an inlet of the air cleaner and includes an air plenum chamber defined in the engine compartment cover. The plenum chamber has an air inlet adjacent the air inlets in the engine compartment cover and an air outlet connectable to the air inlet of the air cleaner.

Abstract: An interlock mechanism for a tractor transmission having a creeper gear arrangement is disclosed wherein the operation of the tractor engine is halted whenever the creeper arrangement is left in a condition conducive to incurring unwanted creep. The interlock mechanism is in the form of an electrical circuit operably connected to the fuel shutoff valve to halt the flow of fuel to the tractor engine whenever the creeper arrangement is left in a neutral state with the clutch engaged. The interlock mechanism provides electrical power to the fuel shutoff valve under normal operating conditions. Switches associated with the operative components of the transmission control the flow of electrical current through the interlock circuit.

Abstract: Roll stripping apparatus for a round baler that has a frame and a crop conveying mechanism, including rotatable transverse rolls, mounted on the frame. The conveying mechanism provides a series of inwardly facing moving surfaces that define a baling chamber for forming cylindrical bales of crop material fed into the chamber via a pick-up. A scraper assembly, mounted adjacent one of the rolls for preventing buildup of unwanted material on the roll, includes unique structure for engaging unwanted debris randomly deposited on the roll and urging it in a generally axial direction under conditions where the roll is being rotated.

Abstract: A variable diameter belt type power transfer assembly having a drive sheave and a driven sheave, both of which are adjustable and include a pair of opposing coaxial flanges, one of which is axially movable relative to the other, is disclosed wherein both flanges of the drive sheave are provided with first and second belt engaging surfaces flaring radially outwardly with respect to each other so as to define first and second variable diameter belt receiving grooves therebetween. A dual range of velocity ratios between the drive sheave and the driven sheave is obtainable by selectively positioning a drive belt in the respective variable diameter belt receiving grooves.