Abstract: A vehicle has a hydraulic utility system for supplying a pressurized fluid to a number of user devices, including two axles, each having at least one wheel; and a brake assembly for each of the axles; a valve being provided to feed the pressurized fluid of the hydraulic system directly to one of the two brake assemblies in response to a signal from the other of the two brake assemblies.

Abstract: A folding seat is provided for the cab of an agricultural vehicle. The seat is provided with a mounting bracket secured by bolts to an inclined -horizontal surface in the cab, such as part of the wheel arch. A seat member is pivotably mounted at its rear end on the mounting bracket for pivotal movement between a horizontal operative position and an inclined storage position in which the seat member lies against the mounting bracket. A stay is mounted to pivot between an operative position in which it extends vertically from the mounting bracket to the seat member in order to support the weight of the seat member on the mounting bracket and a storage position in which it lies between the mounting bracket and the seat member.

Abstract: A user interface for a harvesting machine, such as a combine harvester, having a position adjustable header implement. Specifically, the user interface is operationally connected to a microcomputer that controls a position adjusting apparatus for positioning the position adjustable header implement. The user interface includes two rocker key switches for selecting between, and subsequently adjusting, two operational modes for the position adjusting apparatus, being a stubble height mode and a pressure compensation mode of operation.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a user interface for a harvesting machine, such as a combine harvester that has a position adjustable header implement. Specifically, the user interface is operationally connected to a microcomputer that controls a position adjusting apparatus for positioning the position adjustable header implement. The user interface includes two rocker key switches for selecting between, and subsequently adjusting, two operational modes for the position adjusting apparatus, being a stubble height mode and a pressure compensation mode of operation.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a bogey beam pivotally connected to the chassis of the vehicle. The bogey beam supports the front axle at a forward end thereof and is connected to a suspension strut at the rearward end thereof. The pivotal connection of the bogey beam to the vehicle chassis is at a point intermediate of the forward and rearward ends. The suspension strut takes the place of a middle axle from a three-axle utility vehicle configuration to permit the construction of a two-axle embodiment of the utility vehicle without requiring a significant change in the configuration of the vehicle. Loads placed on the load bed of the vehicle are still distributed to the front axle through the connection of the chassis with the bogey beam.

Abstract: An earth-moving machine is provided with a first actuator cylinder, which can impart to a lifting arm oscillation around a corresponding pivoting shaft, and with a second actuator cylinder, which can maintain a loading unit in a pre-determined angular position during oscillation of the lifting arm itself; the first and the second actuator cylinder being disposed adjacent and parallel to one another, and being connected mechanically to one another in order to increase the resistance of the second actuator cylinder to the load generated on the second actuator cylinder itself by the lifting arm.

Abstract: A baler is described which has a collection chamber or duct and a baling chamber. Crop material enters the duct until a pre-determined level has been reached at which time a stuffer transfers the pre-compressed crop to the baling chamber. A control system is provided for calculating the ratio between the amount of crop material which should be formed into bales under optimal conditions and the rate of flow of crop material entering the duct. This ratio can be displayed and used to control the speed of the towing vehicle. The present invention uses the duct as a kind of measuring cylinder to determine the rate at which crop material is entering the baler.

Abstract: A method of mounting a radiator onto a support member in a vehicle includes the steps of securing to the radiator a resilient mounting bush having a first annular groove in its outer surface, providing a second annular groove in the inner surface of a radiator mounting bore formed in the support member, positioning a spring clip in one of the two annular grooves and inserting the bush into the bore, the spring clip being compressed radially during insertion of the bush into the bore and being released when the annular grooves are axially aligned with one another to lock the bush within the bore.

Abstract: A folding seat is provided for the cab of an agricultural vehicle. The seat is provided with a mounting bracket secured by bolts to an inclined-horizontal surface in the cab, such as part of the wheel arch. A seat member is pivotably mounted at its rear end on the mounting bracket for pivotal movement between a horizontal operative position and an inclined storage position in which the seat member lies against the mounting bracket. A stay is mounted to pivot between an operative position in which it extends vertically from the mounting bracket to the seat member in order to support the weight of the seat member on the mounting bracket and a storage position in which it lies between the mounting bracket and the seat member.

Abstract: The device consists of a mechanism to place netwrap over the edge of a cylindrical bale that is created in a variable/fixed baling chamber of an agricultural round baler. The invention consists of a netwrap delivery system having of a pair of arms pivotally affixed to the outside of the baling chamber sidewalls. Also attached to the arms is an assembly frame. An actuator controls the pivoting motion of the delivery system inserting the netwrap between the stationary dimple roll and the pivot roll of the sledge assembly. Positioned outside the sidewall and between the outer frame member is a transition area. The netwrap is inserted between the stationary dimple roll and the pivot roll as well as into the transition area. Because the width of the delivery assembly is wider than that of the cylindrical bale, a portion of the netwrap is inserted over the edge by use of the transition area.

Abstract: A method of controlling the combination of a baler and a tractor includes the steps of advancing the baler combination through a swath or windrow of biological crop matter with the tractor PTO operating at a generally constant speed to power the baler and the baler operating to take up biological matter while monitoring the flow rate of the biological matter through the baler. A microprocessor compares the assessed flow rate with an optimal flow rate and varies the travel speed of the tractor to maximize the flow rate of crop material through the baler. Preferably, the speed of operation of the tractor is accomplished through changing transmission speeds so that the PTO shaft speed is maintained at a substantially uniform rotational speed. The apparatus provided for carrying out the method of controlling the combination of a tractor and a baler increases the work rate of baling operations.

Abstract: A tractor/implement combination is controlled through the use of real-time data on the true draft force generated by engagement of an implement with the ground. A method of controlling a tractor/implement combination includes obtaining and storing calibration data on the torque generated at the tractor flywheel, while the implement is disengaged from the ground, including such data the rolling resistance and frictional/parasitic losses between the flywheel and driven wheel axle of the tractor. During subsequent operation of the tractor/implement combination, the calibration data is subtracted from instantaneous data to generate a signal indicative of the implement draft force. The draft force signal may be factored to take account of the tractor power train ratio and the rolling radius of the tractor tires. The method allows generation of accurate draft force data, regardless of the nature and mounting location of the implement.

Abstract: A baler is described which has a collection chamber or duct and a baling chamber. Crop material enters the duct until a pre-determined level has been reached at which time a stuffer transfers the pre-compressed crop to the baling chamber. A control system is provided for calculating the ratio between the amount of crop material which should be formed into bales under optimal conditions and the rate of flow of crop material entering the duct. This ratio can be displayed and used to control the speed of the towing vehicle. The present invention uses the duct as a kind of measuring cylinder to determine the rate at which crop material is entering the baler.

Abstract: A cab is described for an agricultural vehicle having front and rear corners and two rear wheel fenders arranged one on each side at the rear of the cab. The cab comprises a frame that includes two rear support members. The rear support members having lower portions disposed at the back of the cab between the two fenders and upper portions disposed above the fenders and offset laterally outwards from the lower portions.

Abstract: An agricultural rake basket flotation system that employs tension springs to support a portion of the weight of the rake basket, toward the lateral ends thereof, thus allowing for a more sensitive and complete response to encounters with obstacles and irregularities in the ground level.

Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a middle axle that is mounted at the end of a bogey beam for flotational movement relative to the frame of the vehicle. The middle axle is restrained longitudinally by support links that are pivotally connected at a location forward of the rear drive axle. The middle axle is formed by a pair of stub axles interconnected by a support beam that is pivotally connected to the rearward end of the bogey beam. Vertical movement of the middle axle support wheels results in a corresponding vertical movement of the rearward end of the bogey beam and a rotation of the support beam about its pivotal connection on the bogey beam. The configuration of the support links provides sufficient slack in the drive mechanism to the middle axle during flotational movement thereof so as to allow a slight twisting of the drive mechanism during oscillation of the middle axle.

Abstract: A vehicle control device, in particular a clutch mechanism for a tractor, includes a control lever and guide mechanism in which the lever is selectively movable from a first rest position to a second engaged position. The control lever is subjected to the action of an elastic apparatus operable to move the lever into the first rest position if the lever is released before reaching a given point along the guide mechanism. The elastic apparatus also being operable to move the control lever into the second engaged position if the control lever is released past the given point.

Abstract: A combine harvester comprises a threshing and separating arrangement mounted to a main frame and including a threshing or separating rotor co-operating with a curved threshing or separating concave. The harvester is provided with a grain sensor having a grain detection surface which is directed to a section of the concave for directly receiving part of the crop flow from the concave and to provide a signal indicative of the quantity of grain kernels in the crop flow. The plane of the detection surface and the plane tangent to the concave section intersect at an acute angle (&bgr;). This orientation deviates the crop material sideways, such that it does not tend to stick between the concave and the detection surface itself.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve having a main body in which is formed a pressurized-fluid inlet opening; a first conduit communicating hydraulically with a user device; a second conduit communicating hydraulically with the user device, and at least one spool for regulating pressurized fluid flow to and from the user device; the spool having a longitudinal axis, and the position of the spool being regulated by an actuating device; the hydraulic valve being characterized in that the actuating device has a guide member for preventing the spool from rotating about the axis; the actuating device also having a cable, e.g. a Bowden-type cable, for moving the spool in two opposite directions defined by the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: In a transmission system having hydraulic clutches controlled by solenoids, the clutch inching characteristics are improved by compensating for clutch hysteresis. A window or range of clutch pedal positions is established and when the clutch pedal operates within the established range, the signal that energizes the solenoid controlling the clutch is modified to offset clutch hysteresis. The window moves as the clutch pedal is released or depressed so that the clutch pedal position falls within the window whenever the direction of pedal movement is reversed. The arrangement is such that, for any given pedal position, the signal applied to the clutch solenoid is greater when the pedal is being released than when it is being depressed.