Abstract: The instant invention is directed to an implement transporter having an over-the-center latching mechanism that is selectively biased between locked and unlocked positions by the mere movement of a selection arm. Before moving the empty transporter, the latching mechanism is selectively biased in the locking position so that the ramps lock in place when the operator raises them from the light side, the ground-engaging end. To lower the ramps, the latching mechanism is selectively biased to the unlocked position. The weight of the ramp keeps the latch in place until the operator raises the far end of the ramp slightly, taking the load off the latch. The latch is pulled away from the ramp by the over-the-center mechanism and the ramp can be lowered to engage the ground.

Abstract: The cutter head of a windrower may carry a sickle bar or a disc as the cutting element. Each type of cutting element requires a different drive power to obtain a given set point speed. To determine the type of cutter being used, the magnitude of the signal required to bring the cutting element to a given set point speed is measured and compared to limits defining first and second, non-overlapping, ranges of signal magnitudes, one range being typical of sickle bar operation and the other range being typical of disc operation.

Abstract: A transporter for use in transporting a harvesting machine having a laterally movable tongue is disclosed wherein the transporter has a jack on the forward end thereof to be deployed during the loading process for improved stability. The jack includes components that lock the jack in place when a load is applied to the jack and unlocks the jack when that load is removed, allowing it to pivot rearwardly to a transport position without manual intervention.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to method and apparatus for securing an implement to a transporter. The transporter has rigid hooks affixed thereto adjacent the platforms upon which the wheels of the implement rest during transport. The implement has horizontally protruding cross pins that rise as the header on the implement is lowered to the transport position. By directing the wheels of the implement onto the transporter, the cross pins are moved into the mouths of the hooks and then, upon lowering of the implement header, the pins are directed into the throats of the hooks, securing the implement to the transporter.

Abstract: A hood for earthmoving machines, such as a backhoe, includes a top panel and two side panels extending beneath and on opposite sides of the top panel to form a substantially upside down U-shaped shell resting on a frame of the vehicle to close the engine compartment of the backhoe. The side panels extend substantially parallel to a vertical centerline plane of the vehicle and are hinged to the frame of the vehicle to rotate, about an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the vertical centerline plane of the vehicle, between an open position in which the side panel is located over the top panel to permit access to the engine compartment, and a closed position in which the side panel is located beneath the top panel to close the engine compartment.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester is provided with a grain tank affixed to its main frame for storing therein processed crop material. The volume of the grain tank can be extended by an extension assembly comprising a first pair of mutually opposed panels and a second pair of mutually opposed panels. The panels are movable between a lower, inoperative position and a higher, operative position in which the panels substantially increase the volume of the grain tank. The movement of the second pair is controlled by the movement of the first pair of panels. The panels are provided with locking mechanism for keeping all panels in their operative position and which are disposed to become engaged and to secure the extension assembly in the extended position when the first pair of panels moves the second pair of panels to their operative position.

Abstract: A disc cutterbar with at least one cutterhead having a two-piece mounting hub, one piece rotatably driven and the other supporting a knife for severing standing crop material, with an epoxy layer bonding the two pieces together and forming a shear device therebetween. A brake is associated with the knife-supporting piece whereby upon failure of said shear device, the knife-supporting piece is stopped from rotating within one revolution.

Abstract: A combine harvester comprises a threshing and separating mechanism mounted to a main frame, which includes a generally cylindrical chamber having a generally longitudinal axis, and a separating concave assembly. The arrangement further includes a rotor assembly mounted for rotation in the chamber and comprising a generally cylindrical rotor body with a separating section associated with the separating concave assembly. The separating mechanism further comprises a beater assembly arranged behind the concave assembly for receiving threshed and separated crop material therefrom and projecting it rearwardly. The beater assembly comprises a transverse guide mounted behind the separating concave assembly and below the rotor body, and a transverse beater rotor. The chamber comprises a curved guide plate arranged behind the separating concave assembly and above the guide.

Abstract: A crop conveying drum for a drive disc cutter is mounted directly to the drive shaft mechanism providing rotational power to the cutterbar. The crop conveying drum is formed as mating segments, each forming a half of the drum. Each segment has a pair of support bars vertically oriented and extending between connecting flanges. A mounting bracket centrally supported by the vertical support bars is formed to partially wrap around the drive shaft mechanism. The mounting bracket has holes therein for the passage of fasteners to connect the drum segment directly to the drive shaft mechanism so that the crop conveying drum rotates with the drive shaft mechanism. Upper and lower mating connecting flanges are fastened together to form the entire crop conveying drum rotatable with the drive shaft. The crop conveying drum assists in conveying severed crop material laterally from outlying disc cutters that define a cutting width of the cutterbar that is greater than the operating width of the conditioning rolls.

Abstract: A combine harvester comprises a threshing and separating arrangement mounted to a main frame, which includes a generally cylindrical chamber having a generally longitudinal axis, and a separating concave assembly. The arrangement further includes a rotor assembly mounted for rotation in the chamber and comprising a generally cylindrical rotor body with a separating section associated with the separating concave assembly. This separating section comprises a plurality of longitudinal elements having a leading, generally longitudinally arranged crop engaging face and a plurality of transverse elements having a generally transversely arranged crop engaging edge. The transverse elements assist in preventing the roping of crop material between the rotor and the separating concave assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing an angular position of a steerable wheel of a vehicle, such as a work machine or the like, about a steering axis thereof. The apparatus includes a support frame having an upper arm and a lower arm defining a space through which the steering axis passes, and a wheel hub located in the space for supporting the wheel. The steering axis extends through a predetermined bottom axial surface portion of the wheel hub, and a lower kingpin is mounted in a passage through the lower arm and supports the wheel hub in the space for rotation about the steering axis. The lower kingpin includes an axial passage therethrough extending between an upper axial opening facing the bottom axial surface portion of the wheel hub and an externally located bottom opening.

Abstract: A hydraulic steering system for a tractor is provided which can be operated in a conventional steering mode or in a fast steering mode. In conventional steering mode, a conventional steering wheel and steering motor direct pressurized oil to the steerable wheels for selecting the turning direction, the turning angle, and the speed with which the turning angle is achieved. In fast steering mode, a fast-turning valve is controlled by the operator to direct oil directly to the steerable wheels, thereby by-passing the steering motor. The conventional steering wheel and steering motor continue however to control the steering operation.

Abstract: A disc cutterbar having a two-piece mounting hub, one piece rotatably driven and the other supporting a knife for severing standing crop material, with an epoxy layer bonding the two pieces together and forming a shear device therebetween. A brake is associated with the knife-supporting piece whereby upon failure of said shear device, the knife-supporting piece is stopped from rotating within one revolution.

Abstract: A combine harvester comprises a threshing and separating arrangement mounted to a main firm and including a generally cylindrical chamber having a generally longitudinal axis. Part of the chamber is constituted by a separating concave assembly comprising at least two separating concaves, the one located behind the other. The concaves are taken from a choice of less and more aggressive separating concaves. The chamber comprises mounting device operable to receive and hold each of the separating concaves. The front and/or the rear concaves can be removed and replaced.

Abstract: A transporter for use in transporting a harvesting machine having a laterally movable tongue is disclosed wherein the transporter has transversely extending loading ramps pivotally connected to the main frame of the transporter to permit the harvester to be elevated from the ground onto the transporter. The force of the loading tractor, acting through the wheels of the implement, causes each ramp to move to the transport position. As the wheels of the implement reach a platform, separate from the ramp, and engage a cross bar on each ramp, they exert a generally horizontal force on the cross bar that causes the ramp to pivot upwardly to the transport position.

Abstract: The device relates to a pivoting forearm rest positioned behind the hand controls of a skid steer loader. The device consists of a tube with an angled portion inserted into a ‘J’ shaped support bracket. The bracket is affixed to the cab sidewall and may be vertically adjusted. The rotation of the tube is adjusted by a tension bolt and shim within the support bracket. The tube has a pin seated within a tube slot in the support bracket which allows the tube to rotate 180 degrees. A portion of the tube and the support bracket are covered in padding.

Abstract: A crop harvesting implement has a wheeled frame, a draft tongue pivotable between extreme left and right operating positions, a mechanism for pivoting the tongue, a drive line for transmitting rotational power from a tractor when coupled thereto, a crop harvesting header suspended from the frame and having operable components for engaging and processing crop material, a gearbox for receiving rotational power from the drive line and transmitting the power to the operable components of the crop harvesting header, an input shaft operatively connected to the drive line, a device for mounting the gearbox on the header so that the header rotates, and a steering mechanism for effecting rotational movement of the gearbox in concert with the pivotal movement of the tongue.

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: The device consists of a tapered spline coupler for a drive shaft of a pull-type forage harvester. The first drive shaft and second drive shaft each have a set of tapered splines that are inserted into a tapered, internally splined coupler. A pair of retaining rings affixed to the drive shafts draws the shafts into the coupler. A retaining bolt may be tightened to force the shafts into the coupler. A method for manufacturing the spline coupling consists of a cutting a groove in the drive shafts for a retaining ring. Tapered splines are cut onto the drive shafts. A tapered bore in the coupler is cut on a lathe by a boring bar. Splines in the coupler are created by use of a broaching tool. After the retaining rings are placed on the drive shafts, a retaining bolt tightens the assembly.

Abstract: An elevator for bulk material includes an elevator head that mounts a mass flow measuring device. The elevator head also supports the upper sprocket of the elevator. The elevator head is pivotable thereby permitting adjustment of the elevator chain tension without altering the spatial relationship between the elevator paddles, the top of the elevator head and the sensor surface of the mass flow measuring device.