Abstract: An orchard fertilizer spreader has rearwardly positioned conveyors that are independently laterally extendable between a minimum width transport position and a maximum width operating position to deliver fertilizer from a supply tank to the orchard trees. The conveyors are mounted in a longitudinally spaced configuration to permit a diverter box to supply fertilizer to either conveyor or to both conveyors simultaneously through manipulation of diverter panels. The conveyors are mounted on a support pan formed with a plurality of rollers to facilitate the lateral extension of the conveyors. The support pan is pivotally mounted on a frame to forma a breakaway that enables the conveyors to rotate in the event of impact between a conveyor and an object. The reset of the conveyors into the laterally extended position is accomplished with a hydraulic cylinder. The conveyors can be laterally extended manually, or via a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: An orchard fertilizer spreader has rearwardly positioned conveyors that are independently laterally extendable between a minimum width transport position and a maximum width operating position to deliver fertilizer from a supply tank to the orchard trees. The conveyors are mounted in a longitudinally spaced configuration to permit a diverter box to supply fertilizer to either conveyor or to both conveyors simultaneously through manipulation of diverter panels. The conveyors are mounted on a support pan formed with a plurality of rollers to facilitate the lateral extension of the conveyors. The support pan is pivotally mounted on a frame to forma a breakaway that enables the conveyors to rotate in the event of impact between a conveyor and an object. The reset of the conveyors into the laterally extended position is accomplished with a hydraulic cylinder. The conveyors can be laterally extended manually, or via a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A suspension mechanism for a rotary rake implement incorporates elastomeric shock absorbing members in the corners of a tubular member situated in between the corners of a square rod formed as part of the wheel assembly and received within the tubular member such that the corners of the square rod assert a pre-load spring force on the tubular member when the implement is in an extended operating configuration. The movement of the implement into a folded transport configuration with the weight of the implement supported on the transport wheel assemblies causes a deflection of the square rod that compresses the elastomeric shock absorbing members within the corners of the tubular member to provide maximum suspension for the implement when in transport, while providing minimum suspension when the implement is in operation. An end cap on the square rod engages a stop formed on the tubular member to control rotation.

Abstract: A suspension mechanism for a rotary rake implement incorporates elastomeric shock absorbing members in the corners of a tubular member situated in between the corners of a square rod formed as part of the wheel assembly and received within the tubular member such that the corners of the square rod assert a pre-load spring force on the tubular member when the implement is in an extended operating configuration. The movement of the implement into a folded transport configuration with the weight of the implement supported on the transport wheel assemblies causes a deflection of the square rod that compresses the elastomeric shock absorbing members within the corners of the tubular member to provide maximum suspension for the implement when in transport, while providing minimum suspension when the implement is in operation. An end cap on the square rod engages a stop formed on the tubular member to control rotation.

Abstract: This invention provides a dual hitch whereby two rakes, tedders or other trail implements can be operated at one time behind a tractor. The dual hitch is designed so that the implements towed by the tractor may be hitched and operated without alteration to the implements themselves. The dual hitch provides the needed operative components. The forward part of the dual hitch mounts on the three-point-hitch of the tractor. A pivot is provided in the dual hitch to allow the rearward implement to operate selectively on a swath to either side of the tractor and the forward implement. In an embodiment of this invention, a hydraulic system is part of the dual hitch to provide adequate power to the rearward implement.

Abstract: A hay harvesting machine in which previously cut crop material in a windrow or swath on the ground is picked up and inverted to position a damp side up and a dry side down; as the crop is inverted, it is directed laterally toward one side of the machine and rearwardly; after inversion, the crop is turned further and conveyed for discharge back onto the ground laterally displaced from its original position on the ground.