Abstract: A pivotally flexible motor mount for a rotary trenching tool allows for increased life of the overall system. A flexible motor mount includes a universal pivot arrangement that allows a motor housing to universally pivot relative to a boom to accommodate misalignment between a motor shaft axis and a rock wheel rotation axis. The flexible motor mount also includes a first pair of spherical connection joints aligned along a first pivot axis and a second pair of spherical connection joints aligned along a second pivot axis. The first and second pivot axes are generally perpendicular relative to one another. The flexible motor mount further includes a component mounting plate attached to the motor housing and an intermediate plate coupled to the component mounting plate by the first pair of spherical connection joints. The intermediate plate is also coupled to the boom by the second pair of spherical connection joints.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a sensor (102) comprising a left camera (102a) and a right camera (102b). A processor (104) is coupled to the sensor. The processor is configured to produce an image and disparity data for the image, and search for a vertical object (122a, 122b) within the image using the disparity data. The processor is also configured to determine whether the vertical object is a bale of material using the image, and compute an orientation of the bale relative to the sensor using the disparity data. The sensor and processor can be mounted for use on an autonomous bale mover comprising an integral power system, a ground-drive system, a bale loading system, and a bale carrying system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for sensing wear in machines designed to reduce or break-down material. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for sensing wear of reducing elements used by excavation machines such as surface excavation machines. The present disclosure relates to a wear sensing system including a multi-level wear sensor protection system. The multi-level wear sensor protection system includes a first level of protection, a second level of protection, and a third level of protection.

Abstract: A trencher that is convertible between first and second trenching configurations so that when the trencher is in the first trenching configuration, a trencher boom includes a first trenching portion at the distal end of the boom and a second trenching portion that extends along a longitudinal axis from the first trenching portion toward the proximal end. The first trenching portion defines a first trench width, and the second trenching portion defines a second trench width. The first trench width is larger than the second trench width. The second trenching portion has a greater length measured along the longitudinal axis as compared to the first trenching portion.

Abstract: The round baler includes a frame and a tailgate pivotally mounted to the frame via a tailgate pivot axis. The tailgate is movable along a path of travel range between an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, a bale can be discharged from the baler and, when in the closed position, a bale is prevented from being discharged from the baler. The baler also includes a sensor that has a sensor axis. This sensor is mounted to the baler with the sensor axis approximately coaxial with the tailgate pivot axis. An operating portion of the sensor is operatively directly movable with the tailgate. The sensor has a mechanical rotary range that is at least the travel range of the tailgate; and an electrical sensing range. The electrical sensing range is less than both the mechanical rotary range and the travel range of the tailgate.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus including a drum rotatable about an axis of rotation and a support mount secured to the drum. The apparatus includes a support mount defining first and second fastener openings and first and second anchor openings. A replaceable holding block mounts to the support mount and the replaceable holding block has a front face and a rear face. The replaceable holding block defines a first fastener opening, a second fastener opening, and a tooth opening that extend through the replaceable holding block from the front face to the rear face. The first and second fastener openings of the replaceable holding block align with the first and second fastener openings of the support mount when the replaceable housing block is mounted to the block mounting surface. A tooth is secured to the replaceable holding block at the tooth opening.

Abstract: A locator device and methods of use are disclosed. The locator device includes a first locating system configured to generate to sense an electromagnetic field emanating from a sonde associated with a drill head, and a second locating system including a global positioning system. The locator device includes a display on the locating system configured to display a map of the area in which the locator device resides based on a location detected by the global positioning system. The locator device also includes control electronics configured to, upon receipt of an input from a user, record location data in a memory associated with the locator device for use by a horizontal directional drilling control system.

Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling (HDD) machine that includes a rod box that has a large capacity, which allows the HDD machine to operate continuously for longer periods of time. The rod box has an upper end and a lower end and is pivotally connected to a frame of the HDD machine at a pivot axis positioned adjacent the lower end of the rod box. The rod box is pivotally movable between a stowed position and an operational position. The rod box obstructs movement of a drill head of the HDD machine when in the stowed position and is laterally offset from the drill head when in the operational position so as to not interfere with movement of the drill head. The rod box is tapered such that a width is larger adjacent the upper end of the rod box as compared to the lower end of the rod box.

Abstract: An infeed system is provided for a chipper or grinder having a processing portion wherein an item is processed into smaller pieces. The infeed system is upstream of the processing portion and includes a feed roller, a first hydraulic motor in communication with the feed roller for selectively actuating the feed roller, a second hydraulic motor in communication with the feed roller for selectively actuating the feed roller, and a hydraulic pump for providing hydraulic fluid to the first and second motors. A directional control valve and a relational control valve are between the pump and the motors. The directional control valve allows the hydraulic fluid to operate the first and second motors in a forward direction and in a reverse direction, and the relational control valve allows the hydraulic fluid to operate the first and second motors in series and in parallel.

Abstract: A grinder for grinding relatively loose materials includes a reducing unit and a screen arrangement. The arcuate screen defines a plurality of tracks of apertures that extend in a cutting direction of the cutters. In some cases, only one respective cutter passes over each track and each cutter passes over only the respective one of the tracks. The width of a cutter may be greater than a width of the apertures of a track. The apertures of the screen arrangement may form chevron patterns. The screens may be clamped to a frame by coupling members extending through notches in the screen.

Abstract: A cutting element including an arcuate base having a first side, a second side, an outer radial surface, and an inner radial surface, the inner radial surface being configured to be mounted to a cutting drum. The cutting element also includes a plurality of tooth holders being mounted to the outer radial surface of the arcuate base, the tooth holders being configured to receive cutting teeth. Additionally, the cutting element includes a cutting tooth mounted in each tooth holder, wherein there is at least one leading tooth, and at least one trailing tooth, each of the cutting teeth being configured to cut through a dissimilar cutting plane, wherein each dissimilar cutting plane is parallel to one another.

Abstract: Mounting pads for attaching tines to a pick-up device of a crop implement such as a round baler may include a tab that extends from a body portion. The tab may be hinged to the main body to allow the tab to loop around the connecting loop of the tine.

Abstract: A screening machine includes a rotary trommel screen having an overall length. The rotary trommel screen has an inlet and an outlet end. The screening machine includes a first collection area proximate to the inlet end and under the rotary trommel screen. The first collection area corresponds to at least 65 percent of the overall length of the trommel screen. The screening machine includes a second collection area proximate to the outlet end and under the rotary trommel screen. The second collection area corresponds to the remainder of the overall length of the trommel screen not corresponding to the first collection area. The first and second collection areas are configured to separate a first and second product respectively. Sections of the trommel screen corresponding to the first and second collection areas are configured such that a size of the first product is different than a size of the second product.

Abstract: A machine engine enclosure arrangement that has sound reducing elements allows for the overall sound rating of the machine to be decreased. The engine enclosure includes a housing that has a housing length and a housing width. The housing defines a housing axis that extends along the housing length and the housing axis defines a vertical reference plane. The vertical reference plane is perpendicular to a ground surface on which machine is resting. The engine enclosure further includes a radiator fan that is configured to provide air flow across the radiator. The radiator fan has a diameter greater than the housing width and defines a fan plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the radiator fan. The radiator fan is positioned between the side walls of the housing so that the fan plane is at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the vertical reference plane.

Abstract: A locator device and methods of use are disclosed. The locator device includes a first locating system configured to generate to sense an electromagnetic field emanating from a sonde associated with a drill head, and a second locating system including a global positioning system. The locator device includes a display on the locating system configured to display a map of the area in which the locator device resides based on a location detected by the global positioning system. The locator device also includes control electronics configured to, upon receipt of an input from a user, record location data in a memory associated with the locator device for use by a horizontal directional drilling control system.

Abstract: An attachment for a tractor is disclosed, the attachment includes a rotary reducing component that includes a plurality of cutters and a hydraulic system having an activated state and a deactivated state. The hydraulic system includes an inlet for receiving hydraulic fluid and an outlet for discharging hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic system also includes a hydraulic motor positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The hydraulic motor is mechanically coupled to the rotary reducing component. The hydraulic system includes a first sensor positioned at the inlet of the hydraulic system for sensing parameters representative of the activated or deactivated states of the hydraulic system. The hydraulic system also includes a selectively operable hydraulic brake positioned at the outlet of the hydraulic system. The hydraulic brake is configured to control the rotation of the rotary reducing component when triggered.

Abstract: A material reducing apparatus includes a reducing head that includes a rotary reducing component that carries a plurality of cutters. The reducing head includes a thrown object deflector positioned proximate the rotary reducing component. The thrown object deflector is configured to limit at least one of a distance and a direction that objects can be thrown by the rotary reducing component.

Abstract: A reclamation unit including a frame and a settling tank. The settling tank being pivotably mounted to the frame, the settling tank being pivotable between a first position and a second position. The settling tank defining at least a partially open top, the at least partially open top being configured and arranged to receive a fluid when the settling tank is in the first position. The settling tank also being configured to promote emptying of the fluid from the at least partially open top when the settling tank is pivoted into a given second position.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method that enable the efficient reduction of stumps. In one embodiment the stump removal methods and devices according to the present disclosure allow the operator to have a clear view of the work area during operation, and the ability to move the reduction device through a wide range of motion during operation. In one embodiment, the material reduction tool pivots relative to the chassis in the vertical plane about multiple pivot points. In some embodiments the device includes a retractable auxiliary control panel located at the end of the device opposite the material reduction tool. The control panel enables the operator to direct the movement of the device from the end of the device and thereby enable the device to maneuver through narrow spaces.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to display structures for displaying the wear status of reducing elements (e.g., chisels, teeth, etc.) on a reducing component. In certain examples, the display structure can include a matrix that visually depicts all of the reducing elements of the reducing component in a row and column format. The wear status of the reducing elements can be indicated by techniques such as different colors, different numbers, different letters, shapes, bar codes etc. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an autonomous system where a remote party can simultaneously monitor the wear status of the reducing elements of multiple machines on the display structure. For each machine, the remote party (e.g., operator, supply source, supervisor, and main office) can each receive a wireless signal indicating when the reducing elements are approaching a need for replacement.