Abstract: A guard and dolly for mounting a line trimming apparatus and maintaining the rotating spool or cutting element of the line trimming apparatus in a selected orientation with respect to the ground, in order to cut grass at a selected height above the ground regardless of the contour of the terrain, trim the grass adjacent to a structure such as a fence and edge along fixed structures such as a driveway or sidewalk. In a first embodiment a guard is provided with a tab-and-slot opening for receiving and mounting a corresponding motor coupling flange attached to the line trimming apparatus motor or frame. In a second embodiment, a universal dolly is characterized by a frame provided with front, rear and side wheel receptacles for receiving two or three wheels at selected receptacle locations and supporting the dolly frame in rolling relationship in a horizontal plane on a lawn for operation of the line trimmer in mowing, trimming and edging configurations.

Abstract: A machine for mowing stalk-type crops includes a crop conveyor wheel mounted for rotation about an approximately vertical axis and provided with recesses that are distributed over its circumference and designed as receptacles for plant stalks. A stationary shield is fixed directly above the conveyor wheel and includes an outer region located above an outer portion of the conveyor wheel just inwardly of the recesses of the surface of the conveyor wheel. In order to improve the crop transport and to prevent the loss of corn cobs, the shield is provided with an arcuate cutout located between the outer region and an inner region of the shield, the cutout having an open end located adjacent to the crop flow received by the machine.

Abstract: A harvesting header for a self-propelled harvesting machine comprising a center portion and two side portions. The center portion and both side portions are provided with forwardly extending crop processing arrangements. A transversely extending auger is located behind the crop processing arrangements. The crop processing arrangements can be moved between an operating position and a transport position by pivoting them about a transversely extending horizontal pivot axis. In this transport position the center of gravity of the harvesting header is moved rearwardly towards the harvesting machine. The side crop processing arrangements can be pivoted about forwardly extending pivot axes to reduce the width of the harvesting header in its transport position.

Abstract: An integrated combine reel drive system for an agricultural vehicle such as a combine harvester, the drive system having the features of a single integrated hydraulic circuit for activating multiple hydraulic devices carried by the agricultural vehicle. The integrated circuit includes a header circuit, wherein the header circuit includes a steering circuit, an implement circuit, and a reel circuit. The header circuit includes two valve stacks for operating multiple hydraulic devices which enables the integrated circuit to drive the multiple hydraulic devices using manageable hydraulic pressures. Specifically, the integrated hydraulic circuit activates a hydraulic power steering mechanism, a hydraulic header adjusting apparatus and other hydraulic devices associated with the header, a hydraulic drive for the reel, and a hydraulic positioning mechanism for the reel of an agricultural vehicle.

Abstract: A device for the harvesting of cultivated turfs (3) comprising a mobile chassis (1) with a first kiffe (21) that is capable of cutting a cultivated turf from a field, and via a second knife (22) is capable of chopping the cultivated turf in a direction that is transverse to the direction of travel. The second knife is equipped with electronically controlled mechanisms (41, 42, 45) that allow the second knife to work into the cultivated turf when a desired turf length bas been reached. An electronic sensor (80, 81, 82) is installed near to a conveyor track (60) for the cultivated turf and is at least capable of recording a size for a length of passing cultivated turf and producing this as an electronic signal. The sensor is linked by electronic means to the electronically controlled mechanisms for the second knife in order to release the second knife upon reaching a predetermined cultivated turf length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the processing of hop vines. An automated hop processor cuts bulk-harvested hop vines into manageable segments with a minimum of handling operations. The bulk of hop vines are off-loaded onto an infeed conveyor by positioning a transport on the infeed conveyor. After verifying proper position of the transport a fork can be inserted into the transport. The transport is moved off of the infeed conveyor and the fork removed from the bulk of hop vines. The Hop vines are then moved on the infeed conveyor to a cutter, after verifying the transport is clear of the infeed conveyor. The infeed conveyor is stopped when the hop vines are in position for cutting and the hops are cut with a cutting mechanism. The cut hop vines are then conveyed to a shredder for shredding and further processing into component hop cones and hop vine silage.

Abstract: A rotary cutter includes a hitch comprising upper and lower arm sections which define a parallel linkage extending between the deck of the rotary cutter and a ball clevis forming a forward end of the hitch. The ball clevis includes identical upper and lower halves which include block-like rear portions that are clamped together so that a ball is releasably retained between ring-like front portions of the clevis. Leveling of the deck is accomplished by a pair of adjustable leveling mechanism respectively coupled between rear parts of the separate arm sections and the deck. Provision is made for mounting a jack stand to one side of the clevis and for storing the jack stand on the deck.

Abstract: A rake system for removing underwater vegetation comprising a plate assembly, a handle assembly, and a line. The plate assembly comprises first and second engaging members each defining an engaging edge. The handle assembly is attached to the plate assembly. The line is attached to the handle assembly. During use, the user grips the handle assembly to toss the plate assembly to a first underwater location. The user then pulls the line to displace the plate assembly from the first underwater location along a harvest path. The engaging edges of the engaging members are adapted to engage the underwater vegetation to fix the underwater vegetation relative to the plate assembly such that continued pulling on the line removes the underwater vegetation in a harvest region defined by the harvest path.

Abstract: A single-unit shaker-type tree harvesting machine designed to travel down one side of a row of trees in order to harvest the entire crop from each tree. A wheel-based chassis supports a laterally disposed shaker and an angled catch frame together and conveyors for removing harvested crops. The chassis also supports an adjustable overhead structure and swingable carriage that extends down around the opposite side of each tree. An adjustable catch frame at the bottom of the carriage extends below the tree branches on the opposite side, and meets the chassis-mounted catch frame forming a complete crop catching frame in the shape of a wide modified V. Shaking the tree dislodges the crops which fall into the frame and are conveyed away from the harvester.

Abstract: An auxiliary rotary drive for at least one auger that in normal operation is rotatable to transport grain from a grain tank of a harvesting apparatus. The auxiliary rotary drive is configured to rotate the at least one auger during cleanout to assist air nozzles or other means to remove residual grain or residue from the harvesting apparatus. The auxiliary rotary drive can be arranged to transfer power to the auger via a clutch arrangement arranged between the auxiliary rotary drive and the auger. The auxiliary rotary drive turns the auger at a speed slower than a normal operating speed of the auger.

Abstract: An improved seed belt housing to reduce seed skip and method for same. The seed belt housing having a modified back panel with an area of impact absorbing material disposed at least in the area where the seed normally hits the back panel of the seed belt housing after being discharged by the seed meter. The impact absorbing material having the properties to dampen, absorb, or reduce the amount of bounce or ricochet otherwise experienced by the seed after hitting the back panel of the seed belt housing.

Abstract: A twin-lever drive wheel steering mower for a sitting operator with each lever independently controlling a brake and the speed of each drive wheel through a separate hydraulic pump and motor transmission. A brake assembly positioned on each drive wheel; a pair of pivotally mounted steering levers, each controlling one of the pumps mounted on the mower for longitudinal movement, each steering lever is connected independently to the swash plate of its controlled pump providing variable speeds forward, reverse, and a neutral zero flow position; linkage members connecting the steering levers for each wheel to a brake assembly on each wheel; a pair of T-shaped slots having a lateral leg in a cover plate surrounding each of the steering levers allowing the levers to move laterally outward in the lateral leg to engage the brakes only in the neutral position.

Abstract: A spindle assembly for a rotary mower comprises a spindle that is drivingly connected between an output shaft of a hydraulic motor or other rotary power source and a horizontal blade assembly, and a spindle housing that rotatably supports the spindle for rotation and thrust loads. The spindle is formed from conventional steel rod stock and is machined to produce an upper end of reduced diameter. An impeller and thrust washer fits on the narrower upper end of the spindle and is held in place by a tapered snap ring that fits in a tapered groove in the spindle. In at least one embodiment, radial grooves on the washer facilitate oil flow and assist to impel or pump oil or hydraulic fluid outwardly as the washer rotates. In various embodiments, case drain oil pressure or oil pressure produced by the washer causes oil flow over the spindle assembly bearing surfaces. The spindle assembly can include an oil leak detection passageway.

Abstract: A combination rake and material-spreading tool includes an elongate handle, a raking implement attached to an end of the handle, and a material-spreading implement. The material-spreading implement includes a substantially continuous plate that is moveable between a retracted position in which the material-spreading implement exposes the rake tines for normal raking operations and a fully deployed position in which the material-spreading implement is positioned with a lower edge of the substantially continuous plate positioned proximate distal free ends of the tines. An actuator is mounted on the handle, and a mechanical linkage operably connects the actuator with the material-spreading implement, whereby positioning of the material-spreading implement is achieved by manipulation of the actuator.

Abstract: A towed rotary cutter includes a self-leveling hitch equipped with a parking stand mounted in a centered position beneath the hitch. Through the operation of the leveling links, the hydraulic lift cylinder that is used for raising and lowering the ground wheels of the cutter relative to the cutter frame is also used to manipulate the hitch, once the parking stand is placed in its park position, so as to remove the weight of the hitch from the tractor drawbar when unhitching the tractor from the rotary cutter, or to place the hitch clevis at the correct height for connecting it to the tractor drawbar when hitching the cutter to the tractor. In a first embodiment, the parking stand is constructed for use with a hitch having a feature for automatically maintaining the clevis in a horizontal attitude.

Abstract: A duct support and transition structure for the air system of a cotton harvester includes a plurality of upright telescoping duct sections connected to a vertically adjustable support tube extending transversely between the sections providing lateral support for the ducts. Hydraulically operated slide structure connected to the support tube moves the sections vertically between operating and transport positions and eliminates duct binding problems. A telescoping harvester basket supports forwardly extending hood structure. The hood structure opens downwardly towards the upper ducts and includes grates for exhausting air and debris. The ends of the ducts open upwardly rather than rearwardly into the hood structure. The basket can move to and from the dump position without interference from the ducts, and the hood structure reduces cotton loss without need for side shields.

Abstract: Different sections of an agricultural implement can be raised and lowered independently and by varying amounts by a unique hydraulic system. That system incorporates a three-position, four-way primary control valve which selectively connects a supply line and a tank return line to first and second hydraulic lines. A plurality of double acting hydraulic cylinders are provided to produce movement of lift assemblies with respect to a frame of the implement. A separate electrohydraulic lift control valve for each hydraulic cylinder couples one cylinder chamber to the first hydraulic line and the other cylinder chamber is connected directly to the second hydraulic line. Operation of the primary control valve determines the movement direction and selective activation of the lift control valves determines whether the associated section of the implement moves and the amount of such movement.

Abstract: A mower having a locking mechanism for locking a moveable handlebar of the mower in its operating position is provided. The mower further includes an actuator for controlling operation of the mower so as to permit or not permit operation of an implement powered thereby when the handlebar is in its operating position. Additionally, the locking mechanism may be used to assist in the fastening of an attachment such as a debris collection receptacle. Also, since the handlebar may be moved into a non-operating position, the handlebar may be used as a prop so as to, for example, permit necessary maintenance on the underside of the mower to be more easily accomplished.

Abstract: A crop lifter for harvesting machine reaping systems with reaping fingers (2). The crop lifter (2) has a support bar (6). An attachment element (10) is mounted on, and connected to the support bar (6). The attachment element (10) retains the crop lifter on the reaping finger (2) in different alignment positions. The attachment element (10) comprises a holding element (11) with two distanced legs (12). The tip of the reaping finger (2) can be inserted between the legs (12). A retaining lever (16) is supported between the two legs (12) on a pivot pin (15). The retaining lever (16) has a first lever arm (17) with an adjusting screw (20). The adjustment screw (20) can be brought into contact with the upper side of the reaping finger (2). A second lever arm (18) of the retaining lever (16) has two retaining faces (24, 24a). A retaining element, in the form of a leaf spring (25) has a front face (26).

Abstract: A reverser which, in a preferred embodiment, has a hydraulic cylinder supported by a chopper baler frame. The opposite end of the hydraulic cylinder is attached to the reverser driver. When activated by hydraulics on a tractor, the hydraulics will extend the cylinder, causing the sprockets to be disengaged. Further extension of the cylinder will cause the reverser driver to engage the reverser sprocket and turn the rotor backwards slightly. After full extension, the cylinder will then be retracted. This process can be repeated a couple of times in order to remove the blockage. The reverser enables the operator to restore the baler to its working condition from the tractor seat. Being able to disengage the rotor from the rest of the machine enables the bale to be wrapped if a major blockage occurs. Also a controlled reversing motion is beneficial, so over-reversing does not occur.