Abstract: A cotton picker row unit includes tandem drum structure for harvesting cotton from one side of a row of cotton. A front drum trash slot directs trash and cotton discharged from the front drum into the row and permits the rear drum to pick the discharged cotton. Fore-and-aft spaced discharge doors are located on the side of the unit and are connected so that cotton from the rear door is combined with that from the front door. The combined cotton is conveyed through a single duct to the basket. The tandem drum and side door structure provide a narrow row unit configuration, and a plurality of identical units are spaced on a harvesting frame forwardly of the drive wheels for picking narrow row cotton.

Abstract: An improved picker bar assembly for a cotton harvester. The assembly includes a cast arm with an extension which is press fitted over a hollow aluminum picker bar. The extension projects downwardly into the picker bar drum head to provide the wear surface for the picker bar journal and to distribute a greater proportion of picker bar loading to the arm. The spindle drive shaft bearing is located in the cam arm rather than within the picker bar to thereby permit utilization of a larger and higher capacity bearing.

Abstract: A device for sensing the loading on an input drive of a cotton harvesting unit and providing a warning when an overload of the drive occurs. Normal tension in the belt drive to the unit input shaft is balanced by an adjustable spring load. Overload of the input shaft overcomes the spring load to activate an electrical switch that alerts the operator by lighting a warning lamp. The input drive includes a slip clutch, and the spring load is adjusted so that a warning is provided before the drive load reaches the loading which would cause the clutch to begin to slip.

Abstract: A system for detecting a blockage in the cotton conveying system for a harvesting unit on a cotton harvester. An upright flexible flap assembly is connected to a post or wall adjacent an upright doffing mechanism of the harvesting unit. A normally-open switch member is slightly offset from the flap. If a blockage occurs in the duct or discharge structure, cotton will begin building up near the doffing mechanism and will be pushed against the flap. The flap in turn contacts the switch member, which closes a circuit and provides a warning to the operator so the harvester can be stopped before the blockage causes serious damage to the harvesting unit.

Abstract: A support arrangement and discharge structure for individual picking units of a four-row cotton picker. The outboard picking units are transversely cantilevered from the inboard units using telescoping cross members which are adjustable to properly position the units for various row spacings. The cross members are tied between upper rigid beam structure on adjacent inboard and outboard units, the structure including an upper plate, cam support and transverse and fore-and-aft stiffeners. Each outboard unit includes a diagonal brace connected to the rigid beam structure to absorb fore-and-aft loading and thereby eliminate need for a lower stabilizer. Two high volume picker drums on adjacent inboard and outboard units are serviced by a single discharge structure supported from the inboard unit and connected to a single cotton conveying duct. A hinged baffle plate extends rearwardly from the outboard unit to the discharge structure, and pivots to permit the units to be adjusted with respect to each other.

Abstract: A grease reservoir is provided for the wear surfaces between a cotton harvester picker bar and its journal support in the picker drum. The reservoir is formed by upper and lower resilient seals acting to retain grease within the wear area and prevent entry of contamination into the reservoir area. A grease repository is further provided at the upper portion of the reservoir to assure lubrication of the vertical wear surfaces during harvesting operations and to extend periods between required maintenance.