Abstract: A skid-steer loader having transversely spaced wheel assemblies driven by individually operable drive mechanisms having spaced apart independently mounted hydrostatic motors is disclosed wherein a speed shifter linkage interconnects the hydrostatic motor cam shafts to affect a simultaneous shifting of both motors from one speed to another. A floatingly mounted cross shaft is threadably engaged with trunnions pivotally mounted in pintle arms fastened to the hydraulic motor cam plate shafts. Rotation of the cross shaft is affected through manipulation of a control lever engageable with adjustable stops to permit a quick and convenient adjustment of high and low speed operating positions. A frictional clamping of the linkage between the control lever and a sprocket for rotating the cross shaft provides an easy initial positioning of the control lever and permits a still greater range of adjustment of the nominal operating positions for maximum operator comfort.

Abstract: A skid steer loader having transversely spaced wheel assemblies driven through a drive chain entrained around a tensioning idler is disclosed wherein the tensioning idler is mounted in a pair of arms movably positionable by an adjusting mechanism to control the tension in the drive chain. The adjusting mechanism is housed within a box welded to the chain case and includes a necked down portion extending through the box for external manipulation of a drive portion. An O-ring seal prevents the loss of fluid from the box during operation of the loader. A spring clip engagable with the drive portion of the adjusting mechanism prevents the movement thereof during operation of the loader.

Abstract: Grinder-mixers include a material infeed device such as a feed table for feeding bales of hay to be ground up and incorporated into livestock feed rations. Due to varying bale density, the bale grinder sometimes lugs down when encountering a dense bale. However, if the feed table continues to feed bales during such a lug down, the grinder may clog and stall. A bypass apparatus solves the feed table problem by providing a bypass valve automatically operable to stop motion of the feed table when a lug down occurs.

Abstract: Remote control of unloading augers on agricultural grinder-mixers is accomplished by hydraulic motors arranged to adjust the height of the remote end of the auger and to rotate its position in the horizontal plane. These motors are each controlled by solenoid operated valves in the hydraulic system and the valves are operated by sets of electrical controls located in the tractor cab and in proximity to the unloading auger.

Abstract: Grinder-mixers include a material infeed device such as a feed table for feeding bales of hay to be ground up and incorporated into livestock feed rations. Due to varying bale density, the bale grinder sometimes lugs down when encountering a dense bale. However, if the feed table continues to feed bales during such a lug down, the grinder may clog and stall. A bypass apparatus solves the feed table problem by providing a bypass valve automatically operable to stop motion of the feed table when a lug down occurs.

Abstract: In a crop feed grinding and mixing apparatus having a mixing means mounted to a mobile frame, a grinding means fixed to the frame, material transfer means extending at least between the grinding means and the mixing means, material infeed means in material flow communication with the grinding means and drive means including a rotatable shaft operably connected to the mixing, grinding, material infeed and material transfer means, there is provided a speed responsive overload protective device mounted to the rotatable shaft so that when the drive means is slowed in operation below a predetermined speed by excessive crop feed accumulation in the grinding means the protective device automatically disengages the material infeed means from the drive means.

Abstract: Mixing apparatus having a frame on which a vertical mixing tank is mounted. The tank has a cylindrical upper section and a conical downwardly converging lower section. A hammermill is carried on the frame and provided with a hopper to receive feed material. Different types of feed material are fed into the hopper and chopped as they pass through the hammermill. A transfer auger conveys chopped material from the hammermill to the tank. Other feed material may be added during the mixing operation by introduction thereof via a second auger conveyor. A mixing assembly within the tank circulates the various feed material in a circuitous path to produce a well mixed homogeneous mass. A third auger conveyor, utilized to unload the tank, is mounted coaxially with the second feed auger and communicates with the bottom of the tank through an appropriate opening.

Abstract: Mixing apparatus having a frame on which a mixing tank is mounted and extending vertically. A hammermill carried on the frame receives and chops different types of feed material. The resulting product is then deposited in a transfer conveyor which transports the material to the mixing tank. A mixing assembly within the tank circulates material to produce a well mixed homogeneous mass. The mixing assembly comprises upper and lower material advancing portions, the lower of which includes a conical shaped core member converging upwardly. One or more rigid crop engaging elements extends outwardly from the lower edge of the core member to enhance the effectiveness of the mixing apparatus.

Abstract: Mixing apparatus having a frame on which a vertical mixing tank is mounted. A hammermill, carried on the frame, receives and chops different types of feed material. A transfer conveyor receives the resulting product and transports it to the mixing tank. Additives or other feed materials may be transferred to the tank via a secondary conveyor. A mixing assembly within the tank circulates material deposited therein to produce a well mixed homogeneous mass. The mixing assembly includes upper and lower material advancing portions, the lower of which comprises a conical shaped core member converging upwardly. Unique flighting is wound around this core member to elevate crop material to the upper material advancing portion. The width of the flighting increases as it advances upwardly to enhance the effectiveness of the mixing assembly. The pitch of the flighting may also be increased as it advances upwardly.