Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a lateral beam frame assembly which is mounted on a mobile unit frame, and supports a vertically adjustable guide beams which in turn support a contra-rotating tobacco defoliating mechanism as well as the conveyor assembly for conveying a defoliated tobacco leaves to a common conveyor, is made laterally adjustable. The longitudinal beams are supported adjustably on the upper portions of the tractor mounting framework. A cable and winch arrangement is used for securing lateral adjustment of the beam and the rigidly mounted guide elements for supporting the vertical guide beams. In addition, an upper truss-forming cable or bar assembly is secured to the lateral beam so as to rigidify same and prevent bending moments from impairing the effective operation of the combine and harvester.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a tobacco combine incorporates a single pump for driving a pair of tobacco leaf defoliators in contra rotating directions, and a pair of hydraulic motors for the take off conveyors in the same direction. Precise synchronization of the defoliator blades driven by the motors is assured by serially connecting the motors in the hydraulic circuit. A 50--50 flow divider provides equal hydraulic fluid flow to a pair of hydraulic motors, each driving portions of a first conveyor system, respectively, the fluid flows from these two motors being combined to drive a common second conveyor system.

Abstract: In a tobacco combine having a pair of contra-rotating defoliation blade members, upper and lower guides are provided for assuring proper positioning of the tobacco leaves for defoliation without impeding the speed of defoliation such as by gripping engagements of the stalk. The upper guide has diverged forward ends which converge toward one another (in a direction toward the rear) and project downwardly (in a direction forward of the defoliating blade members), intermediate portions which converge gradually rearwardly with downwardly sloping parallel portions which, in turn, are connected by curved portions to rear suspension brackets.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tobacco harvesting implement comprising a frame assembly for mounting on a tractor, the frame assembly carrying a defoliation assembly constituted by contra-rotating pairs of rectangular flapper elements having plural slots along the lateral edges thereof and kicker to the rear of the flapper means operated in association with the defoliation assembly for insuring the deposit of tobacco leaves on a pair of longitudinally running conveyors. The kicker elements are greater in length than the defoliating flapper elements and include at least a pair in line with the defoliating flapper elements and a pair of 90.degree. relative thereto, and means are provided for adjusting the spacing between the pair of contra-rotating tobacco leaf defoliators.