Abstract: A field chopper and a method for its operation. The field chopper includes an internal combustion engine in drive connection with a crop intake device, a chopping device, and a feeding device that transfers crop from the intake device to the chopping device. A controller, connected to an operator input, sets the drive speed of the feeding device. Upon input for starting the chopping operation, the controller triggers the following steps: bringing the drive speed of the feeding device to a reduced speed, closing a coupling to the crop intake device, and bringing the drive speed of the feeding device to a desired value.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for a harvesting machine, including a bearing configured to couple a rotatable shaft with a chassis of the harvesting machine, a first element coupled with the shaft so as to be rotatable therewith, and a second element coupled with the chassis of the harvesting machine. Additionally, at least a portion of the second element is substantially concentrically enclosed by the first element and the first and second elements cooperate to define a contactless seal configured to substantially prevent contamination of the bearing. The shaft is coupled with a product treating element, such as a crop feeding and/or processing element that is driven or idle rotating.

Abstract: A field chopper and a method for its operation. The field chopper is includes an internal combustion engine in drive connection with a crop intake device, a chopping device, and a feeding device that transfers crop from the intake device to the chopping device. A controller, connected to an operator input, sets the drive speed of the feeding device. Upon input for starting the chopping operation, the controller triggers the following steps: bringing the drive speed of the feeding device to a reduced speed, closing a coupling to the crop intake device, and bringing the drive speed of the feeding device to a desired value.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for a harvesting machine, including a bearing configured to couple a rotatable shaft with a chassis of the harvesting machine, a first element coupled with the shaft so as to be rotatable therewith, and a second element coupled with the chassis of the harvesting machine. Additionally, at least a portion of the second element is substantially concentrically enclosed by the first element and the first and second elements cooperate to define a contactless seal configured to substantially prevent contamination of the bearing. The shaft is coupled with a product treating element, such as a crop feeding and/or processing element that is driven or idle rotating.

Abstract: A crop discharging device, such as a discharge spout for a crop chopping machine, has a crop input end mounted for swiveling about an inclined upright axis and for pivoting vertically about a horizontal axis. The discharge spout also includes a vertically adjustable flap at its discharge end for directing the flow of crop from the spout. A first actuator is provided for effecting movement of the spout about the upright axis, a second actuator is provided for effecting movement of the spout about the horizontal axis and a third actuator is provided for effecting movement of the flap. A control arrangement, which includes a memory into which a preset correlation table, or the like may be loaded, is provided for automatically controlling the position of the second actuator as a function of the position of the first actuator so as to maintain a given discharge height.

Abstract: A bearing assembly of a crop conveying and/or crop processing element for a harvesting machine includes a rolling contact bearing, a stationary disk spaced axially away from the rolling contact bearing and an impeller disk rotating with the crop conveying and/or crop processing element. The stationary disk is positioned between the rolling contact bearing and the impeller disk such that interaction of the stationary disk with the impeller disk prevents intrusion of undesirable material.

Abstract: A crop discharging device, such as a discharge spout for a crop chopping machine, has a crop input end mounted for swiveling about an inclined upright axis and for pivoting vertically about a horizontal axis. The discharge spout also includes a vertically adjustable flap at its discharge end for directing the flow of crop from the spout. A first actuator is provided for effecting movement of the spout about the upright axis, a second actuator is provided for effecting movement of the spout about the horizontal axis and a third actuator is provided for effecting movement of the flap. A control arrangement, which includes a memory into which a preset correlation table, or the like may be loaded, is provided for automatically controlling the position of the second actuator as a function of the position of the first actuator so as to maintain a given discharge height.

Abstract: A crop hold down arrangement for a pick-up comprises a roll supported by means of pivot arms from the frame so as to enable the arms to pivot vertically and guide the roll in the direction of crop being fed by a tined pick-up drum to a conveyor in response to an increase in the height of a crop windrow being picked up. A chain is provided between the frame and roll-support arm to limit the downward travel of the arm so as to keep the roll from interfering with the tined pick-up drum. A spring assembly is provided for counterbalancing at least a portion of the weight of the arm and roll assembly so that the roll will easily rise over a relatively light and fluffy crop windrow.