Abstract: A forage harvester comprises feeder means for feeding harvested crop material to the processing means along a crop feed path. It is equipped with a foreign object detector for signaling the presence of foreign objects in said harvested crop. The detector means comprises a sensor having a detection field extending into at least a portion of said path. The sensor is substantially symmetric with respect to a direction transverse to the crop feed path and the detector further comprises restriction means distinct from said sensor, making said detection field asymmetric with respect to said transverse direction. As a result, the detector becomes less sensitive to noise caused by the other components of the harvester.

Abstract: A forage harvester is provided with a crop processor roll assembly that comprises a shaft and a removable crop processor roll having a fluted surface for cracking maize kernels. The roll has end plates, to which the shaft is connected by sleeves. The interior of the sleeve is joined to the shaft by two interference or press fits, and to the roll by a third press fit.

Abstract: A kernel cracking assembly comprises two frames each supporting a respective one of two rollers between which kernels are crushed. A hydraulically operated actuator acts to move the frame relative to frame to set the separation of the rollers. A position sensor coupled to the actuator forms part of a closed-loop feedback circuit which serves to maintain a predetermined separation of the rollers.

Abstract: A concave arrangement is disclosed for a threshing machine such as a combine harvester 10. The arrangement includes a concave 30 having a moveable rear portion 48 that is adapted to vary the break-over angle presented to straw passing downstream. A flap member 54 is provided that moves jointly with the moveable rear portion 48 and ensures that a gap G between the moveable portion 48 and a later processing stage such as a beater apparatus is kept substantially closed. Variation of the break-over angle influences the length of the straw leaving the threshing machine and the loading of the further separation and cleaning mechanisms.

Abstract: A concave arrangement is disclosed for a threshing machine such as a combine harvester 10. The arrangement includes a concave 30 having a moveable rear portion 48 that is adapted to vary the break-over angle presented to straw passing downstream. A flap member 54 is provided that moves jointly with the moveable rear portion 48 and ensures that a gap G between the moveable portion 48 and a later processing stage such as a beater apparatus is kept substantially closed. Variation of the break-over angle influences the length of the straw leaving the threshing machine and the loading of the further separation and cleaning mechanisms.