Abstract: A cotton harvester row unit attachment includes blade structure attached to the bearing cap at the lower end of the doffer for rotation about the doffer axis. The blade structure projects radially from the doffer axis a distance generally equal to the radius of the doffers and slices vines and other debris that find their way into the row unit housing adjacent the doffer to prevent plugging.

Abstract: A spindle nut and bushing assembly for cotton picker row units includes a light-weight spindle nut and a single elongated bushing having a length to outer diameter ratio of greater than two. The bushing extends through substantially the entire length of the spindle nut to provide a low friction bearing surface with sufficient strength to reinforce the spindle nut against breakage even when the spindle is impacted and fractured by an obstacle. In one embodiment of the invention, the nut is formed from a thermoplastic material and the bushing is fabricated from powdered metal, preferably a sintered bronze-iron alloy, and includes elongated grooves which act as lubricant reservoirs. In another embodiment, the bushing is formed from a filament-wound fiberglass material. The weight of the plastic nut is less than 75% of that of a conventional steel nut. In an alternative embodiment, the nut is fabricated from a light-weight metal such as aluminum.

Abstract: A harvester fan includes a donut-shaped insert which is rotationally molded with button-head bolts spaced therearound. The rotor-end of the bolts are molded into the sidewall of the insert so the sealing area of the insert remains planar for maximizing sealing ability. The opposite threaded ends of the bolts project from the insert, and rotation of a special nut held axially by snap ring and easily accessible by a wrench from outside the fan housing finely tunes the fan insert axially relative to the rotor for maximum output and efficiency.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable and rotatable moistener column for a cotton picker row unit. The moistener column includes rotating base structure permitting the column to be rotated between a normal operating position and a service position wherein access to the pad supports and moistener pads is facilitated. The rotating base includes indexing structure for firmly securing the moistener column in either the operating or the service position and for facilitating rotation of the column between positions after moving the column vertically.

Abstract: An improved moistener pad for the moistener column of a cotton picker wherein the edges of the fins which face the direction of approach of the picker spindles are configured with a taper to reduce distortion of the fins, particularly when trash or wrapped cotton is present on the spindles to be wiped. The fin ends are beveled at a forty-five degree angle from the vertical to provide a smooth transition between non-contacting and spindle-contacting conditions.