Abstract: A method of conditioning forage crops utilizing a pair of counterrotating conditioning rolls mounted in a hay harvesting machine is disclosed wherein at least one of the conditioning rolls is transversely reciprocated relative to the other conditioning roll. An oscillating mechanism is provided to effect the transverse reciprocating movement of the conditioning rolls. The method of conditioning can be accomplished by a conditioning mechanism in which the entire conditioning roll is transversely reciprocated while being rotated or by a conditioning roll in which individual lobes circumferentially mounted for transverse reciprocation around the conditioning roll core effect the sliding action while being rotated.

Abstract: A conditioning roll is disclosed wherein the roll has a hollow core of a predetermined length with a plurality of axially aligned, outwardly projecting guide rails detachably connected thereto around the outer circumference of the core. Each guide rail is associated with an elastomeric lobe having a predetermined shape and being mounted on the guide rail for axial slidable movement relative thereto. The guide rails are preferably of a T-shaped cross-sectional configuration to maintain the position of the lobe radially relative to the core.

Abstract: A conditioning roll for use in a conditioning mechanism on a hay harvesting machine is disclosed wherein the conditioning roll is formed by a plurality of individual lobes slidably mounted on transverse guide members detachably affixed to a core member. Each lobe is connected to a lobe reciprocating apparatus for effecting a transverse reciprocating sliding movement with respect to the core of the conditioning roll while the respective conditioning roll is being rotated. The conditioning mechanism is provided with a pair of intermeshing conditioning rolls connected to respective lobe reciprocating apparatus so that the lobes on the respective conditioning rolls are transversely moving in opposite directions at the throat formed between the rolls through which crop material passes to be conditioned in an aggressive manner.

Abstract: A control linkage for varying the length of stroke of a hydraulic cylinder is disclosed wherein a slide member is telescopically received within a bracket member, one of these members being connected to the extension end of the hydraulic cylinder while the other member is connected to the base end. A limiting mechanism in the form of a series of holes in one of the members alignable with a slotted opening in the other member and a fastener positionable within one of said holes and also through the slotted opening serves to limit the amount of telescopic movement of the slide member from the bracket member. As a result, the extension of the hydraulic cylinder can be selectively varied according to the preset length of the control linkage. An alternative embodiment in which a fastener is positionable within the holes externally of the slotted opening provides a two way stroke limiter by restricting the length of the retraction stroke of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A unitized raking implement having pivotably movable frame arms supported by ground engaging wheels is disclosed wherein a four-bar linkage is used to control the orientation of the wheels between an orientation parallel to the direction of travel of the implement and a non-parallel orientation. The rotation of the wheels into a non-parallel orientation permits the frame arms to be pivotally moved relative to the implement frame upon a corresponding movement of the raking implement. The control linkage includes a control link having a hydraulic cylinder operable to affect an extension of the length of the control link and, thereby, to affect a steering of the wheel between parallel and non-parallel orientations. The four-bar linkage permits the wheels to be returned into the parallel orientation whenever the hydraulic cylinder is fully retracted irrespective of the pivoted position of the respective frame arms.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for a unitized raking implement having a frame and pivotally movable frame arms carrying rake baskets positionable in transport and operating positions is disclosed wherein a spring-loaded locking pin is biased toward engagement with stabilizer bars cooperately engaged with the frame arms to lock the frame arms against pivotal movement. A cable interconecting the hydraulic steering cylinder affects a disengagement of the locking pin from the stabilizer bar when the cylinder is actuated to turn the ground engaging wheels and affect a pivotal movement of the frame arms. A lost motion linkage, including a pair of cantilevered members interconnected by a torsion spring interconnects the cable and the locking pin to permit movement of the cable without affecting movement of the locking pin whenever the locking pin is bound in the stabilizer bar.

Abstract: A raking mechanism having a frame and a pair of rake baskets movably mounted thereon is disclosed wherein the frame includes a draft member adapted for connection to a prime mover and a pair of arms pivotally connected to the draft member and supported above the ground by respective wheels. The arms carry the respective rake baskets and are pivotally movable in a generally horizontal plane to displace the rake baskets transversely of the draft member. The rake baskets are also movable relative to the respective arms to vary the angle at which the rate baskets engage the crop material lying on the ground to provide a variety of positions of the rake baskets relative to the draft member and, consequently, provide a number of operative positions and operations the raking mechanism can undertake. A method of converting the raking mechanism from a collapsed transport position to an infinitely adjustable operative position is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for unitized raking implements having hydraulically driven left and right rake baskets positionally movable by hydraulic steering cylinders, hydraulic swing cylinders and hydraulic lift cylinders is disclosed wherein all the hydraulically actuated components on the implement can be operatively powered from a single hydraulic circuit from the prime mover. A selector valve divides the flow of fluid coming from the prime mover hydraulic system into first and second loops. The first loop directs hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motors and lift cylinders in such a manner that whenever the hydraulic motors are operated the hydraulic lift cylinders position the rake baskets into a lowered operating position. The second loop directs hydraulic fluid to the steering and swing cylinders, the flow between which being controlled by a control valve corresponding to each of the rake baskets.

Abstract: A linkage for equalizing the biasing forces exerted on the opposing transverse ends of the upper conditioning roll in a mower-conditioner is disclosed wherein a separate torsion bar is utilized to bias each respective end of the upper conditioning roll toward the lower conditioning roll, each torsion bar being connected to a biasing force equalization member for equalizing the pressure exerted on the opposing transverse ends of the upper conditioning roll. The equalization member includes a pair of arms interconnected by a trunnion to permit a limited relative movement between the two arms to accommodate differences in manufacturing tolerances in the torsion bars. An adjustment crank is connected to the trunnion to effect a selective simultaneous movement of the arms to vary the roll pressure.

Abstract: Crop divider mechanism for attachment to a knockdown bar of an agricultural harvesting or conditioning machine and comprising a pair of similar interchangeable left-hand and right-hand rod members bent into substantially trapezoidal shape with parallel opposite long and short sides and intervening sides sloping from said long side to said short side, pairs of bracket members attachable respectively in spaced relation along opposite end portions of said knockdown bar and each pair pivotally receiving one of said intermediate sides of said rod members, similar positioning plates respectively fixed to one bracket of each pair thereof and having several spaced holes to receive selectively one end of a positioning pin selectively to support said rod members in upstanding inoperative position or forwardly extending operative position, and supplemental flat links connected to a second plate adjacent each positioning plate in positions to engage said knockdown bar in a manner to hold said rod members no lower than in