Abstract: A direct drive system for a baler of large round bales. A plurality of driven gearboxes, each of which has a planetary gear system and an interconnected bevel gear system, are located on each of a pair of sidewalls of the baler and are each drivably connected to one of a plurality of transverse driven shafts of the baler. A distribution gearbox on each side of the baler are connected through a right angle gearbox to the power take-off of a tractor. Power from the distribution gearboxes is distributed to the plurality of driven gearboxes through a plurality of driven gearboxes through a plurality of lateral drive shafts. The direct drive system of the present invention replaces substantially all of the roller chain and sprocket drive system of known balers.

Abstract: A crop loading monitor for a baler includes a two-state interval timer which signals an operator of the baler to position the baler so as to feed crop material preferentially alternately into one or the other side of the baler. A switch mounted on the wind guard of the baler interrupts the countdown of the interval timer when crop material is not entering the baler. The crop loading monitor can be used to control a self-steering baler.

Abstract: The ground rolling bale forming machine has a plurality of belts having expandable lower run portions for rolling the bale material along the ground. The lower belt runs are trained about a material pick-up means and a movable bottom front roller. In a bale starting position, the bottom roller is adjacent the pick-up means and is movable forwardly to a bale formed position in response to the growing diameter of the bale. The axes of the pick-up means and bottom roller are in a generally common horizontal plane throughout the forming operation to provide for an enclosing engagement of the lower belt runs about a major portion of the peripheral surface of the bale.

Abstract: A tractor mounted corn harvesting unit has ground engaging steerable wheels, side frame members pivotally connected to the tractor, and a hydraulic cylinder connected between the tractor and the harvesting unit for adjusting the unit weight carried by the ground engaging wheels. The side frame members movably support the rear end of the harvesting unit on the tractor for up and down movement of the front end thereof, and the hydraulic cylinder operates to raise and lower the harvesting unit between an elevated position therefor, wherein the ground engaging wheels provide substantially no ground support for the front end of the harvesting unit, and a lowered position therefor wherein the wheels provide at least a partial ground support for the harvesting unit.