Abstract: A harvester for root crops such as beets is provided which preferably provides continuous flow of root crops from a header, along a transfer assembly, through a processing run, and to an elevator assembly. The harvester can be configured to include or accommodate interchangeable header assemblies having different numbers of rows and/or row spacings. The transfer assembly can be of a floating type and helps to provide an even distribution of beets to the grabrollers. The processing run includes full-length cleaning grabrollers disposed parallel to the direction of travel. Modular elevator assemblies can be provided to further enhance harvester versatility. Such an approach includes interchangeable ferris wheel and scrubber chain elevator assemblies. An improved scrubber chain elevator assembly can be used which has a wraparound scrubber chain design. A pivoting tank conveyor for evenly filling a holding tank can be included.

Abstract: A harvester for root crops such as beets is provided which preferably provides improved flow of root crops from a lifting assembly, along a plurality of transfer assemblies, and to a holding tank or a separate loading vehicle. Each transfer assembly includes a transfer surface, typically a conveyor or roller, for the downstream movement of harvested root crops. At least one of the transfer assemblies includes a movable stagnation reduction member mounted for rotation above the associated transfer surface. The movable member is typically positioned at a transition region of the flowpath in order to provide a “moving wall” that contacts harvested root crops to urge them downstream and prevent stagnation at the transition region. The movable member may be driven by any of a number of possible mechanisms or undriven and rotated by contact with the flow of crops.

Abstract: A harvester for root crops such as beets is provided which preferably provides continuous flow of root crops from a header, along a transfer assembly, through a processing run, and to an elevator assembly. The harvester can be configured to include or accommodate interchangeable header assemblies having different numbers of rows and/or row spacings. The transfer assembly can be of a floating type and helps to provide an even distribution of beets to the grabrollers. The processing run includes full-length cleaning grabrollers disposed parallel to the direction of travel. Modular elevator assemblies can be provided to further enhance harvester versatility. Such an approach includes interchangeable ferris wheel and scrubber chain elevator assemblies. An improved scrubber chain elevator assembly can be used which has a wraparound scrubber chain design. A pivoting tank conveyor for evenly filling a holding tank can be included.

Abstract: A flexible strut device for supporting a pair of lifter wheels for a sugar beet harvester includes a mounting bracket secured to the tool bar of the sugar beet harvester. A fixed fulcrum plate is secured to the mounting bracket and is secured to a movable fulcrum plate by connector assemblies. A flexible strut having a pair of lifter wheels journaled thereon is secured to the movable fulcrum plate. The connector assemblies include horizontally disposed compression sleeves which yieldably urge the fixed and movable plate to a normal operating position and permit the movable fulcrum plate, the flexible strut and lifter wheels to be deflected upwardly or downwardly against the bias of the compression sleeves in response to the lifter wheels striking an object, such as a stone or the like.