Abstract: A bin carrier system that includes a tractor having a maximum width that permits the tractor to navigate between narrow rows of fruit trees and other produce crops such as, for example, dwarf varieties of apple trees. The tractor includes a storage compartment into which multiple produce bins can be collected for transport out of an orchard or field. The tractor can also include an elevated platform on which one or more individuals can stand while the tractor is stationary or mobile. The system can also feature a sensor to detect proximity or contact with a plant. The system can also feature an automatic steering system to guide the tractor between rows of plants.

Abstract: A bin carrier system that includes a tractor having a maximum width that permits the tractor to navigate between narrow rows of fruit trees and other produce crops such as, for example, dwarf varieties of apple trees. The tractor includes a storage compartment into which multiple produce bins can be collected for transport out of an orchard or field. The tractor can also include an elevated platform on which one or more individuals can stand while the tractor is stationary or mobile. The system can also feature a sensor to detect proximity or contact with a plant. The system can also feature an automatic steering system to guide the tractor between rows of plants.

Abstract: A sod harvesting machine includes a tractor having a first frame, a second frame, a front sod carriage having a first lift member, a rear sod carriage, an elevated platform, vertical support members, and a second lift member. Between the elevated platform and the front and rear sod carriages, the tractor also includes a sod storage compartment into which pallets of stacked sod are mechanically conveyed for storage and transport. The first lift member can be a low vertical lift for lifting the pallet off the ground and conveying the pallet via conveyor chains toward the rear sod carriage. The second frame is telescopically engaged by the first frame so that the length of the sod storage compartment may be extended to accommodate additional pallets. The second lift member can be a high vertical lift for lifting pallets unloaded from the sod storage compartment onto a truck for shipment.

Abstract: A prime mover comprises a positive displacement engine (100), such as a reciprocating or rotary piston engine, which is linked to a turbine/turbocompressor set, such as the gas turbine engine (102). The exhaust gases of the positive displacement engine pass through a duct (122) to drive the turbine (134) which drives the turbocompressor (106), which in turn turbocharges the positive displacement engine (100) through a duct (108). Disclosed are efficient overall operating cycles for such prime movers, advantageous adaptations of prime movers capable of performing such operating cycles, and operating cycles for the positive displacement engine (100) which enable it to contribute most effectively to the efficiency of the overall operating cycles.