Abstract: A baler implement includes a pre-compression passageway including a lower passage wall having an access panel. The access panel is moveable between an operating position and an access position. A panel actuator is coupled to the access panel for moving the access panel. A feed system includes at least one feeder fork operable to move crop material through the pre-compression passageway. A drive system is coupled to the feed system and includes a power source that is selectively controllable to move the feed system in a first direction during a baling operation and move the feed system in a second direction during an un-plugging operation. A baler controller is operable to identify a plug condition from data related to an operating characteristic of the baling operation and may then automatically initiate the un-plugging operation when the plug condition is identified.

Abstract: A windrower implement includes a merger attachment positioned rearward of an implement head. The merger attachment includes a conveyor positioned to receive discharged crop material from the implement head and convey the crop material to a laterally offset location. A crop sensor is operable to detect data related to a current characteristic of the cut crop material. A merger controller is operable to receive data from the crop sensor related to the current characteristic of the cut crop material, determine a desired windrow width based on the data from the crop sensor related to the current characteristic of the cut crop material, and then control a current speed of the conveyor based the desired windrow width.

Abstract: A windrower implement includes a merger attachment having a conveyor positioned relative to an implement head to receive discharged crop material from the implement head and convey the crop material to a laterally offset location on a discharge side of the merger attachment. An image sensor is positioned to capture an image of a windrow laterally offset from the central longitudinal axis on the discharge side of the frame. A merger controller is disposed in communication with the image sensor and is operable to capture an image of the windrow with the image sensor, identify and locate an edge of the windrow in the captured image relative to the conveyor. The merger controller may then control a current speed of the conveyor based on the location of the edge of the windrow so that crop material is discharged onto the existing windrow.

Abstract: A pre-cutter assembly includes a first set and a second set of knives. A controller is coupled to a first actuator and a second actuator for moving the first set and the second set of knives between a retracted position and a deployed position respectively. The controller may determine a current baler operating parameter and a status of the first and second sets of knives. The controller may then define a desired positional setting for the first and second sets of knives based on the current baler operating parameter and the status of the first and second sets of knives. The controller may then communicate a control signal to the first and second actuators to control the first and second actuators to position the first and second sets of knives in the desired position setting for the first and second sets of knives.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for automatically adjusting settings on a baler based at least on the characteristics of a previously formed or forming bale. A baler collects a target crop and forms a bale. During or after formation of the bale, sensors collect data that is indicative of bale characteristics, including mass flow, shape, size, density, wrap and twine control, amongst other for the bale. A baler controller can use the identified bale characteristics to determine baler settings adjustments, for the baler, that can bring the bale, or subsequent bale, into specification based on predetermined thresholds for the bale characteristics. Further, actuators can operably adjust the baler settings on the fly.

Abstract: A mower implement includes a cutter having a blade operable to cut crop material. A blade diagnostic controller is operable to capture an image of cut crop stubble rearward of the cutter with an image sensor. The blade diagnostic controller may then identify a cut end of the cut crop stubble in the image, determine a cut quality of the cut end of the cut crop stubble, and correlate the cut quality of the cut end to a blade sharpness index. The blade diagnostic controller may then communicate an index signal to a communicator to generate a communication indicating the blade sharpness index.

Abstract: A harvester implement includes a vehicle controller including an initialization algorithm operable to receive a command input. The command input selects one of a plurality of machine initialization modes. Each of the machine initialization modes has a pre-defined setting for at least one of a power source, a harvester header, and a vehicle light arrangement for implementing one of a plurality of operating modes associated therewith. The vehicle controller may then automatically control one of the power control system, the header control system, and the light control system to establish the pre-defined setting therefor in the power source, the harvester header, and the vehicle light arrangement respectively to prepare the harvester implement for the operating mode associated with the selected machine initialization mode.

Abstract: A baler implement includes a crop sensor operable to sense data related to a quantity of the crop material accumulated within a pre-compression chamber. A baler controller is operable to execute a feeder control algorithm to receive a quantity signal from the crop sensor. When the quantity signal indicates that the quantity of the crop material accumulated within the pre-compression chamber is equal to or greater than a quantity threshold, the baler controller may then signal an actuator to release a lock, thereby allowing a feeder fork to move from a retracted position to an extended position thereof to move the crop material from the pre-compression chamber to a compression chamber for baling.

Abstract: A round baler implement includes a forming belt having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end coupled together by a retaining pin to secure the forming belt in an endless loop. An image sensor is positioned and operable to capture an image of the retaining pin. A baler controller receives a current image of the retaining pin from the image sensor and determines a wear condition of the retaining pin therefrom. The baler controller may then communicate a notification signal to a communicator providing the wear condition of the retaining pin, thereby notifying user of the condition of the retaining pin so that the user may decide to replace the retaining pin when necessary.

Abstract: A baler system includes a baler controller includes a processor operable to execute a bale ejection algorithm to receive a command input to initiate a last bale ejection sequence. Upon receiving the command input, the baler controller automatically engages a knotter system to wrap and bind crop material currently disposed within a baling chamber to form a final bale. Upon forming the final bale, the baler controller automatically determines if a discharge location disposed proximate a discharge end of the baling chamber is clear of obstructions. Upon determining that the discharge end of the baling chamber is clear of obstructions, the baler controller automatically engages a bale ejection system to eject the final bale from the baling chamber and onto the discharge location.

Abstract: A work implement includes a support controller disposed in communication with a hydraulic lift cylinder. The support controller initiates a control activation signal for commanding movement of the hydraulic lift cylinder to move the head support from an initial start position to a commanded support position. The support controller determines a stop signal position based on the current rate of movement of the head support toward the commanded support position. The stop signal position may further be based on a current fluid pressure of an associated float system. The support controller ceases or stops the control activation signal when the head support reaches the stop signal position, whereby the head support decelerates over a distance after cessation of the control activation signal such that the head support substantially stops movement at the commanded support position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining a leaf-to-stem ratio of a crop automatically from an image of the crop. An agricultural vehicle may include a crop analysis system having a computing device and an imaging device for capturing an image of a crop. The computing device analyzes images acquired by the imaging determine to determine a leaf-to-stem ratio of the crop.

Abstract: A method of defining an end travel limit of an electric actuator includes sensing an electric current of the electric actuator while moving the electric actuator from a first position to a second position. A maximum travel current of the electric current sensed during movement of the electric actuator between the first position to the second position is increased by a factor to define a maximum calibration current. The electric current is then sensed while moving from the second position toward an end travel position of the electric actuator. Movement of the electric actuator is stopped at a fault position when the electric current equals the maximum calibration current. The end travel limit of the electric actuator is then defined as a function of the fault position.