Abstract: An autonomous self-propelled mowing vehicle includes a frame fitted with a drive mechanism, a mowing device for mowing plants, a bumper device, and a control unit. The bumper device includes a first and a second impact detector. The first impact detector is depressible up to a stop and is provided with a first switch which emits a first signal to the control unit at a first switching point, if the first impact detector is depressed beyond the switching point. The second impact detector is deformable and locally depressible, and is provided with a second switch which emits a second signal to the control unit if the second impact detector is depressed at least beyond a predetermined depression threshold. The control unit is configured to stop the drive mechanism upon receiving the second signal, and to regulate the drive mechanism in such a way that the speed of the mowing vehicle is reduced to a lower mowing speed upon receiving the first signal without receiving the second signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for forming a cylindrical bale in a bale forming chamber. An endless pressing mechanims partially surrounds the bale forming chamber. A first tensioning member and a second tensioning member together tension the pressing mechanism by at least two guiding elements. A tensioning actuator is biased to pivot the second tensioning member away from the first tensioning member.