Abstract: A material chopper may include a counter shear bar, a plurality of stationary knives associated with the counter shear bar, a shaft, at least one rotor section operatively connected to the shaft, each of the at least one rotor section configured to rotate with the shaft, at least one knife holder in each of the at least one rotor section, at least one knife operatively connected to each of the at least one knife holder, and slots in each of the at least one knife holder, wherein edges of the slot provide counter shear surfaces for the plurality of stationary knives. The material chopper may be added to or incorporated into a harvesting machine such as a combine.

Abstract: A harvesting machine, a method for harvesting using the harvesting machine, a crop residue harvesting system for the harvesting machine, and an apparatus are provided. The arrangement described herein spreads crop residue over the ground. It uses sensors to monitor the amount of crop residue spread over the ground.

Abstract: A crop residue harvesting system for a harvesting machine is provided. The crop residue harvesting system includes a blower and a transition member having a first position and a second position. In a first position the transition member directs at least a portion of the crop residue to the blower for harvesting of the crop residue. In a second position the transition member allows for spreading at least a portion of the crop residue. A lever or actuator may be operatively connected to the transition member for selecting between the first position and the second position or selecting an intermediate position to control the proportions of the crop residue harvested and the crop residue spread.

Abstract: A crop residue harvesting system for a harvesting machine is provided. The crop residue harvesting system includes a blower and a transition member having a first position and a second position. In a first position the transition member directs at least a portion of the crop residue to the blower for harvesting of the crop residue. In a second position the transition member allows for spreading at least a portion of the crop residue. A lever or actuator may be operatively connected to the transition member for selecting between the first position and the second position or selecting an intermediate position to control the proportions of the crop residue harvested and the crop residue spread.

Abstract: A harvesting machine includes a self-propelled vehicle adapted for separating grain from non-grain material, a cleaning shoe and a fan for controlling air flow. The fan is positioned downstream of the cleaning shoe and the fan having an air inlet for providing air to the fan and an aspiration outlet for providing air from the fan. The fan assists in reducing static air pressure within the harvesting machine. The fan may be a centrifugal fan. The harvesting machine may further include a chopper operatively connected to the vehicle and adapted for receiving the non-grain material and chopping the non-grain material and a blower adapted for assisting in conveying the non-grain material from the chopper such as for collection in a collection container.