Abstract: A crop harvesting machine for tomatoes, or the like, which lifts plants and fruit from ground level for transport upon one or more endless conveyors having spaced, parallel links. The invention resides in a system for keeping the conveyor links free from rocks, chunks of dirt, mud, and other foreign matter. The basic element is a cleanout device which is rotatably mounted adjacent one or more of the conveyors and has radially disposed members which extend through the spaces between the links as the chain is advanced and the device is rotated. An oscillating arm may also be provided in conjunction with one or more of the conveyors to impart a shaking movement, thereby aiding in dislodging foreign material from the space between the links.

Abstract: Method and means for removing foreign matter and damaged fruit from a continuous supply of machine harvested tomatoes as they are moved through the crop discharge section of the harvester. The element is spaced from the exit end of the first conveyor by a distance which allows foreign matter such as dirt, stones, stems and small or damaged fruit to pass under the element and fall to the ground. The tomatoes to be gathered are too large to pass through the gap between the first conveyor and the hinged element, thus passing over the element and being deposited on the final discharge conveyor.

Abstract: A header section for a tomato harvester wherein a pair of counter-rotating discs are moved along a row of tomato plants with the forward edges below ground level to pick up plants, loose fruit and soil and deliver them to a pick-up conveyor. A first aspect of the invention is concerned with a novel structure of the disks and associated structure whereby plant stems are engaged by the disks, moved rearwardly and pulled upwardly to sever the plant from the roots by pulling and breaking rather than cutting. A second aspect of the invention resides in the resilient coupling of the pick-up conveyor, upon which the header section is mounted, to the rigid main frame.