Abstract: A machine for harvesting root crop has a lifting device that in a position of use on a harvest field lifts several rows of the crop with admixtures from the soil transversely to the travel direction in accordance with a lifting width. From the lifting device the loosened mixture of crop and admixtures is movable opposite to the travel direction by a first longitudinal conveyor and is transferred onto a second screening belt conveyor. Between longitudinal conveyor and screening belt conveyor, a transfer zone is defined with belt overlap. The first longitudinal conveyor in the conveying direction together with the upstream lifting device forms a module that is movable in transverse direction of the machine relative to the second screening belt conveyor. This module, relative to the common transfer zone, can be moved at least sectionwise into a position of lateral spacing relative to the second screening belt conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor includes a frame, at least two arms at least one of which is movably mounted to the frame, at least two rails wherein each rail is coupled to an end of one of said at least two arms, at least two belts wherein each belt is rotatably mounted on one of said at least two rails such that the belts are capable of engaging plants therebetween and moving the plants along a conveyor axis, and one or more bias members which are configured to bias said at least one movable arm toward the other one of said at least two arms. The conveyor further comprises an expanding mechanism which is configured to exert an outward force on said at least one movable arm upon engagement so that said at least one movable arm move away from another arm.

Abstract: A self-propelled screening apparatus (1) having a chassis (11); a pair of endless tracks (12) supporting the chassis (11); a superstructure (13) rotatably mounted on the chassis (11); a prime mover (19) provided in or on the superstructure (13) and arranged to provide motive power to operate the endless tracks (12) and where the prime mover (19) is rotatable with the superstructure (13); and a screen box (16) mounted on the superstructure (13), also for rotation therewith. The screen box (16) has an input (17) for receiving a supply of bulk material, at least one screen deck for screening the bulk material, and an output for discharging screened material. The prime mover (19) and the screen box (16) are arranged on opposite sides of the rotational axis of the superstructure (13), to provide a stable weight distribution.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting, topping and sacking bulb crops, such as onions. The harvester extracts the onions from the ground and transports them rearward to a cutting assembly by conveyor systems that drop out small onions, dirt, rocks and debris. The cutting assembly comprises a set of elongated cutting blades positioned to cooperatively accept and sever the leaves and roots from the bulb. The offal drops away from the harvester to the ground by manner of gravity. After cutting, the onions are transported through an inspection assembly for inspection, sorting, grading and further distribution. The onions are then transported rearward to a sacking assembly for placing the onions into sacks, to a chute device returning the onions to the ground or to a conveyor system transferring the onions to an adjacent vehicle. Platforms on the sides and ends of the harvester facilitate the above operations.

Abstract: An improved landscape rake including a rotatably operable rake mechanism for performing a raking function, a bucket for receiving material raked by the rake mechanism, and a fluid actuator connected to the rake mechanism operable for moving the rake mechanism relative to the bucket, the fluid actuator having a first port adapted for connection to a source of pressurized fluid for receiving the pressurized fluid therefrom for moving the rake mechanism to a position proximal to the bucket and a second port adapted for connection via a fluid path to a fluid receiver for discharging fluid thereto, the improvement including a fluid control system for the fluid actuator including a second fluid path connecting the first port of the fluid actuator with the first named fluid path and a valve disposed in the second fluid path operable for allowing fluid flow therethrough from the first port to the first named fluid path while preventing fluid flow from the first named fluid path to the first port to allow the rake mec

Abstract: A rock picker has a plurality of high capacity conveyors, one of which is used for storing rocks during the picking operation. The conveyors quickly unload the stored rocks into a truck or at some other desired location. The storage conveyor is arranged so that it does not take up any substantial amount of space greater than the rock picker frame, but yet is sufficiently large in capacity so that it can store a large number of rocks as they are picked. Loading conveyors are sequentially placed so that first and second normally continuously operating conveyors load into the third storage conveyor in sequence. A storage hopper is provided at the input end of the storage conveyor, and the conveyor is intermittently operated to carry the rocks from the hopper in a layer along the length of the storage conveyor. When the storage conveyor is loaded with rocks, the storage conveyor is run to discharge the rocks off one end.

Abstract: This rock picker invention is a towable farm implement which is capable of removing rocks from a farm field. A plurality of buckets scoop up quantities of soil as the rock picker is towed by a tractor. The buckets are mounted on a pair of cables which pass over guide wheels. The cables are forced to move by a power source so that the buckets are forced into, across and out of the ground. The guide wheels are mounted on axles on a conveyor frame which allows the buckets and cables to be lifted to a transport position and which allows the angle of attack between the buckets and the ground surface to be varied. The buckets are equipped with openings and shaped such that soil falls from the buckets when the buckets are lifted. The cables are guided such that the buckets are caused to invert and dump the rocks collected into a hopper. The hopper is equipped with a lifting linkage to allow transfer and disposal of rocks collected.

Abstract: An agricultural machine comprising a motor driven main frame and a detachable harvesting unit. The harvesting unit includes four major parts; a forward digging unit, a screening section, a conveyor system and a receiving bin. The four major parts are specifically located with respect to the main frame.

Abstract: A row crop harvester is provided with mechanism for mounting two picking heads for both vertical and horizontal adjustment of the ground engaging lower ends of the heads, to simultaneously harvest two rows of plants which may vary in spacing from each other throughout their lengths. One head is guided along its row by steering the harvester itself, while the lower end of the other head is guided along its row by selectively operating controls which transversely shift the lower end of the head relative to the first mentioned steerable head thereby accurately following and simultaneously harvesting two rows of crops such as root crops.In the preferred embodiment the upper end of each picking head is associated with a severing mechanism for removing the tops or foliage from the roots of the plants.

Abstract: A potato or other root crop harvester having a shock absorbing primary bed is disclosed. The primary bed is held in normal digging position by high pressure fluid cylinders. A shock to the shovels attached to the forward edge of the primary bed causes the fluid pressure to rise within the cylinders, thereby exceeding a relief valve setting and allowing the fluid to discharge from the cylinders to permit the primary bed to move rearwardly, absorbing the shock and preventing damage to the harvester. A further unique feature of the potato harvester is the presence of three shovels attached to the primary bed to harvest three rows simultaneously. The primary bed discharges tubers onto a secondary bed which transports them to lateral transport means to discharge them into trucks or other carriers. A devining chain encompasses the secondary bed, allowing potatoes to fall through onto the secondary bed while carrying vines to the rear of the harvester to discharge them.

Abstract: A plant digging and cleaning machine having a superstructure carried by ground laying tracks on either side thereof, an engine and two hydrostatic transmissions provided for each ground laying track carried above such tracks and permitting a space therebetween for the passage of plants and cleaning apparatus within said space, and an operator's platform above said space on said frame having hand and foot operated controls for controlling the speed and direction of the vehicle as well as controlling the digging and cleaning apparatus.