Abstract: A header system includes a frame; a cutter carried by the frame; a cutter sensor associated with the cutter which outputs a cutter height signal; a gauge wheel carried by the frame behind the cutter; a wheel sensor associated with the gauge wheel which outputs a wheel position signal; and a controller electrically coupled to the cutter height sensor and the wheel sensor. The controller is configured to: receive the cutter height signal; receive the wheel position signal; compare the cutter height signal and the wheel position signal to determine a terrain irregularity is present; and activate one or more actuators to adjust the frame in response to determining the terrain irregularity is present.

Abstract: A horizontal guidance control system for a standard three point tractor hitch is disclosed. The system employs the use of a manual control element which actuates a pair of hydraulic cylinders contained in a pair of hydraulic adjusters. The control element causes the extension of one cylinder and the retraction of the other cylinder, thereby causing controlled horizontal movement of a pair of pull links of the tractor hitch.

Abstract: An improvement is presented in an apparatus for processing soil for planting wherein a separator are provided for initially separating rocks and other large objects from soil prior to crushing thereof, the separator comprising a plurality of respectively upwardly and downwardly directed pins which cooperate in the removal of said rocks and other large objects from the soil. Also provided is a vertical rotatable power driven shaft centrally located in said apparatus wherein a plurality of radially extending arms are fixed thereto and are rotatable with the shaft. Some of said separating pins are fixed to the arms and some cooperating separating pins are fixed to a disc plate also mounted about said power driven shaft. A rotating plurality of discs crush said soil to reduce large particles and destroy weed seeds, insects, and larvae.

Abstract: A vine crop, e.g. tomato harvester is disclosed which has a crop processing mechanism that is movable through a field and a rearwardly and upwardly inclined elevator or header that is pivotally connected to a forward end of the processing mechanism. A leading edge of the elevator is proximate the ground and a level control wheel is vertically movably connected to the header and positioned forward of its leading edge. The wheel is defined by a multiplicity of tines, the free ends of which engage the ground so that the wheel rolls over the ground as the harvester moves through the field. The tines have a longitudinally convex configuration facing in the direction of rotation of the wheel. A control mechanism is actuated by relative vertical movements of the wheel for raising and lowering the leading edge of the elevator in response to ground surface irregularities sensed by the wheel.

Abstract: A tomato harvester with improved maneuverability and versatility. An improved spinner gives better action in wet soil. The driver obtains improved visibility from an improved canopy structure and is given controls that are easier to identify. An improved collecting conveyor affords balance between the two sides. The conveyor system is improved, in many ways, with better transmission between the conveyors and better access to cleaning. An improved output conveyor and drop loader are also provided.