Abstract: A helical-acting snap roll for a harvesting header having straight flutes which are free of a formed twist. The snap roll includes a plurality of elongated straight flutes that extend substantially the entire length of the snap roll but that are parallel misaligned with a central axis of rotation of the snap roll. A pair of opposing and counter-rotating snap rolls of the present invention chops and pulls crop stalks passing therebetween downward toward the ground while also creating a helical action such that the crop stalks are conveyed rearward. In one embodiment, at least a pair of straight portions acting as flutes are partially parallel aligned with one another along the length and one side of each snap roll.

Abstract: First and second snap rolls corresponding with a pair of forward-extending row units of a harvesting header wherein the snap rolls oppose one another on opposite sides of a crop passage and are operated at different speeds relative to one another. In one embodiment one of the snap rolls is a powered snap roll and the other is an idler roll.

Abstract: Crop header with lateral fingers and hood articulated which particular structure facilitates time reduction during the task of inspection of the transport commands or auger activations of the crop header thereby contributing to the rotation or turn of aforementioned lateral fingers, enabling an easy access to the commands or auger activations. In the machine the lateral fingers (A) and hood (8) are arranged in an articulated form in relation to the piece that contains the transport auger, and preferably, lateral fingers (A) and hood (8) articulate in a way that their longitudinal axles (A1) are displaced on a substantial horizontal level.

Abstract: A helical-acting snap roll for a harvesting header having straight flutes which are free of a formed twist. The snap roll includes a plurality of elongated straight flutes that extend substantially the entire length of the snap roll but that are parallel misaligned with a central axis of rotation of the snap roll. A pair of opposing and counter-rotating snap rolls of the present invention chops and pulls crop stalks passing therebetween downward toward the ground while also creating a helical action such that the crop stalks are conveyed rearward. In one embodiment, at least a pair of straight portions acting as flutes are partially parallel aligned with one another along the length and one side of each snap roll.

Abstract: First and second snap rolls corresponding with a pair of forward-extending row units of a harvesting header wherein the snap rolls oppose one another on opposite sides of a crop passage and are operated at different speeds relative to one another. In one embodiment one of the snap rolls is a powered snap roll and the other is an idler roll.

Abstract: Crop header with lateral fingers and hood articulated which particular structure facilitates time reduction during the task of inspection of the transport commands or auger activations of the crop header thereby contributing to the rotation or turn of aforementioned lateral fingers, enabling an easy access to the commands or auger activations. In the machine the lateral fingers (A) and hood (8) are arranged in an articulated form in relation to the piece that contains the transport auger, and preferably, lateral fingers (A) and hood (8) articulate in a way that their longitudinal axles (A1) are displaced on a substantial horizontal level.

Abstract: For a row crop header, a row divider having a variable-height ear saver feature. The row divider comprises a point, a cover, and a partition. The point has a trailing edge vertically moveable relative to the cover. The partition fills a resultant gap between the point and the cover, forming a variable-height ear saver feature. A crankshaft functions to articulate the trailing edge relative to the cover, and to move the partition vertically with the trailing edge. A support functions to support the point at a midpoint. A guide constrains the partition within the gap.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and an apparatus for pivoting the dividers of an agricultural machine for the harvesting of row crops. A multiple-part attachment having feeder housings to receive the row crops is attached to the front of the agricultural machine. The multiple-part attachment has side frames that are pivotable from a working position to a non-working position. Outer row crop dividers are arranged on the side frames in such a way that when the side frames are pivoted, the outer row crop dividers move relative to the adjacent inner row crop dividers. The relative movement of the outer row crop dividers prevents them from colliding with each other when the side frames are in a non-working position and allows for maximum feeder housing width when the side frames are in a working position.

Abstract: A feeding and picking device having a rotating feeding device that is rotated about a vertical axis. The device is able to work in fields not planted in rows and is designed to grasp plant stalks and feed them into a picking device. The picking device comprises a snapping channel formed by snapping bars under which is located at least one snapping roll. The feeding device comprises a disc having fingers that overlap the snapping channel. The feeding device is therefore designed to transport the plant throughout the effective length of the picking device.

Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester is equipped with a header including intake and plucking arrangements which, in the case of corn, separate the ears from the stalk and conveys them in different streams to the harvester. The harvester has a conventional cutter drum that receives the stalks and cuts them into short lengths, and has a hammermill which receives the corn ears and chops them into small pieces. The corn stalk pieces and the chopped ears can be recombined and discharged from the harvester into a trailer as whole plant silage, or can be delivered in separate streams to separate trailers or separate containers of the same trailer.

Abstract: The multiple pump apparatus includes first and second variable displacement closed circuit pumps. The multiple pump apparatus pressurizes fluid to be subsequently supplied to drive load devices. The first and second pumps each have fluid communication lines connected to load devices through flow control valves. Each of the pumps has a swashplate for varying its displacement. The swashplates are of the over-center type, enabling each pump to supply pressurized fluid in either direction, thus providing both forward and reverse function to the load devices. The first pump has its fluid communicating lines connected to fluid communicating lines between first and second two-position four-way flow control valves. The opposite side of the first flow control valve has fluid communicating lines connected to a load device which drives a harvesting mechanism, in this case a rotor motor.

Abstract: A combination tow and pressure relief valve for use in a hydraulic fluid circuit used in a hydraulically driven wide area lawn mower. The valve includes a cylindrical valve body having a hexagonal head. A slideable valve tip with a shank and a valve head has its shank slidably mounted within the valve body. The valve tip is biased by a spring to move in a direction away from the hex head. In operation, the valve is inserted into a suitable chamber placed in series with a bypass passage. The valve tends to block the bypass passage under steady state conditions. When a surge in hydraulic pressure occurs, as would occur in response to operator input or at startup, the hydraulic fluid overcomes the bias of the spring and urges the valve tip away from the otherwise blocked orifice which links the bypass passage to the chamber. Opening the orifice tends to diminish the magnitude of the pressure peak and helps eliminate jerky starts of the mower.

Abstract: The invention is a self-propelled drivewheel steering power mower which can be operated in a standing or sitting position, including a pair of variable flow hydrostatic pumps with tiltable swash plates, each of which drives one of a pair of drivewheels. A vertically mounted steering shaft is rotatably supported on the mower for rotation about an axis concentric with said shaft; and a T-shaped steering handle bar is rotatably journaled to the end of said steering shaft for twisting about an axis concentric with said handle bar.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower is provided that has an engine, a device that requires control and a vacuum actuated control mechanism for controlling the device. The vacuum actuated control mechanism includes a vacuum actuator having first and second chambers separated by a movable membrane, first connecting means for operatively connecting the vacuum actuator to the device, vacuum means for providing a vacuum to the vacuum actuator, activating means for selectively activating the vacuum actuator and securing means for securing the vacuum actuator in place. The securing means also secures the device in place.

Abstract: A combination tow and pressure relief valve for use in a hydraulic fluid circuit used in a hydraulically driven wide area lawn mower. The valve includes a cylindrical valve body having a hexagonal head. A slideable valve tip with a shank and a valve head has its shank slidably mounted within the valve body. The valve tip is biased by a spring to move in a direction away from the hex head. In operation, the valve is inserted into a suitable chamber placed in series with a bypass passage. The valve tends to block the bypass passage under steady state conditions. When a surge in hydraulic pressure occurs, as would occur in response to operator input or at startup, the hydraulic fluid overcomes the bias of the spring and urges the valve tip away from the otherwise blocked orifice which links the bypass passage to the chamber. Opening the orifice tends to diminish the magnitude of the pressure peak and helps eliminate jerky starts of the mower.

Abstract: A harvesting machine with a slope equalizing arrangement having a gearbox housing that is pivotally mounted to a pivot bearing. The gearbox housing having a sleeve that is pivotally received in a bushing formed in the pivot bearing. The gearbox housing is also provided with a mandrel to which is coupled one end of a hydraulic cylinder. The other end of the hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the pivot bearing. The gearbox housing has first and second parts. The first and second parts (66, 68) are assembled at a vertical interface surface that extends in the direction of travel. The mandrel being mounted to the second part.

Abstract: A reel mower having side reel mower units and a center reel mower unit connected to a vehicle body to be vertically movable between a lower position for a grass cutting operation and an upper position for a non-operational run. The side reel mower units and center reel mower unit have reels driven by reel drives under control of a control mechanism. A forcible stopping device is provided for forcibly stopping the reel drives of the reel mower units with priority over control of the reel drives by the control mechanism when the side reel mower units and center reel mower unit are all in the upper positions.

Abstract: A fresh market sweet corn harvester for removing ears of corn from corn stalks. The harvester is configured to be mounted to a drive chassis for over-the-ground travel and includes a lower frame with one or more cutters for cutting lower portions of the corn stalks at a cut height above the ground. Hydraulic cylinders extending between the lower frame and the chassis are actuated from within the chassis operator compartment to raise and lower the lower frame and adjust the cut height. An upper frame is pivotally mounted with respect to the lower frame, One or more gathering mechanisms and one or more stripping mechanisms are mounted to the upper frame. The gathering mechanisms engage upper portions of the cut corn stalks and pull the stalks through the harvester. The stripping mechanisms remove ears of corn from the stalks as they are pulled through the harvester by the gathering mechanisms.

Abstract: A mechanical system for a controlling a reversible pump in a walk-behind turf care machine having a hydrostatic drive and operator speed and traction controls. The pump includes a rotatable trunion shaft connected to the traction control for controlling hydrostatic pump displacement and direction. A rotatable lever structure fits over the trunion shaft and includes a rotary sleeve, an arm and roller. A control bracket, including a V-shaped contact portion having opposed surfaces for engaging the roller, is operatively connected to the speed and traction controls and to the turf machine frame about a pivot point. Operator manipulation of the control bracket via the speed and traction controls causes a rotatable engagement between the control bracket and the roller, which in turn sets the maximum forward/reverse speeds and direction of the hydrostatic drive. When the traction control is neutral, a spring arrangement is provided for urging of the hydrostatic pump into its neutral position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a harvesting machine (adapter) for gathering grain crops, mainly sunflower, comprisingan underframe suspensible on the front part of a corn combine;nose cones arranged on the front part of the underframe, projecting in the direction of travel, straddling from either side the rows of plants to be gathered and directing them into stem guiding channels;cutting devices arranged at the rear part of the stem guiding channels and designed preferably as rotating cutting devices;tray-like coverings arranged behind the frontal nose cones and in regions between the channels for collecting the dropped-out grains and directing them backward, said coverings being movably coupled to the underframe and their rearward slope being adjustable;at least one picking-shaking or vibrating unit for picking, shaking or vibrating the tray-like coverings or at least the movably embedded part thereof to cause rearward movement of grains fallen onto them;a transverse gathering device with a catch trough located o

Abstract: Cotton harvester structure including centrally located, transversely mounted engine, rear mounted water and fuel tanks, and transversely centered conveyor fan having an upper, forwardly extending outlet located just below the level of the cab floor for improved weight distribution, air hose routing and air flow. The fan rotates about a transversely extending axis parallel to the engine crankshaft axis. The crankshaft and fan are connected by a belt and sheave assembly having an electric clutch mounted on a shaft assembly and located outside of the frame. The shaft assembly provides fan support, separates the fan inlet from the clutch, reduces lubrication requirements, and enhances accessibility.

Abstract: A reverser system for the feeder chain of a combine harvester comprises a hydraulic motor mounted on a slide and operated by a cylinder to move from a retracted position to a forward operating position. In the operating position the mechanical coupling connects the shaft of the hydraulic motor to a drive sprocket connected to the feeder chain. Hydraulic fluid to the cylinder and to the hydraulic motor is tapped from the lift cylinders of the combine from a solenoid operated diverter valve. A control unit controls the supply of the pressurized fluid to the cylinder while delaying the supply of fluid to the hydraulic motor so that the mechanical coupling is connected while stationary before the hydraulic motor starts. This arrangement can be provided by simple mechanical devices providing an inexpensive drive system.

Abstract: A windrow inverter having a crop pick-up mechanism operable to elevate a windrow of crop material from the ground onto a transversely moveable draper conveyor is disclosed wherein a wing draper attachment mounted on the frame of the windrow inverter on the opposing side of the transverse cross conveyor from the discharge chute. The wing extension is moveable between a raised transport position and a lowered operating position and is latched into the selected position by a latching mechanism. A hydraulic system is provided to operatively drive the draper for the wing extension and the cross conveyor in opposing directions to permit the windrow inverter to be utilized to discharge windrows of crop material to either selected side of the windrow inverter. The drive mechanism utilizes a selective combination of a mechanical ground drive and a hydraulic drive to power the operation of the pick-up mechanism, cross conveyor and wing attachment.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for driving component parts such as harvesting units of a cotton harvester head assembly. The hydraulic drive system includes a source of actuating fluid and fluid pressure actuators for driving the harvesting units independently of each other. Suitable conduit structure connects each fluid pressure actuator to the source of actuating fluid. The conduit structure is preferably flexible to facilitate transverse positioning of the harvesting units on the head assembly. A control valve assembly is connected to the conduit structure and is operably interposed between the source of actuating fluid and the fluid pressure actuators for selectively interrupting and effectuating the supply of actuating fluid from the source of actuating fluid and each of the fluid pressure actuators thereby influencing operation of the harvesting units.

Abstract: A mower is propelled along the ground by a tractor and the mower includes three cutting units mounted on a frame. The three cutting units are transversely mounted on the frame to cut in overlapping parallel patterns with each cutting unit being free floating on the frame such that each unit cuts at an elevation controlled by the ground immediately under the cutting unit.

Abstract: A check-relief valve for use in a hydraulic circuit comprises a channel through a valve body which is divided by a central annular restriction into two portions. On each side of the restrictor is provided a valve seat which cooperates with a spherical ball to close off flow in a direction toward the restriction. At the outer end of each portion of the channel is provided a perforated plate which prevents the ball from restricting flow when the ball is forced against the plate. Either the ball or the restrictor is formed of a resilient deformable material which can be deformed when the pressure in the fluid exceeds a predetermined maximum in which case the ball is forced through the restriction to the opposite portion of the channel. The check valve is used in a system of a swather for moving one of the draper assemblies longitudinally of the frame of the swather and simultaneously reversing the direction of rotation of the drive to the draper.

Abstract: A lawn mower has a hydraulic motor mounted on each drive wheel and each motor is independently driven by a separate pump. Each pump includes a control lever for regulating fluid pressure and flow direction so that each wheel may be driven independently in the forward and reverse directions and at varying speeds. The control levers are independently connected to two speed control levers mounted on the mower's hand grips. A speed control index is mounted on each hand grip for releasably maintaining the speed control levers in a plurality of forward speed positions so that it is not necessary for the operator to exert hand pressure on the control levers in order to maintain a desired forward speed. A neutral control assembly returns the pump control levers to a neutral position when the control levers are moved into neutral.

Abstract: A lawn mower has a hydraulic motor mounted on each drive wheel and each motor is independently driven by a separate pump. Each pump includes a control lever for regulating fluid pressure and flow direction so that each wheel may be driven independently in the forward and reverse directions and at varying speeds. A speed control index is mounted on one side of the mower for releasably setting and maintaining the speed control levers in a plurality of equal forward speed positions so that the operator can preset the maximum forward speed. In addition, an individual speed control lever is mounted on each handgrip and each is independently coupled to one of the control levers for individually adjusting each wheel for speeds less than the preset maximum or for setting either wheel drive pump in neutral or reverse. A neutral control assembly returns the pump control levers to a neutral position when the control levers are moved into neutral.

Abstract: A crop harvesting machine having mounting arms engageable with a tractor to effect a mounting of the harvester on the tractor is disclosed wherein the hydraulic cylinders used to raise the crop gathering header are double-acting cylinders operable to orient the mounting arms relative to the crop gathering header to facilitate engagement thereof with the tractor. These hydraulic cylinders are converted from double-acting cylinders to single-acting cylinders after the header is mounted on the tractor by disconnection of the hydraulic hose powering a downward movement of the header and the subsequent connection thereof to the return line for the hydraulically driven motor powering operation of the crop gathering header.

Abstract: The present walk-behind, self-propelled motor has two hydraulic motors whose rotors are directly connected to the hubs of respective drive wheels on opposite sides of the mower deck toward the rear. These motors are driven by respective pumps, each of which has its direction and rate of fluid displacement controlled by a handle mechanism on the upper end of a corresponding fixed handle extending up from the deck at the rear. Each handle mechanism has a pivoted handle coating with a locking lever to set the corresponding pump in neutral, forward or reverse. An internal combustion engine drives both pumps as well as cutting blades located below the mower deck toward the front. Vertically pivoted wheels are located in front of the mower deck.

Abstract: The brushwood cutting device comprises a frame structure, a massive circular flywheel disk rotatable about its geometrical axis, and a hydraulic motor mounted on the frame structure for rotating the flywheel disk at high speed. A first flat and rectangular blade has an end attached to the disk through a first, peripheral pivot, while a second blade of same shape has an end also attached to the disk through a second, peripheral pivot, which first and second pivots are diametrically opposed with respect to each other. The frame structure comprises a plurality of vertically positioned transversal plate members, including front and rear plate members and intermediate ones. Each intermediate plate member is provided with an elongated aperture in which the disk and blades rotate. The frame structure is pivotally mounted at the distal end of a hydraulic backhoe whereby the brushwood cutting device can be moved as desired through operation of the backhoe.

Abstract: A hydraulic transmission apparatus comprises an input unit to which power from a power source is applied in a first direction, a direction changing unit hydraulically coupled to the input unit for extracting power in a second direction which is different from the first direction, and a case supporting the input unit and the direction changing unit. The input unit and the direction changing unit comprise an oil pump and an oil motor mounted respectively on one surface and another surface of the case. The case is filled with working oil for operating the oil pump and the oil motor.

Abstract: A tractor mower system comprising a mower attachment and an oil reservoir and power assembly. The mower attachment has a tool bar from which a plurality of mower units are suspended. The tool bar is connectable to a three-point hitch at the front end of the tractor. Hydraulic conduit means leading from the tractor to the motors that rotate the mowers have quick disconnect couplings. The mower units are staggered with their ends overlapping to avoid unmowed paths between them. Each mower unit has a plurality of rotary blades. The hydraulic reservoir and power assembly is connected to a three-point hitch at the back of the tractor. Fluid is pumped from the reservoir to the motors of the mower units and back to the reservoir through conduits. These conduits are also connected by quick disconnect couplings. The outboard portions of the tool bar support outboard mower units and are pivotal relative to the inboard section.

Abstract: A prime mover (A) has an arm assembly (B) pivotally connected thereto. A cutting assembly (C) is operatively connected with the arm assembly to be positioned thereby. The arm assembly is connected to the tractor to pivot about both vertical and horizontal axes such that the cutting means is positionable fore-and-aft as well as up and down. A hydraulic control circuit (D) controls the position of the arm assembly. The control circuit includes a first through-rod-type hydraulic cylinder (60) which includes a piston (62) slidably disposed therein to divide the cylinder into two equidiameter chambers (64, 66). A through-rod (68) is connected with the piston and extends through both chambers of the cyylinder. The hydraulic cylinder and the piston rod each have the same diameter in both chambers such that as the piston moves, one of the chambers draws the same amount of fluid as the other chamber discharges.

Abstract: The invention provides a low profile, compact row crop attachment which eliminates the use of crop conveyors in the form of chains with crop-engaging extensions attached thereto, such conveyors being subject to fast wear and being relatively expensive to replace. The chain type conveyors are replaced by a plurality of pairs of rotary means provided on opposite sides of an associated stalkway defined by a pair of spaced apart members. Conveyor means extend from the rotary means from outside into the associated stalkway so as, in operation, to convey crop along that stalkway, the conveyor means of each pair of rotary means having overlapping paths.

Abstract: A system providing auxiliary power to the non-driving steerable wheels of a four-wheel vehicle utilizing hydraulic power in a parallel circuit from the existing hydrostatic drive system. The steerable wheels are driven by hydraulic motors connected in parallel through a flow divider valve and supplied by the variable displacement pump of the existing drive system through a selector valve which has a free-wheeling position allowing the steering wheels to free-wheel with the return oil from each motor flowing in a closed loop back through the flow divider valve while providing charging pressure to that closed loop circuit.

Abstract: A pull-type harvesting machine in the form of a baler has a vertically adjustable windrow pickup mechanism and a generally fore-and-aft laterally swingable tongue that connects the baler to a towing tractor, lateral adjustment of the tongue causing the baler to shift between a transport position behind the tractor and an operating position wherein the pickup mechanism is disposed outwardly of the tractor. The positions of the tongue and the header are respectively controlled by a pair of two-way hydraulic cylinders, and the flow of pressurized fluid between the cylinders and the tractor hydraulic system is controlled by a single control valve on the tractor, the cylinders being connected in parallel.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for controlling a gang of lawn mowers including a hydraulic pump and a multi-section valve and hydraulic motors driving the mowers. Hydraulic cylinders are also included in the system, for raising and lowering the mowers, and a check valve is connected with the cylinders for controlling the lowering of the mowers. The main valve is arranged with a plurality of spools which control the aforementioned functions and with the spools being set by means of a single handle so that the operator can perform the aforementioned functions through maneuvering the single handle for each set of hydraulic motors and cylinders. A hydraulic flow restrictor is included in the system for reversing the motors at a speed slower than the forward motor speed, for a slower reverse rotation of the mowers, such as for back-lapping of the mowers.

Abstract: A mowing attachment for a tractor includes a horizontally and vertically swinging telescopic boom for positioning the cutter assembly. The horizontal swinging movement is controlled by a hydraulic circuit which includes a piston and cylinder unit and a pressure relief circuit for allowing relative movement between the piston and cylinder when the cutter strikes an obstruction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning and cutting grasses. In one embodiment, a power mower is provided with a rotating rake structure positioned forwardly of the cutter to prevent foreign objects from being admitted to the region of operation of the cutter. The rake structure also serves to lift, straighten and align grasses for shearing. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, a power mower is provided with forward and rearward rake structures to pick up grass blades, pull out matted weeds such as crabgrass, position the upstanding grass blades in a reciprocating cutter, and sweep grass clippings away from the cutter and into a grass catcher. A hydraulic drive system varys the drive speed by controlling fluid flow rate to a hydraulic drive motor.