Abstract: A disc mower conditioner utilizing a modular disc cutterbar to sever standing crop material by impact action supports the cutterbar from the header of the mower conditioner by a pair of transversely spaced support arms mounted by spherical bushings to the header to allow flexing of the support arms as induced by the cutterbar. The mounting of the spherical bushings utilize conical washers engagable with conical sockets in spacers to limit vertical movement of the spacer relative to the header when the corresponding support arm flexes. The mower conditioner header further includes an optional viney crop guide that has a curved leading edge that directs viney crop downwardly into engagement with the adjacent disc cutter. The viney crop guide is also bent inwardly to contain and control the flow of crop material.

Abstract: A baby greens harvester (10) for the harvesting of small salad vegetables known as baby greens (55). The baby greens harvester (10) has a chassis (12) with a packaging bed (18) thereon. A cutter/conveyor assembly (30) is affixed to the chassis such that the cutter/conveyor assembly (30) can rotate somewhat, relative to the chassis (12) about a longitudinal pivoting axis (102) and a generally horizontal cutter/conveyor assembly pivoting axis (62). The cutter/conveyor assembly (30) has a bottom belt (34) and an opposing, spaced, generally parallel top belt (36). The special top belt (36), called a Hula belt, has a plurality of highly flexible fingers (130) for gathering the baby greens (55) as they are cut by a cutting bar (32) and further for gently holding the baby greens (55) on the bottom belt (34) as they are conveyed rearwardly and upwardly for delivery through a chute (63) into a produce box (64).

Abstract: A row crop header for a harvesting machine includes a frame, a row unit supported by the frame, a first surface supported by the frame forward the row unit on a first side of the row unit, a second surface supported by the frame forward the row unit on a second side of the row unit, a third surface supported by the frame between the first and second surfaces, and a fourth surface supported by the frame between the first and second surfaces. The first and second surfaces face one another and converge toward the row unit. The third surface faces the first surface to cooperate with the first surface so as to support and channel plants toward the row unit. The fourth surface faces the second surface to cooperate with the second surface so as to support and channel plants toward the row unit.

Abstract: In an electric lawn mower, a cutter housing includes a support plate portion for mounting an electric motor. The electric motor is disposed at a substantially central portion of the cutter housing and is connected directly to a cutter. A scroll portion is bulged from an outer edge of the support plate portion on either the left or right side of the electric motor and is sloped up rearwards. The scroll portion is formed into such a shape that it widens as it becomes closer to a discharge port at a rear of the cutter housing. Batteries are mounted on the support plate portion in an arrangement such that one of the batteries extends along an inner side of the scroll portion. The electric motor is sandwiched between front ends of the batteries. Thus, the lateral weight balance of the cutter housing is substantially uniform to enhance the travelability. Furthermore, the cutter housing is made compact.

Abstract: A crop stalk guide cutterbar extension for use on a crop stalk guide attachment to a crop gathering header cutterbar includes a plurality of mounting bars, guide bars and braces which provide a plurality of assembled units for mounting to and forwardly of the crop stalk guide attachment. Each assembled unit of the extension is formed by one of the mounting bars, one of the guide bars and one of the braces. Each mounting bar is attached to and extends forwardly from a support framework of the crop stalk guide attachment and each guide bar overlies one mounting bar and has a forward end attached on a leading end of the mounting bar. The guide bar is supported by one of the braces disposed between the guide bar and corresponding mounting bar to extend inclined upwardly and rearwardly from the forward end to a rearward end overlying and spaced above a leading end of one of the guide plates of the crop stalk guide attachment.

Abstract: In an accumulator-powered lawn mower, the battery (10) providing power to the electric motor is accommodated in a battery housing which can be inserted into a battery compartment (28) of the lawn mower chassis. For charging purposes, the battery can be removed from the compartment and placed into a charger having a corresponding compartment with electrical contacts. On the upper side, the battery housing has a handle (12) which can pivot about a horizontal spindle (16) and is coupled to a locking mechanism (22) which engages a set of corresponding interlocking recesses (24) when the handle is folded down. Support is provided at the bottom of the compartment, preferably in the form of springs (30).

Abstract: A cordless electric mower having an energy management system that allows a user to operate the cutting blade motor of the mower at a wide range of user selected speeds. The mower is provided with a user adjustable throttle control which, when in the wide-open position allows the cutting blade motor to be rotated at a maximum, predetermined speed. When the throttle is set to some lesser speed, the system automatically implements a speed foldback routine whenever the mower encounters heavy loading which would result in an undesirably high current draw on the battery. When the speed foldback routine is implemented, the system limits the maximum amount of current that can be drawn by the motor until the excessive loading condition has been removed. Once the excessive loading condition has been removed, the speed foldback routine automatically increases the speed of the blade motor back up to almost the originally selected speed.

Abstract: A removable battery tray for an electric mower is disclosed. The battery tray fits over the frame of the mower during operation, and can be removed by a hoist or other method in order for the electric mower to continue to operate with another charged set of batteries. The battery tray also has a central power plug that is used for charging and is the only electrical disconnect required when changing the battery tray.

Abstract: An improved row crop header, suitable for mounting on a harvesting machine, for harvesting crops planted in rows. The improved row crop header has a plurality of row units mounted on a frame of the row crop header such that each row unit has two gatherers placed in corresponding offsetting planes. The adjacent gatherers of two adjacent row units are in offsetting planes to permit the overlap of the adjacent gatherers. This overlap of the adjacent gatherers permits the row units to be arranged closer together allowing the instant row crop header to harvest narrower crop rows than the existing corn heads. Also provided is an improved method for harvesting narrow crop rows by providing a row crop header configured so that the adjacent row units of the row crop header are arranged closer together than in the existing corn heads.

Abstract: An agricultural crop combine has a header with skid plates and low friction plastic skid shoes mounted on the skid plates. Each skid shoe has a thickness that progressively and uniformly increases from the front end to the rear end of the shoe. The skid plates are made with a sinter molding process that subjects powder plastic in a mold to heat and pressure to cause the plastic to become a coherent mass comprising the complete skid shoe.

Abstract: A crop header for a harvesting machine including a frame and a plurality of rotary conveyors cooperatively supported by the frame along a first axis. The plurality of rotary conveyors pass crops between consecutive conveyors along the first axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting head, more particularly for a lawnmower with a rechargeable battery, comprising an electric motor (1) with a driving shaft (3) connected to a cutting disk (4) perpendicular to said shaft (3). The cutting disk (4) is provided with at least one blade (5) at its periphery. There is also provided a lower plate (7) parallel to and located under said cutting disk (4). The lower plate (7) is free wheeling around the axis though the use of a roller bearing (8). In the case of friction or jamming due to debris, the lower plate (7) starts to rotate to expel the debris by centrifugal effect.

Abstract: A row crop header for a harvesting machine includes a frame, a first row unit supported by the frame, a second row unit supported by the frame adjacent the first row unit and a multiple row conveyor between the first row unit and the second row unit for conveying crops from the first and second row units.

Abstract: An improved row crop header for harvesting crops planted in rows. The improved row crop header has a plurality of row units mounted on a frame such that each row unit has at least one gatherer operating in a gatherer plane that is oblique to a row unit plane that passes through the structure of the row unit. The reduced projected width of the gatherer along the row unit plane reduces the width of a row unit. The adjacent gatherers of two adjacent row units overlap as they operate in offset planes. The overlap permits the row units to be arranged closer together on the frame. The closer arrangement together with the reduced width of the row units allows the row crop header to harvest narrower crop rows than the existing corn heads. A method is also provided that uses the improved row crop header to harvest narrower crop rows than in the past.

Abstract: A row crop header includes a frame, a first shield, a first hinge mechanism pivotably coupling the first shield to the frame, a second shield and a second hinge mechanism pivotably coupling the second shield to the first shield. The first hinge mechanism includes a first female coupling member coupled to a first one of the first shield and the frame and a first male coupling member coupled to a second one of the first shield and the frame. The first male coupling member is rotatably received within the first female coupling member for pivotably coupling the first shield to the frame. The first male coupling member is removable from the first female coupling member upon selective rotation of the first male and first female coupling members relative to one another. The second hinge mechanism includes a second female coupling member coupled to one of the first shields and the second shield and a second male coupling member coupled to the other of the first shield and the second shield.

Abstract: A grain stalk lifter attached to a conventional combine for use with grain stalks which are lying down. The grain stalk lifter includes a body having an upper lifting surface extending from a forward end upwards to a rear position above the cutting blades of the combine and further having a forward end provided with a skid for sliding on the ground surface. The body is connected through a spring to the blade guards of the combine to allow the skid to resiliently move upwards from the ground surface.

Abstract: A battery driven electric lawn mower includes a DC motor, and mowing blade on an output shaft of the motor. A control unit is connected between the motor and the battery for increasing and decreasing the electric current supplied to the motor in accordance with an increase and decrease in load, to thereby maintain the number of revolutions per second of the motor substantially constant at or near a minimum value permitting a mowing blade to function normally under a heavy load. The control unit comprises an electric current detecting device for detecting a load current flowing in the motor, and a pulse generating device for outputting a pulse signal having a pulse width corresponding to an electric current value detected by the electric current detecting device. A pulse-responsive switch device for adjusting the electric current supplied to the motor in response to a pulse signal output from the pulse generating device. The pulse responsive switch device is connected in series with the motor.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a body, a connecting mechanism, an operating device for pivoting the connecting mechanism into at least two working positions, transmission elements which include at least one gearbox, and a control mechanism intended to pivot the gearbox into operating positions corresponding to the working positions of the connecting mechanism. In accordance with the invention, the control mechanism is installed, among others, between the gearbox and the operating device. This control mechanism can also include a first control cylinder installed between the connecting mechanism and the body and connected in series to a second control cylinder installed between the body and the gearbox.

Abstract: The power head assembly for a cordless electric lawnmower has a removable upper housing that includes two spaced batteries, and a lower housing that is mounted to the deck of the grass cutting device. The upper housing has a handle, and at least one quick disconnect terminal that engages a mating quick disconnect terminal affixed to the lower housing. The lower housing includes an electric motor that is disposed between the two batteries when the upper housing is in place. A portion of the electric motor is located below the deck to further reduce the overall height of the device. The lower housing is mounted to the deck by several bolts which are placed in the same mounting pattern used to mount gasoline engines to a deck, so that the same decks may be used for both the cordless electric and gasoline-powered lawnmowers.

Abstract: An improved row crop header for harvesting crops planted in rows. The improved row crop header has a plurality of row units mounted on a frame such that the adjacent gatherers of two adjacent row units are in offset planes to permit the overlap of the adjacent gatherers. This overlap permits the row units to be arranged closer together on the frame allowing the row crop header to harvest narrower crop rows than existing corn heads. Also provided is a method that uses the improved row crop header to harvest narrower crop rows than in the past.

Abstract: A crop header for a harvesting machine includes a frame, a reciprocating support coupled to the frame and a crop conveyor pivotally coupled to the reciprocating support.

Abstract: A guard assembly (2) is used to protect the cutter blades (20, 21) of a cane cutter (10). The guard assembly includes a guard body (4) which is mounted to the cane cutter. A series of guard blades (6) are pivotally mounted to the guard body. The guard blades are shaped, sized and positioned to permit smaller diameter objects, such as a cane (18) of a grapevine to pass between the guard blades so to be severed by the cutter blades while preventing larger diameter objects, such as posts (26), stakes and the trunks of the grapevines, from passing between the guard blades, thereby protecting both the cutter blades and the larger diameter objects from damage.

Abstract: A row crop harvesting device for mounting on the forward end of a combine, the row crop harvesting unit having closely spaced individual row harvesting units to facilitate retrieval of downed crop and use on closely-spaced crops. The present invention is particularly applicable to corn harvesting units that include a gear housing which is part of and supports the individual row harvesting units, which individual row harvesting units are adjustable transverse to the forward end of the combine to allow adjustment for crop row spacing. The present invention allows closer spacing of the individual row harvesting units by offsetting certain components of the row harvesting units on alternate row harvesting units.

Abstract: A main frame of a row crop attachment adapted to be attached to a field traversing forage harvester having a crop inlet. An auger, mounted on the main frame generally transverse to the direction of travel of the forage harvester, comprises a tube and flighting mounted on the tube for engaging the upper portion of standing row crops as the forage harvester traverses the field. A transverse cutting assembly, mounted below the auger, has a cutting mechanism for cutting the lower portion of standing row crops. Also mounted below the auger are elements for engaging the lower portion of the stalks in cooperation with the auger flighting under conditions where the auger is rotated in a direction that urges the crop material downwardly and inwardly. After the crop is cut it is urged rearwardly by the auger toward a crop outlet in the attachment adjacent the inlet in the harvester on which the attachment is mounted.

Abstract: An improvement for the header of a cereal grain harvesting combine is disclosed. A first version of disclosure provides rollers driving two or more chain loops which in turn carry a plurality of slats which propel cut crop material rearwardly. A second version of the disclosure includes rollers carrying an endless loop of canvass fabric. The canvass fabric is preferably covered with a rubberized coating, which protects against water damage and better frictionally engages the cut crop material. The fabric supports a plurality of slats which propel cut crop material rearwardly. A third version of the disclosure includes three rotating tubes, each having a square cross-section, that aid in more rapidly and more evenly inputting cut crop material. The tubes carry elongate felt strips which frictionally engage the cut crop, moving it rearwardly. The tubes tend to move the cut crop that would otherwise be too low to be engaged by the rotating spikes used between the left and right augers.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a plastic row divider assembly with a frame for a corn head on a combine. The invention consists of several center divider assemblies surrounded by a pair of end divider assemblies. A center divider assembly consists of a narrow island shield supported by a narrow island shield sub-assembly. Pivotially attached to the narrow island shield sub-assembly is a narrow point shield sub-assembly. The narrow island shield sub-assembly is pivotially attached to the row unit frame. Affixed to the narrow point shield sub-assembly is a narrow point shield. An end divider assembly consists of an end island shield supported by an end island shield support sub-assembly. The end island shield support sub-assembly is pivotially affixed to the end frame. An end point shield is supported by an end island shield sub assembly. The sub-assembly is pivotially affixed to the row unit. The end point shield and narrow point shield heights may be altered.

Abstract: A high clearance agricultural sprayer of the type including a ground wheel mounted on a vertical section of an axle with a hub having a hydraulic motor for driving the ground wheel has an accessory mounted on the ground wheel using an inner bracket attached to the bottom of the vertical section of the axle and an outer bracket attached on the cylindrical surface of the hub. The outer bracket includes a cylindrical sleeve having a shaft on an end face of the sleeve and the bearing surrounding the shaft. The system can be used to support a crop divider carried on the ground wheel by a pair of arms each extending forwardly from their respective brackets for pivotal movement about the axis of the wheel such that the crop divider comprises a pair of frames which extend forwardly each in a respective arm to a front apex where the frame is being covered by plastic cover sheets.

Abstract: A row unit for a cotton stripper includes a unit auger housing with extruded slots punched with a small rim or periphery. The slots are configured such that adjacent row slot centerlines are aligned to give the housing added strength while still providing good foreign material elimination through the slots. The extruded slots eliminate sharp edges and allow trash to easily exit. The extruded slots also provide a smoother surface for conveying the cotton material along the auger housing.

Abstract: A cutting and transporting device for blade agricultural products with stalks has at least one rotatable cutting disk, at least two coaxially arranged transporting disks having a periphery provided with a plurality of transporting prongs and a plurality of curved depressions for partially surrounding received product stalks, the depressions of at least one of the transporting disks being formed so that they have at least two holding chambers.

Abstract: An improved row crop header is provided for an agricultural harvesting machine. The row crop header includes a frame and a plurality of row units mounted to the frame. Each of the row units has a first gatherer and a second gatherer, both of which have an upper surface. The first gatherer includes a continuous belt. The first and second gatherers are mounted to the frame such that the upper surfaces of the first and second gatherers form a trough. This arrangement of the first and second gatherers allows row units to be spaced closer together.

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: The power head assembly for a cordless electric lawnmower has a removable upper housing that includes two spaced batteries, and a lower housing that is mounted to the deck of the grass cutting device. The upper housing has a handle, and at least one quick disconnect terminal that engages a mating quick disconnect terminal affixed to the lower housing. The lower housing includes an electric motor that is disposed between the two batteries when the upper housing is in place. A portion of the electric motor is located below the deck to further reduce the overall height of the device. The lower housing is mounted to the deck by several bolts which are placed in the same mounting pattern used to mount gasoline engines to a deck, so that the same decks may be used for both the cordless electric and gasoline-powered lawnmowers.

Abstract: A crop gathering apparatus includes a rear platform attachable across a front end of a harvesting machine header, row divider members laterally-spaced and mounted to and projecting forwardly from the rear platform for guiding crop material rearwardly toward the header, and rotatably-driven vertical rotary members laterally-spaced and mounted on the rear platform for conveying crop material across the rear platform to the header. Each row divider member has a forwardly-tapered front crop-engaging structure with rearward and forward sections. Each rearward section is hinged about a transverse axis to the rear platform to allow pivotal adjustment of the angle of the front crop-engaging structure relative to the rear platform. The forward section is hinged about a transverse axis to the rearward section and pivotally movable between extended and folded conditions.

Abstract: A baby greens harvester (10) for the harvesting of small salad vegetables known as baby greens (55). The baby greens harvester (10) has a chassis (12) with a packaging bed (18) thereon. A cutter/conveyor assembly (30) is affixed to the chassis such that the cutter/conveyor assembly (30) can rotate somewhat, relative to the chassis (12) about a longitudinal pivoting axis (102) and a generally horizontal cutter/conveyor assembly pivoting axis (62). The cutter/conveyor assembly (30) has a bottom belt (34) and an opposing, spaced, generally parallel top belt (36). The special top belt (36), called a Hula belt, has a plurality of highly flexible fingers (130) for gathering the baby greens (55) as they are cut by a cutting bar (32) and further for gently holding the baby greens (55) on the bottom belt (34) as they are conveyed rearwardly and upwardly for delivery through a chute (63) into a produce box (64).

Abstract: Provided is an electric drive riding greens mower. The mower includes a frame which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a motor generator set and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides driving torque to enable movement of the mower between and over golf course greens or other surfaces to be mowed, electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. The motor generator set provides electrical energy for driving the electric motors, including the primary mover and the electrical motors for the reel type lawn mowers. The motor generator set includes an internal combustion motor which provides the mechanical energy to an electric generator which provides electrical energy in response to the received mechanical energy. Further, the mower may include a hydraulic system for operation of reel lift assemblies and the steering mechanism.

Abstract: A universal powerhead apparatus which is securable to a frame portion of a land vehicle, pump or other tool to replace an existing internal combustion engine of the device without requiring significant modification to the frame portion of the device. The powerhead apparatus includes an electric motor and a universal mounting plate which is secured to a portion of the motor. The universal mounting plate has a footprint substantially similar to that of a specific make and displacement of internal combustion engine which the apparatus is intended to replace. The overall footprint of the apparatus is also similar to the specific make and displacement of a gasoline powered engine which it is designed to replace.

Abstract: A crop divider assembly is provided for use on the row crop header of a combine or the like, and includes an elongated, hollow, double-walled divider and a similarly constructed snout. The divider includes longitudinally opposed proximal and distal ends, and defines a central groove extending longitudinally from the distal end toward the proximal end. The snout includes an upper proximal end, an opposed lower distal end, a semi-conical top wall, and a bottom wall defining a centrally disposed depending tongue extending longitudinally from the upper proximal end toward the lower distal end. The tongue is sized for receipt in the groove and is supported in the groove for pivotal movement about an axis extending in a direction transverse to the length of the groove so that the groove guides pivotal movement of the snout and prevents relative lateral shifting.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a corn head auger crop divider located in the auger trough of a corn head. The divider is positioned between the center row divider and center of the feeder house opening. The divider does not contact the transverse auger and transverse auger flighting. The divider consists of a rear divider partially nested within the front divider. The front divider has a triangularly shaped top region. This orients a pair of side embankments so as to smoothly alter the flow of corn crop. In operation, the corn ears are pushed into the auger trough by the gathering chains within the row divider. The transverse auger pushes the corn crop to the center of the corn head where it contacts the side embankment of the front divider. The side embankment changes the direction of the corn crops flow so that it is directed into the feeder house opening.

Abstract: A versatile power mechanism for use with a plurality of outdoor appliances including a versatile power mechanism releasably coupleable to the outdoor appliances, the power mechanism having a rotor extending therefrom and adapted to rotate upon the activation thereof, a power cord with a first end coupled to the power mechanism and a second end releasably couplable to a conventional alternating current receptacle for receiving power therefrom, and a power switch situated on the top face of the power mechanism and adapted to allow the selective activation of the power mechanism thus providing mechanical motion to the outdoor appliance.

Abstract: A fender extension for a corn harvester. The fender extension is mounted to the semi-conical portion of the end crop divider. The extension itself comprises an angled mounting portion, a cantilevered portion extending rearwardly from the mounting portion, and a flexible sheet hanging downwardly from the cantilevered portion. The angled mounting portion and the cantilevered portion are an integrally formed hollow plastic structure. The angled mounting portion is provided with an outwardly extending mounting lip which is bolted to the semi-conical portion. The cantilevered portion is provided with a downwardly depending lip to which the flexible sheet is mounted.

Abstract: A crop saving attachment is affixed to the outermost snouts of a combine crop header such as a corn header by being fastened only to the gathering point at its downwardly facing rear U-shaped edge and the metal tip at the forward end of the gathering point. The crop saving attachment is movable with the gathering point as it pivots relative to the rear snout section and the wall of the attachment extends upwardly and rearwardly over the rear snout section to deflect down corn stalks laterally inwardly towards the header snapper rollers.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for charging a battery on an electrically powered turf maintenance vehicle. The charger includes an AC to DC converter for accepting a source of AC power and providing a DC voltage, a sensor for measuring the voltage level of the battery, and a controller for determining the voltage of the battery and for changing the charge rate of the battery. The apparatus also includes visual indicators for warning an operator of normal and abnormal charge conditions of the battery, as well as the remaining charge of the battery. Further, the controller uses a plurality of timers for determining the length of charge times and comparing the values of the timers with count values, wherein if the values exceed the count values, then a visual indicator is lit and charging is terminated. The apparatus is mounted in a box-type shell on-board the turf maintenance vehicle.

Abstract: A latch (48) for securing a pivotable portion (34) of a foldable corn head (10) to a fixed portion (32) thereof, the latch being actuated to close or open by the folding action of the corn head portions. In closing the latch, a slidable pin actuator (50) on one of the frame portions, which extends beyond the frame is engaged by the other frame portion. The motion of the pin rotates a crank (56) connected by a connecting link (64 to a rotatable overcenter catch (62) extending through a slot (69) in the other frame portion. The crank rotation causes the catch to rotate to engage and secure the other frame portion on its rear surface (70). Opening of the latch is the reverse of closing. Preferably, the lengths of the crank arms (58 & 60), connecting link, catch shaft (67), and the angles therebetween are selected such that the motion of the catch mimics in synchrony the motion of the pin.

Abstract: A forage harvester row crop attachment including a main frame adapted to be attached to a field traversing forage harvester having a crop inlet. An auger, mounted on the main frame generally transverse to the direction of travel of the forage harvester, comprises a tube and flighting mounted on the tube for engaging the upper portion of standing row crops as the forage harvester traverses the field. A transverse cutting assembly, mounted below the auger, has cutting device for cutting the lower portion of standing row crops. Also mounted below the auger are elements for engaging the lower portion of the stalks in cooperation with the auger flighting under conditions where the auger is rotated in a direction that urges the crop material downwardly and inwardly. After the crop is cut it is urged rearwardly by the auger toward a crop outlet in the floor of the attachment adjacent the inlet in the harvester on which the attachment is mounted.

Abstract: In the case of a machine for mowing and chopping corn and other similar stalk-like harvested crops, independently of rows, with at least two drawing-in and mowing drums disposed on either side of the vertical, central longitudinal plane of the machine, the cut, harvested crops are supplied to a central chopper over conveying ducts comprising vertical guiding walls. Towards the chopper and in plan view, the guiding walls have the shape of a wave traveling at right angles to the longitudinal, central plane of the machine. As seen in the driving direction, in each region of the wave crests between two adjacent drawing-in and mowing drums, a transverse conveying drum with protruding driving teeth is provided. Through opening slots in the guiding walls, the driving teeth intervene in the conveying duct for the cut, harvested crops.

Abstract: A tree trimming machine capable of moving between rows of grove trees to remove interior growth from the trees while leaving a canopy of tree boughs over the trimmed area includes a wheeled platform supporting right and left saw units positioned at the front, each having upper and lower circular saw blades rotatably carried by bearing members so the planes of all saw blades are parallel and held laterally beyond the sides of the platform. Slideways are fixed on both right and left sides of the platform, at an angle relative its mounting surface, along which the saw blade bearing members move between upper and lower limits to simultaneously raise and lower the saw blades that are hydraulically driven by a pump powered by an internal combustion motor mounted at the rear, which also drives the vehicle wheels.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic drive system is provided for a vehicle having a plurality of ground engaging wheels which are each individually driven by a hydraulic motor to provide all wheel drive. The ground engaging wheels include a first pair of such wheels at or adjacent a first end of the vehicle and at least one other such wheel at or adjacent a second end of the vehicle. The hydraulic drive system includes a hydraulic flow circuit that connects the hydraulic motors for the wheel(s) at the second end of the vehicle in series to each other, to the fluid source, and to the drive motors for the wheels at the first end of the frame, which latter drive motors are connected in parallel to each other. Such a vehicle will provide superior traction ability as at least one wheel on each end of the vehicle must slip to bring the vehicle to a halt.

Abstract: An interactive braking system for an electric mower is comprised of an directional control that is connected to a cam follower that, in turn, engages a brake lever. A linkage system connects the brake lever to a brake caliper assembly which is operable to engage a disc connected to an input shaft of a transaxle of a riding mower. The interactive braking system is designed to allow the operator to optimize control of the mower during slow speed operation, for example, when traversing the crown of a green or going down a hill. During these conditions, the directional control can be articulated to a slow speed position thus proportionally engaging the brake assembly. Increased braking force is realized the closer the directional control approaches the neutral position, i.e., zero throttle. The interactive braking system provides for enhanced control of the mower during slow speed operation of both forward and rearward movement of the mower.

Abstract: A mower including a housing having a cutting apparatus such as a flail mower rotatably mounted therein. The mower includes a detector which determines during mower raising when the housing is positioned at least a predetermined distance above the ground surface directly below the housing. After passage of a time period during which the detector continuously detects that the housing is positioned at least the predetermined distance from the ground, a signal is sent to an actuator mechanism which interrupts the delivery of power to the motor rotating the cutting apparatus such that the flail mower comes to a stop. In one embodiment, a locking mechanism can be provided which prevents power from being reintroduced to the mower motor after the mower is lowered until the operator purposefully disengages the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A weeder and mulcher apparatus including an engine that has a fuel tank and is capable of generating electrical energy. Included is a trailer that has a front end with a trailer hitch and a trailer body supported above the ground. Also, included is a tank that has a tank top, a pair of fluid lines and an amount of fluid therein. The tank is mounted on a top surface of the trailer. Additionally, an air compressor that has a housing unit and a pair of lines is included. The compressor has a pair of legs that support the compressor on the top surface of the trailer. The compressor is powered by the energy produced by the engine. Lastly, a pair of pumps are included. Each pump has a top end for receiving one of the pair of air lines of the compressor. Each pump has a bottom end for receiving one of the pair of fluid lines of the tank. Each pump pressurizes the fluid of the tank and transports the pressurized fluid through a plurality of fluid jets.