Abstract: A tobacco harvester comprises a pair of counter rotating defoliators overlying a pair of opposing spaced apart lateral transfer conveyors for conveying picked leaves outwardly from under the defoliators. A pair of belts are driven in opposite directions, portions of which oppose and are spaced apart from one another along opposing portions of the pair of lateral conveyors. The belt spacing is such to allow tobacco plant stalks to pass therebetween as opposing belt portions engage and support tobacco plant stalks. Side conveyors receive picked leaves from the pair of lateral transfer conveyors. The speed drives are arranged so that the rotary speed of the rotating defoliators, the conveying speed of the lateral conveyors, the conveying speed of the side conveyors and the linear speed of the belts are independently adjustable of one another. A pair of speed indicators may be provided to visually indicate the respective speeds of the picking rate of the defoliators and the ground speed of the harvester.

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 vine fluffer is provided with a middle conveyor section and a pair of outer flanking conveyor sections with the outer sections each pivotable about a respective pivot axis so as to be movable from an operative horizontal position in which all three conveyor sections are aligned to an inoperative vertically disposed position for storage and transportation. Each pivot axis passes through a pivot pin coupling the frame of a respective outer conveyor section to the frame of the middle conveyor section and a universal joint which couples conveyor motive power transmitted through the middle conveyor section to the two outer conveyor sections.

Abstract: A mower mounting apparatus for mounting an offset mower to a vehicle having a plurality of parallel links pivotally mounted about first pivot axis to maintain the mower at the same inclination upon pivoting of the links to raise and lower the motor and pivotally mounted about second pivot axis lying in vertical planes for horizontal swinging movements of the links to allow rearward non-rotational translation of the mower when the mower strikes an obstacle.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a tobacco combine incorporates a single pump for driving a pair of tobacco leaf defoliators in contra rotating directions, and a pair of hydraulic motors for the take off conveyors in the same direction. Precise synchronization of the defoliator blades driven by the motors is assured by serially connecting the motors in the hydraulic circuit. A 50--50 flow divider provides equal hydraulic fluid flow to a pair of hydraulic motors, each driving portions of a first conveyor system, respectively, the fluid flows from these two motors being combined to drive a common second conveyor system.

Abstract: An implement for cutting canes, foliage and the like of a row crop, the implement having a frame adapted to be mounted on a vehicle, such as a tractor having a tool bar movable to and from a lowered position, for movement with the vehicle along a path of travel substantially parallel to the row crop; a cutting head mounted on the frame for movement to and from an extended cutting position; a mechanism borne by the frame for moving the cutting head to and from the extended cutting position; and a control system operably interconnecting the tool bar and the mechanism for moving the cutting head to the extended cutting position when the tool bar of the tractor is moved to the lowered position.

Abstract: An improved wheel support apparatus for a mowing machine of the type having a body movably supported by three drive wheels, one of which is a steerable drive wheel. The wheel support apparatus includes a sleeve fixed to the body and a bracket member carried on the steerable drive wheel. The bracket member carries an upwardly extending spindle which is rotatably received inside the sleeve. The spindle and the sleeve are angularly oriented relative to a vertical axis through the drive wheel such that rotation of the drive wheel from its straight ahead position raises the body of the mowing machine upwardly a small distance. When the turn is completed, the weight of the body bears down on the wheel support apparatus to self-correct the wheel to its normal straight ahead position regardless of the direction in which the mowing machine is moving.

Abstract: A row crop harvesting header has a main frame with a plurality of forwardly extending, independently vertically adjustable row units mounted on the frame, each row unit including a frame attached to the header frame at its rearward end and a ground engaging skid at its forward end. A pair of endless flexible conveyors are mounted on the row unit frame and have opposite, rearwardly moving, upwardly and rearwardly inclined inner runs adapted to engage the stalks of row planted crops as the machine advances and convey it rearwardly, a cutting apparatus below the forward inlet ends of the belts severing the crop material from the field as it is engaged by the conveyor.

Abstract: A corn saver apparatus removably attached to a self-propelled commercially available corn harvester which facilitates harvesting of corn growing in a field. The apparatus comprises an agricultural implement which augments a standard corn harvester by picking up stalks of corn which have fallen, and further by moving broken stalks of corn into the harvesting apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention is removably mounted in overlying relationship respective to the gathering apparatus of a conventional corn harvester and significantly increases the yield realized from a field of corn by avoiding the waste of corn which heretofore has been left lying on the ground.

Abstract: A mowing implement comprises a number of rotating cutter members which are arranged next to each other and above a housing and which are slip-free coupled with each other by means of a driving gear arranged inside said housing, while said cutter members are driven by at least one motor arranged beneath a cutter support of a cutter member. Said motor communicates through a set of ducts with the driving member, for example an electrical aggregate or a hydraulical pump, said driving member being arranged on a vehicle and operating as an aggregate for producing energy.

Abstract: Adjusting apparatus is provided for a rotary crop cutting knife on a row crop harvesting machine. The apparatus mounting the knife on the crop divider provides a tilting adjustment of the cutting plane about an axis transverse of the crop passage, a linear vertical adjustment of the cutting plane, and a tilting adjustment of the cutting plane about an axis longitudinal of the divider, the apparatus preferably being a rectangular bar, to which the knife is rotatably mounted in depending relationship, which has a portion telescoped within the divider frame and clamped there inside by an arrangement of bolts providing these adjustments.

Abstract: In a row crop harvesting header of the type having a crop gathering passage and crop cutting and conveying apparatus associated therewith, the crop cutting apparatus comprising a pair of overlapping rotary disk cutters, a stripper plate is provided behind the cutting nip and has an arcuate stripping edge closely adjacent to and spaced from the periphery of the lower disk and having its forward portion underlapping the upper disk.

Abstract: Telescopingly retractable crop gathering finger means for agricultural harvesting apparatus, and apparatus equipped with same. In a preferred embodiment the finger means comprises an elongated, tubular housing adapted to be attached to a harvester frame and a rigid, retractable finger which is telescopingly received within the housing. The finger is normally biased in a fully extended, outwardly projecting position by spring means disposed internally of the housing, and is adapted to slide along the ground to pick up downed crops. In response to predetermined excess forces encountered by the finger, it will automatically retract internally of the housing thereby escaping damage. An aperture in the housing may be provided to selectively lock the finger in a fully retracted position internally of the housing where desired by the operator.

Abstract: A farm tractor apparatus having twin front mounted adjustable hay rakes supported on the front of a conventional-type farm tractor and a hay baler mounted for pulling by said same tractor. The twin hay rakes will produce double windrows for reception by the towed hay baler of the rolled bale type for simultaneously baling two rows of hay. The hay rakes have adjustment means at the rear portions thereof to vary the width and size of the windrows produced as well as front adjustment means for varying the overall sweep width and the front expanse in order to drive the apparatus over normal roads and through normal size gate structures. The hay rakes are of the floating type and have gauge and support rollers associated therewith and being part of the combination. A feature of this invention is in the provision of hydraulic power means for allowing the tractor operator to make some of the aforementioned adjustments while in the driver's seat.

Abstract: A cordless twin blade electric lawnmower having substantially improved performance and efficiency is disclosed. The lawnmower includes a pair of spaced counter-rotating cutting blades, a pair of motors driving each of the respective blades and a battery for energizing the motor under the control of a switch. The housing of the lawnmower is supported on wheels and provides a passageway comprising a helical convolute for each of the respective blades. The two convolutes join in the center of the mower and provide a continuing passageway into a rear mounted bag. The front of the bag is partially closed by a chute which, when the bag is not present, automatically falls into a guard position wherein all air flow, objects and grass are directed downwardly at the rear of the motor. The guard also provides, in this position, for distribution of the grass across the width of the mower span.

Abstract: A mower attachment for tractors having a hydraulically articulated linkage system for controlling horizontal, vertical and angular movement of the mower.

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 row crop harvester, such as a corn head, has a plurality of forwardly extending gathering members adapted to move between adjacent rows of row planted crops as the harvester advances, and each gathering member includes a hood-like downwardly and forwardly inclined shield structure having forwardly converging sides tapered to a forward gathering point. Removably mounted on top of the shield structure is a shield extension or ear saver that includes an upright inverted U-shaped support, the opposite ends of which are receivable in upright sockets on the opposite sides of the shield structure, a rear panel coplaner with the support and closing the interior thereof, the rear panel having a lower edge abutting the top of the shield structure, and a front panel that is generally semiconical in shape and extends forwardly and downwardly from the support, the apex of the front panel abutting the top of the shield structure.

Abstract: In a cordless electric rotary lawnmower, for example, of the type having two counter-rotating blades, a blade configuration providing substantially improved efficiency and performance is disclosed. The lawnmower is battery operated and each blade in a twin blade mower, or the single blade of a single blade mower, is provided with a configuration to maximize cutting effectiveness, air flow and blade life. The blade comprises a generally rectangular strip of metal having a cross section defined by two parallel spaced flat surfaces joined at their ends by generally tapering surfaces. The flat surfaces extend across approximately 50 to 70% of the total width of the blade adjacent the blade ends and preferably extend across about 60%. In addition, the blade deviates from a rectangular strip in that its outer portions are twisted downwardly from a planar portion at the center to define a lift angle to obtain axial air flow.

Abstract: A crop harvesting vehicle including a self-propelled chassis and a crop harvesting header coupled on the chassis. The header includes a variety of crop handling elements such as a cutter, a reel, a crop-consolidating conveyor, and conditioning rolls which cooperate in a hay windrowing operation. The chassis includes drive wheels driveable from an engine on the chassis through a hydrostatic drive system including two pumps and two motors hydraulically interconnected. The crop handling elements on the header are drivable through a third pump hydraulically connected to a motor on the header. The three pumps are mounted on the chassis with the rotary input drives thereof successively interconnected in coaxial alignment enabling the pumps to be simultaneously driven through a direct common input from the vehicle engine.

Abstract: Attachments for broadcast combines which have been converted into row type combines, in which the bearing guard attachment shields the shaft bearing on the lower ends of the drum shafts from becoming covered with vegetation which wraps therearound during the harvesting operation. The vegetation wrapped around the shaft bearing and the lower ends of the shafts precludes free circulation of air which cools the bearings and prevents the loss of lubricant therefrom due to expansion of the lubricant resulting in leakage from the elastomer seals.

Abstract: A four point mounting system for a header type implement mounted on a support vehicle or tractor in which the lower support or push arms are solid and of a greater length than of the upper arms which are telescopic and provided with knuckle joints or dual pivot couplings on either end of the telescopic parts connecting the tractor and the vehicle. This provides for a greater range of oscillation of the implement relative to the support vehicle for traversing uneven terrain.

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 powered lawn mower hydraulic system for use with a reel type of mower. The system includes a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor and a hydraulic valve, all interconnected with hydraulic hoses or lines. The valve permits reversing of the direction of rotation of the motor which is driving the mower reel, and there is a hydraulic flow restrictor in the reversing line for limiting the speed of the motor, and thus the mower, in the reversing direction. Also, there is shown a relief valve for limiting the hydraulic pressure in the reversing mode, and there is also shown a relief valve for limiting the hydraulic pressure in the forward mode.

Abstract: An upright cordless grass trimmer incorporated incoporates fixed multi-toothed bottom blade and plural sets of top blades which oscillate over the bottom blade to achieve cutting. The sets of top blades are driven by a motor through a gear and cam mechanism and are synchronized so that one top blade set cuts at a different time in the cycle from the other set to achieve a counterbalancing and load leveling effect. A clutch mechanism absorbs abrupt blade stoppage and shock situations and a rechargeable battery pack is releasably received by an elevated cavity in a shroud which mounts over the motor and drive mechanism. An upright handle and electrical control means are attached to the trimmer which allows the operator to operate the trimmer in an upright position.

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.

Abstract: A row crop harvesting apparatus adapted to sever forage from a field and deliver it to a crop processing mechanism. The apparatus includes two elongated, laterally opposed conveyor belts which define between them a crop receiving passage. The design of the belts on either side of the crop receiving passage preferably comprises a driving member, a forward idler, and longitudinally spaced intermediate idlers. The idlers are spaced so that idlers of one belt are not laterally aligned with idlers of the other belt. The apparatus includes a rotary cutter mounted and driven by an adjustable forward idler. Means are provided for adjusting the adjustable forward idler. The rotary cutter cooperates with a second cutter element mounted on the means for adjusting the adjustable forward idler, thereby allowing the forward idler to be adjusted without affecting the cutting relationship of the rotary cutter and the second cutter element.