Abstract: An improved modular disc cutterhead connecting drive shaft configuration having a means for laterally centering the shaft between adjacent cutterhead modules thereby equalizing engagement on each end of the shaft with the module connectors. Further durability improvement is realized by a structure to radially center the shaft in the shaft receptacles of each module to maintain uniform loading on the shaft/receptacle interface which improves the durability of the connecting drive shaft end connections. Additional connecting shaft durability is provided by a means to lubricate the drive shaft connector connecting interfaces using lubricant reservoirs disposed within the modules.

Abstract: An improved modular disc cutterhead connecting drive shaft configuration having a means for laterally centering the shaft between adjacent cutterhead modules thereby equalizing engagement on each end of the shaft with the module connectors. Further durability improvement is realized by a structure to radially center the shaft in the shaft receptacles of each module to maintain uniform loading on the shaft/receptacle interface which improves the durability of the connecting drive shaft end connections. Additional connecting shaft durability is provided by a means to lubricate the drive shaft connector connecting interfaces using lubricant reservoirs disposed within the modules.

Abstract: A gear-driven modular disc cutter assembly that may be used singly or in combination on a header of an agricultural harvester to form a modular disc cutterbar. The modules feature a low profile to minimize disruption of incoming crop flow and are coordinated such that any two adjacent cutters are either converging or diverging the crop flow (e.g. any two adjacent cutters rotate in opposite directions). Additionally, the modules are suitable for mounting on a movable frame which allows the cutterbar to be folded in a horizontal plane to reduce the transverse width of the cutterbar to facilitate transport of the harvester between fields.

Abstract: An improved modular disc cutterhead connecting drive shaft configuration having a means for laterally centering the shaft between adjacent cutterhead modules thereby equalizing engagement on each end of the shaft with the module connectors. Further durability improvement is realized by a structure to radially center the shaft in the shaft receptacles of each module to maintain uniform loading on the shaft/receptacle interface which improves the durability of the connecting drive shaft end connections. Additional connecting shaft durability is provided by a means to lubricate the drive shaft connector connecting interfaces using lubricant reservoirs disposed within the modules.

Abstract: A mowing device including a disc, the disc providing a mount for at least one knife, said knife being pivotably mounted to said disc by a pivot pin, said pivot pin defining a mounting axis, such that the knife can rotate about said pivot pin between a first extended position and any retracted position, said disc being constructed of a basic material thickness and comprising a mounting surface; said mowing device including a knife adapter comprising a cylindrical aperture and a projection; said pivot pin comprising a first cylindrical section of a first diameter to fit into said cylindrical aperture in said knife adapter, and a second cylindrical section, of a second diameter, with a groove defined by a groove width and a pin section thickness at the groove of a dimension less than said second diameter; said mowing device including a retainer constructed of a material thickness equal to or less than the width of said groove, with a key-hole shaped aperture defined by a first circular section with a first insid

Abstract: A disc cutter module mounting structure for an agricultural header that enables one or more disc cutter modules and interconnection spacers to be temporarily laterally displaced a distance sufficient to disengage the transverse drive apparatus from a failed module thereby allowing the failed module to be removed from the header for repair or replacement. The laterally displaced modules and spacers need only be disconnected from the outboard drive shaft; lateral displacement is accomplished by the incorporation of slotted mounting guides on the spacers and a plurality of spaced-apart support tabs on the header frame. The mounting structure also supports the modules and spacers during the removal/replacement process reducing the need for jacks to support modules as they are being repositioned on the header.

Abstract: A header for a harvesting machine with a movable cutterbar includes a belt drive mechanism connecting a stationary pulley mounted on the frame of the header and a relatively movable pulley mounted on the movable part of the header. The belt drive mechanism includes two guide pulleys, a belt mounted along said pulleys, and a pivot assembly mounted on the auger shaft. The guide pulleys are mounted on opposite lever arms of the pivot and said belt drive mechanism further includes a tensioning mechanism.

Abstract: A cutting tool for a mowing system for cutting plants is provided. The mowing system includes a driving mechanism capable of being driven by an external shaft. The cutting tool includes a plate member and at least one chain member. The plate member is removably connected to the driving mechanism. The plate member is capable of being rotated by the driving mechanism. Each chain member of the at least one chain member is coupled to the plate member at an end of the each chain member. The at least one chain member is capable of cutting the plants upon rotation of the plate member when the plants come in contact with the at least one chain member.

Abstract: A cutter bar drive system for a draper header has a cutter bar disposed at a leading edge of the header to cut crop. A cutter bar gear box in operative engagement with the cutter bar is mounted on a forward portion of the header with a drive train mounted on the header to drive the gear box and cutter bar. An external flywheel is mounted along the drive train remote from the gear box and is engaged with the drive train to reduce vibration in the cutter bar and gear box from a remote, external position.

Abstract: A modular rotary cutter bed is formed by a series of essentially identical cutter modules mounted end-to-end along the length of a common support beam. Guards for the cutters of the modules are arranged such that each guard overlaps and bridges the seam between an adjacent pair of modules so as to increase the structural rigidity of the cutter bed. Each guard is attached at its front end to the noses of a pair of adjacent modules and at its rear end to the support beam to increase structural integrity in all directions. A second embodiment does not utilize a common support beam for the modules but instead relies upon the interconnections between adjacent modules and bridging overlap of the guards to rigidify the cutter bed.

Abstract: A header for a harvesting machine with a movable cutterbar includes a belt drive mechanism connecting a stationary pulley mounted on the frame of the header and a relatively movable pulley mounted on the movable part of the header. The belt drive mechanism includes two guide pulleys, a belt mounted along said pulleys and a pivot assembly mounted on the auger shaft. The guide pulleys a are mounted on opposite lever arms of the pivot and said belt drive mechanism further includes a tensioning mechanism.

Abstract: A lawn mower assembly for attachment to a carrier vehicle, preferably a tractor, is described herein. The attachment has at least one electrical motor, preferably AC, with a cutting blade preferably mechanically attached to the rotor of the motor. When energized, the motor rotates, thus rotating the cutting blade. An electrical power generator is situated upon a platform also attached to the carrier vehicle. The assemblies are then attached to the deck. More than one assembly may be attached to the deck to provide for a larger cutting area. Each assembly may have more than one electrical motor/cutting blade combination. The assemblies may either be. removed or positioned upright for storage or when not in use.

Abstract: A wing-type rotary mower apparatus with a hydraulically powered over-center self-locking wing lift that extends between the central mower deck and the wing mower deck(s) to effect wing movement from a working position to a locked transport position. The lift mechanism comprises a double acting cylinder, a bell crank, and a pair of lift links that are pivotally connected. When the cylinder is retracted the bell crank rotates inward towards the center of the apparatus transferring the movement through the lift links to the mower wing(s). The rotational force on the bell crank about a fixed central pivot point on the central mower deck goes from an outward force reacted to by the cylinder to an inward force supported by the stop seat on the central mower deck; effectively locking the wing(s). The procedure is reversed when the cylinder is extended to return the wing(s) to the working position.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus having a modular profiled casing for cutting plants and intended, in particular, for equipping vine trimmers. The modular profiled casing is made up of a number of cutting elements attached longitudinally to one another for the purpose of reciprocal drive by at least one motor with one of the cutting heads being integral in rotation with the other cutting heads through a system of double pulleys and belts. All the cutting elements are connected together and covered by the same profiled cover having a convex profile forming a leading edge and includes a vegetation detector forming a trailing edge that, respectively, facilitate the penetration and displacement of the casing in the vegetation and the removal of cut branches.

Abstract: A rotary cutting machine comprises a circular rotating element having a transverse axis of rotation and which is mounted to the rotary cutting machine for rotation about the axis of rotation. A plurality of cutting teeth are mounted to the circular rotating element at spaced apart locations about its circumferential periphery. The cutting teeth are reversible and removably fastened to the circular rotating element. Each cutting tooth includes opposed first and second cutting faces spaced apart by lateral surfaces extending therebetween. The first and second cutting faces define at least four of the cutting edges thereon, such that the cutting teeth are selectively mountable on the circular rotating element in any one of at least eight different positions, each of the positions providing a different one of the cutting edges in the operable cutting position.

Abstract: A rear discharge mower comprising: a first shaft; a first blade that is rotated in unison with the first shaft; a second shaft that is configured to be rotated in a direction opposite from a rotational direction of the first shaft; a second blade that is rotated in unison with the second shaft, wherein a grass-clippings discharge path is formed through which grass clippings are discharged in a rearward direction from the area between the first shaft and second shaft; an enclosing casing that supports the blade shafts; and a power train that is accommodated in the enclosing casing and that transmits power to the first and second blade shafts.

Abstract: Apparatus for swinging a flexible line about an imaginary axis. The apparatus includes an elongate body extending along a centerline between a head end at which the imaginary axis is located and a tail end opposite the head end. The apparatus includes a motor mounted remote from the head end of the body having an output and a head rotatably mounted on the head end of the body. The head is operatively connected to the motor output for rotation about the imaginary axis in response to operation of the motor. The head has a curved passage extending from an inlet directed generally along the imaginary axis into which the flexible line is feedable to an outlet directed generally lateral to the imaginary axis through which the line is extendable. The passage is sized for passing the line from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A mower deck for a rotary vegetation cutting mower device pulled by a motor vehicle includes a housing defining a main portion disposed generally horizontally when the mower deck is in a position for cutting the vegetation and a pair of side walls extending downwardly from the main portion generally perpendicular thereto and forming in combination with the main portion a compartment of the housing wherein the blade rotates. At least one of at least one reinforcing rib and raised portion is disposed on the top surface of the main portion. A plate is releaseably secured to the top surface of the housing and carries a gearbox thereon. The housing and the plate are manufactured from a polypropylene material having a thickness of about one inch.

Abstract: Mowing device for plants, comprising at least one rotor with a rotor axis, in particular a vertical rotor axis or first rotation axis, and at least one blade which is driven in rotation by the rotor, in which the blade is attached to a blade holder, which is attached to the rotor so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis which is situated at a radial distance from the rotor axis.

Abstract: A rotary cutter assembly has a spindle journaled by a bearing assembly. A cutter mounting member is fixed to the spindle for rotation therewith and has an outermost annular skirt that flares radially outwardly and downwardly to a lowermost peripheral edge. The bearing housing that supports the bearing has an upstanding rib that surrounds the lower peripheral edge of the mounting member and projects upwardly beyond the same for a short distance. This overlapping relationship between the rib and the lower skirt periphery prevents the ingress of foreign materials into close proximity with the bearing assembly to thereby prolong its useful life.

Abstract: A rotary mower apparatus includes a center section with a center blade, inner wings with inner and middle blades, and outer wings with outer blades. Rear wheels support rear ends of the decks, and gauge wheels support front portions of the outer wings. A transport mechanism folds the outer wings upward to a transport position over the inner wings, and then folds the inner wings to a transport position upright from outer edges of the center section. A drive is operative to rotate each blade. Beneficially axes of the blades are oriented alternately forward and rearward across a width of the apparatus. A disclosed drive has a main gear box adapted at an input thereof for attachment to a rotating power source, and slip clutch protected power shafts are connected to outputs of the main gear box to drive the blades.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to brush cutters and to brush cutting heads therefor, and more specifically, to brush cutting heads having internally housed drive and bearing assemblies. The brush cutting head includes a hollow support body having a first end, an opposed second end, an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the support body defines a hollow which extends between the first and second ends of the support body. Also provided is a drive and bearing assembly housed at least partially within the hollow of the support body. The drive and bearing assembly includes a drive block mounted to extend within the hollow of the support body at the first end thereof. The drive block includes a motor provided with a torque transmitting driveshaft. A first coupling assembly is connected to the driveshaft of the motor and the support body.

Abstract: A mowing device including a disc, the disc providing a mount for at least one knife, said knife being pivotably mounted to said disc by a pivot pin, said pivot pin defining a mounting axis, such that the knife can rotate about said pivot pin between a first extended position and any retracted position, said disc being constructed of a basic material thickness and comprising a mounting surface; said mowing device including a knife adapter comprising a cylindrical aperture and a projection; said pivot pin comprising a first cylindrical section of a first diameter to fit into said cylindrical aperture in said knife adapter, and a second cylindrical section, of a second diameter, with a groove defined by a groove width and a pin section thickness at the groove of a dimension less than said second diameter; said mowing device including a retainer constructed of a material thickness equal to or less than the width of said groove, with a key-hole shaped aperture defined by a first circular section with a first insid

Abstract: Travelling device (20) particularly for self-propelled mower comprises a frame (1) provided with several identical travelling units (21) arranged on its circumference. Each travelling unit (21) comprises a flexibly suspended travelling wheel 92) rotating on its horizontal and vertical axes. A motor unit (3) with a driving shaft (13) is arranged on said frame (1) for driving a working device and said travelling wheels (2). Said travelling wheels (2) are arranged in said travelling units (21) turnably on vertical axis in an unlimited angular range of 360°.

Abstract: An agricultural machine fitted with a chopping device. The chopping device includes a guard, at least three chopping members disposed above the guard and that are linked thereto to pivot around a shaft directed upwards, and transmission elements that rotate the chopping members around the respective shafts. Among the chopping members at least two adjacent chopping members rotate in opposite directions converging towards the front. The distance separating the rotary shafts of two adjacent chopping members rotating in opposite directions converging towards the front is greater than at least a distance separating the rotary shafts of two adjacent chopping members having directions of rotation that do not converge towards the front. The arrangement of the chopping members in this manner can be used advantageously to improve the removal of the chopped product towards the rear of the chopping device.

Abstract: A lawn mowing machine having a mower deck with pivoting side wing sections. The pivoting side wing sections can be pivoted upward relative to the main deck housing. When the side wing sections are raised, the mowing machine is presented with a more narrow profile to pass through narrow width openings and to occupy less space during storage, transport and the like. The cutting blade spindles remain as fixed components of the main deck housing and do not pivot upward in conjunction with the side wing sections. When the side wing sections are raised, the cutting blades are adapted to pivot inwardly and underneath the main deck housing so that they do not protrude beyond the sides of the main deck housing. In this way, the mowing machine is adapted to pass through narrow width openings without the operator having to leave the operator station.

Abstract: A side-mount mowing attachment for a riding mower or yard tractor is removably secured to the riding mower by single hinge pin, allowing the side-mount mowing attachment to articulate and follow the ground contour independently from the primary mowing deck of the riding mower when in a lowered and operational configuration, and which may to be secured in an upright and vertical position when not in use. Power is provided to the cutting assemblies of the side-mount mowing attachment by a drive-belt and pulley assembly coupled to the primary mowing deck drive mechanism. A winch assembly facilitates lifting of the side-mount mowing attachment to the raised and upright position when not in use. When moved to the raised and upright position, tension is automatically released on the drive-belt in the belt and pulley assembly, thereby stopping the transfer of power from the primary mowing deck drive mechanism to the side-mount mowing attachment cutting assemblies.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus is provided that attaches a string trimmer to a lawn mower. The mounting apparatus comprises components that provide for mechanical absorption of impacts to a head of the string trimmer. In one embodiment, the mounting apparatus comprises a lower mounting shock assembly comprising two vertically positioned springs or other suspension/shock absorbing devices, an upper impact assembly, comprising an angled spring, or other suspension/shock absorbing device, through which a shaft of the string trimmer passes, and components that provide for rotation of the string trimmer head with a drive motor provided with a protective clutch mechanism. Embodiments include providing the mounting apparatus on a lawn mower with a string trimmer device inserted therethrough.

Abstract: An attachment for a lawn maintenance vehicle includes a trimming apparatus. The attachment allows vertical and horizontal movement of the trimming apparatus such that lawn areas which are not accessible to the lawn maintenance vehicle's cutting apparatus can be trimmed easily.

Abstract: A weed cutter mounting system includes a riding lawn mower that includes a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. A chair is mounted on the riding mower between the front and back walls. A plate is attached to the first side wall of the riding mower adjacent to and below the chair. A post is attached to the plate. A panel has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the panel is attached to an outer end of the post. A coupler includes a base portion and a clamp portion. The base portion is rotatably coupled to the panel so that the base may be selectively rotated about an axis of the panel. The clamp portion is attached to the base. The clamp portion is adapted for removably receiving and securing a weed cutter to the riding mower.

Abstract: The pinion gears of a rotary cutterbar equipped with a parallel-series arrangement of idler gears and pinion gears includes a pinion gear support pad formed integrally with the bottom wall of the gear housing and located in close relationship to a bottom surface of the pinion gear so as to prevent the latter from moving, once bearing wear or loosening of mounting hardware has occurred, to the extent that rolling elements of a bearing arrangement supporting the pinion drive shaft are permitted to fall out into the gear housing and cause additional damage to the gearing located in the housing.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a wheel at each end of a transverse main frame with each wheel being carried by a vertically pivotal link to which an extensible and retractable actuating device is coupled for effecting vertical adjustment of the frame relative to the ground. The upper end of each actuating device is attached to a further link which is vertically pivotally mounted to the frame and has its upward movement resisted by a frame-mounted spring so as to dampen forces imposed on the wheel by the terrain. Each further link may be selectively locked to the frame so as to eliminate the function of the associated spring.

Abstract: A mower-conditioner includes a header or platform which is equipped with a rotary disc cutter bar having a relatively long length with at least two cutting units being outboard of a central discharge passage where a pair of conditioner rolls are mounted for receiving the cut crop. Aiding in conveying crop to the discharge passage are right- and left-hand sets of three crop converging drums provided at each side of the discharge passage. The outer drums of the two sets are respectively mounted to the top of the right- and left-hand end cutting units of the cutter bar while the other two drums on each side are located behind an inward and rearward extending line that is tangent to the cylindrical path traced by the outer and inner ones of the drums on each side of the discharge passage. In one embodiment, a direct drive transmission is provided, and in a second embodiment a hydraulic motor is provided, for driving the inner two converging drums of each set.

Abstract: A mobile silvicultural apparatus for use in a land of trees comprising mature trees and immature trees. The apparatus includes a steerable wheeled support frame, an articulated boom, a motor system, and a control system. The steerable wheeled support frame has a horizontally extending ground-clearing section, and first and second opposite vertical side sections. The ground-clearing and side sections define a tunnel-shaped passage through which the immature trees are allowed to pass as the support frame travels thereover. The articulated boom is mounted to the support frame for selectively manipulating the mature trees. The motor system is used for imparting motion to the support frame and the control system is used for controlling the steerable support frame, the motor system, and the articulated boom.

Abstract: A cutting chamber for a mower deck blade is comprised of first and second adjoining skirt members of differing lengths to provide for a lifting air stream at the front of the chamber and a discharging air stream at the rear of the chamber. As a result, cut material can be recut in a mulching action and then easily discharged to the rear of the deck.

Abstract: The Lawn Hog is an inexpensive two wheeled cart acting as a spreader bar which two inexpensive push lawn mowers may be attached to. The Lawn Hog attaches to and is pulled behind a riding lawn mower and itself pulls the attached push lawn mowers, thus effectively widening the mowing swath of the riding mower.

Abstract: A component kit allowing a user to removably attach a gasoline engine weed trimmer to a push-type deck lawnmower allowing a user to activate the weed trimmer during the mowing of a yard to trim areas beside the mower while mowing the yard, eliminating duplicate effort and also to relieve the stress of carrying the weed trimmer, the component kit placing the vertical weight of the weed trimmer on the lawnmower.

Abstract: A mower assembly including a platform for being mounted on one side of a mobile machine and a housing concentrically mounted on the platform for rotation relative thereto. A drive assembly is positioned in the housing and is driven by a power supply. A blade is also included for being rotated by the drive assembly. A latch assembly is mounted on the housing for movement between a latched position for maintaining the housing in a stationary position relative to the platform in the absence of a laterally-directed force on the latch assembly, and an unlatched position for permitting the housing to rotate around the platform in the presence of a laterally-directed force on the latch assembly. This permits the blade to cut vegetation growing around the stationary object as the mobile machine continues in a straight line path.

Abstract: A gasoline engine powered walk behind brush cutter for small trees and the like has a vertical blade available for cutting low-lying tree limbs and other vegetation and has a horizontal blade for cutting small tree trunks or the like. A manual grappler is affixed to the frame of the brush cutter to direct the vegetation into, for example the vertical cutting blade. This device is particularly useful for clearing shrubbery and other vegetation from overgrown lots and in confined areas where larger vehicles cannot maneuver.

Abstract: A land clearing tractor and process are provided for selectively clearing a land of brush and trees. The tractor has a traction unit for moving the tractor along a direction of travel. A supporting frame is connected to the traction unit. The frame has first and second sides, and a raised section between the first and second sides. A first shredder head is operatively connected to the first side of the frame and oriented parallel to the direction of travel. The first shredder head is movable between elevated and lowered positions for clearing brush and trees in a first band. A second shredder head is operatively connected to the second side of the frame. The second shredder head is parallel to the first shredder head and is spaced apart therefrom. The second shredder head is movable between elevated and lowered positions for clearing brush and trees in a second band spaced apart from the first band. Thereby, the tractor leaves between the first and second bands a residual band of brush and trees.

Abstract: A crop harvesting implement has a wheeled frame, a draft tongue pivotable between extreme left and right operating positions, a mechanism for pivoting the tongue, a drive line for transmitting rotational power from a tractor when coupled thereto, a crop harvesting header suspended from the frame and having operable components for engaging and processing crop material, a gearbox for receiving rotational power from the drive line and transmitting the power to the operable components of the crop harvesting header, an input shaft operatively connected to the drive line, a device for mounting the gearbox on the header so that the header rotates, and a steering mechanism for effecting rotational movement of the gearbox in concert with the pivotal movement of the tongue.

Abstract: A cutting attachment is adapted to be mounted onto a vehicle, such as a skid steer loader, and includes a frame that is generally “V” shaped with diverging walls and open in direction of travel. The diverging walls of the frame support upright shafts. Each of the shafts has a rotating disk on the lower end thereof that has a circular cutting edge. The disks are preferably co-planar and closely adjacent to each other along a center longitudinal axis of the frame, and are not powered. When the disks are moved against standing vegetation with stalks or trunks, they rotate and sever the vegetation. Additionally, a lift plate is provided on the trailing side of the disks so after severing the vegetation the lift plate lifts the trunks of trees or stalks or the like upwardly from the disks. The lift plate is inclined to tend to cause the trees to tilt outwardly. Support arms can be closed to hold the cut tree or other vegetation in the frame until the arms are released.

Abstract: A cutting device for a cutting machine including a driver driven by a drive shaft, a support structure secured to the driver and at least one drive device intended to drive a cut product toward the rear of the cutting machine. The drive device includes at least two drive walls which extend approximately right around the support structure and which are fixed removably to the support structure by assembly elements.

Abstract: An agricultural implement attached to a farm tractor by a three point hitch is used to cut the top of mature cotton stalks, or shred harvested crops or mow turn rows. Knives are mounted on the bottom of vertical shafts which are rotated by belt driven pulleys. The pulleys are driven from a right angle gear box which is driven from the power take off of the tractor. The knives are staggered along either side of a beam traverse to the direction of travel, so that the knives cannot strike other knives as they mow over-lapping swaths.

Abstract: A gang-type rotary lawn mower including a frame supported by wheels for movement over the ground, a power source which is mounted on the frame and which drives at least two of the wheels, an operator's seat mounted on the frame, a steering system enabling the operator to steer the lawn mower, at least two side-by-side front rotary cutting deck assemblies mounted on the frame, the front deck assemblies defining a gap between adjacent front deck assemblies, and at least one rear rotary cutting deck assembly mounted on the frame behind the front deck assemblies, each rear deck assembly being aligned with a respective gap between adjacent front deck assemblies, each of the front and rear deck assemblies including a single-spindle mulching deck defining a downwardly opening space, a single spindle mounted for rotation about a generally vertical axis within the space, and at least one cutting blade mounted on the spindle for rotation therewith.

Abstract: A gang-type rotary lawn mower including a frame supported by wheels for movement over the ground, a power source which is mounted on the frame and which drives at least two of the wheels, an operator's seat mounted on the frame, a steering system enabling the operator to steer the lawn mower, at least two side-by-side front rotary cutting deck assemblies mounted on the frame, the front deck assemblies defining a gap between adjacent front deck assemblies, and at least one rear rotary cutting deck assembly mounted on the frame behind the front deck assemblies, each rear deck assembly being aligned with a respective gap between adjacent front deck assemblies, each of the front and rear deck assemblies including a single-spindle mulching deck defining a downwardly opening space, a single spindle mounted for rotation about a generally vertical axis within the space, and at least one cutting blade mounted on the spindle for rotation therewith.

Abstract: Cutting apparatus (10) comprising a body assembly (11) including a lower wear disc (12) and an upper lifting and cutting assembly (13), mounted for driven rotation on a mower via driving hub (14). The lifting and cutting assembly (13) includes four blade assemblies (15) each comprising a pivoting angled blade (16) pivotally supported on lug (17) by bolt (20), located at the outer end of lifting means (21) comprising a curve walled portion (22) extending from a hub (23) and having an upper edge (24) which curves in a trailing direction out to the blade assembly (15 at 25). The cutting apparatus (10) forms a mower in assembly with a frame assembly (35) having mounted thereto a plane roller (36), a ribbed roller (37), describing therebetween a nip (40). The rollers are driven by train (41) adapted to be engaged by the PTO of a vehicle.

Abstract: A reciprocating, brush cutting attachment for a vehicle such as a riding lawn mower. The attachment is in the form of a sickle head having a bottom support plate that acts as a frame for the sickle head. Two top blades reciprocate back and forth on top of the support plate, one on each side. The bottom support plate and the two top blades all include front blade edges having a plurality of teeth. As the top blades move back and forth, vegetation between the teeth is cut. The prime advantage of the sickle head of the present invention is the reduction of vibrations achieved by continuously driving the colinear top blades in opposite directions with respect to each other.

Abstract: A rotary cutter disc includes shields for the nuts of the knife mounting bolts. Each shield includes a U-shaped well in which a respective one of the nuts is located, the well being oriented so that its open side is directed away from the center of the disc, whereby centrifugal force ejects crop particles and other matter from the well. In one embodiment, the shield is provided with inclined wear surfaces which also serve as crop guide vanes. In a second embodiment, the shield is integral with a crop guide vane. In each embodiment, the underside of the shield is provided with a locating lug which is adjacent the knife mount bolt hole in the bottom wall of the shield. The disc is provided with an elongated knife mounting bolt hole and the shield locating lug is positioned to enter the elongated hole alongside the knife mounting bolt so as to properly orient the shield and keep the shield from rotating when the mounting bolt nut is being screwed on or off.

Abstract: A cutting member of a cutting machine driven in rotation about an upwardly directed axis of revolution. The cutting member comprises at least two supports each carrying a cutting element, and at least two active areas each located in a region of a corresponding cutting element. The active areas are exposed, during the work, to a product cut previously by the cutting elements, and they are contributing to the conveying of the cut product. Each support includes an upper part which forms at least a corresponding active area.