Abstract: A mower housing having a plurality of chambers (11 and 12) so proportioned in capacity, and cutting blades (13 and 14) therein, so proportioned in capacity that one chamber and blade can handle and advance the grass clippings blown with air from the other chamber and blade as well as the grass clippings blown with air produced in that one chamber. The housing having means (25) for controlling and directing the flow of grass cuttings discharged from the housing and means (26) for collecting in increments in the form of tufts or bunches and the ejecting of such increments by the mower blade.

Abstract: The casing of a rotary mowing device is formed of a series of tubular sections secured together to form a hollow, rigid unit. The intermediate portion is formed of a series of similar sections defining an open-ended, generally rectangular tube and there are two end sections closing these ends. The casing houses a series of gears and at intervals upstanding shafts project from the casing and to which the rotary cutting members are attached. The parting line between sections are disposed in planes each of which contains the axis of one of the shafts.

Abstract: A disk mower wherein a plurality of rotary disks each having a cutter blade are mounted on a laterally extending slender frame. A driving shaft having a rectangular or polygonal cross-section and extending through the inner passage of the slender frame slidably passes through a correspondingly shaped hole of one of a pair of bevel gears. The pair of bevel gears forms a power transmission mechanism for each rotary disk, the gears engaging each other and both secured to a bevel gear housing. Accordingly, the damaging influence of waved and/or twisted motion of the slender frame on the power transmission mechanisms, is prevented.

Abstract: A lawn which includes a mower housing carrying a motor and including plural shafts carrying donut-like members with cutters attached thereto. The deck includes a forward portion have a protective skirt, a portion of which extends at approximately 45.degree. to the ground.

Abstract: A cutting mechanism which has an elongated frame defining a cutting side, and which is adapted to be fitted to a mower or the like so that the cutting side faces in the direction of advancement of the mower, includes a plurality of disks rotatably mounted on the frame. Each disk includes at least one cutting blade, and at least one disk may operatively be driven from beneath. A disk protector for each disk is mounted on the frame near the cutting side. A disk drive which is mounted on the frame, is coupled to at least one disk, and is adapted to be driven by an external source for driving the disk. A lateral protection device is releasably mounted to the frame near at least one of its end portions and is operable to shield the disk disposed near said end portion against impact by a foreign object.

Abstract: A crop cutting apparatus has two vertical axis rotary drum cutters 13, each having an upper rotor with a crop conveying surface 19 and a lower rotor carrying knives 21. Gears drive the upper and lower rotors at different angular velocities. The lower rotor has an annular rim 18 having an upper surface shaped to continue the outline of the conveying surface 19. The knives 21 protrude outwardly from beneath the rim 18 and rotate with the rim. A wiper brush 34 mounted on the conveying surface 19 projects outwardly over the rim 18 for lifting and transferring crop to the surface 19. The upper rotor may have conditioning brushes 35 for conveying crop and conditioning crop by relative movement between the brushes and the crop. The upper and lower rotors may be rotated in opposite senses to effect at least partial shear cutting.

Abstract: A mower having a casing comprising an upper and a lower portion, a plurality of disks, each provided with cutting means. The improvement comprising securing means for interconnecting the upper and lower portions of said casing and bracing means for keeping the upper and lower portions of said casing at a set distance from one another.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved lawn mowing machine with a forward mounted mower deck including a plurality of rotary cutters. The blades or cutters rotate in opposite direction on opposite sides of the deck to bring the grass clippings to a deck mounted central vacuum. The mower blades are driven by a belt drive to eliminate expensive drive shafts and gearboxes. Applicant's 45.degree. twist belt drive geometry provides increased life to the belt over prior art 90.degree. twist belt drive geometries.The mower deck includes novel side mower wings. A combined clutch and brake mechanism disengages the drive belt to the wing blade spindle and simultaneously brings the blade to a stop within one second when the wing is raised beyond its cutting range. The wing deck is attached to the mower central deck by a depressed hinge substantially close to the elevation of the mower blades.

Abstract: A mower is provided which has a plurality of cutter supports which are driven to be rotated. One or more of these supports is surmounted by a rotatable shaft; and such support comprises a hub that is rotatable with the shaft thereof, and a plurality of detachable segments, each of which is secured to the hub and defines a conveying surface for the cut produce.

Abstract: A device for mowing crop, particularly grass, mainly comprising a frame (1) movable across the field having a girder (4) pivotably (6) connected to a sub-frame (5) and extending transversely of the direction of movement (P1) above a cutter bar (9) with cutting members (10) wherein the outermost cutting member (10) provided with a crop dividing drum on top drives the further cutting members (10) through a transmission accommodated in the cutter bar (9) so simplifying the transfer of driving power from the main frame to the cutter bar and ensuring a free passing of cut crop over the cutting members; a spring member is arranged between the subframe (5) and the girder (4) at a distance from said pivot shaft (6) in order to adapt the pressure of the cutter bar on the field.

Abstract: A mower having a casing, several disks located above the casing and bearing block means supported by the casing, and furthermore having a plate secured to the bearing block means and skid means connected to the plate for protecting the disks.

Abstract: A mowing implement essentially comprising a housing extending transversely of the direction of movement of the mowing implement, a plurality of mowing members rotatably journalled on said housing and a drive assembly arranged within said housing for driving the mowing members and formed by a sequence of gears including both driving gears connected with the moving members and at least four coupling gears drivingly interconnecting each adjacent pair of driving gears. All of the gears are small and are arranged in line so that the housing is narrow. The housing is made very rigid by fixedly interconnecting the top and bottom walls together by structure which supports the bearings for the coupling gears. The assembly is economical so that it can be replaced as a unit rather than being repaired.

Abstract: In a rotary cutter having counterrotating rotors, deflectors positioned on the side frame housing for directing some of the cut material downwardly, rather than towards the center of the machine, to create a uniform discharge pattern across the width of the machine.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved lawn mowing machine for large expanses of grass around apartment complexes, commercial facilities and golf courses. The mower is self propelled with a forward mounted mower deck including a plurality of rotary cutters. The blades or cutters rotate in opposite directions on opposite sides of the deck to bring the grass clippings to a deck mounted central vacuum. The mower blades are driven by a belt drive to eliminate expensive drive shafts and gearboxes. Applicant's 45.degree. twist belt drive geometry provides increased life to the belt over prior art 90.degree. twist belt drive geometries.The mower deck includes novel side mower wings. A combined clutch and brake mechanism disengages the drive belt to the wing blade spindle and simultaneously brings the blade to a stop within one second when the wing in raised beyond its cutting range. The wing deck is attached to the mower central deck by a depressed hinge substantially close to the elevation of the mower blades.

Abstract: The windrower, which may be of the mower or mower-conditioner type, is provided with a double windrowing attachment at the rear thereof which may be lowered into a double windrowing mode or raised into a non-operative position for single windrowing. Severed crops are converged centrally of the machine from opposite sides of the cutting path taken by the machine so as to be discharged onto the ground in a single, centrally disposed windrow when the attachment is in its raised position. Actuation of the hydraulic circuitry associated with the attachment to lower the same into its operating position during a next pass around the field causes a conveyor of the attachment to intercept the centrally and rearwardly discharged crop so as to instead divert and convey the same to a laterally outboard position in order that the windrow of that crop cutting pass will be laid adjacently alongside of the previously formed single windrow for the next preceding pass.

Abstract: A crop harvesting machine having a disc cutterbar is disclosed wherein the shields covering each individual disc cutter unit are connected to a transverse rotatable shaft so that the shields can be pivotally moved between a lowered operative position immediately above the disc cutter unit and a raised inoperative position, wherein convenient access can be had to the disc cutterbar for service and maintenance thereof. The shields are connected to the shaft by mounting tabs having a downwardly depending leg that engages a stop on the header frame to prevent the shields from lowering into a position that would interfere with the rotative operation of the disc cutters. A spring-loaded pin and bracket control mechanism is also provided to selectively lock the shields in either the lowered or raised position by controlling the rotative position of the shaft.

Abstract: A bean cutting device to cut beans when harvesting a bean crop. The device is mountable on the front of a tractor and includes a frame carrying a plurality of generally upright but forwardly inclined columns. Each column carries a cutting assembly including a cutting blade mounted on a shaft rotated by a hydraulic motor. The cutting blade is comprised as a spherical segment and has a leading edge disposed in slightly penetrating relationship relative to the soil surface. The cutting blades operate in counter-rotating pairs to cut and windrow rows of beans. Deflector units are mounted at the bases of the columns to deflect cut beans into a windrow located between pairs of counter-rotating blades.

Abstract: An improved type of lawn mower that incorporates two cutting blades rotatably mounted in separate housings diagonally opposed to each other at the bottom portion of the lawn mower housing. The diagonal mounting of the cutting blades permits cutting overlap and an increased cutting path. A cleaning blade assembly is mounted on each of the cutting blades to aid in the efficient removal of grass clippings from the walls of each of the blade housings, through individual exit chutes preferably located on the same side of the mower housing or deck so that large areas of long or damp grass can be cut with a significant savings in time and labor.

Abstract: A cotton harvester for mounting on a tractor or similar vehicle, wherein a transversely extending cross auger frame is supported by a lift frame assembly rearwardly of the rear tractor wheels. Individual cotton harvesting units are supported above the ground by the cross auger frame and include plant passages located generally rearwardly of the rear wheels. The lift frame assembly is pivotally connected to the tractor adjacent the rear axle and includes four-bar linkage structure for positioning the row units in the desired attitude as the cross auger frame is pivoted up and down. The linkage permits the row units to be positioned closely adjacent the rear wheels without interfering with them as the cross auger frame is raised or lowered. A cotton receiving basket is supported directly above the tractor.

Abstract: A pair of generally flat, horizontally disposed mowing rotors at the front of the machine sever the standing crops as the machine is advanced and, by creation of an air stream as well as through a physical throwing force, the rotors propel the severed crops rearwardly through a centrally disposed passage to a conditioning zone adjacent the rear of the machine where such severed crops are treated by the conditioner to expedite curing of the crops when they are thereafter directed onto the ground in a swath or windrow.

Abstract: A mower having a rectangular platform and downwardly extending skirts on the sides of the platform, spaced upwardly extending columns on the platform, an engine supported on the platform in columns. A belt tightener arm is pivoted around a fourth column and a third pulley is supported on the arm. A threaded bolt pulls the belt tightener toward the belt thereby tightening it. Two rear wheels are supported on two wheel support levers, each of the rear wheels being supported on the distal end of one of the wheel support levers which are pivoted to the skirt of the platform. The end of the wheel support lever remote from the wheel is adjustable up and down to raise or lower the wheel. The front wheels are mounted as casters attached to upwardly and forwardly extending arms that are attached to the platform, and a drilled cylinder extends downwardly from the distal end of the arm. A shaft of the caster extends up through the hollow cylinder and has an axially threaded member holding it in place.

Abstract: A head assembly for a cotton harvesting machine which provides many combinations of row widths and various row harvesting capacities. The head assembly includes a main cross auger frame with row unit support structure which slidably receives a plurality of vertically adjustable row units. The support structure permits simultaneous transverse adjustment of each individual row unit and its associated hydraulic lift cylinder. An extension frame is provided for adding extra row units for increased capacity or accommodating widely spaced rows of cotton. Row units and lift cylinders are freely slidable between the main frame and the extension, and the extension is removable to lessen machine width during transport. The main cross auger frame includes a pair of transversely spaced bearings which journal opposite ends of a main cross auger. An auger extension is attached to a shaft which extends through the extension end bearing to eliminate need for relocating the bearing or providing a telescoping auger.

Abstract: Mushroom harvesting machine provided with rotary knives which are positioned in stepped formation sequentially one below the other and with an upright conveyor belt provided with carriers and wherein the rotary knives are positioned at an angle of inclination .alpha..

Abstract: A mowing machine connectable by its frame to a three-point lift device of a tractor and powered by the power take-off of the tractor via belts and a gear train, to extend laterally relative to one side of the tractor. An outboard portion of the frame forms a housing for a gear train that rotates crop displacing members thereunder about shafts each having a gear supported at the lower end thereof which engages pinions on parallel offset shafts for mowing elements. Supporting members under each mowing element are offset to the rear to support the machine. A screening member extends above the mowing elements and to the rear where it is bent downwardly to be spaced a distance less than the height of the mowing element above the ground. Forward the screening member is crenated as seen from above so cutters pivotly mounted from each mowing element describe a cutting arc of about 60.degree. parallel to the adjacent arcuate portion of the screening member.

Abstract: A gang mower comprises a number of individual reel mowers ganged together, each reel being driven by an electric motor from an electric power source, such as an alternator, associated with the mower. The alternator is typically driven by the same motor that propels the gang mower along.

Abstract: A rotary mower includes first and second supports extending in a predetermined direction and connected to one another end-to-end, and a set of elongated blade carriers rotatably mounted on each support. Each blade carrier, upon rotation, defines a trajectory, and neighboring blade carriers on opposite supports are mounted so that their trajectories do not overlap. First and second drive units are provided to drive each set of elongated blade carriers, respectively.

Abstract: Mower with an elongated housing supporting bottom-driven cutter discs and with a hollow stiffening beam inside the housing, the beam extending from the connection end of the housing and being situated between the axes of rotation of the discs and the rearmost positions of the elements pivoting the cutters to the discs, the beam extending the whole length of the housing and being filled with foamed synthetic plastics material.

Abstract: An agricultural mower having a crop cutting rotor that is rotatable about an upright axis and cuts a strip of crop along a cut edge of the crop so as to emerge laterally from said cut edge, and a crop guide that is located adjacent the periphery of the rotor where it emerges from said cut edge of the crop so as to support the crop upright at said edge while it is cut. The guide thereby avoids leaving any uncut lines of crop caused by the rotor pushing crop aside at a cut edge in the crop where it is unsupported by adjacent standing crop. The invention is particularly applicable to a mower with two or more cutting rotors that are rotatable in the same sense about respective upright axes alongside one another with one rotor offset rearwards relative to the other so as to cut crop adjacent a cut edge left by said other rotor, the crop guide being located adjacent the periphery of said one rotor to support the crop along said edge.

Abstract: A mower comprises cutter blades mounted by bolts in bushes on cutter discs surmounted by hollow elements secured on respective shafts. Accommodated within or partially within the hollow elements are drive means including hydraulic motors, drive shafts, bevel gear wheels and a toothed wheel meshing with a toothed wheel. A splined shaft extends through the toothed wheels to synchronize the rotations of the cutter discs. A casing encloses the shaft and is provided with renewable sole pieces which slide on the ground.

Abstract: An improved bean harvester comprising a frame attachable to a tractor, the frame having a transverse mounting shaft between the front and rear tractor wheels, and a plurality of cutting blades each pivotally mounted to the shaft and each having a presetting height adjustment and cutting angle adjustment and blade cleaning scraper, each cutter blade being independently hydraulically powered.

Abstract: A mower of the multiple rotor type in which each rotor has radial mowing blades extending into the transverse plane of adjacent rotors and the blades of adjacent rotors being vertically offset from one another. More specifically the multiple rotors are transversely aligned and are provided with horizontally disposed discs all aligned in a horizontal plane. The mowing blades on alternate discs are associated with the top side of the discs and the mowing blades on the intermediate alternate discs are associated with the under side of the discs. Thus the cooperative blades of any adjacent discs are vertically offset from one another.

Abstract: "L" shaped spring wire blades for use on drum type mowers. The upper ends of the vertical leg portions of the L-shaped members are fastened to the drum near its upper end and arcuately spaced apart around its cylindrical surface. The vertical portion of each blade projects downwardly at a position closely adjacent the outer cylindrical surface of the drum and passes through an opening in the disc at the base of the drum whereafter the horizontal portion of each blade extends radially outwardly beneath the disc. A hay cutting end of each blade projects radially outwardly beyond the disc to effect cutting of hay as the drum and its unitary disc rotate. The spring wire blade can yield rearwardly about its vertical leg as an axis of torsional twist when its horizontal leg strikes an obstruction. The inherent spring nature of the L-shaped blade will cause it to automatically resume its cutting position when the obstruction is cleared.

Abstract: Crop cutting apparatus providing a wide cutting path and even cutting while following variations in ground level. Known drum and disc mowers of wide cut do not follow variations in ground level, and are easily damaged by ground shocks. Cutter drums 29, 29' and gear boxes 41, 41' are mounted on subframes 16, 16', which are pivotally mounted on main frame 13 to allow independent vertical movement of the drums 29, 29'. Each drum 29, 29' is driven by a flexible belt drive 42, 42' from its gear box 41, 41' to protect the gear boxes from ground shock. The gear boxes 41, 41' are driven by a cross-shaft 48 from a tractor p-t-o. The drums are driven by untimed drive and clash of cutting knives 31, 31' is prevented by a spacing roller 102 which rolls over a cam plate 102' and forces the drums 29, 29' apart when the drums are cutting at the same level. Support members 9 and 9' move apart on cross members 21, 21' and are linked together by tie bar 103 to give overlap of cutters when cutting at different levels.

Abstract: A mowing machine for connection to the three-point hitch of a tractor which extends laterally of the tractor. A drive of meshing pinions contained in a housing, the drive being powered via belts from the power take-off of the tractor. The drive rotates the cutting members about vertical axes which are supported by and disposed immediately above a plate-like supporting element. Plate-like connecting members connect the cutting members with the drive pinions, such connecting members rotating with the cutting members about the same axis. Adjacent cutting members rotate in opposite directions and adjacent connecting members co-operate to move cut crop to the rear relative the mowing machine in swaths by contact and air movement generated thereby. The drive pinions and the cutting members have roller bearings to minimize vibration.

Abstract: The girder of a mowing device above which cutting members are arranged and which is destined to be suspended to the side of a tractor, is being loaded heavily on bending and/or torsion if the girder comprises remote from the end of the tractor a swath former. Therefore, the swath former is carried by a carrier extending on high level.

Abstract: A rotary mower has a plurality of upright mowing drums rotatable about respective vertical axes and each having a lower end provided with a plurality of radially outwardly extending blades forming blade orbits on rotation of the drum. Attached to each drum above the respective blades is a multipart ring carrying a plurality of pairs of outwardly directed spring-steel tines. These tines catch crop cut by the blades and project it backwardly behind the mower to ted this crop.

Abstract: A rotary mower shielding structure is provided for utilization in bedded row crops. The shielding structure is carried at the forward edge of the mower and has uniquely shaped openings compatibly spaced for row crops. The openings are designed to guide and support the row crop as it enters the cutting chamber of the mower to assure severing of the stalk near the crest of the bed. The shielding structure depends rearwardly and guides the stalk until contact with the blade, yet terminates forwardly of the blade to avoid interference when obstacles strike the shielding structure. Rigid material forms the structure to contain the severed stalks within the cutting chamber and assure thorough shredding.

Abstract: A mowing machine has a plurality of cutting members rotatably supported on a portion of the frame disposed beneath the cutting members and extending transversely to the direction of travel of the mowing machine during operation. The cutting members are driven by means of a drive shaft extending above the cutting members and journalled in the frame to be coupled to a tractor power take-off shaft. The drive shaft is directly coupled through transmission means with shafts upon which are mounted the two outermost cutting members.

Abstract: A clipping apparatus for bushes and grass intended to be attached to a tractor or like vehicle and comprising two rotatable blades having cutting edges. The blades are operative to produce a clipping action in co-operation with an underlying toothed means. One of the blades, when seen in the direction of movement of the apparatus, is mounted somewhat behind the other blade, and the blades are located on mutually different levels. The distance between the centers of rotation of the blades is greater than the radius of the circle defined by the tips of the cutting edges but shorter than the diameter of said circle. The blades are arranged to rotate in the same direction.

Abstract: The disclosure is of, in a mower which works over a great cutter width and comprises cutter discs or cutter drums or cutter belt pulleys or other rotary elements involved in the cutting operation, at least one device for reducing the width of the windrows comprising an endless flexible windrowing member which travels around two drums having substantially vertical axes of rotation, the first of said drums being approximately above one of said rotary elements at one extremity of the mower, the second of said drums being spaced to the rear of and nearer to the middle of the mower so that the windrowing member follows a path at an acute angle to the cutting front, at least one of said drums being driven at a speed different from that of said rotary elements so that the windrowing member impels cut fodder from a margin towards the middle of the windrow.

Abstract: A multirow forage harvester header for cutting and conveying a row crop from a standing position in the field into a crop receiving throat of the harvester for processing. The header is provided with an improved drive means for actuating a pair of crop cutters respectively disposed adjacent the crop entries of two crop receiving and conveying passageways of the header. The drive means includes a reciprocatable rod connected between one of the cutters and a remotely located input drive and a second reciprocatable rod connected between the two cutters. The two cutters are synchronously driven by the input drive through the first and second reciprocating rods.

Abstract: A wheeled frame or chassis is laterally stationary but movable longitudinally in rolling contact with the ground along several of a plurality of laterally spaced rows of tobacco plants. Vertical support bars depend from the frame to support at laterally spaced intervals corresponding to the rows, horizontal cutting discs mounted for rotation about vertical axes to sever the plants just above the ground. Guide plates affixed to the vertical supports bearing the cutting discs and overlying the discs lift the leaves of the plants and deflect the plants laterally towards each other for adjacent rows during the cutting, with the discs being driven in opposite directions for adjacent rows to cause the severed plants to fall with their butt ends extending rearwardly and with plants of adjacent rows falling on top of each other to facilitate subsequent pick-up.

Abstract: Mowing apparatus for connection to the lifting device of a tractor which is powered by the power take-off of the tractor. The apparatus includes a three-point trestle for mounting on the three-point lift device of the tractor, the trestle supporting a parallelogram suspension gear for the mowing component, a gear box and an intermediate telescopic driving shaft for the mowing elements. The parallelogram has a suspension gear including two foldable arm portions whereby the mowing component can be rotated upwardly for transport. The intermediate drive shaft is connected to the mowing component via a gear box. The mowing component is made up of four gear boxes each holding four side-by-side intermeshing pinions, the four gear boxes being connected by a flat frame beam across the top of same with the pinions of adjacent gear boxes being in mesh. Each pinion is journalled in bearings connected to the frame beam thereby suspending same above the bottom of the gear box.

Abstract: A device for mowing crop comprising a pair of discs adapted to rotate in the cutting plane, driven with equal angular speeds and pairwise in opposite senses and having each outwardly projecting cutters.A cutter may be bent upwardly due to impact on a stone.In order to avoid further damage of the device the circumferential rim of each disc is incised in between every two cutters essentially along an arc of a circle having a center of curvature located outside the circumferential rim.

Abstract: A lawn mower using flexible nonmetallic filaments as cutting elements is disclosed. The filaments are mounted on a plurality of rotatable mounting elements. Each of these mounting elements is rotatable about an axis which is slightly tilted with respect to the vertical. The axes of rotation of the mounting elements are so disposed that the filaments appear to travel through overlapping paths when the lawn mower is viewed in top plan. With respect to the normal forward direction of travel of the lawn mower, the axes are "staggered", one of the axes being forward of the other axis.

Abstract: Mower with an elongated housing supporting bottom-driven cutter discs and with a hollow stiffening beam inside the housing, the beam extending from the connection end of the housing and being situated between the axes of rotation of the discs and the rearmost positions of the elements pivoting the cutters to the discs, the beam extending the whole length of the housing and being filled with foamed synthetic plastics material.

Abstract: A mowing machine has an elongated beam that supports side-by-side rotors with pivoted cutters positioned to cut overlapping paths in front of the beam. The rotor units include an upper rotatably hub with pivoted blades and lower bodies which house corresponding driving shafts. The units are releaseably fastened to the beam and in one embodiment, spaced apart supporting elements are fastened to the front side of the beam and a unit is fitted and bolted between elements. In another embodiment, the body of each unit is hollow so that the beam can be passed through units and the latter abutted to one another and secured in place with a single bolt. The driving shaft of each unit is interconnected to adjacent driving shafts by sleeve connectors that form an elongated drive shaft that is parallel and in front of the beam.

Abstract: A lawnmower deck of inverted dish shape having three generally circular, laterally spaced but interconnected open-bottomed compartments in each of which is mounted a horizontally extending blade rotatable on a vertical axis and operable to impel cuttings from one compartment to the next toward one side of the deck, the deck having an outlet opening at that side and at the rearward portion of at least certain of the compartments, there being controllable gates at each of the outlet openings and between each successive pair of compartments, to the end that by opening or closing the gates in the proper combinations, the cuttings may be selectively discharged to the side or to a grass collector, or discharged to the rear, or finely mulched for rapid decomposition to enrich the soil.

Abstract: The invention relates to agricultural machines and is particularly applicable to tractor mounted drum mowers which suffer from the problem of tilting about the ground engaging point nearest to the tractor when undergoing right-hand turns. This problem is met by the provision of a machine having a mounting beam, a main beam supporting in a depending fashion one or more working units and at least three links for floatingly coupling the main beam to the mounting beam, at least one of the links being coupled to the main beam at a location below the latter. This provides a stable machine and in order to obtain independent flotation of the working units when more than one is employed, the links are coupled to the respective beams by universal joints with the exception of one link which is coupled to the mounting beam by a non-universal pivot in order to prevent a transverse shift of the working units during flotation.

Abstract: A stalk-crop harvester displaceable along the ground has a plurality of forwardly open throats each adapted to receive a row of the crop during harvesting thereof and having at its front end to one side a cutting rotor and to the other side a sprocket for a conveyor chain extending back along the respective throat. Provided at the front end of each of the throats is one of a plurality of identical mounting plates which are each symmetrical about a respective upright plane bisecting the respective front end and extending generally in the normal direction of displacement of the harvester. Each such plate carries a pair of similar mounts which axially flank the respective plane, and one of which rotatably carries the respective sprocket and the other of which rotatably carries the respective rotor.