Abstract: A mower with a hitch system allows large lateral offsets in both directions of the mower relative to a towing vehicle. The mower hitch system includes first and second swing arms spaced apart across the mower. First and second pivot shafts mount the respective first and second swing arms on the mower for pivotal movement of the arms about respective upright axes spaced apart across the mower. The swing arms extend towards a front end of the mower for connecting to lift arms of a three point hitch on the towing vehicle. A lug extends from the first pivot shaft such that the first swing arm and the lug form a bell crank. A hydraulic cylinder mounted on the front end of the mower connects to the lug such that extension and contraction of the cylinder pivots the first swing arm laterally over the cylinder and across the mower. The towing vehicle also includes a power take off for connecting to a telescoping drive shaft assembly with universal joints on the mower.

Abstract: Implement or machine which can be moved along a work surface, which includes a carrying structure or chassis, a working unit articulated to the carrying structure or chassis, and a device for connecting the carrying structure or chassis and the working unit together, wherein the connecting device includes at least one parallelogram connection which can be converted into a quadrilateral connection.

Abstract: A foliage harvester is provided, as is a mechanical drive arrangement which includes a pivotally mounted main gearbox. An extension assembly extends forwardly with respect to the main gearbox for a relatively short length, and a connection assembly operatively joins the rotating portion near the rear end of the mechanical drive assembly in a manner which prevents substantially any side-to-side or generally horizontal movement between that portion of the mechanical drive assembly and the rotatable main gearbox. At the same time, this operative joining incorporating use of the connection assembly permits limited up-and-down or generally vertical movement of the mechanical drive assembly with respect to the pivotable main gearbox. In an especially preferred arrangement, the implement is a center pivot mower conditioner, and the mechanical drive operates the cutting and conditioning assemblies during operation of the mower conditioner on either side behind the towing vehicle or tractor.

Abstract: A header includes a substantially rigid header frame having a main longitudinal rear tube and a plurality of beams extending downwardly and forwardly from the main tube to a cutter bar which is maintained substantially straight and parallel to the main tube. Adjustment of the longitudinal shape of the cutter bar is effected after the header is assembled by operating screwjacks on two inner beams which cause plastic bending of the beams to raise or lower a center portion of the cutter bar so that when assembled the cutter bar is longitudinally straight or slightly upwardly concave. This adjustment after the assembly is complete allows the cutter bar to be adjusted to the required longitudinal shape for optimum cooperation with the reel.

Abstract: A curved implement tongue improves the turning characteristics of the implement, such as a mower-conditioner. The tongue is bent in the horizontal plane and incorporates a generally vertical box section at the end of the tongue. The tongue supports a driveline transmitting rotational power from a prime mover to the operative components of the mower-conditioner. The driveline incorporates a clutch assembly mounted on the input shaft of a bevel gearbox. The forward end of the input shaft is formed with a conical surface that mates with a corresponding conical hub bore formed within the clutch assembly. The end of the input shaft is formed as a truncated cone to provide a gap between the end of the shaft and the bottom of the bore and assure a proper seating of the two members.

Abstract: A mowing apparatus with multiple articulating cutting decks includes a support for the cutting blades which is pivotally attached at one end to the mower and is carried by a rocker arm at the other end. The rocker arm is rotatably attached to the support and has wheels at the front and back ends for supporting the rocker arm on the ground. The vertical position of the wheels relative to the rocker arm is variable.

Abstract: A blueberry harvester comprising a platform mountable behind an agricultural tractor. The platform has a post near the harvesting side thereof with a jib-boom crane mounted on that post. There is also provided a blueberry picking head having riggings connected to the jib-boom crane and a pair of conveyors connected to the picking head for conveying the blueberries withdrawn from blueberry plants, from the picking head to a region over the platform. A hinged frame is pivotally mounted on the post, and connected to the conveyors for supporting the conveyors. The hinged frame with the conveyors supported thereon are movable from a harvesting position alongside the harvesting side of the tractor to a stowed position over the platform near the harvesting side. The jib-boom crane is movable with the picking head suspended thereto from a position along the harvesting side of the tractor, to a space over the platform between the stowed position of the conveyors and the harvested side of the platform.

Abstract: A header for crop harvesting machine includes a transport arrangement towing the header in a direction at right angles to its normal working direction. The transport system includes a first wheel at one end of the header which can be steered by a hitch pole connected to the first wheel. A second wheel is located symmetrically relative to the first wheel at the opposite end of the header and is free to caster. In the normal working position of the header the first and second wheels act as gauge wheels and are left in the direction of working movement. A third wheel which is removed in the working position is attached to the cutter bar by a clamping action over the knife guard and behind the knife support plate at a respective one of the forwardly extending support arms of the header frame.

Abstract: A pull-type harvesting machine is adapted for laterally offset attachment to a tractor. The machine has a frame and a harvesting head supported by the frame including a cutting apparatus for cutting crops as the machine is towed across a field, and a gear box operably connected with the cutting apparatus. A pull tongue is pivotally coupled to the frame about a first vertical axis for varying the position of the machine relative to the tractor. A mechanical drive line extends along and is rotatably supported by the pull tongue for supplying driving power to the cutting apparatus through the gear box. The gear box is pivotally mounted on the header about a second vertical axis spaced from the first vertical axis. The drive line includes a fixed position portion and a telescoping portion supported at fore and aft ends by the tongue and the gear box, respectively.

Abstract: A system consisting of a versatile hitch attached to a tractor which positions a ground-based implement, such as a mower, in front or to either side of the tractor. The hitch cushions or dampens movement using a torsional component over rough ground by the tractor allowing the implement to traverse a near parallel ground direction. The mower design mows either normally over open ground or in restricted locations, such as around fences supported by posts.

Abstract: Mounting structure attaching a cotton harvester to a tractor includes a pair of rear subframe support members that attach one to a side directly to the tractor and are designed for the specific tractor to which the harvester will be mounted. A second group of parts of standard design includes frame members with two rear support posts that align with the rear frame support members. A self-aligning pocket on the lower end of each of the posts and a pair of tapered bushings rigidly fixed to each post above the pocket releasibly secure the rear support posts to the rear frame support members. The rear support posts carry rear mounted harvesting units. Another group of parts provides front harvester support with a post design which is easily and quickly attachable to and removable from the tractor frame. Screw-type jack stands lift the harvester from attaching points on the tractor and allow the tractor to be driven out from under the harvester basket.

Abstract: An agricultural machine has a main machine, an additional device coupled with the main machine, a hydraulic unit performing control or working functions and including hydraulic valves and hydraulic supply and return conduits, a control current unit for controlling the hydraulic valves and provided with electrical conductors, plug means conductively connecting the hydraulic conduits and the electrical conductors in a region of a separating point between the additional device and the main machine, the plug means including a plug and a plug socket, and a two-part coupling unit formed so that in a region of separating point the plug and the plug socket, the hydraulic supply and return conduits and the electrical control conductors are installed in the coupling unit in positions corresponding to one another, the coupling unit including one coupling half associated with the main machine and another coupling half associated with the additional device.

Abstract: The combine harvester (10) has a bar (94) with male ends (96) and (98) attached to the elevator housing (20). The male end (96) has an arcuate surface (100) and the male end (98) has an arcuate surface (102). A left female arcuate section (158) and a right female arcuate section (160) are secured to the header frame (64). An arcuate plate (168) of the arcuate section (160) engages the arcuate surface (100) and an arcuate plate 182 of the arcuate section 160 engages the arcuate surface 102. A hook assembly (110) in the lateral center of the elevator inlet (47) and below the floor (24) of the elevator housing engages the round bar (154) and clamps the header (62) to the elevator housing (20). A hydraulic cylinder (196) is connected to the elevator housing (20) and the header (62) and pivots the header relative to the elevator housing about a generally horizontal fore and aft axis adjacent to the hook assembly (110).

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the cutting height of a mower deck, which includes a four bar linkage with a pair of beam members, a rod member extending between the two beams. Rotation of the rod by the operator causes the beams to shift relative to each other, which causes the four bar linkage to raise or lower the mower deck. A projecting member is biased toward engagement with a detent formed in the rod member for securing the mower deck at the selected cutting height, and allows the operator to sense when the projecting member rides past the detent as the cutting height is incrementally adjusted.

Abstract: A pre-pruning machine for trellised vines comprises a cutting module featuring superimposed tools each consisting of a cage and a cutting organ, and a feeding module consisting of superimposed feeding discs, it being possible to swivel the supports holding these modules by the action of a jack so that the said modules may interpenetrate each other in working phase. According to the invention, at least the motor of the cages is submitted to a slide drive limiting the torque, which is adjustable by the action of a pressure limiter (131; 133) within a calibrated range and selected by the operator in function of the working conditions (pruning type, advancing speed, etc.). Preferably, the motors of the cutting organs, feeders and cages are connected in series, the opening/closing device by means of the jack is connected in branch-off upstream of the feeder motor, and the feeder motor is also connected to a pressure limiter (131).

Abstract: An implement carrier for mounting implements such as mower blades, spreader blades, tiller blades or nozzles. The implement carrier includes a deck pivotal about a pivot axis that is generally perpendicular to the deck. The deck defines a slot having an open end and a closed end. The closed end of the slot preferably circumscribes the pivot axis of the deck and the open end of the slot preferably is located at the outer perimeter of the deck. The implement carrier is operable for receiving an obstacle in the slot and pivoting about the obstacle such that the deck can by-pass the obstacle.

Abstract: An agricultural machine has a fixed structure, a retractable assembly connected to the fixed structure by at least one joint such that said retractable assembly can move to at least one locking position, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes (i) at least one stop element mounted for movement with one of the fixed structure and retractable assembly and cooperable with the other of the fixed structure and the retractable assembly to lock the retractable assembly in one locking position; (ii) at least one elastic element cooperating with the at least one stop element to bias the at least one stop element into a stop element lock position in cooperation with the other of the fixed structure and the retractable assembly so as to lock the retractable assembly in the locking position. The stop element is enclosed in the stop lock position such that the stop element can be moved from the said stop lock position only by a special tool.

Abstract: A levelling mechanism for use a in lift system of a windrowing machine of the type including a tractor unit and a swather header to permit the use of a grain header which is held suspended above the ground rather than a hay type swather header which normally engages the ground during cutting. The type of lift systems used in some known hay windrowers include a pair of lift assemblies each of which has a single action lift cylinder. The two cylinders are supplied from a common supply line, and because the moving lift components of the two assemblies are individually activated by their respective cylinders the suspended grain header does not remain levelled under certain conditions, such as if there is a build up of greater crop weight at one end relative to the other.

Abstract: A hitching arrangement for attaching a mower deck to a propelling vehicle has a lift shaft rotatably supported by the mower deck and extending transversely across the deck. At least one hitch arm is fixedly secured on one end to the lift shaft. The hitch arm has a hook located on its other end with a downwardly facing opening adopted for engagement with a generally horizontally disposed attaching member on the propelling vehicle. A cutting height adjustment mechanism is operably coupled to the lift shaft and adjusts the cutting height of the mower. The adjustment mechanism has a first position corresponding to an elevated cutting height of the mower deck and a second position corresponding to a lowered cutting height of the deck. A deck stand is provided which is releasably attached to the deck.

Abstract: A riding rotary mower is provided having a first chassis, a first chassis wheel assembly, a second chassis, a second chassis wheel assembly and a deck defining a blade housing containing a plurality of cutting blades. The second chassis is movably connected to the first chassis such that, upon actuation of a hydraulic assembly, the second chassis and the deck are movable relative to the first chassis between an operating position wherein the second chassis, the deck and the cutting blade are positioned for cutting grass, and an inspection position wherein the second chassis, the deck and the cutting blade extend in an upwardly direction at an angle to the first chassis.

Abstract: A header is mounted on a separate tractor and takes drive from a PTO shaft of the tractor and communicates the drive to a main drive shaft of the header longitudinal of the main beam of the header. The angle drive necessary to communicate this power is formed by three CV joints. A first CV joint is connected to the PTO shaft and a third CV joint is connected to the main drive shaft of the header. Between the first and third CV joints is provided a first shaft extending to the second CV joint and a second shaft from the second CV joint to the third CV joint. The first shaft is carried on a hanger bearing which can pivot about a horizontal axis with the first shaft mounted in a spherical bearing on the hanger bearing plate. The second shaft is telescopic. The three CV joints pivot to divide the total angle approximately equally so that each can run within a reasonable angle. The pivoting hanger bearing and the telescopic shaft accommodate relative movement between the tractor and the header.

Abstract: An implement includes a clevis assembly connected to the forward end of the implement hitch for limited fore-and-aft movement to permit holes in the clevis and of a tractor drawbar to become aligned for receiving a hitch pin, a latch then being operable to prevent further fore-and-aft movement of the clevis. First and second parallel legs of the clevis are provided with holes in which are received first and second bushing portions respectively of first and second jaws. The bushing portion of the first jaw is threaded and the hitch pin has a threaded end received therein, the pin being operable to move the first jaw towards the second jaw so that the jaws may tightly clamp a drawbar located therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the direction of a crop discharge spout on an agricultural machine with respect to an associated collector vehicle. The discharge spout has a stationary first section, a second section rotatable relative to the first section and a third section rotatable relative to the second section. The first section and the second section are rotatably connected at a lower joint; the second section and the third section are rotatably connected at an upper joint. A telescopic member extends between a drawbar on a collector vehicle and the second section. The second section of the discharge spout rotates about the lower joint in unison with the drawbar to maintain spout positioning relative to the collector vehicle. The third section moves with the second section. The telescopic member telescopically extends and retracts in response to downward and upward deflections of the drawbar. A drive motor is provided between the second section and the third section.

Abstract: Apparatus for suspending, raising and lowering the cutting deck beneath the frame of a riding lawn mower, comprising a pair of lifting arms having first ends rotatably secured to the frame and second ends secured to the cutting deck, rotation of the lifting arms effecting vertical movement of said cutting deck. A pedal operated lifting mechanism is provided, selectively operable by the user of the mower to rotate the lifting arms, thereby raising and/or lower the cutting deck. A suspending member is disposed through an opening in the frame above a portion of one lifting arm, said suspending member having a lower end secured to the lifting arm and an upper end disposed above the opening in the frame. A support member secured to the upper end of the suspending member engages the frame to limit downward movement of the suspending member and lifting arm, and is selectively adjustable by the user to adjust the cutting height of the deck.

Abstract: A mowing system capable of being pulled behind a tractor or other prime mover utilizes a support apparatus for supporting a grass cutter adapted to cut grass as the cutter is rotated and moved forwardly into cutting relationship with grass. The support apparatus includes a wheeled frame for supporting the cutter for rotation and including a guard disposed on the forward side of the cutter. A pair of arm members are pivotally connected between the rear of the tractor and the wheeled frame to accommodate pivotal movement of the wheeled frame between an operative position at which the cutter is positioned for cutting grass disposed generally to one side of the tractor and a deflected position.

Abstract: A slope mower which can tilt a tractor body upslope about pivot points on the front and rear axles during operations on sloping terrain. The slope mower has a novel all geared powered belly mower and also has a novel mower lifting system. The slope mower also has a novel three point hitch attached to the tractor axle which allows for attaching utility devices but does not interfere with the tilting mechanism. The slope mower also has the ability to transfer engine power to the rear of the slope mower. Upon removal of the belly mower, a power take off is extended through both the front axle pivot point and the rear axle pivot point. This allows engine power to be transferred to a rear utility device without affecting the tilting ability of the slope mower. Reinforced caster wheels are attached to the belly mower.

Abstract: A mechanism for selectively adjusting the cutting height of a mower deck carried by a vehicle having a frame. A laterally extending lift handle formed of a plastic material is engagable by the hand of the operator, and is pivotally coupled with the vehicle for pivoting motion about a generally horizontal axis as the operator lifts the first end portion. A pair of laterally spaced and generally spherical sockets are formed integral with the lift handle between the lift handle's first and second end portions. Each socket pivotally supports a ball member. Link members are provided having first portions coupled with respective ball members, and second portions pivotally coupled with the mower deck for vertically shifting the deck relative to the vehicle as the lift handle pivots. A four bar linkage is coupled between the vehicle and the deck for maintaining the deck in a generally level position throughout the deck's vertical range of motion.

Abstract: A cutting deck mounting system for use on a riding lawn mower is disclosed, having a front linkage attached to a front portion of the cutting deck and to the frame of the mower, a plurality of mounting brackets disposed on the rear axle housing, a rear linkage having a first portion secured to the cutting deck and a second portion slidably disposed in the mounting brackets, and height adjustment members for selectively raising and lowering the cutting deck. The front and rear linkages are operative to maintain the cutting deck in a substantially constant horizontal orientation relative to the ground regardless of the cutting height. The rear linkages also operates to maintain the cutting deck laterally parallel to the axles during operation of the mower. The disclosed mounting system allows torsional flexing of the frame along its longitudinal axis without significantly affecting the orientation of the cutting deck relative to the ground.

Abstract: A farm machine includes first and second elements connected to each other through a joint which permits a rotation between the first and second elements. The farm machine also includes a stop member for limiting the rotation between the first and second elements and a protective device for isolating the stop member which is not deformed during the rotation of the first and second elements.

Abstract: The present invention regards a mechanical device which is an attachment able to support a three point hitch type rake and which is applied to the rear of a tractor. Its structure has been devised in order to allow for a greater versatility in its uses according to the working necessities of the rake. In fact, with a simple action on the pivot (15) and on the side regulating assembly, it is possible to orientate the same on the right-hand side and on the left-hand side, effecting a 180 degree rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a farm machine. According to the present invention, the farm machine features a detection device which detects an intermediate position of a connecting device and cuts off the supply to a maneuvering element when the connecting device comes from an end work position into an intermediate position. The action of the detection device can be cancelled so that the maneuvering element can bring the connecting device beyond the intermediate position into the other end position.

Abstract: A mower to be moved by a motorized vehicle includes a frame supporting a number of working elements (cutting elements combined or not with processing elements). These working elements are arranged crosswise to a direction of advancement of the motor vehicle and mower during work. Two cutting bar parts, one on each side of a central plane of the mower, carry the cutting elements and their associated drive structure. The two cutting bar parts are connected to one another rigidly and reliably. An arrangement of transmission shafts, bevel gears, and universal joints is provided for transferring rotating motion from a power source to the working elements of the mower.

Abstract: A mower deck height adjustment mechanism having a frame coupled to a rear base unit having driven wheels. Ground engaging wheels support the frame, and a deck is coupled to the frame. A crank handle is coupled to a transverse bar that is fixed to a lower parallel member. The operator turns the crank handle to pivot the bar and lower parallel member to thereby raise and lower the front of the deck. A bell crank couples the rear of the deck to the crank handle. The bell crank is carried by and shifts vertically with a connecting member supported by the front of the deck. As the front of the deck shifts vertically, the connecting member, bell crank, and rear portion of the deck also shift vertically. The bell crank is also operatively coupled with the bar for pivoting therewith, which also causes the rear portion of the deck to shift vertically.

Abstract: A mower includes a frame having a connecting mechanism for connecting the frame to a motor vehicle. The mower also includes at least one harvesting mechanism which comprises cutting elements and is connected to the frame through a suspension device. The suspension device permits the displacement in height of the harvesting mechanism relative to the frame. The mower further includes a lightening device operatively connected to the harvesting mechanism and comprising at least one spring connected directly to the harvesting mechanism. The lightening device makes it possible to reduce the pressure with which the harvesting mechanism rests on the ground by transferring a part of the weight of the harvesting mechanism to the frame.

Abstract: A second hayrake hitch for use with a tractor is disclosed. The hayrake hitch includes a generally U-shaped main frame of size and height to overfit a forward hayrake which is directly connected to the tractor. The main frame includes a main beam and a wheeled rear support bar which is pivotally interconnected relative to the main beam. A second hayrake is connected to a hitch bar secured to the rear support bar to enable the tractor to simultaneously pull the two hayrakes. A hydraulic cylinder extends between the rear support bar and a leg connected to the main beam and hydraulic lines interconnect the cylinder with the hydraulic coupling of the tractor. By hydraulically functioning the cylinder while the tractor is moving, the rear support bar can be pivoted relative to the axis of the main beam to thereby move the rear hayrake to the right or to the left relative to the front hayrake to simultaneously rake two hay windrows or one large combined windrow.

Abstract: A draft tongue is horizontally adjustably connected to the left-hand end of a wheel-supported main frame of a crop harvester for movement between an outward working position and an inward transport or traveling position. The tongue includes front and rear portions which are disposed angularly relative to each other and, when the torque is in its working position, the rear portion extends outwardly from a straight ahead direction and the front portion extends forwardly and downwardly in a vertical plane extending in the straight ahead direction when the tongue is in its working position.

Abstract: An agricultural machine for harvesting crop includes a frame provided with a tongue and carrying wheels. The frame carries a cutting device, a conditioning and/or throwing device and adjustable deflectors. The cutting device and the conditioning and/or throwing device can be transposed into a second work position in which they form an acute first angle with a straight line perpendicular to direction of advance and acute second angles with axes of carrying wheels. The second angles have approximately the same value as the first angle.

Abstract: A power driven nut harvester of the invention is a self-propelled device for sweeping nuts from the ground into a housing by means of a power driven rotary drum equipped with flexible tines or with flexible rubber strip material. The power unit also propels the harvester at a substantially constant speed. The nuts are separated from debris by passing them at high velocity through a stiff bristle brush which repels the debris and directs the nuts for collection into a receiving bin. A spring loaded deflector plate adjacent the sweeper drum is kept in proper alignment by a fifth wheel maintained in constant contact with the ground.

Abstract: A dual implement hitch for pivotal connection to the drawbar of a towing vehicle whereby a pair of implements, such as rakes, tedders and the like may be selectively towed in different relative positions without disconnecting the implements from the hitch and reconnecting same in different positions. The hitch comprises an arched longitudinal frame having a clevis at its front end for connection to a towing vehicle and a transverse frame, supported by wheels at its opposite ends, pivoted to the rear end of the longitudinal frame to swing about a vertical axes. A power actuator is connected between the arched longitudinal frame and the transverse frame for changing the angular position of the transverse frame relative to the longitudinal frame. A first drawbar, fixed to the front end of the hitch, extends rearwardly for towing as implement under the longitudinal frame, and a second drawbar, fixed to the transverse frame, rearwardly thereof for towing an implement to the rear of the hitch.

Abstract: A mowing machine comprising a cutter bar having rotary mowing members arranged thereabove. The cutter bar is connected for its support in two places to a carrier frame. One of these connections includes a flexible member, constituted by a resilient element, which permits relative limited movement between the carrier frame and the portion of the cutter bar that is contiguous to the connection. The resilient connection can be attached to a mowing member mounted on the cutter bar or outside the reach of the mowing members by means of an upwardly extending connection beam which is rigidly connected to the carrier frame at its upper end and is connected to the cutter bar at its lower end via a horizontal resilient element.

Abstract: A heavy duty brush cutting machinery having vehicle mounted brush cutters mounted on a boom extending outwardly from the vehicle. The cutter head assembly is comprised of a generally circular rotary cutter blade, a blade-rotating motor and drive shaft, and a semi-circular cutter blade shroud mounting the motor and the drive shaft. The shroud is comprised of a top deck mounting the blade, motor and drive shaft. The top deck has a first peripheral edge encompassing an obtuse arc, a second segmental edge lying radially outwardly from the first edge and non-radially across the plane of the underlying cutter blade, and a third segental edge extending from the first edge and intersecting the second edge at an obtuse angle. The shroud includes an anvil cutting edge provided at the leading edge of the top deck's third segmental edge to sever or dislodge oversized objects from the blade before the object can be carried into the shroud enclosure.

Abstract: An operational carrier for a wheel-type hay rake has an upper frame with one end for single point attachment to the draw bar of a towing vehicle. A lower frame is disposed beneath the upper frame and pivotally connected at one end to the upper frame. A first linkage is pivotally connected at one end to the upper frame and has an opposite end for attachment to the frame of the hay rake. The lower frame is provided with means for pivotally attaching an opposite end of the lower frame to the frame of the hay rake. Hydraulic means mounted on said upper frame has a piston rod connected to the lower frame for raising the lower frame to move the frame of the hay rake when said first linkage is connected to the frame of the hay rake in a substantially vertical direction from a raking position to a transport position.

Abstract: A towed mower having a rectangular frame and a pair of diagonally related blade spindles is described. The mower of the present invention includes both a wide side and a narrow side and an associated shroud assembly. A pair of blade spindles each carry a rotary mower blade covered by the shroud assembly. The mower may be used in either a wide mode or a narrow mode and the preferred embodiment provides an arrangement of parts for easy retorientation between the wide and narrow modes. Separate outlet doors are provided for both the wide side and the narrow side on the shroud assembly and hitch-engaging posts are disposed at each corner of the mower frame to engage a pair of wheel suspension arms and a pair of hitch-engaging brackets. The hitch-engaging brackets and the wheel suspension arms are secured to the posts in a manner which allows ready removal and/or pivoting of the suspension arm or the hitch-engaging bracket so that the mower may be re-oriented from the wide mode to the narrow mode and vice versa.

Abstract: A farm product pickup baler has a frame, ground wheels and a baling device within the frame. A produce pickup device is connected to the frame, as is a tongue. A U-shaped hitch bar pivotably connects the tongue to lifting arms of a tractor about 2 orthogonal axis.

Abstract: A hay rake assembly is characterized by the use of two, three, or even more individual hay rakes which are towed behind a single towing vehicle. Each of the rakes is on an individual gooseneck which is under hydraulic control from the towing vehicle so that it will swing out to establish its own swath, independently of the other rakes, on command from the operator of the towing vehicle. This yields great flexibility in the raking of hay and combining of windrows, and the apparatus is also characterized in that each rake may be reversed on its gooseneck so that the hay rake is converted into a tedding machine. Several other angular and elevational adjustment of the rake basket, most of which are hydraulic, also represent part of the invention.

Abstract: A pull type swather is provided with an adjustable hitch assembly for converting the swather as between a field position in which it is pulled widthwise by a tractor and a transport position in which it is pulled substantially lengthwise. The hitch assembly comprises a hitch pole pivotally connected to the swather frame, a telescopic assembly pivotally connected between the swather frame and the hitch pole and a hydraulic cylinder for extending and retracting the telescopic assembly so as to change the angle of the hitch pole as between the field and transport positions. The swather also includes pivotal wheel assemblies movable by separate hydraulic cylinders as between field and transport wheel positions. The respective hydraulic cylinders are connected in series in a hydraulic circuit for least-resistance sequence operation when converting the apparatus as between the field and transport configurations. The apparatus allows for effortless conversion as between the field and transport configurations.

Abstract: A single-row tomato harvester. A tractor fully supported on its own wheels, has its wheels being spaced apart sufficiently to bridge a previously harvested bed and ride in its furrows. The tractor has its own hydraulic pump, a power take-off unit along the tractor's longitudinal centerline, and a rigid draw bar at its rear. A harvester assembly having no motive power is partially supported on wheels spaced apart widthwise at substantially the same distance as those of the tractor and has a series of hydraulically powered means. The harvester is offset by one bed from the tractor during harvesting. A tongue pivotally attached at one end to the harvester and the other end to said tractor, supports a hydraulic pump for operating the harvester's series of powered means. A longitudinally rigid drive line, swivel mounted to said pump's rotary shaft and to the tractor's power take-off unit, has telescoping means for automatically lengthening and shortening it.

Abstract: A pull-type swather or windrower which can be used either singly or in a duplex or tandem arrangement can be adjusted from a working position to a transport position by pivoting the hitch through 90.degree. and by unlocking the wheels so they turn through 90.degree. to move the swather at right angles to its working direction. The swather is mounted on two wheels inwardly of the ends of the swather and rearwardly of the drapers with the wheel remote from the hitch movable to a position forwardly of its working position so as to lie under the drapers and to balance the center of gravity so that the swather can be supported solely by the two wheels in the transport position. A rear or duplex swather can be attached to the front swather by a duplex hitch which provides steering movements of the rear swather in a direction opposite to the steering movements of the front swather so that the former properly tracks the latter in echelon relationship.

Abstract: A dual implement hitch for pivotal connection to the drawbar of a towing vehicle whereby a pair of implements, such as rakes, tedders or the like may be selectively towed in one of several modes by a simple movement of an operator without disconnecting the implements from the hitch and reconnecting same in a different position. The hitch comprises an arched longitudinal frame having a clevis at its front end for connection to the towing vehicle. The rear of the longitudinal frame is rigidly supported upon an arched transverse from which is supported by dirigible wheels at its opposite ends. A first hitch element is provided at the front end of the longitudinal frame behind the clevis for pivotally connecting a first implement to the frame, beneath the arch. A second hitch element is provided at the rear of the longitudinal frame for pivotally connecting a second implement in trailing position behind the hitch. A tie rod maintains parallel relationship of the wheels.

Abstract: A harvesting combine having a crop gathering means supported by a first wheeled chassis, a crop treatment means supported by a second wheeled chassis, and a drawbar on said crop treatment means for connection to a tractor vehicle. The crop gathering means being pivotally supported on the first wheeled chassis for rotation about a substantially vertical axis between a first position lying transversly across the first wheeled chassis and a second position lying longitudinally thereon.