Abstract: A machine for cutting plant matter equipped with a limiter device includes a first assembly connected to a first unit and a second assembly connected to a second unit. The second unit is connected to the first unit by an articulation allowing the second unit to pivot about an axis of the articulation within limits allowed by at least one stop. The stop is elastically deformable so as to limit pivoting of the second unit about the axis when the second unit is subjected to a first pivoting torque, and so as to tolerate a much greater amount of pivoting of the second unit about the axis when the second unit is subjected to a second pivoting torque.

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: An industrial vehicle includes a frame, a motive device mounted on the frame, a platform mounted on the frame adjacent to the motive device, a main boom member associated with an industrial implement, the main boom member being coupled to the platform, and at least one secondary boom member attached to the main boom member. The industrial vehicle may comprise in one embodiment tilting structure that tilts the platform about an axis substantially perpendicular to a driving direction of the vehicle, or at least one pivot defining at least one axis about which the main boom member and/or the secondary boom member pivot, the at least one axis being substantially perpendicular to a driving direction of the vehicle. A linkage may be provided that pivots at least one of the main boom member and the at least one secondary boom member about an axis substantially perpendicular to a driving direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rear hitch is provided on the rear of a transmission casing. Rear axle casings, disposed at each side of the transmission casing, are provided with brackets. A hinge pin is spanned between rear hitch and each side bracket. A lower link and a check chain are pivotally supported on each hinge pin. A collar is provided on each hinge pin so as to be interposed between the lower link and the check chain.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting vegetation under railway tressels and roadways that includes a vehicle chassis having a turntable body mounted thereon. A primary control station is mounted on the turntable body along with a main boom with a vegetation cutting head attached and a second elevating boom with a secondary control station suspended therefrom. Operators man each of the control stations, and the main boom and elevating boom are hydraulically controlled from either of the control stations as the operators cut vegetation from about railway tressels or roadway overpasses while communicating via a two-way intercom system between the control stations. When cutting below the line of sight of the operator in the primary control station, the cutting head is controlled by the secondary control station operator or is lowered by the elevating boom to a level giving a clear view of the vegetation being cut.

Abstract: A leveling apparatus for a reel type cutting head for use on a gang mower. The leveling apparatus includes a linkage which attaches at an inboard end to the frame of the mower and at an outboard end of a control arm. The control arm in turn attaches to the cutting head to pivot the cutting head about a horizontal axis. As the mower is lowered to engage the ground, the linkage pivots the cutting head to maintain the cutting head level as the cutting head is lowered to engage the ground. In a particular embodiment, the linkage comprises a parallel linkage having an upper and a lower link and inboard and outboard control arms which are arranged to form a parallelogram whose shape changes as the mower is raised and lowered. The parallel linkage connects to the cutting head to pivot the cutting head about a horizontal axis and maintains the cutting head substantially level as the cutting head is raised and lowered.

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: A cutting machine includes a cutting mechanism, an operating device and a carrying beam connected to the cutting mechanism by an articulation. The operating device includes a retractable stop which limits the upwards pivoting of the carrying beam about a longitudinal axis of the articulation when the cutting mechanism is extending in a windrowing position and which is retracted to allow the cutting mechanism to be placed in a transport position. The retractable stop is set in place and retracted automatically by a control mechanism when the cutting mechanism is brought from a work position or from the windrowing position into the transport position.

Abstract: A harvester for harvesting crops, such as rows of corn, includes a corn head having a knife assembly and a gathering belt assembly whose speeds are independently controllable with respect to each other. The independent control permits optimization of the harvester for operation under a wide variety of ground conditions. The harvester also includes a mechanism for adjusting the angular position of the corn head with respect to an associated feeder house.

Abstract: A guide link mechanism is supported from the draft tongue of a pull-type harvester and connected to the gearbox mounted on the crop harvesting header to provide rotational power thereto wherein the guide link is supported from a sliding mechanism mounted on the tongue that accommodates the changes in distance in respective points associated with the pivotal movement of the draft tongue about a different pivot center than the gearbox. The sliding mechanism includes a bracket affixed to the underside of the draft tongue and low friction inserts, such as nylon, phenolic, urethane or polyethylene inserts, carried by the bracket. The guide link is connected to a slider plate that is slidably received by the phenolic inserts to permit a sliding movement thereof relative to the draft tongue. The rearward end of the guide link is pivotally connected to the gearbox to accommodate vertical movements of the crop harvesting header relative to the draft tongue.

Abstract: A self-propelled agricultural harvester (1) is equipped with a fold up crop gathering attachment (6) having at least two sections which are adjustable for road travel. The adjustment narrows the harvester to a permissible width for road travel while maintaining adequate operator visibility to comply with governmental regulations.

Abstract: A cutting machine which includes a hitching structure supporting, via a suspension arm, an elongated cutting mechanism connected to the suspension arm by one articulation of horizontal longitudinal axis pointing in the direction of travel during work, and a locking device intended in the transport position to lock automatically this one articulation. The locking device includes a connecting member connected on the one hand to the cutting mechanism by another articulation of geometric axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the one articulation, and on the other hand to the hitching structure by a connection allowing, in the work position, a movement of the connecting member with respect to the hitching structure, and preventing, in the transport position, a movement of the connecting member with respect to the hitching structure.

Abstract: The felling head is operatively installed at the front end of a tractor vehicle, and used for debrushing a brush covered terrain. It comprises a rigid framework, from which downwardly depends a pair of flat, spaced-apart elongated skates that slidingly rest on the ground and support the framework over ground. A pair of discoid saw blades are rotatably supported by the frame, with a ground clearance of a few inches relative to the plane of the skates. The framework is hingedly attached to the tractor vehicle by of a pair of linked parallel parallelograms forced into a common pivotal displacement, each having four rigid bars hingedly attached to one another so as to form a parallelogram configuration. A pair of hydraulic cylinders act on the parallelograms and on the frame, so as to allow vertical linear movement of the frame and a distinct vertical pivotal movement thereof.

Abstract: A cutting machine including a cutting mechanism which can occupy at least one work position and one set-down position; a hitching structure; a carrying beam connected on the one hand to the hitching structure by a first articulation and on the other hand to the cutting mechanism by a second articulation; a lightening device including an elastically deformable element, and a locking device intended to block the first and second articulations. In the set-down position, the hitching structure and the carrying beam are held by the elastically deformable element and the first and second articulations are locked.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shredder for plants especially including a hitching device and a casing which is open downward and which is fitted with lateral skids. This casing has at least one gearbox with a substantially vertical shaft which can be driven in rotation and which carries one or more knives at its lower end. The invention is noteworthy in that the casing is connected to the hitching device by rods which are articulated to the casing and to the hitching device by axes and in that structure which allow the casing to pivot and to move with respect to the hitching device in directions transverse to the direction of forward travel are arranged between the rods and the hitching device and/or the casing.

Abstract: A pull-type mower conditioner includes a crop harvesting header vertically movable relative to the frame of the mower conditioner between a raised transport position and a lowered operative position, a lift mechanism to effect the movement of the crop harvesting header relative to the frame, and a transport latch mechanism to control the locking of the lift mechanism in the transport position. The lift linkage incorporates a cam mechanism that serves as an upper flotation limit under normal operating conditions and automatically converts into a device for securing the header in the transport position when the header is moved into the transport position.

Abstract: A mower including a cutting mechanism, a hitch structure, a carrying beam, and an operating device. The operating device makes it possible to bring the cutting mechanism at least into the work position and into the windrowing position. This operating device includes an operating member connected, among other things, to the cutting mechanism which includes a first lever, a second lever connected to the carrying beam and to said first lever, and a latch intended to stop the upward pivoting of the cutting mechanism when bringing into the windrowing position, and an operating element connected to said operating member and to the hitch structure.

Abstract: A hedger includes a raisable platform, a telescoping main boom member pivotably attached at one end to the platform, and at least a first boom member pivotably attached to and extending in a first direction from an opposite end of the main boom member. The first boom member rotatably supports at least one cutting blade. A second boom member is pivotably attached to an end portion of the first boom member and extends in a second direction from the opposite end of the main boom member. The second boom member also rotatably supports at least one cutting blade. The first and second boom members of the hedger are pivotable relative to each other and relative to the main boom member. As a result, the structure of the invention enables multiple cutting blade configurations or profiles. Moreover, the platform includes structure enabling the main boom member to achieve a substantially horizontal attitude.

Abstract: A front mounted mower deck includes a mounting and support assembly for operably joining the deck to a motorized vehicle. The mounting and support assembly includes a pair of pusher bars swivelly attached at one end to the deck and at the opposite end to the vehicle. A hanger is pivotally mounted on each pusher bar and includes a slot which receives a slot follower mounted on the deck to allow articulation from side to side by movement of the slot followers in the slots. Each hanger is biased to maintain an associated slot follower in the slot therefor. However, the hanger can be manually manipulated to overcome the biasing force so that the slot followers are released from the slots, thereby allowing the deck to be rotated about the connection with the pusher bars to provide for cleaning, maintenance, etc.

Abstract: A mower deck height control is provided for a riding lawn mower and which includes a control lever operatively connected to the mower deck of the mower by means of linkages and chains. The control lever is pivotally movably mounted between a pair of vertically disposed and horizontally spaced-apart plates having registering openings formed therein which are adapted to receive a pin extending therebetween to limit the downward movement of the control lever with respect to the plates so that the proper cutting height is achieved. The control lever may be also positioned in a transport position.

Abstract: An improved coupling device is disclosed for coupling a tool to a vehicle. The improved coupling device comprises a coupling member secured to a first and a second arm of the vehicle. A first and a second bearing is secured to the coupling member for slidably supporting a first and a second shaft. A connector member is secured to the first and second shafts for mounting to the tool. An actuator drives the connector member relative to the coupling member on the first and second shafts for adjusting the position of the tool relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A mechanism for absorbing impacts encountered by a mower deck coupled with a vehicle, including an arm operatively coupled with the vehicle, a longitudinally extending first tube member coupled with the arm and defining a generally linear axis which extends rearwardly and inwardly toward the vehicle, a second tube member operatively coupled with the mower deck, the first tube being slideably received within the second tube for allowing the second tube to shift linearly along the axis as the mower deck encounters frontal impact loads, a compression spring positioned within the tubes for biasing the second tube and mower deck forwardly with respect to the first tube, and the second tube member is allowed to pivot with respect to the first tube member for allowing the mower deck to pivot from side to side to follow undulating ground contours.

Abstract: A pull-type mower conditioner includes a crop harvesting header vertically movable relative to the frame of the mower conditioner between a raised transport position and a lowered operative position, a lift mechanism to effect the movement of the crop harvesting header relative to the frame, and a transport latch mechanism to control the locking of the lift mechanism in the transport position. The transport latch mechanism has a biasing lever operably positionable between locking and unlocking positions. An extension spring is connected to the biasing lever to bias the lever in the selectable positions. The transport latch will not engage whenever the header is moved to the transport position to avoid an obstacle unless the biasing lever is moved to the lock position.

Abstract: A mowing machine includes a harvesting mechanism which extends during mowing transversely to a working direction, and a lightening device for the harvesting mechanism which includes at least one elastically deformable member whose action can be adjusted by way of an adjustment device connected to the elastically deformable member. The elastically deformable member can include a deformable envelope which contains a gas under adjustable pressure. The adjustment device can include a supply circuit provided with at least one electrovalve or gate connected to the deformable envelope. In an alternative embodiment, the adjustment device can include at least one jack connected to a mechanical spring, and a supply circuit provided with at least one gate or electrovalve connected to the jack.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus is provided for a pivot assembly on a disc mower incorporating a disc cutterbar to sever standing crop material by impact action. A first circular labyrinth seal has a T-shaped cross-section and fills a correspondingly-shaped groove between the pivot support arm and the gearbox housing. The combination of the T-shaped groove and corresponding labyrinth seal creates a labyrinth path for the entrance of dirt into the pivot assembly. A second circular face seal is constructed with a deformed inner diameter to create a lip that engages the face of the gearbox hubs. The deformed inner diameter lip of the face seal creates an inner cavity underneath the seal that can be filled with grease to provide a further deterrent to the entry of dirt into the pivot mechanism.

Abstract: A brush cutting apparatus is mounted on an articulated boom assembly wherein the second boom member carries a pivot axis oriented orthogonally to the pivotal connections of the first and second boom members allowing generally vertical movement of the boom assembly. The articulated boom assembly preferably mounts a brush cutting head at the distal end of the second boom member to provide a greater range of flexibility and versatility in the operation of the brush cutting head. The orthogonal pivot axis is defined by a hydraulic rotary actuator carried in the central portion of the second boom member and enables the brush cutting head to be moved through an arcuate path generally parallel to the orientation of the second boom member as defined through a pivotal movement of the second boom member relative to the first boom member. The arcuate scything motion allows the cutting head to cover a greater range of ground for each pass of the prime mover while staying generally parallel to the surface of the ground.

Abstract: A device for mowing, cutting, and mulching of vegetation in a single pass over the terrain. A movable folding shroud is provided that is pivoted upward to expose a cutter for severing larger trees. The device may be configured so that mowing, cutting, and mulching operations are all performed while traveling in the same direction. Alternatively, the device may be configured so that mowing and mulching operations are performed while traveling in one direction, with cutting operations performed while traveling in the opposite direction. The device may also be configured with a dispensing assembly for applying chemicals onto the cut vegetation to obtain a more effective kill and minimize re-growth.

Abstract: A front-mount mower tractor including a front axle case, a driver's platform disposed above the front axle case and in a front region of the tractor, a platform support frame having one end thereof fixed to the front axle case and extending under the driver's platform longitudinally forwardly of the tractor, and a mower unit raising and lowering link mechanism. The mower unit raising and lowering link mechanism includes lift links pivotally connected to the front axle case for suspending a mower unit from free ends thereof, lift arms pivotally connected to the front axle case above the lift links, at least a portion of each lift arm extending along a side surface of the platform support frame, connecting links each pivotally connected at one end thereof to one of the lift arms, and at the other end to one of the lift links, at least a portion of each connecting link extending along a side surface of the platform support frame, and a cylinder for swinging the right and left lift arms.

Abstract: A cutting device includes a cutting mechanism, a hitching structure designed to be connected to a motor vehicle, a support beam joined to the hitching structure and to the cutting mechanism and a traction device. The traction device is comprised of at least one draw-spring designed to lighten the cutting mechanism during operation and a control device designed to void the action of the at least one draw-spring when the cutting device is placed. The control device has, among other things, a rod at one of the ends to which the at least one draw-spring is attached. The control device is comprised of a cylinder which has the rod, a body, a piston which separates the body into first and second chambers, and a fluid circuit which has a device which allows the fluid to enter the first chamber located on the side of the at least one draw-spring when the latter must be tightened, and allows the fluid to leave the first chamber when the at least one draw-spring must be relaxed.

Abstract: A mechanism for mounting a mower deck to a vehicle, the mechanism including a first member which pivots about a first pivot mechanism as the mower pivots to ride over ground undulations. When raised by the operator, the deck will pivot about the first pivot mechanism until the first member abuts a second member supported by a second pivot mechanism. As the deck continues to be raised it will pivot about the second pivot mechanism. A link coupled between the vehicle frame and the second member causes the second member to also pivot about a third pivot mechanism which swings the deck rearwardly as it is raised.

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 improved skid steer vehicle that has a longitudinally extending main frame and wheels for supporting the main frame for movement over the ground. An operator's compartment spans substantially the entire lateral distance of the main frame in the fore and aft midportions thereof, An engine is contained within an engine compartment disposed rearward of the operator's compartment and includes an auxiliary hydraulic power supply driven off the engine. A pair of spaced apart actuating arms are operably coupled to the main frame at a first end and have a quick attaching mount disposed at a second end thereof. The improvement comprises a flail mower implement that has a quick attachment receiver that is adapted for selective engagement with the quick attaching mount of the pair of actuating arms.

Abstract: A foldable root crop defoliator wherein the implement has a central frame with lateral wings pivotally attached to the central frame. The front end of the central frame is adjustably attached to a hitch for towing the defoliator. Plant top cutting and shredding devices are mounted to the wing frames and are driven by a power train connected to the power-take-off (PTO) of the towing vehicle. In a use orientation, the two lateral wings are independently adjustable relative to the ground. Also, they have a range of free motion, and are able to "float" independently over the ground that they are immediately above. For a travel or storage orientation, each lateral wing is rotated upward to a vertical position by actuating a lifting device mounted on the central frame. The lifting device includes, for example, a piston and cylinder, and toggle linkage assembly. By being foldable, the defoliator may be reduced to a much smaller width, making it safer to transport and easier to store.

Abstract: A device for mowing, cutting, and mulching of vegetation in a single pass over the terrain. A movable folding shroud is provided that is pivoted upward to expose a cutter for severing larger trees. The device may be configured so that mowing, cutting, and mulching operations are all performed while traveling in the same direction. Alternatively, the device may be configured so that mowing and mulching operations are performed while traveling in one direction, with cutting operations performed while traveling in the opposite direction. The device may also be configured with a dispensing assembly for applying chemicals onto the cut vegetation to obtain a more effective kill and minimize re-growth.

Abstract: A mower includes a cutting mechanism, an attachment structure, a carrying beam connected to the cutting mechanism by way of a first articulation and to the attachment structure by way of a second articulation and a third articulation, and a safety device including an energy accumulator. The safety device includes a pivoting member connected to the attachment structure by way of a fourth articulation and a connecting rod installed between the pivoting member and the cutting mechanism or the carrying beam. The energy accumulator is connected to the pivoting member by way of a connection which is capable, from a certain angle of pivoting of the cutting mechanism toward the rear, about the axis of the third articulation, of reducing the lever arm with which the energy accumulator acts on the pivoting member.

Abstract: A mower-conditioner platform or header is suspended from the main frame of the mower-conditioner by a pair of transversely spaced lower links and a single upper link or lift arm. A hydraulic lift cylinder is connected directly to the lift arm. The lift arm is mounted between the main and platform frames in a manner for permitting the lift arm to undergo a given amount of side-to-side movement about its connection with the main frame in response to relative vertical movement between the opposite ends of the platform as the platform travels over uneven ground contour during cutting operation, and for limiting the side-to-side movement of the upper link to an amount considerably less than said given amount when the platform is raised to its transport position. Three different connection points are provided at the forward end of the lift arm for connection to the platform frame and by selecting different ones of these points different platform cutting angles may be obtained.

Abstract: A balancing skid for a tree harvesting machine, which balancing skid is designed to mount adjacent to the cutting assembly beneath the cutting frame of the tree harvesting machine and spaced from the existing blade skid to balance the cutting assembly horizontally and facilitate more accurate and cleaner horizontal cuts of the trees being harvested, with minimum blade warp and tooth damage. The balancing skid includes a steel skid plate characterized by a substantially horizontal plate base and a plate skid extending upwardly from one end of the base plate in angular relationship and terminating in a skid nose. The plate base and plate skid are welded to a base connector and a skid connector, respectively, and the base connector and skid connectors are, in turn, welded to the cutting frame or undercarriage of the tree harvesting machine to securely mount the skid plate on the tree harvesting machine.

Abstract: A control assembly for a brush cutting machine. The control assembly is attached at its top to the distal end of the dipper boom of a cutting machine and at its bottom is attached to the blade assembly of a cutting machine, The control assembly comprises a rotatory in the form of an upper and lower plates which rotate together relative to the boom of a cutting machine thereby causing the blade assembly to rotate into a forward facing position into the material to be cut.

Abstract: A rough terrain hydraulic mower, with dual blades, attached in a non-rigid manner to a backhoe boom mounted on the towing tractor by way of a three point hitch arrangement.

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 mechanism for shifting reel mower cutting units to a position whereat the undersides of the cutting units are exposed for service. A knuckle joint is provided for pivoting the cutting units as the lift arms are raised to thereby shift the cutting units to service positions. A connection point is provided between a yoke and the cutting unit which is located at the upper rear quadrant of the cutting unit's side frame for generally balancing the force distributed to the ground through the front and rear rollers during forward mowing operations.

Abstract: A tree-trimming and phoning machine has a cutter bar (2) with a plurality of in-line-staggered rotary cutter blades (1) that are rotated by a separate hydraulic motor (12) for each one of the plurality of the rotary cutter blades. A resulting plurality of blade-turning hydraulic motors (12) are connected in series to a hydraulic-motor line 15. Hydraulic relief lines (23) are in pressure-spike-relief communication between hydraulic-motor lines (1 5) intermediate the hydraulic motors (12) and a hydraulic manifold or header (24). The cutter bar is attachable to a single side or to both sides of a hydraulic lifting means (5) such as employed for standard front-end loaders, fork lifts and other lifting means that are attachable to a vehicle (6) such as a tractor. The hydraulic lifting means is maneuverable university to select positions of trimming, pruning and cutting-load dumping.

Abstract: A cutting machine or harvesting machine which is intended to be connected to the hitch of a power-driven vehicle. According to the invention, during work, a connection device of the cutting machine connects the cutting mechanism to the hitching structure, and allows a displacement in the height of the cutting mechanism in relation to the hitching structure with the wheel able to pivot around an upwardly directed geometric axis.

Abstract: A supporting frame for a mower attachment of the rotary or flail type to provide for quick attachment of the mower to and detachment of the mower from a road grader or similar prime mover. The mower is designed for mowing roadside ditches, and the supporting frame mounts the mower so it can float and still be easily raised and lowered by the operator when necessary for transport.

Abstract: A farm machine and particularly a mower or harvester, which includes a load-lightening and lifting device having an elastically deformable element mounted parallel with a jack or lift cylinder. According to the invention, the farm machine includes a piston which is separated from a rod of the jack and the rod includes a stop against which the piston is intended to come to rest, such that in a first mode of operation (during work), the rod can slide in the cylinder without a stop of the rod touching the piston, which allows a normal operation of an elastically deformable element. In addition, in a second mode of operation (during transport), the piston is brought into contact with the stop of the rod under the action of the fluid of a feed source, to displace the rod in relation to the cylinder.

Abstract: A work head (20) has a main housing (28) pivotably mountable on a boom (14) of a brush cutting machine. A cutter wheel (64) is rotatably mounted on the housing (28) to rotate about a vertical axis (X). A shroud (38) is pivotably mounted on the housing (28) to pivot about the same axis (X). The shroud (38) substantially surrounds the cutter wheel (64). The inner race (76) of an annular bearing (74) is secured to a bottom wall (36) of the housing (28). The outer race (80) of the bearing (74) is secured to the top wall (40) of the shroud (38). A hydraulic motor (88) mounted on the housing (28) carries a pinion gear (92) that engages teeth (84) on the outer race (80) to pivot the shroud (38). A fixed gripper jaw (46) depends downwardly from the housing (28) adjacent to the shroud (38). An upper jaw (50) is pivotably mounted on the housing (28) to cooperate with the fixed jaw (46) to grip cut brush and other debris.

Abstract: An articulated arm and cutter attachment for mounting on a tractor has a pair of elongated vertical booms pivotally connected to one another at their top ends. The lower end of one of the booms is pivotally connected to a beam extending laterally from underneath the tractor chassis. The other boom has a telescoping lower end on which is mounted a foot which supports a rotary cutter. An upper portion of the beam connected to the tractor is inclined outwardly, and an upper portion of the other beam is inclined inwardly to allow the arm to reach out a substantial distance and extend over obstacles such as fences. Pivoting mechanisms in the foot allow tilting of the supported cutter over a wide range of angular positions. Hydraulic cylinders are provided for carrying out movement of the arm, along with hydraulic fluid lines and controls. Yieldable mounting of the foot provides for breaking away of the cutter upon striking an obstacle.

Abstract: A mobile vegetation cutting apparatus that has a mobile chassis adapted for travel on a railroad trackway. Attached to the mobile chassis are at least two independently pivotal boom assemblies that can be selectively pivoted to vegetation cutting positions on both sides of the trackway. A cutting head assembly having a vegetation cutting member operably attached thereto is attached to each boom assembly. Each cutting head assembly is equipped with guard members that can be pivoted to open and closed positions for permitting large items of vegetation to engage a cutting member while substantially preventing cutting debris from being ejected therefrom.

Abstract: An improved drive structure is provided for use between a lawn and garden type vehicle and a vertically adjustable belt driven, belly-mounted implement such as a rotary mower. The structure is usable with a standard length engine crankshaft which is mountable to project below the vehicle chassis and power the belt driven mower. It includes a stub shaft extension that is adapted to carry an electric clutch as well as a pulley for driving a belt entrained around the mower spindle pulleys. The extension permits positive power transmission to the drive pulley and also allows for it to be mounted substantially horizontal with the implement pulleys as they are shifted vertically in response to height of cut adjustments and/or variation in terrain. The extension further eliminates the need for jacksheave power relay arrangements commonly used to reduce the angles of drive belt entry and exit into and out of drive and driven pulleys.

Abstract: Tree and/or brush clearing and/or trimming equipment mounted on a tractor includes a rotary cutter provided with blades pivotally mounted on a rotating shaft and enclosed in a cutter housing open towards the plants to be cut. The cutter is mounted at the end of a multi-section arm, which arm is mounted on the tractor by a joint permitting both angular and rotational disposition of the cutter and the cutter housing, permitting both clearing of undergrowth around the tractor and cutting of low-growing branches or the like.