Abstract: A vegetation cutting head is mounted on a tractor by an articulated boom. A hydraulic cylinder attached to the boom rotates the cutting head about an axis transverse to the distal end of the boom. A second hydraulic cylinder rotates the cutting head about an axis parallel to the plane of operation of the cutting head. A third hydraulic cylinder rotates the cutting head about an axis orthogonal to both of the first two axes. The cutting head can be operated while the boom is at any horizontal angle from 0.degree. to 90.degree. of the direction of travel of the tractor.

Abstract: A mower in which during work a limiting device is connected to a hitching structure by a hinge having a geometric axis that is at least approximately parallel to a geometric axis of a first hinge. The limiting device is connected so as to slide in relation to a support beam, and for transport, the sliding connection of the limiting device can be blocked in relation to the support beam by a locking device that is used to lock a cutting mechanism in its raised position for transport.

Abstract: A mower having a cutting mechanism which during work extends crosswise to the direction of work includes a retaining element. The retaining element prevents a pivoting of a support beam and the cutting mechanism around an axis directed upward and is installed so that during work, it has sharp inclination upward and forward.

Abstract: A mobile mower apparatus comprises a mower boom which is pivotally connected to a mobile vehicle for lateral extension therefrom. A mower frame is suspended from the boom. The mower frame has two frame sections which are connected to each other to allow the frame sections to pivot relative to each other about a generally horizontal pivot axis. A mower blade is mounted on each of the frame sections for relative pivotal motion corresponding to the motion of the frame sections. A hydraulic cylinder is connected to the mower frame to allow a human operator to control the relative angular positions of the first and second frame sections while mowing. The mower blades defining cutting lines which approximately intersect the pivot axis.

Abstract: Wide area mower which can be attached to and detached from a tractor in a relatively short time. In one disclosed embodiment, the mower has a main frame which is detachably connected to the rear mount of a tractor, swing frames pivotally connected to the main frame for movement into and out of engagement with the side mounts of the tractor, means detachably locking the swing frames in engagement with the side mounts, and mowing heads mounted on the frames to the sides and rear of the tractor. In another disclosed embodiment, the mower includes a frame adapted for connection to a towing vehicle, a pair of side decks positioned on opposite sides of the frame, a center deck positioned between the side decks, a pair of rear decks positioned to the rear of and between the side decks and the center deck.

Abstract: A swing-tongue harvester has a hydraulically controlled pulling tongue that can be operated from the tractor seat to change the lateral position of the machine relative to the towing tractor, notwithstanding the presence of a mechanical drive line which extends along the tongue and branches down to a gearbox carried by the header for driving the operating components of the header. Telescoping steering linkage between the swing tongue and the gearbox causes the box to swing responsively with the tongue when the tongue is swung to any of its angular positions, thus keeping the input shaft of the gearbox oriented properly toward the driveline along the tongue. The connection points for the steering linkage between the tongue and the gearbox are such that a telescoping section of the driveline bridging the tongue and the input shaft of the gearbox has equal angles maintained at its universal joints at opposite ends of the telescoping section to reduce unequal loading at those locations.

Abstract: A rotary mower of the type used for mowing shallow angle furrows has a wing lift mechanism that will lift both wings simultaneously to a common height but permits both wings to follow the contours of the ground when the ground angle exceeds the preset angle of the mower.

Abstract: A lift system for individually elevating one or more harvesting units of a cotton harvester through a range of movement extending between an operational position and a raised position while maintaining other harvesting units in an operational position relative to the harvester. The lift system includes a source of actuating fluid, a fluid pressure actuator connected to each harvesting unit for elevating a respective harvesting unit, and a control system connected between the source of actuating fluid and each fluid pressure actuator for selectively controlling the elevation of the harvesting units relative to the chassis of the harvester. The control system includes ground sensors for individually maintaining the harvesting units in a preselected elevational position relative to the harvester.

Abstract: A vegetation cutter is mounted on the end of an articulated boom supported for horizontal and vertical movement on a relatively small tractor by removable frame means. The frame means includes front to rear extending left and right longitudinal side frames which are connected by a U-shaped frame extending over the motor housing of the tractor and connected at its lower end portions to the side of the frame members. A rotary vegetation cutting housing is pivotally attached to the outer end of the articulated boom by a unique linkage means permitting the housing to be pivoted about a horizontal pivot through an arc in excess of 180.degree.. A hydraulic motor on the cutter housing drives a cutter blade through a unique non-tapered cutter shaft which is held in the housing in the event of bearing seizure by unique drive means which precludes the rotating blade from dropping from the housing to create an accident hazard.

Abstract: A circular cutter wheel (34) is mounted on a work head housing (24) to rotate about a vertical axis (Y). A chain saw (76) is mounted on the housing (24) above the wheel (34). The saw (76) is mounted by a swivel device (42) which continuously rotates the saw (76) about a vertical axis (X) between a nonuse position in which the saw (76) extends over the housing (24) and a plurality of use positions in which it projects forwardly and/or laterally therefrom. The device (42) includes coaxial cylindrical housings (44, 48). The saw (76) is secured to an outer circumferential surface (82) of the outer housing (48). A motor (50) carried by the inner housing (44) rotates the outer housing (48) and saw (76).

Abstract: A harvesting machine comprises a body which rests on the ground both in a work position and in a transport position through at least one wheel connected directly or indirectly to the body. The harvesting machine includes an orientation element used to orient the wheel in a direction of transport. The orientation of the wheel for the purpose of transport is performed in a simple and quick manner, while allowing, during work, the pivoting of the wheel around its shaft connecting it to the body.

Abstract: A farm machine having a first joint with an upwardly directed axis such that in the vicinity of the first joint, a body is connected to a connecting device with a second joint. The second joint having an axis at least approximately perpendicular to the axis of the first joint and to a longitudinal axis of the body. A universal joint telescopic shaft transmits the rotation movement of an output shaft of a second housing to an input shaft of an intake housing connected to the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting vegetation such as tree branches is disclosed, which includes a vehicle, a first boom attached to the vehicle, a second boom attached to the first boom, and a cutter attached to the second boom. A first piston and cylinder is attached between the vehicle and the first boom, a second piston and cylinder is attached between the first boom and the second boom, and a third piston and cylinder is attached between the second boom and the cutter. A first engine is mounted on the vehicle and operatively connected to the pistons and cylinders, and a second engine is also mounted on the vehicle and is operatively connected to only power the cutter.

Abstract: A mower is propelled along the ground by a tractor and the mower includes three cutting units mounted on a frame. The three cutting units are transversely mounted on the frame to cut in overlapping parallel patterns with each cutting unit being free floating on the frame such that each unit cuts at an elevation controlled by the ground immediately under the cutting unit.

Abstract: An improved height control system for adjusting the elevation of a harvesting unit supportd for vertical movement on a cotton harvester. The height control system includes a signal receiving apparatus movable within a range of movement and arranged in combination with a lift mechanism for adjusting the elevation of the harvesting unit. A signal transmitting mechanism carried on the harvesting unit for ground engagement is connected to the signal receiving apparatus for causing the lift mechanism to effect harvesting unit elevation correlated with vertical movement of the signal transmitting mechanism relative to the harvesting unit. A linkage assembly interconnects the signal receiving apparatus and signal transmitting mechanism.

Abstract: A mower which is to be coupled to a motor vehicle comprises a first cylinder acting directly or indirectly on a deformable structure, which is in direct connection with a second fluid cylinder whose length varies, from a certain value, proportionally to the pivoting of a mowing group around an axis of a joint which connects the mowing group to a support beam of a frame.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a cotton harvester with harvesting units mounted for vertical movement about a fixed axis and for lateral movement across a front end of the harvester. The drive assembly includes a harvesting unit drive section and a transmission section which are driven by a common power input. The harvesting unit drive section includes an upright fluidically sealed housing with an output shaft assembly and a pair of modular drive units supported and connected to the housing at opposite ends of the output shaft assembly. An elongated modular support connects at least one of the drive units to the housing to optimize the lateral location of the driving units and thereby maximizing transfer of rotary power through the harvesting unit drive section.

Abstract: A riding mower includes a frame, front steering wheel, two rear wheels and two mower blade housings located laterally relative to the frame with blades located within the housings. Telescoping drive shafts extend generally longitudinally from a belt drive mechanism located at a rearward end of the frame to the blade housings to drive each of the blades within the housings. Hydraulic cylinder assemblies and a leveling system are provided to pivot the frame with respect to the rear wheels and about a longitudinal axis in response to changes in slope of the surrounding terrain, maintaining the frame in a generally upright orientation. The telescoping drive shafts extend and retract in response to the angular movement of the frame with respect to the blade housings that remain close to the ground surface.

Abstract: A mowing machine comprises a mowing unit and a crushing unit, both suspended in a first frame, the first frame together with the mowing unit (8) and the crushing unit also being suspendedeither to the leading end of a second frame which is provided with ground engaging wheels and a drawbar for connection behind a tractor,or to the lifting hitch at the front side of the tractor. The same type mowing machine is also operable at the forward end of the tractor as well as to the tractor's rear at the left or right side.

Abstract: This invention is a mowing machine which is to be hitched to the back of an agricultural tractor. The primary purpose of the invention is to cut and clean vegetation and debris from along agricultural fence rows. The cutting assembly of the mowing machine includes flails which are rapidly rotated and are made from fabric reinforced rubber. The flails are flexible and are about two feet long, about three-fourths of an inch thick, about three inches wide, and weigh about five pounds. The invention may be used to cut and remove vegetation and debris from under fence rows since the flails are flexible and easily mow around fence posts without damaging either the posts or the flails. The cutting assembly can be positioned so that a plane in which the cutting flails rotate is either inclined or declined to match the inclined slopes of embankments and declined slopes of drainage ditches.

Abstract: A motorized lawn mowing machine supported on wheels has a generally horizontal deck with a spindle mounted grass cutter blade below the deck which is rotatable in a generally horizontal cutting plane to cut grass as the machine moves in a forward path of travel. A drive spindle driven by the lawn mower engine protrudes above the deck and mounts a first pulley. Mounted on the deck for swinging movement between an extended operative position in which it extends forwardly and sidewisely angularly from said deck and a vertically raised inboard inoperative position is an auxiliary support having a vertically disposed spindle near its front end with a second pulley thereon. A rotary trimmer disc with flailing cords is mounted on the spindle to rotate in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A highly mobile brush cutting vehicle is adapted to mount a rotary steel disk-type cutter head on the end of an elongated boom assembly. The vehicle is preferably rubber-tired, with individual wheels mounted on articulating legs. The wheel legs are preferably mounted to the vehicle undercarriage for independent articulation up and down. The preferred brush cutter includes a boom assembly provided with a telescoping extension to which the cutter assembly is mounted. The brush cutter assembly itself is preferably provided as integral part of an excavator bucket that includes a jaw or clamp arm.

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: Hinged connection (16) forms a connection element (17) connected to hitching element (9) by a first joint (20) and to support beam (14) by a second joint (21). Connection element (15) and connection element (17) form with hitching element (9) and support beam (14) a deformable quadrilateral (22) making it possible, for transport, to move the mowing group (2) toward median vertical plane (62) of the tractor (8).

Abstract: A combine or power unit attachment by which two disc mower-conditioner units are attached to and driven by a combine with the mower-conditioners being arranged at slight opposing angles and in slightly staggered relation for discharge of the cut material in side-by-side relationship to form a single windrow. The mower-conditioners attached to the combine are in and of themselves a known structure and the combine or power unit in and of itself is a known structure with the attachment enabling the mower-conditions to be connected to, supported from and driven from the feeder housing on the combine with the attachment including a supporting framework that is quickly and easily attached to and removed from the feeder housing, a drive connection extending from each side of the feeder housing and a control mechanism for controlling the attitude of the mower-conditioners.

Abstract: A boom attachment which carries a work unit pivotally at its outer end and which is pivotally connected at its inner end to an upstanding support carried by a base is attached to the rear end of a tractor by a three-point hitch and is operated from a power take-off on the rear of the tractor. The boom is adjustable in a transverse plane at the rear of the tractor so that the work unit can be disposed at either side of the tractor without removing or replacing parts in making this adjustment. This adjustment is accomplished with a cylinder and piston unit which is connect at the side of the boom by outwardly extending pivots.

Abstract: A V-belt guide is provided for the drive belt of a vehicle-implement combination wherein the implement is capable of vertical up and down floating movement relative to the vehicle. The guide is positioned above the strands of the belt, just ahead of the drive pulley, and serves to restrict the angle at which the belt strands can enter into and exit from the drive pulley. The guide takes the form of a plate having a gently curving surface around which the belt is guided into or out of the drive pulley. Vertically projecting members are attached to the guide plate and restrict excessive lateral movement of the belt strands.

Abstract: A boom attachment which carries a work unit pivotally at its outer end and which is pivotally connected at its inner end to an upstanding support carried by a base is attached to the rear end of a tractor by a three-point hitch and is operated from a power take-off on the rear of the tractor. The boom is adjustable in a transverse plane at the rear of the tractor so that the work unit can be disposed at either side of the tractor without removing or replacing parts in making this adjustment. This adjustment is accomplished with a cylinder and piston unit which is connect at the side of the boom by outwardly extending pivots.

Abstract: A mower for mowing vegetation under a fence supported above the surface of the earth by a series of spaced posts comprising a horizontal boom connected at one end with a prime mover and supporting a mowing head at its other end. The mowing head is pivotal about a vertical and horizontal axes so that when contacting one of the fence posts the mowing head pivots around the position of the post while drawn by the prime mover in a forward direction. The mowing head is angularly tilted vertically for mowing a fence row or other surface on an incline with respect to the surface of the earth supporting the prime mover.

Abstract: A boom attachment which carries a work unit pivotally at its outer end and which is pivotally connected at its inner end to an upstanding support carried by a base is attached to the rear end of a tractor by a three-point hitch and is operated from a power take-off on the rear of the tractor. The boom is adjustable in a transverse plane at the rear of the tractor so that the work unit can be disposed at either side of the tractor without removing or replacing parts in making this adjustment. This adjustment is accomplished with a cylinder and piston unit which is connected at the side of the boom by outwardly extending pivots.

Abstract: A mower has a system of levers carrying the cutting head to project it laterally of the tractor on which it is mounted, the actual mounting for the levers being adjustable along the length of a beam extending across the tractor while the tractor is in motion, by means of a motor driving a rack and pinion on the mounting and beam respectively.

Abstract: The invention provides a mower attachment for a lawn or garden tractor carried on the tractor for movement between transport and operating positions. An articulated boom structure is guidably supported for up and down pivotal movement to provide for a predetermined substantially horizontal low path of movement for a mower unit at the free end of the boom structure, and for utilization of the weight of the mower unit in extending the boom structure during pivotal movement thereof. Extension of the boom structure is yieldably resisted by a spring unit which also functions to provide a floating action of the mower unit in following the ground contour in a mowing operation.

Abstract: A method for cultivating plantable soils, more particularly forest soils, by breaking-up and working-in plants and parts of plants lying upon the soil, for example leaves, needles, twigs and branches. To this end, a plurality of elements, flexible in all directions, tautened by centrifugal force, and secured to a shaft, are caused to rotate by the said shaft, the radius of rotation of the ends of the said elements being greater than the selected distance between the axis of rotation of the shaft and the surface of the ground. In order to be able to mechanically cultivate larger areas of substantially uneven and non-homogeneous forest soils, the horizontal axis of rotation of the shaft is also subjected to an oscillating pivoting motion about a vertical axis, the axis of rotation of the shaft being kept substantially radial to the pivot-axis and being moved in a circle which is parallel to the surface of the ground.

Abstract: A mowing machine adapted to be towed by and in laterally displaced relation to a tractor. The mowing machine has an undercarriage frame and a cross beam to which a plurality of cutting tools are mounted for rotation about vertical axex. Cutter blades are connected to the lower ends of the cutting tools. The cutting machine is connected to the tractor by means of a pivotable tractor hitch and the cutting tools are driven by a drive shaft interconnecting a power take-off shaft of the towing tractor and a gear box on the cross beam. The gear box is pivotally mounted on a middle part of the cross beam and the drive shaft is connected with the gear box by means of a support joint having forked parts pivotally interconnected on a horizontal axis.

Abstract: There is disclosed a rotary mower which is comprised of a top deck and sidewalls, a connecting structure for supporting the front of the mower on a tracking three-point hitch, a drive shaft connectable to a tractor power take-off, a gearbox and rotor to drive the mower blade and a tail wheel for varying blade cutting height adjustably supported by a support tube pivotally carried by the mower deck. The tail wheel adjustment structure is carried between the mower deck and wheel support tube to reduce stresses and resulting deformation on the deck and sidewalls and is compactly designed to minimize projection of parts above the tail wheel support tube both during operation and shipment.

Abstract: A mower attachment for use on farm and highway equipment such as tractors. A cutting head assembly is mounted on an extensible boom supported from the tractor. The cutting head assembly can be moved in three dimensions without changing the position of the tractor. The cutting head assembly has a guard for the cutting chain and has a window therein. A door can open and close the window. It is especially useful for cutting brush along fence rows. It can be useful for cutting and trimming trees.

Abstract: Three booms (20,30,50) form an articulated boom structure that is mounted on a pivotable base (10). The booms (20,30,50) are extendible into a position in which they extend one from another and are generally parallel to each other. The booms (20,30,50) may be folded into a position in which a workhead (74) attached to the outer boom (50) is positioned to work in the area on the ground near the base (10). The booms (20,30,50) fold into a Z-shaped configuration and may be pivoted to move the workhead (74) in a vertical line reaching to a height of about 40 feet. A rotary cutter (90) is carried by the workhead (74). Opposing jaws (84,86) are carried by the workhead (74) and third boom (50), respectively, and function, when the workhead (74) is pivoted, to grasp debris or to perform a digging operation. The jaw (84) may also be used as a rake. A shroud (82) on workhead (74) prevents debris from flying away from cutter (90) in unpredictable directions.

Abstract: A swather including at least a front swather head and one side swather head having mountings for mounting the front head on a tractor for support by the front of the tractor and for mounting the side head in a manner to permit the rear of the tractor to support at least the inner end of the side swather head. The mountings are such that they permit the heads to be adjusted to a number of different travel modes. In one mode of travel, the side head can be moved to a position trailing the tractor and the front head is carried in a raised position at the front of the tractor. The movement of the side head can be accomplished from within a cab of the tractor. Another mode of transport is possible by providing a mechanism for demounting and carrying the front head. For this mode the side head is moved to the trailing position as just described, and the front head is pulled lengthwise behind the side head.

Abstract: The connecting device 5 which links the mowing group 2 to the hitching device 3 comprises a connecting beam 21 and two connecting bars 38 and 39 that are connected respectively to the end of the connecting beam 21 and to the hitching device 3 by means of joints 36, 37, 40, and 41 so as to form with the hitching device 3 and the connecting beam 21 a deformable quadrilateral. The elastically deformable element 45 of the load-reducing mechanism 43 extends at least between two sides of the deformable quadrilateral, so as to create at the level of the connection 22, 23, 25, and 55 between the connecting beam 21 and the mowing group 2 a force directed upwardly.

Abstract: A mower vehicle includes a vehicle frame and single front and rear driven wheels. The vehicle is adapted to conform generally to slopes and the like by maintaining the frame in a generally upright orientation. First and second blade housings are pivotally connected to the frame and swingable about an axis extending longitudinally of the frame. The first and second blade housings extend laterally from opposite sides of the frame. Each blade housing carries a driven cutting blade. The blade housings are open to one another and have a shared discharge passage at a center rear section thereof. The blades overlap slightly and rotate in synchronized reverse rotations relative to one another. Hydraulic cylinder assemblies are provided to actuate the first and second blade housings about the longitudinal axis in response to changes in slope of the surrounding terrain.

Abstract: A tractor mower system comprising a mower attachment and an oil reservoir and power assembly. The mower attachment has a tool bar from which a plurality of mower units are suspended. The tool bar is connectable to a three-point hitch at the front end of the tractor. Hydraulic conduit means leading from the tractor to the motors that rotate the mowers have quick disconnect couplings. The mower units are staggered with their ends overlapping to avoid unmowed paths between them. Each mower unit has a plurality of rotary blades. The hydraulic reservoir and power assembly is connected to a three-point hitch at the back of the tractor. Fluid is pumped from the reservoir to the motors of the mower units and back to the reservoir through conduits. These conduits are also connected by quick disconnect couplings. The outboard portions of the tool bar support outboard mower units and are pivotal relative to the inboard section.

Abstract: A riding type mower includes steered front wheels and driven rear wheels arranged in the front and rear parts of a vehicle body, respectively, a mowing cutter mechanism disposed under the vehicle body, a driver's seat disposed on the vehicle body, and an engine for driving the rear wheel and the mowing cutter mechanism. The driver's seat is disposed substantially at the longitudinally central part of the vehicle body, the engine is disposed below the driver seat, a fuel supply system of the engine is disposed at one side of the engine, and an exhaust system of the engine is disposed at the other side of the engine. Power of the engine is transmitted through a pulley belt to an input shaft of a transmission gearing for the rear wheels, with the transmission gearing being disposed behind a rear axle, and concurrently from the input shaft through another pulley belt to the cutter mechanism which is level-adjustably disposed substantially in the longitudinal central part of the vehicle body.

Abstract: In a harvester wherein the frame is raised relative to ground wheels for roading purposes and such elevation of the frame stretches flotation springs to thereby lift the harvesting header off the ground, the amount of flotation force exerted by the springs on the header can be quickly and easily adjusted by only partially raising the frame and then inserting mechanical stops which prevent retraction of hydraulic lifting cylinders when pressure is relieved therein. By inserting a variable number of such stops in a stack, the flotation force can likewise be adjustably varied.

Abstract: An agricultural machine to be pulled by a tractor and having working tools driven by outer driving sources comprises a chassis arranged to support the working tools, a beam unit arranged for connecting the chassis with a tractor and including a first beam and a second beam, a transmission including a first portion and a second portion turnable relative to one another and arranged so that the first portion is connected with the first beam turnable relative to one another about an upward axis of turning of the portions whereas the second portion is fixedly connected with the second beam, a locking element arranged to lock the rotation between the first portion and the first beam, and a driving device arranged in the transmission and including two input shafts located in the first portion and receiving the movement from one driving source, an output shaft located in the second portion and adapted to transmit movement to the working tools at approximately the same speed independently of the input shafts which rec

Abstract: A boom assembly (B) is pivotally connected at one end with a prime mower (A) and at a second end with a mowing apparatus (C). An orientation control (D) controls the orientation of the mowing apparatus relative to the boom assembly such that the mowing apparatus can mow vegetation on vertical, sloping, or level areas with the boom positioned with varying degrees of extension. The orientation control (D) includes a hydraulic cylinder (60) which is pivotally connected at one end with the boom assembly and at its other end with a linkage assembly (62). The linkage assembly includes a first link (64) which is pivotally connected with the boom assembly and a second link (68) which is pivotally connected with the mowing apparatus and the first link. The linkage assembly converts the longitudinal extensive and contractive movement of the hydraulic cylinder into substantially 180.degree. of relative rotational movement between the mowing apparatus and the boom assembly.

Abstract: A gang reel mower consisting of a pair of mower heads of the ordinary reel type laterally spaced apart in a forward row, and another mower head disposed behind and laterally intermediate the mower heads in the forward row. Each mower head is castered about a vertical axis disposed forwardly thereof, in order that it may operate directly forwardly even when the mower as a whole is negotiating a turn, and the caster axis of the rear mower head is shifted laterally of the mower frame in order that it will always be aligned to cut the strip of grass left uncut by the front mower heads. Mechanism is provided for elevating the mower heads to a transport position well above ground level, and in so doing to cancel and lock any castering motion thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning bush. The apparatus has a frame with a circular saw mounted at the front end and power means, for use in operating the saw, mounted at the rear end. Pivot means on the frame are used to pivotally mount the apparatus on a bush vehicle. The vehicle is driven in bush and the saw is operated to cut down bush and small trees. The vehicle operator can both move the circular saw from side to side, and tilt the frame, to raise or lower the saw with one hand.

Abstract: This mower has a mower beam with at least one rotating mowing device joined on the mower beam and also on a carrying beam arranged on the hitching mount, which in the forward movement of the machine is arranged in front of and above the mower beam, whereby the carrying beam is coupled somewhat in the center of the hitching mount behind the tractor about a vertical pivot axis and whereby the carrying beam outboard half from the hitching mount is somewhat in its center provided with a horizontal pivot axis in order to permit the outer part of the carrying beam carrying the mowing device to swing upwardly by means of a hydraulic cylinder.

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: Method and apparatus for transporting a crop harvesting header, attachable to a combine to sever standing crop and initiate the crop harvesting process, is disclosed wherein the apparatus is mounted on and carried with the header in a retracted position during the normal crop harvesting process until it is desirable to transport the header. A first wheel assembly is pivotally movable into a ground engaging position to support a part of the weight of the header above the ground for transport. A second wheel assembly is removed from a mounting bracket on the back of the header and is connected to the cutterbar in longitudinal alignment with the first wheel assembly. An axle is provided to interconnect the first and second wheel assemblies to provide a stable wheeled undercarriage for the transport of the header.