Abstract: A self-propelling harvester thresher comprises a conveyor, a two-part cutting mechanism having two cutting mechanism halves which are turnable substantially in a horizontal plane between a working position and a transporting position, elements allowing the turning of the cutting mechanism halves and including two turnable supports and a joint vertically extending hinge axle. The cutting mechanism halves are each connected through a respective one of the turnable supports with the inclined conveyor and also are connected with one another by the hinge axle.

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 mower including a cutting device connected in an articulated manner to a frame, the cutting device including two groups of mowing elements and each one of the two groups of mowing elements including drive elements. A transmission means transmits movement from a driving source to the drive elements of each one of the two groups of mowing elements. The transmission means includes an input means located at least approximately in the middle of the frame seen crosswise to the direction of work and movement distribution means for distributing the movement of the input means to the drive elements. The two groups of mowing elements are connected rigidly to one another, and the cutting device is connected to the frame by a deformable quadrilateral device. The drive elements of each one of the two groups of mowing elements include a transmission that extends over the one of the mowing elements located on the outside end of the corresponding group of mowing elements.

Abstract: Improved support structure for suspending transversely adjustable row units of a cotton harvester or other implement from a unit support frame. A pair of V-shaped rollers, carried by a track on opposite transverse sides of the center of gravity of the row unit, prevent fore-and-aft movement of the unit with respect to the support frame and prevent contact between the unit and the track to reduce the effort required to laterally move the units. The shaft supporting one of the rollers includes wrench flats for receiving a wrench to provide mechanical advantage for easy rolling of the units, even in the uphill direction if the machine is parked on an unlevel area. The track support includes an apertured portion which receives a tapered, spring-biased pin which automatically aligns with the holes to firmly lock the row unit in position and to prevent the unit from accidentally rolling too far if the track happens to be inclined downwardly in the direction of desired movement.

Abstract: A mowing machine having a cutting path laterally positionable with respect to the path on which the mowing machine travels. A cutting deck is suspended beneath a tractor or other vehicle, on lateral tracks permitting a range of lateral movement across the longitudinal centerline of the tractor. Displacing the cutting deck from the normal position centered on the centerline displaces the cutting path to one side of the tractor, permitting mowing beneath obstacles or along other areas inaccessible to the mowing machine.

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: This invention relates to the improvement of a new hay rake system that is comprised of two separate wheel-type rakes into one by mounting them on one frame in such a manner permitting them to fold in for traveling and fold out for the raking position.

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 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: A frame for ganging a plurality of individually powered rotary lawn mowers together for towing by a vehicle in cutting lawn or the like has T-shaped draft bars which have cross-bar portions pivotally attached to the brackets of skid units mounted to the forward ends of off-the-shelf rotary mowers. Skid units are additionally provided on the rearward end of a first lawn mower, which has the tow bar of its T-shaped draft bar pivotally attached to a vehicle for towing. An intermediate elongated draft bar is attached to the brackets of the first lawn mower's rearward skid units. The tow bars of second and third lawn mowers are attached to the intermediate draft bar on either side of the first lawn mower such that the respective cutting paths of the second and third mowers at least slightly overlap the cutting path of the first lawn mower.

Abstract: Row unit support structure for a cotton harvester facilitating easy transverse adjustment of the row units on a support frame for servicing the units and/or changing the location of the units for differing row widths. The support frame includes a horizontal rail supported in generally cantilever fashion from the lift structure on the harvester, and individual row units are suspended for independent transverse adjustment on the rail by a roller assembly connected generally over the center of gravity of each unit. An additional roller attached at the upper rear of the unit runs on a second rail rearwardly and below the first rail to stabilize the unit. Removable pins lock each unit in position along the support frame. To adjust for different row widths or to move the units laterally for inspection or maintenance, the pins are removed and the units are rolled along the frame.

Abstract: A system is provided for guiding a tool assembly that extends forwardly from an automotive vehicle. The system comprises a connecting member (7) having one end connected to the tool assembly, and being pivotally mounted to the vehicle frame intermediate its length. The other end of the connecting member (7) is pivotally connected to one end of an auxiliary tie rod (10), and the other end of the tie rod (10) is pivotally connected to one of the arms of the pair of steering knuckles comprising the vehicle's conventional steering system. The tool assembly is thus directed along a trajectory exactly corresponding with the path of the vehicle.

Abstract: A unitized raking implement having pivotably movable frame arms supported by ground engaging wheels is disclosed wherein a four-bar linkage is used to control the orientation of the wheels between an orientation parallel to the direction of travel of the implement and a non-parallel orientation. The rotation of the wheels into a non-parallel orientation permits the frame arms to be pivotally moved relative to the implement frame upon a corresponding movement of the raking implement. The control linkage includes a control link having a hydraulic cylinder operable to affect an extension of the length of the control link and, thereby, to affect a steering of the wheel between parallel and non-parallel orientations. The four-bar linkage permits the wheels to be returned into the parallel orientation whenever the hydraulic cylinder is fully retracted irrespective of the pivoted position of the respective frame arms.

Abstract: A raking mechanism having a frame and a pair of rake baskets movably mounted thereon is disclosed wherein the frame includes a draft member adapted for connection to a prime mover and a pair of arms pivotally connected to the draft member and supported above the ground by respective wheels. The arms carry the respective rake baskets and are pivotally movable in a generally horizontal plane to displace the rake baskets transversely of the draft member. The rake baskets are also movable relative to the respective arms to vary the angle at which the rate baskets engage the crop material lying on the ground to provide a variety of positions of the rake baskets relative to the draft member and, consequently, provide a number of operative positions and operations the raking mechanism can undertake. A method of converting the raking mechanism from a collapsed transport position to an infinitely adjustable operative position is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ditch swather comprises a transverse beam attached to single point hitch for drawing the beam forwardly in a direction transverse to its length with the beam support at either end by a pair of ground wheels. A swather section is pivotally mounted at one end of the frame and movable between a position inclined downwardly at 45.degree. to a position vertically upwardly by operation of a hydraulic cylinder. A gauge wheel at the end of the swather section remote from the frame controls the position of the swather section relative to the ground. The ground wheels at the end of the beam adjacent the swather section are mounted on a walking beam. The reel sickle knife and draper of the swather are hydraulically driven.

Abstract: A mowing apparatus includes a tractor with a mowing unit attached to the tractor in varying operable positions with respect to the tractor. The mowing unit includes a pair of reversible blades which are rotated in a designated fashion about a pair of perpendicular first and second axes. Each blade has distinct cutting surfaces so that successive rotation of the blades presents a new cutting surface for continued operation and longer blade life. A stop mechanism is designed to prevent excessive rotation of the blades with respect to a mounting hub upon encountering a predetermined force.

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 feeding device of a sugar cane harvester includes a pair of rotary cane dividers spaced from each other. The feeding device is provided with a mechanism for adjusting the distance between two spaced cane dividers. This mechanism is operated from an operator stand of the harvester and includes a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit, the piston of which is connected to one of the cane dividers and the cylinder of which is connected to the harvester frame.

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: A primer mower (A) has an articulated boom assembly (B) connected to it. A mower head (C) is connected with the other end of the boom assembly. This enables the mower head to be positioned substantially parallel with the ground even along embankments and the like. The mower head includes a deck (20) and a downward extending skirt (22). A rotary cutter (16) is rotatably disposed below the deck and extends outward there beyond at a cutter exposing opening (24). A guard assembly (30) is moveably disposed across the cutter exposing opening for selectively exposing the cutter to permit the cutter to strike saplings and the like. One embodiment of the guard assembly includes a first guard member (32) connected by a pivot (38) to the deck and having a cutter exposing opening (44) therein. A second guard member (50) is connected by a pivot (58) with the first guard member.

Abstract: A grass and ditch mower is provided having a novel floating cutting deck mounted to a novel extension arm assembly.

Abstract: A lawnmower attachment for providing an increased cutting width on a lawnmower uses a mower deck attachable by means of a hitch to the back of a riding lawnmower, or other pulling unit, and includes the use of at least two additional lawnmower cutting blades operably powered by an independent motor mounted on the mower deck. A pair of guide wheels mounted in a spaced apart relationship are provided to support the mower deck off the ground, while a non-horizontally pivotable hitch arrangement is provided to prevent jackknifing of the attachment during a reverse movement of the riding lawnmower.

Abstract: A mechanism for spring loading a transport lock on a crop harvesting machine having a pivotally movable tongue mounted to the frame of the harvesting machine, commonly referred to as a pivot-tongue windrower, is disclosed wherein first and second springs are compressible to exert a biasing force on a locking pin to urge the pin through suitable aligned apertures in the base of the tongue and in the frame of the machine to automatically extend the locking pin through the apertures when they become aligned due to manipulation of the pivotal movement of the tongue by the operator at a location remote from the locking pin. An actuating lever includes a camming surface that is selectively cooperable with either the bight portion of the housing or the base plate on the tongue to effect a compression of the first and second springs, respectively, to bias the locking pin toward either a locked or unlocked position.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for the transport lock on a crop harvesting machine having a pivotally movable tongue mounted to the frame of the harvesting machine, commonly referred to as a pivot-tongue windrower, is disclosed wherein a first spring is compressible to exert a biasing force on a locking pin to urge the pin through suitable aligned apertures in the base of the tongue and in the frame of the machine to automatically extend the locking pin through the apertures when they become aligned due to manipulation of the pivotal movement of the tongue by the operator at a location remote from the locking pin. A second spring is compressible to exert a biasing force on the locking pin to urge the locking pin into an unlocked position, withdrawn from the hole in the frame, so that the tongue is free to pivotally move relative to the frame. The second spring is operable to automatically compress the first spring when the locking pin is moved to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A transport lock actuating mechanism for a crop harvesting machine having a pivotally moveable tongue mounted to the frame of the harvesting machine, commonly referred to as a pivot-tongue windrower, is disclosed wherein a single spring is compressed to exert a biasing force on a locking pin to urge the pin through suitable aligned apertures in the base of the tongue and in the frame of the machine to automatically extend the locking pin through the apertures when they become aligned due to manipulation of the pivotal movement of the tongue by the operator at a location remote from the locking pin. The transport lock actuating mechanism is alternatively operable to exert a biasing force on the locking pin to urge the locking pin into a position withdrawn from the apertures so that the machine can be moved from a transport position to an operating position.

Abstract: A brushing machine for grapevines is disclosed made up of rotating brushes supported on a frame that is supported on a tractor. Each brushing mechanism has several brushes with radially extending bristles rotatably supported on a vertically and horizontally adjustable frame. The brushes are individually driven and pass along both sides of a grape trellis. The frame supporting the axles of the brushes may be swung to adjust the angle of the brushes to the ground for any particular tractor speed, so that as the tractor moves forward and the brushes rotate, the resultant motion relative to the trellis of the tips of the brush straws is in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A drive system for a pull-type swather or windrower in which a sensing device senses the side-draft of the swather under operating conditions. The sensing device indicates to a compensating device which is operable from the sensing device whether to increase, decrease or leave unchanged the rotational speed of drive wheels which are provided on the swather and powered by a power plant. The drive wheels act to keep the swather in an effective cutting position substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tractor.

Abstract: An apparatus having a frame adapted for earth traversing movement in a direction of travel and having a portion laterally positionable with respect to the direction of travel, a work assembly pivotally mounted on the laterally positionable portion of the frame for movement therewith, and an arm interconnecting the work assembly and the frame to pivot the work assembly through a plurality of positions relative to the direction of travel as the portion of the frame is laterally positioned.

Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting combine having a crop treatment means and a crop gathering means. The crop treatment means supported on a first wheeled chassis, which supports a power source for propulsion of the combine, operation of the crop separating and operation of the crop gathering means. The crop gathering means is supported on a second wheeled chassis which is pivotally mounted to the first wheeled chassis to be movable between a first position lying beside the first wheeled chassis and a second position trailing behind the first wheeled chassis.

Abstract: An implement for mounting on a tractor to remove suckers and buds from the stems of vines arranged in rows and for trimming during the advance of the tractor along the ground in a direction essentially parallel to, adjacent and between the row of vines, including, a frame supported on a tractor, opposing side arms on the frame arranged on opposite sides of said tractor, removable interchangeable brush treating devices mounted on the outer end of each of the side arms, a drive on the side arms for moving the brush treating device for independent operation on both sides of said tractor, a linkage for mounting the side arms for lateral pivotal movement and for extending the side arms outwardly to a selected distance so as to be able to approach the rows of vines to be treated either on one side or other of the tractor and at the desired height. A hydraulic control system for raising and lowering the frame with respect to the tractor.

Abstract: Mounting for a tree shaker having a pair of mounting brackets secured to respective sides of the tractor, a guide extending transversely beneath the tractor chassis, and supporting a slide which is coupled to the near side mounting bracket by means of a piston/cylinder assembly whereby the slide is movable in a transverse direction with respect to the tractor, the slide carrying on it a tree shaker.

Abstract: An offset adapter dimensioned to connect different farm implements in offset relation to a tractor with a three point lift. The adapter is reversible to offset the implement to the right or to the left, and it is constructed to facilitate vertical adjustments of the implement with respect to the terrain. The adapter has a bar depending from which are brackets connectable to first and second hitching points on the implement. The first bracket is rigidly mounted to the bar and is designed to be connected to one of the implement hitching points; and the second bracket may be slidably disposed along the bar, but is capable of rigid attachment at a position on the bar corresponding to the position of a second implement hitching point. Two mountings are also provided for attachment of the bar to a conventional three point lift.

Abstract: An attachment to a conventional tomato harvester to accommodate the harvesting of tomato crops in areas where tomato vines are grown through holes in sheet plastic, disposed atop the ground in the tomato fields. A shearing device is vertically pivotally carried centrally of the forward bottom end of a conveyor which transports the tomato vines rearwardly upwardly into the harvester, after being cut just above the sheet plastic, for removal of the tomatoes from the vines, as well as for cleaning, sorting, etc. Rearwardly of the shears, a pair of large rotary brushes feed the vines to a paddle wheel device which cooperates with the brushes in initiating the movement of the vines upwardly with the conveyor movement.

Abstract: A row crop harvester is provided with mechanism for mounting two picking heads for both vertical and horizontal adjustment of the ground engaging lower ends of the heads, to simultaneously harvest two rows of plants which may vary in spacing from each other throughout their lengths. One head is guided along its row by steering the harvester itself, while the lower end of the other head is guided along its row by selectively operating controls which transversely shift the lower end of the head relative to the first mentioned steerable head thereby accurately following and simultaneously harvesting two rows of crops such as root crops.In the preferred embodiment the upper end of each picking head is associated with a severing mechanism for removing the tops or foliage from the roots of the plants.

Abstract: An implement for cutting canes, foliage and the like of a row crop, the implement having a frame adapted to be mounted on a vehicle, such as a tractor having a tool bar movable to and from a lowered position, for movement with the vehicle along a path of travel substantially parallel to the row crop; a cutting head mounted on the frame for movement to and from an extended cutting position; a mechanism borne by the frame for moving the cutting head to and from the extended cutting position; and a control system operably interconnecting the tool bar and the mechanism for moving the cutting head to the extended cutting position when the tool bar of the tractor is moved to the lowered position.

Abstract: A baler adapted for towing by a tractor to pick up a windrow of hay and roll the hay into a cylindrical bale of substantial size and weight. The baler includes a front mounted pickup and a bale forming structure directly behind the pickup. The bale forming structure is of the type including an endless lower belt and a plurality of upper belts defining an expansible bale forming zone in conjunction with the lower belt. Suitable bale-density and bale-discharge structures are included. The baler includes a wheeled frame which provides a pivot connection for a draft tongue laterally offset from the baler centerline. The draft tongue extends forwardly for hitching to a tractor which can be disposed in towing relation alongside the windrow. A hydraulic cylinder is mounted between the baler frame and the draft tongue for powered steering of the baler relative to the windrow.

Abstract: A mowing attachment for a tractor includes a horizontally and vertically swinging telescopic boom for positioning the cutter assembly. The horizontal swinging movement is controlled by a hydraulic circuit which includes a piston and cylinder unit and a pressure relief circuit for allowing relative movement between the piston and cylinder when the cutter strikes an obstruction.