Abstract: A header for an agricultural harvester has left side and right side endless belt conveyors and a central conveyor for carrying crop to a central aperture in the header and an extendible and retractable cutter bar assembly disposed immediately in front of the leading edges of the conveyors that can be extended and retracted in the direction of travel through an agricultural field.

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

Abstract: A 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: An apparatus comprising a front mower driven by a self propelled all terrain vehicle to the rear of the mower and connected by an articulating hitch. The hitch includes a pair of spaced pivot mechanisms to allow the mower to pivot from front to rear relative to the all terrain vehicle and a third pivot mechanism to allow the mower to rotate about a horizontal axis from side to side such that the mower is driven by the all terrain vehicle, but is free to follow the contour of the ground being traversed by the apparatus independent of the all terrain vehicle.

Abstract: A rake component system consists of a tool bar frame member, a pair of rake assemblies, a pair of pivot heads for mounting the rake assemblies to the tool bar frame member, a lifting and lowering assembly, a three-point hitch assembly mountable to the tool bar frame member and a pull-type hitch assembly mountable to the tool bar frame member. These components are shipped to a dealer or assembler in a knocked-down condition. When desired, the rakes and pivot heads are mounted to the tool bar frame member. Either the three-point hitch assembly or the pull-type hitch assembly is mounted to the tool bar frame member, depending upon the particular configuration desired. The lifting and lowering assembly, which consists of a linkage connected to the rake pivot heads and an extendible and retractable cylinder connected to the linkage, is then mounted to tool bar frame member.

Abstract: A cutting machine (1) intended to be coupled to a motor vehicle (2) includes a draw spring (59) and a locking element (28) to lock the pivoting of a support beam (5) relative to a hitching structure (4) around an axis (11A) of a first journal (11) during transport, and whose action is cancelled during work and set down.

Abstract: The apparatus includes wheeled mower units that are movable between terrain-engaging mowing positions, and upwardly extending travel positions. The mower units are movable longitudinally as a unit when in these mowing positions, but are capable of undergoing adjustive movements relative to each other in response to variations in the contour of the terrain over which they travel. Telescopically adjustable support members permit convenient lateral adjustment of mower units to which they are connected. Piston-and-cylinder assemblies move the mower units to their travel positions. Telescopic drive shafts transmit power to the units.

Abstract: The mower 10 has a rearwardly positioned power unit 11 and a forwardly positioned cutter unit 12 which are pivotably connected together by pivot mount 40. Tandem pumps 24, 25 and 26 are mounted to internal combustion engine 15 and extend parallel to the pivot axis 41 and project into the space above the arc of rotation of the cutter unit 12.

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: Mowing device provided with a frame supported by ground wheels which can be coupled to a vehicle by means of a drawbar, and with a number of cutting means arranged side by side when seen in the intended direction of movement of the mowing device during operation, said cutting means being rotatable about upwardly extending axes of rotation and being provided with knives, said cutting means being supported during operation by at least two skids arranged near the outermost cutting means and being in contact with the ground behind the foremost points of the paths described by the knives of the cutting means, while the frame part supporting the cutting means can move resiliently relative to the ground wheels, whereby the drawbar is adjustable relative to the frame about a pivot axes extending transverse to the intended direction of movement during operation.

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 harvesting machine particularly a swather comprises a frame carrying twin headers across the front of the frame and abutting centrally of the frame. The headers are mounted on pivot couplings arranged at respective front corners of the frame and of a type which allows the header to rotate through ninety degrees to a position along side the frame while at the same time causing the header to twist abut a longitudinal axis so that when it reaches a transport position along side the frame it is also raised. The movement from field transport position can be obtained by driving ground wheels at the outer ends of the headers. The reels can be moved longitudinally of the headers to accommodate pivotal movement of the headers caused by variations in field height.

Abstract: A grass cutting attachment for use particularly with compact tractors has a mounting frame, two cutting units lying behind the tractor front wheels and respective support arms which extend from a forward part of the frame rearwardly over the tractor front wheels to support the cutting units. The support arms are pivotal about inclined axes so that the cutting units may be lifted and simultaneously brought sideways into the tractor to reduce overall width. The cutting units are mounted for rocking movement relative to the support arms about fore and aft axis, these axis becoming inclined in the lifted position so that each unit is tilted forwardly and upwardly to improve operator access.

Abstract: A self-propelled mower having a forwardly projected power unit containing a motor and mowing assembly, the deck is rotatably mounted on the axle of the machine so that the mower assembly can be raised and lowered in reference to the ground. The mower contains a riding unit mounted behind the axle. A linear actuator is secured to the riding unit that has an extendable rod which is coupled to the power unit by a pivoted link. The power unit is placed in a mowing position when the rod is extended and in an elevated position when the rod is retracted. The actuator is driven by a reversible electric motor that is controlled by a switch mounted upon the steering control of the mower so that the operator can raise and lower the mower without releasing the steering control.

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 sod harvesting machine travels forwardly along a path of travel and has a sod cutting head pivotally connected to a fixed rear frame by a horizontal front pivot shaft having its axis aligned along the path of travel and located close to the ground, and by a pair of rear pivots. The rear pivots are formed by a pair of curved tracks and rollers at the rear of the cutting head, well above the ground, allowing the front of a conveyor to be brought near the ground and close behind the sod cutting knife. The curved tracks have a common center of curvature located on the axis of the front pivot shaft so that they have the same effect as a horizontal rear pivot shaft located close to the ground and aligned with the front pivot shaft.

Abstract: A lateral flotation mechanism for the header on a combine harvester is disclosed wherein a pair of springs provide a counterbalancing force to stabilize the pivotal movement of the header about a centrally disposed pivot from externally imposed loads. After the external load is removed from the header, the springs effect a rotation of the header about the center pivot to return the header to a predetermined stabilized position. The compression of the springs is adjustable to pre-load the springs and compensate for any imbalance in the header.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated gang mower trailer which is connectable to a tractor having a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid for actuating cylinders to raise and lower the mowers. The trailer has a tow bar assembly which permits connection to tractors at varying vertical heights. The trailer has a frame and reel mounting which minimizes the weight carried by the tractor. A stacked set of lever operated hydraulic spool valves which control the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders for lifting and lowering the mowers can be easily moved from tractor to the trailer by disconnecting a minimum number of hydraulic hoses.

Abstract: Hinged tables for swathers usually are provided with individual knife sections and the center section of this knife is difficult to drive. This invention eliminates the necessity for a center section drive by using a two section knife on a three section table with each knife section extending through one wing section and part of the center section. The knives are driven from the outer ends and are allowed to flex over the hinge area. The wing sections are provided with rigid guard bars and a flexible section of guard bars secured to the inner end of the rigid guard bar and is secured by the other end to the center of the center section by means of a swivel or sliding connection.

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

Abstract: A gang mower typically having five or seven gangs which are raised and lowered by a single piston and cylinder. Lifting arms are fixed to an actuating shaft at each side of the machine and the piston and cylinder are connected between opposed lifting arms to rotate them in opposite directions. An equalizer link connected by cranks to the actuating shafts ensures that the shafts always rotate to equal extents in opposite directions. Chains are connected from the lifting arms to the mowers, the chains and lifting arms being dimensioned so that lifting occurs sequentially, with some of the mowers being lifted before others. The sequential lifting spreads the load more evenly throughout the lifting sequence, thereby permitting a single piston and cylinder to lift all of the mowers.

Abstract: A mid-mounted mower disposed below the body of a tractor is suspended from the tractor body upwardly or downwardly movably by a pair of opposed flexible link assemblies each flexible about an axis extending longitudinally of the tractor body. During mowing the mower is movable up and down following rises and falls of the ground, while when running on a road or the like, the mower is lifted in a substantially horizontal position by a hydraulic cylinder connected between the pair of link assemblies, or by a hydraulic unit in a rear portion of the tractor body through wires.

Abstract: A rotary blade type cutting system for cutting grass or the like at a uniform height either on a flat surface, an inclined surface, or along the border adjacent a surface depression. The system is especially useful for cutting the bordering grass around golf course sand traps.

Abstract: An agricultural rotary mower has a frame mountable upon three point linkage of a tractor. A rotor supporting beam extends in its operating position to one side of the tractor. Extended from the beam are two spindles with ground engaging skids at the lower end. Frustro conical rotors are mounted on the spindles and in use a single cutting swathe is formed with the rotors driven by independant drives to rotate in opposite directions towards one another. A crop compressing head is located in advance of the rotors and this together with a slight inclination of the shafts towards one another ensures an even cut of crop and a wide relatively undisturbed windrow of cut crop.

Abstract: A quick disconnect arrangement for use on a tractor or other such farm or grove vehicle principally involving the use of an elongate structural member having an essentially straight mid portion, with this member being removably supported from the tractor at its front and rear ends. This elongate structural member is supported outboard of the adjacent driving wheel of the tractor, and its mid portion is utilized for the support of a rotary implement such as a cultivator or mower, or alternatively for other implements, such as a banker or a de-banker. Advantageously, the front and rear support members are in effect quick disconnect means such that the operator can in a period of a few minutes entirely free the tractor from the elongate support member as well as the implement carried thereby, thus enabling the tractor to be used for an entirely different purpose.

Abstract: The header or platform of a harvesting machine such as a combine is tiltable laterally relative to the throat of the combine about a lower, fore-and-aft extending pivot located adjacent a normally lower, forwardmost section of the throat so that variations in ground contour between opposite lateral ends of the header can be accommodated. A hydraulic piston-and-cylinder unit provides remotely operable, powered tilting, and a special adapter assembly renders existing combines having non-tilting headers capable of achieving the aforementioned header tilt. One tubular component of the assembly is adapted to be detachably mounted onto the throat while the other tubular component of the assembly is adapted to be detachably mounted onto the header, there being a lower pivot between the two components providing the relative rocking therebetween to present the desired tiltability of the header relative to the throat.

Abstract: A lateral float mechanism for a combine header is disclosed wherein the header is detachably mounted to a separate cradle assembly which is centrally pivotably mounted on the feeder house. Structure is provided for locking the header to the cradle assembly for preventing fore-and-aft movement between the cradle assembly and the feeder house and for selectively controlling the extent of pivotal movement of the cradle assembly.

Abstract: A road grader of the type including a tiltable and vertically adjustable frame is utilized to dependingly support a heavy duty multibladed horizontal rotary cutter head. The frame supports a prime mover drivingly connected to the rotary cutter head and the latter includes a horizontal disc from which elongated blades are supported. The elongated blades include base and free ends and the base ends of the blades are pivotally attached to spaced peripheral portions of the disc for oscillation relative thereto about upstanding axes. The rotary cutter head is disposed between the front steerable and rear driving wheels of the road grader and the blade frame of the grader is provided with a rearwardly opening semi-truncated cone-shaped shield within whose lower periphery the forward outer marginal portion of the disc is received and beneath whose lower periphery the free ends of the blades carried by the forward half of the rotary disc project.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for supporting a side-mounted implement such as a mower attachment or the like upon a tractor includes a central mounting beam extending longitudinally beneath the tractor with front and rear saddles connecting the beam with the front housing and rear tractor axle, a support arm assembly interconnecting the implement with a central portion of the beam so that the weight of the implement or reaction forces from the support arm assembly and implement are transferred directly to the front housing and rear axle of the tractor.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a fodder mower-conditioner mounted laterally of a tractor and comprising two or more rotary-scythe cutters and one or more conditioning rotors all rotating about axes which as viewed from above fall within a horizontal plane of a width equal to and containing the horizontal diameters of the tractor rear wheel tires, the rear wheel tire which is nearer the mower-conditioner being nearer to the nearest cutter trajectory than to the nearest conditioning rotor bearing.

Abstract: A brush mowing attachment to be secured to a tractor including a bracket assembly, for example a yoke adapted to be secured to the tractor, an extendable retractable outrigger arm arrangement connected to the yoke by pivot means located below the body of the tractor where the pivot means permits the outrigger arrangement to be selectively pivoted in a horizontal and a vertical plane, where the outrigger arrangement is adapted to carry a mower device and be selectively extended outwardly from the tractor and retracted toward the tractor, including means to selectively raise and lower the outrigger arrangement. Also, the outrigger mower device can be adapted for pivotal movement in a vertical plane.

Abstract: A floating aquatic weed cutting apparatus is disclosed which is highly maneuverable and particularly useful for cutting along banks and around obstacles. The cutter bar is disposed entirely outwardly of one of the lateral sides of a flotation device. The cutter bar may be moved about an axis parallel to the central axis of the flotation device to change the angular disposition of the cutter bar for cutting along submerged banks and around obstacles in the water. The entire cutter may be elevated with respect to the flotation device to raise or lower the cutter bar from or into the water.

Abstract: A semi-mounted or trailed agricultural mower has vertical axis crop-cutting rotors and a rigid rectangular open frame mounted above the rotors to support the rotors. The frame has at one end a ground-engageable support wheel secured to a rear beam of the frame and at the other end a headstock secured to a front beam of the frame. At least one of the rotors is trailed from the front beam on a linkage permitting the rotor to rise and fall relative to the frame.

Abstract: The mower attachment includes a drive subassembly which is adapted to be detachably connected to the front axle of the tractor. Specifically, the drive subassembly is adapted to be connected to downwardly opening channel members rigidly secured to transverse, oscillating front axle member. The mower attachment also includes a mower subassembly which is connected to the drive subassembly by a draft link structure. The drive subassembly includes a clutch pulley rotatably mounted on a clutch pulley support bracket which is in turn pivotally connected to a frame part of the drive subassembly so that it may swing between clutching and declutching positions. The clutch pulley support bracket is connected to a clutch control lever on the tractor by a disconnectable clutch control linkage. The drive subassembly also includes an idler pulley disposed on an oblique axis forwardly of the clutch pulley.

Abstract: A mower comprises a housing extending transversely of the direction of movement of the mower, wherein cutting members rotatably journalled on said housing each comprises one lower ring sweeping across the housing, an upper ring arranged above the lower ring and three cutters arranged at the circumference of the cutting member between the upper and lower rings each on one pin, while the lower ring of each cutting member is uncovered at the area of the path of each cutter of a neighboring cutting member. The upper ring is substantially triangular with rounded-off corners in which the cutters are fastened in order to reduce the risk of damage of the cutting member and to hold the paths of the undamaged cutters more constantly at the same level.

Abstract: A mower attachment for tractors having a hydraulically articulated linkage system for controlling horizontal, vertical and angular movement of the mower.

Abstract: This invention relates to a power cutting means normally mounted on a tractor structure for support and receives power therefrom through a power take-off shaft. The power cutting means includes a support and connector means attachable to the tractor structure; a power drive means mounted on the support and connector means; and a cutter means connected to the power drive means for cutting operation thereof. The cutter means includes a basic support assembly having a cutter assembly mounted thereon and partially enclosed by a housing assembly. The housing assembly includes first guard and divider members and second guard and divider members mounted on the basic support assembly. The cutter assembly includes a drive assembly connected to the power drive means and operably connected to a blade assembly.

Abstract: A mowing machine has a laterally extending frame part of a coupling frame part and a plurality of rotary circular cutters mounted on the laterally extending part. Driving means, including an in-going shaft connected to the prime mover power take off, is geared through boxes to an upwardly extending shaft of each rotary cutter. The cutters are rotatable at speeds above 3500 r.p.m. Each cutter has deflectable wires or pivotable blades around its periphery defined by a freely rotatable screen that overlies the gear housing in the cutter. A circular bottom of each cutter is designed to follow the ground contours.

Abstract: A mowing implement comprises a housing extending transversely of the direction of travel of the implement, said housing being connected via a foot which is directed rearwardly from the housing with suspension means for fastening the housing to a vehicle. As a result the mowing implement may be fastened firmly to the vehicle.