Abstract: A front attachment for harvesting stalk-type crop for a self-propelled harvesting machine has at least one cutting device for cutting the stalk-type crop, at least one transverse conveying device for conveying the cut crop to an intake device of the harvesting machine, wherein the at least one cutting device is at least one continuously circulating carrier element having a cylindrical cross section and including at least one cutting element having a coating containing hard-material elements, and at least one pair of guide elements which drive and guide the at least one cutting device.

Abstract: A combined reel lawn mower and multifunctional blade assembly includes a front attachment assembly removably conjoined to a body of the lawn mower. A shaft is removably interfitted within lateral sides of the body. A plurality of knobs may be affixed to the axially opposed end portions of the shaft. Each of the knobs may include a pair of spring-actuated fingers. A vertically adjusting mechanism may include a rectilinear bar countersunk within a recess formed at a bottom surface of the body. A pair of rollers may be journaled about axially opposed ends of the bar. A lever may be directly coupled to the bar. A rectilinear arm may be mated to the lever. The arm may further include a distal end removably interfitted within the aperture of the one knob for preventing and allowing rotational movement of the front attachment assembly when the lever is rotatably displaced.

Abstract: This application discloses a method for separating banana clusters into individual fruits. In this method, the banana cluster is hung on a carrier (such as a cable) in such a way that the hanging point is the place where the banana fruit stalks converge (at the crown). The cluster and/or the cutter are moved toward each other and the cutter is positioned such that the cutter cuts the fruit stalks at a point lower than the cluster hanging point.

Abstract: A device for mowing plants has a frame, deflection rollers connected to the frame, and a circulating endless cutting belt provided with cutting teeth and guided about the cutting belt. A lower guide rail is connected to the frame for guiding the cutting belt. Guide brackets are connected to the lower guide rail for securing the cutting belt on the lower guide rail. Holding-down elements are connected to the lower guide rail, wherein the guide brackets have a stop edge and wherein the holding-down elements prevent the cutting belt from lifting off the lower guide rail.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus, a guard assembly for a cutting apparatus and a method of assembling a cutting apparatus. The cutting apparatus includes a frame supported for movement over ground, the frame having a forward portion, a cutter support supported on the forward portion, and a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly includes a chain cutter assembly and a guard assembly. The chain cutter assembly includes a continuous chain assembly having opposite lateral chain surfaces, a plurality of knife members connected to the chain assembly to form a cutting portion, and a drive assembly for driving the chain assembly. In some aspects, the guard assembly includes a guard supported by the cutter support, the guard defining a channel having opposite lateral channel surfaces engageable with the opposite lateral chain surfaces to guide a portion of the chain assembly in the channel.

Abstract: A sickle apparatus employing an endless cutter mechanism is provided wherein its modular construction allows the size of the apparatus to be readily tailored to variously sized equipment. A plastic liner is configured to engage the rollers of the roller drive chain as well as form a seal with a section of the traveling blades to reduce the incursion of debris into the mechanism. The blades have a positive angle of attack and are additionally configured to continually sweep out any debris from between sealing surfaces.

Abstract: A chain assembly for a cutting and mowing apparatus. There are a plurality of parallel chain members and knife members spaced from one another in pairs and connected by link members.

Abstract: A cutting and mowing apparatus comprising a continuous sickle chain assembly (8) utilizing cutting knives (10). The sickle chain assembly is confined within channel (29) formed by stationary guards (28) by means of alternating chain members (12), knives (10), and links (14). The sickle chain assembly is motivated by drive assemblies (31), which possess an integral protective slip clutch assembly (45). The sickle chain assemblies tightness is maintained using spring loaded tensioner assemblies (89). On the rearward return path, the sickle chain assembly slides in the return channel (144). The drive assemblies (31) are powered from the hydraulic system of the parent machine, such as a combine, tractor, or mower/conditioner. This unit, while being designed to retrofit existing cutting machines, can also be used for new production models.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes an elongated forwardly open housing having an endless belt entrained therein about a pair of pulleys mounted at opposite ends of the housing. A plurality of C-shaped, channel-like cutting elements are mounted transversely on the outer surface of the belt to cut the lawn as the housing is moved across the lawn on a plurality of rollers. The housing is divided into a plurality of sections which are pivotally interconnected so that the housing sections may pivot relative to each other due to uneven ground. Guide members are provided within the housing to maintain the opposed reaches of the belt parallel to each other during such pivoting of the sections. The cutting elements may also be a plurality of wires embedded in the belt and extending outward from one side of the belt in the plane of the belt.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes an elongated downwardly open housing having an endless belt entrained therein about a pair of pulleys mounted at opposite ends of the housing. A plurality of C-shaped, channel-like blades are mounted transversely on the outer surface of the belt to cut the lawn as the housing is moved across the lawn on a plurality of rollers. The housing is divided into a plurality of sections which are pivotally interconnected so that the housing sections may pivot relative to each other due to uneven ground. Guide brackets are provided within the housing to maintain the opposed reaches of the belt parallel to each other during such pivoting of the sections.

Abstract: A cutter head for a lawn mower which has a plurality of fingers arranged in two sets, one above the other, that extend forward in the direction of travel to channel grass between them. Between the fingers is a conveyor belt carrying a set of short blades moving transverse to the direction of motion of the mower for shearing the grass that is channeled by the fingers. The blades are preferably arranged at different levels to mulch the grass. Each blade is preferably split and bent to form multiple cutting edges at different levels. In one embodiment, the lower set of fingers extends farther forward than the upper set to better lift the grass for cutting. In an alternate embodiment, the upper set of fingers extends forward of the lower set and curves downwardly to lift objects out of the path of the mower. The continuous conveyor belt is conveyed around three sheaves that carry the plurality of blades and a sweeper to sweep grass from the cutter head.

Abstract: A device that attaches to a rotary lawn mower to convert it into a weed, brush and small tree cutter. The rotating blade of the lawn mower is replaced with a drive sprocket that engages a continuous loop cutting element. The cutting element is retained in front of the mower by pulley guides. The pulley guides are retained by adjustable brackets attached to the mower. The cutting element is protected by guards that project in front of the mower.

Abstract: A cutter head, for a non-rotary power lawn mower, having a multiple-blade, multiple levels of blades assembly. The cutter head includes a stationary assembly in the form of a plurality of fingers arranged in several levels that cooperate with a continuous plurality of blades moved by a blade-carrying assembly. The fingers preferably extend parallel to the lawn mower's direction of motion in order to catch the grass and set it up for cutting. The blade-carrying assembly is preferably a chain conveyed around a pair of sprockets that carry the plurality of blades. These blades are arranged in several levels and interleave several levels of fingers. The grass entering the spacing between the fingers is sheared at each level of the stationary assembly by movement of the blades across the fingers. The cut grass is directed to the rear area of the cutter head, where it falls below the cutter head as mulch.

Abstract: A cutting and mowing apparatus (1) comprising a continuous chain (11) of cutting blades (12). The chain is confined within rail assembly (6) by means of alternating chain members (14) and links (13). The alternating chain links (14) and (15) are compatibly shaped so that both chain members and link (13) may be efficiently formed from a single flat metal plate. The chain sickle (1) is powered from the hydraulic system of the parent device, such as a tractor (3).

Abstract: A power lawn mower including a plastic endless chain type cutter assembly having a plurality of plastic whip sticks which produce aeration and suction within the mower casing for improving grass cutting and dispensing. Each whip stick includes an elongated generally flat portion which extends horizontally and merges with a main lift or curved wing portion with the wing portion including a leading impact edge and a trailing lift edge. In operation, the cutter assembly is moved continuously with the lift portions of the whip sticks acting to create an aerating effect for causing a vacuum or suction within the mower casing. This action causes a continuous flow of air to be drawn between the ground and casing for discharging cut grass outwardly through an opening in the casing. The whip sticks are permitted limited pivotal movement upon striking obstacles during rotation. The cutter assembly is supported during powered rotational movement on elongated horizontal portions of a chain guide and support member.

Abstract: A lawn mower having an endless cutting band guided across a slotted cutter bar to cut grass projecting through the slots. Drive means moves the cutting band continuously in one direction.