Abstract: A towed agricultural implement includes one or more processing units each supported on a chassis, in which each chassis supports at least one processing unit on a central axis, the chassis having a left hand side wheel assembly support and a right hand side wheel assembly support, free ends of the wheel assembly supports having wheel assemblies, each wheel assembly comprising a wheel mounted on a wheel mount, the wheel mount being rotatable about an inclined axis, and the wheel being rotatable about a horizontal axis. The wheel assembly supporting structures and the wheel mounts allow limited relative movement of each wheel mount with respect to the wheel assembly supporting structures which enables greater control when the towed agricultural implement is towed about a corner.

Abstract: Rake wheels for a raking apparatus for gathering crop material into a windrow. The rake wheel may include a center hub and a plurality of tines that extend outward from the center hub. In some embodiments, the rake wheel includes support members such as disks for securing and limiting movement of the tines of the rake wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping an object. The object is on an object support. A wrapping unit drive rotates a wrapping unit part with a holder for wrapping material around the object. A barrier in a protecting position provides a mechanical safety mechanism. When the barrier is moved into a further position, an interrupter is moved into an interrupting position and interrupts a supply connection for the wrapping unit drive. Thereby the wrapping unit part is no longer rotated.

Abstract: An adjustable raking apparatus for gathering crop material into a windrow is disclosed. The raking apparatus allows the raking width and the windrow width to be independently adjusted. In some embodiments, both the raking width and the windrow width may be adjusted by the operator from the pulling vehicle attached to the raking apparatus.

Abstract: A star-wheel rake including a frame, at least one front rake wheel and a rear drive wheel, coupled with each other so that the rotation of the rear drive wheel causes the rotation of the front rake wheel and connected to the frame so that the front rake wheel is lifted from the ground when the rear drive wheel is in contact with the ground.

Abstract: A swather rake attachment assembly that quick connects to a front of a swather and includes two rake arms that each include lateral holding arm pivot connections to a base frame where the lateral arms are each pivotally coupled to arched reinforcement members by a torsion assembly that is coupled to a parabolic curved tool bar that includes the parabolic curved tool bar and arched reinforcement members, and includes a Z-bar coupling of the two rake arms together that control the height of the arm rake assemblies.

Abstract: Dry yield for baled forage crop materials may be obtained for specific cut locations in the field by allocating the overall average baled dry yield for the entire field to the specific cut locations in accordance with the cut yield at such locations. Information obtained from a position sensor and one or more crop volume sensors on the windrower or mower is later combined with information obtained from a weight sensor on the baler to arrive at a specific location dry yield report for the baled product.

Abstract: A haymaking machine, or a windrower, including a support structure including a main beam on which is articulated at least one lateral arm supporting at least one windrowing rotor. The rotor is connected to a support device forming an interface with a support mounted on the lateral arm. The support device makes it possible for the rotor to displace to follow movements of the terrain when the machine is in operation and is in a work position. The support device includes an adjustment system allowing to limit movements of the rotor in the work position and to block movements of the rotor in other positions, and the adjustment system allowing to limit the movements of the rotor includes a control including a hydraulic jack.

Abstract: A rake includes a frame and at least one arm assembly attached to the frame via an arm member. The arm assembly includes a main beam coupled to the arm member. The main beam includes a first member pivotally attached to a second member, and the angle between the first and second members is adjustable. The arm assembly further includes a first rake wheel unit connected to the first member and a second rake wheel unit connected to the second member. The arm assembly attaches to the frame such that in a work position, the first and second rake wheel units are disposed substantially horizontally extended with respect to frame, and in a transport position, the first and second rake wheel units are disposed substantially vertically above the frame.

Abstract: A windrow merger has a frame supporting first, second and third pickup assemblies, with the two outside pickup assemblies foldable between an extended use position and a retracted travel position. Each of the pickup assemblies includes a reversible conveyor providing multiple windrow merging configurations. The pickup assemblies are interchangeable and aligned to define an unobstructed pickup face.

Abstract: A machine for the harvesting of plants, movable in a direction of advance, comprises an arm movable between work and transport configurations, a tool comprising lateral ends and being able to occupy a work position and another position, a connecting device via which the tool is connected to the arm and enabling a first movement of the tool relative to the arm, during which the lateral ends move vertically relative to the arm in the same vertical direction relative thereto, the connecting device comprising means making it possible to operate a second transverse and horizontal movement of the tool relative to the arm and making it possible to operate this second movement independently of the first movement.

Abstract: A haymaking machine comprises a harvesting device comprising a rotor driven about an axis which is horizontal and perpendicular to a direction of advance during work, teeth, the points of which describe a curve envelope when the rotor turns about the axis, and a conveyor moving the plants transversely to the direction of advance, the machine comprising a deflector connected to an arm connected to the harvesting device by means of an articulation, about which the arm can pivot between a first position in which the deflector is arranged, during work, beside and at a distance from a lateral end of the harvesting device, and a second position. In the second position and considering the machine during work, the deflector and the arm extend flat and at least partially above the harvesting device.

Abstract: An agricultural machine comprises a pick-up device with teeth and points, and a guiding device with a lower front end, a rear part and an intermediate part situated above the pick-up device and movable relative to the latter about a rotation center, via a displacement device movable in a first, respectively a second position and comprising first and second connecting means which enable the guiding device to pivot about a first, respectively a second rotation center. The first and second connecting means are geometrically and/or elastically configured so that in the first position, the lower front end is greatly raised above the ground and the intermediate part is brought close to the points, and that in the second position the lower front end is brought greatly close to the ground and the intermediate part and the rear part are distanced from the points.

Abstract: A mobile rake device for displacing mown crop has a frame with a rake tool assembly that has a path-shaped working range and includes two rake tools with rake tines. In an operative position, the rake tools are arranged behind each other in a staggered manner in the direction of travel to provide two path parallel sections to achieve the path-shaped working range. The rake tools displace the mown crop located in the path section to one side in a flow of crop in order to form ultimately one final windrow. The rake tool assembly has an auxiliary displacing tool, that is arranged to throw the crop, which has been collected by the first rake tool in a flow of crop or in the form of a windrow, a pre-windrow, across the front of the next rake tool towards the final windrow to be formed.

Abstract: A windrow merger includes at least one conveyor for transporting material picked up by at least one pickup head member, the at least one pickup head member having a plurality of spaced apart spacers disposed along a length dimension of the at least one pickup head member, and an internal drive assembly disposed within a longitudinal aperture defined internal to the plurality of spaced apart spacers, the drive assembly for imparting a rotational motion to a plurality of tines. A method of forming the windrow merger is further included.

Abstract: An agricultural device is displaceable between a transport position and a working position and includes a frame having a main beam extending in a longitudinal direction, which main beam defines a longitudinal axis, and two side arms extending on both sides of the main beam to support one or more tools, wherein the side arms are hingeably connected at an inner end to a slide connection which is slidable along the main beam. The side arms are displaceable between a transport position, in which they substantially extend along the main beam, under a first angle with the main beam, and a working position, in which the side arms extend from the main beam under a second angle, larger than the first angle. The side arms are displaceable between the transport position and the working position by sliding of the slide connection along the main beam at that location.

Abstract: The adjustable and foldable V-shaped hay rake which is the object of this invention is an agricultural tool used for raking hay on fields, in which, for each arm of the hay rake, all the mechanisms for moving the arm are centered on a single master support plate, that can simultaneously, both be very effectively used and easily adjusted, as well as providing the advantages of great simplicity of construction, great strength and a very economical cost of production.

Abstract: A combination rake and hay baling apparatus including a baler, a hay rake with extendable sweep arms and a plurality of rakes having tines attached to the sweep arms mounted to a tow bar pulling the baler, and a windrow diverter mounted to the tow bar behind the rake and in front of a hay pick-up of the baler, all of which is pulled and powered simultaneously by a single tractor.

Abstract: A side-delivery rake comprising a frame provided with at least a supporting arm to which a plurality of stellar wheels are associated. The supporting arm is pivoted to the frame so as to assume, by means of rotation around a pivoting element, at least a first working operating condition in which the stellar wheels carry out a gathering action, and a second transport operating condition, in which the stellar wheels are in a raised condition. Stop means are provided to determine the position of the supporting arms in the first operating condition. The stop means comprise an adjustment device which can be selectively associated with the frame in a finite plurality of predetermined discrete positions in order to define an adjustment of the position assumed by the supporting arm in the first operating condition.

Abstract: An adjustable rake for raking agricultural products includes a wheeled cart configured to be pulled in a direction of travel on a surface of travel and first and second rake arm positioners coupled to the wheeled cart and configured to translate in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the wheeled cart. First and second front rake arm assemblies are pivotably coupled to the first and second rake arm positioners, respectively. First and second inner rear supports are included, and each of the first and second inner rear supports is pivotably coupled to the wheeled cart and is configured to pivot as a result of translation of the first and second rake arm positioners in the direction transverse to the direction of travel of the wheeled cart. The rake may include optional splitter wheels.

Abstract: An adjustable rake for raking agricultural products includes a wheeled cart configured to be pulled in a direction of travel on a surface of travel and first and second rake arm positioners coupled to the wheeled cart and configured to translate in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the wheeled cart. First and second front rake arm assemblies are pivotably coupled to the first and second rake arm positioners, respectively. First and second inner rear supports are included, and each of the first and second inner rear supports is pivotably coupled to the wheeled cart and is configured to pivot as a result of translation of the first and second rake arm positioners in the direction transverse to the direction of travel of the wheeled cart. The rake may include optional splitter wheels.

Abstract: An adjustable and foldable V-shaped hay rake is an agricultural tool used for raking hay on fields, in which, for each arm of the hay rake, all the mechanisms for moving the arm are centered on a single adjustable master support plate.

Abstract: A single action hydraulic cylinder is utilized to rise a rake arm from the operating position to the transport position. An elastic mass is provided between the outer body of the hydraulic cylinder and an adjusting device, such as a nut on the stem of the cylinder. When the cylinder is actuated to rise the rake arm, the stem extends out of the cylinder body, thus freeing the elastic mass from the contact with the cylinder outer body. When lowering the rake arm to its operative position, the stem retracts and the elastic mass comes in contact with the cylinder, thereby acting against the retracting action and limiting the downward movement of the rake arm. The elasticity of the elastic mass permits small vertical movements of the rake arm to accommodate unevenness of the ground.

Abstract: An agricultural machine for raking an agricultural product, comprising a frame provided with a first part connected to a drawing means, and a second part connected to the first part in order to support a plurality of operating tools of a rotary type, each of which is positioned so as to define a determinate angle of incidence (?) with respect to the ground, in order to perform a determinate thrust action on the agricultural product. The agricultural machine also comprises an adjustment device provided with a pivoting member constrained both to the first part and also to the second part of the frame to allow the selective rotation of the second part with respect to the first part, around an axis of pivoting (X) substantially parallel to the ground, so as to selectively vary the amplitude of the angle of incidence (?) of the operating tools with respect to the ground.

Abstract: A foldable hay rake has two rake arms comprised of first and second rake arm structures with rake wheels thereon pivotally secured to a base frame to pivot in a vertical plane. A center rake arm structure is pivotally associated with the base frame with a center rake arm frame located adjacent a rearward end of the base frame between the first and second rake arm structures. At least one of the hay rake wheels has a plurality of teeth extending therefrom with a tooth spacing between adjacent teeth of less than five inches and an outer diameter greater than 60 inches. A castor wheel is pivotally attached to the outer end of the main support frame, with an axle dampener operationally associated with the castor wheel to dampen wobbling of the castor wheel.

Abstract: A haymaking machine, particularly a windrower for plant matter lying on the ground, comprising a frame bearing three raking wheels having soil resting wheels and raking forks, driven in rotation about support axes in a work position, which raking wheels are connected by carrying arms to the frame. The three raking wheels can be placed in a work position on the ground in which position the three raking wheels are substantially in the same plane and can be placed in a transport position in which the three planes formed by the three raking wheels are different and substantially perpendicular two by two.

Abstract: An adapter kit is provided to permit modification of a hay rake to permit single pass hay raking and hay baling. The adapter kit provides an adapter main beam which supports the hay rake with a v-shaped braced rear main beam support positioned between the hay rake main beam and the adapter main beam, and a front main beam support positioned between the hay rake main beam and the adapter main beam. The rear main beam support and the front main beam support may be bolted or welded to the hay rake frame. A drive shaft is supported by the adapter main beam, such that a first end of the drive shaft may be connected to a tractor power take off, and the second end may be connected to a baler. The adapter kit includes hydraulic hoses and connectors to provide hydraulic controls from the tractor to the rake and to the baler.

Abstract: The V-rake has an elongated tow beam with a front end adapted to be connected to a towing vehicle and a back end fixed to a back section, the back section is supported by a wheel assembly, which may be a set of tandem wheels. The V-rake further includes first and second rake booms each having a front end and a back end pivotally connected to the back section such that the front ends of the booms can be swung between a transport position and an operating position. The front end of each boom has at least one castor wheel for support. The back section is further adapted to controllably change the distance between the back ends of the booms to adjust the width of a resulting windrow. A number of rake wheels are mounted on each of the rake booms on the side of the boom nearest to the tow beam, wherein the rake wheels are adapted to move vertically with respect to the rake boom using a compression spring mechanism.

Abstract: A carted hay rake is disclosed for raking cut crops into a windrow. The hay rake can include a wheeled cart, rake arms, and tine rake wheels. The rake arms are attached to a rake arm pivot, and can be extendable to a horizontal working position and retractable to a transport position. A positioning arm is utilized to change the angle of the rake arm between the working and transport position. An assist spring can help neutralize the weight of the rake arm while in the working position. The assist spring can be positioned horizontally.

Abstract: A vertically folding rake assembly is configured for forming a windrow of cut agricultural crop material. The rake includes a trolley; a pair of rake arm suspension supports interconnected with the trolley and movable in a vertical plane between a raised position and a lowered position, and a vertically movable linkage arrangement configured for moving each of the rake arm suspension arrangements between the raised position and the lowered position. The rake further includes a rake arm suspended from each of the rake arm suspension supports. Each of the rake arm suspension supports includes a linkage pivotally connected to the trolley and a vertical support member that is pivotal about a vertical pivot axis and in support of the rake arm. The rake arm suspension arrangement further includes a pivot connection to provide pivoting movement of the rake arm about a horizontal axis, and a counterbalancing biasing arrangement to center each rake arm.

Abstract: A foldable hay rake has two rake arms comprised of two or more arm members with rake wheels thereon. The hay rake arms are pivotally secured together to a pivot assembly to pivot in a vertical plane. The pivot assembly is pivotally secured for pivoting in a horizontal plane to a vertical post having positioning wheels at a lower end. An upper end is pivotally secured to outer ends of wing arms comprised of parallelogram members which are pivotally secured to a central base frame, which has a power cylinder to pivot the wing arms in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A bifold rake for agricultural crop material includes a rear wheeled trolley and a forwardly extending drawbar adapted for interconnection with a tow vehicle such as a tractor. A pair of rake arms are pivotably interconnected to opposite sides of the trolley, and each rake arm carries a series of rake members such as rotatable rake wheels. An opening and closing mechanism is interposed between the drawbar and the rake arms, for moving the rake arms between open and closed positions. The rake includes a windrow width adjustment system for adjusting the width of a windrow of crop material formed by the rake, independent of adjustment in the width of the trolley. In one embodiment, the windrow width adjustment system is in the form of a variable position connection arrangement interposed between each rake arm and the trolley, for adjusting the lateral position of the rearward end of the rake arm so as to adjust the position of the innermost rake member.

Abstract: A bifold rake for agricultural crop material includes a rear wheeled trolley and a forwardly extending drawbar adapted for interconnection with a tow vehicle such as a tractor. A pair of rake arms are pivotably interconnected to opposite sides of the trolley, and each rake arm carries a series of rake members such as rotatable rake wheels. An opening and closing mechanism is interposed between the drawbar and the rake arms, for moving the rake arms between open and closed positions. The rake includes a windrow width adjustment system for adjusting the width of a windrow of crop material formed by the rake, independent of adjustment in the width of the trolley. In one embodiment, the windrow width adjustment system is in the form of a variable position connection arrangement interposed between each rake arm and the trolley, for adjusting the lateral position of the rearward end of the rake arm so as to adjust the position of the innermost rake member.

Abstract: A device for raising or lowering the individual raking wheels on a foldable hay rake has a rake arm with a plurality of raking wheels, the device comprises a lift tube that is slidably mounted to the rake arm and is hingedly attached to the plurality of raking wheels. The device further comprises a hydraulic cylinder with a fixed end attached to the rake arm and an extendable cylinder rod attached to the forward end of the lift tube. As the cylinder rod operates, it pulls the lift tube from the forward end, thereby raising the raking wheels.

Abstract: A bifold rake includes a rear trolley to which a pair of rake arms are pivotably mounted, and a drawbar extending forwardly from the rear trolley. An opening and closing mechanism includes front and rear operating arms located on each side of the drawbar and pivotably interconnected with each other and with one of the rake arms. The inner end of each operating arm is pivotably interconnected with a slidable arrangement associated with the drawbar, which may be a sleeve slidably mounted to the drawbar for axial movement, or a telescoping section of the drawbar that is capable of moving inwardly and outwardly relative to a receiver section of the drawbar. An extendible and retractable actuator assembly is interconnected with the drawbar and at least one of the slidable arrangements for moving the front and rear arms together and apart to move the rake arms between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A foldable hay rake has two rake arms comprised of two or more arm members with rake wheels thereon. The hay rake arms are pivotally secured together to a pivot assembly to pivot in a vertical plane. The pivot assembly is pivotally secured for pivoting in a horizontal plane to a vertical post having positioning wheels at a lower end. An upper end is pivotally secured to outer ends of wing arms comprised of parallelogram members which are pivotally secured to a central base frame, which has a power cylinder to pivot the wing arms in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A conversion kit allowing most standard “V” hay rakes to be easily converted to obtain the improved performance common to trailing wheel rakes without significant modification to the original frame of the standard “V” hay rakes is disclosed. The conversion kit includes a pair of booms that are placed between the rake frame and the rake arm assemblies. These booms are stabilized by a brace. Installation of the conversion kit results in the rotating tined wheels being supported by their trailing faces instead of their leading faces.

Abstract: A rake includes a draw bar, anchored at the back to a cross bar ending with hinges having a rotation axis that is parallel to the draw bar. The cross bar is connected through the hinges with two arms, each one appropriate for sustaining the supporting elements of a group of ray rakes. The rake also includes supporting and regulating members for raising the cross bar from the ground and therefore the group of ray rakes, and actuator elements, independent from each other, through which the operator guides the movements of the supporting elements and those of the supporting and regulating members for raising the cross bar from the ground.

Abstract: A haymaking machine for windrowing forage includes a frame carrying several rotors connected to carrier arms which are articulated to the frame and which can be moved from a work position into a transport position. The carrier arms are made as two telescopic parts of which the second carries the corresponding rotors and can slide with respect to the first part to vary the position of the corresponding rotor. The first telescopic part of at least one carrier arm includes an additional guide section making it possible to increase the distance over which the second part with the corresponding rotor can move.

Abstract: An adjustable tracked side-delivery hay rake for use in agriculture for is to be employed on the fields for collecting the hay in tidy haycoks, provided with adjustable wheels movable between a raised and narrow position, suitable for transport and based on the presence—on the arms supporting said wheels—of universal joints that allow movements in all directions, with the purpose of obtaining an easy working, a simple construction and a low realization cost.

Abstract: A bifold rake for agricultural crop material includes a rear wheeled trolley and a forwardly extending drawbar adapted for interconnection with a tow vehicle such as a tractor. A pair of rake arms are pivotably interconnected to opposite sides of the trolley, and each rake arm carries a series of rake members such as rotatable rake wheels. An opening and closing mechanism is interposed between the drawbar and the rake arms, for moving the rake arms between open and closed positions. The rake includes a windrow width adjustment system for adjusting the width of a windrow of crop material formed by the rake, independent of adjustment in the width of the trolley. In one embodiment, the windrow width adjustment system is in the form of a variable position connection arrangement interposed between each rake arm and the trolley, for adjusting the lateral position of the rearward end of the rake arm so as to adjust the position of the innermost rake member.

Abstract: A bifold rake for forming a windrow of cut agricultural crop material includes a rear trolley (22) to which a pair of rake arms (30) are pivotably mounted, and a drawbar (44) extending forwardly from the rear trolley and adapted for interconnection with a two vehicle such as a tractor. Each rake arms (30) carries a series of rake members (32). An opening and closing mechanism (105) is interconnected between the drawbar and the rake arms, and includes front (110) and rear (106) operating arms located on each side of the drawbar and pivotably interconnected with each other and with one of the rake arms. The inner end of each front and rear operating arm is pivotably interconnected with a slidable arrangement associated with the drawbar. In one form, the slidable arrangement is a sleeve (102) that is slidably mounted to the drawbar for axial movement.

Abstract: A hay rake includes a crosswise member having a right section and a left section. A first rake arm has a front end and a back end, the first rake arm being pivotably mounted at its back end to the right section of the crosswise member so as to be moveable between an open position and a closed position. A second rake arm has a front end and a back end, the second rake arm being pivotably mounted at its back end to the left section of the crosswise member so as to be moveable between an open position and a closed position. A plurality of rotatable rake wheels are mounted on each of the first and second rake arms. The hay rake also includes first and a second actuators. The first actuator has a first section connected to the right section of the crosswise member and a second section connected to the first rake arm. The second actuator has a first section connected to the left section of the crosswise member and a second section connected to the second rake arm.

Abstract: An agricultural rake basket flotation system that employs tension springs to support a portion of the weight of the rake basket, toward the lateral ends thereof, thus allowing for a more sensitive and complete response to encounters with obstacles and irregularities in the ground level.

Abstract: An agricultural rake basket flotation system is described that employs tension springs to support a portion of the weight of the rake basket, toward the lateral ends thereof, thus allowing for a more sensitive and complete response to encounters with obstacles and irregularities in the ground level.

Abstract: A hay making machine, particularly a windrower for plant matter, comprising a structure carrying at least one raking wheel. The latter is connected to the end of a carrying arm in such a way as to be able to pivot about a first axis and a second axis. The two axes of articulation of the raking wheel to the carrying arm form angles &agr; and &bgr;, the values of which are between 10° and 80°, with the direction of forward travel of the machine.

Abstract: A hay harvesting machine including a frame with several windrowing rotors, the frame including a draft beam and a connecting beam which is articulated with respect to the draft beam, at least the rotor of the connecting beam located farthest back being equipped with a windrowing deflector. The machine includes a retractable stop for the movement of the connecting beam about its axis of articulation, and a device for shifting the deflector notably with respect to the corresponding rotor. A device controls the stop, which device is actuated by the shifting device. The stop prevents the connecting beam and the corresponding rotor from moving from a first work position into a second work position as long as the deflector can collide with the rotor which precedes it. When the deflector is shifted into a position where the risk of collision is eliminated, the stop is retracted and the change in position is possible.

Abstract: An economical wheeled towable folding wheel rake of robust, largely welded construction utilizing a single hydraulic cylinder to fold two opposed wheel rake assemblies via a four bar linkage. The folding mechanism folds the opposed rake assemblies to a compact, symmetrical, easily locked, vertical orientation for shipping transit and storage. The folding mechanism is simple and utilizes few wearing pivots yet enables flotation of the opposed rake assemblies independent of one another and of the main frame of the wheel rake. The opposed wheel rake assemblies are independently adjustable in raking angle, raking width and raking down pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for combined raking and baling of either baleable crops or after-harvest stalks, stubble, and trash. A rake is installed in front of the operating throat of a baler. The rake channels materials into the baler throat in the same pass over the field to effectively improve on the baling efficiency and/or extend the area of ground coverage for the implement.

Abstract: An apparatus for inverting a windrow of agricultural crop material on the ground as the apparatus moves along the windrow in a first direction has a lifting mechanism for lifting the crop material from the ground substantially without destroying the integrity of the windrow as the apparatus moves in the first direction. In addition, a transporting mechanism receives the crop material from the lifting mechanism and positively transports the crop material along a generally semicircular path substantially also without destroying the integrity of the windrow so that the crop material is positively transported generally in the first direction when it reaches an exit location where the crop material is dropped to the ground. The continued movement of the crop material by the transporting mechanism results in the crop material passing the exit location so that a lower surface of the windrow is repositioned to a top of the windrow.