Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for controlling a first electric motor (M1) and a second electric motor (M2) of a wheel drive module, wherein the wheel drive module comprises a wheel (R) and a speed modulation gearbox (G), and wherein the wheel (R) is drivable about a wheel axis (A) jointly by the first and the second electric motors (M1, M2) by means of the speed modulation gearbox (G) and steerable about a steering axis (L) which is orthogonal to the wheel axis (A), wherein electrical control signals for controlling the first and second electric motors (M1, M2) are determined from wheel reference values which characterize the driving and/or the steering of the wheel (R).

Abstract: A method for electrification of a field chopper comprising the steps of: providing a cable drum and a winding drive on the field chopper, the cable drum and winding drive allowing at least one of the winding and unwinding of an energy supply line about the cable drum; providing a cable arm on the field chopper, the cable arm configured to adjust in at least one of an orientation and extension length to provide guided winding or unwinding of the energy supply line along a field surface; providing a pivotable ejection chute on the field chopper, the ejection chute extending beyond the cable arm and configured to transfer a chopped harvested material onto a transport vehicle driving alongside the field chopper; unwinding the energy supply line while along a first processing strip from the cable drum using the winding drive and cable arm; and winding the energy supply while along a second processing strip about the cable drum using the winding drive and the cable.

Abstract: A steering shaft for a motor vehicle may have an inner shaft, an outer shaft, and a profiled sleeve that is fixed on the inner shaft such that the inner shaft is movable together with the profiled sleeve in an axial direction relative to the outer shaft. The inner shaft and the outer shaft may be coupled in a torque-transmitting manner with the profiled sleeve connected therebetween. The profiled sleeve may comprise an aperture into which a projection on an outer face of the inner shaft engages in a manner that secures the profiled sleeve in position on the inner shaft at least in the axial direction.

Abstract: A mower for turf or lawn includes a frame for use on a tractor, or to form a structure of a trailer, and a plurality of cutting units, at least six, generally disposed side by side, each cutting unit including at least one roller for rolling on the ground. The mower includes lift means linking the cutting units to the frame and configured for articulating the cutting units between a mowing position and a non-mowing position. In the mowing position, the lift means are configured for pressing the cutting units against the ground in order to distribute, at least partially, the mower's weight on the ground via the rollers of the cutting units. The mower includes lateral articulated beams linking the cutting units. The beams are foldable inwardly and forwardly.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of connected frame units. Each frame unit includes a first end plate connected to a first end of a frame element, and a second end plate connected to a second end of the frame element. The plurality of frame units is movable between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the plurality of frame units has a first width along a width axis of the plurality of frame units, and a first frame unit and a second frame unit of the plurality overlap by a first overlap amount along the width axis. In the second state, the plurality of frame units has a second width along the width axis and the first frame unit and the second frame unit overlap by a second overlap amount along the width axis.

Abstract: A mower assembly adapted to be coupled to a hitch of a work machine. The mower assembly has a sub-frame with one or more hitch couplers adapted to be removably coupled to the hitch of the work machine, a mower arm having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally coupled to the sub-frame with a pivot pin, the mower arm is pivotable about the first end between a first position and a second position relative to the sub-frame, an arc-shaped rail positioned about the pivot pin for guiding the mower arm as the mower arm transitions between the first position and the second position, and a mower head mechanically coupled to the mower arm at the second end.

Abstract: An implement for clipping weeds in a field, where the weeds are standing taller than the crop. The implement comprises a plurality of rotatable blades on a frame, with variable height adjustment means to elevate the frame and position the blades above the crop but at a level sufficient to clip the upper portions of the weeds, The blades are powered by PTO-driven shaft segments, the segments connected by U-joints, wherein the implement further comprises alignment means for aligning the U-joints so that the frame can be folded for transport without damaging the shafts or U-joints.

Abstract: An agricultural machine comprises an operating unit and a carrier assembly for the operating unit. The carrier assembly includes a carrier arm and a suspension system that suspends the operating unit from its center point and allows the operating unit to rotate about an axis that extends in the working direction. A support mechanism supports the weight of the operating unit and allows the height of the operating unit arm to change. The support mechanism includes an actuator located on the axis of the operating unit and configured to adjust the height of the operating unit.

Abstract: A header for a harvester includes a hinge assembly, a center portion having a single center top beam that spans laterally relative to a longitudinal centerline of the header, and a wing portion having a single lateral top beam that is arranged forward of and lower than the single center top beam. The wing portion is attached to the center portion by the hinge assembly wherein the wing portion is pivotable between an unfolded position wherein the wing portion extends laterally away from the longitudinal centerline and a folded position wherein the lateral top beam nests forward of and below the center top beam. A cradle member may be attached to the center portion, the cradle portion receives the lateral top beam when the wing portion is in the folded position. The hinge assembly positions the lateral top beam forward of and below the center top beam in folded and unfolded positions.

Abstract: An agricultural apparatus for forming from previously-cut agricultural crop, such as grass or the like, a windrow on a field, which may comprise: a frame, crop engaging elements supported on the frame and configured to form from previously-cut agricultural crop a windrow on a field, and a control unit configured to control operation of the crop engaging elements. The control unit is further configured to provide control signals to the crop engaging elements in such a way that, in a windrow forming mode of operation, the crop engaging elements are driven to engage with the previously-cut agricultural crop, and form from the previously-cut agricultural crop the windrow which may have a snake line form on the field. Further detailed is a method for forming from previously-cut agricultural crop, such as grass or the like, a windrow on a field.

Abstract: A rotary cutting implement includes a housing that extends along a longitudinal axis. The rotary cutting implement also includes an annular wall coupled to the housing to define a cutting chamber having a width defined from a first sidewall to a second sidewall. The annular wall includes a distribution deflector having a body that extends along an axis substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis to form the second sidewall of the cutting chamber. The distribution deflector distributes cut residue over substantially the width of the cutting chamber.

Abstract: A stand-on mower may have a deck with at least one deck wing. The mower may include a stand-on operator platform, a rear wheel axis positioned forward of the stand-on operator platform, a main deck having main deck blades with rotational axes positioned forward of the rear wheel axis, one or more deck wings, and front wheels positioned forward of the rotational axes of the main deck blades.

Abstract: An agricultural header includes: a main section including a main frame carrying at least one cutting element; at least one wing section pivotably coupled to the main section and including a wing frame; and a linkage pivotably coupling the at least one wing section to the main section, the linkage including an upper bar and a lower bar which are both coupled to the main frame and the wing frame, the upper bar defining an upper bar axis and the lower bar defining a lower bar axis which is non-parallel to the upper bar axis.

Abstract: An agricultural machine that has two sections hinged relative to each other is disclosed. An oblong hole is made in one of the two sections. The machine includes a connecting device that has an actuator configured to cause one section to pivot relative to the other, and a travel stop. The actuator supports a movable pivot rod with a longitudinal axis transverse to the oblong hole. The movable pivot rod is positioned to slide in the length of the oblong hole. The travel stop has a blocking state in which it obstructs the oblong hole, thereby limiting the sliding of the pivot rod in the oblong hole. The travel stop is able to achieve the blocking state from a free state in which it is mounted in a movable rotating manner relative to the oblong hole.

Abstract: An agricultural machine (2) comprises an operating unit (6) and a carrier assembly (8) for the operating unit. The carrier assembly (8) includes a carrier arm (12) and a suspension system (16) by which the operating unit (6) is suspended from the carrier arm (12). The suspension system (16) including two pairs of connecting rods, comprising a pair of upper connecting rods (28) and a pair of lower connecting rods (30), each said connecting rod being attached via joints (32) to the operating unit (6) and the carrier arm (12). A first pair (30) of said upper and lower connecting rods diverge in a working direction of the operating unit and a second pair (28) and of said upper and lower connecting rods converge in a working direction of the operating unit.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus for laterally shifting a hitch point of a trailer when towed behind a towing vehicle to effectively adjust an alignment of a longitudinal axis of the trailer with respect to a longitudinal axis of the towing vehicle. The hitch apparatus may comprise a pivot frame including a forward portion configured for attachment to a towing vehicle, a rearward portion configured for attachment to the trailer, and a central portion pivotally connecting the forward and rearward portions together. At least one actuator may be connected to at least two portions of the pivot frame to pivot the portions with respect to each other. Actuation of the actuator may move the forward portion of the pivot frame between shifted left condition and a shifted right condition with respect to the rearward portion and a trailer when the rearward portion is mounted on a trailer.

Abstract: A clutch/brake assembly is provided which includes a coil plate non-rotatably captured between the upper housing and the lower housing and having affixed thereon a ring shaped coil, a clutch rotor rotatably secured to the shaft and having a groove configured to accommodate therein the ring shaped coil, and a clutch output assembly having a clutch/brake disc and a clutch output shaft. The clutch/brake disc and the clutch output shaft are attached to one another by a plurality of springs. The clutch/brake assembly may be mounted on a deck of a lawnmower to drive a blade.

Abstract: A mower assembly is provided for cutting around a post. A support structure supports the mower assembly in cantilever fashion. The mower assembly includes a plurality of mower units with each mower unit having a rotary blade. Two or more mower units cooperate to engage and cut around a post and, during the process, the entire mower assembly rotates about an axis enabling the mower units to encircle and efficiently cut grass and other vegetation about the post.

Abstract: A mower assembly is provided for cutting around a post. A support structure supports the mower assembly in cantilever fashion. The mower assembly includes a plurality of mower units with each mower unit having a rotary blade. Two or more mower units cooperate to engage and cut around a post and, during the process, the entire mower assembly rotates about an axis enabling the mower units to encircle and efficiently cut grass and other vegetation about the post.

Abstract: An articulated harvesting head load sensor arrangement is provided that includes two harvesting head sections (102, 104, 106) that are coupled with a first pivot pin (162) that is a load pin.

Abstract: A novel commercial mechanical plant hedger is disclosed. This hedger is capable of trimming multiple cutting planes—top, left, and right simultaneously. Stated different three (3) sides of a row of a hedge can be trimmed at the same time. More specifically, the hedger can simultaneously cut the top of and both sides of the plant rows simultaneously. Hedging debris from the plant is also removed. The hedger is also capable of hedging multi rows from single drive middle up to 12 feet on centers. A small tractor with minimum horsepower is capable of running the hedger.

Abstract: A farm implement configured to be releasably coupled to a tractor equipped with a rearwardly oriented power take of device. The farm implement includes a central frame; at least two forward crop engaging arms mounted on the frame, that extend outward from a central axis to a first width and; at least two crop rearward engaging arms mounted on the frame. The rearward crop engaging arms extend outward from a central axis to a second width. A plurality of crop engaging members, are positioned on each of the forward and rearward crop engaging arms. The implement also includes a power transmission mechanism operatively connected to the forward crop and rearward engaging arms and engageable with the power take off apparatus on the associated tractor.

Abstract: A control system is provided for starting electrically powered implements on a vehicle such as a grass mowing machine with electrically powered cutting reels. The electric motors are started at intervals, rather than simultaneously. The intervals between starting each electric motor may be based on pre-defined criteria such as a fixed time constant, voltage, current or speed input from a motor controller for each implement.

Abstract: A wing lawn mower for cutting grass is herein described. The wing lawn mower is attached to a main mower, the wing mower moveable from a lowered position to a raised position. When in the lowered position, the wing mower is driven by a wing belt, which is in turn driven by a main mower deck pulley. When the wing mower is moved to the raised position, the wing belt becomes slack. The slack causes the wing mower blades to cease turning. Then the wing mower is lowered into the cutting position, the wing belt pulled taught. When this occurs, the wing belt is guided back into place against the wing pulley by belt retainers. This allows the wing mower to be raised and lowered without having to remove or reconfigure the wing belt.

Abstract: A movable frame for connection to a prime mover that supports multiple individual similar implements in a manner similar to the manner each would be singly connected in a trail-behind implement pulled by a prime mover, but maintains relative positioning between the implements sufficiently to enable the multiple implements to function as a single, larger implement. The frame allows individual implements to be positioned generally transversely in an operating position for travel in a first direction providing maximum operating width, and generally longitudinally in a transport position for travel in a direction opposite to the first direction in which the overall with of the implements on the frame is minimized to three meters or less.

Abstract: A mower deck having a first mower unit and a second mower unit. The second mower unit is fastened on the first mower unit a double joint arrangement so the second mower unit can swing upwards.

Abstract: A mower-conditioner including a plant mowing mechanism including a cutting device, a plant conditioning system and a mechanism lifting these elements relative to the ground, this assembly being carried by a frame and including a fairing, the machine also including a plant ejection channel positioned as an extension of the plant conditioning system. The fairing is articulated to the plant ejection channel by a transverse axis that is positioned inside the machine, above and slightly behind the plant conditioning system, and the plant ejection channel is itself articulated to the frame.

Abstract: A crop header has generally horizontal flail disks mounted for driven rotation about generally upright axes. A pair of conditioner rolls is mounted in a discharge opening. A crop converging system includes two over-shot auger elements defined by a common auger shaft with an auger flight carried thereon arranged generally longitudinal of the cutter bar so as to carry the cut crop longitudinally of the cutter bar to the entrance opening. Each auger element is arranged with a forwardmost tangent to the auger flight located behind the axes of the rotary disks and with an outer end thereof spaced outwardly of the respective end of the entrance mouth. The common auger shaft is driven by a common rotary drive with the bottom roll of the conditioner rolls. The augers terminate inwardly of the outer end of the cutter bar to locate the drive inboard of the end plates.

Abstract: A mower assembly is provided for cutting around a post. A support structure supports the mower assembly in cantilever fashion. The mower assembly includes a plurality of mower units with each mower unit having a rotary blade. Two or more mower units cooperate to engage and cut around a post and, during the process, the entire mower assembly rotates about an axis enabling the mower units to encircle and efficiently cut grass and other vegetation about the post.

Abstract: Device for mowing crops, comprising a series of mowing units arranged side by side at predetermined distances, each mowing unit comprising a knife holder with at least one knife carrying portion for carrying a mowing knife, and a drive mechanism for each knife holder. The drive mechanism for each knife holder comprises a first drive element comprising a hub portion for carrying the respective knife holder, and a second drive element drivingly engaged with the first drive element to rotatingly drive the knife holder about a vertical axis. In normal operation, the knife holder and the hub portion form a unitary rotatable assembly which, at a position between the knife carrying portion and the hub portion, is provided with a break connection which is effective in a radial direction.

Abstract: A farm implement configured to be releasibly coupled to a tractor equipped with a rearwardly oriented power take of device. The farm implement includes a central frame; at least two forward crop engaging arms mounted on the frame that extend outward from a central axis to a first width; and at least two crop rearward engaging arms mounted on the frame. The rearward crop engaging arms extend outward from a central axis to a second width; A plurality of crop engaging members are positioned on each of the forward and rearward crop engaging arms. The implement also includes a power transmission mechanism operatively connected to the forward crop and rearward engaging arms and engageable with the power take off apparatus on the associated tractor.

Abstract: An output for use with a vehicle and having an electric motor powered by an electric power source. The output includes a motor shaft driven by and extending from opposite sides of the electric motor, and first and second output shafts driven by the motor shaft at opposite ends thereof. The first and second output shafts are perpendicular to the motor shaft and both have a first end driven by the motor shaft and a second end which extends through a deck. A first mower blade is driven by the first output shaft and a second mower blade is driven by the second output shaft. The first and second mower blades are meshed and have a fixed orientation with respect to each other.

Abstract: A crop header has generally horizontal flail disks mounted for driven rotation about generally upright axes. A pair of conditioner rolls is mounted in a discharge opening and a transfer roller is mounted behind the disks and in front of the nip. At each end, two disks are mounted outwardly of the discharge opening each rotating so that its blade moves inwardly and each carries an impeller to carry the crop inwardly. A third disk is arranged so that a line forward of the end of the discharge opening intersects the third disk inward of the axis of the third disk. The third disk rotates so that its blade moves outwardly so that the crop tends to pass between the second and third disks. A pair of impellers are mounted behind the second disk and move inwardly to carry the cut crop to the discharge opening.

Abstract: A rotary mower with a plurality of cutting blades is provided. The deck comprises two longitudinal baffles that direct grass clippings to the rear of the mower. The longitudinal baffles, in conjunction with right and left side blade guards, form three channels. A cutting blade is disposed within each channel. A lift frame assembly comprises swiveling linkages that allow rotation of the deck with respect to the trailer hitch.

Abstract: A gang-type lawn mower system comprises a main frame and a plurality of mower decks secured to the main frame. Mounted on the frame is a power source such as an internal combustion engine. A drive train is interconnected between the power source and each of the mower decks. Thus, each mower deck is driven by the single power source. Further, the frame structure includes a tongue that is adapted to be connected to a tractor. Therefore, in cutting grass, the frame structure is pulled over the ground and each of the mower decks, driven by the power source, cuts grass or other vegetation that passes under the mower deck. Additionally, each mower deck is pivotally connected to the frame structure about at least one pivot axis.

Abstract: A ground engaging work vehicle including a frame, a plurality of tractive elements, a movable extension, a hydraulic fluid using attachment, a hydraulic fluid pump and an accumulator. The plurality of tractive elements are coupled to the frame. The tractive elements engage the ground. The movable extension is connected to the frame. The hydraulic fluid using attachment is coupled to the movable extension. The hydraulic fluid pump is selectively fluidly coupled to the attachment. The accumulator is selectively fluidly coupled to the attachment dependent upon at least one fluid flow requirement of the attachment.

Abstract: An agricultural machine including a carrying vehicle and plural work units configured to cut a standing product. The agricultural machine includes at least two front work units arranged, during work and viewed in a direction of forward travel of the carrying vehicle, at the front of the carrying vehicle, and at least two lateral work units arranged, during work, on either side of a work area of the front work units. The front work units and the lateral work units can advantageously be moved with respect to the carrying vehicle to occupy a transport position or a work position.

Abstract: An agricultural machine including a carrying vehicle and plural work units configured to cut a standing product. The agricultural machine includes at least two front work units arranged, during work and viewed in a direction of forward travel of the carrying vehicle, at the front of the carrying vehicle, and at least two lateral work units arranged, during work, on either side of a work area of the front work units. The front work units and the lateral work units can advantageously be moved with respect to the carrying vehicle to occupy a transport position or a work position.

Abstract: A lawn mower system comprising a wheeled push lawn mower primary cutting deck having auxiliary pivotably attached secondary cutting decks attached thereto. The device powered by a motor that may be electric or an internal combustion engine which provides power to operate blade(s) in a horizontal rotary cutting motion. The cutting blades may be attached to the motor via connector shaft(s) and pulley(s) and may be simultaneously driven with a belt system to cut various widths of lawn. The auxiliary pivotably attached right and left secondary cutting decks are vertically rotatable into downward positions for single, double, or triple wide cutting widths to cut small to very large lawns. The lawn mower system may be stored in a wings-up efficient manner.

Abstract: An agricultural machine including a carrying vehicle and plural work units configured to cut a standing product. The agricultural machine includes at least two front work units arranged, during work and viewed in a direction of forward travel of the carrying vehicle, at the front of the carrying vehicle, and at least two lateral work units arranged, during work, on either side of a work area of the front work units. The front work units and the lateral work units can advantageously be moved with respect to the carrying vehicle to occupy a transport position or a work position.

Abstract: A gear-driven modular disc cutter assembly that may be used singly or in combination on a header of an agricultural harvester to form a modular disc cutterbar. The modules feature a low profile to minimize disruption of incoming crop flow and are coordinated such that any two adjacent cutters are either converging or diverging the crop flow (e.g. any two adjacent cutters rotate in opposite directions). Additionally, the modules are suitable for mounting on a movable frame which allows the cutterbar to be folded in a horizontal plane to reduce the transverse width of the cutterbar to facilitate transport of the harvester between fields.

Abstract: A rear discharge mower comprising: a first shaft; a first blade that is rotated in unison with the first shaft; a second shaft that is configured to be rotated in a direction opposite from a rotational direction of the first shaft; a second blade that is rotated in unison with the second shaft, wherein a grass-clippings discharge path is formed through which grass clippings are discharged in a rearward direction from the area between the first shaft and second shaft; an enclosing casing that supports the blade shafts; and a power train that is accommodated in the enclosing casing and that transmits power to the first and second blade shafts.

Abstract: A rear discharge mower comprising: a first shaft; a first blade that is rotated in unison with the first shaft; a second shaft that is configured to be rotated in a direction opposite from a rotational direction of the first shaft; a second blade that is rotated in unison with the second shaft, wherein a grass-clippings discharge path is formed through which grass clippings are discharged in a rearward direction from the area between the first shaft and second shaft; an enclosing casing that supports the blade shafts; and a power train that is accommodated in the enclosing casing and that transmits power to the first and second blade shafts.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising a frame with an electric power source secured to the frame. The vehicle further comprises an electric motor driven by the electric power source and secured to a deck and having at least a first side and a second side formed opposite the first side. The vehicle has a first shaft located within the electric motor housing and driven by the electric motor, the first shaft has a first end, which extends from the electric motor housing first side, and a second end, which extends from the electric motor housing second end. The vehicle further comprises a first output assembly driven by the first end of the first shaft and a second output assembly driven by the second end of the first shaft.

Abstract: A crop header has generally horizontal flail disks mounted for driven rotation about generally upright axes. A pair of conditioner rolls is mounted in a discharge opening and a transfer roller is mounted behind the disks and in front of the nip. At each end, two disks are mounted outwardly of the discharge opening each rotating so that its blade moves inwardly and each carries an impeller to carry the crop inwardly. A third disk is arranged so that a line forward of the end of the discharge opening intersects the third disk inward of the axis of the third disk. The third disk rotates so that its blade moves outwardly so that the crop tends to pass between the second and third disks. A pair of impellers are mounted behind the second disk and move inwardly to carry the cut crop to the discharge opening.

Abstract: A movable frame for connection to a prime mover that supports multiple individual similar implements in a manner similar to the manner each would be singly connected in a trail-behind implement pulled by a prime mover, but maintains relative positioning between the implements sufficiently to enable the multiple implements to function as a single, larger implement. The frame allows individual implements to be positioned generally transversely in an operating position for travel in a first direction providing maximum operating width, and generally longitudinally in a transport position for travel in a direction opposite to the first direction in which the overall with of the implements on the frame is minimized to three meters or less.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting impending failure of a component of a disc cutterhead of a cutterbar of a plant cutting machine, the components will generate at least one indicator of an impending failure thereof, utilizing a plurality of sensors distributed among the cutterheads, each of the sensors being configured and operable for sensing at least one of the indicators of impending failure and outputting signals representative thereof to a controller automatically operable for processing the signals, to enable identifying an individual location or one of the cutterheads in which an impending failure of one or more of the components is present, and outputting a signal representative thereof to a warning device. The indicators can include, but are not limited to, temperature, sound, and vibration. The controller is also operable for determining comparative threshold values for the indicators, to adapt to changing conditions and norms.

Abstract: A grass mowing machine has a frame with an adjustable width toolbar including a center section and left and right outer sections telescoping into the center section. A pair of cutting units are mounted to lift arms pivotably connected to outboard ends of the outer sections of the adjustable width toolbar. A hydraulic lift cylinder is mounted between an inboard end of each lift arm and the adjustable width toolbar at a selected mounting point in the center section. The mounting point of the center section is aligned with a mounting point in one of the outer sections to provide a specified toolbar width suitable for the cutting units.

Abstract: A wide-span lawn mowing mechanism includes a chassis assembly having a front tube element, a rear tube element, and a plurality of cross tubes connecting the front tube element to the rear tube element. A plurality of rotary cutting heads are suspended from the chassis assembly. A power source is included for imparting rotary motion to the cutting heads. A selectively actuatable drive system operatively connects the cutting heads to the power source.

Abstract: A mower apparatus includes a mower deck having a first deck section, a second deck section pivotable relative to the first deck section, and a latch. The latch is actuable between a first position in which the latch maintains the second deck section in a lowered position and a second position in which the latch maintains the second deck in a raised position.