Abstract: A device for the control and adjustment of hydraulic cylinders on work attachments and assemblies of work machines, preferably self-propelled harvesting machines. Increasing the performance of harvesting machines for bringing in crops efficiently and without loss requires rapid, uncomplicated adaptation of the harvesting machines and front harvesting attachments to the respective load and operating conditions. The front harvesting attachments and wheel carriages are connected to the hydraulic circuit of the harvesting machine and driven automatically by means of the electronic control system as a function of the respective working and operating conditions.

Abstract: A method and device for automatically adjusting the lightening of a working unit (U) of a machine by use of a hydraulic ram (57) associated with a hydropneumatic accumulator (67). Use is made of a second hydraulic ram (58) of which the piston (53), which can move as far as a predetermined position (PP) in the cylinder (C2) and which is detached from the rod (46) of the first hydraulic ram (57), acts directly or indirectly on the latter rod via the oil (O) contained in the first hydraulic ram (57). The working unit (U) is raised and lowered by the second hydraulic ram (58). When raising the working unit (U), the volume of oil in the first hydraulic ram (57) is increased or decreased in such a way that the working unit (U) is always at a predetermined height (HP) at the end of raising travel.

Abstract: A row alignment system includes a plurality of row units mounted on the lift frame at the front of a harvester. One or more of the row units are transversely adjustable on the frame for alignment with the guess rows. One of the adjustable row units includes a mechanical feeler which moves in response to changes in alignment between the plant passage on the row unit and the row of crop being harvested by that row unit. A linkage connects the feeler directly to the spool of a three-position, four-way valve supported on the row unit closely adjacent the feeler. Movement of the feeler in response to row misalignment operates the valve to selectively extend or retract a cylinder to move the units to maintain the desired crop row/plant passage alignment. A manually operated valve assembly facilitates easy manual operation of the row units and permits the row units to be locked in a preselected position.

Abstract: A harvester platform is suspended from the implement main frame by a linkage including a pair of lower transversely spaced links each having rear and front ends respectively pivotally attached to the main frame and the platform. Associated with each lower suspension link is a hydraulic float cylinder coupled between the main frame and the associated link so as to exert a lifting force on the link. The amount of lifting force exerted by each float cylinder may be varied by adjusting the location of the anchor pin connecting the cylinder to the main frame through means of an adjustable bracket that carries the anchor pin. Side-to-side float balance of the platform is achieved through properly adjusting the anchor pin locations so that the float cylinder at the heavier end of the platform exerts a greater lifting force than the float cylinder at the lighter end of the platform.

Abstract: A tow bar assembly for a tractor which enables up to three implements to be simultaneously pulled through a field utilizing a conventional hitch of the tractor. The tow bar assembly includes hitch dollies which are pivotally mounted so as to be moveable about both horizontal and vertical axes to a primary support beam and a pair of outrigger beams which are pivotally connected at opposite ends of the primary support beam in such a manner that the dollies are permitted to follow the natural terrain when the tow bar assembly is in use. Implements, such as hay balers, may be selectively hitched to the dollies.

Abstract: A combination tow and pressure relief valve for use in a hydraulic fluid circuit used in a hydraulically driven wide area lawn mower. The valve includes a cylindrical valve body having a hexagonal head. A slideable valve tip with a shank and a valve head has its shank slidably mounted within the valve body. The valve tip is biased by a spring to move in a direction away from the hex head. In operation, the valve is inserted into a suitable chamber placed in series with a bypass passage. The valve tends to block the bypass passage under steady state conditions. When a surge in hydraulic pressure occurs, as would occur in response to operator input or at startup, the hydraulic fluid overcomes the bias of the spring and urges the valve tip away from the otherwise blocked orifice which links the bypass passage to the chamber. Opening the orifice tends to diminish the magnitude of the pressure peak and helps eliminate jerky starts of the mower.

Abstract: The invention provides a harvester that applies continuous contact between the plant to be harvested and harvesting rails, which thus reduces damage to the plant. The harvester uses a hydraulic system which causes the rails to provide a constant gripping force against the plants when in a float position of the hydraulic system. The system also has a spread setting and may or may not have a third static setting.

Abstract: A reel mower having side reel mower units and a center reel mower unit connected to a vehicle body to be vertically movable between a lower position for a grass cutting operation and an upper position for a non-operational run. The side reel mower units and center reel mower unit have reels driven by reel drives under control of a control mechanism. A forcible stopping device is provided for forcibly stopping the reel drives of the reel mower units with priority over control of the reel drives by the control mechanism when the side reel mower units and center reel mower unit are all in the upper positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides variable force traction enhance systems for vehicles. The systems include one or more hydraulic cylinders connected to an implement and fluidly connected to one or more hydrostatic transmissions. The hydraulic cylinders actuate the implement in response to changes in the hydraulic fluid pressures in the hydrostatic transmissions. The actuated implement automatically shifts weight to vehicle drive wheels to improve traction and automatically prevents a rear end of the vehicle from bucking.

Abstract: A front-mount mower tractor including a front axle case, a driver's platform disposed above the front axle case and in a front region of the tractor, a platform support frame having one end thereof fixed to the front axle case and extending under the driver's platform longitudinally forwardly of the tractor, and a mower unit raising and lowering link mechanism. The mower unit raising and lowering link mechanism includes lift links pivotally connected to the front axle case for suspending a mower unit from free ends thereof, lift arms pivotally connected to the front axle case above the lift links, at least a portion of each lift arm extending along a side surface of the platform support frame, connecting links each pivotally connected at one end thereof to one of the lift arms, and at the other end to one of the lift links, at least a portion of each connecting link extending along a side surface of the platform support frame, and a cylinder for swinging the right and left lift arms.

Abstract: A tow bar implement for a tractor wherein two or three balers may be simultaneously pulled through a field utilizing a conventional hitch of a tractor. The implement includes a pair of outrigger beams which are pivotally connected at opposite ends of a primary support beam and which support motors for driving the input drive shafts of a pair of outer balers. A third baler may be hitched directly to the primary beam intermediate the outer balers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-buck vehicle comprising an engine chassis, an implement pivotally connected to a front end of the engine chassis, and an anti-buck device connecting the engine chassis to the implement to prevent sudden pivotal movement of the engine chassis toward the implement.

Abstract: Cotton harvester structure including centrally located, transversely mounted engine, rear mounted water and fuel tanks, and transversely centered conveyor fan having an upper, forwardly extending outlet located just below the level of the cab floor for improved weight distribution, air hose routing and air flow. The fan rotates about a transversely extending axis parallel to the engine crankshaft axis. The crankshaft and fan are connected by a belt and sheave assembly having an electric clutch mounted on a shaft assembly and located outside of the frame. The shaft assembly provides fan support, separates the fan inlet from the clutch, reduces lubrication requirements, and enhances accessibility.

Abstract: A harvester which uses a rotary style cutter bed has a series of rotary cutters extending across the path of travel of the machine and rotatable about individual upright axes. Part of the cutter bed is a flat gear case containing a train of intermeshed spur gears that serve to distribute power between the cutters above the gear train. Each end of the gear case has a hollow, gearless extension welded thereto which supports at least one additional outboard cutter that receives its driving power exteriorally of the gear case. One embodiment uses a mechanical drive to bring power to the upright shaft of the cutter having the first spur gear so that the cutters with gears receive all their power from the driven cutter.

Abstract: A crop harvester of the rotary cutter bed type has a series of rotary cutters extending across the path of travel of the machine and rotatable about individual upright axes. The cutter bed extends in opposite directions beyond the ends of a central discharge opening to the conditioner rolls. Cutters located outboard of the opening direct cut crop materials along the front of the cutter bed until the opposite extremities of the discharge openings are reached, whereupon pairs of cooperating, oppositely rotating cutters in front of the opening function to propel the crop material rearwardly with the main flow of cut materials. Alternative forms of conveying means are provided in association with the outboard cutters for moving the cut crop centrally without the use of augers or other additional gathering mechanism behind the row of cutters.

Abstract: A crop harvester is provided with a rotary type cutter bed in which a series of rotary cutters extend across the path of travel of the machine for rotation about individual upright axes. A hydraulic drive for the cutter bed includes a variable volume pump driven by the output shaft of an engine associated with the harvester. The operating circuit of the hydraulic drive pumps oil through the circuit at a certain rate of flow, depending upon the engine speed and the position of a swash plate within the pump. A control circuit communicating with the operating circuit is capable of sensing load in the operating circuit tending to lug down and reduce the speed of the engine, which would normally reduce the flow rate and hence the cutter speed. However, in response to detecting such increased load, the control circuit compensates by adjusting the position of the swash plate so as to correspondingly pump more oil at the lower engine speed, thus maintaining the cutter speed essentially constant.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission for a vehicle, such as a commercial walk-behind mower, comprises a fixed displacement pump, first and second reversible hydraulic motors for driving first and second ground engageable wheels, respectively, of the vehicle, and first and second spool valves for controlling hydraulic fluid flow from the fixed displacement hydraulic pump to the first and second hydraulic motors, respectively. The transmission may have a further fixed displacement hydraulic pump arranged in tandem with the first mentioned pump, a fluid pressure operated device and a third spool valve movable between a first position in which hydraulic fluid from the further pump is supplied to the pressure operated device and a second position in which hydraulic fluid from the further pump is supplied to the first and second spool valves to supplement hydraulic fluid from the first mentioned hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A mower is propelled along the ground by a tractor and the mower includes three cutting units mounted on a frame. The three cutting units are transversely mounted on the frame to cut in overlapping parallel patterns with each cutting unit being free floating on the frame such that each unit cuts at an elevation controlled by the ground immediately under the cutting unit.

Abstract: A system for controlling the elevation of a harvesting unit of a cotton harvester relative to a ground surface. The control system includes a valve assembly whose position controls operation of a lift mechanism connected to the harvesting unit and which is operated by a ground contour sensor assembly carried by the harvesting unit. Harvesting unit elevation is correlated with the extent that the ground contour sensor assembly moves relative to the harvesting unit. The ground contour sensor assembly includes a shoe with a ground engaging surface wherein such surface is movable vertically relative to the harvesting unit and also is pivotable sideways about a fore-and-aft extending axis thereby enhancing ground contact of the sensor assembly with the ground contour.

Abstract: A check-relief valve for use in a hydraulic circuit comprises a channel through a valve body which is divided by a central annular restriction into two portions. On each side of the restrictor is provided a valve seat which cooperates with a spherical ball to close off flow in a direction toward the restriction. At the outer end of each portion of the channel is provided a perforated plate which prevents the ball from restricting flow when the ball is forced against the plate. Either the ball or the restrictor is formed of a resilient deformable material which can be deformed when the pressure in the fluid exceeds a predetermined maximum in which case the ball is forced through the restriction to the opposite portion of the channel. The check valve is used in a system of a swather for moving one of the draper assemblies longitudinally of the frame of the swather and simultaneously reversing the direction of rotation of the drive to the draper.

Abstract: A multipurpose and self-moving agricultural machine is provided comprising: mobile bearing member (3, 4), a frame (2) borne by the mobile bearing members (3, 4), a main engine (7) borne by a frame (2) and operating at least on the mobile bearing members (3, 4), an operation and driving place (26) supported by the frame (2), engagement members (2a), suitable to support the main engine (7) alternatively in an upper position, placed above the frame (2), and in a lower position, beside the mobile support members (3, 4), and driving members (16) extending between the main engine (7) and the mobile bearing members (3, 4) and adaptable to both the upper and lower positions of the main engine (7).

Abstract: A hydraulic system for unitized raking implements having hydraulically driven left and right rake baskets positionally movable by hydraulic steering cylinders, hydraulic swing cylinders and hydraulic lift cylinders is disclosed wherein all the hydraulically actuated components on the implement can be operatively powered from a single hydraulic circuit from the prime mover. A selector valve divides the flow of fluid coming from the prime mover hydraulic system into first and second loops. The first loop directs hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motors and lift cylinders in such a manner that whenever the hydraulic motors are operated the hydraulic lift cylinders position the rake baskets into a lowered operating position. The second loop directs hydraulic fluid to the steering and swing cylinders, the flow between which being controlled by a control valve corresponding to each of the rake baskets.

Abstract: A hay rake assembly is characterized by the use of two, three, or even more individual hay rakes which are towed behind a single towing vehicle. Each of the rakes is on an individual gooseneck which is under hydraulic control from the towing vehicle so that it will swing out to establish its own swath, independently of the other rakes, on command from the operator of the towing vehicle. This yields great flexibility in the raking of hay and combining of windrows, and the apparatus is also characterized in that each rake may be reversed on its gooseneck so that the hay rake is converted into a tedding machine. Several other angular and elevational adjustment of the rake basket, most of which are hydraulic, also represent part of the invention.

Abstract: A mechanism for changing the cutting angle of the cutterbar on a crop harvestng machine, such as a mower-conditioner or windrower, relative to the ground is disclosed wherein the cutting angle can be changed while the harvesting machine is being operated. This on-the-go adjustment mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder positioned as the top link between the frame of the harvesting machine and the header in which the cutterbar is mounted. Changes in the length of the hydraulic cylinder affect a pivotal movement of the header about the lower links interconnecting the frame and the header to change the angle of the cutterbar relative to the ground.

Abstract: A mowing machine comprises a plurality of cutting units (4) powered by a parallel hydraulic system with distributing means (30). The cutting units (4) are each powered by a hydromotor (16), all hydromotors (16) being driven by a central hydraulic pump (P). The hydromotors (16) are fed in a parallel relationship by the pump (P). Ahead of the hydromotor (16) in each circuit, is a distributing means (30) with an inlet (26) from the pump (P), and two outlets, (31) back to the supply tank (V), and (33) to the corresponding hydromotor (16). When a hydromotor (16) is deactivated, distributing means (30) automatically diverts the fluid normally flowing through the deactivated hydromotor back to the supply tank (V). This diversion of fluid prevents changing the speed of the remaining hydromotors as a result of increased flow or pressure available due to the deactivated hydromotor.

Abstract: In a combine harvester header, a modified hydraulic cylinder for controlling reel height includes a cylinder rod sub-assembly having a threaded portion permitting rotation of the cylinder rod to make adjustment of the cylinder rod effective length for fine or supplementary adjustment of the harvester reel relative to the platform cutterbar. A dual purpose member, pivotably captive on a rotatable nut portion of the cylinder rod sub-assembly, is swingable between an approximately horizontal position in which it serves as a wrench handle for rotatably adjusting the cylinder rod threaded portion and, downwards, into a safety stop position where it is engageable with the end of the body of the hydraulic cylinder to prevent inadvertent lowering of the reel from a fully raised position.

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

Abstract: A cotton harvester is provided with a hydraulic system incorporating a multiple segment rotary flow divider interposed between a source of fluid pressure and a plurality of header unit lift cylinders. A variable orifice valve assembly is arranged parallel to the header unit lift cylinders and is responsive to undulations in the ground plane for raising and lowering individual header units.

Abstract: A height adjuster for an agricultural implement, such as the crop pickup device of a field chopper, picker, thresher or like machine having an intake or pickup unit drawing the crop to a chopper or blower, has at least one movable front point or shoe which is swingable about an axis transverse to the direction of travel and rides on the ground. Within this shoe switches are provided to respond to the pivotal movements of the shoe and control a hydraulic cylinder for lifting or lowering the pickup unit to conform to changes in the ground contour.

Abstract: In turf maintenance machines, lifting and lowering of e.g. cutter units and partial counterbalancing of such units in their working positions may be provided by hydraulically actuated means comprising at least one selector valve, the or each valve having ports connected with at least one unit lifting ram, a pump, a reservoir and an accumulator. An operator can be certain that, when a unit is lowered to the ground, the required degree of partial counterbalance can be provided.The selector valve is a four position spool valve which in the "lower" position thereof permits discharge of fluid from a ram to the reservoir thereby lowering an associated unit, while connecting the pump to charge the accumulator. When the unit reaches the ground the operator moves the valve to the counterbalance position, thereby counterbalancing the unit to the required extent by connecting the ram to the accumulator.

Abstract: A cotton harvester (10) is provided with several independently hydraulically adjustable heater units (16) that are movable in unison or completely independently depending on ground plane elevation. A rotary flow divider (30) is positioned in the supply conduit (42) to the header units (16) to control synchronous movement of the units.