Pull-type crop harvesting machine transport system where a transport wheel can move underneath the crop engaging system

摘要

A pull-type crop engaging machine such as a rotary mower comprises a frame mounted on transversely spaced field ground wheels for movement with a hitch arm extending to a tractor and a transport assembly attached behind the frame for moving downwardly to a transport position so that in the transport position the hitch arm extends from one end of the frame generally in the transverse direction for towing the machine in the transverse direction. The transport includes a transport ground wheel which acts to raise the frame to pass underneath the crop engaging system to support the machine on the wheel, on a second wheel behind the frame and on the hitch. The movement of the hitch and the wheel is connected and started at a position of the hitch so that the machine remains balanced. A shield behind the frame includes a portion which moves with the transport wheel.

主权项

1. A pull-type crop engaging machine for towed movement by a tractor comprising:
a frame mounted on transversely spaced field ground wheels for forward movement during field operation across ground carrying a crop; a crop engaging system mounted in a transverse direction across a front of the frame so that the frame carries the crop engaging system in the forward direction generally at right angles to the transverse direction into the crop; a hitch arm extending from the frame to a forward end of the hitch arm coupling hitch arranged for attachment to a hitch connector of a tractor by which the frame is towed in the forward direction across the ground while running on the ground wheels; a hitch arm extending from the frame to a coupling hitch arranged for attachment to a hitch connector of a tractor by which the frame is towed in the forward direction across the ground while running on the ground wheels; a mounting connecting the hitch arm to the frame, wherein the mounting is operable to cause movement of the hitch arm so that in the field position the hitch arm extends from the frame generally forwardly for towing the machine in the forward direction and in the transport position the hitch arm extends from the frame generally in the transverse direction for towing the machine in the transverse direction; and a transport assembly attached to the frame for transporting the frame and the crop engaging system carried thereon in the transverse direction during transport towed by the tractor through the hitch arm; the transport assembly comprising:
a front transport ground wheel for engaging the ground in front of the crop engaging system and supporting the frame during transport;a frame member attaching said front transport ground wheel to the frame;an actuation arrangement which moves the frame member to carry said front transport ground wheel between a first position in which the front transport ground wheel is raised from the ground for field operation and a second transport position in which said front transport ground wheel is in contact with the ground with the field ground wheels lifted from the ground;said frame member being shaped and arranged to carry the front transport ground wheel when moved by said actuator mechanism to the second transport position while the crop engaging system is raised by components in engagement with the ground to a height in which the front transport ground wheel passes in movement underneath the crop engaging system.