Hay etc. crop gathering and compacting method

摘要

Gathered crop is crushed, torn and compacted within a channel (6) to give a compacted strand which is layered out within a layering space (12) into a bale. The bale is grounded in its container (15) which is then recovered, leaving the bale for later collection prior to renewed transport and grounding by this same (1-3) or another vehicle. A double or multiple swathe collector or pickup (3) is arranged in front of the crushing and compacting equipment (4), notably a rigidly or controllably tined rotor (5) engaging the channel as composed of upper discharge cage plus bottom casing. The rotor tines engage the grooves in the channel casing. The length-adjustable compacting channel itself follows this and issues into the stacking space as formed by the roller floor (12), sides and roof cover. The stacking space has its own set-down or dumping unit and the floor can be removed and re-fitted to the crushing and compacting equipment together with the space walls. The movable wall of the vehicle encloses the bale, holding it together for transport or release once grounded. A backwall in the space (12) retreats as the bale builds up, the wall or pallet suitably concave above as against the convexly fronted compacting piston.