Method and apparatus for controlling a tractor/baler combination
US6546705B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 8, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 9, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01F15/08
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of controlling the combination of a baler and a tractor includes the steps of advancing the baler combination through a swath or windrow of biological crop matter with the tractor PTO operating at a generally constant speed to power the baler and the baler operating to take up biological matter while monitoring the flow rate of the biological matter through the baler. A microprocessor compares the assessed flow rate with an optimal flow rate and varies the travel speed of the tractor to maximize the flow rate of crop material through the baler. Preferably, the speed of operation of the tractor is accomplished through changing transmission speeds so that the PTO shaft speed is maintained at a substantially uniform rotational speed. The apparatus provided for carrying out the method of controlling the combination of a tractor and a baler increases the work rate of baling operations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.