GB580054A - A new or improved machine for loading root crops into vehicles or other containers - Google Patents

Abstract

580,054. Root crop harvesters. JENSEN, F. A. March 22, 1944, No. 5309. [Class 6 (iii)] [Also in Group XXX] A machine for lifting and loading root crops growing in or deposited on the ground comprises a rotary lifter having a plurality of sets of tines 38, an endless band conveyer having a plurality of sets of tines 20 adapted to pass between the tines 38, and means for driving the lifter and conveyer in opposite directions in such manner that the tines 20 overtake the tines 38 and remove from them the roots they have lifted from the ground. The conveyer shown comprises a frame 11 supported on a wheeled frame 10 by means including an adjustable strut 12, the frame being fitted with sprockets over which pass chains 17. The chains are connected at intervals by bars 18 between some of which are angle bars 19 carrying the tines 20. The side members of frame 10 are connected at their rear ends by a transverse member 22, and carry axles 23 for the land wheels 24. The rotary lifter comprises a spindle 28 carried by a U-shaped frame 27 pivoted on the axles 23, a screw and nut mechanism 34, 36 being provided on member 22 for adjusting the position of the lifter. The tines 38 pass through a cylindrical body 37 and are secured to spindle 28. This spindle is driven by gearing from the axles 23, and a sprocket or pulley 40 on the driving shaft of the conveyer is driven by a chain or belt from a sprocket or pulley on one of the wheels 24. For feeding root crops from a dump the rotary lifter is removed and then replaced in a reversed position in the same bearings, and the distance between it and the conveyer is increased by altering the inclination of the latter. The rotary lifter is then driven in a clockwise direction and serves, to transfer the roots from a grid-like frame, Fig. 3 (not shown), to the conveyer.