GB614144A - Improvements in or relating to machines for agricultural, land-working, mining and other purposes - Google Patents

Abstract

614,144. Excavating earth. HAMLETT, H. W. July 10, 1946, No. 20583. [Class 68 (i)] [Also in Groups I and XXX] An excavating-machine comprises a tractor with one or more excavating tools in front which can be set at varying inclinations to the ground, each tool consisting of a tube having annular cutting means at its open lower end, and an internal worm conveyer, power drive motivating both tube and conveyer so that on forward motion of the machine a core of earth is cut which enters the tube and is conveyed therein by the worm conveyer. Fig. 1 shows such a machine adapted for harvesting root crops. The tractor 1 is fitted with a plurality of excavating tools, each of which comprises a cutter 2 with knives 8, a rotary perforated conveyer tube 3 and worm 4 which delivers the lifted crops through an opening 20 to a trough 5, wherein a pair of oppositely rotating worm conveyers 6 move the crops to each side of the machine from whence they are raised by elevators 7 to a delivery point. The tube 3 and worm 4 are driven in opposite directions by suitable gear-wheels 21, 22, 23 and 26, the worm-shaft 14 passing through a sleeve 15 on the end plate 12 of the conveyer. The working depth of the tools is adjustable by a front roller 45, the tools pivoting at the lower end of a bracket 17, the upper end of which has hydraulic means 54 connected to it at a point 52. A cleaning roller 80 is supported on a bar 41<SP>1</SP> to prevent earth clogging the tube. 3. The vertical movements of the roller 45 are transmitted to the hydraulic means by suitable connections. In a modification (Fig. 10, not shown), the pivot point of the bracket 17 is on a frame pivotally mounted on the tractor. Means are provided for raising the tools individually and collectively. Cultivating tools may be provided at the rear. Specification 610,571, [Group I], is referred to. The Provisional Specification also describes spring means in place of the hydraulic means, each means being so connected that on the mechanism meeting a large obstruction the engine will be disengaged. Power for the various parts may be provided from the tractor motor or a separate motor.