GB723532A - Improved beet topping mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

723,532. Beet-topping machines. WHITSED, W. J. Dec. 11, 1952. [Sept. 11, 1951] No. 18943/51. Class 6 (3). A beet-topping mechanism, of the type comprising interconnected pivoted arms 10, 17, respectively carrying a driven rotary feeler 13 and a topping knife 24, is characterised in that there is a reduction ratio between the movements of the feeler and topping knife so that larger beets are sliced more deeply than small beets. This is effected by providing arms 10, 17 of different lengths and interconnecting them by a pivoted link 23 at different distances from their pivots 12 and 21. The arm 10 is pivoted about a shaft 12 driven by a power take-off from a tractor (not shown) to which the device is attached and carrying a sprocket and chain drive 34, to the feeler wheels 13. These are serrated at 30 and have flanges 31 which prevent their picking up trash. An additional guard 32 is provided on the arm 17. The reduction ratio may be altered by movement of the pivot point 21 into alternative positions 22, or, in a modification, by providing alternative positions for the pivot 27. The initial.spacing between the knife and feeler is adjustable by a nut 29. The member 16 carrying the arms 10, 17, may be mounted on a tractor or other vehicle and the spindle 12 may be driven by the land-wheels of this vehicle.