Patent ID: 7028459
Filing Date: 2006-04-18
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
1. A harvesting method comprising: making a first harvesting pass in one direction through a field of standing crop materials including severing standing materials from the ground and depositing them onto the ground within a mowed strip created by the first harvesting pass to form a first deposit of severed materials, said first harvesting pass being carried out at a location spaced inwardly from an edge of uncut standing crop materials so as to leave uncut standing crop materials along opposite sides of the mowed strip; making a second harvesting pass in the opposite direction through uncut standing crop materials including severing standing materials from the ground and directing them laterally onto the ground within the mowed strip of the first pass to form a second deposit of severed materials in the mowed strip in association with the first deposit; and making a third harvesting pass in said one direction through uncut standing crop materials including severing standing materials from the ground and directing them laterally onto the ground within the mowed strip of the first pass to form a third deposit of severed materials in the mowed strip in association with the first and second deposits, said second and third passes being carried out with a cross-conveyor in a lowered position for receiving a stream of severed materials before they are returned to the ground after severance and for moving such materials in a lateral direction to the mowed strip of the first pass, said first pass being carried out with the cross-conveyor in a raised position for allowing the stream of severed materials to pass beneath the raised cross-conveyor and return to the ground in the mowed strip.