Patent ID: 6640699
Filing Date: 2003-11-04
Classification: A01F

Abstract:
In a large round baler including a main frame supporting a baling chamber for forming cylindrical bales of different diameters up to a maximum diameter having a horizontal transverse axis located centrally in said baling chamber, and defined at least substantially by side walls and a flexible bale forming arrangement trained over a plurality of rollers including fixed rollers and at least one moveable roller, the improvement comprising:a) said side walls each being constructed solely of a single piece rigidly fixed to said frame and having a continuous peripheral edge arranged radially outwardly about said horizontal transverse axis so as to be approximately at said maximum diameter; b) said fixed rollers being spaced outside said peripheral edges of said pair of side walls from said axis and including a lower rear fixed roller located at a height for permitting a formed bale to be discharged beneath it, and further including a lower front fixed roller; c) a pair of arms being respectively mounted outside said pair of side walls for movement relative thereto such that respective ends of said pair of arms may move adjacent to said peripheral edges of said pair of side walls; d) said at least one moveable roller extending between and being mounted to said ends of said pair of arms and controlling the position of a length of said flexible bale forming arrangement, extending between said lower rear fixed roller and said moveable roller, relative to said side walls; and e) said arms being mounted for movement between a lowered, baling position, wherein said at least one moveable roller is positioned underneath said baling chamber in a position spaced rearward of said lower front fixed roller so as to define a crop inlet between said lower front fixed roller and said at least one moveable roller, and a raised bale discharge position, wherein said at least one moveable roller is elevated so as to permit a completed bale to pass beneath it.