Patent ID: 8919088
Filing Date: 2014-12-30
Classification: A01B,A01D

Abstract:
1. A self-propelled merger configured for travel in a first direction; the merger comprising: a motor; front wheels and rear wheels; a chassis; a first merger pickup and transfer assembly, the first merger pickup and transfer assembly including a first pickup head configured to pick up and transfer material to an associated first belt conveyor arranged to convey material in a direction transverse to the first direction of travel and driven by a first motor; a second merger pickup and transfer assembly the second merger pickup and transfer assembly including a second pickup head configured to pick up and transfer material to an associated second belt conveyor arranged to convey material in a direction transverse to the first direction of travel and driven by a second motor; and a third merger pickup and transfer assembly, the third merger pickup and transfer assembly including a third pickup head configured to pick up and transfer material to an associated third belt conveyor arranged to convey material in a direction transverse to the first direction of travel and driven by a third motor; each of the merger pickup and transfer assemblies being movable between a first position wherein the merger pickup and transfer assemblies are laterally aligned, and a second position; a cab extending above and behind the second merger pickup and transfer assembly; the first merger pickup and transfer assembly, the second merger pickup and transfer assembly and the third merger pickup and transfer assembly being forward of the cab and the front wheels in the first position, and the first merger pickup and transfer assembly and the third merger pickup and transfer assembly being rear of the cab in the second position; a folding mechanism for moving each of the merger pickup and transfer assemblies between the first position and the second position; wherein each of the first and third merger pickup and transfer assemblies is supported on an associated arm mounted to the chassis, the associated arm rotationally mounted forward of the front wheels to move each of the first and third merger pickup and transfer assemblies between the first position forward of the cab and the front wheels, and the second position rear of the cab.