Patent ID: 6263649
Filing Date: 2001-07-24
Classification: A01D,A01G

Abstract:
A leaf gathering and compressing machine comprising:a main frame supported by wheels and adapted to be moved along a path parallel to a leaf windrow;a subframe with a rear subframe portion pivotally attached to the main frame for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis that is transverse to said path;an elongated leaf feed plate mounted on the subframe and having a transverse forward edge;a pair of height control hydraulic cylinders attached to the main frame and a forward portion of the subframe for pivoting the subframe relative to the main frame and controlling the height of the transverse forward edge;a leaf pickup assembly mounted on the subframe above the transverse forward edge of the elongated feed plate;a leaf feeder assembly mounted on the subframe above the elongated leaf feed plate that receives leaves from the leaf pickup assembly and conveys the leaves along the elongated leaf feed plate;a leaf feeder assembly mounted on the subframe above the elongated leaf feed plate that receives leaves from the leaf pickup assembly and conveys the leaves along the elongated feed plate;a compression auger rotatable mounted on the subframe and housed in a tube that provides a minimum clearance between the compression auger and an inside surface of the tube of at least one inch and wherein the compression auger receives leaves from the leaf feed assembly, compresses the leaves and conveys the leaves to a tube discharge end; anda leaf holding container carried by the main frame and in communication with the discharge end of the tube.