Abstract:
A forage compactor is provided having a frame that has cross bars supporting risers that in turn support a shaft. At least one asymmetric wheel is supported by the shaft. The wheels can be paired whereby journals are used to connect to the shaft between recesses of respective wheels. Each wheel has a first side and a second side, each with radiused portions that turn forage away from the wheel. The wheels have a band that is flush with the outer portion of the wheel sides to prevent lifting of the forage. A storage assembly is provided and is integrated into the framework. The storage assembly can be stored within the frame when the compactor is in use, and can be deployed to a locked position in order to store the compactor. A hitch framework is provided that can attach to multiple categories of three point hitches.

Description:
[0001]    This U.S. utility patent application claims priority on and the benefit of provisional application 61/968,992 filed Mar. 21, 2014, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to an improved forage compactor and in particular to an improved forage compactor having at least one asymmetric wheel, an integrated stand and an improved connection system. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Forage can be comprised of chopped corn, hay or other feed stuffs. Without the aid of compression equipment, a large amount of air is entrapped or contained within piles of forage. The air increases the rate of spoilage of the forage. It is therefore desirable to remove entrapped or incorporated air from the forage in order to increase forage quality and storage times. 
         [0006]    There have been many methods developed over the years that seek to accomplish the goal of removing air from the forage. 
         [0007]    One such method is a tower silo. Forage is vertically stacked in a tower silo. The vertical stacking takes advantage of gravity, which forces an amount of compaction as the tower silo is filled. 
         [0008]    Another such method is a bag silo. Bag silos lay horizontal and are filled or packed mechanically with a machine. The bag silos are then sealed. 
         [0009]    A further type of silo is a bunker silo. A bunker silo is driven over by a vehicle whereby the forage is compressed in order to remove the air before being sealed. The vehicle, which could be a vehicle with auxiliary weights attached thereto, can drive a wheel or an implement having multiple wheels over the forage. Two such implements are Faster Packer and Spanjer Impact. 
         [0010]    While useful, these implements use wheel profiles that have lips that can lift forage during rotation instead of achieving a desired level of compaction. 
         [0011]    The implements also require a stand to be transported for when the implement is not in use. 
         [0012]    Thus there exists a need for a forage compactor that solves these and other problems. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    A forage compactor is provided having a frame that has cross bars supporting risers that in turn support a shaft. At least one asymmetric wheel is supported by the shaft. The wheels can be paired whereby journals are used to connect to the shaft between recesses of respective wheels. Each wheel has a first side and a second side, each with radiused portions that turn forage away from the wheel. The wheels have a band that is flush with the outer portion of the wheel sides to prevent lifting of the forage. A storage assembly is provided and is integrated into the framework. The storage assembly can be stored within the frame when the compactor is in use, and can be deployed to a locked position in order to store the compactor. A hitch framework is provided that can attach to multiple categories of three point hitches. 
         [0014]    According to one advantage of the present invention, a wheel with an outer band that is flush with the sidewalls is provided. This advantageously allows the wheels to compact the forage without lifting or aerating any of the forage. The wheel directly compacts the forage in primary compaction zones. 
         [0015]    According to another advantage of the present invention, each wheel two sidewalls with profiles incorporating a radius that allows the wheels to smooth out the forage as it is compacted in secondary compaction zones. 
         [0016]    According to a further advantage of the present invention, some wheels (in embodiments having asymmetric wheels) can be joined in oppositely oriented pairs whereby a recessed area is formed between the wheels. A journal can connect to the shaft between the wheels. The space or recessed area between the wheels provides protection to the journals yet allows for improved access to the journals. Similarly, in embodiments having symmetric wheels with recesses, the journals are located within the recessed areas. 
         [0017]    According to a further advantage of the present invention, even with the use of journals, the spacing between the wheel centers is constant. This advantageously provides for a uniform compaction along the longitudinal axis of the compactor. 
         [0018]    According to a still further advantage of the present invention, a storage assembly is integrated into the frame. Advantageously, a separate stand is not required for storage. 
         [0019]    According to a still further advantage of the present invention, the storage assembly can be locked in a storage position and in the deployed position. 
         [0020]    According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, a hitch assembly is provided that can be connected to multiple categories of three point hitches. This advantageously allows the present invention to be utilized without the need for specialized framework for each category of hitch. 
         [0021]    According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, a spring loaded or pressurized lubricator is provided to provide lubrication to the journals. This advantageously improves lifespan. 
         [0022]    According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, keys are provided for securing weights onto the framework. The keys mate with the weights to prevent the weights from inadvertently disengaging from the compactor. The keys are laterally oriented to prevent longitudinal shifting and are longitudinally spaced along the top of the compactor. 
         [0023]    Other advantages, benefits, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the invention and studying the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is an end view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a close up sectional view of an embodiment of a storage assembly taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4  in the deployed position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5A  is similar to  FIG. 5 , but shows an intermediate position of the storage assembly relative the frame. 
           [0030]      FIG. 5B  is similar to  FIG. 5 , but shows an intermediate position of the storage assembly relative the frame. 
           [0031]      FIG. 5C  is similar to  FIG. 5 , but shows the storage assembly in the stowed or storage position. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 6A  is similar to  FIG. 6 , but shows the storage assembly in the stowed position. 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  is an end view similar to  FIG. 4 , but shows an alternative embodiment of a fastener. 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 8A  is a close-up view of a section of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  9 - 9  in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 9A  is similar to  FIG. 9 , but shows the storage assembly in the stowed position. 
           [0039]      FIG. 10  is a top view showing three asymmetric wheels in a side by side relationship. 
           [0040]      FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view taken along line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 10  and showing primary compaction zones and secondary compaction zones. 
           [0041]      FIG. 12  is a partial top view showing an alternative embodiment of a symmetric wheel in a side to side relationship with two asymmetric wheels. 
           [0042]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 12 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 14  is a side view of an embodiment of a hitch framework useful for category 3 and 3N hitches. 
           [0044]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  15 - 15  in  FIG. 14  set up for a category 3 hitch. 
           [0045]      FIG. 16  is similar to  FIG. 15 , but shows a hitch assembly set up for a category 3N hitch. 
           [0046]      FIG. 17  is a side view of an embodiment of a hitch framework useful for category 4 and 4N hitches. 
           [0047]      FIG. 18  is a side view taken along line  18 - 18  in  FIG. 16  set up for category 4 and 4N hitches.  FIG. 19  is similar to  FIG. 18  and shows an alternative pin for a hitch framework set up for category 4 and 4N hitches. 
           [0048]      FIG. 20  is a side view of an embodiment of a hitch framework useful for category 4 and 3N hitches. 
           [0049]      FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  21 - 21  in  FIG. 20 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 22  is a side view of an embodiment of a hitch framework useful for category 3 hitches. 
           [0051]      FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  23 - 23  in  FIG. 22 . 
           [0052]      FIG. 24  is a side view of an embodiment of a hitch framework useful for category 4N hitches. 
           [0053]      FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  25 - 25  in  FIG. 24 . 
           [0054]      FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  26 - 26  in  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0055]    While the invention will be described in connection with one or more preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
         [0056]    A forage compactor  10  is provided, as seen in one embodiment in  FIGS. 1-6A ,  10 ,  11  and  26 . The forage compactor  10 , or simply compactor, has opposed ends  11  and  12 , a top  13  and a bottom  14 , a front  15  and a rear  16  or back. 
         [0057]    A frame  20  is provided and is seen in  FIGS. 1-6A . The frame  20  has two cross bars  30 , each having an inside  31  and an outside  32 . The cross bars  30  further have two ends  35  and  40 , each having a perimeter lip  36  and  41 , respectively. Retainers are further provided. A retainer  37  is illustrated in  FIG. 4-5C  as a plate on the bottom portion of the inside of the cross bars. 
         [0058]    Risers  50  are further provided and secure to a shaft  60  with journals  51 . Risers  50  can be formed of plates secured to the cross bars  30 . The risers have a top and a bottom. The top of the risers can form a key  52  that spans laterally across the frame  20  between the cross bars. As seen in  FIG. 26 , the key wraps around the bottom of the cross bars. The cross bars  30  are preferably parallel with a frame longitudinal axis. There are preferably four risers and journals spaced longitudinally on the compactor. 
         [0059]    The shaft  60  is preferably parallel to the frame longitudinal axis. End caps  61  are provided at both ends of the shaft  60 . A shaft collar  62  is further provided. The shaft collar  62  is keyed so that rotation of a center wheel engages the collar  62  which in turn forces the shaft  60  to rotate along with rotation of the wheels. 
         [0060]    A depending bar  65  is further provided. The depending bar  65  depends from the front cross bar  30  and has a segment that is parallel to the cross bar. 
         [0061]    Weights  70  can be secured to the compactor by mating with keys  52 . In this regard, the weights are securely held in place (via the weight of the weights) and are unable to move along the longitudinal axis of the frame. The weight  70  further is held or bound laterally between the cross bars to prevent the weight from laterally moving. While a single weight is illustrated, it is appreciated that more (or no additional weights) could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The weights have handles for easy insertion onto and removal from the keys. 
         [0062]    Two storage assemblies  100  and  100 A are provided. Storage assembly  100  is at the first end  11  of the compactor  10 , and assembly  100 A is at the second end  12  of the compactor. Storage assembly  100 A is similar (preferably a mirror image) to assembly  100 . For sake of brevity, storage assembly  100  is described in detail and it is understood that storage assembly  100 A is similarly constructed. 
         [0063]    Storage assembly  100  has two legs  110 , as seen in  FIG. 4 , joined with a cross brace  140 . The legs are identical and act in unison with two respective receivers  130  relative to the two cross bars  30 . Thus, for brevity, only a single leg is described. 
         [0064]    Turning now to  FIGS. 5-6A , it is seen that leg  110  has a top  111  and a bottom  112 . A head  120  is at the top  111  and a foot  125  is at the bottom. The head  120  is preferably formed of two plates that are identical. It is understood that a single plate could be used instead of two plates without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The head  120  has a slot  121 , a notch  122  on the top perimeter and a lug  123  defining a recess  124  at the front of the head  120 . A fastener hole  127  is through the head. 
         [0065]    The receiver  130  likewise is preferably made of two plates. Yet, it is understood that a single plate could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The receiver  130  has a body  131  that is received within the interior or inside  31  of the cross bar  30  of the frame  20 . A pin  132  is provided for being received within slot  121  of the head  120 . The pin  132  is movable within the slot along the slot axis. In this regard, the leg can be moved along the slot axis relative to the receiver  130 . The retainer  37  secures the receiver within the inside of the cross bars so that the storage assembly is not inadvertently removed from the end of the cross bar. The head  120  passes on one or both sides of the retainer  37 . A fastener hole  133  passes through the receiver. The fastener hole  133  is aligned with fastener hole  127  when the legs are deployed and can receive a fastener  134  to lock the leg in the deployed position. 
         [0066]    The leg  110  has a retracted, storage or stowed position within the frame  20  as seen in  FIGS. 5C and 6A . The leg also has a deployed or locked position as seen in  FIG. 5 . In the locked position, the storage assembly  100  supports compactor  10  to prevent tipping and to allow easier hitching as the compactor remains stable and level. The lower portion of the lip  41  is received within recess  124 , the top portion of the lip engages the notch  122  and the pin  132  is held at the bottom of the slot  121 . Further, fastener  134  can pass through fastener holes  133  and  127 . This is the lock position whereby the legs cannot be laterally moved relative to the frame  20 . In this position, the legs are held in an inclined plane that approaches but preferably is not at a vertical orientation. 
         [0067]    In order to unlock the storage assembly from the locked deployed position, the user first removes fastener  134  and then lifts the frame thereby lifting the pin  132  within the slot  121  (lip  41  also is removed from recess  124 ). The length of the slot is preferably equal to or greater than the depth of the recess. Once lifted, the legs can then be laterally swung (in direction of the arrow in  FIG. 5A  until the longitudinal axis of the legs are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cross bars  30 . Then, the legs  110  are moved into the frame along an axis depicted by the arrow in  FIG. 5B , where the legs can be stored in a retracted position. 
         [0068]    A slot  38  is further provided on the end of the frame  20 . A tab  141  is provided for being received in slot  38  and being secured with a pin  142  or the like. The tab  141  is preferably a loop that upstands from the cross bar  140  of the storage assembly  100 . When tab  141  is secured with slot  38  with a pin  142  or other fastener, the storage assembly  100  cannot deploy and the legs remain retained within the frame cross bars  30 . 
         [0069]    Turning now to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , it is seen that one preferred embodiment of a wheel  150  is provided. A radial distance of inner and outer are described, with the distance being described as inner are closer to the center of the wheel and the distance being described as outer are further away radially from the center of the wheel. 
         [0070]    Wheel  150  has a center  160  with a hole  161  there through. The center  160  has a diameter of sufficient size to encircle shaft  60 . The wheel  150  has an outer perimeter  165  (or simply, perimeter). A band  166  is wrapped around the wheel at the outer perimeter. While a band is a preferred surface, it is appreciated that other surfaces, including the outer ends of the wheel sections, could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The outer perimeter preferably has a diameter of approximately 32 inches. Of course, it is appreciated that the diameter could be larger or smaller without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The band  166  is preferably a replaceable band that can be made of stainless steel. Yet, other materials could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The band  166  is preferably flush with a first side  170  and a second side  180  wherein the band does not have a lip or other protruding portion that could lift forage during operation. 
         [0071]    Side  170  has a radially located outer wall portion  171  and a radially located inner wall portion  172  which together define a first side profile. The outer wall portion has a radius or transition that separates or transitions from a vertical segment (perpendicular to the outer band) to a horizontal segment (generally parallel to the outer band). The horizontal segment is approximately 6 inches from the outer band. The outer end of the horizontal segment is about 4 and ¼ inches from the vertical segment. The radius can be alternatively located or have dimensions other that what is shown without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The inner wall portion  172  has a recessed area  173 . 
         [0072]    The second side  180  has a radially located outer wall portion  181  and a radially located inner wall portion  182  which together define a second side profile. The outer wall portion has a radius that separates or transitions from a vertical segment (perpendicular to the outer band) to a horizontal segment (generally parallel to the outer band). The horizontal segment is approximately 6 inches from the outer band. The outer end of the horizontal segment is about 5 and ½ inches from the vertical segment. The radius can be alternatively located or have dimensions other that what is shown without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The inner wall portion is preferably flat. 
         [0073]    It is understood that the inner wall portion  172  of side  170  is offset from the center of the band a different distance than the inner wall portion  182  of side  180  due to the different horizontal segments of the sides. It is also understood that the radius or transition could occur at the band, or that a different profile could be used instead of a radius without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The horizontal portion of the outer wall portion  171  of the first side  170  is preferably equidistant from the wheel center as the horizontal portion of the outer wall portion  181  of the second side  180 . This ensure equal compaction on each side of the wheel in the secondary compaction zone. 
         [0074]    The wheel  150  is preferably filled with a heavy substance  185  such as concrete. Yet, other substances could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. In an alternative embodiment, the wheel could be a solid wheel formed without a center hub. 
         [0075]    Wheels  150 A,  150 B,  150 C,  150 D,  150 E,  150 F,  150 G and  150 H are further provided, and are similar to wheel  150 . Wheels can be mounted onto the shaft  60  in a first orientation or a second orientation. The second orientation is opposite of the first orientation. 
         [0076]    Several bushing washers  155  are provided. The bushing washers  155  are located between adjacent wheels, between wheels and journals and between wheels and end caps. 
         [0077]    Both the first orientation and second orientation are illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . Wheels can be arranged in alternating orientations along the longitudinal axis of the shaft  60 . For example, wheels can be aligned wherein the flat inner wall portion of the second sides of respective wheels can be side to side. Alternatively, the first sides of two respective wheels can be oriented side to side wherein the respective recessed areas can create an area for a journal  51 . The journal  51  is accessible between the two adjacent wheels. 
         [0078]    It is appreciated that the distance D 1  between the centers of the bands of two wheels with the first sides oriented side to side is the same as the distance D 2  between the center of the bands of two wheels with the second sides oriented side to side. 
         [0079]    In use, the compactor  10  has primary compaction zones  190  and secondary compaction zones  191 . In the primary compaction zones  190 , the forage is directly compacted through contact with the bands of the respective wheels. Any forage passing to the left or right of a direct compaction zone will enter a secondary compaction zone that can be formed of the outer wall portion  171  of the first side  170  and the outer wall portion  181  of the second side  180  of the wheel  150 . Forage can be spread or turned by the radius and compacted by the generally horizontal sections of the wheel profiles in the secondary compaction or compacting zones. There are several primary and secondary compaction zones depending on the number of wheels in the compactor. 
         [0080]    A lubricator  200  is also positionable between the two wheels. As seen in  FIG. 26 , the lubricator is supported by the riser  50  and delivers oil, grease or another lubricant to the journal  51 . Lubricator  200  is preferably a spring loaded lubricator. The lubricator has a protective housing and is removable with a journal  51  as one unit. 
         [0081]    Turning now to  FIGS. 7-9A , it is seen that an alternative deployment lock or fastener is illustrated. In this regard, the forage compactor  10  has a frame  20  with a crossbar  30 . Wheels  150  are provided. Where this embodiment differs is that a fastener hole  128  is provided through the head  120  and a ring  42  is attached to the perimeter lip  41  of the end  40  of the cross bar  30 . The hole  128  is aligned with the ring  42  when the legs are deployed and a fastener  43  can pass there through as seen in  FIGS. 7-8A . The legs on each side of the storage assembly  100  have a hole  128  and ring  42 . A ring  129  is further provided at the bottom  112  or foot end of the leg. The ring  129  is alignable with ring  42  when the storage assembly is in the stored position as seen in  FIG. 9A . Fastener  43  then is used to secure or lock the storage assembly in the stowed position as it passes through rings  129  and  42 . While rings are illustrated as a preferred embodiment, it is understood that tabs or other structures could alternatively be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
         [0082]    Turning now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , it is seen that an alternative wheel  1150  with a symmetric profile is illustrated. Wheel  1150  has a center  1160  with a hole  1161  there through. The center  1160  has a diameter of sufficient size to encircle shaft  1160 . The wheel  1150  has an outer perimeter  1165  (or simply, perimeter). A band  1166  is wrapped around the wheel at the outer perimeter. The outer perimeter preferably has a diameter of approximately 32 inches. Of course, it is appreciated that the diameter could be larger or smaller without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The band  1166  is preferably a replaceable band that can be made of stainless steel. Yet, other materials could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The band  1166  is preferably flush with a first side  1170  and a second side  1180  wherein the band does not have a lip or other protruding portion that could lift forage during operation. 
         [0083]    Side  1170  has a radially located outer wall portion  1171  and a radially located inner wall portion  1172  which together define a first side profile. The outer wall portion has a radius or transition that separates or transitions from a vertical segment (perpendicular to the outer band) to a horizontal segment (generally parallel to the outer band). The horizontal segment is approximately 6 inches from the outer band. The outer end of the horizontal segment is about 4 and ¼ inches from the vertical segment. The radius can be alternatively located or have dimensions other that what is shown without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The inner wall portion  1172  has a recessed area  1173 . 
         [0084]    The second side  1180  has a radially located outer wall portion  1181  and a radially located inner wall portion  1182  which together define a second side profile. The outer wall portion has a radius that separates or transitions from a vertical segment (perpendicular to the outer band) to a horizontal segment (generally parallel to the outer band). The horizontal segment is approximately 6 inches from the outer band. The outer end of the horizontal segment is about 4 and ¼ inches from the vertical segment. The radius can be alternatively located or have dimensions other that what is shown without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The inner wall portion  1182  has a recessed area  1183 . 
         [0085]    The first side  1170  and second side  1180  are preferably symmetric. 
         [0086]    The wheel  1150  is preferably filled with a heavy substance such as concrete. Yet, other substances could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. In an alternative embodiment, the wheel could be a solid wheel formed without a center hub. 
         [0087]    Wheel  1150  can be placed between two asymmetric wheels (or next to other symmetric wheels). In this regard, an area (formed by recesses of respective wheels) for receiving journals can be located on each side of the symmetric wheel  1150 . Further, even though a single wheel  1150  is illustrated, it is understood that the entire forage compactor can be formed with symmetric wheels  1150  without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
         [0088]    Turning now to  FIGS. 14-25 , it is seen that a hitch framework  210  is provided. The framework  210  has a top connector  220  with a first plate  230  with three holes  231 ,  232  and  233  there through. A second plate  240  with three holes  241 ,  242  and  243  there through is also provided. The second plate  240  is preferably parallel to the first plate  230 . 
         [0089]    Two bottom connectors  260  and  300  are provided. 
         [0090]    Bottom connector  260  has a first plate  270  with a hole  271  there through, a second plate  280  with an extension plate or extension  281  with a hole  282  there through, and a third plate  290  with a hole  291  there through. Plates  270 ,  280  and  290  are preferably parallel to each other, are connected to the cross bar  30  and also are supported by the depending bar  65 . The extension  281  is preferably removably secured to plate  280  with bolts or other suitable fasteners. 
         [0091]    Bottom connector  300  has a first plate  310  with a hole  311  there through, a second plate  320  with an extension plate or extension  321  with a hole  322  there through, and a third plate  330  with a hole  331  there through. Plates  310 ,  320  and  330  are preferably parallel to each other, are connected to the cross bar  30  and also are supported by the depending bar  65 . The extension  321  is preferably removably secured to plate  320  with bolts or other suitable fasteners. 
         [0092]    Looking now specifically at  FIGS. 14 and 15 , it is seen that a first set up is provided for a category 3 hitch. In order to connect to a category 3 hitch, bushings  336  are provided at the within holes  231  and  241  of the top connector so that a pin  335  can be received. Two examples of a bottom set up are provided. In  FIG. 15 , on the left, a stepped pin  335 A can be provided for use when bushings are not used. On the right, an alternative set up is provided utilizing bushings  336 A and a longer straight pin  335 B. 
         [0093]    Extensions  281  and  321  are turned around relative to plates  280  and  320 , respectively, in order modify the framework to be used with a category 3N hitch as seen in  FIG. 16 . Turning the extension changes the effective spacing between the respective plates thereby allowing the framework to be configured for a given hitch. There are also two alternatives for such a connection using two types of pins. A stepped pin  335 A is shown on the left side where bushings are not used, and a straight pin  335 B is shown on the right side when bushings are used. It is appreciated that the bushings are flipped so that they can accommodate the pressures of the hitch. 
         [0094]    Now looking at  FIGS. 17-19 , it is seen that a first set up is provided for a category 4 and a category 4N hitch. In order to connect to a category 4 hitch, no bushings are provided at the with the top connector so that a pin  335 C can connect to the top connector in hole  231  and  241 . An example of a bottom setup is illustrated in  FIG. 18 . On the left, a stepped pin  335 D is inserted from the left whereby the step contacts the extension  281  and the reduced area of the pin passes through a bushing  336 A in hole  291  of plate  290 . A similar pin can be inserted into connector  380  from the right. In this regard, the step of pin  335 D contacts the extension  321  of plate  320  and the reduced end of the pin passes through a bushing  336 A in hole  331  of plate  330 . 
         [0095]    Contrasted in  FIG. 19  is a further alternative arrangement also setup for category 4 and category 4N. In this regard, no extension is provided on middle plate  280  and a pin  335 E passes through the holes  271  and  291  of plates  270  and  290 , respectively. Similarly, no extension is provided on middle plate  320  and a pin passes through the holes  311  and  331  or plates  310  and  330 , respectively. 
         [0096]    The setup of  FIG. 19  could be modified by using elongated pins to be setup for a 4N category hitch as well. 
         [0097]    It is understood that the spacing of the holes in these embodiments accommodates standard U-frame couplers associated with tractors capable of lifting the compactor of the present invention. 
         [0098]    It is appreciated that clips or alternative retainers could be used to secure the pins described above in place. One such retainer  341  is illustrated in  FIG. 15 . Further, it is appreciated that alternative connectors could be utilized in place of the illustrated pins without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
         [0099]    Now looking at  FIGS. 20 and 21  it is seen that a framework  210  is provided for a category 3N or category 4 hitch. A stepped pin  335 F is provided for use with the top connector. Pin  335 F has a wide end that can be received within holes  231  and  241 . Pin  335 F also has a narrow end that can be received within either holes  232  and  242  or holes  233  and  243 . Each pin has a flange at the intersection between the narrow and wide ends. The pin has a hole at the remote ends of the pin. The flange has an outer perimeter with a diameter larger than the wide end of the pin whereby it can contact the plate  230  to prevent the pin from passing there through. Fasteners or clips can be used to secure the pin in place. 
         [0100]    A second pin  335 G is also provided. The pin  335 G is also a stepped pin with a wide end and a narrow end. A hole is at each end of the pin. Alternatively, a flange could be at the wide end of the pin. The hole on the narrow side is hole  337 . A bushing  336 B with a hole  338  there through is also provided. The bushing is also a stepped bushing. A fastener  340  is provided. The bushing can be in a first position wherein hole  338  is aligned with hole  337  and the fastener  340  can be inserted through the respective holes. 
         [0101]    Contrasting now in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , it is seen that plates  281  and  321  can be flipped relative plates  280  and  320  (to change the spacing between the plates and extension), respectively, and the framework is set up for a category 3 hitch. In this regard, pin  335 F are provided only for holes  232  and  242  and for holes  233  and  243 . Pin  335 G is flipped (enters from the center) and the bushing  336 B is on the exterior side of the framework. 
         [0102]    Contrasting again in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , it is seen that plate orientation of plates  281  and  321  remains the same. Pin  335 G is now inserted from the outside towards the center of the framework. The bushings  336 B can be moved inward until they are received in holes  291  and  331 . In this regard, fasteners  340  are used to pass only through the pins and lock the bushings at their interior location. 
         [0103]    Thus it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the invention, a forage compactor that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages as set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.