A sensor input is detected on a cotton harvester. A performance characteristic value is identified based upon the detected sensor input. A speed control system controls cotton harvester drum speed and spindle speed, automatically, and separately from the ground speed of the cotton harvester, to improve the performance characteristic value, in a closed-loop fashion.

A sensor input is detected on a cotton harvester. A performance characteristic value is identified based upon the detected sensor input. A speed control system controls cotton harvester drum speed and spindle speed, automatically, and separately from the ground speed of the cotton harvester, to improve the performance characteristic value, in a closed-loop fashion.

In order to optimize strength, wear, and picking efficiency, a cotton picker spindle may comprise a first end oppositely disposed from a second end. The spindle may comprise a plurality of barbs disposed about a surface of the body. Each of the barbs may comprise barb attributes comprising barb width, leading angle, trailing angle and barb depth. One or more of the barb attributes may change from the first end towards the second end. Barb spacing may also be varied.

In order to optimize strength, wear, and picking efficiency, a cotton picker spindle may comprise a first end oppositely disposed from a second end. The spindle may comprise a plurality of barbs disposed about a surface of the body. Each of the barbs may comprise barb attributes comprising barb width, leading angle, trailing angle and barb depth. One or more of the barb attributes may change from the first end towards the second end. Barb spacing may also be varied.

A cotton harvester having a prime mover providing power to the cotton harvester, a controller monitoring a load on the prime mover and storing a load threshold, a drum rotatable about a first axis at a drum speed, a plurality of spindles for harvesting cotton, the plurality of spindles rotatable at a spindle speed and a doffer assembly rotatable about a second axis at a doffer speed. Wherein, when the controller detects a load on the prime mover greater than the load threshold, the spindle speed is reduced.

A cotton harvester having a prime mover providing power to the cotton harvester, a controller monitoring a load on the prime mover and storing a load threshold, a drum rotatable about a first axis at a drum speed, a plurality of spindles for harvesting cotton, the plurality of spindles rotatable at a spindle speed and a doffer assembly rotatable about a second axis at a doffer speed. Wherein, when the controller detects a load on the prime mover greater than the load threshold, the spindle speed is reduced.

Improved doffer discs for spindle-type cotton picker harvesters. Several embodiments for use with row units from major equipment manufacturers include improved doffer lugs having an asymmetric profile, with an essentially perpendicular leading face and sloped trailing face; as well as use of a improved flat loop having a concave rim.

Improved doffer discs for spindle-type cotton picker harvesters. Several embodiments for use with row units from major equipment manufacturers include improved doffer lugs having an asymmetric profile, with an essentially perpendicular leading face and sloped trailing face; as well as use of a improved flat loop having a concave rim.

A cotton harvester having a prime mover providing power to the cotton harvester, a controller monitoring a load on the prime mover and storing a load threshold, a drum rotatable about a first axis at a drum speed, a plurality of spindles for harvesting cotton, the plurality of spindles rotatable at a spindle speed and a doffer assembly rotatable about a second axis at a duffer speed. Wherein, when the controller detects a load on the prime mover greater than the load threshold, the spindle speed is reduced.

A cotton harvester having a prime mover providing power to the cotton harvester, a controller monitoring a load on the prime mover and storing a load threshold, a drum rotatable about a first axis at a drum speed, a plurality of spindles for harvesting cotton, the plurality of spindles rotatable at a spindle speed and a doffer assembly rotatable about a second axis at a duffer speed. Wherein, when the controller detects a load on the prime mover greater than the load threshold, the spindle speed is reduced.