A method for determining parameters associated with bale charges formed within agricultural balers includes transmitting microwave signals through a charge of crop material located within a pre-compression chamber of an agricultural baler or into a wall of the pre-compression chamber. Additionally, the method includes determining at least one wave-related property associated with the microwave signals as transmitted through the charge of crop material or into the wall of the pre-compression chamber, and estimating a filling degree of at least a portion of the pre-compression chamber based at least in part on the at least one wave-related property associated with the microwave signals.

A baler includes a chamber having a fixed size that receives crops and houses a formed bale. A tailgate is connected to a frame and is movable between a closed position, for cooperating with the frame to delimit the chamber, and an open position, for discharging the formed bale. A conveying assembly delimits the chamber for imparting a rotating movement to the crops contained in the chamber, and has a first portion provided in the frame and a second portion provided in the tailgate. An actuator includes a closing chamber and moves the tailgate from the open position to the closed position upon receiving an actuating fluid in the closing chamber. A binder binds the formed bale, and a pressure sensor detects a control signal representative of a pressure inside the closing chamber of the actuator. A control unit generates an alert signal as a function of the control signal.

A hydraulic system for operating a rear gate of a baler implement includes a hydraulic cylinder having a housing that defines an interior, and a piston that is moveably disposed within the interior of the housing. The housing includes a first fluid port and a second fluid port, each disposed in fluid communication with a first fluid volume of the hydraulic cylinder. A flow rate control valve is moveable between a first position for directing fluid to or from the first fluid port at a first flow rate, and a second position for directing fluid to or from the second fluid port at a second flow rate. The second flow rate is different than the first flow rate.

A baling chamber for an agricultural baler includes: a plurality of sidewalls defining a volume, one of the sidewalls having a roll opening formed therein; a plurality of belts disposed within the volume; a sledge assembly including at least one roll that is pivotable within the volume, the at least one roll having an exterior portion that extends out of the volume through the roll opening and a bearing disposed outside of the volume and associated with the exterior portion; and a drive assembly disposed outside of the volume, coupled to the exterior portion, and configured to rotate the at least one roll.

One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for an independent needle drive system for an agricultural baler. Typical balers utilize a knotter drive shaft to operate both the knotter drive and needle drive. In this innovation, the knotter drive shaft and needle drive are independently operated to provide additional uses for the rotation of the knotter drive shaft. An independent needle drive crank arm free-floats on a smooth portion of the knotter drive shaft, and a knotter clutch is engaged separately on a splined portion. Rotation of a clutch bowl engages the knotter clutch and knotter shaft independently from the needle crank arm. In this way, the needle drive and knotter drive can operate independently from each other.

A method of harvesting a crop material includes gathering the crop material with a harvesting implement as the harvesting implement moves along an initial path through a field. A location and a value of a characteristic of the gathered crop material is sensed at a plurality of intervals. A set of estimated values of the characteristic throughout the field is generated based on the sensed location and characteristic of the crop material at each of interval. A value of the characteristic of the crop material ahead of the harvesting implement is predicted as the harvesting implement moves along a harvest path, based on the set of estimated values of the characteristic of the crop material throughout the field. A function of the harvesting implement may be controlled based on the predicted value of the characteristic ahead of the pick-up.

A round baler has a rear door pivotable relative to the frame. A circulating press element defines a press chamber inside the frame for forming crop bales. A tension rocker is pivotable relative to the frame and has a rotatable rocker guide roller guiding the press element. A first pressure element is arranged at frame and rear door and acts between frame and rear door. A second pressure element is arranged at rear door and tension rocker and acts between rear door and tension rocker. At least one of the pressure elements is a linear actor. By length expansion of the first pressure element, rear door and tension rocker are pivotable, wherein the rear door is pivotable upwardly to enable ejection of crop bales. The rear door is pivotable downwardly by length expansion of the second pressure element. A method for operating the round baler is provided.

An agricultural implement system includes: a work vehicle with an engine carried by a vehicle chassis and a PTO coupler coupled to the engine; an agricultural implement including a power take-off coupled to the PTO coupler, a feeder configured to feed crop material, a pickup configured to convey crop material to the feeder, and a plug sensor associated with at least one of the feeder or the pickup and configured to output a plug signal; and a control system including a controller coupled to the plug sensor. The controller is configured to: receive the plug signal to determine a plug condition exists; output a PTO decouple signal when the plug condition exists; output a stop signal when the plug condition exists; and output a plug clear signal so the power take-off is recoupled to the PTO coupler and the work vehicle resumes moving when the plug condition no longer exists.

Systems for improving fire safety in agricultural machinery are configured for detecting, at least partially controlling, and/or suppressing adverse fire-related conditions. The adverse fire-related conditions can include sparks, embers, and/or flames in the agricultural machinery.

Systems for improving fire safety in agricultural machinery are configured for detecting, at least partially controlling, and/or suppressing adverse fire-related conditions. The adverse fire-related conditions can include sparks, embers, and/or flames in the agricultural machinery.