In one aspect, a system for controlling the operation of harvesting implements configured for use with agricultural harvesters includes a harvesting implement configured to be supported relative to an agricultural harvester, and at least one user interface component supported on the harvesting implement. The user interface component(s) is configured to receive input commands associated with controlling an operation of the harvesting implement. The system also includes an implement-based controller supported on the harvesting implement and being communicatively coupled to the user interface element(s) such that the implement-based controller is configured to receive the input commands from the at least one user interface component.

An agricultural baler towable by a vehicle that includes a frame and a baler hydraulic system. The baler hydraulic system includes a plurality of hydraulically operated subsystems, a plurality of hydraulic subsystem lines being fluidly connected to the plurality of hydraulically operated subsystems, and a hydraulic manifold fluidly connected to the plurality of hydraulic subsystem lines and configured for connecting to the vehicle hydraulic system. The agricultural baler also includes an electrical processing circuit operably connected to the hydraulic manifold and configured for switching the hydraulic manifold for connecting at least one hydraulic subsystem line of the plurality of hydraulic subsystem lines to the vehicle hydraulic system.

A round baler connectable to a tractor for providing round bales comprises: a baling chamber, configured for receiving crops and forming a bale; a frame, at least partially delimiting the baling chamber; a drive shaft, connectable to the tractor and configured to receive mechanical power from the tractor; a transmission system, for receiving mechanical power from the drive shaft and for imparting a rotating movement to the crops contained in the baling chamber, the transmission system including a drive roller connected to the frame, a chain assembly connected to the drive roller, and an oil circuit, containing lubricant oil for the chain assembly; a control unit, a sensor associated with the transmission system.

A system and method for physically associating an identifying element with a bale, wherein the element includes a unique identifier and includes or can be used to find calibration and evaluation information. A baler receives, compresses, shapes, and secures plant material into the bale. An NIR testing system, which is associated with the calibration information, receives and analyzes near-infrared radiation emitted by the plant material, and generates the evaluation information reflecting properties of the material. An element securement system physically secures to the bale the element which associates the unique identifier with the bale, wherein the unique identifier is associated with the calibration information for the NIR testing system and the evaluation information for the plant material. The element may be an RFID tag, and an element writing mechanism may electronically transfer the calibration information and/or the evaluation information to the element so that they can be read directly therefrom.

A system and method for physically associating an identifying element with a bale, wherein the element includes a unique identifier and includes or can be used to find calibration and evaluation information. A baler receives, compresses, shapes, and secures plant material into the bale. An NIR testing system, which is associated with the calibration information, receives and analyzes near-infrared radiation emitted by the plant material, and generates the evaluation information reflecting properties of the material. An element securement system physically secures to the bale the element which associates the unique identifier with the bale, wherein the unique identifier is associated with the calibration information for the NIR testing system and the evaluation information for the plant material. The element may be an RFID tag, and an element writing mechanism may electronically transfer the calibration information and/or the evaluation information to the element so that they can be read directly therefrom.

A baler comprises: a frame, including a forming chamber, configured to receive crops and to form a bale; a feeding assembly, configured to collect the crops form the ground and to feed the crops into the forming chamber; a tailgate, movable between a closed position, wherein the forming chamber is closed, and an open position, wherein the forming chamber is open to an external environment for discharging the bale; a control unit; a ramp, configured to lay down the bale on the ground and movable between a raised position and a discharge position, for allowing a release of the bale; a ramp sensor, responsive to a change of position of the ramp from the raised position to the discharge position and vice versa. The control unit is connected to the ramp sensor for assessing a release of the bale, responsive to a change of the ramp position from the raised position to the discharge position and, in succession, from the discharge position to the raised position. The control unit comprises a timer.

A twine tension relief assembly for a baler including a tension detection apparatus for detecting the tension in a line of twine, a biased cutting element displaceable between a first retained position and a second released position and an actuator adapted to cause the biased cutting element to move from the first retained position to the second released position in response to a signal issued by the tension detection apparatus. The practical application includes when the tension in a strand of twine exceeds a predetermined threshold, the tension detection apparatus causes movement of the biased cutting element so that a strand of twine passing though the twine tension relief assembly is severed and damage to the knotter mechanism and its component parts is avoided.

A knotter drive apparatus for a baler includes a knotter gear drive shaft having a drive shaft axis and a shaft outside diameter. A plurality of knotter assemblies are mounted on the knotter gear drive shaft. Each assembly includes a first knotter gear sector including a first sector hub portion and a first sector radial portion. The first sector hub portion includes a central passage at least partly defined in the first sector hub portion for receiving the knotter gear drive shaft. The first sector radial portion extends radially outward from the first sector hub portion relative to the drive shaft axis, and has defined thereon a plurality of intermittent gear tooth segments. The first sector hub portion has a circumferential gap defined therein greater than the shaft outside diameter such that the first knotter gear sector is removable radially, relative to the drive shaft axis, from the knotter gear drive shaft.

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.