An apparatus for splitting bales and retaining wrap includes a frame having an interior framework oriented at an angle relative to forwardly-projecting tines, the framework and tines together defining an upwardly-opening cradle that supports and centers a bale of forage bound with a wrap above an inverted apex of the cradle. The apparatus also includes an elongate hooking mechanism extending laterally across the underside of the wrapped bale and configured to capture the wrap together with a thin layer of forage, and an elongate blade rotatably supported on the frame and configured to rotate downward through the bale toward the inverted apex of the cradle. The apparatus further includes a first actuation device that activates the hooking mechanism to capture the wrap and layer of forage, and one or more second actuation devices that rotate the elongate blade downward through the forage to split the bale.

An implement includes a bale cutting device, which includes a carrier that can be pivoted about a pivot axis, and a support connected to the carrier. A cutter bar is attached to and supported by the support so as to be movable at least substantially in the direction of a longitudinal extent of the support. The implement may include at least one pick-up for engaging a bale. In operation, the cutter bar is positioned on a far side of the bale, with the bale between the carrier and the cutter bar. The cutter bar may then be drawn inward into the bale to cut the bale approximately in half.

An implement includes a bale cutting device, which includes a carrier that can be pivoted about a pivot axis, and a support connected to the carrier. A cutter bar is attached to and supported by the support so as to be movable at least substantially in the direction of a longitudinal extent of the support. The implement may include at least one pick-up for engaging a bale. In operation, the cutter bar is positioned on a far side of the bale, with the bale between the carrier and the cutter bar. The cutter bar may then be drawn inward into the bale to cut the bale approximately in half.

A bale splitter attachment for use with a bale including a frame comprising a frame base and a cutting arm rotatably connected to the frame base at a pivot, the rotatable cutting arm comprising an elongate blade, the frame base and the rotatable cutting arm together defining a bay to receive the bale; a powered actuation device comprising a first end connected to the frame base and a second end connected to the rotatable cutting arm at a connection point, the powered actuation device arranged to apply cutting force in a pulling arrangement; and a hook apparatus connected to the frame, the hook apparatus comprising a plurality of hooks.

A bale splitter attachment for use with a bale including a frame comprising a frame base and a cutting arm rotatably connected to the frame base at a pivot, the rotatable cutting arm comprising an elongate blade, the frame base and the rotatable cutting arm together defining a bay to receive the bale; a powered actuation device comprising a first end connected to the frame base and a second end connected to the rotatable cutting arm at a connection point, the powered actuation device arranged to apply cutting force in a pulling arrangement; and a hook apparatus connected to the frame, the hook apparatus comprising a plurality of hooks.

A pre-cutter assembly includes at least one knife rotatable about a knife rotation axis between a retracted position and a deployed position, and an associated engagement arm rotatable about an arm rotation axis between a latch position securing the knife in the deployed position, and a release position allowing the knife to move into the retracted position. A magnet may be positioned for engagement with the engagement arm when the engagement arm is disposed in the latch position. The magnet is operable to apply a magnetic force to the engagement arm when engaged with the engagement arm to hold the engagement arm in the latch position thereby securing the knife in the deployed position. A cam shaft having a cam lobe may be rotated to selectively move the engagement arm between the release position and the latch position.

A pre-cutter assembly includes at least one knife rotatable about a knife rotation axis between a retracted position and a deployed position, and an associated engagement arm rotatable about an arm rotation axis between a latch position securing the knife in the deployed position, and a release position allowing the knife to move into the retracted position. A magnet may be positioned for engagement with the engagement arm when the engagement arm is disposed in the latch position. The magnet is operable to apply a magnetic force to the engagement arm when engaged with the engagement arm to hold the engagement arm in the latch position thereby securing the knife in the deployed position. A cam shaft having a cam lobe may be rotated to selectively move the engagement arm between the release position and the latch position.

The present disclosure relates to a cutter bar for chopping machines. The cutter bar includes a cutter bar body that defines an edge groove. The edge groove includes a groove bottom and a groove sidewall. The groove sidewall is formed by the material of the cutter bar body. A wear protection structure extends along a surface of the cutter bar body from the edge groove. The wear protection structure is built up on the surface of the cutter bar body as an additively manufactured metal powder application layer. At least one carbide strip is secured to the edge groove and forms the cutting edge. The carbide strip can be fastened to the edge groove by means of a bonding agent, such as solder or adhesive.

An apparatus for splitting bales and retaining wrap includes a frame having an interior framework oriented at an angle relative to forwardly-projecting tines, the framework and tines together defining an upwardly-opening cradle that supports and centers a bale of forage bound with a wrap above an inverted apex of the cradle. The apparatus also includes an elongate hooking mechanism extending laterally across the underside of the wrapped bale and configured to capture the wrap together with a thin layer of forage, and an elongate blade rotatably supported on the frame and configured to rotate downward through the bale toward the inverted apex of the cradle. The apparatus further includes a first actuation device that activates the hooking mechanism to capture the wrap and layer of forage, and one or more second actuation devices that rotate the elongate blade downward through the forage to split the bale.

A crop cutting device comprising a crop guiding surface including slots extending in a direction of travel of the crop over the crop guiding surface; knives pivotally mounted below the crop guiding surface, each knife aligned with a respective slot and pivotable about a knife axis extending perpendicular to the slots between a retracted inoperative position in which it is located below the guiding surface and an extended operative position, wherein a cutting edge of each knife projects above said guiding surface; operating units associated with a respective knife and configured to being operated to bring the associated knife from the retracted inoperative position into the extended operative position; a selector mechanism to selectively engage the operating units, the selector mechanism including a rotatable shaft extending to the slots between two side plates and carrying engagement elements configured to engage with the respective operating unit.