Apparatus and methods for revitalizing artificial turf fields are disclosed. In one exemplary apparatus, the apparatus may comprise a support frame, a plurality of shearing machines installed on the support frame, and a plurality of wheels installed on the support frame. The support frame may be configured to position the shearing machines parallel to each other, to tilt the shearing machines with respect a surface of the artificial turf field, and to position the shearing machines above a surface of the field at a distance such that the shearing machines cut fibers to produce trimmed fibers that have a length that can extend above infill or topmost layer of the artificial turf field. Methods for revitalizing artificial turf fields using the same are also disclosed.

Apparatus and methods that use shearing machines operate to revitalize artificial turf fields. In one exemplary apparatus, the apparatus may comprise a support frame, a plurality of shearing machines installed on the support frame, and a plurality of wheels installed on the support frame. The support frame may be configured to position the shearing machines parallel to each other, to tilt the shearing machines with respect a surface of the artificial turf field, and to position the shearing machines above a surface of the field at a distance such that the shearing machines cut fibers to produce trimmed fibers that have a length that can extend above infill or topmost layer of the artificial turf field.

A harvesting machine is disclosed along with a method of operation. The harvesting machine includes a frame having a flail cutter mounted on a first end of the frame. The flail cutter can cut the stems of growing plants. A housing surrounding a portion of the flail cutter for directing the cut plants rearward. An idler roller is positioned rearward of the flail cutter. First and second moisture removal mechanisms are positioned downstream of the cutting mechanism, and each includes a suction roll and a press roll. A moving belt forms a closed loop around the idler roller and the pair of suction and press rolls, and has a plurality of apertures formed therethrough. The moving belt forms first and second nips between each pair of suction and press rolls for squeezing moisture out of the cut stems as the stems are routed therebetween.

Apparatus and methods for revitalizing artificial turf fields are disclosed. In one exemplary apparatus, the apparatus may comprise a support frame, a plurality of shearing machines installed on the support frame, and a plurality of wheels installed on the support frame. The support frame may be configured to position the shearing machines parallel to each other, to tilt the shearing machines with respect a surface of the artificial turf field, and to position the shearing machines above a surface of the field at a distance such that the shearing machines cut fibers to produce trimmed fibers that have a length that can extend above infill or topmost layer of the artificial turf field. Methods for revitalizing artificial turf fields using the same are also disclosed.

A ground contour sensing system and method for a vehicle with a mowing head. The system includes a sensor system that measures a ground contour in front of the mowing head, and generates contour measurement signals; and a controller that determines whether to move the mowing head based on the contour measurement signals, and generates movement commands for the mowing head when it determines to move the mowing head. The mowing head can include tilt and lift cylinders, and the controller can determine whether to move the mowing head using the tilt or lift cylinders. The sensor system can include a pivot arm that moves in response to changes in the ground contour, and an angle sensor that measures an angle of the pivot arm. There can be one or more sensor systems positioned between the right and left sides of the mowing head.

An agricultural working device, such as a mulcher, is improved with a working rotor which is driven by a drive shaft and a cutting rail with a cutting edge which can be directed towards the working rotor. Sensors for acquiring parameters of working rotor and/or cutting rail are provided. An electronic control apparatus is provided with at least one encoder to set the cutting rail. A method for setting the position of a cutting rail of a working device, such as a mulcher, relative to a working rotor, is configured in such a way that the rotational speed of a drive shaft and the rotational speed of the working rotor are measured and compared with one another. When a ratio of the rotational speeds differs by a predefined threshold, a change in the position of the cutting rail is brought about.

A header floatation system that includes a header, a floatation mechanism which includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, an adjustment array which includes at least a first contact point, a bracket which includes at least a second contact point, a skid shoe, and a fastener. The first end of the floatation mechanism can be mechanically linked to the adjustment array. Either the adjustment array or the bracket can include a third contact point. The adjustment array can be mechanically linked to the skid shoe. The fastener can be positioned adjacent to, on, or through at least the first or second contact points aligning contact between the bracket and the adjustment array.

A header floatation system that includes a header, a floatation mechanism which includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, an adjustment array which includes at least a first contact point, a bracket which includes at least a second contact point, a skid shoe, and a fastener. The first end of the floatation mechanism can be mechanically linked to the adjustment array. Either the adjustment array or the bracket can include a third contact point. The adjustment array can be mechanically linked to the skid shoe. The fastener can be positioned adjacent to, on, or through at least the first or second contact points aligning contact between the bracket and the adjustment array.

A harvesting machine is disclosed along with a method of operating the harvesting machine. The harvesting machine includes a frame having a first end and a second end. A rotatable pick-up head is pivotally mounted on the first end and is capable of urging a crop into the machine. A cutting mechanism is mounted on a bottom plate of the frame for cutting the stems of the plants and forming a movable web. First and second moisture removal mechanisms are positioned downstream of the cutting mechanism, and each includes a suction roll and a press roll. A moving belt forms a closed loop around the pair of suction and press rolls, and has a plurality of apertures formed therethrough. The moving belt forms first and second nips between each pair of suction and press rolls for squeezing moisture out of said stems as the movable web is routed through the first and second nips.

A ground contour sensing system and method for a vehicle with a mowing head. The system includes a sensor system that measures a ground contour in front of the mowing head, and generates contour measurement signals; and a controller that determines whether to move the mowing head based on the contour measurement signals, and generates movement commands for the mowing head when it determines to move the mowing head. The mowing head can include tilt and lift cylinders, and the controller can determine whether to move the mowing head using the tilt or lift cylinders. The sensor system can include a pivot arm that moves in response to changes in the ground contour, and an angle sensor that measures an angle of the pivot arm. There can be one or more sensor systems positioned between the right and left sides of the mowing head.