Self-propelled merger

Abstract

A self-propelled windrow merger includes a motor and a chassis. At the front of the merger are a first pickup and transfer assembly, a second pickup and transfer assembly and a third pickup and transfer assembly. A cab is above and behind the second pickup and transfer assembly. A folding mechanism for moves each of the pickup and transfer assemblies between a first position wherein the first, second and third pickup and transfer assemblies are laterally aligned and a second position wherein the first and third pickup and transfer assemblies are positioned rear of the cab.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A self-propelled merger comprising:
 a motor;   front wheels and rear wheels;   a chassis;   a first pickup and transfer assembly, a second pickup and transfer assembly and a third pickup and transfer assembly, each of the pickup and transfer assemblies being movable between a first position wherein the pickup and transfer assemblies are laterally aligned and a second position;   a cab extending above and behind the second pickup and transfer assembly   a folding mechanism for moving each of the pickup and transfer assemblies between the first position and the second position.   
     
     
         2 . A self-propelled merger according to  claim 1 , each of the pickup and transfer assemblies comprising a pickup head, a conveyor and a shroud. 
     
     
         3 . A self-propelled merger according to  claim 2 , wherein the shroud retracts. 
     
     
         4 . A self-propelled merger according to  claim 2 , further comprising a ladder assembly at a first side of the cab to provide access to the cab, the ladder assembly moving between a first position for use and a second position to allow the first pickup and transfer assembly to move between the first position and the second position. 
     
     
         5 . A self-propelled merger according to  claim 2 , wherein at the second position, the chassis is intermediate the first pickup and transfer assembly and the third pickup and transfer assembly. 
     
     
         6 . A self-propelled merger according to  claim 5 , wherein the first pickup and transfer assembly and the third pickup and transfer assembly extend substantially along a direction of travel at the second position. 
     
     
         7 . A self-propelled merger according to  claim 2 , wherein the first and third pickup and transfer assemblies are oriented with surfaces of the conveyors facing horizontally at the second position. 
     
     
         8 . A self-propelled merger according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the first and third pickup assemblies is supported on an arm extending substantially horizontally and bending downward in the first position. 
     
     
         9 . A self-propelled merger according to  claim 8 , wherein the arm pivots about a single axis about a pin on the chassis, wherein the pin extends inward and upward. 
     
     
         10 . A self-propelled merger according to  claim 8 , wherein each of the first and third pickup and transfer assemblies pivotally mounts to an associated arm. 
     
     
         11 . A self-propelled merger according to  claim 5 , wherein the second pickup and transfer assembly tilts upward at the second position for transport. 
     
     
         12 . A self-propelled merger according to  claim 4 , further comprising a platform extending laterally outward from the first side of the cab. 
     
     
         13 . A self-propelled merger according to  claim 12 , wherein the arm of the first pickup and transfer assembly moves below the platform and over the front wheel at the first side when moving between the first and second positions. 
     
     
         14 . A self-propelled merger according to  claim 4 , wherein the ladder assembly is mounted to be retracted when the first pickup and transfer assembly moves between the first and second positions. 
     
     
         15 . A self-propelled merger according to  claim 12 , wherein the platform comprises a railing and wherein a section of the railing folds during movement of the first pickup and transfer assembly 
     
     
         16 . A self-propelled merger according to  claim 15 , wherein the section of the railing automatically folds when the first pickup and transfer assembly moves between the first and second positions. 
     
     
         17 . A self-propelled merger according to  claim 15 , wherein the section of the railing forms a barrier to prevent access to the ladder during movement of the first pickup and transfer assembly. 
     
     
         18 . A self-propelled merger according to  claim 1 , wherein the pickup head of each of the first and third pickup and transfer assemblies is rear of the cab in the second position. 
     
     
         19 . A self-propelled merger according to  claim 1 , wherein the laterally aligned first, second and third pickup and transfer assemblies are forward of the cab in the first position. 
     
     
         20 . A self-propelled merger moving along a direction of travel, the merger comprising:
 a motor;   a chassis;   a first pickup and transfer assembly, a second pickup and transfer assembly and a third pickup and transfer assembly;   a cab above and behind the second pickup and transfer assembly;   a folding mechanism for moving each of the pickup and transfer assemblies between a first position wherein the first, second and third pickup and transfer assemblies are laterally aligned and a second position wherein the first and third pickup and transfer assemblies are rear of the cab.