Apparatus and method for simultaneously cutting two rows of cane and piling four rows of cut cane on two rows

摘要

Two pairs of cane gatherers are mounted forwardly on a four- wheeled power train, for driving a plurality of constant and variable volume hydraulic pumps, the cane gatherers being provided with gathering chains for holding and moving cane through a pair of cane passageways defined thereby and by sticker and moving chains mounted for endless rotation for guiding two rows of cane to cane toppers and cutters mounted in each passageway, and then to a pair of articulated pilers mounted on the rear of the power train. Cut-cane passageways through the pilers are defined by cane moving chains and rub bars. The pilers in one articulated position lay the cut cane of one row just behind the cut cane of the second row in a continuous transverse windrow across the cut rows and behind the power train and in a second articulated position lay the cut cane across adjacent cut rows. Front wheels are pivotable up to 90 and are tied together by tackle and pairs of differential drums that pivot an inboard wheel in turns up to 90 and an outboard wheel up to 45 and, with independently applicable rear wheel brakes, produce a minimal turning radius of approximately an apparatus length. Differential level control of variable volume pumps respectively powering power train wheels and cane-moving chains, conform an infinite ratio of speeds to the state and direction of windblown cane. The constant volume pumps power hydraulic cylinders to position cane gatherers, position and rotate cutters and toppers, position the pilers articulation and pivots the power train front wheels.