Leaf stripper

Abstract

An agricultural leaf stripper that can adopt a variety of configurations that allow shrubs and trees of different shapes and sizes to be leafed, the agricultural leaf stripper comprising a structure that can be transported along a horizontal axis parallel to the ground, and the structure comprising a frame formed from two parts, one of the two parts being fixed to a transport vehicle and the other of the two parts being able to slide vertically on the fixed part and supporting a linear track that is generally parallel to the frame and that is able to move horizontally toward and away from the frame and to tilt relative to the frame, the track carrying at least two pneumatic leaf stripping heads, each stripping head being able to be set at a desired position on the track independently of the other stripping heads, and each stripping head being able to be set at a desired orientation about its working axis on the track.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of agricultural machinery. More specifically, it relates to a leaf stripper or defoliator of a practically universal type, adaptable to conventional means of transport and enabling the stripping of leaves from all types of vegetation, since it can adapt to the specific shape of the vegetation to be stripped or defoliated.

[0002] The leaf stripper according to the invention has a large number of degrees of freedom, allowing it to be adapted to all configurations of vegetation species on which it is desired to carry out defoliation. Background Art

[0003] In viticulture, the practice of removing leaves from grapevines is well known. The goal is to remove leaves that hide the grape bunches and allow the sun to promote their ripening, or to make the grape bunches more visible and accessible, greatly facilitating manual harvesting. Another function of leaf strippers is to provide better aeration of the vegetation, thereby reducing the development of disease.

[0004] The stripping head can operate according to any principle. According to one possible principle, the leaf stripping is performed pneumatically using an air jet that is propelled along the working axis from the leaf stripping head towards the plant to be defoliated. French patent FR 3,069,131 of the applicant is an example of a stripping head.

[0005] The grapevines have substantially the same shape and size. Furthermore, grapevine leaf strippers generally comprise a support of fixed shape, capable of "spanning" a row of grapevines and carrying one or more stripping heads, as shown in FIG9 of French patent FR 3,069,131 in the name of the applicant.

[0006] It has recently become apparent that leaf stripping can be useful in the case of other plantations, whether these are shrubs (currants, raspberries, etc.) or trees (apple trees, pear trees, etc.) or other trees, especially urban plants.

[0007] European Patent EP 0,898,877 discloses a leaf stripper for grapevines, equipped with a cutting device and a suction device, the suction device including a housing for storing the generated waste. Consequently, such a machine is not designed to operate at a certain height and, secondly, does not have the degrees of freedom possessed by the leaf stripper according to the present invention. The patent states in the last line of the specification that the described and claimed machine can also be used for partially stripping any lattice-like vegetation and for pruning hedges, leafy trees, and conifers. The waste thus obtained is collected in a housing by suction. The subject matter of the present invention is neither the pruning of vegetation and wood waste, nor the partial pruning of leaves, nor the suction and storage of the generated waste.

[0008] Also known is a leaf stripper having a single housing equipped with four fixed pivoting door-shaped devices, which are therefore neither adjustable nor orientable. Also known are leaf strippers comprising two staggered heads.

[0009] Since known stripping heads are well-suited to other vegetation, it would be advantageous to provide a support capable of carrying one or more stripping heads that do not employ suction and whose configuration can be simultaneously varied to accommodate different sizes and / or shapes of vegetation and provide various working angles, thereby providing versatility for users working on plantations of different types, sizes, or shapes, including tall trees. The present invention aims to provide a leaf stripper that can be easily adapted to perform leaf stripping on plantations of various sizes and shapes. Summary of the Invention

[0010] To meet this object, the present invention provides an agricultural leaf stripper comprising a first structure capable of being transported by a conveying device in a horizontal movement direction along an X-axis substantially parallel to the ground, the structure comprising a frame comprising a fixed part and a movable part, the fixed part being fastenable at its lower end to the conveying device, the movable part being vertically displaceable relative to the fixed part; and a track carrying at least two stripping heads and supported by a support carried by the movable part, the track being spaced apart from the frame and substantially parallel to the frame, the leaf stripper further comprising:

[0011] a first linkage mechanism capable of generating a first vertical translation movement PZ1 obtained by sliding the upper part of the frame relative to the fixed lower part of the frame along a substantially vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal direction of movement,

[0012] a second linkage enabling the rail to generate a second vertical translation movement PZ2 relative to the support carried by the mobile part, along an axis Z2 substantially perpendicular to the horizontal direction of movement,

[0013] a third linkage mechanism capable of varying the spacing between the rail and the frame by causing the rail to undergo a translational movement PY relative to the frame in a direction substantially orthogonal to the vertical axis and along the axis of the support,

[0014] - a fourth linkage capable of generating a first rotational movement RX of the track around an axis substantially parallel to the horizontal direction of movement.

[0015] According to one embodiment, at least two stripping heads are slidably mounted on the track and are movable by translational movement along the track, with their working axes being substantially perpendicular to the Z2 axis of the track.

[0016] According to another embodiment, at least one of the stripping heads has a degree of freedom allowing it to perform a third vertical translation movement along the track independently of each of the other stripping heads.

[0017] According to another embodiment, at least one of the stripping heads further has a second degree of freedom of rotational movement relative to the rail about the working axis of the rail.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the track carrying the stripping head further comprises at least one articulation around an X-axis substantially parallel to the horizontal direction of movement, thereby allowing the track to adapt to curves or broken lines.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the first linkage capable of generating a first vertical translation movement PZ1 obtained by sliding the upper part of the frame relative to the fixed lower part of the frame and the third linkage capable of generating a translation movement PY of the track relative to the frame are powered.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the first linkage capable of generating the first vertical translation movement PZ1 and the third linkage capable of generating the translation movement PY of the rail relative to the frame are operated by actuators.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the leaf stripper further comprises a pneumatic source capable of generating compressed air ejected by the leaf stripping heads, and a piping system connecting the pneumatic source to each of the leaf stripping heads for supplying them with compressed air.

[0022] According to another embodiment, in addition to the above structure, the leaf stripper further includes a second structure that is substantially symmetrical to the first structure and allows leaf stripping on one side and the other side of the conveying device,

[0023] The second structure is capable of being transported by a transport device in a horizontal movement direction along an axis substantially parallel to the ground, the structure comprising a frame and a track, the frame comprising a movable part and a fixed part that can be fixed at its lower end, the movable part being vertically displaceable relative to the fixed part; the track carrying at least two stripping heads and supported by a support carried by the movable part, the track being spaced apart from the frame and substantially parallel to the frame, the second structure further comprising:

[0024] a first linkage mechanism capable of generating a first vertical translation movement PZ1 obtained by sliding the upper part of the frame relative to its fixed lower part along a substantially vertical axis perpendicular to the X axis of the horizontal movement direction,

[0025] a second linkage enabling the rail to generate a second vertical translation movement PZ2 relative to the support carried by the mobile part, along an axis Z2 substantially perpendicular to the horizontal direction of movement,

[0026] a third linkage mechanism capable of varying the spacing between the rail and the frame by causing a translational movement PY of the rail relative to the frame in a direction substantially orthogonal to the vertical axis and along the axis of the support, and

[0027] - a fourth linkage capable of generating a first rotational movement RX of the rail around an axis substantially parallel to said horizontal movement direction.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first structure and the second structure share a single common framework.

[0029] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, which is given by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the invention in its most compact configuration, viewed from the rear;

[0031] Figure 2 Shown in expanded configuration Figure 1 Embodiments of

[0032] Figure 3 Shown in three-quarter elevation view Figure 1 embodi ments and showing different orientations of the stripping head;

[0033] Figure 4 Shown Figure 1 's embodiment, showing its most compact configuration and illustrating a first positioning of the stripping head;

[0034] Figure 5 Shown Figure 1 An embodiment showing an expanded configuration and another positioning of the stripping head. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Reference Figure 1The agricultural leaf stripper 1 comprises a first structure capable of being transported in a horizontal motion direction along a horizontal X-axis substantially parallel to the ground. The first structure comprises a frame 2 and comprises a substantially straight track 6 having a Z2 axis substantially perpendicular to the X-axis.

[0036] At least two stripping heads 5 are fixed to the rails 6. They are fixed so that their working axis T is substantially parallel to the X axis and perpendicular to the Z2 axis. The working axis T is the direction in which the compressed air blows towards the pneumatic stripping heads 5, i.e. substantially perpendicular to the direction of the leaves to be treated.

[0037] According to an important feature of the invention, the stripping heads 5 are fastened to the rails 6 so that their respective positions can be varied independently of the other respective positions. This advantageously makes it possible to adapt the positioning of the stripping heads 5 and therefore the height and density of the stripping to the height and density of the leaves.

[0038] According to another characteristic, in order to personalize its position, each leaf stripping head 5 is mounted in a manner allowing a third vertical translation movement consisting of a translation movement PZa, PZb, PZc along the rail 6, independent of each other leaf stripping head 5. In particular, Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, each of the three leaf-stripping heads 5 comprises, at the level of its supports 10a-10c, means capable of generating a third vertical translation movement along the rails 6. This makes it possible to bring the two leaf-stripping heads 5 closer together in order to densify the leaf stripping at a smaller height, or, conversely, to separate the two leaf-stripping heads 5 further apart in order to increase the leaf stripping height, thereby compromising the stripping density.

[0039] The stripping head 5 used to illustrate the invention developed by the applicant comprises two air injection modules arranged side by side and having air injection axes or working axes T that are substantially parallel.

[0040] In addition, it is possible to modify the intensity of the leaf stripping by modifying the orientation of the leaf stripping head 5 around its working axis T. Figure 3 As shown more specifically in FIG, the highest leaf stripping head 5a is arranged vertically. Thus, it provides increased stripping height at the expense of reduced stripping density. The middle stripping head 5b is arranged horizontally. Thus, it provides reduced stripping height for increased stripping density. The lowest stripping head 5c is arranged in an intermediate orientation. Thus, it provides a compromise between average stripping height and average stripping density.

[0041] Furthermore, according to another characteristic, at least one (preferably each) of the leaf stripping heads 5 has a second rotational movement RYa, RYb, RYc about the working axis T relative to the other of the rails 6, such as Figure 5 Mounting them in such a way as to allow the second rotational movement RYa, RYb, RYc makes it possible to modify the orientation of each of the stripping heads 5a-5c independently of each of the other stripping heads in order to modify the height and / or density of the leaf stripping.

[0042] The combination of the degrees of freedom consisting of the third vertical translation movement PZa, PZb, PZc and / or the second rotation movement RYa, RYb, RYc allows the stripping heads 5a-5c to adopt different configurations, thereby varying the leaf stripping density and / or height. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Two examples of such configurations are shown.

[0043] According to another feature, the track 6 carrying the stripping head 5 further includes at least one articulated portion about an axis substantially parallel to the X-axis. This makes it possible to conform the track 6 to the interruption line. Depending on the number of articulated portions, the track 6 can adopt a V, L, C, M, W, or other shape to closely match the shape of the tree or shrub to be stripped. This is particularly advantageous in the case of non-longitudinal shapes, such as may be the case with fruit trees, due to their natural shape or size.

[0044] The rails 6 are carried by the frame 2. The frame comprises a fixed proximal end 3 or a fixed part and a movable distal end or a movable part 4. The frame 2 can be fixed at its fixed proximal end 3 to a conveyor (not shown) for conveying the frame along the X axis. This is the axis of advance of the movable conveyor, which is substantially parallel to the row of bushes or the like to be stripped. The transport means can be an agricultural vehicle, such as a tractor or a trailer towed by a tractor or any other equivalent means. The frame 2 is transported by the movable transport vehicle and itself supports the rails 6, which are integrated with the movable distal end 4 or its movable part.

[0045] The frame 2 is deformable by means of one or more linkages. This allows the track 6 and the positions of all stripping heads 5a-5c carried by the track to be moved in a single movement. The actual architecture of the frame 2 can be arbitrary. The following description shows possible examples of the frame 2.

[0046] The frame 2 can be extended or retracted vertically like an arm. By anatomical analogy, its fixed proximal end 3 is the proximal end closest to the transport vehicle, while the movable distal end 4 is the distal end farthest from the transport vehicle.

[0047] In order to be able to move the rails 6 and the stripping heads 5a-5c carried by them close to a row of vegetation and to adapt to a row of shrubs (such as grapevines or gooseberry bushes) or a row of trees (such as apple trees, pear trees, etc.) whose size, volume and shape can vary, the frame 2 is deformable. This deformation is made possible by an adjustment device arranged between the fixed proximal end 3 and the movable distal end 4.

[0048] Specific reference Figure 1 The first adjustment means are constituted by a first linkage capable of producing a first vertical translation movement PZ1. This linkage is between a frame 7 fixed to the transport vehicle and a further distal portion 4 of the frame 2, see also Figure 5 It allows translational movement essentially along a vertical Z axis. The Z axis is perpendicular to the X axis running on the ground and perpendicular to the Y axis, which is horizontal and perpendicular to the X axis and therefore perpendicular to the XZ plane. Figure 5 As shown, a beam 8 forming a support for the track can be driven in translation relative to the frame 7 along the Z axis, the beam carrying the track 6, the stripping head 5, the variable tilting device 9 and the sliding linkage 11 associated with the movable distal end of the frame 2.

[0049] The third adjustment means is constituted by a third linkage mechanism capable of generating a translational movement PY along the Y axis (see in particular Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) for moving the track 6 relative to the frame 2. According to one feature, the beam 8 is horizontal and includes a sliding linkage 11 that can extend substantially parallel to the beam 8. The sliding linkage 11 can be moved translationally along the Y axis and change the spacing of the track 6 and the components it supports relative to the frame 2.

[0050] The optional fourth adjustment means comprises a fourth linkage allowing a first rotational movement RX about an axis substantially parallel to the X axis. See in particular Figure 5 , the variable tilting device 9 implements a fourth linkage that provides a first rotational movement RX of the component supported by the rail 6 relative to the frame 2, thereby allowing a certain degree of tilting around an axis substantially parallel to the X axis. According to one embodiment, the fourth linkage that allows the first rotational movement RX comprises abutment flanges that can be rotated relative to one another and can be locked together in different mutual orientations. Figure 3 As shown, the fourth linkage comprises two facing circular flanges and bearing holes arranged on the same circumference, said bearing holes making it possible to define and maintain a given direction by at least one through screw fixing the two flanges together or alternatively using a variable screw drive or by manual intervention.

[0051] The second adjustment device consists of a second linkage mechanism capable of generating a second vertical translational motion PZ2 substantially along the Z2 axis. The Z2 axis (the axis of the track 6) is approximately perpendicular to the X axis. Because the first rotational motion RX can tilt it, its orientation can be varied in the YZ plane. As shown in the accompanying drawings, its default position is substantially vertical, that is, substantially parallel to the Z axis. The second adjustment device can change the position of the track 6 and the components carried thereon relative to the frame 2 in the direction of the second vertical translational motion PZ2 along the Z2 axis in two directions. Thus, it can adjust the position of all leaf stripping heads 5a-5c using coordinated or differentiated movements.

[0052] Figure 1 The configuration of the frame 2 is shown in the lowest position of the first vertical translation movement PZ1 , in which the translation movement PY produces its most compact position and the fourth linkage allows the first rotation movement RX to be set so that the Z2 axis of the track 6 coincides with the Z axis.

[0053] Figure 2 Another configuration is shown in which the frame 2 is in the highest movement position of the first vertical translation movement PZ1 , in which the translation movement PY produces its most extended position and the fourth linkage allows the first rotation movement RX to be set again so that the Z2 axis of the track 6 coincides with the Z axis.

[0054] It goes without saying that each linkage can be driven to adapt its position along one of the degrees of freedom independently of the other linkages.

[0055] Due to the way the frame 2 is organized, displacement of any one of the linkages affects the position of all components supported by the track 6 .

[0056] All linkages have been described above as mechanical. A person skilled in the art knows how to implement components that make it possible to produce a linkage capable of producing a translational movement or a linkage capable of producing a rotational movement.

[0057] It is possible to manually adjust each linkage independently on the leaf stripper 1 (when it is stationary), once per row or per type of plant. For each linkage, it is also possible to use a power-driven linkage driven by any device. Adjusting the motor-driven linkage advantageously makes it easier to change the configuration of the frame 2, including while the leaf stripper 1 is in motion, and also from the vehicle carrying it, in order to adapt the positioning of the at least one stripping head relative to the vegetation.

[0058] According to the preferred features, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the first link mechanism capable of generating the first vertical translation movement PZ1 and the sliding link mechanism capable of generating the translation movement PY are preferably driven by actuator power.

[0059] According to another characteristic, the leaf stripper 1 may further comprise a second structure which is substantially symmetrical to the first structure with respect to a plane containing the X-axis and the Z-axis. Thus, such a leaf stripper 1 comprises at least one stripping head 5 carried by the frame 2, which is arranged to strip the leaves on one side, for example towards Figure 1 and Figure 2 and having at least one stripping head carried by a second structure for leaf stripping on the other side, or Figure 1 and Figure 2 This feature advantageously allows the transport vehicle to simultaneously strip two adjacent rows of vegetation in a single pass. The third linkage, which generates a substantially horizontal translational motion PY in each structure, allows the leaf stripper 1 to be adapted to the distance between the two rows of vegetation.

[0060] The two structures can be completely independent.

[0061] Advantageously, according to another characteristic, the first and second structures share a common frame 2 and a single first linkage capable of generating a first vertical translation movement PZ1. In this case, there is a single frame 7. A single horizontal beam 8 includes two sliding linkages 11, one at each end. Thus, frame 2 includes a linkage capable of generating a translation movement PY of its track, which extends along the Y axis from the movable part of the frame and is directed to one side, for example, the left, and the second structure includes another linkage capable of generating a translation movement PY of its track along the Y axis, starting from the movable part of the frame, in the opposite direction, that is, to the right.

[0062] The stripping heads 5a-5c should be supplied with energy so that they can perform their stripping function. In the case of a pneumatic stripper head 5 as shown in the figure, the leaf stripper 1 further includes a pneumatic supply (not shown). This pneumatic supply is suitable for generating compressed air. It includes a certain number of pipes (not shown) that connect the compressed air generator to each of the at least one stripping head 5a-5c for distributing the compressed air.

[0063] Such a pneumatic supply can be mounted on the structure 2 and carried by the transport vehicle or even by a trailer attached to the transport vehicle. Advantageously, the pneumatic supply derives its energy from the transport vehicle's power take-off. The capacity of the pneumatic supply can be configured to suit the desired stripping power and the number of stripping heads 5.

[0064] Any number of stripping heads can be used. For vegetation of limited height to be stripped, a single stripping head 5 may be sufficient. The figures show a configuration with three stripping heads 5a-5c. Depending on the height to be stripped and the desired stripping density, ten or more stripping heads 5 can be used. The length of the track 6 is adapted accordingly.

[0065] The present invention has been shown and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description. This should be considered as illustrative and given by way of example, rather than limiting the present invention solely to this description. Many variant embodiments are possible.

[0066] List of Reference Numerals

[0067] 1: Leaf stripper,

[0068] 2: Framework,

[0069] 3: Fixed proximal end,

[0070] 4: Movable remote end,

[0071] 5: stripping head,

[0072] 6: Track,

[0073] 7: frame,

[0074] 8: Liang,

[0075] 9: Variable tilt device,

[0076] 10a-10c: support,

[0077] 11: Sliding link mechanism,

[0078] X, Y, Z, Z2: axis,

[0079] PZ1: The first link mechanism capable of generating the first vertical translation motion,

[0080] PZ2: The second link mechanism capable of generating a second vertical translation motion,

[0081] PY: A third link mechanism capable of generating translational motion.

[0082] RX: The fourth link mechanism that allows the first rotational motion,

[0083] PZa, PZb, PZc: Linkage mechanism capable of generating the third vertical translation motion,

[0084] RYa, RYb, RYc: Link mechanism that allows the second rotational motion,

[0085] T: Axis of the peeling head.

Claims

1. An agricultural leaf stripper comprising a frame capable of being transported by a conveyor in a horizontal motion direction along an X-axis substantially parallel to an XY plane of the frame, the agricultural leaf stripper comprising: a lower fixing member secured at a lower end thereof to the conveyor; a movable member that is vertically displaceable relative to the lower fixed member; one or two tracks only, carrying at least two leaf stripping heads and supported by a support carried by the movable member, the one or two tracks only being spaced apart from and generally parallel to the frame; a first linkage mechanism that generates a first vertical translational motion obtained by sliding the upper member of the frame relative to the lower fixed member along a substantially vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal motion direction and perpendicular to the XY plane; a second linkage mechanism that causes a second vertical translational movement of the one or two rails relative to the support carried by the movable member along a Z2 axis that is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal direction of movement and perpendicular to the XY plane; a third linkage mechanism that changes the spacing between the one or two rails and the frame by causing translational motion of the one or two rails relative to the frame in a direction generally perpendicular to the first vertical translational motion and parallel to the XY plane; a fourth linkage mechanism, the fourth linkage mechanism causing the one or two rails to generate a first rotational motion around an axis parallel to the X-axis; a pneumatic source that generates compressed air ejected by the leaf stripping head; as well as a piping system connecting the pneumatic source to each of the leaf stripping heads and communicating the compressed air to the leaf stripping heads; Wherein, the axes of the first link mechanism, the second link mechanism, the third link mechanism and the fourth link mechanism are parallel or orthogonal to the horizontal movement direction of the conveyor.

2. The agricultural leaf stripper according to claim 1, wherein: The only one or two tracks include two tracks, the two tracks include a first track and a second track, the second track allows stripping on both sides of the frame in a horizontal movement direction along the X-axis substantially parallel to the ground, the second track is in a symmetrical position relative to the first track, the second track includes at least the two leaf stripping heads supported by the support carried by the movable part of the frame, and the first track and the second track are spaced apart and substantially parallel.

3. The agricultural leaf stripper according to claim 2, wherein: The first rail and the second rail form a single component having a common structure.

4. The agricultural leaf stripper according to claim 2, wherein: The at least two leaf stripping heads are slidingly mounted on the first track, the second track or both, and the at least two leaf stripping heads can be moved by the translational movement along the first track, the second track or both, wherein the at least two leaf stripping heads include a working axis substantially perpendicular to the Z2 axis.

5. The agricultural leaf stripper according to claim 2, wherein: At least one of the at least two leaf stripping heads has a degree of freedom allowing a third vertical translational movement along the first track, the second track, or both, independently of the other of the at least two leaf stripping heads.

6. The agricultural leaf stripper according to claim 2, wherein: At least one of the at least two leaf stripping heads also has a degree of freedom allowing a second rotational movement relative to the working axis.

7. The agricultural leaf stripper of claim 1, wherein: The only one or both tracks further include at least one hinge about the X-axis that is substantially parallel to the horizontal direction of motion, allowing the first track, the second track, or both to conform to curves or broken lines.

8. The agricultural leaf stripper of claim 2, wherein: The first linkage and the third linkage are motorized.

9. The agricultural leaf stripper of claim 2, wherein: The first link mechanism and the third link mechanism are actuated by an actuator.

10. The agricultural leaf stripper of claim 2, further comprising a single support device comprised of a structure supporting the first and second rails and further comprising two sliding connections, each of the sliding connections varying a spacing between each of the first and second rails and the frame.

11. The agricultural leaf stripper of claim 1 , wherein: The only one or two tracks include two tracks including a first track and a second track forming a single assembly having a common structure.

12. The agricultural leaf stripper of claim 1, wherein: The at least two leaf stripping heads are slidingly mounted on the first track or the second track of the only one or two tracks and are capable of moving by translation along the first track, the second track or both, wherein the at least two leaf stripping heads include a working axis substantially perpendicular to the Z2 axis.

13. The agricultural leaf stripper of claim 1, wherein: At least one of the at least two leaf stripping heads has a degree of freedom that allows for a third vertical translational movement along the first track, the second track, or both, independently of the other of the at least two leaf stripping heads.

14. The agricultural leaf stripper of claim 1, wherein: At least one of the at least two leaf stripping heads also has a degree of freedom allowing a second rotational movement relative to the working axis.

15. The agricultural leaf stripper of claim 1, wherein: The only one or two tracks further include at least one hinge about the X-axis substantially parallel to the horizontal direction of movement for adapting the first track, the second track, or both of the only one or two tracks to curves or broken lines.

16. The agricultural leaf stripper of claim 1, wherein: The first linkage and the third linkage are motorized.

17. The agricultural leaf stripper of claim 1, wherein: The first link mechanism and the third link mechanism are actuated by an actuator.

18. The agricultural leaf stripper of claim 1 , further comprising a single support device comprised of a structure supporting the first or second of the only one or two tracks, and further comprising two sliding connections, each of the sliding connections varying with the spacing between each of the first and second tracks and the frame.

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