PTO-driven system for cutting and collecting crop residues

Abstract

A crop residue collection system consisting of a primary gearbox configured to receive power from the power take-off (PTO) of a tractor, a secondary gearbox functionally connected to the primary gearbox, a set of cutting blades driven by the secondary gearbox and suitable for extracting crop residue from the soil, a power transmission unit coupled to the secondary gearbox, a vacuum pump driven by the power transmission unit with a suction chamber for drawing in the crop residue, a downstream soil filter with a friction mechanism for separating soil and crop residue, a discharge chute connected to the soil filter, and a wagon connection at the discharge chute outlet.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to devices for collecting agricultural residues, which are mounted behind a tractor and integrate a power take-off shaft, cutting blades, vacuum conveying, soil filtration with friction separation and a discharge chute with wagon connection for post-harvest cleaning. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] After harvest, stalks, straw, and loose biomass often remain in the fields, hindering soil cultivation in the next season and attracting pests. Manual raking and baling are labor-intensive and time-consuming. Conventional flail mowers and straw choppers cut the crop residue, but leave the material scattered on the ground, requiring additional passes for collection and removal. Vacuum trucks can transport light biomass, but struggle with soil being dragged along, clogging the channels and increasing wear. A compact, PTO-driven machine that simultaneously cuts close to the ground, pneumatically lifts crop residue, separates the soil with a special filter and friction mechanism, and unloads the cleaned material into a trailer would simplify operations, reduce the number of field passes, and improve throughput and cleanliness.By integrating a staggered power transmission from the PTO shaft to the cutting and suction system, as well as incorporating an integrated soil separator, the device eliminates blockages, abrasion, and inefficiencies that limit conventional, single-function devices in crop residue management. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a system for collecting crop residues, comprising a primary gearbox for power input via the PTO shaft of a tractor, a secondary gearbox driven by the primary gearbox, a cutting blade set driven by the secondary gearbox for extracting the crop residues from the soil, a power transmission mechanism coupled to the secondary gearbox, a vacuum pump with suction chamber driven by the power transmission mechanism for suctioning the crop residues, a downstream soil filter with friction mechanism for separating soil and crop residues, a discharge chute connected to the soil filter, and a trailer located at the discharge chute outlet.In operation, the PTO power is split and driven via a gearbox to power both the cutting blades, which loosen and shred crop residues on the soil surface, and the vacuum pump, which conveys the loosened biomass through a suction chamber. Downstream, a soil filter and a friction mechanism remove any remaining soil before the cleaned material is conveyed via the discharge chute into an attached trailer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0004] The implement frame attaches to a tractor's three-point linkage and houses a primary gearbox aligned with the power take-off (PTO) shaft. The primary gearbox transmits torque to a secondary gearbox near the mower deck, thus providing the necessary speed reduction and blade rotation direction. The cutting unit consists of a transverse shaft with multiple blades or flails. A height-adjustable shoe or support wheels ensure a close cut without excessive soil ingestion. Covers and skirts direct the loosened clippings to the suction area. A power transmission system—comprising belt or chain drives and clutches—connects the secondary gearbox to a vacuum pump mounted above the mower deck. This allows for slippage or disengagement for maintenance and independent control of the suction power based on blade speed via selectable gear ratios.The vacuum pump has a suction chamber or hood near the cutting path. The airflow draws in the clippings, while baffles at the intake reduce direct soil intake and trap coarse material to protect the fan. After the vacuum stage, a soil filter housing collects the air and material flow. The housing contains a friction mechanism—such as rotating brushes, ribbed rollers, or a perforated drum with internal paddles—that moves the material flow so that fine soil particles fall through the perforations into a collection container, while fibrous residues are carried onward. The filter has access panels for cleaning, wear protection in high-stress areas, and adjustable friction intensity to handle different types and moisture levels of residue. Pneumatic bypasses or vents stabilize the flow rate as the residue density varies.The discharge chute is connected to the outlet of the bottom filter and directs the cleaned residue to a transport cart. The chute is equipped with a flexible coupling for adjusting the cart's position and an adjustable deflector for leveling the material being conveyed. A cart connection – for example, a mechanical lock or a tow eye – is mounted on the frame to position a separate cart behind or to the side. The connection allows for quick coupling and uncoupling and is equipped with safety chains and height adjustment. Control levers or a small hydraulic switch engage the vacuum coupling and the knife drive. Simple viewing windows and differential pressure gauges on the filter housing inform the operator about the filter load and maintenance requirements. Lubrication points for the gearbox, bearings on the knife shaft and friction mechanism, as well as quick-release belt tensioners, facilitate maintenance.Replaceable wear parts include blade edges, filter screens, and brush elements. For transport, the suction hood and discharge chute fold compactly; transport locks secure the mower deck. The system optimizes airflow, cutting speed, and friction intensity to minimize debris input while maintaining throughput. This allows crop residue to be collected in a single pass and transported to a wagon for disposal or further processing. Optional features include a cyclone pre-separator upstream of the bottom filter for separating larger particles, a speed controller for the friction mechanism to adapt to varying crop residue conditions, and a dust hood over the filter outlet to reduce particle emissions near the operator.

Claims

[1] A crop residue collection system comprising a primary gearbox configured to receive power from the power take-off shaft of a tractor, a secondary gearbox functionally connected to the primary gearbox, a set of cutting blades driven by the secondary gearbox and suitable for extracting crop residue from the soil, a power transmission unit coupled to the secondary gearbox, a vacuum pump driven by the power transmission unit with a suction chamber for drawing in crop residue, a downstream soil filter with a friction mechanism for separating soil and crop residue, a discharge chute connected to the soil filter and a wagon connection at the discharge chute outlet. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the cutting blades are mounted on a height-adjustable shaft with covers that direct loosened residues towards the suction chamber while limiting the ingress of soil, and the power transmission unit comprises a coupling for selectively engaging the vacuum pump. [3] System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the soil filter comprises a perforated drum or screen housing and a rotating brush or ribbed roller configured to agitate the conveyed material so that fine soil particles pass through the perforations into a collection container, while fibrous residues are transported to the discharge chute. [4] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the discharge chute has an adjustable deflector for leveling the material within an attached carriage and the carriage connector comprises a quick-release fastener with height adjustment for aligning the discharge channel to different carriage geometries.