Folding System for Swathing Rake Attachable to a Baler

A folding and unfolding system for swathing rakes attachable to a baler said system comprising:

• a support structure configured to be connected to a baler and to a displacement means, preferably a tractor vehicle;
• at least one lifting arm comprising a first end connected to a swathing rake and a second end connected, by means of a hinged articulated joint, to the support structure;
• the swathing rake;
• the hinged articulated joint
• a rotation mechanism configured to, when activated, fold and unfold the swathing rake between an extreme unfolded position and an extreme folded position, the lifting arm rotating, with respect to the support structure, through the hinged articulated joint;
• wherein the folding and unfolding system for swathing rakes is configured to be towed in a longitudinal direction, comprised in a flat ground, when pushed by the displacement means, in said longitudinal direction, with:
• the folding and unfolding system being oriented in a displacement position;
• and
• the swathing rake being in any position comprised between the extreme folded position and the extreme unfolded position;
• wherein the displacement position of the folding and unfolding system is that in which, the swathing rake being in the extreme unfolded position, it is in the position for raking the ground over which it moves;
• wherein the hinged articulated joint comprises an axis of rotation which, when the folding and unfolding system is in the displacement position, is comprised in an intersection of an inclined plane, with respect to the flat ground on which the folding and unfolding system rests, an angle comprised between 10° and 25°, and a plane perpendicular to said ground;
• and
• wherein the angle of the inclined plane defining the orientation of the axis of rotation of the hinged articulated joint is directly dependent on the length extension of the swathing rake;
• wherein an 8 metre long swathing rake comprises a 10° angle;
• and wherein an 11 metre long swathing rake comprises a 25° angle.