Windrow merger

An apparatus for merging a pair of windrows into a single windrow for subsequent processing by a forage harvester, square baler or the like, comprising:

• a main frame having forward and rearward ends;
• pickup means at the forward end of said main frame for picking up a first windrow and moving said first windrow rearwardly thereof;
• cross conveyor means mounted on said main frame and disposed rearwardly of said pickup means for transporting said first windrow transversely between a window receiving end and a windrow discharge end;
• drive means for driving said cross conveyor means and said pickup means at predetermined speeds;
• comprising a hydraulic drive circuit including a hydraulic pickup drive motor and a hydraulic belt drive motor, said pickup drive motor and said belt drive motor being connected in series with a line extending from the outlet of the first of said motors to the inlet of the second of said motors, a source of hydraulic pressure, an input line from said source to the first of said motors, a return line from the second of said motors to said source, and flow control means in said input line upstream of the first of said motors for setting the flow of hydraulic fluid the said motor from said source at a desired rate;
• speed control means for controlling the speed of said cross conveyor independently of the speed of said pickup means, comprising variable flow diversion means interposed between said pickup drive motor and said belt drive motor and in communication with the line extending therebetween;
• and
• attachment means for pivotally and releasably attaching said main frame to a tractor.