Method and apparatus for winding barbed wire onto a reel

Abstract

A method and apparatus for winding up barbed wire from a field by utilizing a prime mover with a reel operatively rotatably attached to a forward portion thereof. A motor is operably attached to the reel for selectively controlling the rotation of the reel. A funnel-shaped guide member is attached to the prime mover in front of the reel for guiding the barbed wire onto the reel, whereby the prime mover may be driven forwardly as the motor rotates the wheel to wind the barbed wire onto the reel while at the same time the prime mover may be steered to the left or right as needed to cause level winding of the barbed wire onto the reel.

1 . Apparatus comprising: 
 a prime mover having at least one pair of ground engaging wheels rotatable about a horizontal axis;    a reel operatively rotatably attached about an axis substantially parallel to said horizontal axis to a forward portion of said prime mover, said reel being for receiving barbed wire thereon;    a motor operatively attached to said reel for selectively rotating said reel in at least one rotary direction; and    a guide member operatively attached to said prime mover in front of said reel for guiding said barbed wire therethrough to said reel whereby said prime mover may be driven forward as said motor rotates said reel to wind the barbed wire onto the reel.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said motor is a hydraulic motor.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  including an inlet and an outlet hydraulic line operatively attached to said hydraulic motor; a by-pass line operatively attached to said inlet and outlet hydraulic lines and a control valve disposed in said bypass line for use in controlling the rotation of the hydraulic motor, whereby a closing of the valve increases the force of rotation of said hydraulic motor and opening the valve reduces or stops the rotation of the hydraulic motor.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said reel has an inner side an outer side and a hub section connecting said first and second sides together; and, means for permitting said outer side of said reel to be removed for facilitating easy removal of said barbed wire when rolled into a coil on said reel.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said motor is operatively attached to said reel by a belt and pulley system which permits said belt to slip on said pulley system when the force of pull on said barbed wire exceeds the driving force of the motor, pulley and belt system.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein said valve is positioned within reach of an operator driving said prime mover.