#$%^&*AU2016204635B220171214.pdf#####ABSTRACT: A swather 40 is disclosed including a swath compression panel 41 with a downwardly and rearwardly inclined undersurface 44 for applying a downward compression force on the swath between the front wheels 21 and rear wheels 31. 5 A mounting assembly 42 includes an actuator 45 operable in response to a speed and/or direction of travel of the tractor for raising the panel 41 to a retracted position under the tractor. A bottom stop 47 halts downward movement of the actuator 45 before the panel 41 engages the ground. The panel 41 includes an upwardly and rearwardly inclined curved rear portion 60 to smoothly release the 10 compressed crop. The panel 41 is mounted on the tractor frame 10 at a position thereon rearward of a transverse beam connected to the front wheels 21 so that the swath is released from the discharge opening of the header 16 and can expand for discharge to the ground before the swath is engaged by the front end of the panel 41. 15 FIG 1 FOR PUBLICATION1/4 4 2 22 47 FIG. 2 FIG. 2
