A tractor mounted cotton harvester carries at least one mechanized cotton picking unit removably supported beside at least one side of the tractor in a forward facing orientation, outwardly of the tractor wheels. A cotton receptacle is removably mounted to a hitch of the tractor and is lowerable for unloading. The cotton receptacle can include cotton compacting apparatus. At least one duct connects the at least one picking unit with the cotton receptacle, and a fan provides an air flow through the duct or ducts. The fan can be hydraulic, electric or mechanical powered.
