Abstract: A combine harvester having a straw chopper disposed at the rearward end thereof is disclosed wherein the drive mechanism for the straw chopper includes a driving member, a driven member and intermediate member located between the driving member and the driven member such that there is an angled line of drive between the driving member and the driven member. A first flexible drive transmission member extends between the driving member and the intermediate member. A second flexible drive transmission member extends between the intermediate member and the driven member. A first tensioning mechanism is operable to move the intermediate member in a direction to tension the first flexible drive transmission member. A second tensioning mechanism is operable to move the intermediate member in a direction to tension the second flexible drive transmission member.

Abstract: A combine harvester having a main frame, rotary separating mechanism mounted on the frame transversely of the machine and operable to subject crop material to a separating action while moving it spirally therearound to respective ends of the separating mechanism, straw choppers associated with respective ends of the separating mechanism, but spaced therefrom, so as to be capable of receiving crop material from the separating mechanism, is disclosed wherein deflectors, pivotable about generally vertical axes and disposed between each end of the separating mechanism and the associated straw chopper, are selectively positionable so as either to allow crop material to flow to the straw choppers from the separating mechanism or to deflect the crop material inwardly of the machine for discharge from the latter in a central windrow.