Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the speed of a combine harvester (10) includes one or more sensors (48) each generating one or more signals that correspond during use of the combine harvester to variables of a harvesting process. The apparatus further includes a processor and one or more control devices operatively connected in a feedback arrangement including two loops. In a first loop, a first signal (28) corresponding to the ground speed of the combine harvester (10) is fed back as an input to a first control device (42) that is capable of adjusting the ground speed relative to a set value. In a second loop, the first signal (28) is fed together with a second signal (34) indicative of the flow rate of crop through the combine harvester to a second control device (32) that generates as a third signal (31) the set value, the third signal being input to the first control device (42).

Abstract: A control system for a combine harvester having a crop processing system with a control panel for enabling an operator of the combine harvester to set a plurality of operating parameters of the crop processing system that affect the harvesting performance, and a plurality of sensors for determining prevailing values of crop quality parameters. The control system includes a data processor having a display for communicating information visually to the operator and acts to determine when a crop quality parameter exceeds an unacceptability threshold. Following such determination, the control system displays to the operator an operating parameter of which adjustment is recommended in order to restore the crop quality parameter to an acceptable value. The recommended operating parameter is derived from data stored in a look-up table within the data processor.

Abstract: A control system is described for a combine harvester having a crop processing system, a control panel for enabling an operator of the combine harvester to set a plurality of operating parameters of the crop processing system that affect the harvesting performance, and a plurality of sensors for determining prevailing values of crop quality parameters. The control system comprises a data processor having a display (12) for communicating information visually to the operator and acts to determine when a crop quality parameter exceeds an unacceptability threshold. Following such determination, the control system displays to the operator an operating parameter of which adjustment is recommended in order to restore the crop quality parameter to an acceptable value. The recommended operating parameter is derived from data stored in a look-up table within the data processor.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the speed of a combine harvester (10) comprises one or more sensors (48) each generating one or more signals that correspond during use of the combine harvester to variables of a harvesting process; a processor; and one or more control devices operatively connected in a feedback arrangement comprising two loops in a first of which a first said signal (28) corresponding to the ground speed of the combine harvester (10) is fed back as an input to a first said control device (42) that is capable of adjusting the said ground speed relative to a set value; and in a second of which the said first signal (28) is fed together with a second said signal (34) indicative of the flow rate of crop through the combine harvester to a second said control device (32) that generates as a third signal (31) the said set value, the third signal being input to the first said control device (42).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for starting heavy machinery driven by an internal combustion engine. The method comprises starting the engine and cyclically operating a clutch to couple the engine to the machinery intermittently. The transmission of torque to the machinery through the clutch is briefly interrupted or reduced when the engine risks stalling.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for starting heavy machinery driven by an internal combustion engine. The method comprises starting the engine and cyclically operating a clutch to couple the engine to the machinery intermittently. The transmission of torque to the machinery through the clutch is briefly interrupted or reduced when the engine risks stalling.

Abstract: A user interface for a harvesting machine, such as a combine harvester, having a position adjustable header implement. Specifically, the user interface is operationally connected to a microcomputer that controls a position adjusting apparatus for positioning the position adjustable header implement. The user interface includes two rocker key switches for selecting between, and subsequently adjusting, two operational modes for the position adjusting apparatus, being a stubble height mode and a pressure compensation mode of operation.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a user interface for a harvesting machine, such as a combine harvester that has a position adjustable header implement. Specifically, the user interface is operationally connected to a microcomputer that controls a position adjusting apparatus for positioning the position adjustable header implement. The user interface includes two rocker key switches for selecting between, and subsequently adjusting, two operational modes for the position adjusting apparatus, being a stubble height mode and a pressure compensation mode of operation.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for selecting the final drive gear ratio in a harvester. The method comprises the steps of selecting the desired ratio by manually depressing a button on a control panel, automatically activating a brake to bring the harvester to a standstill in response to the depression of the button on the control panel, and activating a gear selection mechanism to select the desired gear ratio only after the harvester has come to a complete stop.