Abstract: A harvested crop residue chopper-and distribution arrangement for a combine (10) has a straw chopper (60) with an outlet (80) arranged in the plane of the outlet (96), with at least one impeller blower (82) arranged downstream of the outlet (80) of the straw chopper (60) with impeller blades (84) that can be rotated in the plane of the impeller blower (98) about an axis of rotation (88), where the plane of the impeller blower (98) may be inclined relative to the plane of the outlet (96). The impeller blades (84) may be connected with a central body (92) that is connected to a cone (94) facing the outlet (80) of the straw chopper (60).

Abstract: A safety cut-off system prevents the running of a motor of a self-propelled lawn mower having left and right drive wheels, and forward and reverse gears. The safety cut-off system includes a first forward presence lever manipulatable, by an operator, between an ON state and an OFF state, wherein the forward presence lever is biased to the OFF state, and a reverse presence lever manipulatable, by an operator, between an ON state and an OFF state, wherein the reverse presence lever is also biased to the OFF state. A preventing element, which is responsive to the forward and reverse presence levers, is provided for preventing the motor from running, when the lawn mower is in neutral or a forward gear and neither the forward presence lever nor the reverse presence lever are in the ON state, and when the lawn mower is in a reverse gear and the reverse presence lever is not in the ON state.

Abstract: A harvesting machine includes a feed mechanism configured for being driven in a forward direction to feed crops into the harvesting machine and a reverse drive mechanism for driving the feed mechanism in a reverse direction. The reverse drive mechanism includes a cam surface, a plurality of cam engagement members, and a plurality of pistons connected to the engagement members. One of the cam surface and the plurality of cam engagement members is operatively coupled to the feed mechanism. Controlled movement of the pistons in a first direction forces the cam engagement members into engagement with the cam surface to drive the feed mechanism in the reverse direction. Movement of each of the pistons in a second direction allows the feed mechanism to rotate in the forward direction.

Abstract: A zero turning radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero radius turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned near this turning point or axis so that the standing occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds. The low center of gravity created by the position of the riding platform for the standing operator also results in the mower having improved traction and being less likely to pop "wheelies" upon acceleration.

Abstract: A self-propelled windrower is provided with a platform including a reel which sweeps crop to be cut over a sickle cutterbar and into the nip of a pair of counter-rotating center-feed augers that, in turn, deliver the crop to the nip of a pair of counter-rotating conditioner rolls; and these driven components may be reversed to disgorge slugs of crop. The reversible drive includes a hydraulic pump carried by the traction unit and coupled to a motor carried by the platform. The hydraulic motor on the platform is coupled to power a main gear box which distributes power to the driven components of the platform. Operation of the pump is electro-hydraulically controlled with a single switch being operable to effect forward operation of the platform drive train, and with a second switch being designed to be moved and held in place to effect and maintain the drive train in reverse.

Abstract: A belt drive tensioning device for a walk-behind mower having a power source, a transmission and shiftable between forward, neutral and reverse modes, right and left drive pulley's driven by the transmission, right and left drive belts driven by the drive pulleys, right and left ground engaging wheels driven by the drive belts, right and left idler pulleys shiftable into engagement against the drive belts for selectively placing drive tension in the drive belts, right and left biasing means for applying a force to the idler pulleys to bias the idler pulleys into engagement with the drive belts and place drive tension in said drive belts, right and left rods operatively coupled with the idler pulleys for shifting the idler pulleys toward and away from engagement with the drive belts, right and left pivotable levers coupled with the rods, the levers being independently engagable by the operator for pulling the respective rod and shifting the respective idler pulley in a direction away from engagement with the d

Abstract: A mechanical system for a controlling a reversible pump in a walk-behind turf care machine having a hydrostatic drive and operator speed and traction controls. The pump includes a rotatable trunion shaft connected to the traction control for controlling hydrostatic pump displacement and direction. A rotatable lever structure fits over the trunion shaft and includes a rotary sleeve, an arm and roller. A control bracket, including a V-shaped contact portion having opposed surfaces for engaging the roller, is operatively connected to the speed and traction controls and to the turf machine frame about a pivot point. Operator manipulation of the control bracket via the speed and traction controls causes a rotatable engagement between the control bracket and the roller, which in turn sets the maximum forward/reverse speeds and direction of the hydrostatic drive. When the traction control is neutral, a spring arrangement is provided for urging of the hydrostatic pump into its neutral position.

Abstract: A single lever handle control mechanism constrained to pivot about two perpendicular axes to control forward, reverse, speed and steering of the mower. By this constraint to the movement of the lever handle, inadvertent movement of the lever handle is less likely to occur when the mower is bouncing over uneven terrain. Forward or backward movement of the lever handle is constrained about a single transverse axis. Right or left movement of the lever handle about the longitudinal axis effects steering of the mower. The longitudinal axis is constrained to move in a single plane perpendicular to the transverse axis. As an option a second lever handle, constrained as the first lever handle and linked to the first lever handle may be provided for control from a second location. With a lever handle on each side of the operator the mower can be fully controlled with either hand. The lever handle control is most advantageously applied to a zero turn radius riding lawn mower.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine, such as a forage harvester, comprises a plurality of crop processing means (20, 21, 26, 27, 36,38, 49), which are driven in a first sense by an engine (70) through a main clutch (124) and a first drive line portion (111, 112, 39, 87, 89) or a second drive line portion (73, 75, 77, 80, 81, 83). A motor means (110), coupled to the first drive line portion and operable to drive one of the crop processing means, such as a cutterhead (36), in a second sense, opposite to the first sense, is permanently coupled to said first drive line portion, so that during normal harvesting it can provide driving power to auxiliary devices. The second drive line portion is linked to the first drive line portion by means of a belt transmission (95, 99, 100), which is engaged by a hydraulic cylinder (106) when the main clutch (124) is engaged. The first drive line comprises an overrun clutch (87) which is disengaged when the rotation of the cutterhead (36) is reversed by the motor means (110).

Abstract: A lawn mower is provided having improved steering controls, namely a "trim" feature which may be adjusted while the mower is in a forward speed setting. Further provided is a park lock feature which locks the speed controls of the mower. Finally, a neutral latch feature is provided which becomes engaged when the left and fight steering controls of the mower are simultaneously position in either a neutral or a reverse position.

Abstract: A reverser system for the feeder chain of a combine harvester comprises a hydraulic motor mounted on a slide and operated by a cylinder to move from a retracted position to a forward operating position. In the operating position the mechanical coupling connects the shaft of the hydraulic motor to a drive sprocket connected to the feeder chain. Hydraulic fluid to the cylinder and to the hydraulic motor is tapped from the lift cylinders of the combine from a solenoid operated diverter valve. A control unit controls the supply of the pressurized fluid to the cylinder while delaying the supply of fluid to the hydraulic motor so that the mechanical coupling is connected while stationary before the hydraulic motor starts. This arrangement can be provided by simple mechanical devices providing an inexpensive drive system.

Abstract: A control for a lawn and garden vehicle, such control utilizing a "U" shaped main direction control pivotally mounted to the handlebars. The control being physically interconnected to a transmission such that movement of the direction control forward causes the vehicle to move forward, and movement of the direction control backward causes the vehicle to move in reverse with the control being spring biased into a central neutral position.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for driving component parts such as harvesting units of a cotton harvester head assembly. The hydraulic drive system includes a source of actuating fluid and fluid pressure actuators for driving the harvesting units independently of each other. Suitable conduit structure connects each fluid pressure actuator to the source of actuating fluid. The conduit structure is preferably flexible to facilitate transverse positioning of the harvesting units on the head assembly. A control valve assembly is connected to the conduit structure and is operably interposed between the source of actuating fluid and the fluid pressure actuators for selectively interrupting and effectuating the supply of actuating fluid from the source of actuating fluid and each of the fluid pressure actuators thereby influencing operation of the harvesting units.

Abstract: A light weight, portable aquatic vegetation cutter having a handle disposed at one end of a mounting rod, a motor at the other end of the mounting rod, the motor being disposed essentially centrally between two reciprocating type cutting blade assemblies ranging in opposite directions from the motor, the handle being adapted substantially to indicate the horizontal disposition of the cutting blade assemblies and permitting their realignment relative to the direction in which aquatic vegetation cutting takes place, the position of the motor with the cutting blade assemblies, being adjustable in two directions relative to the vertical, that are perpendicular to each other, a boat mounting attachable from the mounting rod, providing three additional directions of yieldable freedom of motion, audible and visual means for signaling a problem in cutting ability of the aquatic vegetation cutter, a switch enabling momentary reversal of the polarity of DC current to the motor, for freeing matter caught between the too

Abstract: An apparatus wherein a self-propelled tractor mounts a support plate, a spool, and a reversing motor mounted to the spool to effectively extend and retract a cable wound about the spool. The cable is directed forwardly to a mounting plate positioned rearwardly and coextensively of a rear edge of an associated lawn mower housing to permit extension and retraction of a lawn mower about an incline of an associated slope in use of the lawn mower. A modification of the invention includes a plurality of spools, each including a reversible motor mounted in association with each respective spool to permit steering of each spool by selective relative rotation of each spool.

Abstract: A lawn mower has a hydraulic motor mounted on each drive wheel and each motor is independently driven by a separate pump. Each pump includes a control lever for regulating fluid pressure and flow direction so that each wheel may be driven independently in the forward and reverse directions and at varying speeds. The control levers are independently connected to two speed control levers mounted on the mower's hand grips. A speed control index is mounted on each hand grip for releasably maintaining the speed control levers in a plurality of forward speed positions so that it is not necessary for the operator to exert hand pressure on the control levers in order to maintain a desired forward speed. A neutral control assembly returns the pump control levers to a neutral position when the control levers are moved into neutral.

Abstract: A submarine vegetation cutter is disclosed, driven by a direct current electrical motor adapted to drive two reciprocating type cutting blade assemblies which are disposed in a substantially opposed relationship relative to each other, and means for transmitting the driving force of the motor to the blade assemblies, and means for reversing the polarity of the direct current to the motor. There is also included a level switch for preventing electrical power from being conducted to the motor when the vegetation cutter is held at a more than predetermined angle from the vertical.

Abstract: A feeder house for an agricultural combine is provided with a driving element that can be reciprocated along the main drive shaft of the feeder house to selectively engage a main driven sheave or a second driven sheave in response to its positioning by the operator. The driving element is provided with internal splines for operatively coupling the output of the main driven sheave to the feeder house drive shaft and is also provided with an outwardly extending gear that is used to engage a cooperating tooth assembly on the second driven sheave for reversing the feeder house drive shaft. The main driven sheave is free to rotate on the feeder house main drive shaft when not being engaged by the driving element. Similarly, the second driven sheave is free to rotate on an axle when not being engaged by the gear extending from the driving element.

Abstract: A rotary tiling device has a cutting device having a plurality of cutters each of which is mounted on a supporting member at a base end thereof in such a manner that the cutter is rotatable about a first center. The cutter has a vertical portion and a lateral portion at an end of the vertical portion and has edges on both sides of the vertical and lateral portions. The base end has an arcuated periphery about a second center. The first center is offset from the second center, so that in grass cutting operation, the arcuated periphery is positioned in a position which is further outward than its position in the soil cutting operation.

Abstract: A reversible drive having a flexible endless belt driven in one direction, a first pair of inside and outside pulleys drivingly engaged by the belt and respectively connected coaxially to an inside drive roller and an outside roller which are engageable alternately with the inside and outside of a first cylinder, and a second pair of inside and outside pulleys drivingly engaged by the belt and respectively connected coaxially to an inside drive roller and an outside drive roller which are engageable alternately with the inside and outside of a second cylinder. The cylinders drive corresponding rotary driven members, such as opposite ground-engaging wheels on a lawn mower.

Abstract: A power grass mower (1; 100; 200) comprising a grass cutter (6) disposed under a mower body (2), a cutter housing (7; 107), a travelling mechanism (3, 4; 203, 204, 201) adapted to have the mower (1; 100; 200) travel, a power source (5) mounted on the mower body (2) to drive the cutter (6) and the travelling mechanism (3, 4; 203, 204, 201), and a handle member (14) connected to the mower body (2). The power grass mower (1; 100; 200) further comprises a handle position setting mechanism (39) for interconnecting a lower end part (14c) of the handle member (14) with the mower body (2), such that the handle member (14) is selectively turningly movable in the plan view thereof, relative to the mower body (2), substantially about the lower end part (14c) thereof, and for locking to set the handle member (14) at a voluntarily selected turning position thereof.

Abstract: A crop lifting attachment for a combine head having a plurality of forwardly extended snouts includes an elongated lift bar having a foot device on the forward end for sliding movement on the ground and a rearward end adapted for connection to the snout for pivotal movement about the pivot axis of the snout. The lift bar is also connected to the front of the snout with freedom of transverse adjustment. Finally, an auxiliary lift bar is inclined upwardly and transversely from the lift bar toward the snout. Pairs of crop lifting attachments are secured to adjacent sides of adjacent snouts for defining a narrow crop receiving and lifting guide way.

Abstract: In a combine harvester, a supplementary header drive is provided for driving the header components in reverse as needed, for example, for clearing blockages of crop material in a platform auger or in the feederhouse conveyor. The drive is powered by a hydraulic motor and selectively connected to the header drive system by a hydraulically actuated clutch. Clutch and motor are connected in parallel to the hydraulic power source and components are designed and sized so that the hydraulically actuated clutch engages before the hydraulic motor begins to rotate.

Abstract: The hydraulic circuit of the present invention allows flotation of the header without extensive use of accumulators and is readily adaptable to present open center hydraulic systems. The present invention is also adaptable to closed center hydraulic systems with or without flow compensation. The hydraulic system has a pump selectively connected with the header cylinder. Pressure within the header cylinders is automatically maintained at a constant level by fluid addition to the cylinder or by extracting fluid from the cylinders.

Abstract: A pneumatic system for automatically controlling the height of a crop harvesting header on a combine is disclosed wherein the pneumatic system includes a cylinder which receives compressed air through pneumatic directional valves mounted on the crop harvesting header and actuated through ground sensors positioned under the header. The flow of compressed air from the directional valves operates a pneumatic cylinder, which in turn drives a hydraulic valve controlling the hydraulic header lift mechanism to move the header relative to the frame of the combine to maintain the relative position of the header to the ground. The pneumatic cylinder is also actuated to effect a raising of the crop harvesting header by another pneumatic directional valve connected to a control lever for shifting the primary drive of the combine to a reverse direction, thereby automatically raising the header when the combine is moved in a reverse direction.

Abstract: In order to avoid undesirable delays in response time for controlling feed roll directional rotation and stopping, an electric clutch-brake planetary gear device provides stop, forward and reverse control of the feed rolls. The device functions as an electric clutch for a forward mode and as an electric brake for a reverse mode. Almost instantaneous shut down is available which is desirable for use in combination with a metal detector.

Abstract: A laterally shiftable draper header for a windrower is disclosed wherein a pair of draper sections are laterally shiftable on the header subframe to vary the position of the crop discharge opening between left, right and central positions. When the discharge opening is positioned at a central location between separated draper sections, it is necessary that the draper conveyors rotate in opposing directions to deliver crop material to the discharge opening. However, when the draper sections are positioned adjacent one another and shifted to one side of the machine or the other it is necessary for the draper conveyors to rotate in the same direction to convey crop to the discharge opening.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a header drive reversing assembly on a combine is disclosed wherein the linkage for actuating the drive reverser is interconnected with the linkage for disengaging the primary drive so that the drive reverser cannot be actuated while the primary drive is operatively driving the header. The linkages are connected to a single control lever to prevent the actuation of the drive reverser while the primary drive is engaged. The control lever is pivotally mounted for movement along two generally perpendicular directions and is engageable with a forked bracket when positioned for actuating the drive reverser to control the direction of flow of hydraulic fluid to the drive reverser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a swath of a first crop and then forming a windrow of such first crop to one side of such swath, whereby the ground thereunder can be planted to a second crop while the first crop is curing in the windrow. A mower with a single reversible conveyor belt for windrowing a first crop is attached to a prime mover, and a minimum tillage-type planting apparatus is attached behind such prime mover.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a combine harvester is disclosed wherein the engagement and disengagement of both the main drive and the auxiliary drive reversing mechanism can be controlled from a single lever. The control lever is pivotally mounted for rotational movement about a pair of perpendicularly disposed pivot axes, one of the pivot axes being rotatable about the other axis. A pair of clutch dogs corresponding respectively to the main drive and drive reverser are engageable with the control lever and separated by a plate-like barrier to prevent a disengagement of one clutch dog and the engagement of the other clutch dog except when the control lever is in a position to effect disengagement of both drive mechanisms. An overcenter linkage is provided with the drive reverser clutch dog to hold the control lever in an engaged position without further input from the operator.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven drive reversing mechanism, attachable to a combine to reverse the drive to the header and feeder house components, is disclosed wherein the reversing mechanism is contained within a gearbox detachably connected with the header drive shaft. The reversing mechanism is substantially self-contained within the gearbox and connectable to a source of hydraulic power to provide an optional drive reversing capability for substantially any combine. The reversing mechanism includes a first gear splined onto the header drive shaft for rotation therewith, a second free wheeling gear mounted within the gearbox in an intermeshing relationship with the first gear for rotation therewith and a clutch selectively engageable with the second gear to transfer rotational power from a hydraulic motor to affect a rotation of the header drive shaft in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A combine (11) is provided with a feed reverser mechanism (81) to drive a pair of feeder conveyors (23, 24) and a header conveyor auger (46) in reverse when the operator detects a jammed condition in the feeder conveyors or auger. The reversing mechanism (81) includes a hydraulic drive motor (92), a wrap spring clutch (93) and a hydraulic actuator (142), which automatically increases the tension on a drive belt (68) when the conveyors (23, 24) and auger (46) are driven in a reverse direction by the hydraulic motor (92). A pump relief valve (191) prevents delivery of excessive torque to the conveyors (23, 24) and auger (46) during a feed reversing operation.

Abstract: The header has generally transversely disposed, flat, apron-like conveyor mechanism for receiving the stalks of grain or other crop materials severed along the leading edge of the header and for gathering such materials so that they might be discharged in a continuous stream for producing a windrow. The conveyor mechanism comprises a pair of largely self-contained sections which may be latched together and shifted to one end of the header with their upper surfaces driven in a common leftward direction for left delivery and discharge, or shifted to the opposite end of the header and driven with their upper surfaces in a righthand direction for right end delivery of the materials, or they may be unlatched and separated while their upper surfaces are driven in opposite directions centrally toward one another for centered delivery of the materials.

Abstract: The drive system includes a drive pulley operably connected to a prime mover for selective rotation in opposite directions, a driven pulley, an endless belt trained about the drive and driven pulleys, an arm having a first end rotatably supporting the driven pulley and a second end mounted for pivotal movement of the arm and the driven pulley, a drive wheel, such as a sprocket, mounted on the first end of the arm for common rotation with the driven pulley, a rotatably mounted driven wheel, such as a sprocket, and an endless flexible member, such as a chain, trained about the drive and driven wheels for rotating the driven wheel in response to rotation of the drive pulley, whereby the resultant force applied on the drive wheel by the flexible drive member, when the drive pulley is rotated in either direction, is in a direction tending to pivot the arm and the driven pulley about the arm pivot axis in a direction for applying tension on the slack side of the belt.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lawn mower wherein a lawn mower body frame includes a motor and an operatively connected transmission. The lawn mower motor body frame is supported by front and rear wheels. At least the rear wheels are independently supported on separate shafts which are rotatably disposed with respect to the lawn mower body frame. Pulleys are positioned concentrically on each of the separate shafts in opposing, spaced apart relationship to define a gap therebetween. A belt is disposed in said gap and operatively connected to the motor through the transmission to impart rotation to the rear wheels. The pulleys, the separate shafts, and the rear wheels are positioned relative to each other to permit slippage therebetween to facilitate a change in the direction of the lawn mower.

Abstract: A harvesting machine comprising drive means for driving certain components thereof, drive control means for engaging and disengaging the drive means, drive reversing means associated with the drive means, and control means for controlling the drive reversing means and being actuable in unison with the drive control means, the arrangement being such that upon actuation of the drive control means and the reversing control means in unison, first the drive reversing means are actuated and subsequently the drive means are engaged so as to be driven in the reverse direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a self-propelled lawn mower including a blade housing, a plurality of wheels adapted for supporting the blade housing, at least one of the wheels being adapted to serve as a drive wheel, a blade mounted for rotation within the blade housing, a prime mover supported on the housing, a drive shaft mounted for rotation relative to the housing and adapted for connection to the drive wheel for driving the drive wheel, and a transmission means mounted on the blade housing. The transmission means includes a rotatable first gear drivingly connected to the prime mover, a pair of driven gears rotatably mounted in meshing engagement with the first gear and driven by the first gear in opposite directions, and means for alternatively and selectively connecting the driven gears to the drive shaft for rotatably driving the drive shaft in different rotational directions.

Abstract: An agricultural crop harvester's feeding and gathering units are driven by a power source on the harvester through a sheave assembly journaled on a countershaft mounted towards the rear of the feeding unit. Power is then transmitted by a variable ratio V-belt drive to a speed reducing and direction reversing planetary gear unit mounted forwardly on the feeding unit and finally to the gathering and feeding mechanisms by drives of conventional design. In the variable ratio V-belt drive, the effective diameter of a split sheave output portion of the countershaft sheave assembly is selectively adjusted hydraulically while, in inverse response, the effective diameter of a spring loaded variable driven split sheave, integral with the planetary gear unit, adjusts automatically. In addition, the driven sheave is provided with a coaxial cam arrangement responsive to changes in torque transmitted so that its effective diameter also adjusts automatically to provide appropriate belt tension.

Abstract: A lawn mower propulsion system which is supported between the rear wheels and is pivotally mounted on the body by means of a pivot bolts, a forward driven shaft and a reverse driven shaft are rotatably mounted in the support, parallel to and on either side of the pivot bolts, friction rollers are fixedly mounted on the ends of the driven shafts to contact the rear wheels, the forward-drive rollers being larger than the reverse-drive rollers, pulleys are fixedly mounted on the driven shafts, a pair of pulleys is mounted on the offset drive shaft, a belt connects each of the pulleys on the offset drive shaft to a pulley on one of the driven shafts and are mounted to drive the rearmost driven shaft and the rear wheels in the forward direction and the forwardmost driven shaft and the rear wheels in the reverse direction, springs, connected to the support and the body, normally urge the forward-drive into contact with the rear wheels, the mower handle pivots downwardly against the support to pivot the forward-driv

Abstract: A powered lawn mower hydraulic system for use with a reel type of mower. The system includes a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor and a hydraulic valve, all interconnected with hydraulic hoses or lines. The valve permits reversing of the direction of rotation of the motor which is driving the mower reel, and there is a hydraulic flow restrictor in the reversing line for limiting the speed of the motor, and thus the mower, in the reversing direction. Also, there is shown a relief valve for limiting the hydraulic pressure in the reversing mode, and there is also shown a relief valve for limiting the hydraulic pressure in the forward mode.

Abstract: An electric motor-powered linkage is provided for raising and lowering an implement mounted on a lawn and garden tractor. The energization of the motor and preselection of the position to which it is desired that the motor move the implement is accomplished through means of a control system including a pair of side-by-side arms pivotally mounted for swinging movement about a common axis. On one arm is mounted first and second normally open control switches forming part of a control circuit connected to a motor-reversing power circuit, and on the other arm is mounted a cam forming part of a follow-up linkage. To selectively actuate the motor to drive in forward and reverse, the arm on which the control switches are mounted is selectively manually swung in opposite first and second directions to cause the first and second switches to be respectively actuated to closed positions by first and second arcuate surfaces of the cam.

Abstract: A variable speed feed roll drive mechanism as provided for a forage harvester, the mechanism including a reversible hydrostatic transmission having its input shaft coupled with the chopper input shaft, the output of the transmission being coupled with the feed rolls. The hydrostatic transmission, having an infinitely variable range of output speeds provides the capability to infinitely vary the length of cut of crops passing through the chopper.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven drive reversing mechanism, attachable to a combine to reverse the drive to the header and feeder house components, is disclosed wherein the reversing mechanism is contained within a gearbox detachably connected with the header drive shaft. The reversing mechanism is substantially self-contained within the gearbox and connectable to a source of hydraulic power to provide an optional drive reversing capability for substantially any combine. The reversing mechanism includes a first gear splined onto the header drive shaft for rotation therewith, a second free wheeling gear mounted within the gearbox in an intermeshing relationship with the first gear for rotation therewith and a clutch selectively engageable with the second gear to transfer rotational power from a hydraulic motor to affect a rotation of the header drive shaft in a reverse direction.