Abstract: A header flotation mechanism for a hay harvesting machine having a header is disclosed wherein a first flotation mechanism floatingly supports a first header section from the frame of the harvester and a second flotation mechanism floatingly suspends a second header section from the first header section. A pair of intermeshing conditioning rolls is mounted in the first header section, while a reel and a cutterbar are mounted in the second header section. The second header section is connected to the first header section by upward and lower links, the lower links having first and second stops to limit the amount of vertical movement of the second header section relative to the first header section. The header lift mechanism is operatively associated with the linkage mechanism interconnecting the frame of the harvester in the first header section and is operable to raise both header sections.

Abstract: An attachment for an open fronted harvesting machine to assist movement of cut heads to the harvester conveyor system has a flexible skirt extending rearwardly of the cutter blades. The skirt is supported along its forward edge by a relatively rigid support member which is reciprocated to impart reciprocal movement to the skirt. The support member can be connected to the reciprocating cutter blades of the harvester or can be moved independently thereof.

Abstract: A height adjustment device for a front mount mower including a support frame pivotally attached to the mower deck at the point where the rear of the mower deck is supported by push arms extending forward from the drive vehicle. The forward portion of the support frame carries a pair of ground engaging wheels and the forward end of the mower deck is disposed to be attached to and supported by the support frame at one of a number of vertically spaced positions. A cable connection between the push arms and the support frame automatically levels the rear of the mower deck with the adjusted level of the front of the mower deck.

Abstract: A self propelled riding mower includes a power unit (11) that pushes its cutter unit (12), and the units are connected together by an impact resistant pivot connection (25) which permits the cutter unit to pivot with respect to the power unit when travelling over uneven terrain. The pivot connection includes or is supplemented by bumpers (44, 45) carried by one unit in an array about or straddling the pivot bar (40) and pivot tube (58), and a bumper plate or plates (55) carried by the other unit that is or are maintained in sliding relationship with the bumpers.

Abstract: In a harvester wherein the frame is raised relative to ground wheels for roading purposes and such elevation of the frame stretches flotation springs to thereby lift the harvesting header off the ground, the amount of flotation force exerted by the springs on the header can be quickly and easily adjusted by only partially raising the frame and then inserting mechanical stops which prevent retraction of hydraulic lifting cylinders when pressure is relieved therein. By inserting a variable number of such stops in a stack, the flotation force can likewise be adjustably varied.

Abstract: A cutting trough unit for a self-propelled agricultural machine comprises a cutting trough; cutting means arranged flexibly relative to the cutting trough so as to follow a ground contour within a certain limit a plurality of sliding skids are articulately connected with the cutting trough and a connection for articulately connecting the sliding skids with the cutting trough and including a lower supporting arm and an upper supporting arm extending in a traveling direction, the lower supporting arm having a first end articulately connected with the cutting trough and a second end connected with the sliding skid, the upper supporting arm having a first end articulately connected with the cutting trough and a second end displaceably articulately connected with the lower supporting arm, the supporting arms and the sliding skids being fixedly connected with one another.

Abstract: A self-propelled mower having a forwardly projected power unit containing a motor and mowing assembly, the deck is rotatably mounted on the axle of the machine so that the mower assembly can be raised and lowered in reference to the ground. The mower contains a riding unit mounted behind the axle. A linear actuator is secured to the riding unit that has an extendable rod which is coupled to the power unit by a pivoted link. The power unit is placed in a mowing position when the rod is extended and in an elevated position when the rod is retracted. The actuator is driven by a reversible electric motor that is controlled by a switch mounted upon the steering control of the mower so that the operator can raise and lower the mower without releasing the steering control.

Abstract: A cutterbar assembly for the header of an agricultural combine having a skid coextensive with the cutterbar but comprising individual skid segments. The knife guard likewise comprises individual segments positioned in aligned relationship with the skid segments, whereby the flexibility of the cutterbar is enhanced so that it is able to follow the contour of the ground without row sensitivity. The skid segments are corrugated to provide a more efficient strength to weight ratio.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simplified tractor hitch structure for use with implements and an improved plow attachment for use in developing firelines in forest soil. The hitch allows implements to be moved between a raised transport position and a lowered working position. In the former, however, a simplified approach is employed to provide locking and unlocking functions controlled by the tractor operator while seated in the tractor and to positively prohibit horizontal swaying of the hitch and thus the implement.

Abstract: A header for a combine or the like having a cutterbar assembly which is vertically flexible relative to the main frame of the header. Leaf springs are fixedly connected to the header frame and extend forwardly to a sliding connection with the cutterbar assembly to exert a counterbalancing upward force thereon. Longitudinally reciprocable adjustment bars captive on threaded adjustment bolts are mounted on the main frame in association with each spring for varying the upward force being exerted thereby.

Abstract: In a flexible floating cutterbar cutting platform for a combine harvester, compact spring elements connected to cutterbar suspension linkage subassemblies are remotely controlled for adjustment of cutterbar counterbalance force so that pressure between the ground and the cutterbar skid plates may be adjusted, on-the-go, to suit varying harvesting conditions. Pinned pivotable connection of the cutterbar suspension linkage subassemblies to the rigid portion of the platform facilitate assembly and offer an improved method of adjustment of cutterbar attitude relative to the ground (tilt) when in working position.

Abstract: A self-propelled harvester thresher has a liftable and lowerable front inclined transporting channel, as considered in a travelling direction, and a cutting table connected therewith and having a rear wall mounted on the transporting channel, wherein a cutter bar, a drawing roller, and a winch are liftably and lowerably connected with said rear wall.

Abstract: An apparatus primarily adapted for removing cranberries from vines in a flooded bog bed includes a self-propelled, wheeled chassis and at least a pair of forwardly mounted, transversely extending reel assemblies. Each reel assembly includes a support frame having a base portion and a pair of arms. A reel is rotatably supported on the arms of the support frame. The reel includes an elongated shaft and a plurality of spaced discs interconnected by rods. A trunnion drive motor is secured to one of the arms and is directly coupled to the shaft to rotate the reel during harvesting operations. The base portion of the frame is pivotally secured to a spindle support arm at a free end thereof. The opposite end of the spindle support arm is pivoted to the wheeled chassis. The reels may pivot about an axis transverse to the base portion of the frame and move vertically to conform to the bog bed.

Abstract: A hydraulic wing mower includes a central section (A) to which a left wing section (B) and a right wing section (C) are pivotally connected. A first hydraulic cylinder (100) is operatively connected between the central section and left wing section for selecting its angular position and a second hydraulic cylinder (100') is operatively connected between the central section and the right wing section for selecting its angular position. A hydraulic circuit provides hydraulic fluid under pressure from a reservoir (120) to a wing angular position control valve (170). The wing angular position control valve selectively directs hydraulic fluid under pressure to the first and second cylinders to select an angular orientation for the left and right wings. A pressure relief valve (180) is selectively connected between the hydraulic cylinders and the reservoir. When an upward force occurs on one or both of the wing members, e.g.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved lawn mowing machine with a forward mounted mower deck including a plurality of rotary cutters. The blades or cutters rotate in opposite direction on opposite sides of the deck to bring the grass clippings to a deck mounted central vacuum. The mower blades are driven by a belt drive to eliminate expensive drive shafts and gearboxes. Applicant's 45.degree. twist belt drive geometry provides increased life to the belt over prior art 90.degree. twist belt drive geometries.The mower deck includes novel side mower wings. A combined clutch and brake mechanism disengages the drive belt to the wing blade spindle and simultaneously brings the blade to a stop within one second when the wing is raised beyond its cutting range. The wing deck is attached to the mower central deck by a depressed hinge substantially close to the elevation of the mower blades.

Abstract: A grass and ditch mower is provided having a novel floating cutting deck mounted to a novel extension arm assembly.

Abstract: A mower hitch support (103) pivoted to the front of a tractor (11) has a connection (126, 128, 132) with an axle link (46) interconnecting front wheels (17, 18) mounted individually on the tractor frame (12) to cause an underslung mower to tilt laterally in response to the front wheels encountering undulations in the ground thereby substantially avoiding scalping of the lawn.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header, attachable to a combine to sever standing crop and intiate the crop harvesting process, is disclosed wherein both the cutterbar and the floor of the header are somewhat flexibly constructed to follow the contour of the ground and harvest low growing crops. A counterbalancing force for the cutterbar is provided by leaf spring members spaced along the width of the header. These leaf spring members are connected to a lower portion of the header in such a manner as to enable the amount of countebalancing force supplied to the cutterbar to be variable by changing the number of leaf spring members exerting a counterbalancing force, either by increasing the number of locations that the leaf spring members are connected to the header frame or by increasing the number of leaf spring members at each location.

Abstract: A basic frame for a crop harvesting header which is attachable to a combine to sever standing crop and initiate the crop harvesting process is disclosed wherein the same frame can be utilized in the construction of both rigid and flexible headers. A connection member is provided for each attachment rib interconnecting the frame and the cutterbar, such that the attachment rib can be either pivotally connected to the frame to provide a flexible header or rigidly attached to the frame to provide a rigid header. Each connection member permits a rigidly attached rib to be vertically positionally adjusted to provide proper alignment of the cutterbar across the entire width of the header. The header frame includes a hat-shaped member corresponding to each of the connection members within which the attachment ribs can be nested.

Abstract: There is provided a coupling section which comprises a main planar body having an aperture at one end. Extending from the main planar body on a first side is a rod. Secured to the end of this rod is a depending flange having an aperture coaxial with the aperture in the main body. An extending tab is secured to the vehicle body and is aligned between the flange and the main body. The tab has an aperture which, when aligned with the apertures in the flange and main body, provide a pivot point when a suitable pin or bolt is inserted through the apertures. The other side of the planar body contains a box-like housing having an extending rod to which a movable piston associated with a hydraulic cylinder is coupled. The cylinder body is rigidly secured to the vehicle chassis. The front end of the planar body has a transverse flange to which one end of a cutting head support beam is coupled. The other end of the beam is coupled to one side of a cutting head assembly.

Abstract: A riding mower (2) includes a cutting unit (6) suspended from a traction unit (4). Cutting unit (6) is suspended from a forwardly extending frame (8) by four suspension units (40-43). Each suspension unit includes an upwardly opening saddle member (44) in which a pin (51) carried on cutting unit (6) is received. At least some of the pins (51) are longitudinally constrained in the saddle members (44) to longitudinally couple cutting unit (6) to frame (8). This allows cutting unit (6) to move upwardly relative to frame (8) at each of the suspension units to allow the cutting unit (6) to tilt or float relative to frame (8).

Abstract: An idler sheave assembly for a lawn mower which is simple in construction and which maintains the tension in the mower drive belt at any vertical position of the mower. The idler sheave assembly is supported on a U-shaped yoke which is pivotally supported on the mower tow bar linkage. The assembly includes a mule sheave fixed to the yoke and a rock sheave rotatably supported on an annular sleeve. A torsion spring is spirally wound around the sleeve having one end fixed relative to the yoke and a free end rotatably biasing the rock shaft to tension the mower drive belt. The free end of the spring is received in an elongated slot in the yoke, providing a simple belt tension gage. The belt tension is adjusted by adjusting the angular position of the U-shaped yoke relative to the mower.

Abstract: A mid-mounted mower disposed below the body of a tractor is suspended from the tractor body upwardly or downwardly movably by a pair of opposed flexible link assemblies each flexible about an axis extending longitudinally of the tractor body. During mowing the mower is movable up and down following rises and falls of the ground, while when running on a road or the like, the mower is lifted in a substantially horizontal position by a hydraulic cylinder connected between the pair of link assemblies, or by a hydraulic unit in a rear portion of the tractor body through wires.

Abstract: The riding lawn mower includes a prime mover supported on wheels for movement over the ground, a blade housing carrying one or more cutter blades and having leading and trailing end portions, one or more ground engaging wheels partially supporting the blade housing for gaging the distance the leading end portion of the blade housing travels above the ground, and a suspension system mounting the trailing end portion of the blade housing on the front end of the prime mover and arranged to transfer a portion of the weight of the blade housing to the prime mover so that the prime mover front wheels gage the distance and trailing end portion of the blade housing travels above the ground.

Abstract: Most presently known crop harvesting attachment flotation apparatus use a spring to preload the attachment into a floating mode. A problem with this is that, as the attachment is either forced upwardly or intentionally raised, the effectiveness of the spring decreases. This is avoided by a combination of a spring and a fluid operated cylinder acting through pivotal linkage relationships for retaining the attachment in a substantially constant flotation mode during lifting operations and during flotation operations.

Abstract: A mower comprising a mower frame attached to the bottom of a vehicle body, cutting blades rotatably supported by vertical shafts on the mower frame, a drive assembly on the frame for rotating the blades, arms supported on the frame and pivotally movable upward or downward, gauge members supported by the free ends of the pivotal arms, an operating member operatively connected to the pivotal arms for pivotally moving the arms, and locking means for disengageably holding the operating member. The mower frame is upwardly or downwardly movable by the movement of the pivotal arms with the gauge members in engagement with the ground to position the cutting blades at the desired level. The blades are retainable at this level by the locking means.

Abstract: A tractor having a frame supported by ground-engaging drive wheels, a tool bar carried by the tractor and on which various implements may be mounted, the tool bar being universally mounted on the frame whereby the implement may be raised above or lowered to the ground, and can follow the contour of the ground, a power unit also mounted on the tool bar so as to have a direct driving connection to the implement not affected by the universal "floating" movement of the implement and tool bar, and a driving connection between the power unit and the drive wheels, of a type not affected by the relative movability of the tool bar and tractor frame, in order that both the implement and the tractor may be driven by a single power unit. Mechanism is also provided for pivoting the tool bar to elevate the implement above the ground when desired, for supporting the tool bar while implements are changed, and for holding the implement firmly against the ground when required.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine comprises a frame, a crop pick-up mechanism mounted on the frame for flotational movement with respect thereto, and counterbalancing means operable to counterbalance at least a portion of the weight of the pick-up mechanism. The counterbalancing means comprise a combined sheave structure rotatably mounted on the frame and having a first sheave coaxial with the axis of rotation, and a second sheave connected for rotational movement with the first sheave and having a nonuniform radius relative to the axis of rotation, resilient means coupled between the frame and the sheave structure and first and second interconnecting means interconnecting the combined sheave structure with the pick-up means and the resilient means respectively.

Abstract: A rake comprising a frame provided with wheels, a subframe pivotally connected with said frame, two board supports pivotally connected with the subframe and a plurality of rake boards rotatably journalled at the board supports is improved with the object that it can be readily constructed in a simple manner, that it satisfactorily matches slopes and unevennesses of the ground and that it can be readily moved at will into the operative position or a transport position.For this purpose the subframe is formed mainly by relatively independently pivotable arms fastened to the frame.

Abstract: A delimber attachment for a tractor comprises an elongate drum mounted transversely and rotatably within a downwardly opening enlosure. The drum has a plurality of chains connected at one thereto. A frame extends forwardly from the enclosure. A hinge connector near a forward end of the frame hingedly connects the delimber to the tractor for upward and downward pivoting. A cable receiver is located near a top portion of the enclosure. A hydraulic damping cylinder is connected near a first end to the delimber and extends upwardly and forwardly therefrom. The cylinder has a clasp near a second end of the cylinder for connecting the cylinder to the tractor above the hinge connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to agricultural machines and is particularly applicable to tractor mounted drum mowers which suffer from the problem of tilting about the ground engaging point nearest to the tractor when undergoing right-hand turns. This problem is met by the provision of a machine having a mounting beam, a main beam supporting in a depending fashion one or more working units and at least three links for floatingly coupling the main beam to the mounting beam, at least one of the links being coupled to the main beam at a location below the latter. This provides a stable machine and in order to obtain independent flotation of the working units when more than one is employed, the links are coupled to the respective beams by universal joints with the exception of one link which is coupled to the mounting beam by a non-universal pivot in order to prevent a transverse shift of the working units during flotation.

Abstract: A machine for cutting and conditioning forage comprises a main frame having, pivotally connected thereto, a cutter platform carrying a cutter bar and two counter-rotating transverse rolls for crushing the forage cut by the cutter bar; the cutter platform is attached at each side to the main frame by an upper side arm and a lower side arm the latter being a hydraulic actuator, the arrangement being such that when the hydraulic actuators are extended from the fully retracted position the upper side arms first turn about their pivots, allowing preliminary forward movement of the cutter platform with respect to the main frame, before they meet respective abutments which prevent further movement, whereupon the cutter platform turns about the pivots fixing it to the upper side arms and is raised from the ground.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header for a self-propelled combine. The header includes a "floating" cutterbar which is flexible and movable up and down so as to cut a standing crop (soybeans, for example) close to the ground to minimize crop losses. The flexibility and movement enable the crop to be cut closely to the ground even though the ground is uneven or undulating across and along the harvesting path. The cutterbar is mounted on a plurality of ground-engaging structures including runners upon which a counterbalancing system imposes pre-selected forces to control the ground pressure of the cutterbar as ground and crop conditions vary. The counterbalancing system provides a substantially constant ground pressure throughout cutterbar movement. The effect of the system is to moderate or eliminate the variations which come from spring force changes.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header for a self-propelled combine. The header includes a "floating" flexible cutterbar movable vertically relative to the header frame to cut a standing crop (soybeans, for example) close to the ground to minimize crop losses. The cutterbar is connected to a plurality of runner structures pivotally mounted on the header frame. A spring system is operative on the runner structures to resiliently counterbalance the cutterbar. Structure is adjustably operative on the runner structures to selectively limit the range of movement of the cutterbar or to lock it against movement. Elongated skids are connected between adjacent pairs of runners to effectively extend along the length of the header. The skids are mounted to permit individual movement of the runners relative to each other as the cutterbar flexes over uneven ground across the harvesting path. The skids are selectively shiftable by crank pins to vary the cutting height of the cutterbar.

Abstract: A self-propelled windrower having a crop cutting header mounted forwardly thereof by a pair of laterally spaced lower suspension links and an upper centrally located stabilizing link, is provided with lifting linkages including upper lift arms mounted on the frame and lifting links interconnecting the lift arms and the lower suspension links wherein the upper lift arms are actuated by hydraulic cylinders connected hydraulically in a master-slave relationship, the rod end of the cylinders being connected to the lift arms through axially acting lost motion connections. Stops are provided to limit the upward motion of the lift arms at the transport position thereby rendering the lost motion connections ineffective.

Abstract: A tractor mounted corn harvesting unit has ground engaging steerable wheels, side frame members pivotally connected to the tractor, and a hydraulic cylinder connected between the tractor and the harvesting unit for adjusting the unit weight carried by the ground engaging wheels. The side frame members movably support the rear end of the harvesting unit on the tractor for up and down movement of the front end thereof, and the hydraulic cylinder operates to raise and lower the harvesting unit between an elevated position therefor, wherein the ground engaging wheels provide substantially no ground support for the front end of the harvesting unit, and a lowered position therefor wherein the wheels provide at least a partial ground support for the harvesting unit.

Abstract: Tucker wheelers for use on a hay baler in which hay is picked up from a window in the field, the tucker wheels being mounted on each side of the hay baler, the planes of the wheels being at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the hay baler. Each of the tucker wheels comprises a rotating wheel carrying radial wire spokes extending outwardly from the circumference, the spokes being attached to springs so that they can deflect through a wide angle. Each wheel is mounted at an elevation so that the spokes will engage the earth, and the wheel will rotate as the vehicle moves, picking up hay from the outer edges of the window and moving it towards the center of the windrow. Each wheel is attached to the baler with a universal joint mount allowing for use on uneven ground and allowing the wheel to caster when the hay baler is backed up.

Abstract: Linkage is provided for suspending a hay harvesting header beneath a mobile carrying frame having a lateral horizontal beam, the linkage including an upper link pivotally connected to the horizontal beam and extending rearwardly downwardly to a pivotal connection with the header and a pair of laterally spaced lower links extending from pivotal mountings with the header rearwardly to pivotal mountings with the frame. When the header is in the operating position, the instant center of rotation of the header is rearward but adjacent the harvester and when raised to transport the instant center moves rearward toward infinity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pull-type harvesting machines such as mower-conditioners and comprises a main frame fitted with ground-engaging wheels, a header adjustably mounted on and forwardly of the main frame and comprising drum type mower units, lifting means operable to move the main frame relative to the ground and the header relative to the main frame and an arched drawbar pivotally attached to the main frame and pivotable over the header from a machine operative position to a machine transport position and vice versa.

Abstract: Differential length parallel lift arms have means at one end for attachment to a belly mounted tractor appliance. At their opposite ends the lift arms are adapted to be pivotally mounted on a common axis on a tractor under which the appliance is adapted to be located. Lift arm actuating means are connected to the lift arms for effecting substantially parallel lifting of the appliance by the arms. Means for effecting operation of the actuating means may be operated hydraulically or otherwise from the tractor seat.

Abstract: A hay harvesting machine of the type having a mobile carrying frame and a header mounted thereto by a pivotal linkage including an upper link and a pair of lower swing links is provided with header flotation means pivotally connected to the lower swing links at points below a line interconnecting the pivotal mountings of said links to said header and said frame and below the latter pivotal connection in the operating position. The lifting cylinders are disposed wholly within the carrying frame.

Abstract: An agricultural do-all machine for performing multiple farming operations including harvesting and loading crops into a tow behind vehicle. The do-all machine, briefly described, comprises a vehicle frame designed around an underbelly conveyor having crop clearance therebetween, and a pair of opposite hand implement support booms carrying belt conveyors which feed crops laterally onto the underbelly conveyor. The underbelly conveyor moves the crop underneath the frame of the machine to another vehicle following behind the agricultural do-all machine.

Abstract: An arrangement of parallel fingers within the head of a cotton stripper is twisted in response to the operation of a pair of supporting cylinders disposed between the head and a vehicle frame to which the head is pivotably mounted to vary the heights of the opposite ends of the arrangement of parallel fingers in response to height sensors mounted at the opposite ends. The parallel fingers are mounted on an elongated tubular structure which extends between and is attached to the opposite ends of the head and which twists in response to the action of the cylinders and the weight of the head to twist the normally planar arrangement of parallel fingers. Transversely mounted stalk walker and feeder shafts in the region of the fingers are journaled in universal bearings at the opposite ends of the head to permit distortion of the head and twisting of the arrangement of parallel fingers.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for the height adjusting suspension system of side delivery rake is disclosed. A support trunnion bearing for the rotatable axially-adjustable height control rod of a rake has at least one crown thereon to cooperatively engage a mating washer which is biased into contact therewith by a compression suspension spring to thereby impede relative rotational movement between the rod and the bearing.

Abstract: Linkage for supporting a mower beneath a tractor, having first and second pairs of interconnected links and with the first pair pivotally mounted at their forward ends to the front axle of tractor and rockable about a fore and aft horizontally disposed axis. The second pair of links is connected to the frame of the tractor. Foot pedal means connected to the linkage adjusts height of mower in opposition to force of spring means attached to linkage and frame which tends to urge linkage into folded condition beneath tractor frame. Rocking action of front axle through linkage causes mower to follow ground contour to provide an even cut.

Abstract: Side-to-side leveling of a mower is facilitated by a two part lever connected to a ground roller axle. The ground rollers are rotatably mounted on a single horizontal transverse axle which in turn is connected to the rear of the mower housing through a pair of laterally spaced arms secured to a transverse rock shaft. One of the arms includes a first part rigidly secured to the transverse rock shaft and a second part which is pivotally connected to the transverse rock shaft and connected to the first part by a bolt and nut. The part rigidly secured to the rock shaft includes a slot through which the bolt extends which permits the second arm part to be angularly adjusted about the rock shaft axis relative to the first arm part. This permits one end of the roller axle to be adjusted vertically relative to the other end.

Abstract: An implement for a tractor is provided with a height adjusting mechanism, including a control lever swingable in a horizontal plane about a fixed vertical axis and operably coupled with an articulate linkage for translating the horizontal swinging of the lever to vertical movement of the implement without creating a force moment thereacross. The articulate linkage spans a pivotal coupling between the main frame of the implement and a mounting bracket secured to the tractor such that the linkage operates to swing the bracket and frame toward and away from one another causing the pivotal coupling to move up and down. A belt drive on the implement is maintained in constant, substantially uniform tension by a shiftable idler pulley operably coupled with the control lever for automatic belt-tension adjustment in response to raising and lowering of the implement.

Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for controlling a gathering unit mounted on a forage harvester for vertical articulative movement about a transverse axis thereon, the control apparatus including a main lever pivotally mounted on the forage harvester frame and operatively attached by a tension apparatus to the gathering unit, a lifting apparatus interconnecting the frame and main lever through a lost motion connection for selectively engaging the main lever to lift the gathering unit, a floatation spring lever having a first pivotal connection and a second detachable connection with the main lever, and a floatation spring assembly interconnecting the spring lever and the frame, the floatation spring assembly counterbalancing a portion of the weight of the gathering unit when the detachable connection between the spring lever and the main lever is attached and being ineffective when the detachable connection is detached.

Abstract: A harvesting attachment for use in combination with a combine is particularly adapted for harvesting row-crops, such as beans and the like, and is adapted for mounting a plurality of same in spaced apart relation across the forward portion of a combine trough to accomodate the row spacing. The attachment is arranged for driving from the combine and includes a sickle bar mounted on a leading side of a lower portion of a housing and an endless conveyor extending from adjacent the sickel bar to adjacent a trailing side of the housing for moving vegetation into a forward portion of the combine. The row-crop harvesting attachment includes a reel mounted on the housing and positioned above and forwardly of the sickle bar and including a plurality of circumferentially spaced pick-up tines engageable with vegetation for moving same toward the sickle bar.

Abstract: A crop harvesting machine has a mobile frame adapted to move across a field, an elongated crop material harvesting header and an improved pair of assemblies laterally spaced apart along the frame for suspending the header from the frame. Each of the assemblies includes a lower link pivotally interconnecting a lower portion of the header and a lower portion of the frame and an upper link pivotally mounted on an upper frame portion and having front and rear portions which respectively extend forwardly and rearwardly from the location of pivotal mounting of the upper link on the upper frame portion. The front portion of each upper link is pivotally connected to an upper header portion.