Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a header height of a combine harvester that includes a header, a ground speed sensor, a ground height sensor configured to detect a ground contour directly beneath the header, a forward looking sensor (FLS) configured to detect a ground contour forward of the header, and a controller. The controller receives signals from the ground speed sensor, the ground height sensor and the FLS, and calculates a header height output as a function of (i) an output of the ground speed sensor, which represents a ground speed of the combine, (ii) an output of the ground height sensor, and (iii) an output of the FLS. The controller is further configured to weight the outputs of the ground height sensor and the FLS as a function of the speed of the combine harvester in calculating the header height output.

Abstract: A flexible harvesting header having multiple sections supported by support arms, with the height of each arm being adjustable in response to a changing load. Load sensors at first ends of the arms sense loads and generate electronic load signals. Hydraulic cylinders at second ends of the arms are actuatable to raise and lower the first ends. A controller receives the load signals, determines whether actuating one or more of the hydraulic cylinders is warranted due to a changing load, and if so, changes a hydraulic pressure to raise or lower the first ends to offset the changing load. Actuation may be warranted if the changing load exceeds a predetermined value. Further, the entire flexible cutter bar may be raised in response to an electronic raise signal, and the controller may actuate all of the hydraulic cylinders to raise the front ends of all of the support arms.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the height of a header for use with an agricultural harvester. The header height is controlled by receiving orientation values from a first set of sensors representing orientation of respective support arms of the header, receiving height values from a second set of sensors representing height of the respective support arms with respect to ground, combining the height values and orientation values for each support arm to create a respective multi-sensor value, and controlling the position of the header with respect to the agricultural harvester responsive the multi-sensor value.

Abstract: A dynamic event detection system detects dynamic events, based on a sensor signal, on a mobile harvester. A dynamic event correction system identifies a correction magnitude, corresponding to the detected dynamic event, and a correction timing. The dynamic event correction system applies a correction, using the correction magnitude and correction timing, to a performance metric value generated from a performance metric sensor.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header having a frame mounted on a propulsion vehicle has a cutter bar carrying a sickle knife and a draper transport. The draper is guided at its front edge by a longitudinally extending rail mounted on the frame for movement therewith. The cutter bar is mounted on the frame at spaced positions by spring blades attached to a fixed beam at the rear which allow up and down flexing movement of the cutter bar relative to the draper engagement member. At the center discharge the cutter bar is carried on shorter blades which are carried on a beam in front of the front draper roller. The small amount of flexing of the cutter bar combines with a balanced three piece header frame to provide effective ground following.

Abstract: A control system for controlling pivoting of a header of an agricultural harvester. The control system includes first, second, and third header height sensors, each for mounting to a respective point on the header, each configured to provide a respective header height signal representing a respective measured header height of their respective point on the header above a ground plane. The control system further includes a header angle sensor configured to provide a header angle signal indicative of a pivot angle of the header about an axis; and a processor configured to: receive the signals; calculate an estimated first header height based on the pivot angle and the second and third header heights; determine a replacement first header height by selecting the smallest of the estimated and the measured first header height; and generate a control signal based at least on the replacement first header height.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a float cylinder interconnecting a header linkage system and a frame of the machine. A first rod side accumulator and a second rod side accumulator are both in fluid communication with a rod side fluid port of the float cylinder. A first accumulator control valve is positioned to control the first rod side accumulator, and is selectively controllable between an open position allowing fluid communication between the first rod side accumulator and the rod side fluid port of the float cylinder, and closed position blocking fluid communication between the first rod side accumulator and the rod side fluid port of the float cylinder. The system provides a slower first float response with the first accumulator control valve open, and a faster second float response with the first accumulator control valve closed.

Abstract: The height of a header of a self-propelled harvesting machine is controlled by a closed loop header position control system. A sensitivity control system receives parameters related to header position error (e.g., an accuracy parameter) and machine stability (e.g., a stability parameter) and automatically identifies a sensitivity metric indicative of a sensitivity with which the header position control system controls the header height, based upon the received parameters. The sensitivity metric is provided to the header position control system. The header position control system performs closed loop header position control with a sensitivity level based upon the sensitivity metric provided by the sensitivity control system.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle header suspension having a frame, a plurality of supports extending forward from the frame, an anchor plate, a frame pivot joining the frame to the anchor plate to be rotatable about a frame pivot axis, a frame actuator connected between the anchor plate and the frame and configured to resiliently hold the frame at a predetermined position relative to the anchor plate, and to allow the frame to move through a range of motion relative to the anchor plate, upon compression and/or extension of the frame actuator. The frame actuator may be, for example, at least one single-acting hydraulic actuator, mechanical spring, or a pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: In a crop harvesting machine there is provided a pair of hydraulic float cylinders or springs for a header such as a rotary mower relative to a self-propelled vehicle, where a float spring force is controlled to provide a predetermined lifting force is provided to the header. The spring force is varied in response to detection of ground speed to decrease the lifting force at higher ground speeds. A position sensor is used to generate an indication of movement and/or acceleration. The electronic control is arranged, in response to changes in the sensor signal, to temporarily change the control signal to vary the lifting force and thus change the dynamic response of the hydraulic float cylinder. In order to reduce static friction so that the system can react quickly, an arrangement is provided for causing relative reciprocating movement in an alternating wave pattern between the piston and cylinder.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle header having a frame having a main truss extending in a lateral direction, at least one support arm extending from the frame in the forward direction, a cutter assembly attached to a respective distal end of each at least one support arm, and a linkage connecting a respective proximal end of each at least one support arm to the frame. The linkage includes a virtual pivot located below the main truss, and at or behind the main truss with respect to the forward direction. An agricultural vehicle having the header is also provided.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a float cylinder interconnecting a header linkage system and a frame. A rod side accumulator is in fluid communication with a rod side fluid port of the float cylinder. A float control valve is selectively controllable between an open position allowing fluid communication between a pressure source and the rod side accumulator, and a closed position blocking fluid communication between the pressure source and the rod side accumulator. A downforce accumulator is in fluid communication with a piston side fluid port of the float cylinder. A downforce control valve is selectively controllable between an open position allowing fluid communication between the pressure source and the downforce accumulator, and a closed position blocking fluid communication between the pressure source and the downforce accumulator.

Abstract: A header for an agricultural harvester includes: a header frame; a flexible cutterbar carried by the header frame; a plurality of flex arms coupled to the cutterbar; and a flex arm drive assembly coupled to at least one of the flex arms and configured to selectively, linearly displace the at least one coupled flex arm in a vertical direction relative to the header frame.

Abstract: A float cylinder is coupled to an accumulator by a first hydraulic fluid conduit. The float cylinder and accumulator are coupled to apply a float force on a header main frame.

Abstract: A harvesting head for an agricultural combine includes a frame and a support arm coupled to the frame. The support arm is configured to move between an unlocked state in which the support arm is moveable relative to the frame and a locked state in which the support arm is fixed relative to the frame. The harvesting head includes cutting teeth supported by the support arm relative to the frame. The cutting teeth are configured to move relative to the support arm in a reciprocating motion along a longitudinal axis of the frame. The harvesting head includes a gauge member coupled to the frame. The gauge member is configured to sense a height of the frame relative to a surface. The harvesting head includes a control assembly configured to move the support arm into the locked state based on the height of the frame relative to the surface.

Abstract: A header assembly for an agricultural harvesting machine comprises a first frame assembly, a second frame assembly that supports a cutter, and is pivotable relative to the first frame assembly, a float cylinder coupled between the first frame assembly and the second frame assembly, an accumulator, and fluidic circuitry that fluidically couples the accumulator to the float cylinder. The fluidic circuitry is configured to provide a first flow of pressurized fluid under pressure to the float cylinder, so the float cylinder exerts a float force on the second frame assembly, and based on a control input that corresponds to a lowering operation of the header assembly, provide a restricted flow of fluid, that is restricted relative to the first flow, between the float cylinder and the accumulator.

Abstract: In a harvesting header having a main frame divided into a center portion and two wing portions connected for pivotal movement about axes and including a rear wall. A reel is mounted on first and second reel arms and a rear auger is mounted at the top of the rear wall. The reel and the auger are also divided into three sections arranged end to end along the rear wall. The joint in the auger is arranged not at the axis but at a position spaced inwardly of the axis so that a first flight of the auger extends inboard of the first reel arm and a second flight of the auger extends inboard of the second reel arm to carry the crop engaging the first flight past the first space to the center portion of the header frame.

Abstract: A shock absorber system may include at least one sensor that is configured to measure an operating parameter of the shock absorber during operation of the shock. The operating parameter may comprise one or more of pressure, temperature, a position of a piston rod of the shock absorber, a velocity of the piston rod, and/or an acceleration of the piston rod. The system may be configured to evaluate measured operating parameter data and to predict a lifespan of the shock absorber and/or detect failure.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header having a frame mounted on a propulsion vehicle has a cutter bar carrying a sickle knife and a draper transport. The draper is guided at its front edge by a longitudinally extending rail mounted on the frame for movement therewith. The cutter bar is mounted on the frame at spaced positions by spring blades attached to a fixed beam at the rear which allow up and down flexing movement of the cutter bar relative to the draper engagement member. At the center discharge the cutter bar is carried on shorter blades which are carried on a beam in front of the front draper roller. The small amount of flexing of the cutter bar combines with a balanced three piece header frame to provide effective ground following.

Abstract: In a crop harvesting header with a center section and two wings where each wing is pivotal relative to the center section about a pivot axis extending in a generally forward direction which includes a balance system to maintain a balanced ground force distribution across the width of the header there is provided an automatic adjustment system for maintaining proper balance. The system includes a sensor which repeatedly, over a time period during which the header is operating, detects data relating to the positions, distance from the ground or weight applied to the ground of each wing frame portion, a processor arranged in response to the sensed data to calculate a value representative of the positions and an adjustment mechanism for effecting an adjustment of the balance system in response to the value.

Abstract: A control arm linkage system includes a pair of upper control arms and a pair of lower control arms to attach a crop harvesting header to a harvester frame of an agricultural harvester. The attachment of the header to the harvester via the control arm linkage system allows the header to move relative the harvester, with the header being displaced upward and heeled backwards in response to an upward force being imparted onto a lower surface of the header. The control arm linkage system thus allows the header to automatically adjust and adapt to unexpected raised mound that may be encountered along the path of the header during harvesting.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header having a frame mounted on a propulsion vehicle has a cutter bar carrying a sickle knife and a draper transport. The draper is guided at its front edge by a longitudinally extending rail mounted on the frame for movement therewith. The cutter bar is mounted on the frame at spaced positions by spring blades attached to a fixed beam at the rear which allow up and down flexing movement of the cutter bar relative to the draper engagement member. At the center discharge the cutter bar is carried on shorter blades which are carried on a beam in front of the front draper roller. The small amount of flexing of the cutter bar combines with a balanced three piece header frame to provide effective ground following.

Abstract: A harvester including: a chassis; an adjustable feeder housing carried by the chassis and defining a face angle relative to a ground plane; a header carried by the chassis, the header including: a header frame; at least one harvesting element carried by the header frame; and at least one divider pivotably carried by the header frame and defining a divider angle relative to the ground plane; and a mechanical linkage coupling the feeder housing to the at least one divider such that the divider angle is adjustable independently of movement of the header frame.

Abstract: The agricultural harvester comprises a header. The header includes a frame, a control shaft connected to the frame, a flex arm, a linkage assembly and a cutter bar connected to the flex arm. The linkage assembly is movable between a first position and a second position. The linkage assembly includes a first end pivotably connected to the control shaft and a second end connected to the flex arm.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting header includes a first frame portion and a second frame portion moveably connected to the first frame portion. An upper control arm is pivotally connected to the first frame portion and pivotally connected to the second frame portion. A lower control arm pivotally connected to the first frame portion and pivotally connected to the second frame portion. The connection between the first frame portion, second frame portion, upper control arm, and a lower control arm forms a roll center positioned at or below ground level.

Abstract: A header for an agricultural harvester includes a header body that is configured to be connected to the harvester. The header body is configured for cutting plants from the ground and distributing those plants to a feeder of the agricultural harvester. A wheel is attached to the header body for contacting the ground to support the header body above the ground. A lifting power unit moves the wheel with respect to the header body to adjust a distance between the header body and the ground.

Abstract: A harvesting header is operable in a first mode of operation by engagement of a skid at the cutter bar for cutting along the ground. A gauging system operable in a second mode includes four ground engaging members supporting the header such that the cutter bar skid plate is at a controlled distance from the ground. The ground engaging members include a long skid and removable gauge wheels are carried on an elongate beam pivoted adjacent the cutter bar and extending to the rear of the frame and adjustable by an upstanding telescopic mast up to a position to allow the cutter bar to run on the ground. A resilient suspension can be provided at the rear of the beam at the junction to the post. The location under the table allows a very high adjustment of the cutter bar in the second mode.

Abstract: A harvesting header is operable in a first mode of operation by engagement of a skid at the cutter bar for cutting along the ground. A gauging system operable in a second mode includes four ground engaging members supporting the header such that the cutter bar skid plate is at a controlled distance from the ground. The ground engaging members include a long skid and removable gauge wheels are carried on an elongate beam pivoted adjacent the cutter bar and extending to the rear of the frame and adjustable by an upstanding telescopic mast up to a position to allow the cutter bar to run on the ground. A resilient suspension can be provided at the rear of the beam at the junction to the post. The location under the table allows a very high adjustment of the cutter bar in the second mode.

Abstract: A method for automatically controlling a cut height of a header of an agricultural harvester. The method includes positioning the header to a predetermined cut height set point, measuring a ground speed of the agricultural harvester, measuring a height of the header relative to a ground surface at a plurality of positions along a length of the header. The method further includes lowering the header towards a first adjusted cut height threshold if a measured height of one of the plurality of positions is above the predetermined cut height set point and the measured ground speed is less than a first predetermined ground speed. The subject application allows the automatic header height control software on an agricultural harvester to automatically deviate from the predetermined cut height set point. This allows better control of the header at higher speeds and allows more crop to be gathered without manual intervention.

Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting machine includes a header, a hydraulic adjusting mechanism for adjusting the cutting height of the header, a height sensor for detecting the cutting height, a pressure sensor for detecting the hydraulic pressure at the adjusting mechanism and a control unit for actuating the adjusting mechanism on the basis of values measured by the height sensor and the pressure sensor. The control unit has a first control loop for generating a height-correction signal (hkorr) on the basis of the actual cutting height (hist) detected by the height sensor (10) and a setpoint cutting height (hsoll) and, a second control loop for regulating pressure at the adjusting mechanism, the setpoint value of which follows changes in the height-correction signal.

Abstract: A crop header has generally horizontal flail disks mounted for driven rotation about generally upright axes of a cutter bar. A tilting system is provided for tilting the cutter bar about an axis transverse to the machine so as to tilt the cutting plane from a generally horizontal position forwardly and rearwardly. A sensor is provided which is responsive to upward and downward floating movement of the cutter bar relative to the support frame and is arranged to analyze changes in the signal to determine times when the cutter bar is moving upwardly when the cutter bar is tilted rearwardly, times when the cutter bar is moving downwardly when the cutter bar is tilted forwardly and times when the cutter bar is remaining at a constant height.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a chassis and a feeder housing pivotally mounted to the chassis. The agricultural harvester is characterized in that an axle assembly is pivotally mounted to the feeder housing. A hydraulic actuator is coupled with the axle assembly for pivotally moving the axle assembly in upward and downward directions from the feeder housing. A road mode switch provides a first output signal indicative of a field mode and a second output signal indicative of a road mode. A controller is coupled with the road mode switch and the hydraulic actuator. The controller receives the second output signal from the road mode switch and controls the hydraulic actuator, whereby the hydraulic actuator provides a substantially constant down force between the axle assembly and a ground surface.

Abstract: A header lift assembly for an agricultural harvester includes a lift cylinder and a lock assembly. The lift cylinder includes a sleeve and a piston, and the piston is configured to move in an axial direction relative to the sleeve. The lock assembly is coupled to the lift cylinder and is configured to automatically transition to a first locking position upon extension of the piston in the axial direction to a locking distance from the sleeve. The first locking position is configured to block retraction of the piston in the axial direction beyond a first distance from the sleeve. The lock assembly is also configured to automatically disengage from the first locking position to a unlocked position that facilitates retraction of the piston beyond the first distance upon extension of the piston to an unlocking distance.

Abstract: A header lift assembly for an agricultural harvester includes a lift cylinder and a lock assembly. The lift cylinder includes a sleeve and a piston, and the piston is configured to move in an axial direction relative to the sleeve. The lock assembly is coupled to the lift cylinder and is configured to automatically transition to a first locking position upon extension of the piston in the axial direction to a locking distance from the sleeve. The first locking position is configured to block retraction of the piston in the axial direction beyond a first distance from the sleeve. The lock assembly is also configured to automatically disengage from the first locking position to a unlocked position that facilitates retraction of the piston beyond the first distance upon extension of the piston to an unlocking distance.

Abstract: A harvesting header includes a header frame, a flexible cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame, a draper assembly supported behind the cutterbar assembly for conveying severed crop materials received from the cutterbar assembly, and a plurality of laterally spaced apart support arms attached to and cooperatively supporting the flexible cutterbar assembly, with each support arm being pivotal about a lateral axis. The header further includes stop structure corresponding with each of the support arms, with the stop structure located forwardly of the lateral axis and defining a limited range of angular support arm movement.

Abstract: A frame for a harvesting header has a top beam extending across substantially a full width of the harvesting header and has ends arranged adjacent respective ends of the harvesting header and a midpoint in a center area of the harvesting header. The header frame has a bottom beam substantially parallel to the top beam extending less than the full width of the harvesting header and having a midpoint in the center area of the harvesting header. Vertical main structures connect the top and bottom beams. Diagonal truss members connect the ends of the top beam and interfaces of the bottom beam and vertical main structures. The vertical main structures form a feederhouse interface at the center area of the harvesting header. The top beam and bottom beam are continuous through the center area of the harvesting header. Header drive assemblies are mounted at the ends of the bottom beam.

Abstract: A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a flexible cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a fore-and-aft draper and side drapers, with at least part of the draper assembly being rigidly supported on the header frame. A center section of the cutterbar assembly is rigidified so as to be restricted from flexing, while the side sections of the cutterbar assembly flex and follow the changes in terrain.

Abstract: A combine harvester (100) comprises a feederhouse (104) pivotally coupled to a forward end of the chassis (144) of the combine harvester (100). The feederhouse (104) comprises a front frame (120) pivotally coupled to a front end of the feederhouse (104). A feederhouse lift motor (141) is coupled at its rear end to the chassis (144) and at its front end to the front frame (120). A pivot motor (152) is coupled to and between the front end of the feederhouse (104) and the front frame (120) to pivot the front frame (120) with respect to the front end of the feederhouse (104).

Abstract: A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain.

Abstract: A harvesting header frame has a top beam, a bottom beam, and a diagonal truss member. A first end of said diagonal truss member is structurally connected to the top beam and an opposing second end of said diagonal truss member is structurally connected to the bottom beam. The header frame also has a diagonal truss length adjustment mechanism that adjusts the length of the diagonal truss member to selectively lengthen or shorten the effective length of the diagonal truss member to modify the concavity of the header frame after the top and bottom beams and diagonal truss member have been connected. In one embodiment, the diagonal truss length adjustment mechanism is a telescoping compression member.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header with a cutter bar and a draper assembly has a draper driven by a drive roller at one end and an idler roller at the other end. The draper is carried on a plurality of support rollers parallel to the first and second rollers for supporting the upper run of the draper at spaced positions therealong. The draper includes a front edge of the upper run of the draper arranged at a position adjacent to but spaced from the cutter bar and there is provided an integral extruded sealing member extending along the cutter bar defining a first stiffer portion attached to the cutter bar and a second flexible blade portion which extends rearwardly from the first portion at the cutter bar to lie over and in contact with a bead along a front edge portion of the draper.

Abstract: A header lift assembly for an agricultural harvester includes a lift cylinder and a lock assembly. The lift cylinder includes a sleeve and a piston, and the piston is configured to move in an axial direction relative to the sleeve. The lock assembly is coupled to the lift cylinder and is configured to automatically transition to a first locking position upon extension of the piston in the axial direction to a locking distance from the sleeve. The first locking position is configured to block retraction of the piston in the axial direction beyond a first distance from the sleeve. The lock assembly is also configured to automatically disengage from the first locking position to a unlocked position that facilitates retraction of the piston beyond the first distance upon extension of the piston to an unlocking distance.

Abstract: A tractor has hydraulically driven wheels at a cab end and castor wheels at an engine end. It can be driven cab forward in a working mode with a header on the forward end. It is rotated to engine forward in the transport position for more stable higher speed travel. There is provided a float module with adjustable and calibrated springs on the header which allows the header to float relative to the lift system on the tractor. The float force is adjusted by raising and lowering the lift system in dependence on an angle measurement of the lift position. The lift system includes a lift cylinder and tilt cylinder controlled to change cutter angle while maintaining a sight line to the cutter bar for the operator.

Abstract: A cutting platform for use with an agricultural harvesting machine includes at least one platform section. Each platform section has a cutterbar assembly movable in a localized manner in upwards and downwards directions, an endless belt with a leading edge, and a plurality of skid shoes. Each skid shoe extends rearwardly from the cutterbar assembly and has an upper surface defining a belt support for the leading edge of the endless belt.

Abstract: A power conveying system for use with a header of an agricultural harvester, the header having a first structural member and a second structural member being pivotally coupled to the first structural member about an axis. The power conveying system including a driving pulley, a driven pulley, an idler pulley, a flexible link and a cantilevered member. The driving pulley is coupled to the first structural member, and the driven pulley is coupled to the second structural member. The flexible link conveys power from the driving pulley to the driven pulley, and is in contact with the idler pulley. The cantilevered member is connected to the second structural member, and extends beyond the axis, where the cantilevered member is movably coupled to the idler pulley.

Abstract: A cutting platform for use with an agricultural harvesting machine includes at least one platform section. Each platform section has a cutterbar assembly movable in a localized manner in upwards and downwards directions, an endless belt with a leading edge, and a plurality of skid shoes. Each skid shoe extends rearwardly from the cutterbar assembly and has an upper surface defining a belt support for the leading edge of the endless belt.

Abstract: A harvesting header includes a header frame, a flexible cutterbar assembly mounted to the header frame, a plurality of laterally spaced apart support arms, and a draper assembly. The support arms are attached to and cooperatively support the cutterbar assembly and are pivotally coupled to the frame for swinging movement about a laterally extending axis. The draper assembly includes a side draper carried on multiple ones of the support arms so as to flex with the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes rollers and a roller frame that operably interconnects the interior support arm and a respective one of the rollers.

Abstract: A harvesting header frame has a top beam, a bottom beam, and a diagonal truss member. A first end of said diagonal truss member is structurally connected to the top beam and an opposing second end of said diagonal truss member is structurally connected to the bottom beam. The header frame also has a diagonal truss length adjustment mechanism that adjusts the length of the diagonal truss member to selectively lengthen or shorten the effective length of the diagonal truss member to modify the concavity of the header frame after the top and bottom beams and diagonal truss member have been connected. In one embodiment, the diagonal truss length adjustment mechanism is a telescoping compression member.

Abstract: An agricultural combine has a header height control circuit supplied with hydraulic fluid from a closed center pump. The pump has a variable displacement. The pump displacement is controlled by a control line connected to the pump. The control line is supplied with fluid from the feederhouse lift cylinders that passes through a valve. The valve supplies hydraulic fluid at the feederhouse lift cylinders to the control line of the pump. Upon receiving fluid from the valve the closed center pump rapidly changes its outlet pressure to match the pressure in the feederhouse lift cylinders and thus reduces the response time of the closed center pump.

Abstract: A conveyor belt tensioning arrangement for an agricultural harvesting header (102), the agricultural harvesting header (102) with the conveyor belt tensioning arrangement, and an agricultural combine having the agricultural harvesting header (102) are described herein, the arrangement comprising a conveyor belt roller (208) supported on a roller carriage (228), the conveyor belt roller (208) being spring-loaded to maintain tension in the conveyor belt (108, 112), the conveyor belt roller (208) also being supported to pivot about an axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the conveyor belt roller (208).