Abstract: A crop harvesting machine is provided having a crop feeder device that is movable through various heights via manipulation of first hydraulic cylinders. A crop gathering attachment is mounted onto a front side of the crop feeder device. A crop gathering attachment is provided having fixed height sensors that measure a distance of the attachment above the ground. A second hydraulic cylinder is provided between the crop feeder device and the crop gathering attachment to control the angle of tilt of the crop gathering attachment relative to the crop feeder device. The angle of tilt is measured by a tilt sensor. A controller is connected to the sensors and provides output to the cylinders to control the machine height and angle of tilt.

Abstract: A lawn mower having a frame, a motor connected to the frame, a driver's seat located on the frame, a cutting blade connected to the motor, a deck located above the cutting blade and vertically movably mounted to the frame, and a draft rod connected between the deck and a portion of the frame. The draft rod is movably connected between the deck and the portion of the frame to limit upward vertical movement of the deck relative to the frame to a predetermined upper stop location.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a wheel at each end of a transverse main frame with each wheel being carried by a vertically pivotal link to which an extensible and retractable actuating device is coupled for effecting vertical adjustment of the frame relative to the ground. The upper end of each actuating device is attached to a further link which is vertically pivotally mounted to the frame and has its upward movement resisted by a frame-mounted spring so as to dampen forces imposed on the wheel by the terrain. Each further link may be selectively locked to the frame so as to eliminate the function of the associated spring.

Abstract: A harvesting header for a self-propelled harvesting machine comprising a center portion and two side portions. The center portion and both side portions are provided with forwardly extending crop processing arrangements. A transversely extending auger is located behind the crop processing arrangements. The crop processing arrangements can be moved between an operating position and a transport position by pivoting them about a transversely extending horizontal pivot axis. In this transport position the center of gravity of the harvesting header is moved rearwardly towards the harvesting machine. The side crop processing arrangements can be pivoted about forwardly extending pivot axes to reduce the width of the harvesting header in its transport position.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header for mounting on a propulsion vehicle such as a swather tractor or combine harvester includes a main frame structure supporting a crop receiving table with a cutter bar across a front of the table and side drapers on the table for moving the cut crop toward a discharge location of the header. The frame is divided into a central frame portion and two separate wing frame portions each arranged for pivotal movement relative to the central portion about a pivot axis extending in a plane parallel to the forward direction and intersecting the cutter bar so that, as the wing frame portions pivot, the cutter bar flexes in the area adjacent the respective pivot axis over a small angle of the order of 4 degrees to maintain the cutter bar following the ground.

Abstract: A harvesting machine with a main frame, a harvesting header having a first end and a second end and a suspension system operatively attached to the main frame for supporting the harvesting header from above, the harvesting header having a lowered position and a raised position. A suspension frame has a rocker arm operatively pivotally attached thereto along a first substantially horizontal axis, the rocker arm having an upper position and a lowermost position. A first link is operatively pivotally attached to the suspension frame along a second substantially horizontal axis and is operatively pivotally attached to the harvesting header at the other end thereof. A second link is operatively pivotally attached to the main frame along a third substantially horizontal axis and is operatively pivotally attached to the harvesting header at a fourth substantially horizontal axis, the second link being disposed substantially always parallel to the first link.

Abstract: A control system for an agricultural harvester having a frame and a header. The header attaches to a feeder which connects the header to the harvester, and header to feeder attaching point has a position which is adjustable relative to the frame. In at least one mode, when an operator raises the feeder above a predetermined height, the control system automatically levels the header to the frame of the harvester, even though the header was being operated manually in a lowered position. The control system includes a feeder housing limit switch that indicates when the operator raises the feeder above a predetermined height. When operating in the automatic centering mode, the header tilt control module compares the centering signal and the balance signal to automatically level the header relative to the frame of the harvester.

Abstract: A foliage mower and height adjustment assembly for a foliage mower are provided. This is a foot-operated adjustment assembly which has a plurality of pivot lugs from which a cutter deck assembly is suspended. Each pivot lug pivots in unison in order to thereby raise or lower the cutter deck. Movement of a foot pedal raises the cutter deck to a transport height, at which the foot pedal is latched in place and the deck height is maintained. A stop mechanism has an adjustable component by which the extent of downward movement of the suspended cutter deck is selected upon release of the latched foot pedal.

Abstract: In a control system for an agricultural combine having an adjustable platform, a sensor arm is coupled to a rotatable sensor shaft and adapted to engage and ride along the ground to monitor the operating height of the platform. The sensor arm has a continuously curved operation portion and provides a faster response time as ground contour changes are encountered. Moreover, the response increases for lower operating heights to reduce the possibility that the platform will contact the ground and to reduce the time to adjust the operating height to the desired setting. Thus, operating speed and productivity may be increased.

Abstract: In an agricultural machine having a machine housing, a main drive axle with pivotal drive wheels, and a feed rake, an apparatus for allowing pivotal adjustment of a frontal attachment relative to the feed rake includes at least one pivot element or frame pivotally connected between the feed rake and the frontal attachment, thereby creating at least two separate pivot planes between the frontal attachment and feed rake. The pivot element pivots about a pivot axis that is generally coaxial with a crop path through the feed rake.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a deck of a vehicle, such as a lawn mower, by a foot actuated deck lift mechanism. The device includes a lift lever pivotally coupled to a frame and having a pin movably attached thereto. A lift linkage has a first end pivotally coupled to the lift lever and a second end fixedly secured on a front shaft. A connecting linkage pivotally couples the front shaft to a rear shaft. Both the front and rear shafts are rotatably coupled to the frame. The lift lever has a first end fixedly secured to the front shaft and a second free end for operation with the operator's foot. The deck is attached to the deck lift mechanism. A foot actuated deck lift mechanism, depressed by the operator's foot, and simultaneously causes the deck to rise and the lift lever to radially pivot. A pin attached to the lift lever rides atop adjustment plates. When the lift lever has pivoted a preset amount, an opening provided in the adjustment plates receives the pin.

Abstract: In a control system for an agricultural combine having an adjustable platform, a sensor arm is coupled to a rotatable sensor shaft and adapted to engage and ride along the ground to monitor the operating height of the platform. The sensor arm has a continuously curved operation portion and provides a faster response time as ground contour changes are encountered. Moreover, the response increases for lower operating heights to reduce the possibility that the platform will contact the ground and to reduce the time to adjust the operating height to the desired setting. Thus, operating speed and productivity may be increased.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting and retaining a crop-cutting device on a pivotal feed rake of a harvesting machine includes at least two pairs of spaced web plates attached to the crop-cutting device, a plurality of load-bearing rods mounted between each pair of spaced web plates, a horizontal axle that connects the crop-cutting device and the pivotal feed rake, and at least two hydraulic cylinder units with the piston end of each unit having a pick-up hook designed to engage one of the plurality of load-bearing rods. This arrangement allows the angular position of the crop-cutting device to be adjusted in a simple manner relative to the feeder housing by pre-selecting those load-bearing rods which are to be engaged by the pick-up hooks when mounting the crop-cutting device on the feeder housing.

Abstract: A mower-conditioner includes a header suspended from a mobile, main transverse frame by a pair of lower links, a single upper link and a pair of counterbalance springs. The upper link incorporates a threaded spindle to which a crank is coupled for changing the effective length of the upper link which extends between respective bearings carried by the main frame and the header and in this way pivots the header about the horizontal transverse axis defined by the bearings at the forward ends of the lower links so as to change the cutting angle of the cutter bar incorporated in the header. The upper link is mounted for sliding through the bearing carried by the header so as to permit the header to pivot upwardly about the axis in response to the cutter bar coming into contact with an obstacle during cutting operation.

Abstract: An improved windrow pickup attachment for a forage harvester having a mechanism for processing crop materials including an input opening for receiving crop material. The attachment includes a main frame positioned on the front of the forage harvester adjacent the input opening. A transverse reel assembly and an auger conveyor are mounted on the main frame for picking up crop material from the ground, consolidating it and conveying it to the forage harvester base unit via the input opening. A ground gauging roller assembly supports the attachment to protect the reel during operation over uneven terrain. The assembly is adjustably mounted relative to the main frame.

Abstract: A draper belt tensioning mechanism for a harvesting platform includes a linkage having a bell crank coupled to the belt idler roller to move the idler roller away from the drive roller when the bell crank is rotated to tension the draper belt. A strut coupled to the bell crank and a spring biasing the strut produces the force to tension the belt. The linkage, except for the spring, is enclosed within the belt envelope. A spring gauge is positioned adjacent the spring to readily determine if the spring is compressed to the desired length. In a preferred embodiment, the spring and gauge are located to be visible by a machine operator.

Abstract: The invention discloses improvements to a feederhouse on an agricultural combine. These improvements include a pivoting faceplate between the header and feederhouse. The pivoting faceplate has faceplate position indicia to assist an operator in properly positioning the faceplate. The invention also includes a front drum adjustment mechanism, which use a cam with cam position indicia to properly position the front drum. There is also a stone roll mount plate permitting the proper adjustment of the stone roll relative to the feederhouse floor. There are also stone roll position indicia and a pointer to help position the stone roll.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine includes a frame section carrying a pair of ground-engaging wheels and a header section carrying a crop cutting mechanism and pivotably mounted to the frame section. An adjustable link arrangement is interposed between the frame section and the header section, for controlling the angular relationship of the header section relative to the frame section to vary the elevation of the cutting mechanism carried by the header section. The adjustable link arrangement includes a rear link connected to the frame section and a front link pivotably connected to the rear link. An adjustment assembly is interconnected with the front link at a location spaced from the connection of the front link to the rear link, and the adjustment assembly is interconnected with the header section.

Abstract: A harvester head, such as an ultra-narrow row cotton (UNRC) fingerhead, includes one or more rockshaft cylinders connected to a hydraulic circuit including first and second closed center valves connected to a shuttle valve to allow the rockshaft cylinders to be controlled by two separate height sensing shoes, one at each end of the head, which are not mechanically linked to each other. The closed center valves provide a positive displacement of oil to and from the rockshaft cylinders to control the height of the head. The shuttle valve provides head lift when either of the height sensing shoes indicates a raise condition and head lower only when both shoes indicate a lower condition. Electrohydraulic valves connect the source of hydraulic pressure on the harvester to the cylinders through the shuttle valve for operator selection of raise and automatic height control functions.

Abstract: A harvester platform is suspended from the implement main frame by a linkage including a pair of lower transversely spaced links each having rear and front ends respectively pivotally attached to the main frame and the platform. Associated with each lower suspension link is a hydraulic float cylinder coupled between the main frame and the associated link so as to exert a lifting force on the link. The amount of lifting force exerted by each float cylinder may be varied by adjusting the location of the anchor pin connecting the cylinder to the main frame through means of an adjustable bracket that carries the anchor pin. Side-to-side float balance of the platform is achieved through properly adjusting the anchor pin locations so that the float cylinder at the heavier end of the platform exerts a greater lifting force than the float cylinder at the lighter end of the platform.

Abstract: A harvesting machine with a slope equalizing arrangement having a gearbox housing that is pivotally mounted to a pivot bearing. The gearbox housing having a sleeve that is pivotally received in a bushing formed in the pivot bearing. The gearbox housing is also provided with a mandrel to which is coupled one end of a hydraulic cylinder. The other end of the hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the pivot bearing. The gearbox housing has first and second parts. The first and second parts (66, 68) are assembled at a vertical interface surface that extends in the direction of travel. The mandrel being mounted to the second part.

Abstract: A material aerating and mixing machine having a material elevator which elevates, mixes and aerates the material to be processed. The material from the elevator is discharged onto a pair of conveyors, a cross conveyor that can be side shifted for windrow turning, and a discharge conveyor that is pivotally mounted for swingable movement in a horizontal plane into a different positions, one position being in line with the cross conveyor for truck loading, another at an angle for stack turning, and a third position where the conveyor is folded for windrow turning or transport. Each of the conveyors is independently powered depending upon the mode in which the machine is operated.

Abstract: A pull-type mower conditioner includes a crop harvesting header vertically movable relative to the frame of the mower conditioner between a raised transport position and a lowered operative position, a lift mechanism to effect the movement of the crop harvesting header relative to the frame, and a transport latch mechanism to control the locking of the lift mechanism in the transport position. The lift linkage incorporates a cam mechanism that serves as an upper flotation limit under normal operating conditions and automatically converts into a device for securing the header in the transport position when the header is moved into the transport position.

Abstract: A cutting table of a self-propelling harvester thresher is composed of two cutting table parts which are steplessly adjustable relative to one another so as to overlap each other in any possible position. In order to use the cutting table for harvesting of rape, both cutting table parts after releasing of a lock are extensible so that a distance is provided between the cutting table parts. The distance is overlapped by an additional bottom plate and two additional side wall parts, so as to produce a cutting table with such a distance from a cutter bar to a drawing roller which allows cutting and drawing in of rape.

Abstract: A method and control system for an agricultural harvester having a frame and a cut crop receiving header coupled to a hydraulic cylinder. The header has a cutter pivotably mounted on its bottom. The header has a height relative to the frame that is adjusted by applying fluid under pressure to the cylinder. A first control valve is fluidly coupled to the cylinder and responsive to a first input signal for increasing fluid pressure in the cylinder to raise the header. A second control valve is fluidly coupled to the cylinder and responsive to a second input signal for reducing fluid pressure in the cylinder to lower the header. An electrical flex angle signal is produced, representing a flex angle between the bottom of the header and the cutter. A plurality of local maximum and minimum values of the flex angle signal are measured as the cutter passes over respective maxima and minima of a height of the ground relative to the frame. The local maximum and minimum values are identified and stored.

Abstract: A receiving table for harvesters has a central part mountable on a harvester, two side parts connected with the central part and having an upper main support and a lower main support, a rear wall and a bottom wall mounted on the main supports, a plurality of transverse supports connected with the lower main support and connecting the side parts with the central part at separating and connecting points as well as with the transverse supports, and a plurality of connecting flanges arranged on the rear wall and connecting the upper and the lower main supports with one another.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a header or platform suspended from a main frame by a suspension permitting movement of the header between a lowered working position and a raised transport position. The suspension includes single-acting float cylinders and a single-acting lift cylinder controlled by an electrohydraulic control system including a programmable microprocessor in which a signal representative of a minimum acceptable float pressure may be set. The microprocessor contains an electronic switch that couples a warning device lead to ground to effect energization of the warning device in response to the microprocessor receiving an electronic signal representative of a float circuit pressure below the minimum acceptable float pressure.

Abstract: An electronic control system for controlling and displaying the status of the location of a combine harvesting head is disclosed herein. The system includes transducers for monitoring the position of the harvesting head relative to the combine, the location of the head relative to the surface upon which the combine is operating, and the force at which the surface is supporting the head. The system also includes a control unit coupled to the transducers and an electronic display located with the operator cab of combine. Depending upon the configuration of the control unit, the control unit samples the transducer signals to apply display signals to the display. In response to the display signals, the display can produce human-readable characters representative of the status of the head as monitored by the transducers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an agricultural harvester having a cut crop receiving header coupled to a hydraulic cylinder. The header applies a force against the ground that is adjusted by applying pressure to the cylinder. Proportional raise and lower valves control the pressure in the cylinder. A pressure signal representing cylinder pressure is received. The difference between the measured pressure and the setpoint is used to compute input signals, which are transmitted to the valves. Cylinder pressure is maintained substantially at a setpoint, the setpoint being adjustable in response to varying terrain. The setpoint is set to a first value in falling terrain and a second value in rising terrain. At the top of a hill, the setpoint is reduced below the first value until ground contact is regained, and the pressure is recharged above the second value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a control system for controlling the position of the harvesting implement of an agricultural vehicle. The system includes transducers for monitoring the position of the implement relative to the vehicle, the location of the implement relative to the surface supporting the vehicle, and the force required to support the implement. The system also includes an implement positioning mechanism, a user interface for selecting position, location and force setpoints, and a controller coupled to the transducers, positioning mechanism and user-interface. Based upon the signals produced by the transducers and the setpoints set at the user-interface, the controller controls the positioning mechanism to position the implement.

Abstract: An electronic control system for controlling the position of a combine harvesting head operable over a surface is disclosed herein. The position is controlled based upon the force or pressure at which the surface is supporting the implement. In particular, a hydraulic positioning assembly positions the head relative to the combine based upon control signals produced by a digital control circuit. The digital control circuit monitors digital signals representative of the force at which the surface is supporting the head, and compares these signals with digital setpoint data associated with a desired support force. Based upon the comparison, the control circuit produces control signals for causing the positioning assembly to raise or lower the harvesting head relative to the surface.

Abstract: An electronic control system for controlling the position of a combine harvesting head operable over a surface is disclosed herein. The position is normally controlled based upon the monitored position of the head. However, the position is controlled based upon the force or pressure at which the surface is supporting the implement if this force exceeds a predetermined limit. Thus, the system provides for float control override of position control. In particular, a hydraulic positioning assembly positions the head relative to the combine based upon control signals produced by a digital control circuit. The digital control circuit monitors digital signals representative of the head position and the force at which the surface is supporting the head, and compares these signals with digital setpoint data.

Abstract: An electronic control system for controlling and displaying the status of the location of a combine harvesting head is disclosed herein. The system includes transducers for monitoring the position of the harvesting head relative to the combine, the location of the head relative to the surface upon which the combine is operating, and the force at which the surface is supporting the head. The system also includes a control unit coupled to the transducers and an electronic display located with the operator cab of combine. Depending upon the configuration of the control unit, the control unit samples the transducer signals to apply display signals to the display. In response to the display signals, the display can produce human-readable characters representative of the status of the head as monitored by the transducers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an agricultural harvester having a cut crop receiving header coupled to a hydraulic cylinder. The header applies a force against the ground that is adjusted by applying pressure to the cylinder. Proportional raise and lower valves control the pressure in the cylinder. A pressure signal representing cylinder pressure is received. The difference between the measured pressure and the setpoint is used to compute input signals, which are transmitted to the valves. Cylinder pressure is maintained substantially at a setpoint, the setpoint being adjustable in response to varying terrain. The setpoint is set to a first value in falling terrain and a second value in rising terrain. At the top of a hill, the setpoint is reduced below the first value until ground contact is regained, and the pressure is recharged above the second value.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the height of a harvesting head on a combine is disclosed herein. The control system includes operator controlled signal generators which permit an operator to independently set the maximum velocity at which the harvesting head is raised and lowered. The signal generators are connected to the system controller which controls the operation of a hydraulic valve which controls hydraulic lift cylinders which raise and lower the harvesting head. The hydraulic valve is controlled with a pulse-width modulated signal. The width of the pulse is related to the direction the head is being moved (raised or lowered), and the maximum speed at which the head is to be moved. To reduce jerking upon initiation of head movement and termination of head movement, the controller determines acceleration and deceleration rates for head movement initiation and termination. The acceleration and deceleration determinations are based upon the signals produced by the signal generators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an agricultural harvester having a cut crop receiving header coupled to a hydraulic cylinder. The header applies a force against the ground that is adjusted by applying pressure to the cylinder. A first proportional valve is fluidly coupled to the cylinder, and responds to a first input signal by increasing pressure in the cylinder to a setpoint value, when the pressure is less than the setpoint. A second proportional valve is also fluidly coupled to the cylinder, and responds to a second input signal by reducing pressure in the cylinder to the setpoint pressure value, when the pressure is greater than the setpoint. A pressure signal representing cylinder pressure is received. The difference between the measured pressure and the setpoint is used to compute the first and second input signals, which are transmitted to the valves.

Abstract: A cutting deck mounting system for use on a riding lawn mower is disclosed, having a front linkage attached to a front portion of the cutting deck and to the frame of the mower, a plurality of mounting brackets disposed on the rear axle housing, a rear linkage having a first portion secured to the cutting deck and a second portion slidably disposed in the mounting brackets, and height adjustment members for selectively raising and lowering the cutting deck. The front and rear linkages are operative to maintain the cutting deck in a substantially constant horizontal orientation relative to the ground regardless of the cutting height. The rear linkages also operates to maintain the cutting deck laterally parallel to the axles during operation of the mower. The disclosed mounting system allows torsional flexing of the frame along its longitudinal axis without significantly affecting the orientation of the cutting deck relative to the ground.

Abstract: The header support linkage of a swather header on a support frame of a swather comprises a substantially vertical beam, an upper cross arm formed from a channel and a lower support cradle arm projecting outwardly from the bottom of the beam. A lower link projects from the frame forwardly to engage the lower part of the beam and is formed by an expandable cylinder to lift the header. An upper link extends from an upper part of the frame along the inside of the channel forming the upper arm. A cylinder extends from a lower part of the frame to a lever pivotally connected to the upper link providing a lost motion connection. An adjustable stop is provided between the upper link and the inside of the upper arm. A float spring is connected between an outer end of the upper arm and a vertically adjustable slide provided on the frame.

Abstract: A sugar cane harvester has a base cutter elevation control system that compensates for changes in terrain such as ruts, small hills, etc. by raising or lowering the base cutter. A forwardly positioned slipper assembly gives feedback as to upcoming changes in terrain. A sensor also monitors tire position as when the harvester sinks into soft spots, muddy spots and the like wherein base cutter position is adjusted to compensate for sinkage of the tires.

Abstract: A system for controlling the elevation of a harvesting unit of a cotton harvester relative to a ground surface. The control system includes a valve assembly whose position controls operation of a lift mechanism connected to the harvesting unit and which is operated by a ground contour sensor assembly carried by the harvesting unit. Harvesting unit elevation is correlated with the extent that the ground contour sensor assembly moves relative to the harvesting unit. The ground contour sensor assembly includes a shoe with a ground engaging surface wherein such surface is movable vertically relative to the harvesting unit and also is pivotable sideways about a fore-and-aft extending axis thereby enhancing ground contact of the sensor assembly with the ground contour.

Abstract: A device for indicating the height of a moveable platform with cutting bar of a harvesting machine above the terrain over which it passes in carrying out its function. The indicating device is mounted on a fixed operators cab or the frame of the harvester and includes a scale with indicia. Attached by a cable to the moveable platform is one end of an indicating rod slideably received and spring biased within the body of the device so that upon movement of the platform relative to the cab or frame the free end of the rod gives a reading on the indicia. In a further embodiment to be used on a different type of harvester the attaching cable is encased in a sheath to enable force transfer at various angles.

Abstract: A header frame for a combine includes a mounting frame which is attached to the front end of the feeder housing of the combine and a header frame. The header frame is mounted on the mounting frame by suitable linkage so that it can lift in a vertical direction and also can twist about an axis parallel to the forward direction of the combine to allow the header frame to follow ground contours. A flexible pan is connected between the header frame and the mounting frame to define a lower surface of the header immediately in front of the mouth of the feeder housing with the pan having a forward edge attached to the header frame and a rearward edge attached to the mounting frame with the movement therebetween being accommodated by flexing or sliding of one mounting of the pan. In one arrangement of the header, the conventional auger is replaced by two side drapers and a feed draper with the feed draper being mounted in a manner which allows limited vertical movement away from the pan.

Abstract: A connecting link structure for connecting a grass cutting unit to a position between front and rear wheels of a riding type lawn mower. The link structure comprises parallel front links and parallel rear links each pivotally connected at one end thereof to a vehicle body and at the other end to the grass cutting unit. A curved bracing auxiliary link extends from the pivotal connection between the vehicle body and one of the rear links, along this rear link, and then perpendicular to the other rear link to be secured to the other rear link at a point offset from the pivotal connection between the other rear link and the grass cutting unit.

Abstract: A liftable and lowerable product receiving arrangement for agricultural machines, especially for self-propelling harvester threshers, comprises a cutting mechanism platform having a front end, a flexible cutting bar mounted on the front end of the cutting mechanism platform, sliding skids arranged to support the cutting bar in a height-displaceable manner relative to the cutting mechanism platform, and supporting skids associated with the cutting mechanism platform and arranged behind the flexible cutting bar as considered in a transporting direction and at least in its both lateral end regions, the supporting skids have lower limits extending at most at a height of one of the cutter bar and the sliding skids.

Abstract: A self-propelling agricultural machine, especially a self-propelling harvester thresher comprises a machine part having a front side, a working implement mounted on the front side of the machine part and turnable in a direction which is transverse to a travelling direction, and a unit for mounting the working implement on the machine part and including two cylinder-piston units having pistons with piston rods which are connected with the working implement and also having cylinders which are connected with the machine part, the connecting unit also having a switching valve, the cylinders of the cylinder-piston units having piston-side chambers which are connected with one another and piston rod-side chambers which are individually connected to the switching valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for a harvesting machine comprising a cutter bar, a reel assembly including a reel, and a rear table comprising a feeding auger and a feeding elevator, with the rear table being pivotable relative to the harvesting machine about a first horizontal axis of rotation. A pair of reel carrying arms are pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation on the rear table, and a movable feeding apron is mounted in front of the rear table. A cutter bar is provided at a leading end of the movable feeding apron, and a pair of levers are hingedly mounted on the rear table about a second horizontal axis of rotation. The levers have front arms and rear arms, with the sides of the feeding apron being connected to the front arms. A first hydraulic arrangement is mounted relative to the machine for pivotally moving the rear table about the first horizontal axis, and a second hydraulic arrangement is provided for supporting the reel assembly and causing pivotal movement of the pair of reel carrying arms.

Abstract: A mowing machine having a mobile frame, made up of a portion including the mower units and a support frame, which can be coupled by means of a pivotal arm to a prime mover. During operation, the mobile frame is located behind and offset to one side of the prime mover. The pivotal arm carries drive means for driving the mowing machine through the PTO-shaft of the prime mover. The pivotal arm is constructed so that it may pivot over a broad range of angles thereby facilitating turns. To accomodate the construction of the pivotable arm, the drive means may be divided into three sections interconnected by two universal joints.

Abstract: In a combine harvester, an array of ground engaging skid shoes or feelers spans the header platform and is divided into right- and left-hand groups, each group associated with a position sensor switch. Each switch transmits to an electrohydraulic control system, a signal representative of the relative position of the skid shoe closest to the ground in its half of the platform. The combined left- and/or right-hand signals are transduced to control platform vertical adjustment and lateral tilt automatically. In one embodiment, a pair of lift cylinders, acting in unison, control platform elevation while a third cylinder is dedicated to tilt control. In other embodiments, paired lift cylinders are controllable independently, to provide both height and tilt control.

Abstract: A control linkage for varying the length of stroke of a hydraulic cylinder is disclosed wherein a slide member is telescopically received within a bracket member, one of these members being connected to the extension end of the hydraulic cylinder while the other member is connected to the base end. A limiting mechanism in the form of a series of holes in one of the members alignable with a slotted opening in the other member and a fastener positionable within one of said holes and also through the slotted opening serves to limit the amount of telescopic movement of the slide member from the bracket member. As a result, the extension of the hydraulic cylinder can be selectively varied according to the preset length of the control linkage. An alternative embodiment in which a fastener is positionable within the holes externally of the slotted opening provides a two way stroke limiter by restricting the length of the retraction stroke of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A self-propelling agricultural machine, particularly a harvester thresher, comprises a machine unit provided with supporting elements, a front working implement turnable transversely to a traveling direction and having upper receiving elements for the supporting elements, and lower locking elements, and cylinder-piston units each having a cylinder and a piston with a piston rod having a free end, the supporting elements being mounted on the free ends of the piston rods of the cylinder-piston units, while the cylinders being connected with the machine unit.