Abstract: A crop harvesting header with a cutter bar and a draper assembly has a draper which 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 a sealing member extending along the cutter bar. The sealing member is includes a bracket and a strip of flexible material where the bracket does not include any rearwardly extending biasing portion and the strip, when free from loading forces, contains a distortion from a flat form so that the second edge portion is distorted from a plane of the first edge portion in a direction toward the edge portion of the upper run.

Abstract: A cutting system for a harvesting header includes a transversely extending cutter bar, a transversely extending knife back, a knife section mounted to the knife back having a knife edge extending generally in a forward direction, a knife guard component having a front guard portion and a rear portion interconnected by a medial portion having a recess. The medial portion is configured for receiving a lengthwise portion of the knife back with the knife section being received into, and the knife section is operable to move transversely into and out of a cutting slot in the front guard portion. A hold down component is located between an upper surface of the rear portion of the knife guard component and an underneath surface of the cutter bar, and an attachment mechanism is operable to secure the knife guard component and the hold down component to the underneath surface of the cutter bar.

Abstract: A cutter assembly includes a knife guard holder to be removably connected to a cutter bar, a knife guard and an interface between the knife guard holder and the knife guard. The knife guard may have a knife channel to slidably guide a cutter knife. The interface extends between the knife guard holder and the knife guard to locate and releasably retain the knife guard with respect to the knife guard holder.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header with a cutter bar and a draper assembly has a draper which 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 a sealing member extending along the cutter bar. The sealing member is includes a bracket and a strip of flexible material where the bracket does not include any rearwardly extending biasing portion and the strip, when free from loading forces, contains a distortion from a flat form so that the second edge portion is distorted from a plane of the first edge portion in a direction toward the edge portion of the upper run.

Abstract: A crop ramp and belt support component for an agricultural harvesting head is provided. The crop ramp and belt support component includes a forward portion, a rear portion, and a belt support portion that are generally planar. The forward portion is inclined relative to the rear portion, and the rear portion extends from the forward portion. The belt support portion is substantially parallel to the rear portion and is configured to extend at least partially below an interior surface of a belt conveyor. The forward portion, the rear portion, and the belt support portion are fabricated as a unitary component.

Abstract: A sickle cutting section is provided. The sickle cutting section comprises a plate having a base material of a first hardness. The plate extends forwardly from a mounting portion to a front tip. A serrated cutting edge extends at least partially between the front tip and the mounting portion. A clad material is of a second hardness that is harder than the first hardness and is deposited along the base material at least partially along the serrated cutting edge.

Abstract: In a sickle cutting system, including a plurality of guard fingers in a row across a cutter bar with each guard finger having an upwardly facing ledger surface and a plurality of hold-down members with each hold-down member comprising at least one hold-down finger, the guard fingers and hold down fingers thus forming cooperating overlying pairs between which the blades pass in the cutting action the guard fingers having no portion elevated above the ledger surface thereof in front of the tip of the blade and the guard fingers and blades having lengths from the cutter bar arranged such that a forwardmost tip of the guard finger is forward of the tip of the blade.

Abstract: In a sickle cutting system including a plurality of guard fingers at spaced positions across a cutter bar across which a reciprocating sickle knife passes, each guard finger has a forwardly projecting tip portion in front of a ledger surface and a rearwardly projecting tang portion connected to a rear end of the tip portion and extending therefrom over the ledger surface to a rear edge of the tang portion located over the blade. The lower surface of the tang portion includes a first portion adjacent the tip portion which is generally parallel to the ledger surface and a second portion adjacent the rear edge which is inclined at an angle away from the ledger surface. The width of the tang portion across the rear of the tang portion is equal to or greater than 1.5 inches.

Abstract: A laser hardened knife guard is provided. In one aspect, the invention provides for a knife guard that comprises a guard body that further comprises a base material. The base material includes a mounting bar that defines at least one bolt hole and at least one tine projecting forward from the mounting bar. The base material has a first hardness. A laser treated material is formed into or in the base material. The laser treated material comprises a second hardness greater than the first hardness.

Abstract: In a sickle cutting apparatus including a row of stationary knife guards and a sickle bar with a row of blade sections for reciprocating movement mounted thereon, each of the blade sections is simply removable from the sickle bar for replacement by mounting a rear plate portion on the sickle bar where each of the rear plate portions has a pair of holes bolted to mating holes in the bar and each hole in the blade is connected to an associated slot extending rearwardly in the rear plate portion from the hole to a rear edge. In this way the blade section can be pulled forwardly by loosening the bolt and sliding the bolt along the slot until the blade is released. A circular counter-bore in the blade section receives a nut when tightened to hold the blade section in place. The system can be used with pointed guards or stub guards.

Abstract: The knife head mounts to the sickle to hold a plurality of knife sections thereon while allowing removal of the knife sections individually without major disassembly for ease of in field repair and replacement. A knife pin of the knife head connects to a knife arm driven by the sickle drive mechanism and is removable from above also without major disassembly. The knife pin connection provides a vertical self adjustment capability to accommodate sickle wear and vertical misalignment between the sickle and drive. And the knife arm is streamlined for cut plant material flow thereabout and is also adapted for ease of removal and field repair.

Abstract: A mowing finger arrangement and mowing bar for finger bar mowers of a harvester, as well as a method for manufacturing mowing fingers has an upper and lower element connected together to form at least one mowing finger. The mowing finger arrangement serves to guide a mowing sickle and forms counter cutting edges for the sickle blades arranged on the mowing sickle. An abutment on the upper element delimits upward movement of the mowing sickle when a downward force is exerted on the face end of the sickle blades.

Abstract: A sickle cutting apparatus includes a plurality of triple finger knife guards which are arranged side by side along the cutter bar to cooperate with a reciprocating sickle bar carrying a row of double blade knife sections and a set of hold-down members carrying hold-down fingers. The hold-down members are arranged alternately as a single finger and double finger with each hold-down member being connected to the cutter bar in association with a respective triple guard. In this way the hold-down fingers are arranged at alternate guard fingers leaving the intervening guard fingers open. The system includes both pointed guards with no tang and stub guard so that the user can select either to be used with the hold-downs. The hold down fingers are all individually adjustable so that the double hold-down have two adjustment screws which can be individually operated causing flexing of the bridge between the double fingers.

Abstract: In a sickle cutting apparatus including a row of stationary knife guards and a sickle bar with a row of blade sections for reciprocating movement mounted thereon, each of the blade sections is simply removable from the sickle bar for replacement by mounting a rear plate portion on the sickle bar where each of the rear plate portions has a pair of holes bolted to mating holes in the bar and each hole in the blade is connected to an associated slot extending rearwardly in the rear plate portion from the hole to a rear edge. In this way the blade section can be pulled forwardly by loosening the bolt and sliding the bolt along the slot until the blade is released. A circular counter-bore in the blade section receives a nut when tightened to hold the blade section in place. The system can be used with pointed guards or stub guards.

Abstract: In a sickle cutting system, it has been found that a significant increase in ground speed while maintaining an acceptable level of cutting efficiency as measured by the average stubble length can be obtained by a combination of one or more of the features where the cutting stroke is reduced from the conventional length of 3.0 inches to a value of the order of 2.0 inches; the length of the cutting edge of each knife blade is increased to a length greater than 2.2 inches; the width at the rear of the ledger surface of each guard is increased to greater than 1.0 inches; and the front edge of the blade is formed with an apex to shed crop material to one or other side of the apex.

Abstract: A mowing finger arrangement has a lower element (4) and an upper element (3). The lower (4) and upper (3) elements are connected to each other and form two mowing fingers (1, 2) and a blade gap (15). The blade gap (15) guides a mowing sickle between the lower element (4) and the upper element (3). The lower element (4) forms lower counter cutting edges (20, 21). The upper element (3) forms upper counter cutting edges (22, 23) for the mowing sickle. The two mowing fingers (1, 2) are connected to each other via a rear (26) and a front (29) connection web on the upper element (3) and via a rear (35) and a front (34) connection web on the lower element (4). The two front connection webs (29, 34) of the lower element (4) and the upper element (3) define part of the blade gap (15).

Abstract: A sickle bar assembly employs a plurality of laminated strips that are secured and that may be stacked vertically upon each other in abutting relation to form a sickle bar. The individual sickle sections are secured to the sickle bar in side-by-side relation. Laminated stacks may also be joined to each other by way of a splice joint to provide for even longer bar. The strips may be heat treated strips of steel as opposed to cold rolled steel or other high strength strip material.

Abstract: A sickle bar assembly employs a plurality of laminated strips that are secured and that may be stacked vertically upon each other in abutting relation to form a sickle bar. The individual sickle sections are secured to the sickle bar in side-by-side relation. Laminated stacks may also be joined to each other by way of a splice joint to provide for even longer bar. The strips may be heat treated strips of steel as opposed to cold rolled steel or other high strength strip material to provide for certain features and advantages.

Abstract: A mowing finger arrangement and mowing bar for finger bar mowers of a harvester, as well as a method for manufacturing mowing fingers has an upper and lower element connected together to form at least one mowing finger. The mowing finger arrangement serves to guide a mowing sickle and forms counter cutting edges for the sickle blades arranged on the mowing sickle. An abutment on the upper element delimits upward movement of the mowing sickle when a downward force is exerted on the face end of the sickle blades.

Abstract: A sickle assembly includes a cutter beam and a plurality of guard fingers fixedly mounted at spaced along positions along the cutter beam. Each guard finger includes a lower finger portion and an upper finger portion defining a sickle slot therebetween. A plurality of sickle blades on a sickle bar align with the sickle slots. The sickle blades can be positioned in a central position between adjacent guard fingers in which the sickle blade is not overlapped by either one of said adjacent ones of the guard fingers for ease of removal. In further embodiments, a hold down member is hinged relative to the cutter beam for easy access to the sickle bar. Quick release fasteners may be associated with respective pairs of sickle blades for further ease of removal and changing of sickle blades.

Abstract: A guard for a sickle of an agricultural plant cutting machine includes a forwardly extending finger including a longitudinally extending, upwardly facing surface extending over the sickle, which includes a rearwardly facing air discharge nozzle therein located above and/or forwardly of the sickle, and the finger includes an air flow passage extending internally therethrough from an air inlet adjacent to a base of the finger to the nozzle, for delivering a flow of pressurized air thereto, the nozzle being at least mostly flush with or recessed into the upwardly facing surface. As a result, the nozzle is operable for discharging the flow of air rearwardly over the finger without obstructing plant material flow thereover, the air flow being sufficient to blow at least a substantial amount of loose grain and other plant material located forwardly of the front edge of a header floor of the machine, onto the floor for collection by a conveyor of the header for processing.

Abstract: A mowing finger arrangement has a lower element (4) and an upper element (3). The lower (4) and upper (3) elements are connected to each other and form two mowing fingers (1, 2) and a blade gap (15). The blade gap (15) guides a mowing sickle between the lower element (4) and the upper element (3). The lower element (4) forms lower counter cutting edges (20, 21). The upper element (3) forms upper counter cutting edges (22, 23) for the mowing sickle. The two mowing fingers (1, 2) are connected to each other via a rear (26) and a front (29) connection web on the upper element (3) and via a rear (35) and a front (34) connection web on the lower element (4). The two front connection webs (29, 34) of the lower element (4) and the upper element (3) define part of the blade gap (15).

Abstract: A guard for a sickle of an agricultural plant cutting machine includes a forwardly extending finger including a longitudinally extending, upwardly facing surface extending over the sickle, which includes a rearwardly facing air discharge nozzle therein located above and/or forwardly of the sickle, and the finger includes an air flow passage extending internally therethrough from an air inlet adjacent to a base of the finger to the nozzle, for delivering a flow of pressurized air thereto, the nozzle being at least mostly flush with or recessed into the upwardly facing surface. As a result, the nozzle is operable for discharging the flow of air rearwardly over the finger without obstructing plant material flow thereover, the air flow being sufficient to blow at least a substantial amount of loose grain and other plant material located forwardly of the front edge of a header floor of the machine, onto the floor for collection by a conveyor of the header for processing.

Abstract: Controlled gap thin blade shear process to cut grass using a low energy sickle mower. A thin dull blade moves without interference across a stator. Blades and stators are not biased or pressed together while cutting, but rather the cutting blade is guidingly supported by upper and lower stators formed and positioned to maintain forceably a total controlled gap (Z) therebetween of preferably 1-5 mils. The cutting blade is thin (10-50 mils). Tensile failure of grass is avoided. Torque management system performs motor load monitoring and modulation of blade position. To reject obstructions and clean the blade, the blade can reverse, jitter, or reciprocate. Instead of attempting to slice or slam through obstructions using a high torque prime mover, a low energy low torque prime mover is utilized with intelligent reversing, obstruction clearing, and blade cleaning that saves energy, reduces noise, rejects obstructions, and prevents blade damage or operator injury.

Abstract: A row of transversely spaced guide fingers projects forwardly from the header of a harvesting machine to permit flow of the crop between the fingers into the sickle, wherein adjacent pairs of the fingers are staggered in length and present a space therebetween having a transverse width of at least approximately forty percent of the center-to-center width of adjacent pairs of fingers to thereby enhance free crop flow and minimize loss of severed, grain-bearing heads.

Abstract: A forged sickle bar hold-down formed with a reduced transverse cross-sectional area and a first hole therethrough positioned toward the rear end of the hold-down is disclosed. The hold-down includes a second hole therethrough positioned between the reduced cross-sectional area and the first hole. In use, an attachment bolt is positioned through the first hole and a support bar and rigidly affixed thereto. A threaded adjustment bolt is inserted through the second hole and the support bar to selectively draw down on that portion of the hold-down forward of the reduced transverse cross-sectional area and thereby flex the forward portion of the hold-down which includes an elongated finger-like body portion with a knife section facing area.

Abstract: The center sickle overlap arrangement of a sickle type mower for a cutter bar that include a pair of sickles for reciprocating motion where each sickle is essentially half the length of the cutter bar for reduced forces and vibrations for high speed cutting. In the center, the sickle blades overlap at only guard and the blade of one sickle is inverted and co-operates with a top ledger surface of the associated guard so that both the blades are in proper shearing arrangement with the respective guard ledgers. Further the top ledger surface is adjustable to allow clearance adjustment to ensure tight clearance between all sickle cutting surfaces and guard ledgers. Further the arrangement ensures that all crop is cut between sickle sections and guard ledgers rather than between a pair of sections on the opposing sickles.

Abstract: The center sickle overlap arrangement of a sickle type mower for a cutter bar that include a pair of sickles for reciprocating motion where each sickle is essentially half the length of the cutter bar for reduced forces and vibrations for high speed cutting. In the center, the sickle blades overlap at only guard and the blade of one sickle is inverted and co-operates with a top ledger surface of the associated guard so that both the blades are in proper shearing arrangement with the respective guard ledgers. Further the top ledger surface is adjustable to allow clearance adjustment to ensure tight clearance between all sickle cutting surfaces and guard ledgers. Further the arrangement ensures that all crop is cut between sickle sections and guard ledgers rather than between a pair of sections on the opposing sickles.

Abstract: An arrangement for reducing soybean losses in soybean headers, includes a plurality of retainers which may be engaged to a tray edge and each retainer comprises a plate having a substantially planar central portion ending at a lower end which is curved downwardly forming a rounded flange from which a portion providing two grooves is projected, and arranged at a slightly offset angle with respect to the central portion and the upper end of which is folded upwardly at an angle of approximately 45° from the central portion.

Abstract: A flexible trash guard for a sickle bar mowing apparatus that sits between the hold-down and the stud plate, thus eliminating the “hair pinning” of crop matter in the opening of the hold-down clip where the stud passes through the opening.

Abstract: A knife section for use with a reciprocating cutter bar assembly of an agricultural machine includes a mounting base. A first knife extends outwardly from the mounting base. The first knife has a first linear extent from the mounting base. A second knife extends outwardly from the mounting base. The second knife has a second linear extent from the mounting base different than the first linear extent.

Abstract: A hedge cutter having at least two cutting bars, movable relatively of each other and the cutting bars each have cutting edges, at least a part of which are provided with denticulations. Preferably, the cutting edge of each cutting bar is inclined at an angle running obliquely outwardly from the surface of each cutting bar with a cutting angle between substantially 30° and 50°. The opposed cutting teeth of the cutting bars may be arranged symmetrically, asymmetrically or anti-symmetrically.

Abstract: A sickle bar hold-down formed with a protruding ridge across the lower rear end is disclosed. The hold-down is generally an elongate member having a finger-like front portion and an opposing rectangular rear portion with means for affixing the member to a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a raised rectangular step above which the rear portion of the hold-down is positioned, with the protruding ridge adapted to fit over the step such that the protruding ridge overhangs the step and properly aligns the finger-like front portion of the hold-down with the knife sections of the sickle bar.

Abstract: Low energy non-interference unbiased shear process employing a thin dull blade laterally moving between upper and lower stators. Blades and stators are not biased or pressed together while cutting, as is done with a pair of scissors. Instead, the dull cutting blade is guidingly supported by said upper and lower stators, and the upper and lower stators are sized and formed such that a thickness of a cutting zone (M) formed therebetween exceeds the thickness of a blade zone (VZ) formed by the dull cutting blade, by a total controlled gap (Z) of preferably between 1 and 5 mils (0.0254-0.127 mm). The cutting blade is preferably thin in relation to grass cross section, preferably 10 to 50 mils (0.254 mm-1.27 mm). This arrangement provides two true shearing sites for grass at upper and lower leading edges of the blade. Adequate blade swipe frequency is provided, with gentle C-shape blade profiles yielding self-cleaning blades with lower running friction. Tensile failure of the grass is avoided.

Abstract: A stud plate is disclosed comprising a steel plate with two spaced-apart threaded stainless steel studs stud-welded thereto. In use, the stud plate has two forged sickle bar hold-downs attached thereto such that a nut on the studs may be selectively tightened to flex a portion of the hold-down and thus adjust the spatial relationship between the hold-down and a knife section.

Abstract: Harvesting machine reaping systems with crop lifters have a bed plate (1) with projecting reaping fingers (2). A support bar (5) has a first end (8) and a second end (9). The first end (8) attaches on the bed plate (1). The second end (9) of the support bar (5) is connected to a grain lifter (10). A holder (11) is attached on the support bar (5) between the first end (8) and the second end (9). A retainer, for example a pin (17) and pairs of bores, are arranged on the holder (11). The bores are distanced to the support bar (5). The pin (17) is insertable into the bores of one of the pairs of bores. The holder (11), together with the retainer (17), are arranged to form a free motion gap. Thus, the support bar can approach the reaping finger (2) or its tip (16). The support bar (5) is rigidly formed, with respect to flexure, in the area between the second end (9) and the holder (11). The support bar (5) is elastically formed, with respect to flexure, in the area between the holder (11) and the first end (8).

Abstract: Sickle cutting systems of the type used in mowers and other harvesting machines. A sickle is shown consisting of 1½ inches blade spacing with serrated or smooth knife sections, a knifeback bar and a knife head, a plurality of knife or sickle guards with alternate long and short prongs or fingers spaced at two inches of any number that are mounted to the support bar of a mower, harvesting machine, or the like and provide a cutting surface for the sickle, adjustable hold-down clips that hold the knife sections down to the cutting surface, and a driving mechanism with a three-inch stroke such as a wobble joint, a pitman type, or other device which can convert rotary motion to reciprocating motion. In a second embodiment, a staggered sickle cutting system is provided that demonstrates the benefits of the sickle cutting system with even greater efficiency and reduces sickle stress and vibration.

Abstract: A crop lifter for a harvesting machine reaping system with a bed plate (1) and projecting reaping fingers (2) has an elastically bendable support bar (5) with a first end (6) and a second end (7). The first end (6) is adapted to be retained on the bed plate (1). A grain lifter is connected to the second end (7) of the support bar (5). A holder (10), which has legs (15, 16), projects from the face of the support bar (5) facing the grain lifter (8). The holder (10) is adapted to receive the reaping finger (2) between the legs (15, 16). A holding means is adapted to support the reaping finger (2) in a direction towards the support bar (5). The support bar (5) includes an area with a bend (13), which opposes the portion adapted to receive the reaping finger (2) taken up by the holder (10). The portions (18, 19) on both sides of the bend 13 enclose an angle opening towards the grain lifter (8).

Abstract: A continuous chain link cutting mechanism for agricultural combines and the like, having a continuous chain comprised of interconnecting chain link sections, having alternate outwardly extending cutting blades comprising the top link of alternate sections, rock guard having blade receiving slit therein, recess for receiving a channel guide member, a polyethylene channel guide member in which the cutting chain moves in a continuous fashion, wherein the channel guide has a front top channel edge flush with the bottom of the rock guard slit. The rock guard is attached to an elongated attachment bar, and top guide, centered between alternating rock guard is affixed to the attachment bar.

Abstract: A grain lifter for a combine harvester mowing system with mowing fingers (2) has a carrier rail (6) that receives a fixing element (10). The fixing element (10) is connected to the carrier rail (6) which, in turn, secures the grain lifter to the mowing finger (2). The fixing element (10) includes a holding element (11) with two spaced arms (12, 12a). The tip of the mowing finger (2) can be introduced between the two arms. A locking lever (17) is supported on a pivot pin (16), between the two arms (12, 12a) of the holding element (11). The locking lever (17) has a first lever arm (18) with a supporting face (19). The supporting face (19) contacts the upper face (20) of the mowing finger (2). A second lever arm (21) of the locking lever (17) includes three engaging faces (22, 22a, 22b). A locking element, in the form of a leaf spring (25), is provided.

Abstract: Sickle cutting systems of the type used in mowers, other harvesting machines and the like are disclosed. A sickle is shown consisting of 1½ inches blade spacing with serrated or smooth knife sections, a knifeback bar and a knife head, a plurality of knife or sickle guards with alternate long and short prongs or fingers spaced at two inches of any number that are mounted to the support bar of a mower, harvesting machine, or the like and provide a cutting surface for the sickle, adjustable hold-down clips that hold the knife sections down to the cutting surface, and a driving mechanism with a three-inch stroke such as a wobble joint, a pitman type, or other device which can convert rotary motion to reciprocating motion. In a second embodiment, a staggered sickle cutting system is provided that demonstrates the benefits of the sickle cutting system with even greater efficiency and reduces sickle stress and vibration.

Abstract: A guard unit for agricultural cutting machine, such as those used by grass, cereals and vegetables cutting machines in general, having a cutting device composed by two transversal sweeps with their cogs facing forwards and arranged over the ground with a minimum separation. A fixed sweep is composed by the transversal alignment of a plurality of guards units mounted on a longitudinal-shaped holder; while the other sweep is mobile, also transversal, and it is composed by a plurality of triangular knives mounted on a longitudinal-shaped knife holder bar making swinging movements so that the cuts could be carried out by shearing.

Abstract: A sickle cutting system of the type used in mowers, other harvesting machines and the like. A sickle is shown consisting of 1¾ to 2¼ inch knife sections, a knifeback bar, a plurality of sickle guards with fingers spaced to match the knife sections. The knife and sickle guard fingers may be of any number. The sickle cutting system provides a cutting surface for the sickle, adjustable hold-down clips that hold the knife sections down to the cutting surface. The clips also provide a rear wear bar for the sickle. A driving mechanism is provided with a stroke complimentary to the spacing of the knife sections. The driving mechanism may be a wobble joint, a pitman type, or other device which can convert rotary motion to reciprocating motion. The sickle is driven at a speed of between 2200 to 2700, and ideally at approximately 2475 strokes per minute.

Abstract: An assembly has a mowing finger 1 with a bottom part 4, a top part 5 and a blade gap 8 between the two. The cutter 3 rests on a support 6 of the bottom part 4. The cutter 3 is arranged in the blade gap 8 and is able to move to and fro. A holding-down element 14 is form-fittingly held at the top part 5 in the direction of movement of the cutter 3. The top part 5 projects into an aperture in the holding-down element 14. Via its supporting portion 15, the holding-down element 14 is supported under pre-tension against the blade 7 and holds the blade 7 relative to the support 6. The rear attaching ends 10, 11 of the bottom part 4 and of the top part 5, as well as the fixing portion 16 of the holding down-element 14, are jointly secured to the back bar 2 by a fixing bolt 13. Accordingly, the fixing conditions are simplified. Further, by being form-fittingly held, the holding-down element 14 is securely prevented against displacement relative to the top part 5.

Abstract: An end knife guard for a cutterbar assembly has a body portion forming a lower section and an upper section spaced in relation to one another to define a horizontal slot within which a knife section is confined, and freely movable. The lower section has an inboard lateral side edge that forms a cutting surface. An outboard lateral side edge forms a surface that tapers laterally inward from the forward end of the body portion to form an open area for discharge of trash at the end of the cutterbar assembly. The tapered outboard edge is positioned adjacent to the upright wall of a platform end divider cover. Such that the open area for discharge of trash is between the guard outboard edge and the divider cover, allowing trash to drop from the guard while maintaining the divider cover outer wall close to the end of the cutterbar assembly.

Abstract: A sickel guard air system for assisting in moving grain about to be cut over a cutter assembly of a harvester thereby preventing grain waste and shatter. The inventive device includes a guard having a pair of extended members and retainer members, a passageway extending through each of the extended members, a nozzle fluidly connected to the passageway for dispersing pressurized air between the extended member and the retainer member. An air pressure system is fluidly connected to the passageways for providing a continuous flow of pressurized air. The pressurized air assists in the feeding of the crop being harvested and also forces shattered bean pods and beans into the header of the combine. In an alternative embodiment, a pair of nozzles are fluidly connected to the passageway and extend outwardly from the extended member in a V-shaped pattern.

Abstract: A cutter assembly for mowing apparatus comprises a sickle guard having individual guards which each consist of a guard body and an upper lip. The guard bodies are connected to a cutter bar via mounting pads. Each guard is provided with a rearward knife slot within which knife sections can move back and forth in a reciprocating manner. A hold-down member is provided to act against an upper face of a knife section, the hold-down member extending through the upper lip.

Abstract: The non-driving end of the cutterbar is provided with a specialized integral end guard section having a single guard and a body portion defining a slot for enclosing the reciprocating end knife section. The body portion is also provided with a rearwardly extending mounting portion.

Abstract: A crop stalk guide cutterbar extension for use on a crop stalk guide attachment to a crop gathering header cutterbar includes a plurality of mounting bars, guide bars and braces which provide a plurality of assembled units for mounting to and forwardly of the crop stalk guide attachment. Each assembled unit of the extension is formed by one of the mounting bars, one of the guide bars and one of the braces. Each mounting bar is attached to and extends forwardly from a support framework of the crop stalk guide attachment and each guide bar overlies one mounting bar and has a forward end attached on a leading end of the mounting bar. The guide bar is supported by one of the braces disposed between the guide bar and corresponding mounting bar to extend inclined upwardly and rearwardly from the forward end to a rearward end overlying and spaced above a leading end of one of the guide plates of the crop stalk guide attachment.

Abstract: A cutter assembly for a mowing apparatus having at least two guards. Each guard includes a guard body, a tine, and a knife slot for receiving a knife section. A connecting web connects the two guards. An upper trashbar is fixed between the two guards above the knife section. Extending from the upper trashbar is a hold-down member movable into contact with the knife section.