Abstract: A folding crop header having an articulated, elongate crop divider defining upper and lower crop divider edges and having first and second crop divider sections, the crop divider including at or adjacent a said lower crop divider edge a hinge permitting pivoting of the first and second crop divider sections relative to one another about a first axis; and the crop divider including a linkage permitting pivoting of the first and second crop divider sections relative to one another about a second axis at or adjacent the said upper crop divider edge; and additionally permitting displacement of the first and second crop divider sections relative to one another in a displacement direction that is skewed relative to the second axis, the hinge being decouplable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic circuit mechanically linked to a panel and agricultural harvesters comprising the same. The hydraulic circuit of the present invention can be used to facilitate the transition of hydraulic states from a quick speed to a slow speed, when opening and closing the panel. The hydraulic circuit comprises a restrictive orifice and a fluid stop valve that, when opened, diverts the path of pressurized fluid away from a hydraulic actuator during the actuator's extension. The diversion of pressurized fluid away from the hydraulic cylinder or through the restrictive orifice substantially reduces the speed at which the panel opens or closes.

Abstract: A crop divider (110, 112) for an agricultural harvesting head (100) is pivotally coupled to a ground engaging arm (136) that is pivotally coupled to a frame (102) of the agricultural harvesting head (100). A mechanical link (154) is also coupled to both the crop divider (110, 112) and to the frame (102) to support the crop divider (110, 112) as the ground engaging arm (136) pivots up and down.

Abstract: A stem deflector is provided. The stem deflector includes an arm and a shoe having a first end and a second end. The first end of the shoe is coupled to the arm with a suitable fastener. At least one torsion spring is active between the arm and the shoe.

Abstract: A stem deflector having a mounting arm element including a first spring holder. A shoe, coupled to the mounting arm element, having an outer side, an inner side, a first end, a second end and a middle portion, the middle portion including a second spring holder on the inner side. A compression spring having a first end coupled to the first spring holder and a second end coupled to the second spring holder. The first spring holder and the second spring holder are substantially aligned along a same axis.

Abstract: Provided is a simple, inexpensive, truly feasible technical solution that readily permits do-it-yourself retrofitting of existing combine harvester heads to allow their crop dividers to pivot out of the way for transport. Provided is a retrofit hinge kit adapted for use with square tube frames and methods for its use.

Abstract: A crop divider (110, 112) for an agricultural harvesting head (100) is pivotally coupled to a ground engaging arm (136) that is pivotally coupled to a frame (102) of the agricultural harvesting head (100). A mechanical link (154) is also coupled to both the crop divider (110, 112) and to the frame (102) to support the crop divider (110, 112) as the ground engaging arm (136) pivots up and down.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rotatably mounting a stem deflector to a toolbar. The apparatus includes a base that attaches to the toolbar. The apparatus also includes a rotatable member that attaches to the stem deflector. A position of the rotatable member is adjustable relative to the base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a toolbar with at least one mounted stem deflector to a combine head. The apparatus includes at least one head bracket that attaches to the combine head. The apparatus also includes at least one rotatable member that couples to the toolbar. A position of the at least one rotatable member is adjustable relative to the combine head. The apparatus also includes an actuator that adjusts the position of the at least rotatable member relative to the combine head.

Abstract: A stem deflector is provided. The stem deflector includes an arm and a shoe having a first end and a second end. The first end of the shoe is coupled to the arm with a suitable fastener. At least one torsion spring is active between the arm and the shoe.

Abstract: A stem deflector is provided. The stem deflector includes an arm and a shoe having a first end and a second end. The first end of the shoe is coupled to the arm with a suitable fastener. At least one torsion spring is active between the arm and the shoe.

Abstract: A divider support apparatus with integral adjustable torsional preload mechanism for connecting a divider to a header frame. The mechanism includes a first element for carrying the divider and a second element configured for connection to the frame, and at least one resilient biasing element disposed between the first element and the second element and biasable by generation of a torsional loading condition between the first and second elements for applying a preload force therebetween. A preload adjusting mechanism in connection with at least one of the first element and the second element is operable for selectably adjusting the biasing of the at least one resilient biasing element in a manner for adjusting the preload force. The preload mechanism is also operable for damping vibrations emanating from the divider.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically controlling a header lift system of an agricultural harvesting machine, particularly a windrower, to put a header of the machine into a transport mode wherein the header is raised to an elevated transport position, under certain specific conditions. Such conditions can include, but are not limited to, the machine operating in a high-speed range, the header not operating, the speed of the machine being above a predetermined level, and the last inputted control command being a header raise command. When in the transport mode, the lift system can also be operated in a float mode. Further, the header lift system can be returned to a normal mode when certain criteria are present for doing so.

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. The header further includes end crop dividers that are mounted on outermost support arms that support the flexible cutterbar assembly so that the dividers swing with the outermost support arms as the flexible cutterbar assembly flexes.

Abstract: A crop lifter for attachment to a cutting header includes a lifter member adapted for attachment to the header and a lifting finger attached to the lifter member by a quick-attach mechanism such that a leading end of the lifting finger is ahead of and below the knife. The lifting finger is structurally weak compared to the lifting member such that the lifting finger will readily move when striking an obstruction, thereby preventing damage to the lifter member or header. The crop lifter or similar crop accessory can have a latch member at a rear end thereof, and a cooperating latch member attached to the header. The accessory latches to the header and a releasable latch lock prevents forward movement of the accessory that would disengage the latch.

Abstract: A curtain for directing severed crop movement in a cutting header in an agricultural harvester. The curtain optimizes crop movement between a cutterbar to a crop conveying auger for lateral movement of the crop material from outboard ends of the cutting header toward an interior discharge zone for formation of a windrow. The curtain also reduces the tendency for clogging that occurs when crop approaches conveying augers on both sides of an axial centerline by directing all crop material toward the trailing side of the rotating auger and by preventing airflow generated by the auger from disrupting crop approaching the auger. Crop smoothing by the curtain also reduces disturbances to the crop material during movement within the header which reduces seed loss in seed-bearing specialty crops.

Abstract: In a header having a movably mounted knife and a guard for shielding the moving and rotating components operating the knife, the guard preferably comprising two interconnected parts of which the first part is mounted on the header so as not to move with the knife and the second part is coupled for movement with the knife. In this way, the area shielded by the guard automatically expands and contracts with movement of the knife.

Abstract: For a row crop header, a row divider having a variable-height ear saver feature. The row divider comprises a point, a cover, and a partition. The point has a trailing edge vertically moveable relative to the cover. The partition fills a resultant gap between the point and the cover, forming a variable-height ear saver feature. A crankshaft functions to articulate the trailing edge relative to the cover, and to move the partition vertically with the trailing edge. A support functions to support the point at a midpoint. A guide constrains the partition within the gap.

Abstract: A crop divider for a harvesting assembly is provided with a foldable deflector. The deflector is mounted to the harvesting assembly by a pivot link having a pivot axis. The deflector can be folded about the pivot axis between an operating position and a transport position. The crop divider can be fixed in the operative position by an arresting element. In the operating position the arresting element surrounds the pivot link and locks the pivot link in place.

Abstract: The extension includes a support member including a mounting end mountable to a corn header adjacent to a rear end thereof for pivotable movement about a generally upwardly to downwardly extending pivotal axis between at least one forwardly extending position spaced above the end hood, and a second or stored position at angle to the forwardly extending position or positions. The support member has a free end extending upwardly and outwardly from the mounting end to a terminal end portion, and supports a sheet along substantially the length thereof to serve as a barrier to the passage of corn between the support member and the end hood and to deflect ears that strike it into an adjacent crop gathering channel. When it is not desired or required to use the extension it can be quickly and easily pivoted to the stored position, out of the way.

Abstract: A crop divider for a harvesting assembly is provided with a foldable deflector. The deflector is mounted to the harvesting assembly by a pivot link having a pivot axis. The deflector can be folded about the pivot axis between an operating position and a transport position. The crop divider can be fixed in the operative position by an arresting element. In the operating position the arresting element surrounds the pivot link and locks the pivot link in place.

Abstract: An improved rotomolded plastic harvester header side shield is disclosed. The shield is pivotable to an open position upwardly and rearwardly about a horizontal hinge located on the upper rear portion of the header. The shield is generally molded on the inside to the operational components of the header to minimize the thickness and weight of the shield and double-walled, with a totally enclosed wall cavity, to maximize its strength and durability. The shield is also open at the bottom to permit any cut crop material and chaff that may enter the shielded area to continually fall through to the ground.

Abstract: These and other objects are attained by providing an improved harvester header side shield and latch mechanism consisting of a shield vertically pivotable upwardly and rearwardly about a horizontal hinge located on the upper rear portion of the header. The shield is lockable in the operational position and automatically engages a latch mechanism in the raised position that is manually released by the operator for lowering. Guides are provided on the inner side sheet of the header to assure that the shield moves into, and stays, in the proper location during operation.

Abstract: These and other objects are attained by providing an improved harvester header side shield and latch mechanism consisting of a vertical plastic shield pivotable upwardly and rearwardly about a horizontal hinge located on the upper rear portion of the header. The shield is lockable in the operational position and automatically engages a latch mechanism in the raised position that is manually released by the operator for lowering. The shield is open at the bottom to permit cut crop material and chaff to continually fall through to the ground. Guides are provided on the inner side sheet of the header to assure that the shield moves into, and stays, in the proper location during operation.

Abstract: An improved rotomolded plastic harvester header side shield is disclosed. The shield is pivotable to an open position upwardly and rearwardly about a horizontal hinge located on the upper rear portion of the header. The shield is generally molded on the inside to the operational components of the header to minimize the thickness and weight of the shield and double-walled, with a totally enclosed wall cavity, to maximize its strength and durability. The shield is also open at the bottom to permit any cut crop material and chaff that may enter the shielded area to continually fall through to the ground.

Abstract: These and other objects are attained by providing an improved harvester header side shield and latch mechanism consisting of a shield vertically pivotable upwardly and rearwardly about a horizontal hinge located on the upper rear portion of the header. The shield is lockable in the operational position and automatically engages a latch mechanism in the raised position that is manually released by the operator for lowering. Guides are provided on the inner side sheet of the header to assure that the shield moves into, and stays, in the proper location during operation.

Abstract: These and other objects are attained by providing an improved harvester header side shield and latch mechanism consisting of a vertical plastic shield pivotable upwardly and rearwardly about a horizontal hinge located on the upper rear portion of the header. The shield is lockable in the operational position and automatically engages a latch mechanism in the raised position that is manually released by the operator for lowering. The shield is open at the bottom to permit cut crop material and chaff to continually fall through to the ground. Guides are provided on the inner side sheet of the header to assure that the shield moves into, and stays, in the proper location during operation.

Abstract: A deflector of a stalk divider for a harvesting assembly can be pivoted about a pivot axis defined by a joint between an operating position and a transport position. The deflector can be held in the operating position and in the transport position. The joint is provided with a first locking element for holding the divider in the operating position. The joint is provided with a second locking element for holding the divider in the transport position. The first locking element is spaced at a greater distance from the pivot axis than the second locking element.

Abstract: A tip for the leading end of a crop divider of a combine corn head comprises a tip body of a durable low friction polymer which covers the snoot of the crop divider to reduce the incidents of clogging of the combine head as the head is advanced through the crop.

Abstract: A deflector of a stalk divider for a harvesting assembly can be pivoted about a pivot axis defined by a joint between an operating position and a transport position. The deflector can be held in the operating position and in the transport position. The joint is provided with a first locking element for holding the divider in the operating position. The joint is provided with a second locking element for holding the divider in the transport position. The first locking element is spaced at a greater distance from the pivot axis than the second locking element.

Abstract: A crop divider is mounted in front of a ground wheel of an agricultural vehicle to divide the crop to pass on either side of the wheel. The divided includes two diverging divider sheets with two trailing side sheets. Each divider sheet carries a free rolling tine wheel parallel to the sheet and having a hub mounted on the divider sheet for rotation about an axis at a right angle to the sheet and a plurality of flexible tines extending outwardly from the hub for rotation with the hub about the axis. The tine wheel is thus mounted in front of the ground wheel and behind the divider sheet with the hub and top tines prevented from engaging the crop by the divider sheet and the tines extending downwardly below a bottom edge of the divider sheet for rolling on the ground and engaging the crop to comb the crop toward one side of the ground wheel.

Abstract: A jackknifing row unit for a combine cornhead comprising a hood pivotally connected between a divider and a row unit frame. A four-bar linkage formed by a tension member and a compression member interconnected between the hood and the row unit frame supports the divider. The four-bar linkage is movable between the row unit operating position and the jackknifed storage position.

Abstract: This invention is a mounting system which provides impact protection for crop dividers or row dividers mounted on crop sprayers or harvesters and the like. A divider extends forwardly and downwardly and terminates with a ground engageable shoe. The ground engageable shoe rotates downwardly about a generally horizontal axis relative to the rest of the crop divider assembly. The ground engageable shoe is retained in operating position by gravity and a unique and simple link system. Upon engaging an obstruction the ground engageable shoe rotates downwardly about its axis of rotation thereby activating the link system which lifts the entire divider and ground engageable shoe clear of the obstruction.

Abstract: A row crop header includes a frame, a first shield, a first hinge mechanism pivotably coupling the first shield to the frame, a second shield and a second hinge mechanism pivotably coupling the second shield to the first shield. The first hinge mechanism includes a first female coupling member coupled to a first one of the first shield and the frame and a first male coupling member coupled to a second one of the first shield and the frame. The first male coupling member is rotatably received within the first female coupling member for pivotably coupling the first shield to the frame. The first male coupling member is removable from the first female coupling member upon selective rotation of the first male and first female coupling members relative to one another. The second hinge mechanism includes a second female coupling member coupled to one of the first shields and the second shield and a second male coupling member coupled to the other of the first shield and the second shield.

Abstract: A crop divider assembly is provided for use on the row crop header of a combine or the like, and includes an elongated, hollow, double-walled divider and a similarly constructed snout. The divider includes longitudinally opposed proximal and distal ends, and defines a central groove extending longitudinally from the distal end toward the proximal end. The snout includes an upper proximal end, an opposed lower distal end, a semi-conical top wall, and a bottom wall defining a centrally disposed depending tongue extending longitudinally from the upper proximal end toward the lower distal end. The tongue is sized for receipt in the groove and is supported in the groove for pivotal movement about an axis extending in a direction transverse to the length of the groove so that the groove guides pivotal movement of the snout and prevents relative lateral shifting.

Abstract: A fender extension for a corn harvester. The fender extension is mounted to the semi-conical portion of the end crop divider. The extension itself comprises an angled mounting portion, a cantilevered portion extending rearwardly from the mounting portion, and a flexible sheet hanging downwardly from the cantilevered portion. The angled mounting portion and the cantilevered portion are an integrally formed hollow plastic structure. The angled mounting portion is provided with an outwardly extending mounting lip which is bolted to the semi-conical portion. The cantilevered portion is provided with a downwardly depending lip to which the flexible sheet is mounted.

Abstract: A mobile vegetation cutting apparatus that has a mobile chassis adapted for travel on a railroad trackway. Attached to the mobile chassis are at least two independently pivotal boom assemblies that can be selectively pivoted to vegetation cutting positions on both sides of the trackway. A cutting head assembly having a vegetation cutting member operably attached thereto is attached to each boom assembly. Each cutting head assembly is equipped with guard members that can be pivoted to open and closed positions for permitting large items of vegetation to engage a cutting member while substantially preventing cutting debris from being ejected therefrom.

Abstract: A gear mechanism for agricultural machines capable of being moved along a direction of propagation and of cutting plants whose growth is generally vertical, has a cutter for cutting along a line making a given angle with the direction of propagation, a screw for collecting the cut stems and moving them into a flux at a given angle with the direction of propagation, and bringing them to an opening for treatment. The gear mechanism causes lateral displacement of an assembly of stems located in front of the opening and inclining the displaced stems along a direction substantially in the direction of the movement of the flux so as to send them onto the flux prior to its entry into the opening. A guide guides the flux completed by the assembly of displaced, oriented and cut stems towards the opening. The mechanism has use, in particular, for cutting cereals and forage crops intended to be treated, for example, by threshing, ensilage, etc.

Abstract: A separating device for reapers with cutter plates driven to rotate about vertical axes having a fender which is inclined downward to divert reaping material. The fender is arranged to be fastened to the reaper at a point below the cuting plane of the cutter and rearwardly of the vertical plane defined by the axes of the cutter plates, and inside of the cutting track defined by the outermost cutting plate. The fender is inclined upwardly from the fastening point and passes through the cutting plane of the cutter plates behind the vertical plane of the cutter axes, and within the cutting track defined by the outermost cutter plate.

Abstract: A pair of plastic skid plates are secured to the underside of skid pads at opposite lateral ends of a floating cutterbar and are connected at their forward ends to the dividers, at laterally opposite ends of a combine header, by elastic connectors.

Abstract: A tool, and method of utilization, for achieving fine vertical adjustment of a crop divider pivotally mounted on the front of a crop header. The tool includes an inverted J-shaped support member adapted for attachment to a frame member of the crop header. Rotatably secured to the support member is an elongated screw member to which is threadably mounted for axial movement an annular ring. The tool is mounted such that a coarse adjusting chain, which normally extends between the crop row divider and crop header, passes through the annular ring. By rotating the elongated screw, the ring moves axially in a direction generally perpendicular to the normal orientation of the chain to alter its effective length, causing the crop row divider to pivot about its mounting and thereby adjust its vertical position relative to the ground.

Abstract: A crop divider of the cutting platform of a self-propelled combine harvester is loosely supported for floating and rocking movement in a vertical fore-and-aft plane, by a rearwardly extending frame member or spine of the divider being inserted into and extending through a pair of vertically slotted brackets, spaced fore-and-aft. The pivot point for the divider is thus undefined and may move back and forth between the front and rear brackets according to the operating height of the cutting platform.

Abstract: An attachment for a floating crop divider of the type used on a harvester having a transverse frame and reel with opposite upright sidewalls with the floating crop divider including a conically shaped divider shroud extending forward from an open end which includes opposite shroud sidewalls to a snout, the attachment consisting of a plurality of tines mounted to the inside sidewall of the shroud to extend toward the center of the reel. The tines each include a spring like axis of flexure near their mounting end, to permit them to bend resiliently in both their horizontal and vertical axis. Mounting brackets are provided to attach the tines to the inside sidewall of the shroud, with one bracket bolted to the inside sidewall of the shroud and another bracket bolted to the opposite outside sidewall of the shroud, with a brace member extending therebetween, to provide added lateral and vertical rigidity to the tines.

Abstract: An improved crop divider assembly (14) for crop harvesting equipment is disclosed. A preferred embodiment of the invention is a combine attachment (12) for operative engagement with a combine (10). The combine attachment (12) includes a plurality of crop divider assemblies (14) that form a plurality of slots which guide the crop into the combine (10) as the combine (10) progresses through the field. The widths of crop divider assemblies (14) are adjustable, thereby making the widths of the slots adjustable. Each of the crop divider assemblies (14) also preferably includes a hingedly-connected snout (16). Each snout (16) is vertically adjustable to permit adjustment of the minimum included angle (31) formed by a pan longitudinal axis (30) and snout longitudinal axis (32). Each snout preferably includes a shoe (18) at its forward end, the shoes (18) upwardly deflecting the snouts (16) if uneven soil, for example, is encountered during the forward progression of the combine (10).

Abstract: A mobile agricultural harvester has a crop header at its forward end including a plurality of crop dividers. The crop dividers each include a forwardly tapering point portion terminating at its forward end with a tip. Either the tip or the point portion or both are constructed of light emitting material, or are provided with windows covered by light emitting material, so as to provide improved illumination of the crop and field in front of the header during a harvesting operation.

Abstract: An attachment for the snout of a combine includes a plate which is disposed above the snout and is inclined upwardly and rearwardly at an angle greater than the angle of the upper surface of the snout to provide a steeper surface for engaging and lifting a down crop. The plate extends above the conventional ear saver which thereby may remain in place to prevent corn ears from being ejected from the combine. The forward end of the plate is fastened to the snout and the rear end is supported on the ear saver by a sliding connection which permits the forward part of the snout to tilt up as it encounters mounds of earth and the like.

Abstract: A feeding device of a sugar cane harvester includes a pair of rotary cane dividers spaced from each other. The feeding device is provided with a mechanism for adjusting the distance between two spaced cane dividers. This mechanism is operated from an operator stand of the harvester and includes a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit, the piston of which is connected to one of the cane dividers and the cylinder of which is connected to the harvester frame.

Abstract: A crop divider attachment for a harvester which includes a fixed upright divider extending forwardly from the conventional divider wall at the sides of a transverse frame. A lightweight snout 18 projects forwardly from the fixed divider and has side surfaces which overlap it. The snout 18 is pivotally connected at the forward end of the fixed divider adjacent to the ground surface. It swings beneath a fixed chimney on the stationary divider with minimum physical clearance in which crops might become engaged. Side deflectors shift the disentangled crop toward the center of the header. The snout floats freely, and its downward movement is limited by a flexible length of chain.

Abstract: A combined header is equipped with crop divider assemblies operable to direct crops into the path of movement of the header. Each divider assembly has two longitudinally aligned sections that are adjustable relative to each other to vary the length of the divider assembly. A plurality of plant guide rods extend from the forward section of the divider assembly in an upwardly and inwardly direction. The innermost rod terminates in a flexible terminal portion. Separate adjustable mount assemblies support the divider assemblies ahead of opposite ends of the reel of the header.

Abstract: A crop divider pivotably mounted to the end of a harvesting platform about a horizontal axis, said divider having a plate with a reinforcing frame and two convexly curved surfaces tapered from front to rear. The leading curved surface is sloped rearwardly and is curved inwardly toward the harvesting platform. The rear curved surface is curved outwardly away from the harvesting platform.