Abstract: A double windrow attachment for self-propelled or pull-type windrowing machines receives crop which has been projected rearwardly from conditioning apparatus of the machine and transfers the crop obliquely to one side of the path of travel of the machine without discontinuing the rearward momentum of the crop. The oblique orientation of the attachment encourages the crop to flow smoothly in a steady stream from the conditioning apparatus to the discharge end of the attachment without bunching as it lands on the attachment, all of which produces a windrow of uniform density to promote rapid and proper curing of the windrowed crop. Successive passes in opposite directions through the standing crop produces a double windrow which can be readily handled by subsequent crop handling equipment, such as stack-forming machines. An improved conveyor of the attachment enables the crop to be transferred laterally at high speeds such that the windrowing operation can be carried out more rapidly than heretofore possible.

Abstract: The two actuating levers of hydraulic pumps which control the direction and proportionate volumes of fluid flow to hydraulic motors in a hydraulic steering, speed, and direction control system may be locked in neutral by components located at the pumps but operated remotely from the cab of the vehicle. The geometry of the arrangement is such that any attempted movement on the part of the actuating levers once locked only tends to seat the locking components more firmly. Engine start-up is impossible unless the levers are locked in neutral.

Abstract: A sickle drive has a sway bar that is coupled with the sickle to reciprocate the latter during oscillation of the sway bar. The latter is operably coupled with a crank drive through a special linkage employing a pair of oppositely extending, short pitman links that compensate for one another adjacent opposite ends of the sickle stroke to vary the velocity of the sickle substantially sinusoidally. The oppositely directed inertia forces of the sickle adjacent opposite ends of its stroke, made equal by the special linkage, are balanced out by a pair of superimposed, oppositely rotating weights driven in timed relationship to reciprocation of the sickle, thereby presenting a substantially vibration-free drive.