Abstract: The feeding section of an axial flow agricultural combine is provided with helical vanes. Each helical vane having an upstream end that is provided with a notch in which crop material is temporarily trapped. The notch is formed by tapering the upstream end of the helical vane which is welded to a transverse leading blade. The transverse leading blade is provided with a tapered leading edge to prevent crop material from hairpinning on the blade.

Abstract: In a combine harvester with a belt pickup platform, the attitude of the belt pickup is automatically controlled in any one of three preselected ranges by an electrical position sensor switch. The switch is mechanically actuated by connection between the pickup and its platform so as to send raise or lower signals to the electrohydraulic control system of the combine. The belt pickup is torsionally flexible and the mechanical input to the electrical position sensor switch is arranged so that the relatively higher end of the pickup controls actuation of the switch.