Abstract: A row crop header for a harvesting machine includes a frame, a row unit supported by the frame, a first surface supported by the frame forward the row unit on a first side of the row unit, a second surface supported by the frame forward the row unit on a second side of the row unit, a third surface supported by the frame between the first and second surfaces, and a fourth surface supported by the frame between the first and second surfaces. The first and second surfaces face one another and converge toward the row unit. The third surface faces the first surface to cooperate with the first surface so as to support and channel plants toward the row unit. The fourth surface faces the second surface to cooperate with the second surface so as to support and channel plants toward the row unit.

Abstract: A cutterbar assembly for the header of an agricultural combine having a skid coextensive with the cutterbar but comprising individual skid segments. The knife guard likewise comprises individual segments positioned in aligned relationship with the skid segments, whereby the flexibility of the cutterbar is enhanced so that it is able to follow the contour of the ground without row sensitivity. The skid segments are corrugated to provide a more efficient strength to weight ratio.

Abstract: A header frame for a combine harvester having a linkage connection between the crop reel and the auger, whereby the auger may be automatically and mechanically raised from the header floor by raising the reel for purposes of unplugging wedged crop material. The linkage includes a lost-motion connection so that the reel can be moved vertically as required during harvesting without affecting the auger, and the auger is also capable of floating action during operation. A sprocket and chain drive for the auger includes a spring-biased idler sprocket for maintaining proper chain tension and uninterrupted operation of the auger at all times. An adjustable wedge is also provided for fixing and limiting the minimum spacing between the auger and the header floor.

Abstract: A header for a combine or the like having a cutterbar assembly which is vertically flexible relative to the main frame of the header. Leaf springs are fixedly connected to the header frame and extend forwardly to a sliding connection with the cutterbar assembly to exert a counterbalancing upward force thereon. Longitudinally reciprocable adjustment bars captive on threaded adjustment bolts are mounted on the main frame in association with each spring for varying the upward force being exerted thereby.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header for a self-propelled combine. The header includes a "floating" flexible cutterbar movable vertically relative to the header frame to cut a standing crop (soybeans, for example) close to the ground to minimize crop losses. The cutterbar is connected to a plurality of runner structures pivotally mounted on the header frame. A spring system is operative on the runner structures to resiliently counterbalance the cutterbar. Elongated skids are connected between adjacent pairs of runners to effectively extend along the length of the header. The skids are mounted to permit individual movement of the runners relative to each other as the cutterbar flexes over uneven ground across the harvesting path. The skids are selectively shiftable to vary the cutting height of the cutterbar.The combine includes a hydraulic system for raising and lowering the header. An automatic system raises and lowers the header in response to sensing the position of the cutterbar relative to the header.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header for a self-propelled combine. The header includes a "floating" flexible cutterbar movable vertically relative to the header frame to cut a standing crop (soybeans, for example) close to the ground to minimize crop losses. The cutterbar is connected to a plurality of runner structures pivotally mounted on the header frame. A spring system is operative on the runner structures to resiliently counterbalance the cutterbar. Structure is adjustably operative on the runner structures to selectively limit the range of movement of the cutterbar or to lock it against movement. Elongated skids are connected between adjacent pairs of runners to effectively extend along the length of the header. The skids are mounted to permit individual movement of the runners relative to each other as the cutterbar flexes over uneven ground across the harvesting path. The skids are selectively shiftable by crank pins to vary the cutting height of the cutterbar.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header for a self-propelled combine. The header includes a "floating" cutterbar which is flexible and movable up and down so as to cut a standing crop (soybeans, for example) close to the ground to minimize crop losses. The flexibility and movement enable the crop to be cut closely to the ground even though the ground is uneven or undulating across and along the harvesting path. The cutterbar is mounted on a plurality of ground-engaging structures including runners upon which a counterbalancing system imposes pre-selected forces to control the ground pressure of the cutterbar as ground and crop conditions vary. The counterbalancing system provides a substantially constant ground pressure throughout cutterbar movement. The effect of the system is to moderate or eliminate the variations which come from spring force changes.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header for a combine wherein the header includes a transversely elongated frame having opposite side walls. A cutterbar extends between the side walls and is supported from the header frame for floating movement relative thereto as induced by varying ground profile. The cutterbar is connected to the forward ends of a plurality of transversely spaced runners pivotally connected to the header frame. One of the runners is disposed at an end of the header frame adjacent to one of the side walls. Reciprocating drive for the cutterbar is provided by a wobble drive mounted on the end runner and a belt drive therefor mounted on the adjacent side wall. A belt tightener pulley assembly is pivotally mounted on the side wall.

Abstract: A leveling mechanism for harvester platforms or headers which is predicated upon the fact that a slight forcible distortion of the feeder housing to which the platform is secured will, when the distortion is effected in a particular manner, result in a side-to-side rocking motion of the platform. The mechanism for effecting such distortion is disposed immediately beneath the usual access door in the top wall of the feeder housing where it is readily accessible for manipulation, and locking means are provided for releasably securing the feeder housing in any of the distorted conditions of which it is capable of assuming.

Abstract: A harvesting combine header or platform having facilities whereby, by a quick attach and release operation, several crop pickup components may be operatively applied thereto. Anchor devices on the platform cooperate with special divider components on the reel assembly and with fast pins to releasably hold the reel assembly in place. Withdrawal of the fast pins frees the reel assembly from the platform. Similarly, bolting facilities are provided on the bottom and back wall of the platform and provide anchor points for a windrow pickup assembly. Unfastening of these bolting facilities frees the windrow pickup from the platform.

Abstract: A crop cutting apparatus having an elongated cutterbar, a plurality of guards, and reciprocating knife disposed in the usual arrangement wherein cylindrical cup-like retainer members are mounted by the guard mounting bolts to the top side of the cutterbar. A hold down clip slips over the retainer members and has a rearward portion contacting the cutterbar, a medial portion displaced from the cutterbar, and a forward portion including a horizontal surface acting against the knife and a vertical surface acting against the front side of the knife back. A single tie down bolt disposed between the retainer cups adjustably hold the clip in position to resist upward movements of the knife assembly.