Abstract: An improved modular disc cutterhead connecting drive shaft configuration having a means for laterally centering the shaft between adjacent cutterhead modules thereby equalizing engagement on each end of the shaft with the module connectors. Further durability improvement is realized by a structure to radially center the shaft in the shaft receptacles of each module to maintain uniform loading on the shaft/receptacle interface which improves the durability of the connecting drive shaft end connections. Additional connecting shaft durability is provided by a means to lubricate the drive shaft connector connecting interfaces using lubricant reservoirs disposed within the modules.

Abstract: An improved modular disc cutterhead connecting drive shaft configuration having a means for laterally centering the shaft between adjacent cutterhead modules thereby equalizing engagement on each end of the shaft with the module connectors. Further durability improvement is realized by a structure to radially center the shaft in the shaft receptacles of each module to maintain uniform loading on the shaft/receptacle interface which improves the durability of the connecting drive shaft end connections. Additional connecting shaft durability is provided by a means to lubricate the drive shaft connector connecting interfaces using lubricant reservoirs disposed within the modules.

Abstract: An improved modular disc cutterhead connecting drive shaft configuration having a means for laterally centering the shaft between adjacent cutterhead modules thereby equalizing engagement on each end of the shaft with the module connectors. Further durability improvement is realized by a structure to radially center the shaft in the shaft receptacles of each module to maintain uniform loading on the shaft/receptacle interface which improves the durability of the connecting drive shaft end connections. Additional connecting shaft durability is provided by a means to lubricate the drive shaft connector connecting interfaces using lubricant reservoirs disposed within the modules.

Abstract: A disc cutter module mounting structure for an agricultural header that enables one or more disc cutter modules and interconnection spacers to be temporarily laterally displaced a distance sufficient to disengage the transverse drive apparatus from a failed module thereby allowing the failed module to be removed from the header for repair or replacement. The laterally displaced modules and spacers need only be disconnected from the outboard drive shaft; lateral displacement is accomplished by the incorporation of slotted mounting guides on the spacers and a plurality of spaced-apart support tabs on the header frame. The mounting structure also supports the modules and spacers during the removal/replacement process reducing the need for jacks to support modules as they are being repositioned on the header.

Abstract: A cab mounting and suspension system for an agricultural windrower that uses pivoting elastomeric mounts on the front corners of the cab and coil-over shock absorbers on the rear corners. A stabilizing bar is mounted on elastomeric isolators and located between the cab and the windrower frame across the back of the cab. The bar extends the full width of the cab to reduce the amount of movement of the cab from side to side as the rear pivots up and down through the range of the coil-over shocks.

Abstract: A suspension system for the rear axle of a self-propelled agricultural windrower. The axle is split into two components, each having an air spring to absorb shocks. The two air springs are interconnected by a tube to equalize the internal pressure. A pair of pins can be inserted through the respective axle components and a structural member of the tractor to fix the components relative to the unit structure, thereby incapacitating the suspension and permitting effective steering of the tractor in the absence of a header.

Abstract: An adjustable hydrostatic control system that adjusts in length to locate mutual neutral locations while transmitting the necessary torque through mating sliding spines.

Abstract: A hydraulic lift/flotation system for the header of a crop harvesting machine wherein each side of the header is supported by a single cylinder, which performs both the flotation and lift functions. For even lifting and flotation of an unbalanced header, each cylinder has its own control valve, pump, and accumulator. The operator sets the desired flotation force by actuating rocker switches; one switch position allows hydraulic oil to enter an accumulator to reduce header contact force with the ground. The other position allows oil to exit the accumulator to increase header contact force with the ground. To evenly float an unbalanced header, separate switches adjust each side independently. Once the flotation forces are set, the control valves will return to this preset flotation condition whenever float mode is selected, regardless of subsequent header lift and lower operations.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement to the header of an agricultural self-propelled windrower. The invention has a conditioner assembly and mower assembly that can be separated and removed. Hook and pin combination and a conditioner mounting bolt attach the conditioner assembly. A free link and bell crank allow the flotation springs to remain attached with the header is removed. A header top link can be attached to a bracket on either the conditioner or mower assemblies to assist in moving the header. There is a header lift manifold that moves a restricted flow control valve by a switch-actuated solenoid. When the solenoid is activated, the valve moves and forces hydraulic fluid through an orifice. This allows the header limited movement.

Abstract: A pull-type mower conditioner includes a crop harvesting header vertically movable relative to the frame of the mower conditioner between a raised transport position and a lowered operative position, a lift mechanism to effect the movement of the crop harvesting header relative to the frame, and a transport latch mechanism to control the locking of the lift mechanism in the transport position. The lift linkage incorporates a cam mechanism that serves as an upper flotation limit under normal operating conditions and automatically converts into a device for securing the header in the transport position when the header is moved into the transport position.

Abstract: A shredbar is used with a forage harvester cutterhead mainly for cracking kernels of corn. The problem of premature wear of the shredbar is avoided by providing a shredbar apparatus with a reversible surface for abrading crop material. The shredbar apparatus includes pivotal members to increase flexibility for quick installation and removal.

Abstract: A quick-adjusting jackstand apparatus is particularly useful on any harvesting attachments. An improved jackstand has a coarse adjustment and a fine adjustment. Coarse adjustment is accomplished by moving the jackstand from a first stored position to a second extended position. A secondary fine adjustment is accomplished by rotating an inner member which is housed in and threadedly engaged with an outer member. Such rotation results in extension of the inner member from the outer member. The threaded engagement of the members is protected from excessive clogging because such threaded engagement is within the outer member.