Abstract: A header has a feed drum with a tapered ends that extends forward of the back sheets of the header to engage cut crop material.

Abstract: In an agricultural combine, a header float system using a floating header having a frame, a support member supporting the frame from the ground, and a suspension variably supporting the frame from the combine. The suspension comprises a sub-frame removable attaching to the combine, links movably attaching the frame and the sub-frame, and one or more float cylinders moveably supporting the frame from the sub-frame. A float circuit connects to the float cylinder, and a float valve connects the float circuit to a main hydraulic circuit. A pressure sensor connects to the float circuit, and a controller communicates with the float valve and the pressure sensor. The controller maintains pressure in the float circuit at a target value by continuously reading the pressure sensor and commanding the float valve to add or subtract hydraulic fluid in the float circuit until pressure equals the target value.

Abstract: A floating header for an agricultural combine, the header having a frame, a support member supporting the frame from the ground, and a suspension variably supporting the frame from the combine. The suspension comprises a sub-frame removable attaching to the combine, links movably attaching the frame and the sub-frame, and one or more float cylinders moveably supporting the frame from the sub-frame. A float circuit connects to the float cylinder, and a float valve connects the float circuit to a main hydraulic circuit on the combine.

Abstract: In an agricultural combine, a header terrain following system using a floating header having a frame, a support member supporting the frame from the ground, and a suspension variably supporting the frame from a feederhouse moveably attaching at the front of the combine. A lift cylinder supports and articulates the feederhouse from the combine, and a lift valve connects the lift cylinder to a main hydraulic circuit. A position sensor adapted to sense vertical position of the frame relative to the feederhouse attaches to the floating header. A controller communicates with the lift valve and the position sensor. The controller maintains vertical position of the frame relative to the feederhouse at a nominal value by continuously reading the position sensor and commanding the lift valve to add or subtract hydraulic fluid in the lift cylinder until position reads at the nominal value.