Abstract: A crop harvesting header includes a reel mounted on a pair of forwardly extending arms carried on a header frame above a table and cutting knife. The reel is rotatable about a longitudinal axis and includes bats with fingers which pivot each about a respective bat axis so the angle of the fingers varies as the reel rotates. The angle of the fingers can be varied to increase and decrease the angle at the knife. The arms include a forward portion which is arranged at an angle to a main portion so as to be inclined downwardly and forwardly therefrom. As the reel supports on the arms is moved forwardly along the arms and engages onto the forward portion, the reel is moved downwardly and forwardly which simultaneously changes the angle to provide a more aggressive action as the reel is moved forwardly of the knife.

Abstract: The header support linkage of a swather header on a support frame of a swather comprises a substantially vertical beam, an upper cross arm formed from a channel and a lower support cradle arm projecting outwardly from the bottom of the beam. A lower link projects from the frame forwardly to engage the lower part of the beam and is formed by an expandable cylinder to lift the header. An upper link extends from an upper part of the frame along the inside of the channel forming the upper arm. A cylinder extends from a lower part of the frame to a lever pivotally connected to the upper link providing a lost motion connection. An adjustable stop is provided between the upper link and the inside of the upper arm. A float spring is connected between an outer end of the upper arm and a vertically adjustable slide provided on the frame.