Abstract: A cutting system for a harvesting header includes a transversely extending cutter bar. First and second transversely extending knife backs are supported in relation to the cutter bar and are axially aligned with each other in a transverse direction. The first and second knife backs may each have a main body portion. At least one knife section is mounted to each of the first and second knife backs, each knife section having at least one knife edge extending generally in a forward direction. The first knife back is not attached to said second knife back. A crop divider structure is interconnected to the cutter bar and is operationally positioned between said first and second knife backs. The cutting system may also include first and second knife heads interconnected to the first and second knife backs and operable for interconnecting a knife drive system to drive the first and second knife backs.

Abstract: A knife drive assembly for use in a harvesting header may be mounted near the center line of the cutter bar of the header. Mechanical power from the power unit behind the header (typically the combine power output shaft) may be translated for application to two knife assembly sections in the cutter bar at the front of the cutter table. Movement of the two knife assembly sections with this apparatus can be fully synchronized and 180 degrees out of phase, to maximize cutting effectiveness and minimize vibration of the header. The unitary drive assembly may allow for rapid repair and manufacture, and the size and weight of the knife drive assembly may represent a significant weight and balance advantage over the prior art.

Abstract: A cutting system for a harvesting header includes a transversely extending cutter bar, a transversely extending knife back, a knife section mounted to the knife back having a knife edge extending generally in a forward direction, a knife guard component having a front guard portion and a rear portion interconnected by a medial portion having a recess. The medial portion is configured for receiving a lengthwise portion of the knife back with the knife section being received into, and the knife section is operable to move transversely into and out of a cutting slot in the front guard portion. A hold down component is located between an upper surface of the rear portion of the knife guard component and an underneath surface of the cutter bar, and an attachment mechanism is operable to secure the knife guard component and the hold down component to the underneath surface of the cutter bar.

Abstract: A cutting system for a harvesting header includes a transversely extending cutter bar, a transversely extending knife back, a knife section mounted to the knife back having a knife edge extending generally in a forward direction, a knife guard component having a front guard portion and a rear portion interconnected by a medial portion having a recess. The medial portion is configured for receiving a lengthwise portion of the knife back with the knife section being received into, and the knife section is operable to move transversely into and out of a cutting slot in the front guard portion. A hold down component is located between an upper surface of the rear portion of the knife guard component and an underneath surface of the cutter bar, and an attachment mechanism is operable to secure the knife guard component and the hold down component to the underneath surface of the cutter bar.

Abstract: A knife drive assembly for use in a harvesting header is disclosed. The knife drive may be mounted near the center line of the cutter bar of the header. Mechanical power from the power unit behind the header (typically the combine power output shaft) may be translated for application to two knife assembly sections in the cutter bar at the front of the cutter table. Movement of the two knife assembly sections with this apparatus can be fully synchronized and 180 degrees out of phase, to maximize cutting effectiveness and minimize vibration of the header. The unitary drive assembly may allow for rapid repair and manufacture, and the size and weight of the knife drive assembly may represent a significant weight and balance advantage over the prior art.

Abstract: A harvesting header bat having a channel for removably receiving alternating quick-release fingers and spacers is provided. The spacers are capable of production in different lengths to support different applications of the harvesting header. The quick-release finger is provided with projections configured for mating with flanges at the channel opening, enabling the finger to be inserted into the channel in a first orientation and then rotated into a second orientation to engage the flanges and releasably lock the finger in place. The spacers are also configured to engage the flanges of the channel and may be provided in different lengths where a particular harvesting header application requires a certain distance between fingers on the bat.

Abstract: A transport system for transport of a harvesting header comprises separate front and rear carriers in a configuration that permits a single person to prepare a harvesting header for transport. The wheeled front carrier engages a support member attached to one end of the harvesting header and includes a towing member and means of connecting the front carrier to a towing vehicle. A wheeled rear carrier comprises deployable straps that can be attached to the harvesting header. A winch applies tension to the straps and on retraction pulls the rear carrier up and into position underneath the header. The harvesting header is then lowered to transfer the weight to the carriers and the header then disconnected from the combine, and is ready for transport.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a harvesting header; a harvesting header carrier; at least one retractor and at least one tension link coupled to the at least one retractor, said at least one retractor and said at least one tension link connected to the harvesting header and the harvesting header carrier; wherein the at least one retractor is operable to retract the at least one tension link to shorten the at least one tension link and cause the harvesting header carrier to be lifted towards and engage with the harvesting header. Further apparatuses, systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cam reel for use on a harvesting header which includes a plurality of reel bats disposed evenly around the reel shaft, each attached to radial arms extending outwardly from the reel shaft by bat arms pivotally attached to the radial anus such that the bat member itself can pivot about a pivot axis around the end of the radial arms. The reel ends of the radial anus define a circular bat path and the reel bats once attached can be pivoted about the pivot axis, parallel to the reel axis, in a bat pivot path to move both inside and outside of the radius of the circular bat path. The reel can be attached to various header assemblies using interchangeable end kits. A header using the reel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cam reel for use on a harvesting header that can be configured in both operating and transport positions is provided. The reel comprises a plurality of finger-bearing reel bats disposed evenly around the reel shaft, each rotatably attached through the distal ends of radial arms extending outwardly from the reel shaft. A cam disc is attached to the frame and engages each reel bat by a cam follower, to provide rotational movement of the reel bats relative to the radial arms, during rotation of the shaft in the operating position. The cam has at least one operating position, and a transport position in which the engaged reel bats will be pivoted into transport mode that substantially reduces the risk of damage to the fingers.

Abstract: A harvesting header includes.at least one draper belt system including a conveying surface operable to carry cut crop material in a conveying direction generally transverse to a direction of travel of the harvesting header in operation to a header discharge. The header includes a crop reel rotatable about a crop reel axis, said axis generally parallel with the conveying direction, said crop reel operable to, when rotated in operation, draw crop material onto the conveying surface and at least one crop flow assistance device having a crop flow assistance surface that extends into a volume above the conveying surface, said volume defined by the conveying surface and projected perpendicular to said conveying surface, said crop flow assistance surface operable to roll crop material onto the conveying surface while the crop material is carried to the header discharge in operation.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header includes a reel rotatable about a reel axis. The reel has a reel bat supported at a spaced distance from the reel axis. The reel bat can pivot about a bat axis radially spaced from the reel axis. The reel bat has a crop collection member that extends generally away from the bat axis. The reel bat can move in a cyclical path around the reel axis during rotation of the reel. The reel bat can vary the angle of the crop collection member about the bat axis as the reel rotates about the reel axis. A sun gear is provided that may be positioned in axial alignment with the reel axis. A planetary gear system is rotatable about the sun gear. The planetary gear system interacts with the sun gear, and causes said planetary gear system to effect pivotal movement of the reel bat about its bat axis.

Abstract: A cam reel for use on a harvesting header that can be configured in both operating and transport positions is provided. The reel comprises a plurality of finger-bearing reel bats disposed evenly around the reel shaft, each rotatably attached through the distal ends of radial arms extending outwardly from the reel shaft. A cam disc is attached to the frame and engages each reel bat by a cam follower, to provide rotational movement of the reel bats relative to the radial arms, during rotation of the shaft in the operating position. The cam has at least one operating position, and a transport position in which the engaged reel bats will be pivoted into transport mode that substantially reduces the risk of damage to the fingers.

Abstract: A cam reel for use on a harvesting header is provided. The reel includes a plurality of reel bats disposed evenly around the reel shaft, each attached to radial arms extending outwardly from the reel shaft by bat arms pivotally attached to the radial arms such that the bat member itself can pivot about a pivot axis around the end of the radial arms. The reel ends of the radial arms define a circular bat path and the reel bats once attached can be pivoted about the pivot axis, parallel to the reel axis, in a bat pivot path to move both inside and outside of the radius of the circular bat path. The reel can be attached to various header assemblies using interchangeable end kits. A header using the reel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A crop flow assistance device for a harvesting header comprises a curved member mounted in relation to the rear wall of the header, with a top edge positioned within the draper table area of the header and a concave-curved shield surface. The shield will deflect or roll crop material during operation back into the draper area, so that crop material is not thrown up over the back of the header and is directed to the discharge. This will be particularly advantageous in the harvesting of peas and other dense or tangling crop material which have a tendency to bind or ball in harvest with traditional headers.

Abstract: A transport system for transport of a harvesting header comprises separate front and rear carriers in a configuration that permits a single person to prepare a harvesting header for transport. The wheeled front carrier engages a support member attached to one end of the harvesting header and includes a towing member and means of connecting the front carrier to a towing vehicle. A wheeled rear carrier comprises deployable straps that can be attached to the harvesting header. A winch applies tension to the straps and on retraction pulls the rear carrier up and into position underneath the header. The harvesting header is then lowered to transfer the weight to the carriers and the header then disconnected from the combine, and is ready for transport.

Abstract: A harvesting header bat having a channel for removably receiving alternating quick-release fingers and spacers is provided. The spacers are capable of production in different lengths to support different applications of the harvesting header. The quick-release finger is provided with projections configured for mating with flanges at the channel opening, enabling the finger to be inserted into the channel in a first orientation and then rotated into a second orientation to engage the flanges and releasably lock the finger in place. The spacers are also configured to engage the flanges of the channel and may be provided in different lengths where a particular harvesting header application requires a certain distance between fingers on the bat.

Abstract: A harvesting header bat having a channel for removably receiving alternating quick-release fingers and spacers is provided. The spacers are capable of production in different lengths to support different applications of the harvesting header. The quick-release finger is provided with projections configured for mating with flanges at the channel opening, enabling the finger to be inserted into the channel in a first orientation and then rotated into a second orientation to engage the flanges and releasably lock the finger in place. The spacers are also configured to engage the flanges of the channel and may be provided in different lengths where a particular harvesting header application requires a certain distance between fingers on the bat.