Abstract: The operator enclosure for a self-propelled combine harvester is mounted on the combine body by a plurality of resilient mountings. The bottom of the enclosure is open so that when mounted on the combine, it encloses a floor space. This floor space is covered by a noise and vibration insulating material which extends to meet and partially support the walls of the enclosure. The floor covering and insulating element absorbs noise emanating directly from the combine body as well as contributing to the vibration isolating support of the enclosure itself. A forward pair of resilient mountings are arranged so that, pivoting on them, the enclosure can be tilted forward for improved access to the combine control area for adjustment and repair.

Abstract: The method includes the steps of forming separately a pair of spaced recesses in a carrier plate, the recesses having a parallelogram configuration other than a rectangle and a cross member therebetween providing an axis of symmetry, the recesses being symmetrically disposed with respect to the axis of symmetry to approximate a sector of a circle; pressing and age-hardening separately a plate of friction material having a thickness corresponding to the desired thickness of the friction pads; cutting at least a pair of friction pads from the plate having the dimensions and shape of the recesses; and placing and securing each of the pair of friction pads in a different one of the recesses so that the pair of friction pads are disposed symmetrically with respect to the axis of symmetry to approximate a sector of a circle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a brake shoe including a backing plate having a recess therein to receive the friction pad. Each of the radially inner and outer vertical walls of the recess with respect to the brake disc axis have a different predetermined configuration to retain the friction pad in the recess and to ensure that the entire backing plate receives the braking stresses rather than just a retaining arrangement employed to assist in retaining the friction pad in the recess.