Abstract: A pulley plate, a pulley and a belt drive system are disclosed. Each include a pulley plate or a pulley having an inner surface adapted to be driven about an axis of rotation and having a perimeter. The inner surface additionally includes a plurality of belt-wiping grooves at least partially between the axis and the perimeter. The plurality of belt-wiping grooves are located or patterned in the inner surface so as to contact the belt in different locations to reduce wear on the wall of the belt. In one embodiment, the plurality of belt-wiping grooves are centered about the axis and are unequally circumferentially spaced from one another. In another embodiment, the plurality of belt-wiping grooves are centered about a center offset from the axis.

Abstract: The row crop header for a harvesting machine includes a frame and a first row unit supported by the frame in a row unit plane. The first row unit includes a first gatherer operating in a first gatherer plane oblique to the row unit plane and a second gatherer operating in a second gatherer plane parallel to the first gatherer plane and oblique to the row unit plane.

Abstract: A dual wheel mount assembly is disclosed which is particularly suited for heavy implements such as agricultural combines or earth moving equipment. Inner and outer wheels of the assembly are interchangeable and formed with circumferentially spaced mounting holes which are alternately of a smaller diameter and a larger diameter. Retaining nuts are threaded only on the mounting bolts in the smaller diameter holes in the inner wheel to operationally secure the same. The outer wheel is mounted so that the larger diameter holes therein fit over the retaining nuts for the inner wheel. Outer retaining nuts are operationally threaded on all of the bolts, including those securing the inner wheel. Removal of the outer wheel thus may be accomplished without affecting the securement of the inner wheel.

Abstract: A load responsive torque sensing unit adapted to drive the rotor of an axial flow combine and including a variable pitch V-belt input sheave, and an output shaft concentric therewith, the latter having means for connecting it drivingly to the combine rotor. The input sheave consists of a pair of sheave sections, one of which is axially fixed on the output shaft in direct driving relationship, and the other of which is axially slidable, but freely rotatable, relative to the output shaft toward and away from the fixed section for V-belt reception therebetween.

Abstract: A dual speed gear case mechanism adapted to drive the rotor of an axial flow combine and which receives its power from the combine engine. The mechanism includes a housing which is tiltably mounted on the chassis of the combine and has a rearwardly projecting input shaft which carries a variable diameter torque sensing V-belt sheave and a forwardly projecting output shaft connected in driving relationship to the combine rotor, the two shafts being offset from each other. Speed-change gearing within the housing is controlled by a shift fork having external operating connections. The housing tilts about the axis of the output shaft so that the input shaft may be adjusted toward and away from its associated drive sheave for V-belt tensioning purposes. Gauge mechanism is provided for facilitating a determination of the correct inclination of the gear case housing to attain proper V-belt tension.