Abstract: A method of differentially steering a hydraulically driven vehicle includes measuring left and right swash plate angles of pumps which drive left and right wheels of the vehicle and if the angles are different from one another and the larger swash plate angle is equal to or exceeds a threshold value then reducing the larger swash plate angle. If the larger swash plate angle is between the threshold value and a lower limit, or below the lower limit the swash plate angle is increased. Control systems and vehicles include swash plate angle sensors and actuators in communication with a controller which effects the steering control method.

Abstract: A method of differentially steering a hydraulically driven vehicle includes measuring left and right swash plate angles of pumps which drive left and right wheels of the vehicle and if the angles are different from one another and the larger swash plate angle is equal to or exceeds a threshold value then reducing the larger swash plate angle. If the larger swash plate angle is between the threshold value and a lower limit, or below the lower limit the swash plate angle is increased. Control systems and vehicles include swash plate angle sensors and actuators in communication with a controller which effects the steering control method.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a steering system useful for providing stable control during rear axle steering of harvesters, such as self-propelled windrowers. The steering system utilizes left and right-hand side drive motors, and allows for hydraulic fluid to flow between the left and right-hand side drive motors through crossover lines to regulate a speed differential between wheels when the steering system is actuated into a rear axle steering operation mode.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a steering system useful for providing stable control during rear axle steering of harvesters, such as self-propelled windrowers. The steering system utilizes left and right-hand side drive motors, and allows for hydraulic fluid to flow between the left and right-hand side drive motors through crossover lines to regulate a speed differential between wheels when the steering system is actuated into a rear axle steering operation mode.

Abstract: A shroud for the rearward periphery of the cutter knives on a rotary disc cutterbar that creates a floor surface slightly above and adjacent to the rotating plane of the knives thereby reducing the tendency for cut crop material to fall into contact with the knives along the rearward periphery of the cutterbar.

Abstract: An autoguidance interface for a hydraulic steering system for a differential steered self-propelled agricultural windrower, windrower speed and direction controlled by adjustment to a control input shaft to control the output of a pair of tandem-mounted hydraulic drive pumps and provide motive power for the windrower. The control input shaft is rotatable and axially moveable. A hydraulic steering motor is operably connected to the input shaft to effect control input shaft rotation. Rotation of the hydraulic steering motor is selectively managed by a steering control valve attached to a cab-mounted windrower steering wheel or a proportional steering valve managed by the autoguidance system. A selector valve controls the active steering input. An emergency disengagement positions the selector valve to restore manual control by the steering wheel.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for positioning an actuator managing the pivotal position of rotatable pintel arms controlling the output of a pair of tandem-mounted hydraulic drive pumps providing motive power for an agricultural machine. The pumps are resiliently connected to the machine main frame, permitting relative movement to reduce vibration transmission to the main frame. A mounting bracket connected to the drive pumps provides a fixed connection for a first end of the actuator while the opposing second end is connected by an axially moveable linkage to the pintel arms. A common anchorage for the actuator and the pintel arms eliminates unintended pintel arm movement that occurs when anchoring the end of the actuator on the main frame.

Abstract: A steering system for a differential steered self-propelled agricultural windrower, windrower speed and direction controlled by adjusting the pivotal position of rotatable pintel arms to control the output of a pair of tandem-mounted hydraulic drive pumps and provide motive power for the windrower. A control input shaft that is both rotatable and axially moveable manages the relative positioning of the pintel arms. A hydraulic steering motor is operably connected to the input shaft. Rotation of the hydraulic steering motor is managed by a steering control valve attached to a cab-mounted windrower steering wheel.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for positioning an actuator managing the pivotal position of rotatable pintel arms controlling the output of a pair of tandem-mounted hydraulic drive pumps providing motive power for an agricultural machine. The pumps are resiliently connected to the machine main frame, permitting relative movement to reduce vibration transmission to the main frame. A mounting bracket connected to the drive pumps provides a fixed connection for a first end of the actuator while the opposing second end is connected by an axially moveable linkage to the pintel arms. A common anchorage for the actuator and the pintel arms eliminates unintended pintel arm movement that occurs when anchoring the end of the actuator on the main frame.

Abstract: A steering system for a differential steered self-propelled agricultural windrower, windrower speed and direction controlled by adjusting the pivotal position of rotatable pintel arms to control the output of a pair of tandem-mounted hydraulic drive pumps and provide motive power for the windrower. A control input shaft that is both rotatable and axially moveable manages the relative positioning of the pintel arms. A hydraulic steering motor is operably connected to the input shaft. Rotation of the hydraulic steering motor is managed by a steering control valve attached to a cab-mounted windrower steering wheel.

Abstract: An autoguidance interface for a hydraulic steering system for a differential steered self-propelled agricultural windrower, windrower speed and direction controlled by adjustment to a control input shaft to control the output of a pair of tandem-mounted hydraulic drive pumps and provide motive power for the windrower. The control input shaft is rotatable and axially moveable. A hydraulic steering motor is operably connected to the input shaft to effect control input shaft rotation. Rotation of the hydraulic steering motor is selectively managed by a steering control valve attached to a cab-mounted windrower steering wheel or a proportional steering valve managed by the autoguidance system. A selector valve controls the active steering input. An emergency disengagement positions the selector valve to restore manual control by the steering wheel.

Abstract: A shroud for the rearward periphery of the cutter knives on a rotary disc cutterbar that creates a floor surface slightly above and adjacent to the rotating plane of the knives thereby reducing the tendency for cut crop material to fall into contact with the knives along the rearward periphery of the cutterbar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing improved lubrication of a spline connection between a PTO driver and a bevel gearbox in which lubricant from the bevel gear housing is directed to a location above and radially outwardly from the splined connection and the apparatus then directs the lubricant flow toward the splined connection by force of gravity. The apparatus is configured to be self-aligning when installed in an existing receptacle in the gearbox housing thereby enabling the apparatus to be conveniently installed in a housing designed to utilize gearbox lubricant to lubricate the splines.

Abstract: A method of gradually relieving pressure in a hydraulic system of a work machine, wherein a pump in fluid communication with the hydraulic system and a fluid reservoir, is operable for pressurizing fluid from the reservoir and pumping the pressurized fluid into the hydraulic system, wherein the pump is restrictive to fluid flow therethrough when not operating, and the hydraulic system includes at least one valve in fluid communication with the work element configured for receiving the pressurized fluid. The valve is controllably operable in at least two operating modes, including a first mode wherein the pressurized fluid can pass therethrough between the pump and the work element or elements, and a second mode wherein the fluid is prevented from passing between the pump and the work element.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlling height of a header of a work machine such as an agricultural windrowing machine or a harvesting machine, which includes height control cylinders jointly or individually operable for raising or lowering the opposite ends of a header to achieve a desired overall height or angle of tilt in relation to the surface of a field or pasture to be cut, and which allow the header to be raised, and lowered to the previously selected cut height, without changing the lengths of the cylinders, so as to be usable in combination with an optional header lift and/or float system.

Abstract: An improved shield panel for use in the top shield of a rotary disc cutterbar equipped mower that features a twin sheet, vacuum formed plastic panel with a steel frame that interfaces with existing hinge and mounting structures on the mower to enable the plastic shield panel to directly replace a steel shield panel. Stiffening ribs formed into the plastic shield provide the necessary strength for the shield panel while the resiliency of the plastic material enables the plastic shield panel to better withstand impacts from flying debris generated from cutterbar operation. Molded receptacles in the exterior surface of the shield panels are configured to receive connectors for the mower front shield curtain and any stiffening members necessary for attachment to the mower. The predominate use of plastic reduces weight and lowers production costs compared to a comparable steel panel with a plastic protective liner.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting impending failure of a component of a disc cutterhead of a cutterbar of a plant cutting machine, the components will generate at least one indicator of an impending failure thereof, utilizing a plurality of sensors distributed among the cutterheads, each of the sensors being configured and operable for sensing at least one of the indicators of impending failure and outputting signals representative thereof to a controller automatically operable for processing the signals, to enable identifying an individual location or one of the cutterheads in which an impending failure of one or more of the components is present, and outputting a signal representative thereof to a warning device. The indicators can include, but are not limited to, temperature, sound, and vibration. The controller is also operable for determining comparative threshold values for the indicators, to adapt to changing conditions and norms.

Abstract: An improved modular disc cutterhead connecting drive shaft configuration having a means for laterally centering the shaft between adjacent cutterhead modules thereby equalizing engagement on each end of the shaft with the module connectors. Further durability improvement is realized by a structure to radially center the shaft in the shaft receptacles of each module to maintain uniform loading on the shaft/receptacle interface which improves the durability of the connecting drive shaft end connections. Additional connecting shaft durability is provided by a means to lubricate the drive shaft connector connecting interfaces using lubricant reservoirs disposed within the modules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing improved lubrication of a spline connection between a PTO driver and a bevel gearbox in which lubricant from the bevel gear housing is directed to a location above and radially outwardly from the splined connection and the apparatus then directs the lubricant flow toward the splined connection by force of gravity. The apparatus is configured to be self-aligning when installed in an existing receptacle in the gearbox housing thereby enabling the apparatus to be conveniently installed in a housing designed to utilize gearbox lubricant to lubricate the splines.