Abstract: A work vehicle including a hitch assembly having a mechanism mounted thereon, with a warning device connected to the mechanism. The warning device comprises a status indicator operatively associated with the mechanism indicates the status of the mechanism by being displayed when the mechanism is in a first condition and not displayed when the mechanism is in a second condition. The warning device of the present invention displays the status indicator when the mechanism is in the unlocked condition and in an offset position. The status indicator of the present invention is not displayed when the mechanism is in the locked condition. As such, the present invention provides a method to actively warn the operator of the work vehicle of the status of the hitch without the operator having to inspect the hitch or dismounting from the cab of the work vehicle.

Abstract: An access ladder assembly for an agricultural machine having a body with an elevated operator's station. The ladder assembly includes a ladder that is mounted to the frame of the machine by a pivot mechanism that allows the ladder to be moved in either rotational direction about both a generally horizontal axis and a generally vertical axis. A locking mechanism releasably holds the ladder in an angularly adjusted position about both of these axes. A release mechanism conveniently located relative to the operator's station controls operation of the locking mechanism. The ladder assembly further includes rail structure carried by the ladder and movable about a generally vertical axis to either of two adjusted positions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a self-aligning coupling structure for releasably connecting a rear end of a feeder assembly to a frame of an agricultural harvester such as a combine and the like. The self-aligning coupling structure includes a pair of releasable couplings laterally spaced from each other on opposite sides of the feeder assembly and combine frame. Each releasable coupling includes first and second apertured coupling elements. One of the apertured coupling elements is provided on and extends from the combine frame while the other apertured coupling element is provided on and extends from a housing of the feeder assembly. The coupling elements each have complementary guide surfaces provided thereon.

Abstract: A cutterbar assembly for the header of an agricultural combine having a skid coextensive with the cutterbar but comprising individual skid segments. The knife guard likewise comprises individual segments positioned in aligned relationship with the skid segments, whereby the flexibility of the cutterbar is enhanced so that it is able to follow the contour of the ground without row sensitivity. The skid segments are corrugated to provide a more efficient strength to weight ratio.