Abstract: A machine includes a prime mover having a power take-off, a chassis configured to support at least an operator and the prime mover, a subframe pivotally coupled to the chassis about a pivot axis at a first location, at least one drive device configured to drive wheels of the machine, a drive belt and pulley arrangement. The subframe is further coupled to the chassis via at least one suspension device at a second location. The at least one drive device is driven by the prime mover and is coupled to the subframe. The pulley arrangement is configured to direct the drive belt from the power take-off of the prime mover to at least one drive pulley on the at least one drive device. The pulley arrangement comprises an idler pulley having a diameter and a rotational axis. The idler pulley is coupled to the chassis such that the rotational axis is spaced from the pivot axis by no greater than 1.5 times the diameter.

Abstract: A compact row unit positioning structure includes a gear and mating toothed surface to positively position agricultural row units on an implement. An electric or hydraulic motor may be used to drive the gear and move row units individually or in groups to change row spacings, follow rows or move row units to a maintenance position. In one embodiment, position sensing structure such a row finder or GPS device connected to a controller operates the positioning structure. Automatic on-the-go row alignment may be implemented, and various row spacings, skip-row patterns or repair access positions may be provided either manually or automatically.

Abstract: A drive train for a header of a harvesting machine comprising a variable length drive shaft. The variable length drive shaft has a first end having a first hinged connection which is connected via a drive element with a first shaft. The variable length drive shaft has a second end having a second hinged connection that is operatively coupled to a driven element in driving connection with a drive shaft of the header. The drive shaft drives harvesting elements of the header. A connection element is arranged to align the drive element and the driven element at least approximately parallel to each other.

Abstract: Ground fires are contained by an apparatus such as a brush cutter that creates a fuelbreak. The brush cutter (10) includes a rearwardly positioned tractor (11) and a forwardly positioned cutter assembly (12) for cutting fuelbreaks through brush. The brush cutter renders cut brush into smaller pieces that lay substantially on the ground after cutting and that smolder when ignited while lying on the ground. Outboard rectilinear cutting blades (49 and 51) rotate in their forward arcs toward each other so as to urge the cut brush inwardly toward the adjacent blades for re-cutting. The leading skirt (31) of the cutter deck (30) engages and bends the taller brush in the direction of movement of the brush cutter before the lower portions of the brush are cut, thereby inducing the brush to fall in the path of the brush cutter, so that it is overrun by the brush cutter and chopped. The chopped brush is disposed along the path of cut brush, thereby providing a pathway through the uncut vegetation.

Abstract: A hydraulic reel drive wherein the reel motor is driven by a hydraulic pump, which is adjustable in a continuous manner and operates therewith in a closed oil circulating system. The advantage of this arrangement is that the reel always rotates uniformly independently of the instantaneous load thereon. Another advantage thereof is that by using a hydraulic pump, which is adjustable in a continuous manner, only that amount of oil is ever circulated as is required to drive the reel at a predetermined rotational speed.

Abstract: A drive system for a corn harvesting header assembly on a combine. A power take-off shaft on the front end of the combine feeder assembly is drivingly connected to the header assembly line shaft by a coupler shaft.

Abstract: A harvester drive system includes a main hexagonal cross shaft which may be either continuous or include short shaft sections joined by couplers. Row units are pivotally connected to a cross auger housing for pivoting about the axis of the cross shaft and can slide relative to the cross auger and the drive shaft to accommodate different row spacings. A slip clutch and bevel gear assembly, which slides on the cross shaft, drives each row unit and permits simple transverse adjustments of the units. A cross shaft extension is added if harvesting widths are needed which cannot be provided by the original shaft. Each row unit drive extends forwardly from the bevel gear, and a sturdy bearing mount arrangement connected to the row unit wall immediately adjacent the bevel gear maintains proper gear mesh.