Abstract: A reel assembly of a header for an agricultural vehicle. The reel assembly includes a pair of reel arms each comprising a first member and a second member pivotally connected to the first member, a reel movably connected to and positioned in between the second members of the reel arms, and a pair of actuators. Each actuator is operably connected in between the first member and the second member of a respective reel arm, the actuators are configured for pivoting the second members relative to the first members such that the reel is pivotable relative to the first members of the reel arms.

Abstract: A rotary vegetation cutting unit having: a frame having a drive shaft; at least one cutting element that moves with the frame; and a debris blocking assembly on the frame with a unitary part that moves relative to the frame in opposite directions around an operating axis. The unitary part is configured to deflect away from the at least one cutting element objects approaching the at least one cutting element in a radial direction. The rotary vegetation cutting unit further has a bearing assembly including: a) a bearing that guides movement between the unitary part and the shaft; and b) a holder for the bearing. The rotary vegetation cutting unit is configured so that any debris spaced radially from the rotary vegetation cutting unit is required to traverse a non-straight path to contact the bearing.

Abstract: A tensioner assembly for tensioning a belt including a moveable arm, a first tensioner pulley mounted to the moveable arm, and a second tensioner pulley mounted to the moveable arm. In a first position of the moveable arm corresponding to a forward drive configuration, the first tensioner pulley is positioned in contact with the belt while the second tensioner pulley is spaced apart from the belt. In a second position of the moveable arm corresponding to a reverse drive configuration, the second tensioner pulley is positioned in contact with the belt while the first tensioner pulley is spaced apart from the belt.

Abstract: A chopper drum assembly for a forage harvester including a chopper drum housing, a shear bar, a shear bar holder and a wear plate assembly. The chopper drum housing includes a first part and a wear plate assembly support surface. The shear bar holder is pivotally connected at a first end to the first part of the chopper drum housing and fixedly connected to the shear bar at a second end. A first end of the wear plate assembly is pivotally connected to the second end of the shear bar holder adjacent the shear bar, and a second end of the wear plate assembly is supported by the wear plate assembly support surface wherein, the wear plate support surface is arranged to be inclined to the horizontal.

Abstract: Mower (1), has a plurality of mowing elements (2), forming a mower bar (3), a roller conditioner (4), behind the mower bar (3), and an upper conditioning roller (5) and a lower conditioning roller (6), the lower conditioning roller (6) is rotatable about a lower, positionally fixed axis of rotation (8), wherein the upper conditioning roller (5) is rotatable about an upper, shiftable axis of rotation (9) that, as a result of shifting the upper axis of rotation (9), a gap (7) between the conditioning rollers (5, 6) is changeable, wherein the lower conditioning roller (6) and the upper conditioning roller (5) are coupled to each other via a scissors-like transmission (10), and wherein first and second transmission parts (11,12) are coupled to the lower conditioning roller (6) and the upper conditioning roller (5) respectively and are operatively connected to each other and are shiftable in a scissors-like manner.

Abstract: An elevator assembly for a harvester may include an elevator housing and an elevator extending within the elevator housing between a proximal end and a distal end. As such, the elevator may be configured to carry harvested crops between its proximal and distal ends. Furthermore, the elevator assembly may include a storage hopper extending from the elevator housing at a location adjacent to the distal end of the elevator. The storage hopper may include a conveyor extending within the storage hopper between a first end and a second end, with the conveyor configured to carry the harvested crops between its first and second ends towards a discharge opening of the storage hopper.

Abstract: Repaired combine augers are provided that can include: a central cylindrical object configured to support flighting extending about the central cylindrical object, wherein at least one portion of the flighting is damaged and defines non-linear portions, openings, and/or bent sections; and at least one semi-circular repair component bound to the portion to align with remainder of the flighting.

Abstract: A transportable agricultural combine header includes a frame and a wheel assembly attached to the frame. The wheel assembly includes: (a) at least one spindle to which a wheel is configured to be mounted; (b) a rotatable arm connected to and extending from the spindle; (c) a frame attachment structure attaching the at least one spindle and the rotatable arm to the frame; and (d) a suspension system interconnecting the rotatable arm and the frame attachment structure for reducing stress on the frame as the agricultural combine header is transported.

Abstract: A draper belt tensioning system having a frame having a first tensioner mount, a roller, and a first belt tensioner. The roller is movable along a lateral direction that is perpendicular to a roller rotation axis. The first belt tensioner is connected to the first roller end and selectively connectable to the first tensioner mount. The first belt tensioner includes a first travel stop configured to selectively abut the first tensioner mount with the first tensioner mount between the first travel stop and the first roller end, a first spring, and a first threaded connector configured to move the first roller end closer to and further from the first travel stop upon rotation of the threaded connector. The first travel stop, first spring and first threaded connector are removable from the first tensioner mount without disassembly from each other and without disassembly from the first roller end.

Abstract: A vertical crop divider knife is mounted at each end of the cutter bar of a header and stands upwardly from the end to cut crop tending to collect over the end divider. Each divider knife includes a drive linkage in the housing for communicating drive to the knife sickle bar. Each divider housing has a mounting assembly for coupling to a cooperating mounting assembly on the housing of the crop divider knife structure by which the crop divider knife structure is readily attachable to the crop divider housing using a hook coupling at the bottom and a latch at the top for operation and releasable from the crop divider housing when not required. The divider housing carries a hydraulic motor and a forwardly facing output coupling mounted on the divider housing which automatically meshes with an input coupling on the knife housing when the knife drive housing is installed.

Abstract: When using a cross auger assembly on a crop harvesting header with a flexible frame having end frame sections pivotal relative to a centre frame section, mounting devices are coupled between the bearing housings at opposing ends of the cross auger assembly and the outer ends of the end frame sections. Each mounting device includes a first mounting structure fixed relative to the outer end of the end frame section, a second mounting structure fixed to a portion of the respective bearing housing, and a flexible mounting arrangement between the mounting structures to accommodate variation in lateral positioning of the bearing housings relative to the ends of the flexible frame as the flexible frame flexes over varying ground contours without requiring a telescoping shaft arrangement on the cross auger assembly.

Abstract: A harvesting head has a middle section connected to a carrier device and at least one side section connected by an articulated connection to the middle section about which the side section pivots between a lower and an upper limit value. The carrier device has a height adjustment device whose adjusting movements are controlled by a control. The harvesting head has a sensor transmitting a sensor signal to the evaluation device at least upon pivoting of the side section when a limit value has been achieved during pivoting of the side section to the middle section. The evaluation device switches upon the presence of a corresponding sensor signal into a correction mode for height adjustment of the carrier device. The evaluation device outputs an adjusting signal in the correction mode to adjust the carrier device up or down by the evaluation device according to the sensor signal.

Abstract: A header is supported by a pair of hydraulic float cylinders, where a float pressure to the cylinders is directly controlled by an electronic control supplying a variable control signal to a PPRR valve arrangement to maintain the float pressure at a predetermined value. At the set pressure a predetermined lifting force is provided to the header. A position sensor is used to generate an indication of movement and/or acceleration and/or velocity. The electronic control is arranged, in response to changes in the sensor signal, to temporarily change the control signal to vary the lifting force and thus change the dynamic response of the hydraulic float cylinder. A lift force greater than that required to lift the header can be provided by a lift cylinder and can be opposed in a controlled manner to apply a controlled downforce by the back of the same cylinder or by a separate component.

Abstract: A dethatcher includes a frame having front and rear ends and a handle extending from the frame rear end. Wheels are coupled to the frame, and a cutting reel is housed in the frame. An engine is included for powering the cutting reel. In one embodiment, a bottom of the engine is below a top of the cutting reel when the cutting reel is in use. In another embodiment, the cutting reel is located between the engine and the frame front end. Another dethatcher has sequentially from a rear end: a handle, an engine, a cutting reel powered by the engine, and a bagger for collecting debris from the cutting reel.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis and a header. The header includes a cutter bar and a cutter bar feedback control system. The cutter bar is moveably connected to the header and has a first knife and a second knife. The cutter bar feedback control system is coupled to the cutter bar and is configured for selectively controlling a speed of the second knife. The cutter bar feedback control system includes a continuously variable transmission that is operably coupled to the second knife, a first sensor operably coupled to the first knife, a second sensor operably coupled to the second knife, and a controller in communication with the continuously variable transmission, the first sensor, and the second sensor. The controller is configured for controlling the continuously variable transmission to control the speed of the second knife such that the first knife and second knife synchronously reciprocate in opposing directions.

Abstract: An agricultural processing system including a chassis with a header coupled to the chassis. The header provides for the ingathering of agricultural product into the processing system. The header including a reel system having a plurality of arms rotationally coupled to the header. The plurality of arms include a first arm and a second arm. There is a cam track coupled to the header. The first link is pivotally coupled to the first arm and a roller is rotatably coupled to the first link, with the roller rollingly following the cam track. A tine bar is pivotally coupled to the second arm. The second link is pivotally coupled to both the first link and to the tine bar.

Abstract: A chopping module is provided that is designed for grasping and pulling plants by pushing them between a rotating knife set and chopping them into billets, wherein the rotating knife set has a cylindrical form with its length divided into at least two sections, wherein various cutting segments are distributed, each one extending itself in each lengthwise section formed between the discs wherein the segments of a section are lagged or are not lengthwise aligned to those of the adjacent section. This module is advantageous in that it allows for considerable reduction of the cutting forces or pressure, and consequently allows for smooth operation and considerably increased working life of the module.

Abstract: A crop harvesting machine with a cutter bar on a header frame has a height control system which uses depending sensor fingers arranged in contact with the ground so as to measure a height of the cutter bar above the ground. The sensor fingers are controllably retractable under actuation from an operator in the cab or automatically in response to prescribed conditions being met. The actuator used in retracting the sensor fingers can also be used to adjustably control ground pressure of the sensor fingers in the deployed position of the sensor fingers engaging the ground. The header height is adjusted using laterally spaced apart hydraulic linkages which can be operated at different elevations relative to one another responsive to different height signals relating height of opposing ends of the header frame relative to the ground to also control tilt of the header relative to the harvester frame.

Abstract: A combine draper header and method of floating a wing of the same from a center section of the draper header. The wing is movably supported with respect to the center section to enable movement of the wing between a first position and a second position. The wing is supported with respect to the center section with a resilient float element. Increasing amounts of energy are stored in the resilient float element through movement of the wing from the first position to the second position. The resilient float element is re-oriented with a float linkage to reduce the mechanical advantage of the resilient float element for supporting the wing through movement of the wing from the first position to the second position, thus buffering the wing from a force increase from the resilient float element.

Abstract: A header support for supporting a header during road transport of an agricultural harvester. The header support has a header mounted to it in order to reduce a front axle load of the agricultural harvester. During harvesting, a support wheel of the header support is folded upwardly so it does not touch the ground during harvesting. The rotation axis of the support wheel extends in a substantially vertical plane during harvesting. This allows for a simple construction of the header support and reduces the vibration loads on the bearing of the support wheel during harvesting.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including a chassis, a feeder housing supported by the chassis, and an attachment. The attachment includes a header coupled to the feeder housing. The header has a top support beam and a pair of lateral ends. The attachment also includes an auger that has an axis of rotation and is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation. The auger is pivotally connected to the header and is pivotable about a pivot axis. The auger is selectively pivotable between a stored position and an operating position such that in the stored position the auger does not obstruct a line of sight of an operator.

Abstract: A compact belt tensioner to be installed in draper harvesting headers that accommodates the flexing and twisting of the conveyor belts and generates a constant tension evenly distributed across the width of the conveyor belts. The tensioner performs an automatic belt tension without the operators intervention.

Abstract: A plain mower includes a plurality of rotary cutters for cutting a crop and a swathing unit for forming the cut crop material into a swath. The swathing unit includes an auger that rotates about an axis to transport crop material axially through the swathing unit. The swathing unit can be configured in a first configuration in which the crop material is ejected axially from the auger, and can be reconfigured in a second configuration in which the crop material is ejected radially from the auger.

Abstract: A header for an agricultural harvesting machine includes a cutting bar for cutting agricultural material, a first frame portion, a second frame portion, and a bracket assembly for pivotably coupling the second frame portion to the first frame portion. The first frame portion includes a conveyor for moving cut material and a pair of supports. The first frame portion also includes a pin extending between the supports and secured to the supports. The second frame portion includes a conveyor for moving cut material. The bracket assembly includes a first portion and a second portion removably coupled to the first portion such that the pin is positioned between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A chaff pan for attachment to a cleaning apparatus of an agricultural combine. The chaff pan includes a surface for receiving a flow of chaff from the cleaning apparatus. The surface has a proximal end proximate the combine and an opposing distal end. First and second side walls extend upwards from the surface about respective lateral ends of the chaff pan. The chaff pan also includes a flow control guide vane positioned on the surface of the chaff pan that extends from the proximal end to the distal end of the surface. The flow control guide vane is positioned on the surface at an angle relative to a midline of the chaff pan for directing the flow of chaff towards the midline of the chaff pan.

Abstract: An articulated harvesting head load sensor arrangement is provided that includes two harvesting head sections (102, 104, 106) that are coupled with a first pivot pin (162) that is a load pin.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting tines of a header includes a reel lift arm, a reel comprising a plurality of tines, a tine adjustment ring, and an actuator. The reel is operatively connected to the reel lift arm. The tine adjustment ring is may be operatively connected to the reel and the plurality of tines. The actuator is operatively connected to the reel lift arm and the tine adjustment ring.

Abstract: A finger for a crop gathering auger of a grain header for an agricultural combine, a forage harvester, or the like, the finger including a resilient elastomeric retainer retractor which spans a failure region of the finger and will retain a free end of the finger in connection with a mounting end thereof when the failure region is broken, and which is configured and operable for automatically retracting the broken off free end into an auger drum and retaining it therein during subsequent rotation of the drum for limiting potential damage from the broken end and preventing entry of the broken end into crop handling equipment of the combine or other machine.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a combine head includes a hub and a bearing received over a portion of the hub. The bearing defines a rotational axis of the hub. A plane passes radially through the bearing relative to the axis. A sprocket is coupled to the hub and is coaxial with the bearing. The sprocket has a plurality of teeth located around a perimeter of the sprocket, the plurality of teeth being located so that the plane passes radially through the plurality of teeth.

Abstract: A header for a harvesting machine having a frame, a cutterbar mounted on the frame operable to cut standing crop, the cutterbar being adjustable relative to the frame in a fore-and-aft direction, and a reel rotatably supported between a pair of reel arms pivotally mounted on the frame and operable to sweep crop material towards and over the cutterbar, a hydraulic cylinder extending between each reel arm and a corresponding side wall of said header frame to effect a generally vertical movement of said reel, comprising an interlock mechanism operably interconnecting the cutterbar and the hydraulic cylinder at each side of the header for adjusting the vertical position of the reel in response to a fore-and-aft movement of the cutterbar to maintain substantially constant the spacing and avoiding interference between the reel and the cutterbar.

Abstract: A cutting platform for use with an agricultural harvesting machine includes a first platform section and a second platform section pivotally coupled together about a first axis. A first reel and a second reel are positioned in end-to-end juxtaposed relation to each other above the first platform and the second platform. A reel support arm is positioned between and carries each of the first reel and the second reel. The reel support arm is movable toward and away from the first platform section and the second platform section.

Abstract: A reel for a cutting system for harvesting machines has a central carrier body (1) defining a longitudinal axis (2). The reel central carrier body has an outer face (7) between a first axial end A and a second axial end B. Several support elements (20) are arranged along the longitudinal axis (2) on the carrier body (1) distanced from each other and supporting tine carriers (21) arranged on a circle around the longitudinal axis (2). Clamping sleeves (3) have inner faces (6) adapted to the outer face (7) of the carrier body (1). The clamping sleeves enclose the outer face (7) in a circumferential direction and leave an axially extending slot (8) between a first circumferential end (9) and a second circumferential end (10), which ends delimit the slot (8). The support elements (20) are mounted on the clamping sleeves. A clamping mechanism (18) is arranged on each of the clamping sleeves (3) close to the first circumferential end (9) and the second circumferential end (10) of the clamping sleeve (3).

Abstract: A finger for a crop gathering auger of a grain header for an agricultural combine, a forage harvester, or the like, the finger including a resilient elastomeric retainer retractor which spans a failure region of the finger and will retain a free end of the finger in connection with a mounting end thereof when the failure region is broken, and which is configured and operable for automatically retracting the broken off free end into an auger drum and retaining it therein during subsequent rotation of the drum for limiting potential damage from the broken end and preventing entry of the broken end into crop handling equipment of the combine or other machine.

Abstract: A draper header for a combine harvester includes two side drapers each running from an outer end guide roller at a first end of the header to an inner end guide roller adjacent the discharge location of the header and a central feed draper located at the discharge location and including a front guide roller just behind the cutter bar and running to a rear guide roller in front of the feeder house of the combine harvester. An auger is located between the discharge rollers with a front edge of the flight forward of the rear end of the discharge rollers to feed the material inwardly and underneath the auger to the inlet of the feeder house. A pan member is located underneath the feed draper and is formed of a flexible polyethylene sheet which is tensioned between its front and rear edges by a front mounting strip which is spring mounted for up and down movement and a rear latch which can be released to allow the rear edge to be lowered.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine includes a feeder housing and a cutting platform attached to the feeder housing. The cutting platform includes at least one platform section, with each platform section having a frame, a cutterbar assembly at a leading edge of the platform section, and an excessive localized deflection indicator associated with the cutterbar assembly. One or more pairs of reel support arms are provided, with each pair associated with a corresponding reel. Each pair of reel support arms is movable toward and away from the cutterbar assembly, dependent upon a state of the excessive localized deflection indicator.

Abstract: A crop harvesting mechanism having a reel assembly with a reel that is rotatably supported at each end by a respective reel support. A reel carrier arm is provided for each of the reel supports and the supports are movable along the reel carrier arm. A horizontal adjustment actuator moves the reel support along the reel carrier arms over an adjustment range. The reel carrier arms are constructed with an upward or downward oriented curve, inside of the adjustment range over which the reel holding devices can be shifted by the actuator. The reel operates below a cutting bar in its forward position and in a position moved further back that is above and behind the cutting bar so that collisions are avoided.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header includes a cutter bar arranged across a forward edge, a draper or auger transport arrangement for transporting the cut crop, and a reel mounted on reel arms having a plurality of reel bats at spaced positions around the reel axis each reel bat having reel fingers projecting generally radially outwardly from the reel axis. Each bat is mounted for pivotal movement about its bat axis. At both ends of each bat is mounted a crop divider which pivots with the bat and is formed with a plate lying in a radial plane of the bat with angularly spaced fingers around the outer edge. A leading edge of the plate and front finger is convexly curved relative to the concave curve of the front edge of the finger and is angularly advanced relative to the leading edge of the adjacent fingers such that the rotating crop dividers on the reel co-operate with a stationary crop on the header to separate the cut crop from uncut crop passing alongside the end of the header.

Abstract: A pickup reel for a harvesting machine comprising a reel support and a first shaft rotatably supported by the reel support and extending along an axis transverse to the frame. A cam is supported by the reel support and defines a generally endless cam path extending about the first shaft. An arm extends radially from the first shaft and is rotatable with the first shaft. A second shaft is connected to the arm and supports a first tine and a second tine located on opposite axial sides of the cam. A cam follower is engageable with the cam and movable along the cam path. A crank arm assembly is connected between the cam follower and the second shaft. The rotation of the first shaft and movement of the cam follower along the cam path cooperate to cause the tips to move along the tip path.

Abstract: A draper header includes two side drapers each running from an outer end guide roller at a first end of the header to an inner end guide roller adjacent the discharge location of the header and a central feed draper located at the discharge location and including a front guide roller just behind the cutter bar and running to a rear guide roller in front of the feeder house of the combine harvester. An auger is located between the discharge rollers with a front edge of the flight forward of the rear end of the discharge rollers to feed the material inwardly and underneath the auger to the inlet of the feeder house. The feed draper carries cleats which are angled to the rollers in two sections converging to a central leading apex to reduce forces on the cleat as they pass over the front guide roller which is of reduced diameter to fit within a small space adjacent the cutter bar.

Abstract: A harvester, especially a combine-harvester, is proposed, comprising a pickup reel (2) held rotatably between supporting arms (1) and with a drive (3) for the pickup reel (2). In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions, the drive (3) is arranged within the pickup reel (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustment arrangement for a reel tine carrier (5) supporting reaping tines (8) for a cereal cutting device. The reaping tines (8) are mounted on rotational tine carriers (5). The adjustment is carried out around an adjustment axis (9). The reel rotates around an axis of rotation (2). To adjust the reaping tines (8), a first control curve (19) is kept stationary relative to the reel (1). Each tine carrier (5) is provided with a control lever (16). The control lever is pivotably supported on the reel (1). One end of the control lever is supported on the first control curve (19). A pulling mechanism (11) is provided for each control lever (16). The pulling mechanism (11) is attached to one end on the control lever (16) and is guided around a control disc (10) mounted on the tine carrier (5). The other end of the pulling mechanism is fixed to a spring element (14). The spring element is fixed on the holding star 4 of the reel.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header includes a cutter bar arranged across a forward edge of a header frame structure, a draper or auger transport arrangement for transporting the cut crop for further processing, and a reel mounted on reel arms for controlling movement of the crop in the area over the cutter bar with the reel having a plurality of reel bats at spaced positions around the reel axis each reel bat having reel fingers projecting generally radially outwardly from the reel axis, the reel bats all lying on a common bat circle around the reel axis so that rotation of the reel causes the reel bats to follow a path of movement lying on the bat circle. A non-circular stationary cam track surrounds the reel axis within the bat circle so that the end most fingers of the bats are located in line with the cam and immediately adjacent the end sheet.

Abstract: A pickup reel for a harvester. The harvester includes a harvesting platform including a frame having a front edge and a cutter bar extending along the front edge. The pickup reel includes a reel support supported by the frame, a first shaft rotatably supported by the reel support and extending along an axis transverse to the frame, an arm extending radially from and being rotatable with the first shaft, a second shaft supported by the arm and being generally parallel to and radially spaced from the first shaft, the second shaft being rotatable relative to and rotatable with the arm, and a plurality of tines supported by the second shaft for rotation with the second shaft, each of the plurality of tines having a tip, the tips being movable along a tip path during rotation of the first shaft.

Abstract: A conventional header of a combine is modified by the addition of a second sickle knife positioned rearwardly of the pan of the header. The second sickle knife is mounted on a bar which is connected to a pair of arms extending under the pan to a forward end pivotally mounted just behind the conventional sickle knife of the header. The arms and the second sickle knife can thus pivot upwardly and downwardly and are mounted on suspension springs carried on the frame of the header. A simple drive from the conventional shaft of the header is connected through a belt to a drive wobble box carried on the second sickle knife at a position partway along its length.