Abstract: A system for modifying a boundary of operation of a machine has a change in terrain sensor system. A controller determines a change in terrain based at least in part upon a change in terrain signal. If the change in terrain exceeds a threshold, the controller modifies the boundary of operation of the machine. A method is also provided.

Abstract: In a sickle cutting apparatus including a row of stationary knife guards and a sickle bar with a row of blade sections for reciprocating movement mounted thereon, each of the blade sections is simply removable from the sickle bar for replacement by mounting a rear plate portion on the sickle bar where each of the rear plate portions has a pair of holes bolted to mating holes in the bar and each hole in the blade is connected to an associated slot extending rearwardly in the rear plate portion from the hole to a rear edge. In this way the blade section can be pulled forwardly by loosening the bolt and sliding the bolt along the slot until the blade is released. A circular counter-bore in the blade section receives a nut when tightened to hold the blade section in place. The system can be used with pointed guards or stub guards.

Abstract: In a sickle cutting system, it has been found that a significant increase in ground speed while maintaining an acceptable level of cutting efficiency as measured by the average stubble length can be obtained by a combination of one or more of the features where the cutting stroke is reduced from the conventional length of 3.0 inches to a value of the order of 2.0 inches; the length of the cutting edge of each knife blade is increased to a length greater than 2.2 inches; the width at the rear of the ledger surface of each guard is increased to greater than 1.0 inches; and the front edge of the blade is formed with an apex to shed crop material to one or other side of the apex.

Abstract: In a sickle cutting system, it has been found that a significant increase in ground speed while maintaining an acceptable level of cutting efficiency as measured by the average stubble length can be obtained by a combination of one or more of the features where the cutting stroke is reduced from the conventional length of 3.0 inches to a value of the order of 2.0 inches; the length of the cutting edge of each knife blade is increased to a length greater than 2.2 inches; the width at the rear of the ledger surface of each guard is increased to greater than 1.0 inches; and the front edge of the blade is formed with an apex to shed crop material to one or other side of the apex.

Abstract: A guard for a sickle of an agricultural plant cutting machine includes a forwardly extending finger including a longitudinally extending, upwardly facing surface extending over the sickle, which includes a rearwardly facing air discharge nozzle therein located above and/or forwardly of the sickle, and the finger includes an air flow passage extending internally therethrough from an air inlet adjacent to a base of the finger to the nozzle, for delivering a flow of pressurized air thereto, the nozzle being at least mostly flush with or recessed into the upwardly facing surface. As a result, the nozzle is operable for discharging the flow of air rearwardly over the finger without obstructing plant material flow thereover, the air flow being sufficient to blow at least a substantial amount of loose grain and other plant material located forwardly of the front edge of a header floor of the machine, onto the floor for collection by a conveyor of the header for processing.

Abstract: A forged sickle bar hold-down formed with a reduced transverse cross-sectional area and a first hole therethrough positioned toward the rear end of the hold-down is disclosed. The hold-down includes a second hole therethrough positioned between the reduced cross-sectional area and the first hole. In use, an attachment bolt is positioned through the first hole and a support bar and rigidly affixed thereto. A threaded adjustment bolt is inserted through the second hole and the support bar to selectively draw down on that portion of the hold-down forward of the reduced transverse cross-sectional area and thereby flex the forward portion of the hold-down which includes an elongated finger-like body portion with a knife section facing area.

Abstract: An arrangement for reducing soybean losses in soybean headers, includes a plurality of retainers which may be engaged to a tray edge and each retainer comprises a plate having a substantially planar central portion ending at a lower end which is curved downwardly forming a rounded flange from which a portion providing two grooves is projected, and arranged at a slightly offset angle with respect to the central portion and the upper end of which is folded upwardly at an angle of approximately 45° from the central portion.

Abstract: A sickle bar hold-down formed with a protruding ridge across the lower rear end is disclosed. The hold-down is generally an elongate member having a finger-like front portion and an opposing rectangular rear portion with means for affixing the member to a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a raised rectangular step above which the rear portion of the hold-down is positioned, with the protruding ridge adapted to fit over the step such that the protruding ridge overhangs the step and properly aligns the finger-like front portion of the hold-down with the knife sections of the sickle bar.

Abstract: A sickle bar hold-down formed with a protruding ridge across the lower rear end is disclosed. The hold-down is generally an elongate member having a finger-like front portion and an opposing rectangular rear portion with means for affixing the member to a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a raised rectangular step above which the rear portion of the hold-down is positioned, with the protruding ridge adapted to fit over the step such that the protruding ridge overhangs the step and properly aligns the finger-like front portion of the hold-down with the knife sections of the sickle bar.

Abstract: A forged sickle bar hold-down formed with a reduced transverse cross-sectional area and a first hole therethrough positioned toward the rear end of the hold-down is disclosed. The hold-down includes a second hole therethrough positioned between the reduced cross-sectional area and the first hole. In use, an attachment bolt is positioned through the first hole and a support bar and rigidly affixed thereto. A threaded adjustment bolt is inserted through the second hole and the support bar to selectively draw down on that portion of the hold-down forward of the reduced transverse cross-sectional area and thereby flex the forward portion of the hold-down which includes an elongated finger-like body portion with a knife section facing area.

Abstract: A stud plate is disclosed comprising a steel plate with two spaced-apart threaded stainless steel studs stud-welded thereto. In use, the stud plate has two forged sickle bar hold-downs attached thereto such that a nut on the studs may be selectively tightened to flex a portion of the hold-down and thus adjust the spatial relationship between the hold-down and a knife section.

Abstract: Harvesting machine reaping systems with crop lifters have a bed plate (1) with projecting reaping fingers (2). A support bar (5) has a first end (8) and a second end (9). The first end (8) attaches on the bed plate (1). The second end (9) of the support bar (5) is connected to a grain lifter (10). A holder (11) is attached on the support bar (5) between the first end (8) and the second end (9). A retainer, for example a pin (17) and pairs of bores, are arranged on the holder (11). The bores are distanced to the support bar (5). The pin (17) is insertable into the bores of one of the pairs of bores. The holder (11), together with the retainer (17), are arranged to form a free motion gap. Thus, the support bar can approach the reaping finger (2) or its tip (16). The support bar (5) is rigidly formed, with respect to flexure, in the area between the second end (9) and the holder (11). The support bar (5) is elastically formed, with respect to flexure, in the area between the holder (11) and the first end (8).

Abstract: Crop harvesting headers include a sickle knife having a cutter bar defining a flange projecting forwardly from the header frame structure and extending across the header frame structure with a plurality of knife guards mounted on the cutter bar at spaced positions thereon so as to project forwardly therefrom. Each knife guard has at least one guard carrier lug for attachment to the flange by a bolt passing through a hole in the lug and a corresponding hole in the flange with a head on one end of the bolt and a nut on the other end of the bolt for clamping the lug to the flange. On crop harvesting headers of this type, it is often desirable to have the ability to change the knife guard angle to suit the crop and ground condition and this is obtained by providing a first elongate bar type shim located between the lug and the flange and a second shim located on the bolt.

Abstract: Sickle cutting systems of the type used in mowers and other harvesting machines. A sickle is shown consisting of 1½ inches blade spacing with serrated or smooth knife sections, a knifeback bar and a knife head, a plurality of knife or sickle guards with alternate long and short prongs or fingers spaced at two inches of any number that are mounted to the support bar of a mower, harvesting machine, or the like and provide a cutting surface for the sickle, adjustable hold-down clips that hold the knife sections down to the cutting surface, and a driving mechanism with a three-inch stroke such as a wobble joint, a pitman type, or other device which can convert rotary motion to reciprocating motion. In a second embodiment, a staggered sickle cutting system is provided that demonstrates the benefits of the sickle cutting system with even greater efficiency and reduces sickle stress and vibration.

Abstract: A continuous chain link cutting mechanism for agricultural combines and the like, having a continuous chain comprised of interconnecting chain link sections, having alternate outwardly extending cutting blades comprising the top link of alternate sections, rock guard having blade receiving slit therein, recess for receiving a channel guide member, a polyethylene channel guide member in which the cutting chain moves in a continuous fashion, wherein the channel guide has a front top channel edge flush with the bottom of the rock guard slit. The rock guard is attached to an elongated attachment bar, and top guide, centered between alternating rock guard is affixed to the attachment bar.

Abstract: A grain lifter for a combine harvester mowing system with mowing fingers (2) has a carrier rail (6) that receives a fixing element (10). The fixing element (10) is connected to the carrier rail (6) which, in turn, secures the grain lifter to the mowing finger (2). The fixing element (10) includes a holding element (11) with two spaced arms (12, 12a). The tip of the mowing finger (2) can be introduced between the two arms. A locking lever (17) is supported on a pivot pin (16), between the two arms (12, 12a) of the holding element (11). The locking lever (17) has a first lever arm (18) with a supporting face (19). The supporting face (19) contacts the upper face (20) of the mowing finger (2). A second lever arm (21) of the locking lever (17) includes three engaging faces (22, 22a, 22b). A locking element, in the form of a leaf spring (25), is provided.

Abstract: A guard unit for agricultural cutting machine, such as those used by grass, cereals and vegetables cutting machines in general, having a cutting device composed by two transversal sweeps with their cogs facing forwards and arranged over the ground with a minimum separation. A fixed sweep is composed by the transversal alignment of a plurality of guards units mounted on a longitudinal-shaped holder; while the other sweep is mobile, also transversal, and it is composed by a plurality of triangular knives mounted on a longitudinal-shaped knife holder bar making swinging movements so that the cuts could be carried out by shearing.

Abstract: An assembly has a mowing finger 1 with a bottom part 4, a top part 5 and a blade gap 8 between the two. The cutter 3 rests on a support 6 of the bottom part 4. The cutter 3 is arranged in the blade gap 8 and is able to move to and fro. A holding-down element 14 is form-fittingly held at the top part 5 in the direction of movement of the cutter 3. The top part 5 projects into an aperture in the holding-down element 14. Via its supporting portion 15, the holding-down element 14 is supported under pre-tension against the blade 7 and holds the blade 7 relative to the support 6. The rear attaching ends 10, 11 of the bottom part 4 and of the top part 5, as well as the fixing portion 16 of the holding down-element 14, are jointly secured to the back bar 2 by a fixing bolt 13. Accordingly, the fixing conditions are simplified. Further, by being form-fittingly held, the holding-down element 14 is securely prevented against displacement relative to the top part 5.

Abstract: A cutter assembly for mowing apparatus comprises a sickle guard having individual guards which each consist of a guard body and an upper lip. The guard bodies are connected to a cutter bar via mounting pads. Each guard is provided with a rearward knife slot within which knife sections can move back and forth in a reciprocating manner. A hold-down member is provided to act against an upper face of a knife section, the hold-down member extending through the upper lip.

Abstract: The non-driving end of the cutterbar is provided with a specialized integral end guard section having a single guard and a body portion defining a slot for enclosing the reciprocating end knife section. The body portion is also provided with a rearwardly extending mounting portion.

Abstract: A grain stalk lifter attached to a conventional combine for use with grain stalks which are lying down. The grain stalk lifter includes a body having an upper lifting surface extending from a forward end upwards to a rear position above the cutting blades of the combine and further having a forward end provided with a skid for sliding on the ground surface. The body is connected through a spring to the blade guards of the combine to allow the skid to resiliently move upwards from the ground surface.

Abstract: A cutter assembly for a mowing apparatus having at least two guards. Each guard includes a guard body, a tine, and a knife slot for receiving a knife section. A connecting web connects the two guards. An upper trashbar is fixed between the two guards above the knife section. Extending from the upper trashbar is a hold-down member movable into contact with the knife section.

Abstract: A guard assembly (2) is used to protect the cutter blades (20, 21) of a cane cutter (10). The guard assembly includes a guard body (4) which is mounted to the cane cutter. A series of guard blades (6) are pivotally mounted to the guard body. The guard blades are shaped, sized and positioned to permit smaller diameter objects, such as a cane (18) of a grapevine to pass between the guard blades so to be severed by the cutter blades while preventing larger diameter objects, such as posts (26), stakes and the trunks of the grapevines, from passing between the guard blades, thereby protecting both the cutter blades and the larger diameter objects from damage.

Abstract: A sickle apparatus employing an endless cutter mechanism is provided wherein its modular construction allows the size of the apparatus to be readily tailored to variously sized equipment. A plastic liner is configured to engage the rollers of the roller drive chain as well as form a seal with a section of the traveling blades to reduce the incursion of debris into the mechanism. The blades have a positive angle of attack and are additionally configured to continually sweep out any debris from between sealing surfaces.

Abstract: A deflector cup coupled with a mower blade spindle for preventing material from accumulating around the spindle during operation, the deflector cup including a bottom wall having an opening within which the spindle is positioned, and a side wall extending upwardly from a radially outer edge of the bottom wall. A plurality of slots formed in the bottom wall extend radially outwardly from the opening and define finger portions between adjacent slots. The finger portions extend from the opening to the radially outer edge of the bottom wall and are of a size and shape strong enough to prevent the finger portions from deforming when the spindle is positioned within the opening. The finger portions and slots cause the side wall to deform elastically when the spindle is inserted into the opening.

Abstract: A crop harvester has bristle guards (39) mounted on the cutter bar (14) as crop lifters and to capture fruit lost by dehiscence during cutting. Each bristle guard is a set of laterally oriented bristles (44). Dehisced fruit is swept into the header by a pickup reel (16) having bristle bats (74). The bristles (76) are supported on the leading side by a strip (78) of flexible belting. The belting protects the bristle against being cut by the cutter bar. The crops are supported against being pushed forward by the bristle bats (74) of the reel. The diameter is reduced to about one-half normal and the reel index in increased to provide an aggressive reel operation, ensuring that plants are properly engaged in the bristle guards for cutting.

Abstract: A sickle apparatus employing an endless cutter mechanism is provided wherein its modular construction allows the size of the apparatus to be readily tailored to variously sized equipment. Traveling blades are attached to the hollow pin drive chain by fasteners extending through the hollow pins to facilitate repair with a minimum of downtime. The use of liner material prevents a pivoting or twisting of the chain to stabilize the traveling blades while minimizing wear and tear. A positive attack of the traveling blade relative the fixed blade provides for a positive cutting action.

Abstract: There is provided a cutting section for a mower or a hedge trimmer. Such cutting section comprises a pair of elongate guide plates arranged at upper and lower positions respectively and secured at their rear ends on a transmission case of the mower, a pair of elongate cutter bars arranged one on top of another and received in a space formed between the pair of elongate guide plates, the rear end of each cutter bar being formed with a connecting portion projecting laterally and outwardly beyond the guide plates, and a pair of driving members arranged at upper and lower positions respectively and connected with the respective elongate cutter bars through the respective connecting portions, for reciprocatingly driving the elongate cutter bars by means of a crank mechanism.

Abstract: A cutter assembly for mowing apparatus comprises a sickle guard having individual guards which each consist of a guard body and an upper lip. The guard bodies are connected to a cutter bar via mounting pads. Each guard is provided with a rearward knife slot within which knife sections can move back and forth in a reciprocating manner. A hold-down member is provided to act against an upper face of a knife section, the hold-down member extending through the upper lip.

Abstract: Conventionally, knife guards for reciprocating cutter knives used on cutter-bar type implements are made from cast iron, forged steel, carbon steel, spring steel, malleable iron or steel or high grade alloy steel. Knife guards made of metal are not impact resistant, are not resilient and have a high level of friction between the guard and the cutter bar knives reciprocating therein which not only causes heavy wear to occur but also needs additional power to operate. The present device is injection molded from plastic and in particular, a polyimide resin such as glass filled, super tough nylon or a polyacetal based plastic resin with petroleum based lubricant bonded therewithin and can be formed in one, two or three prong configurations with or without ledger plates.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved cutter guard having means for positioning the guard in either a first position or a second position upon a respective cutter bar assembly. The positioning means includes a pair of partially overlapping openings aligned along an axis. The overlapping areas of the pair of openings define a reduced passageway which prohibits a bolt inserted into one of the openings from moving across the overlapping areas into the other opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutter finger for cutter bar mowers comprising a lower portion bolted at the end to the cutter bar and including a forwardly projecting cutter finger tip from which the upper portion of said finger extends to the rear thus forming the cutter blade slit and constituting together with said lower portion the counter edges for the mower knife wherein said upper portion of said finger is extended to, and supported at, and if necessary bolted at said cutter bar.