Abstract: An attachment system for attaching a crop saving accessory to a cutting header where the cutting header comprises a knife mounted along a lower front edge thereof and a discharge opening in a middle rear portion thereof. The header cuts plants and moves the plants laterally to the discharge opening where the plants move rearward through the discharge opening. The system comprises an accessory engagement mechanism on a rear portion of the crop saving accessory configured to engage a header engagement mechanism mounted on the cutting header. A first end of a tether is attached to the crop saving accessory and a second end of the tether is adapted for attachment to a tether location on the cutting header. The tether is configured such that when the accessory engagement mechanism is disengaged from the header engagement mechanism, the tether prevents the crop saving accessory from moving through the discharge opening.

Abstract: A crop lifter apparatus has a bracket for attachment to a header guard finger. A cylindrical groove in a front portion of the mounting bracket has an axis perpendicular to a travel direction and a lock bolt hole is defined through the mounting bracket at the groove. The rear of a finger support member has a cylindrical wall engaged in the groove, and defines a cylindrical lock aperture with an axis coincidental with the axis of the groove. A slot in the rear of the support member is oriented perpendicular to the axis of the lock aperture. A lock cylinder is engaged in the lock aperture and a lock bolt extends through the lock bolt hole and the slot and into the lock cylinder and is tightened to secure the support member to the mounting bracket at a selected finger angle. A length of the lifting finger may be adjustable.

Abstract: A crop lifter apparatus has a base member attached to a selected guard finger of a cutting header. A front lifting finger extends forward and downward from the base member at a first angle downward from horizontal, and a rear lifting finger extends rearward and upward from the base member at second angle upward from horizontal, where the second angle is greater than the first angle. A front end of the front lifting finger is at a front vertical location that is a first distance below a top surface of the table, and a rear end of the rear lifting finger is at a rear vertical location that is a second distance above the top surface of the table, and the second distance is at least twice the first distance.

Abstract: A crop lifter for a mower of a harvesting machine has a support bar attachable to the mower. The support bar has a carrier. A lifter rod is detachably mounted on the carrier. The lifter rod is connectable at a multitude of positions to the carrier distanced in the longitudinal direction of the lifter rod, to the carrier.

Abstract: A crop lifter apparatus has a base member attached to a selected guard finger of a cutting header. A front lifting finger extends forward and downward from the base member at a first angle downward from horizontal, and a rear lifting finger extends rearward and upward from the base member at second angle upward from horizontal, where the second angle is greater than the first angle. A front end of the front lifting finger is at a front vertical location that is a first distance below a top surface of the table, and a rear end of the rear lifting finger is at a rear vertical location that is a second distance above the top surface of the table, and the second distance is at least twice the first distance.

Abstract: A crop lifter apparatus has a base member adapted to be attached to a cutting header guard finger about a lifter pivot axis. A plurality of lifter tips with different configurations are releasably attachable to the base member at a mounting position such that the attached lifter tip extends forward from the base member. A bias element is operative to exert a bias force on the base member urging a front portion of the base member forward of the lifter pivot axis to pivot downward about the lifter pivot axis, and the bias force urges the base member to bear against a stop. The tips can be configured to suit various conditions of soils and crops.

Abstract: A crop lifter for attachment to a cutting header includes a lifter member adapted for attachment to the header and a lifting finger attached to the lifter member by a quick-attach mechanism such that a leading end of the lifting finger is ahead of and below the knife. The lifting finger is structurally weak compared to the lifting member such that the lifting finger will readily move when striking an obstruction, thereby preventing damage to the lifter member or header. The crop lifter or similar crop accessory can have a latch member at a rear end thereof, and a cooperating latch member attached to the header. The accessory latches to the header and a releasable latch lock prevents forward movement of the accessory that would disengage the latch.

Abstract: A crop lifter for a mower of a harvesting machine has a support bar attachable to the mower. The support bar has a carrier. A lifter rod is detachably mounted on the carrier. The lifter rod is connectable at a multitude of positions to the carrier distanced in the longitudinal direction of the lifter rod, to the carrier.

Abstract: A crop lifter apparatus is provided that is adapted for attachment to a cutting header. The apparatus can have a guard member having a slot passing through it, a latch member pivotally attached at a first end to the guard member and having an aperture for receiving a guard bolt on the cutting header, the aperture passing through a side edge of the latch member, a ski member operatively attached to the guard member, and a lifting arm attached to the ski member. To attach the crop lifter apparatus to a cutting header, the crop lifter can be positioned on the guard bolt with the guard bolt extending into the slot in the guard member. The latch can then be pivoted so that the aperture in the latch is positioned on the guard bolt or spool. This can attach the crop lifter apparatus securely to the cutting header.

Abstract: A crop lifter apparatus has a base member adapted to be attached to a cutting header guard finger about a lifter pivot axis. A plurality of lifter tips with different configurations are releasably attachable to the base member at a mounting position such that the attached lifter tip extends forward from the base member. A bias element is operative to exert a bias force on the base member urging a front portion of the base member forward of the lifter pivot axis to pivot downward about the lifter pivot axis, and the bias force urges the base member to bear against a stop. The tips can be configured to suit various conditions of soils and crops.

Abstract: A guard finger attachment apparatus for attaching a crop accessory to a cutting header where guard bolts attaching guards to the header are offset from guard fingers of the guards where the crop accessory is adapted for engagement with a header attachment member and a guard finger when the header attachment member is aligned with the guard finger. The apparatus includes a plate attachable to the header by guard bolts, and header engagement members attached to the plate and configured such that when the plate is attached to the guard bolts, the header engagement members are aligned with corresponding guard fingers.

Abstract: A seed pan apparatus for attachment to a cutting header having a knife and cooperating knife guards mounted along a lower front edge thereof includes a seed pan adapted at a front portion thereof for attachment to a guard finger such that when attached, the seed pan extends upward and rearward from a front portion of the seed pan forward of the guard finger over the guard finger and knife to a rear end thereof located rearward of the knife. Side walls extend upward from side edges of the seed pan, and side edges of the seed pan diverge from a front end to the rear end. The seed pan is configured such that when the seed pan is attached to the guard finger, side edges of the seed pan are located between the attached guard finger and an adjacent guard finger on each side.

Abstract: A crop lifter for attachment to a cutting header includes a lifter member adapted for attachment to the header and a lifting finger attached to the lifter member by a quick-attach mechanism such that a leading end of the lifting finger is ahead of and below the knife. The lifting finger is structurally weak compared to the lifting member such that the lifting finger will readily move when striking an obstruction, thereby preventing damage to the lifter member or header. The crop lifter or similar crop accessory can have a latch member at a rear end thereof, and a cooperating latch member attached to the header. The accessory latches to the header and a releasable latch lock prevents forward movement of the accessory that would disengage the latch.

Abstract: A crop accessory apparatus comprises a header latch member adapted for attachment to a guard bolt on a cutting header such that a rear wall of the header latch member slopes rearward from a distal end thereof and toward the header. A crop accessory has an accessory latch member at a rear end thereof comprising a spring element defining an aperture and biased toward the header, wherein during engagement the distal end of the header latch member moves into the aperture and a rear edge of the aperture is urged down the sloping rear wall and rearward, urging the accessory rearward into closer engagement with the header. A lateral retention groove in the sloping rear wall is operative to prevent the rear edge of the aperture in the spring element from sliding up and off the header latch member.

Abstract: A crop lifter for attachment to a cutting header includes a lifter member adapted for attachment to the header and a lifting finger attached to the lifter member by a quick-attach mechanism such that a leading end of the lifting finger is ahead of and below the knife. The lifting finger is structurally weak compared to the lifting member such that the lifting finger will readily move when striking an obstruction, thereby preventing damage to the lifter member or header. The crop lifter or similar crop accessory can have a latch member at a rear end thereof, and a cooperating latch member attached to the header. The accessory latches to the header and a releasable latch lock prevents forward movement of the accessory that would disengage the latch.

Abstract: A crop accessory apparatus comprises a header latch member adapted for attachment to a guard bolt on a cutting header such that a rear wall of the header latch member slopes rearward from a distal end thereof and toward the header. A crop accessory has an accessory latch member at a rear end thereof comprising a spring element defining an aperture and biased toward the header, wherein during engagement the distal end of the header latch member moves into the aperture and a rear edge of the aperture is urged down the sloping rear wall and rearward, urging the accessory rearward into closer engagement with the header. A lateral retention groove in the sloping rear wall is operative to prevent the rear edge of the aperture in the spring element from sliding up and off the header latch member.

Abstract: A flexing crop lifter apparatus includes a finger recess portion configured to receive a forward end of a guard finger, and a securing portion is adapted for attachment to the cutting header. A ski mounting plate extends rearward and downward from the finger recess portion under an attached guard finger. A ski member is attached at a rear end thereof to a rear end of the ski mounting plate and extends forward under the ski mounting plate and curves upward at a front end thereof. A lifting arm extends rearward from the front end of the ski member back and over a knife of the cutting header when the apparatus is attached to the guard finger. The ski member and the ski mounting plate are configured to flex.

Abstract: A crop lifter for harvesting machine reaping systems with reaping fingers (2). The crop lifter (2) has a support bar (6). An attachment element (10) is mounted on, and connected to the support bar (6). The attachment element (10) retains the crop lifter on the reaping finger (2) in different alignment positions. The attachment element (10) comprises a holding element (11) with two distanced legs (12). The tip of the reaping finger (2) can be inserted between the legs (12). A retaining lever (16) is supported between the two legs (12) on a pivot pin (15). The retaining lever (16) has a first lever arm (17) with an adjusting screw (20). The adjustment screw (20) can be brought into contact with the upper side of the reaping finger (2). A second lever arm (18) of the retaining lever (16) has two retaining faces (24, 24a). A retaining element, in the form of a leaf spring (25) has a front face (26).

Abstract: A crop lifter for a harvesting machine reaping system with a bed plate (1) and projecting reaping fingers (2) has an elastically bendable support bar (5) with a first end (6) and a second end (7). The first end (6) is adapted to be retained on the bed plate (1). A grain lifter is connected to the second end (7) of the support bar (5). A holder (10), which has legs (15, 16), projects from the face of the support bar (5) facing the grain lifter (8). The holder (10) is adapted to receive the reaping finger (2) between the legs (15, 16). A holding mechanism is adapted to support the reaping finger (2) in a direction towards the support bar (5). The support bar (5) includes an area with a bend (13), which opposes the portion adapted to receive the reaping finger (2) taken up by the holder (10). The portions (18, 19) on both sides of the bend 13 enclose an angle opening towards the grain lifter (8).

Abstract: The invention relates to a crop lifter for harvesting machine reaping systems with reaping fingers (2). The crop lifter (2) has a support bar (6). An attachment element (10) is mounted on, and connected to the support bar (6). The attachment element (10) retains the crop lifter on the reaping finger (2) in different alignment positions. The attachment element (10) comprises a holding element (11) with two distanced legs (12). The tip of the reaping finger (2) can be inserted between the legs (12). A retaining lever (16) is supported between the two legs (12) on a pivot pin (15). The retaining lever (16) has a first lever arm (17) with an adjusting screw (20). The adjustment screw (20) can be brought into contact with the upper side of the reaping finger (2). A second lever arm (18) of the retaining lever (16) has two retaining faces (24, 24a). A retaining element, in the form of a leaf spring (25) has a front face (26).

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). Retaining means, 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 retaining means (17), are arranged such that a gap of free motion is formed. 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).

Abstract: A crop lifter for a harvesting machine reaping system with a bed plate (1) and projecting reaping fingers (2) has an elastically bendable support bar (5) with a first end (6) and a second end (7). The first end (6) is adapted to be retained on the bed plate (1). A grain lifter is connected to the second end (7) of the support bar (5). A holder (10), which has legs (15, 16), projects from the face of the support bar (5) facing the grain lifter (8). The holder (10) is adapted to receive the reaping finger (2) between the legs (15, 16). A holding means is adapted to support the reaping finger (2) in a direction towards the support bar (5). The support bar (5) includes an area with a bend (13), which opposes the portion adapted to receive the reaping finger (2) taken up by the holder (10). The portions (18, 19) on both sides of the bend 13 enclose an angle opening towards the grain lifter (8).

Abstract: A crop lifter is described that combines the lifting ability of a conventional lifter with the sickle protecting qualities of a sickle guard. Crop-lifting surfaces in the combination lifter and guard extend from a forward end of an extended guard finger to a rearward end located substantially above a sickle knife slot and substantially rearward of a leading edge of the knife slot. This arrangement has been found to reduce crop loss. Some versions of the combination lifter and guard include a crop-holding surface that prevents crop loss by preventing grain from spilling backward or off the front end of a cutter bar.

Abstract: A crop stalk guide cutterbar extension for use on a crop stalk guide attachment to a crop gathering header cutterbar includes a plurality of mounting bars, guide bars and braces which provide a plurality of assembled units for mounting to and forwardly of the crop stalk guide attachment. Each assembled unit of the extension is formed by one of the mounting bars, one of the guide bars and one of the braces. Each mounting bar is attached to and extends forwardly from a support framework of the crop stalk guide attachment and each guide bar overlies one mounting bar and has a forward end attached on a leading end of the mounting bar. The guide bar is supported by one of the braces disposed between the guide bar and corresponding mounting bar to extend inclined upwardly and rearwardly from the forward end to a rearward end overlying and spaced above a leading end of one of the guide plates of the crop stalk guide attachment.

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: Conventionally, such lifters are relatively long and cause problems with control of the header and proper lifting of the crops without shattering or shelling occurring. The present lifter is relatively short and is bolted to the header using one the bolts attaching the knife guard to the header. The head is floating so that the lifter rides just on the surface and just in front of the guard so that it picks up the crop and lifts them over the knife assembly and onto the header.

Abstract: Disclosed is a crop finger extension for knife-finger guards of harvesting machines. The crop finger extension is detachably mountable on a crop finger body having an underside and an outer end. The crop finger extension includes a body portion having an upper surface with a forward end and a rearward end. A recess is provided in the body portion adjacent the rearward end of the upper surface to snugly receive the outer end of the crop body. A rearward extension extends rearwardly of the recess on the underside thereof and is adapted to locate against the underside of the finger body. The rearward extension is provided with first means engagable with corresponding second means on the finger body to lock the finger extension in position on the finger body. A crop finger is also disclosed.

Abstract: Flexible and resilient knock-on extension fingers of polymeric material, the extension fingers being provided with surfaces which partly envelop the metal fingers of a comb, and also with latch surfaces which engage latching abutment surfaces which are fixed with respect to those comb fingers.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting crops ahead of a harvesting machine which includes a mounting bracket and a pick-up bar pivotally connected by a linkage, and a guide frame for guiding the rear portion of the pick-up bar so that as the pick-up bar swings backward in relation to said mounting bracket, a front end portion of the pick-up bar is lifted. An alternate linkage adjustable in length is also disclosed. An adjustable abutment limits the forwardmost position of said pick-up bar, defining a normal operating position of the apparatus. The apparatus is arranged and constructed so that gravitational forces acting on the pick-up bar will always urge the pick-up bar toward the forwardmost position. The pick-up bar includes a smooth lower surface defining a runner for traveling in close proximity to the ground.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for use in conjunction with a grain combine and adapted to lift the milo from a flattened position near the ground upwardly so that it may be processed by the combine wherein the auxiliary device includes a front runner assembly adapted to ride along the surface of the ground in front of the combine and a plurality of rod elements extending upwardly and radially outwardly with respect to each other from the front runner to pass the milo upwardly and into the combine, the auxiliary device being pivotally attached to the front of the combine so that it freely moves vertically to adapt to the surface conditions over which it is moving.

Abstract: An attachment arm pivotally mounted on a combine to project forwardly from below the sickle cutter for limited vertical swinging movement to accommodate ground surface irregularities, wherein the arm is detachably pivoted to an individual sickle guard unit by structure spaced from and independent of the detachable connection of the guard unit to the combine, whereby the sickle guard unit serves to couple the arm to the combine in addition to its customary function, and enables the arm to be pivotally secured to and removed from the combine without disturbing the connection of the guard unit to the combine.