Abstract:
A crop harvesting machine has a mobile frame which includes a main frame portion supporting a harvesting header along a forward side thereof and a mobile auxiliary frame portion supporting the main frame portion in overlying relation and pivotal in relation thereto about a vertical axis. When the machine is in its field operating orientation, the auxiliary frame portion aligns the main frame portion and header in transverse relationship to the forward direction of machine movement. The machine further has an elongated draft member pivotally mounted about a vertical axis at a central location along the main frame portion and extending longitudinally forward over the header to a forward end adapted for securement to a towing tractor. Conversion of the machine to a road transporting orientation involves: first, actuation of controls for elevating the machine with respect to the field and; then, in coordinated fashion, pivoting the auxiliary frame portion and draft member relative to the main frame portion so as to realign the main frame portion and header generally parallel to the draft member and the forward direction and transverse to the auxiliary frame portion.
Abstract:
A self-propelled agricultural harvesting machine has a link-type suspension mounting a crop cutting header on a tractor. The suspension comprises two spaced suspension assemblies each having upper and lower links and suspension springs supporting the header in cooperation with ground engaging skid shoes and moving the header on variations in ground level so that cut crops are discharged against the windrow- or swath-forming means underneath the tractor at substantially the same location and having deflection means for smoothly guiding end discharged crops from the long conditioning rolls to the narrower windrow and swath forming means.
Abstract:
A mowing device comprising a frame structure, a split sickle mounted in the frame structure and drive means disposed on either side of said frame structure for independently driving each of said sickle halves so that the knife elements fixed to the sickle bars cut crop materials directed thereto across the entire length of the sickle.