A method is provided for assessing the cutting performance of a crop harvesting machine. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a plurality of consecutive images of a harvested area, determining whether each of the plurality of consecutive images includes a symptom of poor cutting performance, determining a trend in the symptom of poor cutting performance in the plurality of consecutive images, determining whether the trend indicates a presence of the symptom of poor cutting performance, and if it is determined that the trend indicates the presence of the symptom of poor cutting performance, sending a signal regarding the presence of the symptom of poor cutting performance.
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
2.
AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT OF SIDE-DRAPERS ON FEED DRUM BLOCKAGE
A method is provided for preventing feed drum plugs in a header. The header includes side-draper belts for feeding crop onto a center draper belt. The header drives the side-draper belts at a draper belt speed. A feed drum transfers the crop from the center draper belt into a feeder house. The method comprises the steps of determining a speed of the feed drum, determining whether the feed drum speed is less than a threshold value, and if it is determined that the feed drum speed is less than the threshold value, reducing the draper belt speed.
A method for controlling a grain cart relative to a grain truck. The grain cart includes a grain tank and an unload auger configured to transfer crop material out of the grain tank. The grain truck includes a truck box extending from a first end to a second end. The method includes the steps of identifying a distance to a top edge of the truck box, identifying a distance to an area in the truck box, determining a position of the grain cart relative to the grain truck, and determining whether the grain cart is positioned near the first end of the truck box. The method includes the steps of determining a fill level, whether the fill level exceeds a threshold, and if it is determined that the fill level does not exceed the threshold, starting the unload auger.
G05D 1/247 - Arrangements for determining position or orientation using signals provided by artificial sources external to the vehicle, e.g. navigation beacons
G05D 9/12 - Level control, e.g. controlling quantity of material stored in vessel characterised by the use of electric means
A row crop header for harvesting crop in a field comprises a header frame having a center section and a pair of side wing sections operatively coupled to the center section. An upper link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the top portion thereof. A lower link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the bottom portion thereof. The upper links and lower links provide independent pivotal movement of the side wing sections relative to the center section to contour to the surface of the field of crops to be harvested. An automatic float system is operatively coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections to adjust the weight of the side wing sections on the surface of the field and allow the side wing sections to float relative to the center section.
[00172] A row crop header for harvesting crop in a field comprises a header frame having a center section and a pair of side wing sections operatively coupled to the center section. An upper link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the top portion thereof. A lower link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the bottom portion thereof. The upper links and lower links provide independent pivotal movement of the side wing sections relative to the center section to contour to the surface of the field of crops to be harvested. An automatic float system is operatively coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections to adjust the weight of the side wing sections on the surface of the field and allow the side wing sections to float relative to the center section.
A01D 33/10 - Crop collecting devices, with or without weighing apparatus
A01D 34/03 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle
A01D 67/00 - Undercarriages or frames specially adapted for harvesters or mowersMechanisms for adjusting the framePlatforms
A row crop header for harvesting crop in a field comprises a header frame having a center section and a pair of side wing sections operatively coupled to the center section. An upper link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the top portion thereof. A lower link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the bottom portion thereof. The upper links and lower links provide independent pivotal movement of the side wing sections relative to the center section to contour to the surface of the field of crops to be harvested. An automatic float system is operatively coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections to adjust the weight of the side wing sections on the surface of the field and allow the side wing sections to float relative to the center section.
A draper header for harvesting agricultural crops includes at least one lean bar assembly for engaging the crops to be harvested prior to a first and a second crop pick-up reel. The first crop pick-up reel is rotatably coupled between an outboard and a center reel support arm of the draper header, and the second crop pick-up reel is rotatably coupled between the center and an outboard reel support arm of the draper header. The first and second crop pick-up reels are selectively moveable in a fore and an aft direction along the inboard, outboard, and center reel support arms for engaging the crops to be harvested. The lean bar assemblies are secured to each of the first and second crop pick-up reels at a predetermined position relative thereto and maintain the predetermined position during selective movement of the first and second crop pick-up reels in the fore and aft directions.
A crop harvesting apparatus for use with an agricultural machine. The crop harvesting apparatus may be towed behind an agricultural machine, such as a tractor. The crop harvesting apparatus includes a center frame configured to be coupled to the agricultural machine. The crop harvesting apparatus further includes a pair of wing members each coupled to the center frame and pivotable about a respective wing axis for movement between a transport position and a field position. A first header assembly and a second header assembly are each coupled to one of the wing members and pivotable about a respective suspension axis. The first header assembly is independently pivotable from the second header assembly.
A row crop header for harvesting crop in a field comprises a header frame having a center section and a pair of side wing sections operatively coupled to the center section. An upper link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the top portion thereof. A lower link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the bottom portion thereof. The upper links and lower links provide independent pivotal movement of the side wing sections relative to the center section to contour to the surface of the field of crops to be harvested. An automatic float system is operatively coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections to adjust the weight of the side wing sections on the surface of the field and allow the side wing sections to float relative to the center section.
A draper track comprising a track portion and a lug. The track portion has a center portion and a ramp extending from an end of the center portion. The ramp is configured to guide cleats on a return run of a draper belt onto the center portion and over a header leg when the draper track is mounted on the header leg. The lug is fixedly coupled to the center portion of the track portion. The lug is configured to be coupled to the header leg.
A01B 63/111 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means regulating working depth of implements
A01B 73/04 - Folding frames foldable about a horizontal axis
A01D 45/02 - Harvesting of standing crops of maize
A01D 75/28 - Control mechanisms for harvesters or mowers when moving on slopesDevices preventing lateral pull
A01B 63/111 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means regulating working depth of implements
A01B 73/04 - Folding frames foldable about a horizontal axis
A01D 45/02 - Harvesting of standing crops of maize
A01D 75/28 - Control mechanisms for harvesters or mowers when moving on slopesDevices preventing lateral pull
A lifting system for an agricultural implement having a carrier frame and a header frame includes a float link, a sliding link, and a limiter link. The float link has a first end pivotably coupled to the carrier frame and a second end pivotably coupled to the header frame to movably couple the header frame to the carrier frame. The sliding link has a first end operably coupled to the header frame and defines a guide slot proximate a second end. The limiter link has a first end movably coupled to the guide slot and a second end spaced from the first end. The limiter link is pivotably coupled to the carrier frame between the first end and the second end and is movable to control relative movement between the header frame and the carrier frame.
A01D 34/04 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with cutters at the front
A row crop cultivator row unit (20) includes a frame (22), two front sweeps (24, 26) attached to the frame (22), and a rear sweep (28) that is attached to the frame (22), positioned rearwardly, and between the two front sweeps (24, 26). The two front sweeps (24, 26) are uniform in size, each having a maximum width identical to the other, and the rear sweep (28) has a maximum width that is larger than the front sweep maximum width. In an alternative embodiment, the row crop cultivator row unit includes a frame and a sweep attached to the frame. The attached sweep has a maximum width dimension in the range of 9-36 inches, a maximum height of 25 millimeters, and a sweep pitch angle in the range of 0° to 12°. In another alternative embodiment, the row crop cultivator row unit includes a frame and two sweeps attached to the frame. The two sweep have identical dimensions and each has a maximum width dimension in the range of 5-7 inches.
A row crop header for harvesting crop in a field comprises a header frame having a center section and a pair of side wing sections operatively coupled to the center section. An upper link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the top portion thereof. A lower link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the bottom portion thereof. The upper links and lower links provide independent pivotal movement of the side wing sections relative to the center section to contour to the surface of the field of crops to be harvested. An automatic float system is operatively coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections to adjust the weight of the side wing sections on the surface of the field and allow the side wing sections to float relative to the center section.
A row crop header for harvesting crop in a field comprises a header frame having a center section and a pair of side wing sections operatively coupled to the center section. An upper link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the top portion thereof. A lower link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the bottom portion thereof. The upper links and lower links provide independent pivotal movement of the side wing sections relative to the center section to contour to the surface of the field of crops to be harvested. An automatic float system is operatively coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections to adjust the weight of the side wing sections on the surface of the field and allow the side wing sections to float relative to the center section.
A01D 34/125 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters with means for discharging mown material
A sensor support arm for supporting a crop characteristic sensor on a harvesting header. The sensor support arm is coupled to a reel support arm of the harvesting header to position the crop characteristic sensor ahead of a crop pick-up reel, which lifts the crops for harvesting. The sensor support arm is movable between an operating position and a transport position to arrange the crop characteristic sensor from the position ahead of the crop pick-up reel to a position closer to, or behind, the front of the crop pick-up reel. In one implementation the sensor support arm may be pivotably coupled to the reel support arm.
A control system is provided for a combine header, which controls a position of a reel relative to a header and to a method for controlling a height of the reel relative to a crop canopy to maintain a targeted, preset reel engagement therewith. With this control system, a reel control system thereof can operate to automatically adjust the reel height relative to the crop canopy as well as the ground during cutting of field crops. The reel control system can automatically adjust the reel height during changes to the canopy height by instantaneously processing the sensor data, which can be averaged over a period of time. A target reel engagement can be preset to bias the reel height relative to higher or lower canopy ranges by a level of aggressiveness (or bias) of the reel engagement target to tune the performance of the reel control for downed crop conditions.
A control system is provided for a combine header, which controls a position of a reel relative to a header to control a height of the reel relative to a crop canopy and maintain a predefined reel engagement therewith. The reel control system can automatically adjust the reel height during changes to the canopy height by instantaneously processing the sensor data, which can be averaged over a period of time. The control system determines whether stubble is being detected by any individual sensor, and if so, the sensor data for that sensor may be ignored, preferably for a defined period of time. If the crop height is measured to be less than or equal to the cut height, the sensor is measuring stubble and the sensor data is ignored.
A crop harvesting header including a carrier frame configured to be mounted to a tractor to cut crop. The crop harvesting header includes a header frame movably coupled to the carrier frame and defining a discharge opening on a rear side. The crop harvesting header further includes a discharge shaper assembly, which includes a height deflector. The height deflector is pivotably coupled to the header frame adjacent to the discharge opening to control a height of discharged cut crop. The discharge shaper assembly may further include a width deflector to control a width of discharged cut crop.
A01D 34/125 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters with means for discharging mown material
A01D 34/04 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with cutters at the front
A control system is provided for a combine header, which provides multiple operating methods for controlling the header to control cut height and the resultant height of stubble. The control system incorporates adjustable contour wheels to adjust cut height and stubble height resulting from a cutter bar assembly. The operating system maintains stubble height at a desired height in the first operating mode while maximizing harvested crop, and maximizes the stubble height based on crop height in a second operating mode, wherein the operating system may perform both modes. The operating system can be operated in the third operating mode wherein cut heights can be predefined by geographic location in combination with target stubble heights or target intake fractions representing the fraction of a crop taken into the combine during harvesting.
A control system is provided for a combine header, which provides multiple operating methods for controlling the header to control cut height and the resultant height of stubble. The control system incorporates adjustable gauge wheels to adjust cut height and stubble height resulting from a cutter bar assembly. The operating system maintains stubble height at a desired height in the first operating mode while maximizing harvested crop, and maximizes the stubble height based on crop height in a second operating mode, wherein the operating system may perform both modes. The operating system can be operated in the third operating mode wherein cut heights can be predefined by geographic location in combination with target stubble heights or target intake fractions representing the fraction of a crop taken into the combine during harvesting.
A method for adjusting a header mounted on an agricultural harvester. The header includes a central section and at least one side wing section. The at least one side wing section extends between an inner portion and an outer portion, where the inner portion of the at least one side wing section is pivotally coupled to the central section. A ground engaging device is mounted on the at least one side wing section adjacent the outer portion. The ground engaging device has an adjustable height. The method comprises the steps of determining a flex position of the at least one side wing section relative to the central section, determining whether the flex position of the at least one side wing section exceeds a first threshold, and if it is determined that the flex position of the at least one side wing section exceeds the first threshold, decreasing the flex position.
A method for adjusting a header mounted on an agricultural harvester. The header includes a central section and a plurality of side wing sections. Each of the plurality of side wing sections extends between an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion of each of the plurality of side wing sections is pivotally coupled to the central section. Each of the plurality of side wing sections includes a ground engaging device mounted on the side wing section adjacent the outer portion. Each ground engaging device has an adjustable height. The method comprises the steps of determining a height of the central section of the header, determining an outer wing height based on a height of one of the plurality of outer portions, determining whether the outer wing height is within a threshold of the height of the central section, and if it is determined that the outer wing height is not within the threshold of the height of the central section, adjusting the height of the ground engaging device until the outer wing height is within the threshold the height of the central section.
A method of navigating an agricultural implement through a field in an operative direction as it is being towed by a tractor. The method comprises providing the implement with a main mounting assembly, which is mountable to the tractor and has a stationary main beam, and a toolbar movably supported on the main beam in a lateral position so as to be shiftable laterally relative to the operative direction to align the toolbar relative to crop rows, the toolbar including row units configured to pass between crop rows; obtaining an image of the field with a camera; segmenting the image to identify one or more of the crop rows extending in the operative direction within a field of vision of the camera; and adjusting the lateral position of the toolbar to maintain the row units between the one or more crop rows while avoiding damage to the crops.
ABSTRACT A skid shoe for use with a header for harvesting row crops, in particular corn, comprises a body having a curvilinear side profile including: a central section having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom surface that is convexly curved in a transverse direction bowing outwardly between the first side wall and the second side wall; a front section having a front external surface that extends forwardly and upwardly from the central section; and a rear section having a rear external surface that extends rearwardly and upwardly from the central section. 40886808.1/159031.00706
An agricultural implement mountable to a towing vehicle comprises a main mounting assembly, a toolbar slidably attached to the main mounting assembly, a plurality of row units mounted on the toolbar, a wand guidance system, and a control unit. The main mounting assembly is configured to be mountable to the towing vehicle. The wand guidance system is mounted on a selected one of the plurality of row units. The wand guidance system is configured to sense a position of the selected row unit relative to a first of a plurality of crop rows and generate a control signal based on the position of the selected row unit relative to the first crop row. The control unit is configured to adjust a lateral position of the toolbar relative to the main mounting assembly based on the control signal.
A01B 39/28 - Other machines specially adapted for working soil on which crops are growing with special additional arrangements
A01B 63/02 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors
A01B 63/10 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means
A01B 69/00 - Steering of agricultural machines or implementsGuiding agricultural machines or implements on a desired track
36.
ZONE GROUND FORCE SYSTEM FOR AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT
An agricultural implement is provided having a toolbar and a plurality of row units mounted along the toolbar for working rows of ground. Each of the row units comprises one or more working devices for working the ground and an actuator for varying a ground force applied by the row unit to the ground. The improvement comprises a control system which controls the actuators for multiple the row units so as to define a zone ground force system where first and second groups of the row units define first and second zones. The first group of row units in the first zone are operated together under a first down pressure to generate a first ground force to work a first plurality of rows in a field. The second group of row units in the second zone are operated together under a second down pressure to generate a second ground pressure greater than the first ground pressure to work a second plurality of rows of ground which are harder than the first plurality of rows.
A header for an agricultural machine including a support structure, a header frame, a floating cutterbar assembly, and a spring. The support structure may be adapted to mount the header to the agricultural machine. The header frame is pivotally coupled to the support structure. The floating cutterbar assembly is operatively coupled to the header frame and pivotally coupled to the support structure. The floating cutterbar assembly is moveable between a first position and a second position. The spring is coupled between the header frame and the floating cutterbar assembly for reducing a ground contact force on the cutterbar.
A harvesting vehicle includes a header having a cutter bar, a crop transport draper and a reel mounted above the cutter bar to sweep the crop to the draper. The operation of the header is autonomously monitored and controlled to reduce operator loads or to run autonomously by detecting: reel wrapping; differential rates of flow of crop on the header at different locations; where the crop to be cut is at least partly lodged so that stems of the crop are not vertical; the presence of a crop streak of uncut or poorly cut crop behind the cutter bar and/or a band of disturbed soil behind the cutter bar. The detector is arranged to control ground speed, header height, reel height and operation.
An agricultural implement mountable to a towing vehicle comprises a main mounting assembly, a toolbar slidably attached to the main mounting assembly, a plurality of row units mounted on the toolbar, a wand guidance system, and a control unit. The main mounting assembly is configured to be mountable to the towing vehicle. The wand guidance system is mounted on a selected one of the plurality of row units. The wand guidance system is configured to sense a position of the selected row unit relative to a first of a plurality of crop rows and generate a control signal based on the position of the selected row unit relative to the first crop row. The control unit is configured to adjust a lateral position of the toolbar relative to the main mounting assembly based on the control signal.
A01B 63/02 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors
A01B 39/18 - Other machines specially adapted for working soil on which crops are growing for special purposes for weeding
A01B 63/10 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means
A01B 69/00 - Steering of agricultural machines or implementsGuiding agricultural machines or implements on a desired track
40.
ZONE GROUND FORCE SYSTEM FOR AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT
An agricultural implement is provided having a toolbar and a plurality of row units mounted along the toolbar for working rows of ground. Each of the row units comprises one or more working devices for working the ground and an actuator for varying a ground force applied by the row unit to the ground. The improvement comprises a control system which controls the actuators for multiple the row units so as to define a zone ground force system where first and second groups of the row units define first and second zones. The first group of row units in the first zone are operated together under a first down pressure to generate a first ground force to work a first plurality of rows in a field. The second group of row units in the second zone are operated together under a second down pressure to generate a second ground pressure greater than the first ground pressure to work a second plurality of rows of ground which are harder than the first plurality of rows.
A skid shoe for use with a header for harvesting row crops, in particular corn, comprises a body having a curvilinear side profile including: a central section having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom surface that is convexly curved in a transverse direction bowing outwardly between the first side wall and the second side wall; a front section having a front external surface that extends forwardly and upwardly from the central section; and a rear section having a rear external surface that extends rearwardly and upwardly from the central section.
A method for controlling header cut height on a combine. The combine includes an adapter, a header pivotably mounted to the adapter, a cutter bar assembly operatively extending across a front portion of the header, and a gauge wheel pivotably coupled to the header. The method comprising the steps of receiving a request to adjust a height of the cutter bar assembly, determining whether a position of a first cylinder is greater than a value, and if it is determined that the position of the first cylinder is greater than the value, using the first cylinder to adjust the height of the cutter bar assembly.
A platform header (10) for harvesting agricultural crops in a field includes a header frame (12) extending between a front portion (14) and a rear portion (16). A cutting assembly (24) is attached to the front portion for cutting the crops. A belt feeder assembly (34) includes a front drum (42), a rear drum (46) and a conveyor (48) tensioned therebetween for carrying the crop from the cutting assembly to an agricultural machine. The front drum includes a plurality of radially extending fingers (44) operatively coupled between a fixed shaft (78) and extending through slots (67) formed in the front drum such that the fingers protrude at varying distances as the front drum rotates about the fixed shaft to pull crops under the front drum to the rear portion of the header while avoiding interference with the conveyor.
A reel lean bar assembly is provided for attachment to an agricultural machine for harvesting agricultural crops. The reel lean bar assembly includes a reel lean bar extending laterally between opposing first and second ends and having a front fagade defining an outwardly protruding arcuate profile and an opposite facing rear fagade defining a hollow interior. The reel lean bar arcuate profile has a top section having a top section profile and a bottom section having a bottom section profile. The reel lean bar top section profile is different from the bottom section profile.
A header for a crop harvesting machine includes front and rear wheel arrangements that pivot about respective upright axis between a field orientation and a perpendicular transport orientation, while having respective suspensions arrangements movable between different suspended heights. A biasing spring provides lift assist to carry weight of the wheel arrangement during adjustment of the suspension elevation while being isolated from the suspension once set at any one elevation. The front wheel arrangement includes an anti-rotation latch that locks the front wheel in the field orientation automatically upon disconnection of a hitch arm. A second wheel of the rear wheel arrangement can be held in a raised position relative to a first wheel in a field orientation. Load bearing surfaces between the suspended rear wheels and the header frame abut one another when latching to the header frame to isolate the suspension from the header frame in the transport orientation.
A header for an agricultural machine including a support structure, a header frame, a floating cutterbar assembly, and a spring. The support structure may be adapted to mount the header to the agricultural machine. The header frame is pivotally coupled to the support structure. The floating cutterbar assembly is operatively coupled to the header frame and pivotally coupled to the support structure. The floating cutterbar assembly is moveable between a first position and a second position. The spring is coupled between the header frame and the floating cutterbar assembly for reducing a ground contact force on the cutterbar.
A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines
F15B 1/02 - Installations or systems with accumulators
F15B 11/10 - Servomotor systems without provision for follow-up action with only one servomotor in which the servomotor position is a function of the pressure
F15B 19/00 - Testing fluid-pressure actuator systems or apparatus, so far as not provided for elsewhere
51.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAINTAINING DESIRED ACCUMULATOR PRESSURE BASED ON CYLINDER POSITIONS
A method is provided for maintaining a desired pressure in an accumulator supplying hydraulic fluid to one end of a cylinder. The method comprises the steps of determining a position of the cylinder, calculating an expected pressure in the accumulator based on the position of the cylinder, measuring an actual pressure in the accumulator, determining whether the actual pressure is within a tolerance of the expected pressure, and if it is determined that the actual pressure is not within the tolerance of the expected pressure, adjusting a volume of hydraulic fluid in the accumulator.
F15B 19/00 - Testing fluid-pressure actuator systems or apparatus, so far as not provided for elsewhere
A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines
F15B 1/02 - Installations or systems with accumulators
F15B 11/10 - Servomotor systems without provision for follow-up action with only one servomotor in which the servomotor position is a function of the pressure
A system is provided for controlling a grain cart relative to a grain truck. The grain truck includes a side edge extending between a front end and a rear end. The system comprises a ranging device and a controller. The ranging device is configured to determine a position and orientation of the side edge relative to the grain cart. The controller is configured to determine a path line parallel to the side edge, wherein the path line is a predetermined distance from the side edge, identify a goal point based on the path line, where the goal point a second predetermined distance from the front or rear end of the side edge, and plan a path for the grain cart to the goal point.
A system is provided for controlling a grain cart relative to a grain truck. The grain cart includes a grain tank and an unload auger configured to transfer crop material out of the grain tank. The grain truck includes a truck box extending from a first end to a second end. The truck box includes a top edge extending around the top of the truck box. The system comprises a ranging device and a controller. The ranging device is configured to identify a distance to the top edge of the truck box and identify a distance to an area in the truck box. The controller is configured to determine a position of the grain cart relative to the grain truck, and determine whether the grain cart is positioned near the first end of the truck box. If the controller determines that the grain cart is positioned near the first end of the truck box, the controller is configured to determine a fill level in the area based on the distance to the top edge of the truck box and the distance to the area in the truck box, determine whether the fill level exceeds a threshold, and if the controller determines that the fill level does not exceed the threshold, the controller is configured to start the unload auger.
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
G05D 1/247 - Arrangements for determining position or orientation using signals provided by artificial sources external to the vehicle, e.g. navigation beacons
G05D 9/12 - Level control, e.g. controlling quantity of material stored in vessel characterised by the use of electric means
An adjustable camera system comprises a camera, a mounting assembly and a controller. The mounting assembly is coupled to the camera and adapted to raise and lower the camera. The controller is configured to use an image of an object from the camera to determine whether the camera is at an optimal position from the object. If the controller determines that the camera is not at the optimal position, the controller sends a signal to the mounting assembly to raise or lower the camera.
A row crop header for harvesting crop in a field comprises a header frame having a center section and a pair of side wing sections operatively coupled to the center section. An upper link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the top portion thereof. A lower link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the bottom portion thereof. The upper links and lower links provide independent pivotal movement of the side wing sections relative to the center section to contour to the surface of the field of crops to be harvested. An automatic float system is operatively coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections to adjust the weight of the side wing sections on the surface of the field and allow the side wing sections to float relative to the center section.
A system is provided for controlling a grain cart relative to a vehicle. The grain cart includes an edge extending between a front edge and a rear edge, and the vehicle includes a side edge extending between a front end and a rear end. The system comprises a ranging device and a controller. The ranging device is configured to determine a position and orientation of the side edge relative to the grain cart. The controller is configured to determine a front distance between the front edge of the grain cart and the side edge, determine a rear distance between the rear edge of the grain cart and the side edge, determine a maximum distance between the front distance and the rear distance, determine whether the maximum distance is greater than a maximum threshold, and if the controller determines that the maximum distance is greater than the maximum threshold, the controller is configured to steer the grain cart to reduce the maximum distance.
A system is provided for controlling a grain cart relative to a grain truck. The grain truck includes a side edge extending between a front end and a rear end. The system comprises a ranging device and a controller. The ranging device is configured to deterrnine a position and orientation of the side edge relative to the grain cart. The controller is configured to determine a path line parallel to the side edge, wherein the path line is a predetennined distance from the side edge, identify a goal point based on the path line, where the goal point a second predetermined distance from the front or rear end of the side edge, and plan a path for the grain cart to the goal point.
G05D 1/692 - Coordinated control of the position or course of two or more vehicles involving a plurality of disparate vehicles
G05D 1/695 - Coordinated control of the position or course of two or more vehicles for maintaining a fixed relative position of the vehicles, e.g. for convoy travelling or formation flight
A system is provided for controlling a grain cart relative to a vehicle. The grain cart includes an edge extending between a front edge and a rear edge, and the vehicle includes a side edge extending between a front end and a rear end. The systern comprises a ranging device and a controller. The ranging device is configured to determine a position and orientation of the side edge relative to the grain cart. The controller is configured to determine a front distance between the front edge of the grain cart and the side edge, determine a rear distance between the rear edge of the grain cart and the side edge, determine a maximum distance between the front distance and the rear distance, deterrnine whether the maximum distance is greater than a maxirnurn threshold, and if the controller determines that the maximum distance is greater than the maximum threshold, the controller is configured to steer the grain cart to reduce the maximum distance.
A01D 90/16 - Vehicles for carrying harvested crops with means for selfloading or unloading self-propelled
G05D 1/228 - Command input arrangements located on-board unmanned vehicles
G05D 1/695 - Coordinated control of the position or course of two or more vehicles for maintaining a fixed relative position of the vehicles, e.g. for convoy travelling or formation flight
G05D 1/697 - Coordinated control of the position or course of two or more vehicles for rendezvous of two or more vehicles, e.g. for in-flight refuelling
A system is provided for controlling a grain cart relative to a grain truck. The grain cart includes a grain tank and an unload auger configured to transfer crop material out of the grain tank. The grain truck includes a truck box extending from a first end to a second end. The truck box includes a top edge extending around the top of the truck box. The system comprises a ranging device and a controller. The ranging device is configured to identify a distance to the top edge of the truck box and identify a distance to an area in the truck box. The controller is configured to determine a position of the grain cart relative to the grain truck, and determine whether the grain cart is positioned near the first end of the truck box. If the controller determines that the grain cart is positioned near the first end of the truck box, the controller is configured to determine a fill level in the area based on the distance to the top edge of the truck box and the distance to the area in the truck box, determine whether the fill level exceeds a threshold, and if the controller determines that the fill level does not exceed the threshold, the controller is configured to start the unload auger.
A rotary dampener for an automotive seat assembly includes an inboard cover (30), a pivot pin (54) fixedly coupled to the inboard cover, an actuating bracket (106) pivotably coupled to the pivot pin (54) and including an actuating tab (112), a leaf spring (182) fixedly coupled to the inboard cover (30), and a dampener roller (122) coupled to the actuating bracket (106) and configured to f rictiona lly engage with the leaf spring (182) as the actuating bracket rotates in a forward rotational direction. The rotary dampener also includes an outboard cover (154) pivotably coupled to the pivot pin (54) and fixedly coupled to the actuating tab (106). When the outboard cover (154) is rotated relative to the inboard cover (30) in the forward rotational direction, the rotary dampener dampens a rotational velocity of the outboard cover (154) while the dampener roller (122) is frictiona lly engaged with the leaf spring (182) and the rotational velocity is undampened while the dampener roller (122) is disengaged from the leaf spring (182).
B60N 2/20 - Seats specially adapted for vehiclesArrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being tiltable, e.g. to permit easy access
B60N 2/22 - Seats specially adapted for vehiclesArrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being adjustable
61.
Stubble stomper with self-resetting breakaway feature
A stubble stomper is disclosed that attaches to a crop harvesting header on an agricultural machine. The stubble stomper includes a mounting bracket that attaches to the header frame of the crop harvesting header, a hinge assembly that is rotatably attached to the stomper mounting bracket and is rotatable between a default position and a breakaway position, and a stomper shoe that is pivotally attached to the hinge assembly. The stubble stomper has a self-resetting feature from the breakaway position that allows the stubble stomper to re-engage to its default position as the agricultural machine moves in a forward direction of travel.
A stubble stomper is disclosed that attaches to a crop harvesting header on an agricultural machine. The stubble stomper includes a mounting bracket that attaches to the header frame of the crop harvesting header, a hinge assembly that is rotatably attached to the stomper mounting bracket and is rotatable between a default position and a breakaway position, and a stomper shoe that is pivotally attached to the hinge assembly. The stubble stomper has a self-resetting feature from the breakaway position that allows the stubble stomper to re-engage to its default position as the agricultural machine moves in a forward direction of travel.
A reel of a harvester including a cutter bar includes a plurality of reel bats which are pivotal so as to vary the angle of the fingers about the bat axis as the reel rotates. The reel is used with a cutter bar which can change in height at one or more positions along its length to accommodate changes in ground height and contour. In order to maintain the fingers of the reel as close as possible to the cutter bar for best crop control, there is provided a sensor at each of one or more positions along the cutter bar responsive to the cutter bar height and an actuator which changes the diameter of the reel bats at the respective position.
A01D 57/03 - Devices for leading crops to the mowing apparatus using reels with supplementary controlled movement of the crop-engaging members, e.g. of the tines
A01D 34/04 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with cutters at the front
A draper track assembly is provided for use on a draper header for harvesting agricultural crops, where the draper header includes a header frame. The draper track assembly comprises a draper track, a support clamp and an intermediary support. The draper track has a track portion extending longitudinally from an inboard end to an outboard end and a mounting channel extending from a bottom of the track portion. The support clamp is configured to be fixedly coupled to the mounting channel. The support clamp also is configured to be fixedly coupled to a header frame. The intermediary support has a bracket. The bracket and the mounting channel are configured to interlock with each other to prevent lateral movement between the draper track and the intermediary support while allowing longitudinal expansion of the draper track. The intermediary support is configured to be fixedly coupled to the header frame.
A draper track comprising a track portion and a lug. The track portion has a center portion and a ramp extending from an end of the center portion. The ramp is configured to guide cleats on a return run of a draper belt onto the center portion and over a header leg when the draper track is mounted on the header leg. The lug is fixedly coupled to the center portion of the track portion. The lug is configured to be coupled to the header leg.
A draper track comprising a track portion and a lug. The track portion has a center portion and a ramp extending from an end of the center portion. The ramp is configured to guide cleats on a return run of a draper belt onto the center portion and over a header leg when the draper track is mounted on the header leg. The lug is fixedly coupled to the center portion of the track portion. The lug is configured to be coupled to the header leg.
A row crop cultivator row unit (20) includes a frame (22), two front sweeps (24, 26) attached to the frame (22), and a rear sweep (28) that is attached to the frame (22), positioned rearwardly, and between the two front sweeps (24, 26). The two front sweeps (24, 26) are uniform in size, each having a maximum width identical to the other, and the rear sweep (28) has a maximum width that is larger than the front sweep maximum width. In an alternative embodiment, the row crop cultivator row unit includes a frame and a sweep attached to the frame. The attached sweep has a maximum width dimension in the range of 9 - 36 inches, a maximum height of 25 millimeters, and a sweep pitch angle in the range of 0° to 12°. In another alternative embodiment, the row crop cultivator row unit includes a frame and two sweeps attached to the frame. The two sweep have identical dimensions and each has a maximum width dimension in the range of 5 - 7 inches.
A draper header for harvesting crops includes a header frame with a middle frame section pivotally coupled between a pair of side wing sections. A cutter bar assembly extends across a front portion of the header frame and is flexible with the side wing sections for cutting the crops to be harvested. A pair of crop pick-up reels are rotatably supported by center and outer reel support arms for engaging the crops to be harvested. A sensing system is operatively coupled to the header frame for detecting when at least one of the side wing sections pivots downwardly relative to the middle frame section. When the sensing system detects that at least one of the side wing sections pivots downwardly past a predetermined pivot angle, a down-stop cylinder is actuated to raise the crop pick-up reels, thereby preventing contact of the crop pick-up reels with the cutter bar assembly.
A row crop cultivator row unit (20) includes a frame (22), two front sweeps (24, 26) attached to the frame (22), and a rear sweep (28) that is attached to the frame (22), positioned rearwardly, and between the two front sweeps (24, 26). The two front sweeps (24, 26) are uniform in size, each having a maximum width identical to the other, and the rear sweep (28) has a maximum width that is larger than the front sweep maximum width. In an alternative embodiment, the row crop cultivator row unit includes a frame and a sweep attached to the frame. The attached sweep has a maximum width dimension in the range of 9 - 36 inches, a maximum height of 25 millimeters, and a sweep pitch angle in the range of 0° to 12°. In another alternative embodiment, the row crop cultivator row unit includes a frame and two sweeps attached to the frame. The two sweep have identical dimensions and each has a maximum width dimension in the range of 5 - 7 inches.
A draper header for harvesting agricultural crops includes a tension draper track assembly for supporting a return run of a draper belt. The draper header includes a header frame with first and second support legs, and the draper belt extends across the first and second support legs for transporting harvested agricultural crops. The tension draper track assembly is operatively coupled between the first and second support legs and includes an elongated draper track. The elongated draper track is secured to one of the first and second support legs and includes a tensioning mechanism coupled to the other of the first and second support legs for tensioning the elongated draper track across the first and second support legs for supporting the return run of the draper belt. The elongated draper track may also be coated in a low-friction material to reduce friction and wear on the return run of the draper belt.
A drawbar hitch assembly for coupling to a drawbar to pull an agricultural implement includes a pair of locking wedges mounted between a first and a second hitch plate. Each locking wedge is slidably engaged with an inwardly-facing ramp of the second hitch plate for movement between a locked position adapted to cradle the drawbar therebetween and an unlocked position spaced apart and adapted to be released from the drawbar. A plurality of fasteners releasably couple the first and second hitch plates. The fasteners are tightened to move the second hitch plate in a first direction, thereby urging the locking wedges to the locked position to secure the drawbar hitch assembly to the drawbar. The fasteners may also be loosened to move the second hitch plate in an opposite second direction, thereby returning the locking wedges to the unlocked position to remove the drawbar hitch assembly from the drawbar.
B60D 1/07 - Multi-hitch devices, i.e. comprising several hitches of the same or of a different typeHitch-adaptors, i.e. for converting hitches from one type to another
A01B 59/042 - Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines pulled or pushed by a tractor having pulling means arranged on the rear part of the tractor
An adjustable camera system comprises a camera, a mounting assembly and a controller. The mounting assembly is coupled to the camera and adapted to raise and lower the camera. The controller is configured to use an image of an object from the camera to determine whether the camera is at an optimal position from the object. If the controller determines that the camera is not at the optimal position, the controller sends a signal to the mounting assembly to raise or lower the camera.
A method of navigating a vehicle through a field as it is being towed by a tractor. The method comprises obtaining an image of the field, segmenting the image to identify one or more crop rows, and steering the vehicle to avoid the one or more crop rows.
A method of navigating an agricultural implement through a field in an operative direction as it is being towed by a tractor. The method comprises providing the implement with a main mounting assembly, which is mountable to the tractor and has a stationary main beam, and a toolbar movably supported on the main beam in a lateral position so as to be shiftable laterally relative to the operative direction to align the toolbar relative to crop rows, the toolbar including row units configured to pass between crop rows; obtaining an image of the field with a camera; segmenting the image to identify a plurality of the crop rows extending in the operative direction within a field of vision of the camera; and adjusting the lateral position of the toolbar to maintain the row units between the plurality of crop rows while avoiding damage to the crops.
A method of navigating a vehicle through a field as it is being towed by a tractor. The method comprises obtaining an image of the field, segmenting the image to identify a plurality of crop rows, and steering the vehicle to avoid the plurality of crop rows.
A01B 59/00 - Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements
A01B 59/04 - Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines pulled or pushed by a tractor
A method for controlling header cut height on a combine. The combine includes an adapter, a header pivotably mounted to the adapter, a cutter bar assembly operatively extending across a front portion of the header, and a gauge wheel pivotably coupled to the header. The method comprising the steps of receiving a request to adjust a height of the cutter bar assembly, determining whether a position of a first cylinder is greater than a value, and if it is determined that the position of the first cylinder is greater than the value, using the first cylinder to adjust the height of the cutter bar assembly.
A method for controlling header cut height on a combine. The combine includes an adapter, a header pivotably mounted to the adapter, a cutter bar assembly operatively extending across a front portion of the header, and a gauge wheel pivotably coupled to the header. The method comprising the steps of receiving a request to adjust a height of the cutter bar assembly, determining whether a position of a first cylinder is greater than a value, and if it is determined that the position of the first cylinder is greater than the value, using the first cylinder to adjust the height of the cutter bar assembly.
A header for harvesting agricultural crops includes a cutter bar assembly coupled to a header frame, the cutter bar assembly flexible upwardly and downwardly relative to the header frame between opposite ends thereof for contouring to the field. The cutter bar assembly includes a guard bar extending across a front portion of the header frame between the opposite ends thereof, the guard bar split into at least a first lateral section and a second lateral section operatively coupled at a guard bar joint. A protruding element extending from the first lateral section is received by a receiving element on the second lateral section at the guard bar joint to horizontally align the first and second lateral sections of the guard bar between the opposite ends of the header frame while allowing relative lateral movement therebetween during upward and downward flexing of the cutter bar assembly.
A header for harvesting agricultural crops includes a cutter bar assembly coupled to a header frame, the cutter bar assembly flexible upwardly and downwardly relative to the header frame between opposite ends thereof for contouring to the field. The cutter bar assembly includes a guard bar extending across a front portion of the header frame between the opposite ends thereof, the guard bar split into at least a first lateral section and a second lateral section operatively coupled at a guard bar joint. A protruding element extending from the first lateral section is received by a receiving element on the second lateral section at the guard bar joint to horizontally align the first and second lateral sections of the guard bar between the opposite ends of the header frame while allowing relative lateral movement therebetween during upward and downward flexing of the cutter bar assembly.
A platform header (10) for harvesting agricultural crops in a field includes a header frame (12) extending between a front portion (14) and a rear portion (16). A cutting assembly (24) is attached to the front portion for cutting the crops. A belt feeder assembly (34) includes a front drum (42), a rear drum (46) and a conveyor (48) tensioned therebetween for carrying the crop from the cutting assembly to an agricultural machine. The front drum includes a plurality of radially extending fingers (44) operatively coupled between a fixed shaft (78) and extending through slots (67) formed in the front drum such that the fingers protrude at varying distances as the front drum rotates about the fixed shaft to pull crops under the front drum to the rear portion of the header while avoiding interference with the conveyor.
A platform header (10) for harvesting agricultural crops in a field includes a header frame (12) extending between a front portion (14) and a rear portion (16). A cutting assembly (24) is attached to the front portion for cutting the crops. A belt feeder assembly (34) includes a front drum (42), a rear drum (46) and a conveyor (48) tensioned therebetween for carrying the crop from the cutting assembly to an agricultural machine. The front drum includes a plurality of radially extending fingers (44) operatively coupled between a fixed shaft (78) and extending through slots (67) formed in the front drum such that the fingers protrude at varying distances as the front drum rotates about the fixed shaft to pull crops under the front drum to the rear portion of the header while avoiding interference with the conveyor.
A row crop header for harvesting crop in a field comprises a header frame having a center section and a pair of side wing sections operatively coupled to the center section. An upper link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the top portion thereof. A lower link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the bottom portion thereof. The upper links and lower links provide independent pivotal movement of the side wing sections relative to the center section to contour to the surface of the field of crops to be harvested. An automatic float system is operatively coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections to adjust the weight of the side wing sections on the surface of the field and allow the side wing sections to float relative to the center section.
A01D 75/28 - Control mechanisms for harvesters or mowers when moving on slopesDevices preventing lateral pull
A01B 63/111 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means regulating working depth of implements
A01B 73/04 - Folding frames foldable about a horizontal axis
A row crop header for harvesting crop in a field comprises a header frame having a center section and a pair of side wing sections operatively coupled to the center section. An upper link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the top portion thereof. A lower link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the bottom portion thereof. The upper links and lower links provide independent pivotal movement of the side wing sections relative to the center section to contour to the surface of the field of crops to be harvested. An automatic float system is operatively coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections to adjust the weight of the side wing sections on the surface of the field and allow the side wing sections to float relative to the center section.
A conditioner assembly in an agricultural implement for conditioning cut crop material includes a top roll and a bottom roll rotatably supported by a pair of lateral side walls. The top roll is arranged relative to the bottom roll to define a roll gap therebetween for conditioning the cut crop material as the cut crop material passes therethrough. A stabilizing link extends between each of the lateral side walls and the top roll for pivotally coupling the top roll to the conditioner frame, and an adjustment mechanism extends between each of the lateral side walls and the top roll. The adjustment mechanism is selectively and remotely actuatable to automatically pivot the top roll toward and away from the bottom roll, thereby decreasing and increasing the roll gap for optimally conditioning different types and volumes of cut crop material received by the agricultural implement.
A conditioner assembly in an agricultural implement for conditioning cut crop material includes a top roll and a bottom roll rotatably supported by a pair of lateral side walls. The top roll is arranged relative to the bottom roll to define a roll gap therebetween for conditioning the cut crop material as the cut crop material passes therethrough. A stabilizing link extends between each of the lateral side walls and the top roll for pivotally coupling the top roll to the conditioner frame, and an adjustment mechanism extends between each of the lateral side walls and the top roll. The adjustment mechanism is selectively and remotely actuatable to automatically pivot the top roll toward and away from the bottom roll, thereby decreasing and increasing the roll gap for optimally conditioning different types and volumes of cut crop material received by the agricultural implement.
A draper header for harvesting crops includes a header frame with a middle frame section pivotally coupled between a pair of side wing sections. A cutter bar assembly extends across a front portion of the header frame and is flexible with the side wing sections for cutting the crops to be harvested. A pair of crop pick-up reels are rotatably supported by center and outer reel support arms for engaging the crops to be harvested. A sensing system is operatively coupled to the header frame for detecting when at least one of the side wing sections pivots downwardly relative to the middle frame section. When the sensing system detects that at least one of the side wing sections pivots downwardly past a predetermined pivot angle, a down-stop cylinder is actuated to raise the crop pick-up reels, thereby preventing contact of the crop pick-up reels with the cutter bar assembly.
A01D 34/04 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with cutters at the front
A draper header for harvesting crops includes a header frame with a middle frame section pivotally coupled between a pair of side wing sections. A cutter bar assembly extends across a front portion of the header frame and is flexible with the side wing sections for cutting the crops to be harvested. A pair of crop pick-up reels are rotatably supported by center and outer reel support arms for engaging the crops to be harvested. A sensing system is operatively coupled to the header frame for detecting when at least one of the side wing sections pivots downwardly relative to the middle frame section. When the sensing system detects that at least one of the side wing sections pivots downwardly past a predetermined pivot angle, a down-stop cylinder is actuated to raise the crop pick-up reels, thereby preventing contact of the crop pick-up reels with the cutter bar assembly.
A draper header for harvesting agricultural crops includes a tension draper track assembly for supporting a return run of a draper belt. The draper header includes a header frame with first and second support legs, and the draper belt extends across the first and second support legs for transporting harvested agricultural crops. The tension draper track assembly is operatively coupled between the first and second support legs and includes an elongated draper track. The elongated draper track is secured to one of the first and second support legs and includes a tensioning mechanism coupled to the other of the first and second support legs for tensioning the elongated draper track across the first and second support legs for supporting the return run of the draper belt. The elongated draper track may also be coated in a low-friction material to reduce friction and wear on the return run of the draper belt.
A01D 34/42 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters having cutters rotating about a horizontal axis, e.g. cutting-cylinders
A draper header for harvesting agricultural crops includes a tension draper track assembly for supporting a return run of a draper belt. The draper header includes a header frame with first and second support legs, and the draper belt extends across the first and second support legs for transporting harvested agricultural crops. The tension draper track assembly is operatively coupled between the first and second support legs and includes an elongated draper track. The elongated draper track is secured to one of the first and second support legs and includes a tensioning mechanism coupled to the other of the first and second support legs for tensioning the elongated draper track across the first and second support legs for supporting the return run of the draper belt. The elongated draper track may also be coated in a low-friction material to reduce friction and wear on the return run of the draper belt.
A01D 34/42 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters having cutters rotating about a horizontal axis, e.g. cutting-cylinders
A draper header for harvesting agricultural crops includes at least one lean bar assembly for engaging the crops to be harvested prior to a first and a second crop pick-up reel. The first crop pick-up reel is rotatably coupled between an outboard and a center reel support arm of the draper header, and the second crop pick-up reel is rotatably coupled between the center and an outboard reel support arm of the draper header. The first and second crop pick-up reels are selectively moveable in a fore and an aft direction along the inboard, outboard, and center reel support arms for engaging the crops to be harvested. The lean bar assemblies are secured to each of the first and second crop pick-up reels at a predetermined position relative thereto and maintain the predetermined position during selective movement of the first and second crop pick-up reels in the fore and aft directions.
A draper header for harvesting agricultural crops includes at least one lean bar assembly for engaging the crops to be harvested prior to a first and a second crop pick-up reel. The first crop pick-up reel is rotatably coupled between an outboard and a center reel support arm of the draper header, and the second crop pick-up reel is rotatably coupled between the center and an outboard reel support arm of the draper header. The first and second crop pick-up reels are selectively moveable in a fore and an aft direction along the inboard, outboard, and center reel support arms for engaging the crops to be harvested. The lean bar assemblies are secured to each of the first and second crop pick-up reels at a predetermined position relative thereto and maintain the predetermined position during selective movement of the first and second crop pick-up reels in the fore and aft directions.
A drawbar hitch assembly for coupling to a drawbar to pull an agricultural implement includes a pair of locking wedges mounted between a first and a second hitch plate. Each locking wedge is slidably engaged with an inwardly-facing ramp of the second hitch plate for movement between a locked position adapted to cradle the drawbar therebetween and an unlocked position spaced apart and adapted to be released from the drawbar. A plurality of fasteners releasably couple the first and second hitch plates. The fasteners are tightened to move the second hitch plate in a first direction, thereby urging the locking wedges to the locked position to secure the drawbar hitch assembly to the drawbar. The fasteners may also be loosened to move the second hitch plate in an opposite second direction, thereby returning the locking wedges to the unlocked position to remove the drawbar hitch assembly from the drawbar.
B23P 19/04 - Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some deformationTools or devices therefor so far as not provided for in other classes for assembling or disassembling parts
B60D 1/36 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers
A drawbar hitch assembly for coupling to a drawbar to pull an agricultural implement includes a pair of locking wedges mounted between a first and a second hitch plate. Each locking wedge is slidably engaged with an inwardly-facing ramp of the second hitch plate for movement between a locked position adapted to cradle the drawbar therebetween and an unlocked position spaced apart and adapted to be released from the drawbar. A plurality of fasteners releasably couple the first and second hitch plates. The fasteners are tightened to move the second hitch plate in a first direction, thereby urging the locking wedges to the locked position to secure the drawbar hitch assembly to the drawbar. The fasteners may also be loosened to move the second hitch plate in an opposite second direction, thereby returning the locking wedges to the unlocked position to remove the drawbar hitch assembly from the drawbar.
B60D 1/36 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers
A header for a crop harvesting machine includes front and rear wheel arrangements that pivot about respective upright axis between a field orientation and a perpendicular transport orientation, while having respective suspensions arrangements movable between different suspended heights. A biasing spring provides lift assist to carry weight of the wheel arrangement during adjustment of the suspension elevation while being isolated from the suspension once set at any one elevation. The front wheel arrangement includes an anti-rotation latch that locks the front wheel in the field orientation automatically upon disconnection of a hitch arm. A second wheel of the rear wheel arrangement can be held in a raised position relative to a first wheel in a field orientation. Load bearing surfaces between the suspended rear wheels and the header frame abut one another when latching to the header frame to isolate the suspension from the header frame in the transport orientation.
A header for a crop harvesting machine includes front and rear wheel arrangements that pivot about respective upright axis between a field orientation and a perpendicular transport orientation, while having respective suspensions arrangements movable between different suspended heights. A biasing spring provides lift assist to carry weight of the wheel arrangement during adjustment of the suspension elevation while being isolated from the suspension once set at any one elevation. The front wheel arrangement includes an anti-rotation latch that locks the front wheel in the field orientation automatically upon disconnection of a hitch arm. A second wheel of the rear wheel arrangement can be held in a raised position relative to a first wheel in a field orientation. Load bearing surfaces between the suspended rear wheels and the header frame abut one another when latching to the header frame to isolate the suspension from the header frame in the transport orientation.
A01D 34/04 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with cutters at the front
A01B 73/00 - Means or arrangements to facilitate transportation of agricultural machines or implements, e.g. folding frames to reduce overall width
B60G 5/00 - Resilient suspensions for a set of tandem wheels or axles having interrelated movements
B60P 3/06 - Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying vehicles
A01D 43/06 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for collecting, gathering or loading mown material
A harvesting vehicle includes a header having a cutter bar, a crop transport draper and a reel mounted above the cutter bar to sweep the crop to the draper. The operation of the header is autonomously monitored and controlled to reduce operator loads or to run autonomously by detecting: reel wrapping; differential rates of flow of crop on the header at different locations; where the crop to be cut is at least partly lodged so that stems of the crop are not vertical; the presence of a crop streak of uncut or poorly cut crop behind the cutter bar and/or a band of disturbed soil behind the cutter bar. The detector is arranged to control ground speed, header height, reel height and operation.
