Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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HEADER TRANSPORT FOR A CROP HARVESTING MACHINE
This invention relates to a crop harvesting machine including a header
and a tractor where the header can be moved from working position to transport
position and back with little or no action by the tractor driver.
RELATED PRIOR PATENTS AND APPLICATIONS
Reference is made to the following patents and applications by the
same assignee, the disclosure of each of which provides further details which
may
be used in the machines disclosed herein:
US Patent 8,245,489 (Talbot) issued August 21 2012 which discloses
a combine harvester where the header is carried on gauge wheels.
US Patent 8,225,903 (Dunn) issued July 24 200712 which discloses a
tractor of the type suitable for use herein where the tractor includes a
suspension
system:
US Patent 8,020,648 (Otto) issued September 20 2011 which
discloses a tractor of the type suitable for use herein where the tractor has
a rear
suspension.
US Patent 7,958,706 (Remillard) issued June 14 2011 which discloses
a tractor of the type suitable for use herein where the tractor includes a
reel speed
control.
US Patent 7,918,076 (Talbot) issued April 5 2011 which discloses a
header of the type suitable for use herein where the header has three sections
which
include a balance of lifting forces across the three sections.
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2
US Patent 7,721,830 (Dunn) issued May 25 2010 which discloses a
tractor of the type suitable for use herein with steering control.
US Patent 7,373,769 (Talbot) issued May 20 2008 which discloses a
header with a wear shield under the cutter bar.
US Patent 7,347,277 (Enns) issued March 26 2008 which discloses a
header with a self-contained transport system.
US Patent 7,472,533 (Talbot) issued Jan 6 2009 which discloses a
header with a cutter bar and draper with a seal between the draper and cutter
bar.
US Patent 7,159,687 (Dunn) issued Jan 9 2007 which discloses a
tractor of the type suitable for use herein where the tractor carries a header
across a
front face thereof for movement across the field for forming a swath from a
standing
crop where the tractor can be reversed in direction for transport.
US Patent 7,197,865 (Enns) issued April 3 2007 which discloses a
header for mounting across a front face of the tractor above for movement
across
the field for forming a swath from a standing crop where the header includes
ground
wheels movable from field positions to a transport position where the header
can be
turned through 90 degrees and pulled by the tractor in a longitudinal
direction behind
the tractor..
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This Invention relates to a crop harvesting machine for harvesting
standing crop where a header can be moved into a transport position.
A machine of this type generally includes a crop header for cutting a
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standing crop including a header frame, a cutter extending across a front
cutter bar
of the header frame for cutting the crop, and a transport system operable to
transport the. crop to a central discharge opening of the header so as to form
a
swath.
Typically the cutter is a sickle knife of the type described in the above
patents but in some cases other types of cutter can be used. In many cases the
transport device is a draper but other types of transport including augers can
be
used.
The machine further includes a tractor or other vehicle for carrying the
header including a tractor frame having a first end and a second end, ground
wheels
for supporting the tractor in movement across the ground including a pair of
transversely spaced first wheels at the first end, a mounting assembly at the
first end
of the tractor frame for supporting the header, and a lift arrangement for
raising and
lowering the mounting assembly.
In some cases the tractor can be a swather tractor where the first
ground wheels and the mounting assembly are arranged such that the swath when
discharged from the central discharge opening passes between the first ground
wheels and components of the mounting assembly so as to be deposited as a
swath
behind the tractor. In most cases there is provided a spring float assembly
connecting the header frame to the mounting assembly so as to allow floating
movement of the header relative to the mounting assembly of the tractor.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a crop
harvesting machine comprising:
a crop header for cutting a standing crop comprising:
a cutter extending longitudinally along a front of the header for cutting
the crop when the header is moved in a working direction generally at a right
angle
to its longitudinal direction;
a crop transport system operable for transporting the crop
longitudinally of the header to a center discharge opening at or adjacent a
center of
the header so as to form a swath for deposit on the ground;
a swather tractor having a first end and a second end for moving the
=
header in a working position and in a transport position, the tractor
comprising:
ground wheels for supporting the tractor in movement across
the ground including a pair of transversely spaced first wheels at the first
end;
a mounting system at the first end of the tractor between the
header and the tractor for supporting the header in the working position in
front of
the first end for movement in a working direction;
= the mounting system and the first wheels being arranged to
allow the passage of the swath from the central discharge opening between the
first
wheels;
the mounting system providing up and down lifting and floating
movement of the header relative to the tractor;
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a disconnect coupling arrangement for disconnecting the header at the
mounting system from the tractor for movement of the header into the transport
position;
the header including ground wheels for supporting at least part of the
header at least in the transport position;
a linkage connected between the tractor and the header such that in
the transport position, with the header disconnected from the tractor at the
mounting
system, the linkage extends from the tractor to the header for communicating
motion
of the tractor to the header for transportation therewith;.
said linkage being connected between the tractor and the header while
the header is in the working position connected to the tractor by the mounting
system.
In some cases and to obtain the best advantage the tractor can be
drivable in both directions with the first end forward and with the second end
forward
with the linkage arranged such that the header is towed behind the tractor as
it
moves in a direction opposite to the working direction with the first end at
the rear.
This allows a simple connection of the header to the tractor in the transport
position
since the header remains at the same end when working and when towed. However
it is also possible to keep the header at the same end by pushing the header
forward
in the transport position. In this case it is likely that a support wheel for
the outboard
or forward end of the header will be steered to keep the header aligned with
the front
of the tractor.
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In order to meet modern transport requirements over roads, it is
preferable that the linkage is arranged to keep the header at a position
located
between a path of the first wheels as the tractor moves in a straight line,
where this
be towed or pushed. Of course when towed, the header will follow the tractor
in the
form of a trailer so that it will follow to one side as the tractor turns.
Preferably the linkage is arranged to remain permanently attached to
the tractor and the header while the header is operating in the working
position so
that the linkage remains in place during working and transport. In this way it
is
properly positioned and ready to operate when the header is moved to the
transport
position. However it is also possible that the linkage moves into position as
an initial
step in the conversion from working position to transport. That is while the
header
remain properly supported in the working position so that it is held at a
known
location, the linkage is actuated to move from a stored position on the header
or on
the tractor into connection with the other component. In this way the header
is
16 connected to the tractor at this stage by both the mounting system and
the linkage.
The header is then disconnected at the mounting system leaving it connected to
the
tractor by the linkage which is ready to provide the transportation mode. In
this way,
the header is never wholly separated from the tractor so that there is no
requirement
for the difficult operation of re-connecting two components at undetermined
locations.
In order to provide a proper transport position of the header relative to
the tractor, it is preferable that in the transport position, with the header
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disconnected from the tractor at the mounting system, the linkage extends from
the
tractor to a position at or adjacent an end of the header for moving the
header
longitudinally of the header. However other orientations are possible where
for
example the header is of a smaller width.
Typically the present arrangement as defined above is concerned with
sickle headers where the transport system is a draper since such headers can
be as
much as 45 feet in length. In this case the header should be propelled along
its
length since any offset or angle will take it to an operating width greater
than that
allowed for road use. However the present invention is not limited to headers
of
such a length so that smaller headers may tolerate other angles and
orientations of
the header relative to the tractor.
Preferably the linkage extends from a position at or adjacent the end of
the header to a position beyond the end of the header in order to provide a
rigid
coupling between the linkage acting as a towing hitch and the header.
Preferably therefore the linkage is rigidly connected to the header such
that the adjacent end of the header is supported on the tractor and such that
up and
down movement of an end of the linkage connected to the tractor causes up and
down lifting movement of said one end of the header. In this way the header
acts as
a conventional two wheel trailer. However other constructions are possible and
for
example the linkage may connect to a steerable wheel or steerable axle.
Preferably the linkage comprises a rigid arm connected at a forward
end of the arm to the header and at a rearward end to the tractor and the arm
is held
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rigidly connected to the header by engaging into a fixed receptacle at a
position
spaced from its end which acts to locate a point on the arm at a fixed
position on the
header. Thus the forward end at the header can be a pivotal connection and the
preferred rigid connection is provided by the two point connection.
Preferably the forward end of the linkage or rigid arm is connected to
the header at a position spaced from the mounting system which is at or
adjacent
the center and is spaced from the end of the header.
Preferably the linkage is connected to the mounting system on the
tractor so as to be raised and lowered relative to the tractor with the
mounting
system. This has the advantage that the height of the header in the transport
position can be adjusted using the conventional lift system on the tractor.
However
the linkage may also be attached directly to another location on the tractor
which
may be a fixed location.
Where the linkage is attached to the mounting system, it is preferably
attached adjacent a center thereof so as to be positioned at the center of the
tractor
for symmetrical operation.
Preferably the ground wheels on the header include at least one wheel
adjacent that end of the header which is adjacent to the linkage. This wheel
acts for
supporting the end of the header as the header moves from the working position
to
the transport position. The wheel is then retracted during transport so that
the end
of the header is supported by the tractor through the linkage. Thus the wheel
is
provided only for temporary support as the movement between the two positions
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occurs.
Preferably movement of the header from the transport position to the
working position and back which includes deployment of the ground wheels Is
effected automatically without movement of the linkage or ground wheels by the
6 operator.
Thus the operator can, in the embodiment described hereinafter, merely
operate the switch necessary to commence the transfer of position from one to
the
other and then drives the tractor in the required direction to effect the
forces on the
header to cause the movement to occur, while the header itself is properly
supported
and connected at all times. The operator can therefore remain seated and
merely
. needs to drive the tractor in the required direction. No physical movement
of
components is required. No guiding of the tractor into engagement with hitch
couplings or the like is required since the coupling remains in place at all
times
during the transfer.
Preferably the mounting system Includes a lift system for up and down
movement and a spring float system connecting the header to the lift system so
as
to allow up and down and floating movement of the header relative to the
tractor.
Where the linkage remains in place during the working operation, the linkage
is thus
preferably arranged and connected such that in the working position the
linkage
allows the up and down movement of the header and the floating movement of the
header relative to the tractor. For this purpose, one preferred arrangement
for
effecting this action is to connect end of the linkage to the header by a
connector
.
member at the header which allows limited side to side movement of the end of
the
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linkage and limited twisting movement of the end of the linkage about an axis
parallel to the working direction.
Preferably the spring float system includes at least one resilient spring
which flexes in response to the floating movement and the spring float system
5 includes a disconnect coupling arrangement for connection to the mounting
members arranged when disconnected such that the spring float assembly
including
the resilient spring remains attached to the header. That is the lift system
and the
float system are separated into two components where one remains with the
header
and the other remains with the tractor. However this arrangement is not
essential
10 and the
disconnection of the header from the tractor may occur at the header or at
the tractor so that the whole of the mounting system remains with one or
other.
In a preferred arrangement, the tractor is of the conventional type
including an engine mounted on the tractor frame; at least one hydraulic pump
driven by the engine for generating a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure
for
driving components of the tractor and components of the header when attached
to
the tractor; two driven wheels of the tractor mounted at the first end of the
tractor;
two non-driven castor wheels of the tractor mounted at the second end of the
tractor
and a cab mounted on the tractor frame at the first end. This is the type of
tractor
conventional used as a swather. However other constructions can be used.
In such conventional swather tractors there is provided an operator's
seat and control assembly arranged for controlling driving movement of the
tractor in
both a first end forward position and in a second end forward position, the
control
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=
assembly including a steering control and a speed control; wherein each of the
driven wheels including a respective drive motor driven by hydraulic fluid
from the at
least one hydraulic pump; wherein the speed control is arranged to control a
rate of
supply of hydraulic fluid from the at least one hydraulic pump to the
respective drive
motor to control a common speed of rotation of the driven wheels and thus a
speed
of movement of the tractor; and wherein the steering control is arranged to
control a
differential in rate of supply of hydraulic fluid from the at least one
hydraulic pump to
the respective drive motor to control a relative speed of rotation of the
driven wheels
and thus a turning direction of the tractor.
Where the tractor is bi-directional, the tractor preferably includes a cab
with an operator seat within the cab and wherein the operator seat is
rotatable for
driving the tractor in both directions with the first end forward and with the
second
end forward.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a crop
harvesting machine comprising:
a crop header for cutting a standing crop comprising:
a cutter extending longitudinally along a front of the header for cutting
the crop when the header is moved in a working direction generally at a right
angle
to its longitudinal direction;
a crop transport system operable for transporting the crop
longitudinally of the header,
a vehicle having a first end and a second end for moving the header in
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a working position and in a transport position, the vehicle comprising:
ground wheels for supporting the vehicle in movement across
the ground including a pair of transversely spaced first wheels at the first
end;
a mounting system at the first end of the vehicle between the
header and the vehicle for supporting the header in the working position in
front of
the first end for movement in a working direction;
the mounting system providing up and down lifting and floating
movement of the header relative to the vehicle;
a disconnect coupling arrangement for disconnecting the header at the
mounting system from the vehicle for movement of the header into the transport
position;
the header including ground wheels for supporting at least part of the
header at least in the transport position;
a linkage connected between the vehicle and the header such that in
the transport position, with the header disconnected from the vehicle at the
mounting
system, the linkage extends from the vehicle to the header for communicating
=
motion of the vehicle to the header for transportation therewith:.
said linkage remaining connected between the vehicle and the header
while the header is in the working position;
wherein the linkage is arranged and connected such that in the
working position the linkage allows said up and down movement of the header
and
said floating movement of the header relative to the vehicle.
=
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Thus according to this aspect the present invention provides, in any
configuration of a tractor or other vehicle which carries the header with a
lifting and
floating action, a linkage which remains permanently attached between the
header
and the vehicle so that the transfer between working position and transport
position
of the header relative to the vehicle can be effected by the permanent
connection.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provide a crop
harvesting machine comprising:
a crop header for cutting a standing crop comprising:
a cutter extending longitudinally along a front of the header for cutting
the crop when the header is moved in a working direction generally at a right
angle
to its longitudinal direction;
a crop transport. system operable for transporting the crop
longitudinally of the header;
a vehicle having a first end and a second end for moving the header in
a working position and in a transport position, the vehicle comprising:
ground wheels for supporting the vehicle in movement across
the ground including a pair of transversely spaced first wheels at the first
end;
a mounting system at the first end of the vehicle between the
header and the vehicle for supporting the header in the working position in
front of
the first end for movement in a working direction;
the mounting system providing up and down lifting and floating
movement of the header relative to the vehicle;
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a disconnect coupling arrangement for disconnecting the header at the
mounting system from the vehicle for movement of the header into the transport
position and for reconnecting the header at the mounting system for operation
in the
working position;
the header including ground wheels which can be deployed for
supporting at least part of the header in the transport position;
a transport connection arranged to extend between the vehicle and the
header in the transport position for communicating motion of the vehicle to
the
header for transportation therewith;.
wherein operation of the disconnect coupling, provision of said
transport connection and deployment of the ground wheels to allow movement of
the
header from said transport position to said working position and back is
effected
automatically, that is without the operator of the vehicle being required to
manually
effect operation of the disconnect coupling, to manually effect provision of
said
transport connection or to manually effect deployment of the ground wheels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One embodiment of the invention will now be described in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a top plan view partly in phantom and partly broken away
showing a tractor according to the present invention in the cab forward
position.
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the tractor of Figure 1 in which the
operator's seat and console have been rotated for operating the tractor in an
engine
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=
forward position.
Figure 3 is a top plan view similar to that of Figure 1 showing the
tractor in the engine forward position.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 4-4 of Figure 1
5 showing the connection between the header and the tractor.
Figure 5 is an isometric view of the tractor of Figure 4 with the float
assembly and header removed.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 6-6 of Figure 5.
Figure 7 is an isometric view of the tractor and header of Figure 4 with
10 the float assembly removed showing the header and the tractor in the
operating
position.
Figure 8 is an isometric view of the tractor and header of Figure 4 with
the float assembly removed showing the header and the tractor in the transport
position.
15 Figure 9 is a top plan view of the arrangement shown in Figure
7.
Figure 10 is atop plan view of the arrangement shown in Figure 8.
Figure 11 is a side elevational view of the arrangement shown in
Figure 10.
Figure 12 is a top plan view on an enlarged scale of the coupling
shown in Figure 9 of the hitch arm to the tractor.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding
parts in the different figures.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figures 1 to 3 and the following description of the general arrangement
of the tractor are taken from US patent 7,159,687 defined above and are
included for
completeness.
A swather tractor generally indicated at 10 Includes a frame 11 which
is carried on a first pair of driven ground wheels 12 and 13 and on a second
pair of
non-driven castor wheels 14 and 15. The driven wheels 12 and 13 are mounted on
suitable supports 16 which support the ground wheels from the frame 11. The
driven ground wheels 12 and 13 are each driven by a hydraulic motor 17 carried
on
the support 16 which receives hydraulic fluid under pressure from a supply
line and
drives the ground wheel at a rate of rotation dependant upon the rate of flow
of the
hydraulic fluid.
The wheels 14 and 16 are mounted on conventional castors 18 which
swivel about a castor pin 19. The ground wheels 14 and 15 are non driven and
are
simply mounted in a supporting bracket 20 which can pivot around the castor
pin 19
so that the castor wheels follow the movement of the vehicle as controlled by
the
driven wheels 12 and 13. Thus the speed of the vehicle over the ground is
controlled by the rate of rotation of the wheels 12 and 13 and steering is
controlled
by a differential in speed between the wheels 12 and 13.
The frame is shown only schematically since this can vary widely in
accordance with requirements as is well known to a person skilled in this art.
At the
driven end 1IA of the frame is mounted suitable supports 21 and 22 for
carrying a
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17
header 23. Again these elements are well known to persons skilled In this art
and
various different designs can be used. Thus the support elements 21, 22 on the
header carried thereby are shown only schematically. Various different types
of
headers can be used including disc type cutters or sickle knife cutters. The
width of
the header can vary considerably depending upon the type of crop and the
cutting
system employed. The header is preferably carried on the tractor rather than
on
separate supports and the tractor includes a lifting mechanism schematically
indicated at 23 operable to raise and lower the header on the tractor between
different working positions and between working positions and a raised
position
cleared from the ground for moving the header over the ground when not in
working
position.
The tractor includes an engine 24 carried on the frame 11 adjacent a
second end 11B of the. frame. The engine is arranged to drive a series of
pumps 25,
26 and 27 for generating pressurized hydraulic fluid for driving the various
components of the tractor as described hereinafter. Separate pumps can be used
as shown or single pump can be used with the hydraulic fluid under pressure
generated thereby being separated into separate controlled fluid paths for
operating
the various components.
At the driven end 11A of the frame is provided a cab 30 which sits over
the driven end between the driven wheels 12 and 13 so the operator can look
over
the header during the operating action on the field. The cab 30 encloses an
operator console generally Indicated at 31 which includes a seat 32, a
steering
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control 33 in the form of a conventional steering wheel, a speed control 34
and an
accessory control 35. The steering wheel 33 is of a conventional nature and is
mounted in the console in front of the seat by suitable mounting arrangements
which
allow the operator to enter the seat and be comfortably located on the seat
behind
the steering wheel. To the right hand of the operator is provided a speed
control 34
generally in the form of a lever which can pivot forwardly and rearwardly
between a
reverse position at the rear, a neutral position at the center and a forward
position at
the front. In an intuitive manner, therefore, the operator can pull rearwardly
on the
lever for reverse and push forwardly on the lever for forward movement with
the rate
of the movement being controlled by the relative position of the lever along
Its sliding
action. In addition there is provided a switch 34A which can be operated to
select
speed ranges for the driving speed of the vehicle.
To the right hand of the operator, on the same lever as the speed
control for convenient access to the operator's hand, is provided the
accessory
control 35 which includes a series of switches and levers for operating the
position
and operating parameters of the header attached to the tractor. The switches
Include a header height and angle control by way of a four way (two axis)
switch
35A, a reel height and forward location control by way of a four way (two
axis) switch
35B and a reel speed control two way one axis switch 35C so that the sidled
operator can control the parameters of the header during the working action.
The
header is engaged by a main drive control lever 35D in many cases also be
reversed in the event of a blockage and thus will include a switch 35E for
allowing
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such reversal.
In the arrangement shown in this application, the operator console 31
including the operator seat 32, the steering wheel 33, the speed control 34
and the
accessory control 35 are all carried on a platform or base plate 40 carried by
the cab
on top of the frame 11. The base plate 40 can rotate on a support shaft 41
about a
vertical axis 42 between a first position shown in Figure 1 where the seat
faces the
driven end 11A to the second position shown in Figures 2 and 3 in which the
seat
faces the engine end 11B. These 'positions are known herein as "cab forward"
in
which the cab 30 is located at the forward end of the tractor as it moves with
the end
11A at the front and "engine forward" in which the end 11B is at the front and
moves
forwardly.
In transportation, it Is intended therefore that the operator's console is
moved to the engine forward position and that the tractor moves forward
rapidly at
high speed in the transport position at a speed significantly higher than can
be
achieved in current tractors of this type. When the header is of a relatively
narrow
width, this header can remain in place and is simply carried behind the
tractor, in a
situation where the header is of significant width greater than can be
accommodated
In a road width, the header is disconnected from the supports 21 and 22 and is
Instead trailed on wheels attached to a hitch 60 at the end 11A of the
tractor.
Thus the tractor includes an engine 24 mounted on the tractor frame,
at least one hydraulic pump 25, 26, 27 driven by the engine 24 through a
transmission for generating a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure for
driving
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components of the tractor and components of the header when attached to the -
tractor. In particular the hydraulic pumps generate fluid which is controlled
by
controls 46, 47 to supply fluid under pressure to two driven wheels 12, 13 of
the
tractor mounted at the first end of the tractor. Speed control and steering
control;
5 are provided
by the controls 46, 47 in either direction of travel of the tractor. Two
non-driven castor wheels 14, 15 of the tractor are mounted at the second end
of the
tractor. A cab 30 is mounted on the tractor frame at the first end.
= There is provided an operator's seat 32 and control assembly 34
arranged for controlling driving movement of the tractor in both a first end
forward
10 position and
in a second end forward position, the control "assembly including a
steering control 33 and a speed control 34. Each of the driven wheels 12, 13
includes a respective drive motor 17 driven by hydraulic fluid from the at
least one
hydraulic pump 25, 26 wherein the speed control 34 is arranged to control a
rate of
supply of hydraulic fluid from the at least one hydraulic pump to the
respective drive
15 motor to
control a common speed of rotation of the driven wheels and thus a speed
of movement of the tractor. The steering control 33 is arranged to control a
differential in rate of supply of hydraulic -fluid from the hydraulic pump to
the
respective drive motor 17 to control a relative speed of rotation of the
driven wheels
12, 13 and thus a turning direction of the tractor.
20 The header
23 includes an elongate header frame 238 defined by a
main beam 23C and forwardly extending legs 23D which carry a cutter bar 23A.
The
cutter extends longitudinally along the front cutter bar of the header frame
for cutting
CA 02848268 2014-04-02
21
the crop when the header is moved in a working direction W generally at a
right
angle to its longitudinal direction L. Different types of cutter can be used
but the
typical example comprises a sickle knife. A transport system 23F, generally
drapers
but other systems can be used, is provided for transporting the crop
longitudinally of
the header to a central discharge opening 23G of the header so as to form a
swath
to be deposited on the ground between the wheels 12, 13 of the tractor.
Many of the above components are well known and conventional and
can be found in many different designs of such tractors manufactured by a
number
of manufacturers including the present assignee.
As shown in Figures 4 to 9, there is shown a modified arrangement
according to the present invention for supporting the header on the tractor in
front of
the first end when the first end is forwards.
A mounting arrangement is provided generally indicated at 100 for
supporting the header and a float assembly 101 connects the header frame 23B
to
the mounting system 100 so as to allow floating movement of the header
relative to
the tractor.
The mounting arrangement 100 comprises two symmetrical side by
side mounting elements 106, 107 each arranged at a respective wheel support.
Each includes an upstanding lift member 108 supported at the bottom on a
bottom
link 104 and at the top on a top link 102. The bottom link 104 is pivoted on
the tractor
at pin 105 and connects to the lift member 108 at pin 151. The top link
includes an
actuator 112 pivoted to the wheel assembly 154 at pin 152 and pivoted to the
lift
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22
member 108 at a pin 153. The bottom link 104 extends in an arch over the frame
that supports the motor and drive of the wheel of the tractor.
A lift cylinder 109 is provided for the bottom link of each element 106,
107 so that the elements can be raised and lowered as a common lift system.
The
lift cylinder 109 extends from the tractor wheel assembly at a mounting 156 to
a pin
157 part way along the bottom link 104. Thus actuation of the lift cylinders
109
raises the lift members as a common unit for raising and lowering the mounting
system for up and down movement of the header.
The top links 102 includes the a cylinder or actuator 112 arranged to
change the length of the top links so as to tilt the lift members forwardly
and
rearwardly about the pivot pin 151. When both the lift cylinders 109 and the
actuators 112 are operated, this will change the movement of the upstanding
lift
members 108 as a common unit from a vertical movement to a complex movement
controlled by common operation of the cylinders 109 and 112. This complex
movement can be controlled to tilt the header about a transverse axis
longitudinal to
Its length as the header is raised and lowered, thus providing a complex
controlled
movement of the cutter bar.
The spring float assembly 101 connects the header frame 23E3 to the
lift members 108 so as to allow floating movement of the header relative to
the
mounting members 106, 107 of the tractor.
The spring float assembly 101 attaches to the lift members 108 by a
hook 115 which engages over a support at or adjacent the pin 151 at the upper
end
CA 02848268 2014-04-02
23
and by a latch 116 at the lower end. Thus the tractor moves forward to the
float
assembly carried on the header as part of the header. The connection as shown
in
Figure 13 is tapered or triangular with a forward facing apex 117 so that as
the
tractor moves forward the engagement of the apex into a receptacle on the
assembly 101 can move the header slightly side to side to provide the required
= alignment for the hook 115 and the latch 116 to be engaged. The
connection can be
designed in different ways to provide a top and bottom connection which holds
the
float assembly in position on the Lift members 108 to ensure that the float
assembly
remains attached without risk of becoming separated. This typically requires a
connection either at the hook 115 or the latch 116 which is manually inserted
to
ensure proper and maintained connection. The top hook 115 and the bottom latch
116 hold the spring float assembly 101 at an orientation fixed relative to the
lift
members 108 so that these elements can pivot as a common construction about
the
transverse axis at the pin 151.
The spring float assembly is shown best in Figures 6, 7 and 8 as a
separate element separated from its header and disconnected from the tractor.
However the assembly 101 is provided as a part of the header and is intended
to
remain connected to the header as an integral element therewith. This allows
the
assembly to have its springs and lift force tailored to the individual header
with which
it is intended to be used. The spring float assembly thus includes the
disconnect
coupling arrangement defined by the hook and latch 115, 116 for connection to
the
mounting members arranged when disconnected such that the spring float
assembly
CA 02848268 2014-04-02
24
Including at least one resilient spring remains attached to the header.
The assembly 101 includes a rigid frame defining a top bar 118 and
two depending legs 119 and 120. The assembly is attached to the header by a
pair
of bottom lift levers 121 and 122 and a top single center link 123. The levers
121,
6 122 are
pivoted at 124 at a position rearward of the legs 119, 120 and have front
ends 125 which engage into respective receptacles in the frame legs 23D of the
header frame. The levers 121, 122 are suspended on roller chains 126 connected
to springs 127 so that an upward force Is communicated to the levers 121, 122
for
up and down floating movement of the header on the assembly 101. The link 123
prevents the header from tilting away from the legs but pivots at each end to
allow
the header to move in an arc as it floats up and down. The link 123 can be
provided
as an adjustable actuator, typically a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the
orientation of
the header but In most cases Is merely a fixed link which can be manually
adjustable
at set up only. The single central link also allows one side to float up more
than the
other so that the levers 121, 122 can operate independently on independent
springs
127.
The resilient mechanical coil springs 127 are under tension and stretch
and retract in response to the floating movement. The springs are horizontal
across
the top bar 118 of the spring float assembly.
Turning now to the transport system shown in Figures 7 to 12, the float
assembly 101 Is omitted from these figures for convenience of illustration and
to
avoid complication.
CA 02848268 2014-04-02
In Figures 7 and 9 is shown the above described system in the field
operating position. For convenience of Illustration it will be noted that the
ground
wheels In the operating position are actually shown in the transport position.
However the operation of the wheels will be apparent from the following
description
5 Thus the arrangement provides the tractor 10 as described attached
to
the header 23 as described. As described previously there is provided a
disconnect
coupling arrangement of the float assembly and header at the connections 115
and
116 to the member 108 for disconnecting the header frame 23B from the lift
system
100 for movement of the header frame for disconnection of the header,
including the
10 spring float 101, from the tractor or for movement of the header into
the transport
position shown in Figures 8, 10 and 11.
As shown the header frame 23B includes ground wheels 141, 142, 143
and 144 for supporting at least part of the header frame at least in the
transport
position with some of the wheels also, when required, acting as gauge wheels
in the
16 operating .position. The wheels 141, 142 and 143 are substantially as
described In
the above cited patent 7,197,865 and operate in the same manner with the
distinction being that they are preferably moved automatically by cylinders
145 and
146 for full automation. The wheel 144 is an additional wheel which operates
only
in the transfer from operating position to transport position and is otherwise
raised
20 from the ground by a cylinder 147.
In addition to the connection of the header to the tractor by the float
mounting system previously described, there is also provided a linkage 150 in
the
CA 02848268 2014-04-02
26
form of a rigid arm 151 connected at one end 152 to the tractor and at the
other end
153 to the frame member 23C of the header.
The linkage 150 is arranged and connected such that in the working
position the linkage remains connected to the tractor and the header while
allowing
the required up and down movement of the header and floating movement of the
header relative to the tractor.
In the transport position, with the header disconnected from the
mounting system, the linkage arm 151 extends from the tractor to the header
for
towing the header behind the tractor generally longitudinally of the header
with the
second end of the tractor forwards.
In the transport position shown in Figure 8, the linkage 150 in the form,
of the arm 151 is connected to the header 23 at a position 154 on the beam 23C
thereof adjacent one end 233 of the header and opposite to a trailing end 23H.
The
linkage extends from the header 23 to the first end of the tractor at the
center of the
beam 110 of the lift system 100 such that end 230 of the header is trailed
behind the
end of the tractor at the mounting assembly 100.
In the transport position the linkage arm 151 extends from the position
154 on the header which is spaced inwardly of the end 230 to the position 152
at
the tractor which is beyond the end 23G of the header. This ensures that the
header
is trailed wholly behind the tractor and the front end 230 does not hang out
to one
side of the tractor. That is the header is moved in the transport position so
that it
remains at a position located between a path of the first wheels as the
tractor moves
CA 02848268 2014-04-02
' 27
in a straight line. This is obtained by the arm 151 extending from the rear
beam 23C
of the header frame to a position beyond the end 23G while being inclined from
the
rear beam to a position generally midway across the width of the header
aligned
between the rear wheels 141, 142.
The linkage formed by the arm 151 is rigidly connected to the header
to connect the end 23G of the header is supported on the tractor and such that
up
and down movement of an end of the linkage connected to the tractor causes up
and down lifting movement of said one end of the header.
The linkage comprises the rigid arm 151 connected at the end 153 to
the header and at the other end 152 to the tractor. The end 152 is formed by a
simple ball hitch coupling 160 carried on the beam 110 at the center so that
loads
from the arm are transferred to the beam 110 and to the driven wheels of the
tractor
relatively evenly. The end 153 of the arm 151 connected to the header at beam
23C
includes a connector member 155 at the header which forms a short arm 156
pivotally connected to the beam 23C for limited pivotal movement about a
vertical
pin 170 which allows limited side to side movement of the end of the arm 151.
The
arm 156 is connected to the end of the arm 161 by a coupling 157 including a
pin
171 movable in slots 172 so as to provide limited twisting movement of the end
of
the arm 151 about an axis longitudinal of the arm 156 and generally parallel
to the
working direction in the operating position to accommodate up and down
movement
of the header and floating movement of the header relative to the tractor
which
occurs in the above described operating action.
CA 02848268 2014-04-02
28
In the transport position, the arm is rigidly connected to the beam 230
of the header by a fixed receptacle 158 on the beam 23C which locates a point
159
on the arm spaced from the end 153 at a fixed position on the beam 23C of the
header. Thus the two points 153 and 159 hold the arm 151 fixed to the beam 23C
and extending generally along the beam 23C to the position beyond the end 23G
of
the header. =
The arm 151 is connected to the header beam 230 at the position 153
on the frame of the header which Is spaced from the mounting system 100 and
spaced from the end 23G of the header, Thus the arm 151 has no effect in the
operating position is not in any way involved In supporting the header in the
operating position and simply accommodates the movement of the header.
As the arm 151 is connected to the mounting system on the tractor by
the ball hitch 160 at the beam 110, it is raised and lowered with the mounting
system
100. Thus the header can be raised and lowered at the end 23G by the arm 151
and is supp.orted in the transport position by that arm and by the rear wheels
141,
142,
Thus the ground wheels 141, 142 on the header are located adjacent
the end 23H of the header opposite to the arm 151 for supporting a rear end of
the
header as it is towed behind the tractor, with one of the wheels 141 being
Located on
one side of the header adjacent the frame 230 and the other wheel 142 being
located adjacent the cutter bar 23A. As described in the above patent, the
wheel
142 located adjacent the cutter bar is moved to a retracted position in the
working
CA 02848268 2014-04-02
29
position of the header so as to cooperate with the wheel 141 and 143 as gauge
wheels.
The ground wheels on the header also include the wheel 144 adjacent
the end 23G of the header for supporting the end 23G as the header moves from
the
6 working position to the transport position. That is, in the movement, the
arm 151 is
not yet in a position where it can. provide the necessary support for the end
23G so
that the additional wheel 144 is lowered to the ground to prevent the header
from
toppling when the mounting to the tractor is disconnected. The wheel 144 then
is
retracted during transport so that the end 230 of the header is supported by
the
tractor through the arm 151 as described.
An automatic control switch 150 is provided in the cab which can be
operated by the operator to Initiate the transfer from transport to working
position
and vice versa. This switch and the associated control system operates the
disconnect mechanism 115, 116 at the coupling between the float system and the
arms of the lift system and operates the cylinders 145 and 147. In this way,
movement of the header from the transport position to the working position and
back
Including deployment of the ground wheels 142 and 144 by the cylinder 145 and
lifting of wheel 143 by the cylinder 147 and including connection and
disconnection
of the header from the tractor is effected automatically without physical
movement of
any components by the operator. The physical movement of the header relative
to
the tractor Is obtained simply by guiding the tractor to the required
positions to move
away from the end 23G to take up the transport position and to move toward the
CA 02848268 2014-04-02
mounting assembly to take up the transport position. The connection of the
link arm
151 ensures that the coupling for the transport position is automatically
obtained and
is maintained so that there is no necessity for the tractor operator to guide
the tractor
to link up disconnected hitch couplings between the tractor and header.
=
