Patent ID: 7398144
Filing Date: 2008-07-08
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
1. A method of calibrating a PTO for driving a cutter of a header of an agricultural windrower, comprising steps of: providing a windrower including a PTO having a fluid pump operable by a signal controlled device for controlling pressurized fluid flow through the PTO to a cutter of a header for controlling a speed of operation of the cutter; providing a programmable control module in connection with the signal controlled device and operable for outputting control signals thereto having variable signal values; and wherein the control module is programmed as part of a calibration routine for automatically: outputting control signals to the signal controlled device having signal values which will increase over time from a first predetermined value toward a second predetermined value; monitoring the header for an indication of initial movement of the cutter; and if the indication of the initial movement of the cutter is present, then storing information representative of a signal value outputted to the signal controlled device corresponding to the initial movement of the cutter; and if the values of the signals outputted to the signal controlled device are increased to the second predetermined value and the indication is not present, then determining that the calibration fails.