Patent ID: 7703266
Filing Date: 2010-04-27
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
1. A method of managing a lift and flotation system interconnecting a header and a frame of an agricultural harvesting machine, comprising: providing a programmable controller in operative control of the header lift and flotation system, the controller being automatically operable in a normal mode for controlling the system to raise the header when a header raise command is present, for controlling the system to lower the header when a header lower command is present, and for setting a flotation force of the system equal to an inputted value therefor; providing a device controllable by an operator for inputting a selectable value for the flotation force to the controller, including a value of zero or about zero and at least one value greater than about zero; wherein responsive to an inputted value for the flotation force being zero or about zero, the controller will automatically operate in a header remove mode to control the system to hold the flotation force at the inputted value of zero or about zero, including when the header raise command is present; and wherein the controller will automatically raise the header to a predetermined elevated transport position when at least the following conditions are present: the machine is operating in a high speed range; and a speed of the machine is above a predetermined level.