Patent ID: 6662540
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: A01B

Abstract:
An agricultural crop harvester adapted to be pulled across a field of crop material by a tractor, the harvester comprising:an elongate harvesting mechanism having a top side and a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the direction of travel of the harvester when in field operation, said harvesting mechanism supported for movement by at least one ground-engaging wheel; an elongate tongue having a first end pivotably affixed to the top side of said harvesting mechanism and a second end remote therefrom, said second end of said tongue adapted to be affixed to a tractor and movable through a functional arc from an operating position to a transport position where said tongue is approximately parallel to said longitudinal axis; a gearbox pivotably supported by said harvesting mechanism at a pivot point spaced from said first end of said tongue; a telescoping driveline extending from said gearbox and supported by said tongue such that said driveline moves with said tongue and said gearbox pivots therewith; an hydraulic system supported by said harvesting mechanism and including a swing cylinder operable to selectively pivot said tongue through said functional arc; and a selector valve in said hydraulic system to shut off the flow of hydraulic fluid to said swing cylinder; said selector valve fixed in a position to be actuated if said gearbox pivots to a preselected position within said functional arc, thereby preventing further pivoting of said tongue toward said transport position.