Patent ID: 7168226
Filing Date: 2007-01-30
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
1. In a harvesting machine having a frame adapted for movement over the ground, the frame having a front end, an opposing rear end, and an operator's platform, an elongate crop harvesting header having a first end and a second opposing end, the first and second ends defining the length of the elongate header, the header supported at first and second support points, intermediate the first and second ends, by the frame across the front end of the frame for generally vertical movement relative to the ground, the improvement comprising: a header lift and flotation system interconnecting the header and the frame for selectively raising and lowering the header relative to the ground and setting flotation parameters, the header lift and flotation system including: left and right hand hydraulic cylinders interconnecting the frame and the header adjacent the respective first and second support points; a hydraulic fluid reservoir; substantially independent left and right hand electro-hydraulic circuits, each circuit including an independent hydraulic pump and at least one valve operated by electrical signals, interconnecting the hydraulic fluid reservoir and the respective left and right hand hydraulic cylinders; left and right hand manually manipulated switches: an electronic programmable controller interconnecting the switches and the valves such that independent manipulation of the switches causes the controller to emit electrical signals to the valves to establish independent flotation and lift settings.