Patent ID: 6250055
Filing Date: 2001-06-26
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
In a harvesting machine including a main transverse frame, a header separate from the frame including a transverse crop severing cutter bar, and a float suspension coupling the header to the main frame including at least one generally horizontal lower link having its opposite ends respectively pivotally connected to said frame and said header at lower rear and front bearings, and at least one upper link disposed substantially parallel to said lower link and having its opposite ends respectively pivotally connected to said frame and said header at upper front and rear bearings with the upper link having a desired effective length and including structure permitting the header to pivot about said lower front bearing and embodying a spring resisting upward pivoting of said header about said lower front bearing from a normal working position, the improvement comprising: said upper front bearing including a transverse, pivotally mounted pin containing a fore-and-aft extending bore; said upper link including a cylindrical rod mounted for sliding in said bore and having a stop fixed thereto for engaging a front location of said upper front bearing; said spring acting between said upper front bearing and said cylindrical rod; said upper link including a length adjustable structure located rearwardly of, and separately from, said spring for changing said desired effective length between said upper rear and front bearings thereby effecting tilting of said header about said lower front bearing, whereby the cutting angle of the cutter bar may be adjusted without causing said spring to release or store any energy.