Patent ID: 8353148
Filing Date: 2013-01-15
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
1. A method of responding to obstacles encountered by an agricultural harvesting pickup apparatus that moves in a harvesting direction, the method comprising the steps of: driving a pickup reel with a continuous loop device, said pickup reel rotatable about a first axis; pivoting at least one structural member about a second axis, said pickup reel being supported by said at least one structural member; and positioning a path of said continuous loop device so that a tight side of said device is located in the harvesting direction from both said first axis and said second axis, said positioning step including a step of selecting a lever arm of a rotational guide about which said continuous loop device travels to thereby determine an encountered torque limit above which said at least one structural member is pivoted upwardly about said second axis when the harvesting pickup apparatus encounters an obstacle.