Patent ID: 6047532
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
A wide cut crop harvesting header configured for attachment to the mobile frame of a harvesting machine, said header comprising:a wide cutter for severing crop across a cutting width as the machine moves across a field;header framework defining a discharge opening spaced rearwardly from the cutter, said discharge opening having a width that is relatively less than the cutting width;a pair of vertically spaced, oppositely rotatable, laterally extending augers located between the cutter and the discharge opening and configured to cooperatively converge severed crop centrally from areas located laterally outboard of the discharge opening and project the crop through the opening when rotated,said augers cooperatively defining a laterally extending open throat therebetween through which the severed crop passes during movement to the discharge opening,each of said augers being rotatably supported adjacent opposite ends thereof; anda pair of intermediate auger supports, each rotatably supporting one of the augers between said opposite ends on the header framework,the auger support for the upper auger supporting the upper auger from above the upper auger without projecting substantially down into the throat,the auger support for the lower auger supporting the lower auger from below the lower auger without projecting substantially up into the throat such that the supports do not obstruct crop flow through the throat.