Patent Publication Number: US-2023136518-A1

Title: Harvesting machine belt pickup header with movable pickup belt assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     Not applicable. 
     STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates to embodiments of harvesting machine belt pickup headers that include a pickup belt and transfer belt arrangement that deliver cut crop to a feeder house. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     An agricultural harvesting machine such as a combine includes a header and a feeder house which remove a crop material from a field, gather the crop material, and transport the crop material to a separator. The grain is cleaned and deposited in a grain tank. When the grain tank becomes full, an unloading auger positioned along a side of the combine during harvesting is moved to the unloading position in which the auger extends approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the combine. The combine drives alongside a vehicle, such as a semi-trailer or grain cart, into which the grain is to be unloaded and the unloading auger is actuated to discharge the grain into the vehicle. 
     For small-stemmed crops such as wheat, soybeans, etc., the combine typically carries and drives a cutting header that includes a cutter bar at the leading edge thereof. The crop is cut using the cutter bar and conveyed to the feeder house of the combine using conveying structures such as an overhead reel, draper belts, dual feed auger, etc. 
     For certain applications and operating environments, the crop is cut prior to full maturation and dry down and is allowed to dry in the field prior to being picked up and processed with a combine. Such crops may be arranged and allowed to dry in windrows, with the dried and windrowed crop being subsequently picked up using a pickup header carried by the combine. One type of known pickup header is a belt pickup header. A pickup header includes one or more belts that are carried by generally horizontally positioned drive and idler rollers. Typically, a combination of a pickup belt and a transfer belt are arranged to convey the crop material rearwardly to a feed auger and the feeder house of the combine. A plurality of fingers is provided on the pickup belt to draw the cut crop rearward along the rotating pickup belt and provide the crop to the transfer belt. The crop is moved from the pickup belt to the transfer belt where the crop is fed into the feed auger. The feed auger conveys the crop on to the feeder house. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A header for an agricultural work vehicle including a feeder house is disclosed, with the header operable to move crop material in a forward feed direction during a crop processing operation and in a reverse feed direction during a declogging operation. The header includes a frame configured to be coupled to the feeder house, a pickup belt assembly coupled to the frame and including a movable pickup belt configured to convey crop material, a transfer belt assembly coupled to the frame and including a movable transfer belt arranged to convey crop material from the pickup belt assembly to the feeder house in the forward feed direction, an actuator coupled to the frame that pivots the pickup belt assembly relative to the frame, and a discharge zone through which crop material is conveyed in the reverse feed direction during the declogging operation. 
     An agricultural work vehicle is further disclosed that includes a feeder house operable to move crop material in a forward feed direction during a crop processing operation and in a reverse feed direction during a declogging operation. The agricultural work vehicle also includes a header having a frame configured to be coupled to the feeder house, a pickup belt assembly coupled to the frame and including a movable pickup belt configured to convey crop material, a transfer belt assembly coupled to the frame and including a movable transfer belt arranged to convey crop material from the pickup belt assembly to the feeder house, an actuator coupled to the frame that pivots the pickup belt assembly relative to the frame, and a discharge zone through which crop material is conveyed from the feeder house in the reverse feed direction during the declogging operation 
     The details of one or more embodiments are set-forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       At least one example of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following figures: 
         FIG.  1    is a side view of an agricultural harvesting machine that incorporates elements of the present disclosure, in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a front perspective view of a belt pickup header and feeder house included in the harvesting machine of  FIG.  1   , in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic plan view of the belt pickup header and feeder house of  FIG.  2   , with some features removed for clarity; 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded view of an assembly of a side sheet and an intermediate bracket provided on one side of the belt pickup header of  FIG.  2   , in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a portion of the belt pickup header of  FIG.  2    illustrating coupling of the intermediate bracket to the side sheet; 
         FIG.  6    is a side view of a portion of the belt pickup header of  FIG.  2    illustrating positioning of a pickup belt assembly relative to a transfer belt assembly while in a normal operating mode; 
         FIG.  7    is a side view of a portion of the belt pickup header of  FIG.  2    illustrating positioning of a pickup belt assembly relative to a transfer belt assembly while in a reverse operating mode; 
         FIG.  8    is perspective view of a portion of a belt pickup header in accordance with another example embodiment, and illustrates positioning of a pickup belt assembly relative to a transfer belt assembly while in a normal operating mode; 
         FIG.  9    is perspective view of the belt pickup header of  FIG.  8    and illustrates positioning of the pickup belt assembly relative to the transfer belt assembly while in a feeder house declogging operating mode; 
         FIG.  10    is an exploded view of an assembly of a side sheet and an intermediate bracket provided on the belt pickup header of  FIG.  8   , in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  11    is a front perspective view of a belt pickup header that includes a movable pickup belt assembly in the header, in accordance with another example embodiment; 
         FIG.  12    is a side view of the belt pickup header of  FIG.  11    illustrating positioning of a pickup belt assembly relative to a transfer belt assembly while in a normal operating mode; 
         FIG.  13    is a side view of the belt pickup header of  FIG.  11    illustrating positioning of a pickup belt assembly relative to a transfer belt assembly while in a feeder house declogging operating mode; 
         FIG.  14    is a side view of a belt pickup header that includes a separable front section in accordance with another example embodiment and illustrates positioning of the front section relative to a back section while in a normal operating mode; 
         FIG.  15    is a side view of the belt pickup header of  FIG.  14    illustrating positioning of the front section relative to a back section while in a feeder house declogging operating mode; 
         FIG.  16    is a block schematic diagram illustrating a control system for a belt pickup header and feeder house, in accordance with an example embodiment; and 
         FIG.  17    is a flowchart illustrating a control scheme for operating a belt pickup header, in accordance with an example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the example and non-limiting embodiments described in the subsequent Detailed Description. It should further be understood that features or elements appearing in the accompanying figures are not necessarily drawn to scale unless otherwise stated. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying figures of the drawings described briefly above. Various modifications to the example embodiments may be contemplated by one of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as set-forth the appended claims. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG.  1    illustrates a self-propelled harvesting machine in the form of a combine  2 , with which embodiments of the present disclosure may be employed. On the forward end area of the combine  2  is a belt pickup header  4  that is couplable with the combine  2  such as by using one or more drive shafts, hydraulic hoses, etc. Crop material, including grain crop material and non-grain crop material, is picked up from a field using the belt pickup header  4 , and the belt pickup header  4  operates to convey the crop material rearwardly to an auger  6  (which, in some embodiments, is a dual feed auger) and feeder house  8  of the combine  2 . The cut crop is funneled through the feeder house  8  and proceeds upward and rearward to a drum conveyor  10 , which then conveys the cut crop into a threshing and separating system  12  where grain in the cut crop material is threshed and separated from the material other than grain. A further conveyor (not shown) carries the now-clean grain upward into a grain tank  14  in the agricultural combine  2  from where grain can be periodically transferred to a vehicle (not shown) traveling along a side of the agricultural combine  2 . 
     An operator&#39;s cabin  16  is disposed above and behind the belt pickup header  4 . The operator&#39;s cabin  16  has an operator seat and several operator controls to permit the operator to operate the agricultural combine  2  and the belt pickup header  4 . 
       FIGS.  2  and  3    show features of the belt pickup header  4  in greater detail, according to one example embodiment. The belt pickup header  4  generally includes a main frame  17  having a pair of frame ends  18 , a pickup belt assembly  20 , a transfer belt assembly  22 , a windscreen  24  (also known as a crop hold-down), an auger  6 , and a suspension system  28 . 
     The transfer belt assembly  22  includes a drive roller  30  and a driven roller  32 . The drive roller  30  also defines the axis of pivotal coupling  33  between the transfer belt assembly  22  and the main frame  17 . Similarly, the pickup belt assembly  20  includes a drive roller  34  and a driven roller  36 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the drive roller  30  and drive roller  34  are respectively driven by a pair of motors  38  that operate to drive the transfer belt assembly  22  and the pickup belt assembly  20  at the same rotational speed. In the illustrated embodiment, the motors  38  are provided as hydraulic motors which are coupled together in series, but it is recognized that the motors  38  could instead be other types of motive devices, such as electric motors (e.g., servo motors). The transfer belt assembly  22  also includes an endless belt  40  wrapped about the rollers  30 ,  32 . In the illustrated example, the endless belt  40  is smooth. In other instances, the endless belt  40  includes cleats for conveying the crop material toward the combine  2 . The pickup belt assembly  20  includes an endless belt  42  carrying a plurality of fingers  44  for effectively removing the crop material from the field and assisting in moving the crop back to the transfer belt assembly  22 . With the belt pickup header  4  conventionally positioned on the combine  2  relative to the ground, the transfer belt assembly  22  extends along a plane P 1  at an angular orientation in which a forward end  22   a  of the transfer belt assembly  22  is lower (i.e., closer to the ground) than a rearward end  22   b  of the transfer belt assembly  22 , while the pickup belt assembly  20  extends along a plane P 2 , which intersects the plane P 1  of the pickup belt assembly  22 , at an angular orientation in which a forward end  20   a  of the pickup belt assembly  20  is lower (i.e., closer to the ground) than a rearward end  20   b  of the pickup belt assembly  20 . Thus, in this arrangement, the pickup belt assembly  20  is positioned relative to the transfer belt assembly  22  such that a position of the rearward end  20   b  of the pickup belt assembly  20  overlaps with a position of the forward end  22   a  of the transfer belt assembly  22 , with the rearward end  20   b  of the pickup belt assembly  20  positioned above the forward end  22   a  of the transfer belt assembly  22 . 
     When harvesting crop material, the transfer belt assembly  22  and the pickup belt assembly  20  are each provided in a harvesting position and at an angular orientation where a forward end or side thereof is lower than a rearward end or side (i.e., a forward end  20   a  of the pickup belt assembly  20  is lower, relative to the ground, than a rearward end  20   b  of the pickup belt assembly  20  and a forward end  22   a  of the transfer belt assembly  22  is lower, relative to the ground, than a rearward end  22   b  of the transfer belt assembly  22 ), to aid in moving the crop back toward the feeder house  8 . 
     The pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  are secured to side sheets  46  and intermediate brackets  48  that collectively define side frames  49  that support the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  and carry the drive rollers  30  and  34  and driven rollers  32  and  36 . The side sheets  46  are coupled to the frame ends  18  of the main frame  17 . For securing the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  to the side sheets  46  and intermediate brackets  48 , a cross frame  45  ( FIG.  3   ) is included in each of the transfer belt assembly  22  and pickup belt assembly  20  to provide stability thereto. The cross frames  45  are affixed to the side sheets  46  and intermediate brackets  48 , while the drive rollers  30  and  34  and driven rollers  32  and  36  are mounted within openings in the side sheets  46  and intermediate brackets  48  in a manner that still provides for rotation of the rollers. Additionally, the side sheets  46  carry a pair of gauge wheels  50  positioned forward and outside of the pickup belt assembly  20 . 
     The windscreen  24  includes a pair of arms  54  interconnected by a cross bar  56 . The cross bar  56  carries a plurality of rearwardly extending tines  58 . An angular orientation of the tines  58  may be adjusted by adjusting an attachment orientation between the cross bar  56  and arms  54 . A pair of hydraulic cylinders  60  interconnect the arms  54  with the side sheets  46  of the transfer belt assembly  22 . The vertical height of the cross bar  56  and the tines  58  may be adjusted by an operator through actuation of the hydraulic cylinders  60 . By connecting the lower end of the hydraulic cylinders  60  with the side sheets  46 , the cross bar  56  moves up and down with the pickup belt assembly  20  to provide a clearance distance therebetween for rearward conveying of crop material. 
     The auger  6  receives the crop material conveyed rearwardly by the transfer belt assembly  22  and moves the crop material inward from each side of the belt pickup header  4  toward the feeder house  8 . Within the feeder house  8 , a belt conveyor  62  operates to convey the crop material into the combine  2 , such as to a threshing area in the combine  2 . The belt conveyor  62  may include an idler roller  64  and a drive roller  66  supported at the sidewalls of the feeder house  8 , along with an endless belt  68 . In some instances, the endless belt  68  includes two endless chains to which laterally extending slats are fixed and which are driven by the drive roller  64 . 
     The suspension system  28  generally includes a pair of suspension arms  70 , a pair of compression springs  72 , and a pair of fluid shocks  74  (e.g., hydraulic shocks) that dampen movement between the suspension arms  70  and the main frame  17 . Each suspension arm  70  has a proximal end closest to the combine  2  that is pivotally coupled with the main frame  17  at the opposite lateral sides of the belt pickup header  4 . Each suspension arm  70  has a distal end that is coupled with a side sheet  46  at each lateral side of the pickup belt assembly  20 . In the embodiment shown, each suspension arm  70  has a distal end which is coupled with a respective side sheet  46  by way of a corresponding suspension link  76  in a manner allowing free pivotal movement therebetween. Alternatively, in other instances, each suspension arm  70  is angled downwardly for direct connection with the trailing edge of the pickup belt assembly  20  or the leading edge of the transfer belt assembly  22 . 
     In operation of the belt pickup header  4 , it is recognized that crop material removed from the field by the pickup belt assembly  20  and transferred back to the feeder house  8  via the transfer belt assembly  22  and auger  6  can occasionally lead to a clogging of crop material in the feeder house  8  or in the auger  6 . When such a clog occurs, the belt conveyor  62  in the feeder house  8  and the auger  6  may operate in reverse to attempt to clear the clogged crop material from the feeder house  8 . Removal of the clogged crop material from the feeder house  8  is further improved via operation of the pickup belt assembly  20 , the transfer belt assembly  22 , or both, in a reverse mode, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In order to facilitate operation of the pickup belt assembly  20 , the transfer belt assembly  22 , or both, in a reverse mode, the belt pickup header  4  is constructed to provide for selective rotation or movement of the pickup belt assembly  20  relative to the transfer belt assembly  22 , providing a clearance gap between the fingers  44  of the pickup belt assembly  20  and the belt  40  of the transfer belt assembly  22 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  4 - 7   , detailed views of the side sheets  46  and intermediate brackets  48  of the belt pickup header  4  are shown, along with coupling of the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  to the side sheets  46  and intermediate brackets  48 , according to one implementation. As will be explained in greater detail below, the coupling of the pickup belt assembly  20  to the side sheets  46  and intermediate brackets  48  provides for a rotational repositioning of the pickup belt assembly  20  relative to the transfer belt assembly  22 . 
     Referring first to  FIG.  4   , the structure of a side sheet  46  and intermediate bracket  48  are shown in greater detail. The side sheet  46  generally includes a fixed portion  80  and a movable portion  82  that is spaced apart from the fixed portion  80 , with the fixed portion  80  coupled to the main frame  17  (such as via a pivot fixture  84 , shown in  FIG.  5   ) and the movable portion  82  coupled to the intermediate bracket  48  in an arrangement that positions the intermediate bracket  48  between the fixed and movable portions  80 ,  82 . 
     The fixed portion  80  of the side sheet  46  includes a forward arm  86  and rear arm  88  formed on opposing ends of thereof. The forward arm  86  and rear arm  88  include a roller opening  90 ,  92 , respectively, formed therein that receives a respective roller of the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22 . In particular, the roller opening  90  in the forward arm  86  receives the driven roller  36  of the pickup belt assembly  20 , while the roller opening  92  in the rear arm  88  receives the drive roller  30  of the transfer belt assembly  22 . Additional roller openings  94 ,  96  are also formed in the fixed portion  80  at locations between the front and rear arms  86 ,  88 , with these roller openings  94 ,  96  generally aligned with one another vertically. The roller opening  94  receives the drive roller  34  of the pickup belt assembly  20  while the roller opening  96  receives the driven roller  32  of the transfer belt assembly  22 . The positioning of the roller openings  94 ,  96  in this arrangement results in a vertical staggering and a horizontal overlap of the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22 , such that harvested crop material is passed from the pickup belt assembly  20  to the transfer belt assembly  22  during normal operation. 
     The intermediate bracket  48  is positioned on an outward facing surface of the fixed portion  80  of the side sheet  46  (opposite from the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22 ) so that the intermediate bracket  48  is in between the fixed and movable portions  80 ,  82  of the side sheet  46 . The intermediate bracket  48  is generally positioned to overlap with the forward arm  86  of the fixed portion  80  of the side sheet  46 . The intermediate bracket  48  includes a front arm  98  and a back arm  100  having a roller opening  102 ,  104  formed respectively therein that receives a respective roller of the pickup belt assembly  20 . The front arm  98  of the intermediate bracket  48  is positioned relative to the fixed portion  80  such that the roller opening  102  in the front arm  98  (of intermediate bracket  48 ) is aligned with the roller opening  90  in the forward arm  86  (of fixed portion  80 ) and such that the driven roller  36  of the pickup belt assembly  20  is receivable into both the roller openings  90 ,  102 . Similarly, the back arm  100  of the intermediate bracket  48  is positioned relative to the fixed portion  80  of the side sheet  46  such that the roller opening  104  in the back arm  100  (of intermediate bracket  48 ) is aligned with the roller opening  94  in the fixed portion  80  and such that the drive roller  34  of the pickup belt assembly  20  is receivable into both the roller openings  94 ,  104 . Regarding the aligned roller opening  94  formed in the fixed portion  80  of the side sheet  46  and the roller opening  104  formed in the back arm  100  of the intermediate bracket  48 , the roller opening  104  in the back arm  100  is smaller than that of the roller opening  94  in the side sheet  46  such that the drive roller  34  is secured within the roller opening  104  but that there is a clearance between the drive roller  34  and the side sheet  46  that allows for movement of the roller  34  relative to the side sheet  46 , as will be explained later. 
     The intermediate bracket  48  also includes a wheel mount  106  that extends in a laterally outward direction. The wheel mount  106  extends through an opening in the movable portion  82  of the side sheet  46 . One of the gauge wheels  50  ( FIG.  2   ) of the belt pickup header  4  is mounted to the wheel mount  106 . A gauge wheel arm (not shown) may be further secured to the movable portion  82  and, in some embodiments, the mating between the gauge wheel arm and the movable portion  82  allows for a positional adjustment between the gauge wheel  50  and the side sheet  46 , such as adjustment between an upper, middle, or lower position that adjusts a height of the belt assemblies  20 ,  22  above the ground. 
     Each of the side sheet  46  and intermediate bracket  48  further include features thereon that provide for a relative movement between the intermediate bracket  48  and the side sheet  46  (i.e., the fixed portion  80  of the side sheet  46 ). The fixed portion  80  of the side sheet  46  includes a plurality of vertically oriented openings or slots  110  formed therein extending along a length of the forward arm  86 , with four (4) such slots  110  shown in  FIG.  4   . Linearly shaped connecting plates  112  are positioned in these slots  110 . The plates  112  couple the intermediate bracket  48  to the cross frame  45  of the pickup belt assembly  20 . Each of the connecting plates  112  is configured to have a length that is less than a length of the respective slot  110  within which the connecting plate  112  is positioned to provide for movement of the connecting plates  112  within the slots  110  (i.e., an up/down sliding of the connecting plates  112  within the slots  110  in the context of  FIG.  4   ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , an actuator  114  is provided that enables movement of the intermediate bracket  48  relative to the fixed portion  80  of the side sheet  46 . In the example implementation, the actuator  114  is in the form of a linear actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder coupled between the intermediate bracket  48  and side sheet  46 . A length of the actuator  114  is adjustable. For example, in the context of a hydraulic cylinder, the length of the actuator  114  is adjustable in response to changes in hydraulic pressure. A change in length of the actuator  114  causes movement of the intermediate bracket  48  relative to the side sheet  46 . Other types of actuators, such as an actuator that includes an electric motor, could alternatively be used to move the intermediate bracket  48  relative to the side sheet  46 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, mounts  116 ,  118  to which the actuator  114  is mounted are provided on the side sheet  46  and the intermediate bracket  48 , respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounts  116 ,  118  are provided as cylindrically shaped protrusions, although it is recognized that other mounting features may be used. The mount  116  on the fixed portion  80  of the side sheet  46  is positioned on the distal end of an extension bracket  120  that extends upwardly from the fixed portion  80 . The mount  118  on the intermediate bracket  48  is positioned on the back arm  100  and in proximity to the extension bracket  120  on the fixed portion  80 . One end of the actuator  114  is coupled to the mount  116  while the other end of the actuator  114  is coupled to the mount  118 . 
     According to some embodiments, operation of the actuator  114  to adjust the length thereof causes a corresponding movement of the intermediate bracket  48  relative to the fixed portion  80  of the side sheet  46 . More specifically, a shortening or lengthening of the actuator  114  causes rotation of the intermediate bracket  48  about a pivot axis  122  provided between the intermediate bracket  48  and the fixed portion  80 . In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot axis  122  is provided at the location of the driven roller  36  of the pickup belt assembly  20 , although it is recognized that another pivot axis could be selected about which the intermediate bracket  48  rotates relative to the side sheet fixed portion  80 , such as at a location vertically offset from the location of driven roller  36 . At the location of the pivot axis  122 , a pivot fixture  124  is provided that enables rotation of the intermediate bracket  48  relative to the fixed portion  80 . The pivot fixture  124  is secured to the forward arm  86  of the fixed portion  80  (such as via a plurality of fasteners) and includes a roller mount  126  therein that receives and secures the roller  36  therein in a manner that provides for rotation of the roller  36  relative to the pivot fixture  124  (e.g., via a roller bearing attachment (not shown)). The roller mount  126  includes a roller opening  128  that receives the roller  36 , with the roller opening  128  of the roller mount  126  being aligned with the roller openings  90 ,  102  formed in the side sheet  46  and intermediate bracket  48 , respectively. 
     An example of the movement of the intermediate bracket  48  will now be described here below with reference to  FIGS.  6  and  7    and with continued reference to  FIGS.  4  and  5   . According to the example, the actuator  114  is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In embodiments where the actuator  114  is a hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic cylinder is movable between the extended and retracted positions via operation of a hydraulic circuit, such as a hydraulic circuit included within a belt pickup header (such as belt pickup header  4 ) or a combine (such as the combine  2 ). In  FIG.  6   , the actuator  114  is in an extended condition. As the actuator  114  is retracted, a length of the actuator  114  decreases, causing the back arm  100  of the intermediate bracket  48  (where actuator  114  is coupled to mount  118 ) to move upwardly in the direction of arrow  129 . This upward movement of the back arm  100  causes the intermediate bracket  48  to rotate (counterclockwise) about the pivot axis  122  and also causes the connecting plates  112  to slide upwardly within the slots  110  formed in the side sheet fixed portion  80 . The rotation of the intermediate bracket  48  can continue until the actuator  114  is fully retracted or until the connecting plates  112  contact the upper edge of the slots  110 . In some embodiments, the intermediate bracket  48  is rotatable relative to the fixed portion  80  of the side sheet  46  by 5° from a first position in which the actuator  114  is fully extended to a second position in which with the actuator  114  is fully retracted. 
     As previously indicated, the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  are coupled to the side sheets  46  and intermediate brackets  48  of the belt pickup header  4 . The transfer belt assembly  22  is coupled to the fixed portion  80  of the side sheet  46  via coupling of the drive roller  30  and driven roller  32  within the roller openings  92 ,  96  and via coupling of the cross frame  45  to the fixed portion  80 . The pickup belt assembly  20  is coupled to the intermediate bracket  48  via coupling of the drive roller  34  within the roller openings  94 ,  104  and the driven roller  36  within the roller openings  90 ,  102  and via coupling of the cross frame  45  (and connecting plates  112 ) to the intermediate bracket  48 . The transfer belt assembly  22  is maintained in a fixed position relative to the fixed portion  80  of the side sheet  46 , while allowing for rotation of the rollers  30 ,  32  via mounting thereof within the roller openings  92 ,  96 , such as with a rotatable bearing coupling. Conversely, the pickup belt assembly  20  is movable relative to the fixed portion  80  of the side sheet  46  and, thus, relative to the transfer belt assembly  22  via coupling of the pickup belt assembly  20  to the intermediate bracket  48 . As indicated above, the intermediate bracket  48  is rotatable and repositionable relative to the fixed portion  80  of the side sheet  46  via actuation of the actuator  114  that couples the intermediate bracket  48  and fixed portion  80 . The rotation and repositioning of the intermediate bracket  48  causes a corresponding rotation and repositioning of the pickup belt assembly  20  that is coupled to the intermediate bracket  48 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the rotation and repositioning of the pickup belt assembly  20  relative to the fixed portion  80  of the side sheet  46  (and, hence, the transfer belt assembly  22 ) allows for a distance between the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  to be altered. By selectively altering the distance between the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22 , operation of the assemblies  20 ,  22  in multiple operational modes, e.g., a normal harvesting mode and a reverse declogging mode, is provided.  FIG.  6    illustrates the belt assemblies  20 ,  22  in a normal harvesting position, with the actuator  114  in a fully extended position and the belt assemblies  20 ,  22  angled and arranged relative to one another to space the pickup belt assembly  20  apart from the transfer belt assembly  22  by a distance D 1 . The separation distance D 1  allows for rotation of the belts  40 ,  42  in a forward rotational direction F (clockwise in  FIG.  6   ) that moves crop material from the belts  40 ,  42  of the assemblies  22  and  20 , respectively, to the auger  6  and feeder house  8 .  FIG.  7    illustrates the belt assemblies  20 ,  22  in a declogging position, with the actuator  114  in a retracted position and the pickup belt assembly  20  rotated and separated away from the transfer belt assembly  22  by a distance D 2  that creates a clearance gap  130 . Creation of the clearance gap  130  allows for rotation of the belts  40 ,  42  in a reverse rotational direction R (counterclockwise in  FIG.  7   ) to move crop material away from the auger  6  and feeder house  8 . That is, the clearance gap  130  allows for rotation of the belts  40 ,  42  in a reverse rotational direction R without the fingers  44  on the belt  42  of the pickup belt assembly  20  interfering or colliding with the belt  40  of the transfer belt assembly  22 . According to some embodiments, the pickup belt assembly  20  is rotated away (in direction  131 ) from the transfer belt assembly  22  by 5°, resulting in the belt  42  and the fingers  44  of the pickup belt assembly  20  being moved away from the belt  40  of the transfer belt assembly  22 . In some instances, a 5° rotation of the pickup belt assembly  20  relative to the transfer belt assembly  22  corresponds to a distance D 2  of 50 mm. In other instances, the amount of rotation of the pickup belt assembly  20  relative to the transfer belt assembly  22  and the distances D 1  and D 2  may vary based, for example, on a size or configuration of the pickup header, e.g., pickup header  4 , or crop type. 
     With the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  operating in the declogging mode, and with belts  40 ,  42  operating in the reverse rotational direction R, crop material is moved in a reverse feed direction away from the feeder house  8  and through a discharge zone  133  of the belt pickup header  4 . The discharge zone  133  is a region or area defined by the belt assemblies  20 ,  22  through which crop material is conveyed in the reverse feed direction during the declogging operation. In the illustrated embodiment, with the belts  40 ,  42  operating in the reverse rotational direction R, the crop material is carried over the transfer belt  40  and is transferred onto and over the pickup belt  42 , through a discharge zone  133  provided above the pickup belt  42 . Discharge of crop material through the discharge zone  133  with operation of the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  in the declogging mode can aid in resolving issues of crop material clogging in the feeder house  8 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  8 - 10   , portions of a belt pickup header  132  are shown that address the issue of crop material clogging in a feeder house according to another embodiment. The structure of the belt pickup header  132  is similar to that of belt pickup header  4  shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3    and is coupled to the main frame in the same manner. However, belt pickup header  132  differs from belt pickup header  4  in the structure of the side sheets and intermediate brackets therein and the actuators (and arrangement thereof) for actuating the intermediate brackets relative to the side sheets that allow for relative movement between the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22 . 
     Referring first to  FIGS.  8  and  9   , and as shown therein, the transfer belt assembly  22  of the belt pickup header  132  includes drive roller  30  and driven roller  32 , while the pickup belt assembly  20  includes drive roller  34  and driven roller  36 . The drive roller  30  and drive roller  34  are respectively driven by motors  38  (e.g., hydraulic motors) that drive the transfer belt assembly  22  and the pickup belt assembly  20 . The transfer belt assembly  22  also includes belt  40  wrapped about the rollers  30 ,  32  and a cross frame  45 . Similarly, the pickup belt assembly  20  includes belt  42  wrapped about the rollers  34 ,  36  and a cross frame  45 . The belt  42  carries a plurality of fingers  44  that remove crop material from a field and assist in moving the crop material to the transfer belt assembly  22 . 
     The belt pickup header  132  includes a side sheet  134  and intermediate bracket  136  that carry the drive and driven rollers  30 ,  32  and  34 ,  36  of the transfer belt assembly  22  and pickup belt assembly  20 , respectively. As shown in  FIGS.  8  and  9   , the side sheet  134  generally includes an inner portion  138  and an outer portion  140 , with the outer portion laterally offset from the inner portion  138  in an arrangement that provides for positioning of the intermediate bracket  136  between the inner and outer portions  138 ,  140 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS.  9  and  10   . 
     As shown in  FIG.  10   , the inner portion  138  of the side sheet  134  includes a forward arm  142  and rear arm  144  formed on opposing ends of thereof. The forward arm  142  and rear arm  144  include a roller opening  146 ,  148 , respectively, formed therein that receives a respective roller of the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22 . In particular, the roller opening  146  in the forward arm  142  receives the driven roller  36  of the pickup belt assembly  20 , while the roller opening  148  in the rear arm  144  receives the drive roller  30  of the transfer belt assembly  22 . A roller opening  150  and a roller notch  152  are also formed in the inner portion  138  at locations between the front and rear arms  142 ,  144 , with the opening  150  and notch  152  generally aligned with one another vertically. The notch  152  is open along a top edge  153  of the side sheet inner portion  138 . The roller opening  150  receives the driven roller  32  of the transfer belt assembly  22 , while the roller notch  152  receives the drive roller  34  of the pickup belt assembly  20 . The positioning of the roller openings  146 ,  148 ,  150  and notch  152  in this arrangement results in a vertical staggering and a horizontal overlap of the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22 , such that crop material that is moved rearward (i.e., towards a feeder house of a combine) by the pickup belt assembly  20  during normal operation is passed to the transfer belt assembly  22 . 
     The intermediate bracket  136  is positioned adjacent an outward facing surface of the side sheet inner portion  138  (opposite from the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22 ) so that the intermediate bracket  136  is disposed between the inner and outer portions  138 ,  140  of the side sheet  134 . The intermediate bracket  136  is positioned to overlap with the forward arm  142  of the inner portion  138 . The intermediate bracket  136  includes a front arm  154  that includes a roller opening  158  and a back arm  156  that includes a roller opening  160 . The roller openings  158 ,  160  receive a respective roller of the pickup belt assembly  20 , i.e., roller opening  158  receives driven roller  36  and roller opening  160  receives drive roller  34 . The front arm  154  of the intermediate bracket  136  is positioned relative to the inner portion  138  such that the roller opening  158  in the front arm  154  of intermediate bracket  136  is aligned with the roller opening  146  in the forward arm  142  of inner portion  138 . Further, the inner portion  138  of the side sheet  134  and the intermediate bracket  136  are arranged such that the roller openings  146  and  158  are aligned to receive the driven roller  36  of the pickup belt assembly  20 . Similarly, the back arm  156  is positioned relative to the inner portion  138  to align the roller opening  160  with the roller notch  152  and to allow for the drive roller  34  of the pickup belt assembly  20  to be received therein. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  8  and  9   , an actuator  162  is provided that enables movement of the intermediate bracket  136  relative to the side sheet  134 . In the example embodiment, the actuator  162  is in the form of a linear actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder coupled between the intermediate bracket  136  and side sheet  134 . A length of the actuator  162  is adjustable. For example, in the context of a hydraulic cylinder, the length of the actuator  162  is adjustable in response to changes in hydraulic pressure. A change in length of the actuator  162  causes movement of the intermediate bracket  136  relative to the side sheet  134 . Other types of actuators, such as an actuator that includes an electric motor, could alternatively be used to move the intermediate bracket  136  relative to the side sheet  134 . Mounts  164 ,  166  are provided on the side sheet  134  and intermediate bracket  136 , respectively, to which the actuator  162  is mounted. A first end of the actuator  162  is coupled to the mount  166  while a second end of the actuator  162  is coupled to the mount  164 . 
     Adjusting of the length of the actuator  162  causes a corresponding movement of the intermediate bracket  136  relative to the side sheet  134 . More specifically, a shortening or lengthening of the actuator  162  causes rotation of the intermediate bracket  136  about a pivot axis  122  located along the driven roller  36  of the pickup belt assembly  20 . The intermediate bracket  136  pivots about the pivot axis  122  with the use of pivot fixtures  124 . The pivot fixtures  124  are coupled to the intermediate bracket  136  and the inner portion  138  of the side sheet  134  and mounted concentrically with the openings  146  and  150  to provide for pivoting movement of the intermediate bracket  136  relative to the side sheet  134 . 
     As the length of the actuator  162  increases, the intermediate bracket  136  pivots about pivot axis  122  in a direction of arrow  167 . In some instances, rotation of the intermediate bracket  136  continues until the actuator  162  is fully extended. In some embodiments, the intermediate bracket  136  is rotatable relative to the side sheet  134  by 35°, such as between a first position in which the actuator  162  is in a fully retracted condition and a second position in which the actuator  162  is in a fully extended condition. Rotation of the intermediate bracket  136  relative to the side sheet  134  correspondingly results in rotation of the pickup belt assembly  20  relative to the transfer belt assembly  22 . 
     As previously indicated, the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  are coupled to the side sheet  134  and intermediate bracket  136  of the belt pickup header  132 . The transfer belt assembly  22  is coupled to the inner portion  138  of side sheet  134  via coupling of the drive roller  30  and driven roller  32  within the roller openings  148 ,  150  ( FIG.  10   ). The pickup belt assembly  20  is coupled to the intermediate bracket  136  via coupling of the drive roller  34  and driven roller  36  within the roller openings  158 ,  160 . The transfer belt assembly  22  is maintained in fixed position relative to the side sheet  134 , while allowing for rotation of the rollers  30 ,  32  via mounting thereof within the roller openings  148 ,  150 , such as with the use of rotatable bearing couplings, for example. Conversely, the pickup belt assembly  20  is movable relative to the side sheet  134 —and relative to the transfer belt assembly  22 —via coupling of the pickup belt assembly  20  to the intermediate bracket  136 . As indicated above, the intermediate bracket  136  is rotatable and repositionable relative to the side sheet  134  via actuation of the actuator  162 . Rotation of the intermediate bracket  136  causes a corresponding rotation of the pickup belt assembly  20  coupled thereto. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  8  and  9   , rotation of the intermediate bracket  136  relative to the side sheet  134  alters a distance between the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22 . By selectively altering the distance between the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  (for example, from a distance D 1  ( FIG.  8   ) associated with the actuator  162  being fully retracted to a distance D 3  ( FIG.  9   ) associated with the actuator  162  being fully extended), a discharge zone  168  is formed therebetween. Crop material is dischargeable through the discharge zone  168 , such as during operation of the feeder house belt conveyor  62 , auger  6 , and transfer belt assembly  22  in a declogging mode of operation.  FIG.  8    illustrates the belt assemblies  20 ,  22  in a normal harvesting configuration, with the actuator  162  in a fully retracted position and the belt assemblies  20 ,  22  angled and arranged relative to one another to space the pickup belt assembly  20  apart from the transfer belt assembly  22  by a distance D 1 . The separation distance D 1  allows the belts  40 ,  42  to rotate in a forward rotational direction F (clockwise in  FIG.  8   ) without destructively interfering with each other. Further, rotation of the belts  40  and  42  in the direction F moves crop material from the pickup belt assembly  20 , to transfer belt assembly  22 , and to an auger and feeder house of a combine. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates the belt assemblies  20 ,  22  in a discharge configuration. In the discharge configuration, the pickup belt assembly  20  is pivoted about the pivot axis  122  in the direction of arrow  167  in response to extension of actuator  162 , thereby increasing a separation between the pickup belt assembly  20  and the transfer belt assembly  22 . In some instances, the actuator  162  is fully extended to define the discharge configuration. In the discharge configuration, a separation distance D 3  is formed between the pickup belt assembly  20  and the transfer belt assembly  22 . The separation therebetween allows crop material to be discharged through the discharge zone  168 . According to some embodiments, the pickup belt assembly  20  is rotatable relative to the transfer belt assembly  22  by 35°. In other instances, an amount of relative rotation of the pickup belt assembly  20  relative to the transfer belt assembly  22  about the pivot axis  122  may be greater or less than 35°. Following formation of the discharge zone  168  in response to rotation of the pickup belt assembly  20  about the pivot axis  122  in the direction of arrow  167 , the transfer belt assembly  22  can be operated in declogging mode to remove crop material from the belt pickup header  132 . For example, in the declogging mode, the belt  40  is rotated in the reverse direction R, in conjunction with reverse operation of the feeder house belt conveyor  62  and auger  6 , to direct crop material through the discharge zone  168 , as indicated by arrow  169 . Operating the belt pickup header  132  in this way removes crop material that may be forming a clog within the feeder house  8 . In some embodiments, the belt  42  of pickup belt assembly  20  continues to rotate in the forward direction F while the transfer belt assembly  22 , feeder house belt conveyor  62 , and auger  6  operate in reverse (e.g., the belt  40  of the pickup belt assembly  22  rotates in the reverse direction R), to move crop material out through the discharge zone  168 . When operating in the declogging mode, the belt pickup header  132  discharges crop material through the discharge zone  168 , depositing the discharged crop material onto the ground underneath the pickup belt assembly  20 . 
       FIGS.  11  through  13    illustrate another example belt pickup header  170 . The belt pickup header  170  includes a pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  that are moveable relative to each other to provide for the removal of crop material that may be forming an obstruction, such as a clog within a feeder house of a combine. In this embodiment, rather than a structure having an intermediate bracket and side sheet on each side of the header, the belt pickup header  170  includes a split slide sheet configuration to which the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  are mounted. The belt pickup header  170  includes side sheets  172 , and each side sheet  172  generally includes a front portion  174  and a back portion  176  that are split from each other as distinct portions. The front portion  174  and the back portion  176  are movable relative to each other as described below. The front portion  174  is separate from the back portion  176  except for being rotatably coupled thereto at a pivot axis location  178 . 
     For each side sheet  172 , the back portion  176  includes a roller opening  180  and a roller opening  182  formed therein. The roller opening receives  180  the driven roller  32  of the transfer belt assembly  22 , while the roller opening  182  receives the drive roller  30  of the transfer belt assembly  22 . Also included on the back portion  176  of the split side sheet  172  is a mount  184  that receives one end of an actuator  186  operable to rotate the front portion  174  relative to the back portion  176 . A bracket  188  is also included on the back portion  176  that provides the pivot axis  178  between the front and back portions  174 ,  176  of the split side sheet  172 . The bracket  188  includes an opening  190  formed therein through which a pivot pin  191  is received to rotatably connect the front portion  174  to the back portion  176 . In the example embodiment, the actuator  186  is in the form of a linear actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder that has an adjustable length. For example, in the context of a hydraulic cylinder, the length of the actuator  186  is adjustable in response to changes in hydraulic pressure. A change in length of the actuator  186  causes rotation of the front portion  174  relative to the back portion  176  about the pivot axis  178 . Other types of actuators, such as an actuator that includes an electric motor, could be also used to rotate the front portion  174  relative to the back portion  176 . 
     The front portion  174  of the split side sheet  172  is positioned adjacent the back portion  176  of the split side sheet  172  so that, in a normal harvesting mode of operation, the front portion  174  is in contact with the back portion  176 . The split side sheet  172  thus appears as a single piece. The front portion  174  includes a roller opening  192  and a roller opening  194  formed therein at opposing ends thereof. The roller opening  192  receives the driven roller  36  of the pickup belt assembly  20 , while the roller opening  194  receives the drive roller  34  of the pickup belt assembly  20 . Also included on the front portion  174  of the split side sheet  172  is a bracket  196  by which the front portion  174  is pivotably coupled to the back portion  176  and by which the actuator  186  is coupled to the front portion  174 . In some embodiments, the bracket  196  includes a pair of offset plates  198 , as shown in  FIG.  11   . Each of the plates  198  includes an opening  200  positioned so that the openings  200  are aligned with each other. The aligned openings  200  align with the opening  190  formed in the bracket  188  of the back portion  176  of the side sheet  172 . The back portion bracket  188  is positioned between the offset plates  198  and arranged such that the openings  200  and  190  align. The pivot pin  192  is received into the aligned openings  200  and  190 . The plates  198  of the bracket  196  also include a mounting feature  202  therein (e.g., another pair of aligned openings) by which the actuator  186  is coupled. 
     The actuator  186  is coupled between the front and back portions  174 ,  176  of the split side sheet  172  to provide for rotation between the front and back portions  174 ,  176 . Opposing ends of the actuator  186  are coupled to the mount  184  on the back portion  176  and the mounting feature  202  of the bracket  196  on the front portion  174 . Alteration of a length of the actuator  186  causes a relative rotation of the front portion  174  relative and the back portion  176  about the pivot axis  178 . 
     As the length of the actuator  186  decreases, the front portion  174  pivots about pivot axis  178  in a direction of arrow  203 . In some instances, rotation of the front portion  174  continues until the actuator  186  is fully retracted. In some embodiments, the front portion  174  is rotatable relative to the back portion  176  over a range of approximately 40° to 65°. In some embodiments, the actuator  186  is adjustable between a first position in which the actuator  186  is in a fully extended condition to a second position in which the actuator  186  is in a fully retracted condition. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  12  and  13   , rotation of the front portion  174  of the split side sheet about the pivot axis  178  relative to the back portion  176  correspondingly results in rotation of the pickup belt assembly  20  mounted thereto relative to the transfer belt assembly  22 . Rotation of the pickup belt assembly  20  in the direction of arrow  203  causes the pickup belt assembly  20  to separate and moved away from the transfer belt assembly  22 , thereby forming a discharge zone  204  therebetween. Crop material is dischargeable through the discharge zone  204 , such as during operation of the feeder house belt conveyor  62 , auger  6 , and transfer belt assembly  22  in a declogging mode of operation. Particularly, crop material is discharged through the discharge zone  204  when the belt  40  of the transfer belt assembly  22  is rotated in a reverse rotational direction R. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates the split side sheet  172  and belt assemblies  20 ,  22  in a normal harvesting configuration with the actuator  186  in a fully extended position and the belt assemblies  20 ,  22  angled and arranged relative to one another to space the pickup belt assembly  20  apart from the transfer belt assembly  22  by a distance D 1 . The separation distance D 1  allows of the belts  40  and  42  to rotate in a forward rotational direction F without destructively interfering with each other. Further, rotation of the belts  40  and  42  in the direction F moves crop material from the pickup belt assembly  20 , to transfer belt assembly  22 , to the auger  6 , and to the feeder house  8 . 
       FIG.  13    illustrates the belt assemblies  20 ,  22  in a discharge configuration. In the discharge configuration, the front portion  174  (and pickup belt assembly  20 ) is pivoted about the pivot axis  178  in the direction of arrow  203  in response to retraction of the actuator  186 , thereby increasing a separation between the pickup belt assembly  20  and the transfer belt assembly  22  to form the discharge zone  204 . In some instances, the actuator  186  is fully retracted to define the discharge configuration. In the discharge configuration, a separation distance D 3  is formed between the pickup belt assembly  20  and the transfer belt assembly  22 . The separation therebetween allows crop material to be discharged through the discharge zone  204 . According to some embodiments, the front portion  174  is rotatable about the pivot axis  178  and relative to the back portion  176  over a range of approximately 40° to 65°. In some instances, a range of rotation of the front portion  174  relative to the back portion  176  of approximately 40° to 65° corresponds to a discharge zone width of between approximately 250 mm to 330 mm. In other instances, an amount of rotation of the front portion  174  relative to the back portion  176  may be greater or lesser than the range of 40° to 65° and the distance D 3  may be greater or lesser than the range of 250 mm to 330 mm. 
     Following formation of the discharge zone  204  in response to rotation of the front portion  174  about the pivot axis  178  in the direction of arrow  203 , the transfer belt assembly  22  can be operated in declogging mode to remove crop material from the belt pickup header  170 . For example, in the declogging mode, the belt  40  is rotated in the reverse rotational direction R, in conjunction with reverse operation of the feeder house belt conveyor  62  and auger  6 , to direct crop material through the discharge zone  204 , as indicated by arrow  205 . Operating the belt pickup header  170  in this way removes crop material that may be forming a clog within the feeder house  8 . In some embodiments, the belt  42  of pickup belt assembly  20  may continue to rotate in the forward rotational direction F while the transfer belt assembly  22 , feeder house belt conveyor  62 , and auger  6  operate in move crop material out through the discharge zone  204 . In other instances, the belt  42  of the pickup belt assembly  20  may rotate in a reverse rotational direction, opposite the forward rotational directional F, when pickup belt assembly  20  is in the discharge configuration. 
       FIGS.  14  and  15    illustrate another example belt pickup header  210 . The belt pickup header  210  includes a pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  that are separable from an auger  6  and feeder house  8  to provide for the removal of crop material that may be forming an obstruction, such as a clog within the feeder house  8 . While only one side of the belt pickup header  210  is shown in  FIGS.  14  and  15   , it is recognized that the opposing side of the belt pickup header  210  would have a similar structure to that shown in  FIGS.  14  and  15     
     In the belt pickup header  210 , the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  are coupled to a side sheet  212 . The side sheet  212  carries the drive roller  30  and driven roller  32  of the transfer belt assembly  22  and the drive roller  34  and driven roller  36  of the pickup belt assembly  20 . Drive roller  30  and drive roller  34  are respectively driven by a pair of motors  38  that operate to drive the transfer belt assembly  22  and the pickup belt assembly  20 , including causing rotation of the rollers  30 ,  32  and the belt  40  of the transfer belt assembly  22  and the rollers  34 ,  36  and belt  42  of the pickup belt assembly  20 . 
     The side sheet  212 , pickup belt assembly  20 , and transfer belt assembly  22 , along with the gauge wheel  50 , form a front section  214  of the belt pickup header  210  that is separated from a back section  216  of the header  210 . The back section  216  includes a main frame  17 , the auger  6 , and the feeder house  8 . A suspension system  28  couples the front section  214  to the back section  216 . The suspension system  28  includes a suspension arm  70 , a compression springs  72 , and a shock  74  (e.g., a hydraulic shock) that dampens movement between the suspension arm  70  and the main frame  17 . The suspension arm  70  has a first end  70   a  that is pivotally coupled with the main frame  17  and a second end  70   b  that is coupled with the side sheet  212 . A link  218  couples the second end  70   b  of the suspension arm  70  with the side sheet  212 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  14  and  15   , a swing arm  220  and an actuator  222 , are included in the belt pickup header  210  that function to vary a position of the front section  214  relative to the back section  216  and, as such, altering a position of the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  relative to the feeder house  8  and the auger  6 . In some embodiments, the actuator  222  is a linear actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder for example. A first end  220   a  of the swing arm  220  is coupled to the main frame  17 , while a second end  220   b  of the swing arm  220  is coupled to a back end  224  of the side sheet  212 . A first end  222   a  of the actuator  222  is coupled to the main frame  17 , while a second end  222   b  of the actuator  222  is coupled to the swing arm  220  at a location along the length thereof (e.g., near a midpoint of the swing arm  220 ). In some embodiments, the actuator  222  is coupled to the swing arm  220  via a mounting bracket  226 , which, in the illustrated embodiment, is a C-bracket. 
     In operation of the belt pickup header  210 , a length of the actuator  222  is adjustable to act on the swing arm  220  and thereby alter a position of the front section  214  relative to the back section  216 . More specifically, a shortening or lengthening of the hydraulic cylinder  222  causes a lifting or lowering of the swing arm  220  that, in turn, causes a lifting or lowering of the front section  214  relative to the back section  216 . With the actuator  222  in a fully retracted position, as illustrated in  FIG.  14   , the swing arm  220  is in a lowered position. In some instances, the actuator  222  is lockable in the fully retracted position. The lowered position of the swing arm  220 , in turn, causes the front section  214  of the belt pickup header  210  to be in a lowered position  228  relative to the back section  216 . In the lowered position  228 , the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  are in a normal harvesting configuration where the belts  42 ,  40  are rotated in a forward rotational direction F and the belt assemblies  20 ,  22  are positioned and arranged to move crop material toward the auger  6  and feeder house  8 . 
     As the length of the actuator  222  increases, the swing arm  220  pivots about a pivot axis  227  in a direction of arrow  229 . With the actuator  222  in a fully extended position, as illustrated in  FIG.  15   , the swing arm  220  is in a lifted position. The lifted position of the swing arm  220 , in turn, causes the front section  214  of the belt pickup header  210  to be in a raised position  230  relative to the back section  216 . In the raised position  230 , the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  are separated from the main frame  17  to form a discharge zone  232 . In some embodiments, the length of the actuator  222  increases by approximately 200 mm from the retracted position to the extended position, with the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  correspondingly separating away from the main frame  17  to form a discharge zone having a width of approximately 350 mm. In other instances, an amount of extension of the actuator  222  may be greater or lesser than 200 mm and the size of the discharge zone  232  may be greater or lesser than 350 mm. With the discharge zone  232  formed in response to extension of the actuator  222  and pivoting of the swing arm  220  in the direction of arrow  229 , the feeder house  8  and auger  6  can be operated in declogging mode to remove crop material from the belt pickup header  210 . For example, in the declogging mode, the feeder house  8  and auger  6  are operated in reverse to direct crop material through the discharge zone  232 , as indicated by arrow  233 . Operating the belt pickup header  210  in this way removes crop material that may be forming a clog within the feeder house  8 . 
     In some instances of the belt pickup headers shown and described above in  FIGS.  2 - 15   , operation of the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22 , as well as movement of the pickup belt assembly  20  relative to the transfer belt assembly  22  or movement of the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  relative to the feeder house  8  and auger  6 , is controlled by one or more associated hydraulic circuits, electronic circuits, or both included in the combine  2 . Additionally, an electronic control unit (ECU) is provided that is operably connected with the one or more associated hydraulic circuits, one or more electronic circuits, or one or more hydraulic circuits and one or more electronic circuits. Referring now to  FIG.  16   , a schematic diagram is provided that illustrates an ECU  240  in operable communication with various motors, actuators, and drives in a belt pickup header that may be any of the belt pickup headers  12 ,  132 ,  170 ,  210  previously described in  FIGS.  2 - 15   . The ECU  240  includes at least one processor  240   a  and at least one memory  240   b  to store programmed instructions and working variables for the processor  240   a . In the present disclosure, the term “controller” or “electronic control unit” may be replaced with the term “circuit.” The term “controller” or “electronic control unit” may refer to, be part of, or include: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog/digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog/digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip. 
     As shown in  FIG.  16   , the ECU  240  is in operable communication with a variable speed drive  242  that operates an auger  6  and a feeder house belt conveyor  62 . The variable speed drive  242  may be a gearbox, a continuously variable transmission, or other mechanical or electrical device in which the direction (and, in some instances, a speed) of an output shaft  245  can be varied under the control of ECU  240 . An engine  244  (e.g., internal combustion engine) of the combine  2  is drivingly coupled to the variable speed drive  242 , such as via a belt and pulley arrangement, with the engine  244  driving an input shaft of the variable speed drive  242 . Input power provided by the engine  244  is transformed into an output power, such as via gearing, that drives the output shaft  245  of the variable speed drive  242 . The output power is provided to one or more belt and pulley arrangements (generally indicated at  246 ) connected to the variable speed drive  242  and to the feeder house belt conveyor  62 . In some instances, the variable speed drive  242  transfers rotational power to the auger  6 , such as an elongate cylinder of the auger  6 , and feeder house belt conveyor  62 , such as a drive roller  66  of the feeder house belt conveyor  62 . The output shaft  245  of the variable speed drive  242  can be selectively engaged, disengaged, driven in a first direction of rotation, driven in a second direction of rotation opposite the first direction of rotation, and driven at a plurality of speeds in both directions, and this operation is controlled by signals received from the ECU  240 . The control signals provided from the ECU  240  for operating the variable speed drive  242  (that are, in turn, used to control the speed and direction in which the auger  6  and feeder house belt conveyor  62  are driven) are generated responsive to inputs received by the ECU  240 , such as operator inputs  248 . The operator inputs  248  are provided, for example, by an operator of the combine  2  via input devices included thereon. 
     The ECU  240  is also in operable communication with motors  38  that cause rotation of the drive rollers  30 ,  34  and associated belts  40 ,  42  of the transfer belt assembly  22  and pickup belt assembly  20 . As previously indicated, the motors  38  may be provided as hydraulic motors. However, in other instances, the motors  38  can be other types of motive devices, such as electric motors. Where the motors  38  are provided as hydraulic motors, the ECU  240  controls operation of one or more pump(s) and valve(s) of a hydraulic circuit  250  (shown in phantom) to selectively set and control both the speed and direction of fluid flow through the hydraulic motors  38 . 
     In some embodiments, the hydraulic motors  38  are coupled in a series arrangement by the hydraulic circuit  250  via the pump(s) and valve(s). When coupled in series, both the hydraulic motors  38  move in the same direction (either forward or reverse) and at the same (or proportionate) speeds, such as may be desired for the belt pickup header  4  ( FIGS.  2 - 7   ). When operating in the same direction and speed, the belts  42 ,  40  of the belt assemblies  20 ,  22 , respectively, both rotate in a forward rotational direction to move crop material to the auger  6  and feeder house  8  when in a normal harvesting position or both rotate in a reverse rotational direction to move crop material away from the auger  6  and feeder house  8  when in a crop declogging position. 
     In other embodiments, the hydraulic motors  38  are individually controlled via a hydraulic circuit, such that the hydraulic motors  38  rotate in different directions or move in the same direction (either forward or reverse) and at the same (or proportionate) speeds, such as may be desired for the belt pickup headers  132 ,  170  ( FIGS.  8 - 10  and  11 - 13   ). In some embodiments, the belts  42 ,  40  of belt assemblies  20 ,  22 , respectively, both rotate in a forward rotational direction to move crop material to the auger  6  and feeder house  8  when in a normal harvesting position. When in a crop declogging configuration, the transfer belt  40  of the transfer belt assembly  22  rotates in a reverse rotational direction and the pickup belt  42  of the pickup belt assembly  20  rotates in a forward rotational direction to move crop material away from the auger  6  and feeder house  8  and move crop material through the gap or passage  168 ,  204 . In still other embodiments, it is contemplated that the hydraulic motors  38  are individually controlled to rotate the pickup belt  42  of the pickup belt assembly  20  in a reverse rotational direction and either to stop rotation of the transfer belt  40  of the transfer belt assembly  22 , rotate the transfer belt  40  of the transfer belt assembly  22  in a forward rotational direction, or to rotate the transfer belt  40  of the transfer belt assembly  22  in a reverse rotational direction. 
     The ECU  240  also controls operation of belt assembly positioning actuators (“positioning actuators”)  252  (which may be similar to actuators  114 ,  162 ,  186 , and  222 , described earlier) that function to reposition the pickup belt assembly  20  relative to the transfer belt assembly  22  or reposition the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  relative to the feeder house  8  and auger  6 , according to embodiments. The positioning actuators  252  may be provided as hydraulically driven actuators or electrically driven actuators, according to embodiments. The positioning actuators  252  may be provided according to any of the embodiments previously described, including any of the actuators  114  of header  4 , the actuators  162  of header  132 , the actuators  186  of header  170 , or the actuator  222  of header  210 . In some embodiments where the positioning actuators  252  are provided as hydraulic cylinders, the ECU  240  controls operation of an associated hydraulic circuit and hydraulic accumulator, such as the hydraulic circuit  250  or another similar hydraulic circuit, to adjust a lifting force of each hydraulic cylinder to selectively cause an extension or retraction of the hydraulic cylinder. The extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinders repositions the pickup belt assembly  20  relative to the transfer belt assembly  22  or repositions the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  relative to the feeder house  8  and auger  6 , as previously described in the example embodiments shown and described in  FIGS.  2 - 15   . 
     According to various embodiments, the ECU  240  controls the motors  38  and the positioning actuators  252  in what are termed herein as either a “manual” mode or an “automated” mode. In a manual mode of operation, the ECU  240  controls the motors  38  and the positioning actuators  252  in direct response to corresponding inputs  248  provided by an operator, such as via input devices on the combine  2 . In an automated mode of operation, ECU  240  automatically controls of the motors  38  and the positioning actuators  252  in response to a sensed or detected operation of other components in the combine  2 . 
     As one example of operation in the manual mode, a forward or reverse mode of the motors  38  (and a corresponding forward or reverse rotational direction of movement of the belts  42 ,  40  in the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22 ) is controlled in response to input commands  248  provided by the operator. As another example of operation in the manual mode, and where the positioning actuators  252  are provided as hydraulic cylinders, an extension or retraction of the hydraulic cylinders  252  (and a corresponding repositioning of the pickup belt assembly  20  relative to the transfer belt assembly  22  or reposition the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  relative to the feeder house  8  and auger  6 ) is controlled in response to input commands  248  provided by the operator. 
     As an example of operation in the automated mode, the ECU  240  is able to identify an operating mode (i.e., direction of rotation) of the auger  6  and feeder house belt conveyor, such as feeder house belt conveyor  62 , in the belt pickup header and implement an automatic control scheme for the motors  38  and the positioning actuators  252  in response to such identification. In operation of the belt pickup header, the ECU  240  may cause the auger  6  and feeder house belt conveyor  62  to rotate in a reverse rotational direction, such as in response to inputs  248  provided by the operator, such as when desired to address a clogging of crop material in the feeder house  8 . When such inputs  248  are received by the ECU  240 , and upon the ECU  240  providing commands (to the variable speed drive  242 ) that cause the auger  6  and feeder house belt conveyor  62  to rotate in the reverse rotational direction, the ECU then automatically generates commands for controlling operation of the motors  38  and the positioning actuators  252 . Commands from the ECU  240  may operate the motors  38  to rotate the belts  42 ,  40  of the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  in a forward or reverse rotational direction, such as operating both the belts  42 ,  40  in the reverse rotational direction, or operating the belt  40  of the transfer belt assembly  22  in the reverse rotational direction while operating the belt  42  of the pickup belt assembly  20  in the forward rotational direction or stopping rotation of the belt  42 , according to embodiments. Commands from the ECU  240  operate the positioning actuators  252  (e.g., hydraulic cylinders) to extend or retract and thereby reposition the pickup belt assembly  20  relative to the transfer belt assembly  22  or reposition the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  relative to the feeder house  8  and auger  6 , according to embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  17   , a control scheme  260  that is implemented by the ECU  240  or another controller is shown. The control scheme  260  is provided as a programmed loop that may be periodically executed when the combine  2  is traveling through a field harvesting crops and may be stored in the form of programming instructions in the memory  240   b  of the ECU  240 . In the illustrated embodiment, the control scheme  260  is initiated such as while the combine  2  is operating in a normal, harvesting mode of operation. 
     At the start of the control scheme  260 , and as indicated at step  262 , the ECU  240  reads an input signal  248  such as may be provided from an operator input device included in the cabin  16  of the combine  2 . 
     At step  264 , the ECU determines from the input signal  248  whether the operator has requested that the auger  6 , feeder house belt conveyor  62 , or both be operated in a declogging mode to remove clogged crop material from the feeder house  8 . 
     If the ECU  240  determines that no operator request has been received to operate in the declogging mode, as indicated at  266 , the ECU  240  loops back to step  262  and continues to monitor for and read an input signal  248 . 
     Alternatively, if the ECU  240  determines that an operator has requested that the auger  6  and feeder house belt conveyor  62 , or a combination thereof be operated in the declogging mode, as indicated at  268 , the ECU  240  continues to step  270 , where the ECU  240  generates commands to operate the positioning actuators  252  in the belt pickup head, which in one embodiment comprises causing positioning actuators to extend or retract. Operation of the positioning actuators  252  results in a repositioning of one or more of the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22 , including repositioning the pickup belt assembly  20  relative to the transfer belt assembly  22  or repositioning the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  relative to the feeder house  8  and auger  6 , according to embodiments. 
     Upon repositioning of the pickup belt assembly  20 , the transfer belt assembly  22 , or both via operation of the positioning actuators  252 , the ECU  240  continues to step  272  and generates commands to operate the pickup belt assembly  20 , the transfer belt assembly  22 , or both, and the auger  6  and the feeder house belt conveyor  62  in a mode for clearing clogged crop material from the feeder house  8 . That is, the ECU  240  provides commands (such as to variable speed drive  242 ) that cause the auger  6  and feeder house belt conveyor  62  to rotate in the reverse rotational direction and also provides commands to the motors  38  to rotate the belts  42 ,  40  of the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  in a forward or reverse rotational direction as desired. In some embodiments, the motors  38  are operated to drive both the belts  42 ,  40  in the reverse rotational direction. In other embodiments, the motors  38  are operated to drive the belt  40  of the transfer belt assembly  22  in the reverse rotational direction and drive the belt  42  of the pickup belt assembly  20  in the forward rotational direction or, in still other embodiments, to drive the belt  40  of the transfer belt assembly  22  in the reverse rotational direction and to stop rotation of the drive bel  42  of the pickup belt assembly  20 . The specific operation of the motors  38  may be determined according to the specific embodiment of the belt pickup header and the particular manner in which the belt assemblies  20 ,  22  are repositioned, as previously described in detail for the embodiments of  FIGS.  2 - 15   . 
     The control scheme  260  continues at step  274  with the ECU  240  reading another input signal  248  provided from the operator. At step  276 , the ECU determines from the input signal  248  whether the operator has requested that the auger  6  and feeder house belt conveyor  62  be operated in a normal harvesting mode upon removal of clogged crop material from the feeder house  8  (as addressed by the previous operation in declogging mode). 
     If the ECU  240  determines that no operator request has been received for the auger  6  and feeder house belt conveyor  62  to operate in harvesting mode, as indicated at  278 , the ECU  240  loops back to step  274  and continues to monitor for and read an input signal  248 . At step  274 , the auger  6  and feeder house belt conveyor  62  continue to rotate 23 in the reverse rotational direction and the belts  42 ,  40  of the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  continue to rotate in a forward or reverse rotational direction (based on the particular belt pickup head) as previously described. 
     Alternatively, if the ECU  240  determines that an operator has requested that the auger  6  and feeder house belt conveyor  62  be operated in a harvesting mode, as indicated at  280 , the ECU  240  continues to step  282 , where the ECU  240  generates commands to stop the declogging mode of operation of the auger  6  and feeder house belt conveyor  62  and the declogging mode of operation of any of the belts  42 ,  40  of the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22 . 
     Subsequent to the declogging mode of operation being terminated and any reverse rotation of the components stopping, the ECU  240  continues at step  284  by generating commands to operate the positioning actuators  252  to reposition one or both of the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  (depending on the belt pickup head embodiment) and by generating commands to operate the belt assemblies  20 ,  22  and auger  6  and feeder house belt conveyor  62  in a harvesting mode for harvesting crop. According to embodiments, the order in which repositioning of the belt assemblies  20 ,  22  versus resumption of forward rotational operation of the belt assemblies  20 ,  22 , auger  6 , and feeder house belt conveyor  62  in harvesting mode occurs may vary. That is, in some embodiments, the positioning actuators  252  are first operated to reposition one or both of the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  (depending on the belt pickup head embodiment) prior to operating the motors  38  and variable speed drive  242  to drive the belt assemblies  20 ,  22  and auger  6  and feeder house belt conveyor  62  in the harvesting mode. In other embodiments, the motors  38  and variable speed drive  242  are first operated to drive the belt assemblies  20 ,  22  and auger  6  and feeder house belt conveyor  62  in the harvesting mode prior to operating the positioning actuators  252  to reposition one or both of the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  (depending on the belt pickup head embodiment). In still other embodiments, the motors  38  and variable speed drive  242  are operated to drive the belt assemblies  20 ,  22  and auger  6  and feeder house belt conveyor  62  in the harvesting mode at the same time that the positioning actuators  252  reposition one or both of the pickup belt assembly  20  and transfer belt assembly  22  (depending on the belt pickup head embodiment), i.e., simultaneous operation. 
     Upon completion of step  282 , the combine  2  is again ready to begin harvesting crop material, and the control scheme  260  may be looped back and performed again during ongoing operation of the combine  2 . 
     In other embodiments, the control scheme  260  shown and described in  FIG.  17    may be implemented in an automated fashion rather than responsive to receiving operator inputs. That is, at steps  262  and  264  for example, instead of reading operator inputs and determining from those inputs whether the operator has requested a declogging mode of operation, the control scheme  260  may instead monitor one or more operational parameters in the combine  2  or the header  4  to determine from those inputs whether the declogging mode of operation should be initiated. In some embodiments, the ECU  240  functions to monitor operation of the variable speed drive  242  that operates the feeder house belt conveyor  62  (and optionally the auger  6 ). Via inputs received from one or more sensors that monitor operation of the variable speed drive  242 , the ECU  240  determines a speed, torque, or both speed and torque, of the variable speed drive  242 . If it is determined that the speed or torque of the variable speed drive  242  is outside of a normal operating range, such as the speed being below a normal operating range or the torque being above a normal operating range, the ECU  240  determines that a clog is present in the auger  6  or the feeder house  8 . Upon such a determination, the ECU  240  then automatically initiates operation of the auger  6 , feeder house belt conveyor  62 , or both in a declogging mode to remove clogged crop material from the feeder house  8 . Following the automatic detection of a clog and change-over from the harvesting mode to the declogging mode as described above, the control scheme  260  would then continue as shown and described in  FIG.  17   . 
     CONCLUSION 
     There has been provided a belt pickup header arrangement for a harvesting machine, where the position of one or more belt assemblies in the header can be selectively controlled to address issues of crop clogging in the feeder house. The position of a pickup belt assembly in the header may be adjusted relative to a transfer belt assembly to create a clearance therebetween. In some embodiments, this clearance allows for the belt assemblies to be selectively operated in a reverse mode that facilitates removal of clogged crop material from the feeder house when operated in conjunction with the auger and feeder house belt conveyor in reverse. In other embodiments, the clearance created by the positional adjustment of the pickup belt assembly relative to the transfer belt assembly may be of such an amount that a passage is provided between the pickup belt assembly and transfer belt assembly through which clogged crop material may be expelled with the auger and feeder house belt conveyor operating in reverse. In still other embodiments, both the pickup belt assembly and transfer belt assembly in the header may be repositioned relative to the feeder house and auger in order to provide a passage between the belt assemblies and the feeder house and auger through which clogged crop material may be expelled with the auger and feeder house belt conveyor operating in reverse. Operation of the belt assemblies, including controlling both the rotational direction of the belt assemblies and the repositioning of one or more of the assemblies, may be performed manually or may be automatically tied to activation of the feeder house conveyor and auger in reverse so that crop clogging could be quickly and efficiently addressed without affecting normal operation of the header during harvesting. 
     As used herein, unless otherwise limited or modified, lists with elements that are separated by conjunctive terms (e.g., “and”) and that are also preceded by the phrase “one or more of” or “at least one of” indicate configurations or arrangements that potentially include individual elements of the list, or any combination thereof. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” or “one or more of A, B, and C” indicates the possibilities of only A, only B, only C, or any combination of two or more of A, B, and C (e.g., A and B; B and C; A and C; or A, B, and C). Also, the use of “one or more of” or “at least one of” in the claims for certain elements does not imply other elements are singular nor has any other effect on the other claim elements. 
     Finally, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Explicitly referenced embodiments herein were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and their practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure and recognize many alternatives, modifications, and variations on the described example(s). Accordingly, various embodiments and implementations other than those explicitly described are within the scope of the following claims.