GB1237375A - Improvements relating to headers for combine harvesters - Google Patents

Abstract

1,237,375. Headers. MASSEY-FERGUSON G.m.b.H. 8 Aug., 1968 [31 Aug., 1967; 10 Nov., 1967; 4 May, 1968], Nos. 39795/67, 51170/67 and 21249/68. Heading A1F. [Also in Division B8] A contractible header for a combine harvester comprises a table T, a cutter bar C, an auger A and a reel R, all retractible from an extended working condition to a contracted working or transport condition. The header may alternatively comprise a two portion table and a telescopic auger mounted on the table. The table may comprise a main portion 22 and one or two end portions 23, 24 or alternatively an end portion, with an intermediate portion between it and the main portion, at either or both ends, successive outer portions overlapping the adjacent inner portion. The portions are interconnected and supported by rods and rollers or telescopic shafts. The floor of the main portion may be hinged so as to be lowered to allow retraction of the end portions if they are deformed. Retraction is carried out by hydraulic rams. The reel, auger and cutter bar are comprised of corresponding portions to the table portions. Adjacent cutter portions 44, 45, Fig. 3, are arranged so that one is hinged, while the other is fixed, to their respective table portions, thus permitting retraction. The hinged end portions 45 comprise spring- loaded locking means 47-51. Adjacent cutter knives are maintained in the operative position by knife clips 52. Each knife section may, alternatively, be separately driven and offset from its neighbour so as to overlap on retraction and therefore being operable so that different working widths can be obtained. The reel adjacent portions are telescopic (Fig. 1) with bearings in the bars 31 and locking pin holes 32X in the shaft sections. Each bar 31A, 31C has tines 56 mounted on lugs 57 (Fig. 4). Alternatively, each reel is offset from its neighbour, one carrying spiders with "eyes" to receive the bars of the other. Fig. 11 (not shown). The auger preferably has a hexagonal shaft 37X (Fig. 7) which slides aided by rollers 38Y into a hollow shaft 38X, the flights 39, 40 overlapping to permit telescoping. The hub parts 37, 38 interlock and the auger mid portion 36 has tines 36A.