A control system for an agricultural work vehicle is provided, the control system includes at least one controller, at least one control input device configured to send control signals to the at least one controller, and a header positioning assembly configured to interchangeably couple a plurality of headers to a chassis of a traction unit. The header positioning assembly is moveable between a plurality of orientations with each of the plurality of orientations providing a unique mechanical advantage. The at least one controller is configured to output a plurality of control commands corresponding to the control signals generated by the at least one control input device, and the control commands are configured to effect movement of the header positioning assembly between the plurality of orientations. An agricultural work vehicle is provided and includes the control system.

A control system for an agricultural work vehicle is provided, the control system includes at least one controller, at least one control input device configured to send control signals to the at least one controller, and a header positioning assembly configured to interchangeably couple a plurality of headers to a chassis of a traction unit. The header positioning assembly is moveable between a plurality of orientations with each of the plurality of orientations providing a unique mechanical advantage. The at least one controller is configured to output a plurality of control commands corresponding to the control signals generated by the at least one control input device, and the control commands are configured to effect movement of the header positioning assembly between the plurality of orientations. An agricultural work vehicle is provided and includes the control system.

An agricultural header includes: a header frame; at least one cutting unit carried by the header frame and including a cutting element and a driveshaft coupled to the cutting element; and a gearbox configured to drive the cutting element. The gearbox includes a gearbox output rotatably coupled to the driveshaft; and a clutch including an intermediate shaft and at least one clutch shoe rotatably coupled to the intermediate shaft and displaceable between a non-engaging position where the at least one clutch shoe does not engage the gearbox output and an engaging position where the at least one clutch shoe engages the gearbox output. The clutch is configured such that the at least one clutch shoe displaces to the engaging position when a rotational speed of the intermediate shaft reaches a threshold value.

An agricultural header includes: a header frame; at least one cutting unit carried by the header frame and including a cutting element and a driveshaft coupled to the cutting element; and a gearbox configured to drive the cutting element. The gearbox includes a gearbox output rotatably coupled to the driveshaft; and a clutch including an intermediate shaft and at least one clutch shoe rotatably coupled to the intermediate shaft and displaceable between a non-engaging position where the at least one clutch shoe does not engage the gearbox output and an engaging position where the at least one clutch shoe engages the gearbox output. The clutch is configured such that the at least one clutch shoe displaces to the engaging position when a rotational speed of the intermediate shaft reaches a threshold value.

A blade replacement tool for use in replacing a combine cutting saw knife. The blade replacement tool includes a cable that is operatively connected to a connection link that is used for transferring pulling force to a connected combine cutting saw knife. A pull handle is fastened to the cable. The pull handle receives a pulling force that is transferred via the cable and via the connection link to a connected combine cutting saw knife. The cable is strong, thin and flexible. The pull handle is at least two feet (2 ft.) long. The connection link includes an attachment bracket having first and second apertures for attaching to a cutting saw knife (sickle) via mating apertures in a cutting saw knife (sickle).

A blade replacement tool for use in replacing a combine cutting saw knife. The blade replacement tool includes a cable that is operatively connected to a connection link that is used for transferring pulling force to a connected combine cutting saw knife. A pull handle is fastened to the cable. The pull handle receives a pulling force that is transferred via the cable and via the connection link to a connected combine cutting saw knife. The cable is strong, thin and flexible. The pull handle is at least two feet (2 ft.) long. The connection link includes an attachment bracket having first and second apertures for attaching to a cutting saw knife (sickle) via mating apertures in a cutting saw knife (sickle).

A method for operating an agricultural vehicle. The method includes an initial step of providing the agricultural vehicle which includes a feeder housing and a header. The header includes at least one row unit, which has a pair of deck plates, and a deck plate adjustment system. The deck plate adjustment system includes at least one actuator connected to the deck plates, an electronic control unit operably connected to the at least one actuator, and at least one sensor. The method includes the further steps of pivoting the feeder housing to raise the header, sending, by the at least one sensor, a signal to the electronic control unit, and cycling the deck plates, by the electronic control unit actuating the at least one actuator to move the deck plates, for removing a buildup of material on the deck plates.

A method for operating an agricultural vehicle. The method includes an initial step of providing the agricultural vehicle which includes a feeder housing and a header. The header includes at least one row unit, which has a pair of deck plates, and a deck plate adjustment system. The deck plate adjustment system includes at least one actuator connected to the deck plates, an electronic control unit operably connected to the at least one actuator, and at least one sensor. The method includes the further steps of pivoting the feeder housing to raise the header, sending, by the at least one sensor, a signal to the electronic control unit, and cycling the deck plates, by the electronic control unit actuating the at least one actuator to move the deck plates, for removing a buildup of material on the deck plates.

A crop harvesting header having a frame mounted on a propulsion vehicle has a cutter bar carrying a sickle knife and a draper transport. The draper is guided at its front edge by a longitudinally extending rail mounted on the frame for movement therewith. The cutter bar is mounted on the frame at spaced positions by spring blades attached to a fixed beam at the rear which allow up and down flexing movement of the cutter bar relative to the draper engagement member. At the center discharge the cutter bar is carried on shorter blades which are carried on a beam in front of the front draper roller. The small amount of flexing of the cutter bar combines with a balanced three piece header frame to provide effective ground following.

A plant pushing apparatus for mounting on a reel of a combine where the reel comprises a center shaft rotatably mounted at each end thereof to the combine header, a plurality of contact members mounted to the center shaft in a horizontal orientation radially spaced from the center shaft, and a drive operative to rotate the center shaft such that the contact members below the center shaft move in a rearward direction toward the combine header. For each contact member, a projecting shield member is adapted at an inner portion thereof for attachment to the contact member such that an outer edge of the projecting shield member is substantially horizontal and rearward of the contact member, and such that the outer edge of the projecting shield member contacts plant stalks, particularly sunflower plant stalks, and pushes the plant stalks toward the combine header ahead of the following attached contact member.