An agricultural vehicle having a chassis, wheels, a power unit, and a header. The header has a center section, at least one wing section extending laterally from the center section, and a wing section support. The center section is movable relative to the chassis, the wing section is movable relative to the center section, and the wing support is movable relative to the wing section. The combine has a control system that is configured to determine that the combine is configured to drive at a road-driving speed, and in response to such determination: operate a center section actuator to move the center section to a raised center section position, operate a wing section actuator to move the wing section to a raised wing section position, and operate a wing support actuator to move the wing support to a raised wing support position.

In a crop harvesting machine there is provided a pair of hydraulic float cylinders or springs for a header such as a rotary mower relative to a self-propelled vehicle, where a float spring force is controlled to provide a predetermined lifting force is provided to the header. The spring force is varied in response to detection of ground speed to decrease the lifting force at higher ground speeds. A position sensor is used to generate an indication of movement and/or acceleration. The electronic control is arranged, in response to changes in the sensor signal, to temporarily change the control signal to vary the lifting force and thus change the dynamic response of the hydraulic float cylinder. In order to reduce static friction so that the system can react quickly, an arrangement is provided for causing relative reciprocating movement in an alternating wave pattern between the piston and cylinder.

In a crop harvesting machine there is provided a pair of hydraulic float cylinders or springs for a header such as a rotary mower relative to a self-propelled vehicle, where a float spring force is controlled to provide a predetermined lifting force is provided to the header. The spring force is varied in response to detection of ground speed to decrease the lifting force at higher ground speeds. A position sensor is used to generate an indication of movement and/or acceleration. The electronic control is arranged, in response to changes in the sensor signal, to temporarily change the control signal to vary the lifting force and thus change the dynamic response of the hydraulic float cylinder. In order to reduce static friction so that the system can react quickly, an arrangement is provided for causing relative reciprocating movement in an alternating wave pattern between the piston and cylinder.

A mounting bracket for mounting a front three-point hitch on a tractor includes a linking part for articulated mounting of the front three-point hitch, a connecting part for coupling the linking part to a support structure of the tractor, and a first contact region defined on the linking part and a second contact region defined on the connecting part. The first contact region interacts with the second contact region for coupling the linking part to the connecting part. The first contact region and the second contact region are separably clamped to one another in a coupling position. The linking part is selectively disposable in one of a plurality of coupling positions relative to the connecting part.

An agricultural machine includes a float cylinder interconnecting a header linkage system and a frame. A rod side accumulator is in fluid communication with a rod side fluid port of the float cylinder. A float control valve is selectively controllable between an open position allowing fluid communication between a pressure source and the rod side accumulator, and a closed position blocking fluid communication between the pressure source and the rod side accumulator. A downforce accumulator is in fluid communication with a piston side fluid port of the float cylinder. A downforce control valve is selectively controllable between an open position allowing fluid communication between the pressure source and the downforce accumulator, and a closed position blocking fluid communication between the pressure source and the downforce accumulator.

A method and apparatus for attaching a forward-mounted implement that may allow pivotal movement of the implement around a longitudinal axis to better maintain proper operational height when operating on uneven or sloped terrain. Further provided, the attachment mechanism of the present disclosure may allow for a secure and safe attachment to an associated tractor or other similar vehicle while simultaneously providing for a reduced production cost and less maintenance requirements.

A method and apparatus for attaching a forward-mounted implement that may allow pivotal movement of the implement around a longitudinal axis to better maintain proper operational height when operating on uneven or sloped terrain. Further provided, the attachment mechanism of the present disclosure may allow for a secure and safe attachment to an associated tractor or other similar vehicle while simultaneously providing for a reduced production cost and less maintenance requirements.

A boom suspension system may comprise a center frame operably connected to a main frame with linkages configured for vertical movement. A sensor may be operably connected to a pair of boom structures, which may extend laterally outward from opposing sides of the center frame. A controller may be configured to receive input data from the sensor and determine forces or flow rate to tilt cylinders, which may be coupled between each boom structure and the center frame. Each tilt cylinder may be operably connected to a hydraulic circuit, which may comprise a flow control mode and a pressure control mode determined by the controller. The hydraulic circuit may comprise a first set of valves in parallel with a second set of valves. Each set of valves may comprise a solenoid valve in series with a pressure regulating valve and a pressure sensor disposed on either side of each solenoid valve.

A boom suspension system may comprise a center frame operably connected to a main frame with linkages configured for vertical movement. A sensor may be operably connected to a pair of boom structures, which may extend laterally outward from opposing sides of the center frame. A controller may be configured to receive input data from the sensor and determine forces or flow rate to tilt cylinders, which may be coupled between each boom structure and the center frame. Each tilt cylinder may be operably connected to a hydraulic circuit, which may comprise a flow control mode and a pressure control mode determined by the controller. The hydraulic circuit may comprise a first set of valves in parallel with a second set of valves. Each set of valves may comprise a solenoid valve in series with a pressure regulating valve and a pressure sensor disposed on either side of each solenoid valve.

A header assembly for an agricultural harvesting machine comprises a first frame assembly, a second frame assembly that supports a cutter, and is movable relative to the first frame assembly, a float cylinder coupled between the first frame assembly and the second frame assembly, an accumulator, a controllable reservoir, and fluidic circuitry. The fluidic circuitry comprises a first conduit forming a first fluid path that provides a flow of pressurized fluid under pressure to the float cylinder, so the float cylinder exerts a float force on the second frame assembly, a valve mechanism that is actuatable to inhibit fluid flow along the first fluid path between the accumulator and the float cylinder, a second conduit forming a second fluid path fluidically coupled to the controllable reservoir, the controllable reservoir being controllable to add fluid to the float cylinder.