A harvesting system includes a header pivotally attached to a combine. The header includes a center section to which a left wing and right wing are pivotally attached. A suspension system of the harvesting system includes first and second engageable states that enable dynamic wing behavior and reduce structural load. The first state corresponds to a harvesting configuration of the header in which the wings are allowed to pivot to allow the header to follow changes in terrain. The second state corresponds to a configuration in which the header is elevated relative to the ground. In the second state, the ability of the wings to pivot is minimized as compared to the first state, which allows the header to be maintained in a substantially flat configuration while minimizing the amount of dynamic load imparted by the header on the combine during non-harvesting transport of the header.

An implement operating apparatus has a U-shaped drive frame supported on drive wheels, each pivotally mounted about a vertical wheel pivot axis. A steering control selectively pivots each drive wheel. A power source is connected through a drive control to rotate the drive wheels in either direction. First and second implements are configured to perform implement operations and to rest on the ground and when the drive frame is maneuvered to an implement loading position with respect to each implement, the implement is connectable to the drive frame and movable to an operating position supported by the drive frame. When the implement is in the operating position, the steering and drive controls are operative to move and steer the drive frame and implement along a first travel path or a second travel path oriented generally perpendicular to the first travel path.

A lift system and method for transporting agricultural implements. The lift system includes a pair of lower linkage arms, an upper link, and at least four carriage wheels for transporting the lift system along carriage guide rails of a trailer frame. A load lift assembly is mounted on the trailer and is movable between lowered, loading position, a raised position, and a transport position. It is capable of connecting to a load having a three-point hitch. A gas strut may optionally be equipped to aid in the lifting process. A telescoping light bar may be included to increase safety while in transport.

An implement frame having a carriage frame for coupling to a towing vehicle and wheels to support the frame for movement over a ground surface. A pivot frame is rotationally mounted to the carriage frame and a lift assembly is coupled to the pivot frame via a shift assembly. A tool bar is mounted to the lift assembly. The shift assembly moves the tool bar forward as it is moved from the field use position to the transport position. The wheels are mounted to swing arms to move the wheels inward for a narrow transport position. All motion is accomplished through actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders, to automate the process making it quick and easy.

A header for a crop harvesting machine includes front and rear wheel arrangements that pivot about respective upright axis between a field orientation and a perpendicular transport orientation, while having respective suspensions arrangements movable between different suspended heights. A biasing spring provides lift assist to carry weight of the wheel arrangement during adjustment of the suspension elevation while being isolated from the suspension once set at any one elevation. The front wheel arrangement includes an anti-rotation latch that locks the front wheel in the field orientation automatically upon disconnection of a hitch arm. A second wheel of the rear wheel arrangement can be held in a raised position relative to a first wheel in a field orientation. Load bearing surfaces between the suspended rear wheels and the header frame abut one another when latching to the header frame to isolate the suspension from the header frame in the transport orientation.

An agricultural mower including a chassis, a pivotal tongue coupled to the chassis and a transport arrangement coupled to the chassis. The transport arrangement has a first suspension element pivotal about a first axis and a second suspension element pivotal about a second axis. The second suspension element additionally being pivotal about the first axis.

An agricultural machine comprises an operating unit and a carrier assembly for the operating unit. The carrier assembly includes a carrier arm and a suspension system by which the operating unit is suspended from the carrier arm.

An agricultural harvesting head for an agricultural combine has a first gauge wheel assembly coupled to a laterally extending frame that is convertible from (a) a harvesting position in which the first gauge wheel assembly supports the frame during crop harvesting, to (b) a transport position in which the first gauge wheel assembly supports the at least one section for transport on the road.

An implement has right and left pivotally attached tool bar frames movable from an operating position extending laterally to a transport position extending forward from the connecting pivot axis. Right and left hitch arms are pivotally attached about vertical axes at rear ends to spaced apart locations the right and left tool bar frames and extend forward and inward when the tool bar frame is in the operating position. A hitch frame is pivotally attached at right and left rear portions thereof to front ends of the hitch arms about vertical axes. When the tool bar frame is in the transport position, the rear end of the hitch frame is forward of the right and left tool bar frames, and the front end of the hitch frame, attachable to a tractor, is a desired clearance distance forward of the right and left tool bar frames.

A hitch assembly for use by an agricultural machine, in particular a self-propelled windrower, allowing the adjustable position of a hitch for use in both the towing of implements during field operations and the transportation of implements from one location to another. The adjustable hitch advantageously provides stability during the transportation position and is up and out of the way of crop flow during field use.