SELF-PROPELLED WINDROWER TAILWHEEL NON-ZERO CASTER FOR STABILITY

摘要

A non-zero caster angle for the rear axle swivel caster wheels on a self-propelled agricultural harvesting machine wherein steering is accomplished by varying speed and/or direction of forward drive wheels. The non-zero caster angle may be fixed or an adjuster mechanism may be provided to allow adjustment within a range of caster angles. The adjuster mechanism incorporates a fixed portion connected to the tractor frame and a pair of rotating portions, one connected to each caster wheel which allows rotation of the caster axis in a plane parallel to the machine longitudinal axis. Also disclosed is an actuator mechanism for providing powered adjustment of the caster angle, even including a control system for active caster angle adjustment.

主权项

1. A self-propelled agricultural crop harvesting machine comprising:
a main frame extending along a longitudinal axis between front and opposing rear ends and adapted to support a removable crop-engaging header on said front end thereof; a transversely spaced-apart front wheel pair supporting the front end of the main frame; an engine and drive system supported by said main frame to supply motive power to drive said front wheel at independently adjustable rates, differences thereof enabling control of direction of travel of the windrower; laterally extending elongate beam portions connected to the main frame at a position spaced longitudinally from the front wheel pair, each having a distal end; a rear wheel pair supporting the rear end of the main frame, one of the rear wheel pair mounted on respective distal ends of the beam by a caster assembly, each caster assembly having a pivot member defining a generally upstanding swivel axis mounted in a swivel support; and a caster angle adjuster assembly disposed in each of the laterally extending beam portions, each assembly having a fixed adjuster portion disposed toward the proximal end and a moveable portion disposed toward the distal end, the movable adjuster portion rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the beam portion enabling rotation of the swivel axis in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis to a position angled from vertical.