A method is disclosed for starting crop processing means (11) in an agricultural harvesting machine (1) driven by an internal combustion engine (13). The method comprises starting the engine (13) and cyclically operating a clutch (50) to couple the engine (13) to the crop processing means (11) intermittently. The transmission of torque to the crop processing means (11) through the clutch (50) is briefly interrupted or reduced when the engine (13) risks stalling. <IMAGE>
