MOWER-CONDITIONER PLATFORM SUSPENSION INCLUDING SINGLE UPPER ARM AND HYDRAULIC CYLINDER FOR PLATFORM LIFT

摘要

A mower-conditioner platform or header is suspended from the main frame of the mower-conditioner by a pair of transversely spaced lower links and a single upper link or lift arm. A hydraulic lift cylinder is connected directly to the lift arm. The lift arm is mounted between the main and platform frames in a manner for permitting the lift arm to undergo a given amount of side-to-side movement about its connection with the main frame in response to relative vertical movement between the opposite ends of the platform as the platform travels over uneven ground contour during cutting operation, and for limiting the side-to-side movement of the upper link to an amount considerably less than said given amount when the platform is raised to its transport position. Three different connection points are provided at the forward end of the lift arm for connection to the platform frame and by selecting different ones of these points different platform cutting angles may be obtained. A transport lock is provided for holding the lift arm in its raised position and the mounting of the cylinder is such as to permit the latter to be stroked when the lock is engaged without any forces being transferred to the lift arm or lock.