Frame for windrow inverter

摘要

A frame for a machine operable to invert and laterally displace a windrow of crop material is disclosed wherein the frame includes a support portion having a windrow pickup mechanism and a windrow inversion mechanism mounted thereon and being mobilely supported over the ground by a pair of ground wheels. The frame also includes a hitch portion pivotally connected to the support portion for articulation about a transversely extending horizontal pivot axis. A latching mechanism is operable to interengage the hitch and support portions of the frame to positionally fix the pivotal motion therebetween to lock the frame into an elevated transport position. The hitch and support portions are free to pivotally move relative to one another during operation to permit the pickup mechanism to floatingly follow the contours of the ground. Tension springs interconnecting the hitch and support portions of the frame provide flotational characteristics for the pickup mechanism by biasing the frame components toward the raised transport position.