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Header position control with forward contour prediction

  • US 6,615,570 B2
  • Filed: 06/28/2001
  • Issued: 09/09/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/28/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of controlling position of a harvester header to maintain the header within a preselected operating height range, the header having a preselected width and adjustably supported on a frame of a harvester for positioning by hydraulic motor structure, the frame supported by ground wheel structure for traversing a field having a ground surface contour, the method comprising:

  • detecting contour of a crop area at a location offset forwardly of the header; and

    utilizing the detected contour to automatically control the hydraulic motor structure to initiate a header movement, prior to the header reaching the crop area, to facilitate positioning of the header for operating within a range of positions in the crop area, thereby improving response of the header and reducing incidences of improper header position resulting from rapidly changing contours.

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