Adjustable multiple row harvester head assembly

Abstract

An adjustable multiple row head assembly for a crop harvester provides cantilevered support arms for a plurality of row head units. The units are adjustably positioned for harvesting crops planted in differently spaced rows. An adjusting device for the row head units provides infinitely variable adjustment, and specifically includes a jackscrew operating between a moveable frame member of the row head unit and the fixed cantilevered support arm therefor. The row head units extend in a fore-and-aft direction with respect to a base and include gathering conveyors driven by sprockets. The conveyors cooperatively form passageways having inlets for the crop, and engage idler sprockets adjustable in accordance with the row head unit adjustment to maintain proper tension in the conveyors. The adjustable row head units pivot about an axis forwardly of the driving sprockets for the conveyors thereof, thus discharging the crop at substantially the same point, direction and orientation with respect to the cutting or chopping inlet of the harvester.