Systems and methods for reciprocating a cutter of an agricultural harvesting head

A method of generating linear motion from pivoting motion, the method comprising:

• pivoting a pivotable arm about an axis in a first direction of rotation in response to one of an extension or retraction of a hydraulic cylinder coupled to a first end of the pivotable arm;
• displacing a flexible component coupled to a second end of the pivotable arm to generate a pulling force at an end of the flexible component, opposite the first end, in response to pivoting of the pivotable arm by the hydraulic cylinder;
• linearly displacing a follower coupled to opposing ends of the flexible component in response to the pulling force;
• and
• applying, with a tensioner engaged with the flexible component, tension in the flexible component;
• and
• reversing, with a two-position solenoid operated valve, the linear displacement of the follower from a first direction to a second direction.

A method comprising:

• alternately rotating, in response to operation of a two-position solenoid operated valve, a pivotable arm about an axis in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction by alternately extending an actuator and retracting the actuator;
• converting the alternating rotational movement of the pivotable arm about the axis into a reciprocating linear movement;
• and
• reciprocating a follower in linear motion in response to the converted reciprocating rotational movement,
• wherein converting the alternating rotational movement of the pivotable arm about the axis into reciprocating linear movement comprises translating a flexible component coupled to an end of the pivotable arm along a length of the flexible component and coupled to the follower at opposing ends of the flexible component, and
• further comprising engaging the flexible component with a tensioner to generate tension in the flexible component.