Harvesting machine

A harvesting machine comprising:

• a main frame;
• a main actuator associated with the main frame;
• a cutting frame having a crop guiding surface including (i) a plurality of slots extending in a direction of travel of crop over the crop guiding surface and (ii) a plurality of knives arranged side-by-side and pivotally mounted below the crop guiding surface, wherein each knife of the plurality of knives is aligned with a respective slot of the plurality of slots and is movable between a retracted inoperative position in which the knife is located substantially below the crop guiding surface and an extended operative position in which at least a cutting edge of each knife projects above said crop guiding surface;
• an inner frame having (i) a plurality of operating units, each operating unit being associated with one of the knives and configured to move the associated knife from the retracted inoperative position to the extended operative position, and (ii) a selector mechanism configured to selectively engage one or more of the plurality of operating units such that the respective knife can be moved from the retracted inoperative position to the extended operative position;
• an outer frame that is pivotable around a common pivot axis and connected to the main actuator, wherein the main actuator is configured for moving the outer frame with respect to the main frame, wherein the outer frame includes an axis and is configured for pivotally holding a plurality of levers, each lever being pivotally connected to one of the operating units;
• and
• guiding means for guiding lateral movement of the crop guiding surface with the plurality of knives between an operating position and a servicing position, wherein during lateral movement of the crop guiding surface with the plurality of knives between the operating position and the servicing position, the operating units and the selector mechanism of the cutting frame remain stationary.