AGRICULTURAL HARVESTING MACHINE

Description

[0001] The present application relates to an agricultural harvesting machine, in particular a forage harvester, with a tank container and a driver's cab accessible via a ladder, according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0002] Agricultural harvesting machines, especially self-propelled ones like forage harvesters, are technically complex and therefore expensive to purchase. Since these machines can only be used during relatively short harvest seasons—namely, when the crops are ripe and other harvesting conditions, such as weather, are met—they are used to high capacity within this short period to operate economically.

[0003] The high utilization of agricultural harvesting machinery during the harvest season requires that these machines operate for hours without significant interruptions. This necessitates carrying a large quantity of operating fluids, such as fuel, urea solution, silage additives, coolant, or similar substances, directly on the harvesting machine in one or more tank containers.

[0004] These tanks must have a capacity of over 1000 liters to ensure long and uninterrupted operation during the harvest season. Positioning the tank(s) directly next to the driver's cab is not feasible, as this would unnecessarily restrict the operator's field of vision and thus compromise efficient and safe operation. Therefore, the tank(s) must be mounted elsewhere on the harvester, which, however, restricts access to individual components and working units, as well as the available installation space for these components and working units.

[0005] In this context, EP 1 518 453 A1 proposes an agricultural harvesting machine which includes a storage device formed by a container integrated into the body of the agricultural harvesting machine.

[0006] Such a tank container is characterized by a space-saving arrangement, so that the existing or planned installation space on the agricultural harvesting machine can be used for the arrangement of other components and working units of the agricultural harvesting machine.

[0007] Due to the great height of the machinery and for reasons of better visibility over the crop, which can be several meters high, the driver's cabs of agricultural harvesting machines are located relatively high on the machine and are accessible via a ladder, allowing the operator to climb from the ground into the driver's cab, which can be several meters high.

[0008] However, an arrangement such as that known from EP 1 518 453 A1 presents challenges with regard to the accessibility of the driver's cabs, particularly with regard to the arrangement and design of an access to the driver's cab of the agricultural harvesting machine.

[0009] Thus, a staircase leading to the driver's cab, or at least a section of the staircase, must somehow be connected to the fuel tank. Furthermore, intermediate landings may be necessary to guide the operator of the agricultural harvesting machine towards the cab, which can hinder comfortable access. Additionally, the design and arrangement of the staircase are subject to existing restrictions regarding the maximum external dimensions of the agricultural harvesting machine, leading to further complexity in the design and arrangement. A staircase leading to a driver's cab with a fuel tank integrated into a section of the staircase is known from XP 093201745.

[0010] Based on this, the object of the present invention is therefore to provide an agricultural harvesting machine with an access ladder which is characterized by a space-saving but simple arrangement or design and at the same time enables comfortable access to the driver's cab for an operator of the agricultural harvesting machine.

[0011] This problem is solved according to the invention by the features of independent claim 1, wherein advantageous further developments of the agricultural harvesting machine according to the invention are the subject of the corresponding dependent claims 2 to 13.

[0012] The present invention relates to an agricultural harvesting machine, in particular a forage harvester, with a fuel tank and a driver's cab accessible via a ladder. The ladder comprises at least one set of steps, which in turn includes a first, lower, section and a second, upper, section adjoining the first, lower section. The first, lower, and the second, upper, sections each comprise steps. The fuel tank is located in a specific area between a ground-penetrating element of a front axle and a ground-penetrating element of a rear axle of the agricultural harvesting machine. The fuel tank forms the first, lower, section of the ladder, with the steps of the first, lower, section arranged helically along a vertical axis.

[0013] "Vertically running" here means that the axis along which the steps are arranged in a helical line extends in the vertical direction of the agricultural harvesting machine, i.e. in the machine's vertical or machine's height direction.

[0014] The design of the access stairs, in which the first, lower section is formed by the fuel tank and the steps are arranged in a helical pattern, results in a particularly space-saving design and arrangement of the access stairs, providing the operator with exceptional comfort as they reach the driver's cab. The helical arrangement allows the operator of the agricultural harvesting machine to cover a considerable distance vertically (i.e., a height difference between the ground and the cab), while only a minimal distance needs to be covered laterally. Simultaneously, the operator is automatically guided towards the driver's cab as they descend the first, lower section of the stairs.Put simply, the first, lower, section of the staircase is designed in the form of a space-saving spiral staircase section.

[0015] Furthermore, the design ensures that the first, lower, section of the staircase integrates seamlessly into the existing structure of the agricultural harvester without compromising access to important components and working units. This also avoids conflicts with existing restrictions regarding the maximum external dimensions of the harvester, as the staircase does not need to be attached to the outside of the machine. Instead, the access to the driver's cab lies within the overall silhouette of the harvester.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the orientation of a first, lowest step of the first, lower, stair section differs from the orientation of a last, uppermost step of the first, lower, stair section by an angle between 45° and 90°.

[0017] Preferably, the orientation of the first, lowest step of the first, lower, stair section differs from the orientation of the last, uppermost step of the first, lower, stair section by an angle between 60° and 90°.

[0018] By means of the first, lower, stair section, which comprises helically arranged steps covering an angle range of 45° to 90°, the operator moves from a position with a first viewing direction, which normally is essentially aligned with a machine transverse direction, to a position with a second viewing direction, which is oriented towards the driver's cab, preferably essentially aligned with a machine longitudinal direction, so that access to the driver's cab is particularly convenient upon reaching it.

[0019] The tank container includes a stepped surface area that forms the first, lower, staircase section. Each step of the first, lower, staircase section is associated with a step platform formed by the stepped surface area of ​​the tank container.

[0020] In particular, it is provided that each step of the first, lower, stair section is arranged above each step platform.

[0021] The stepped design of the surface defines the course of the first, lower, section of the staircase. Each step platform, formed by the stepped surface, essentially defines the position of the stair treads located above it. The surface is already oriented such that the step platforms are also aligned helically along the vertical axis, thus predefining the helical orientation of the stair treads.

[0022] According to the invention, each stepped plateau comprises a first plateau surface which is shaped in such a way that impurities falling onto the first plateau surface are removed from the first plateau surface.

[0023] In particular, it is planned that the first plateau surface will be concave and have a slope in the opposite direction to the direction of ascent.

[0024] A first platform surface with a functional design creates an automatic mechanism for the removal of contaminants that come loose from an operator's shoe when climbing the access stairs and / or are generated during harvesting operations. This functional design also facilitates the removal of liquids, such as rainwater or water from the cleaning process of the agricultural harvesting machine, which may contain contaminants. The contaminants and / or liquids can be removed from each first platform surface of a stepped platform, in particular by sliding or flowing off, and thus guided step by step towards the ground. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning devices on the access stairs.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, each step platform comprises at least a second platform surface which serves to attach a step of the first, lower, stair section to the tank container.

[0026] Preferably, each stepped platform comprises two second platform surfaces, which are arranged opposite each other, spaced apart by the first platform surface.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least one second plateau surface comprises at least one threaded recess which serves to fasten the step of the first, lower, stair section to the tank container by means of a fastening means.

[0028] The creation of one or more, in particular two, secondary platform surfaces allows for a particularly straightforward connection of the steps to the tank, without negatively impacting the removal of contaminants and / or liquids. Each step of the first, lower, stair section can be securely fastened or fixed by means of a fastening device, preferably a screw, which is inserted into the threaded recess, thus ensuring a stable connection of the step.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, each step platform is laterally bounded by walls with respect to an ascent direction. The walls are formed by the tank container.

[0030] This counteracts the risk of the operator slipping sideways off the first, lower section of stairs, thus preventing a potentially significant risk of injury. The side walls create a lateral boundary in the area of ​​the steps. Particularly when weather conditions make the steps slippery, or when the operator's shoes are wet with liquids, and there is a risk of the operator slipping off a step while ascending the first, lower section, the lateral boundary formed by the walls ensures that the operator cannot slip sideways and fall from the stairs.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the tank container is a plastic rotationally molded component.

[0032] Preferably, the threaded recess of at least one second plateau surface is formed by means of a threaded insert cast into the tank container.

[0033] This enables particularly cost-effective manufacturing of the tank container. By casting one or more threaded inserts into the tank container, complex molds and / or subsequent machining during manufacturing can be avoided, thereby reducing production costs and increasing efficiency.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the steps of the first, lower, stair section and / or the second, upper, stair section are formed by grid-like treads.

[0035] The use of grid-like treads as steps ensures that they always offer a certain degree of grip and prevent the formation of surfaces that could become slippery under certain conditions. Particularly when weather conditions cause the steps to be damp or wet, frosted or snowy, or when they are contaminated with operating fluids, the grid-like design generally provides sufficient grip for the operator to ascend or descend the stairs. The grid-like treads can also feature a textured surface, such as interlocking, on at least some of the areas that come into contact with the operator's shoes, to further enhance grip.

[0036] Furthermore, the grid-like design of the steps ensures that dirt coming loose from the operator's shoes while climbing the stairs, dirt and / or liquids generated during harvesting operations to which the agricultural harvesting machine is exposed, can reach the first platform surface of the step platform in order to be directed towards the ground or ground surface.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the steps of the second, upper, stair section are arranged one above the other in such a way that the second, upper, stair section forms a straight staircase.

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the ascent includes a platform adjacent to the driver's cab and the ascent stairs, in particular the second, upper, stair section.

[0039] In particular, it is planned that the gallery will adjoin the driver's cab and the second, upper, section of stairs.

[0040] The design of the second, upper, stair section in the form of a straight staircase and the use of a gallery ensures that the remaining distance to the driver's cab height in the machine's vertical or machine-height direction can be paced out by an operator of the agricultural harvesting machine and that good accessibility to the driver's cab is guaranteed, even though the arrangement of the ground engagement device of the front axle on the agricultural harvesting machine is essentially aligned with a position of the driver's cab in the machine's longitudinal direction and thus in itself represents a certain obstacle to the accessibility of the driver's cab.

[0041] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the tank container is designed to hold fuel, urea solution, silage additive and / or coolant.

[0042] According to an advantageous further development of the invention, it is provided that the tank container forms at least a fender of the agricultural harvesting machine in some areas.

[0043] By having the tank container form at least a fender for the agricultural harvesting machine in some areas, thus providing at least in some areas another structural component of the agricultural harvesting machine, the scope of use and function of the tank container is expanded.

[0044] The present invention is described in more detail below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the figures.

[0045] They show: FIG. 1 a schematic and exemplary representation of an agricultural harvesting machine according to the invention in the form of a forage harvester; FIG. 2 a schematic and exemplary representation of an access ramp according to the invention for the agricultural harvesting machine according to the invention; and FIG. 3 a schematic and exemplary representation of an access ladder according to the invention for the access ramp according to the invention. FIG. 2 .

[0046] FIG. 1Figure 1 shows a schematic and exemplary side view of an agricultural, in particular self-propelled, harvesting machine 1 in the form of a forage harvester. The agricultural harvesting machine 1 is equipped for travel on agricultural land and roads with rotatably driven and steerable ground-penetrating devices 2, 3, which are assigned to a front axle and a rear axle of the agricultural harvesting machine 1, whereby drive and steering functions can be distributed to the axles or provided on all axles. A driver's cab 4, which is designed for a - in the FIGS. 1 to 3The operator's cab 4, which is provided for controlling and monitoring the operation of the agricultural harvesting machine 1 (not shown), is located above the working units 5 of the agricultural harvesting machine 1. The floor of the operator's cab 4 is situated at a certain distance or height, in particular approximately 2 m, above the ground or the ground surface, so that the operator in the operator's cab 4 has a good view of the crop standing in front of the agricultural harvesting machine 1 on an agricultural field or in road traffic during operation. The agricultural harvesting machine 1 is equipped with working units 5 (feed and pre-compression unit, chopping unit, secondary shredding unit, secondary accelerator), which are known per se and therefore not described in detail.When driving across an agricultural area, a harvesting header cuts the crop standing on the agricultural land and feeds it to the working units 5. In the working units 5, the harvested material is further processed, in particular chopped and shredded, and then accelerated by an unloading device for transfer into a [conveyor / container]. FIGS. 1 to 3 not shown - to be thrown from the loading wagon being towed by a tractor.

[0047] Furthermore, the agricultural harvesting machine 1 includes a tank 6, which serves to hold operating materials required for the operation of the agricultural harvesting machine 1, in particular fuel, urea solution, silage additive and / or coolant. The tank 6 extends between the front axle and the rear axle of the agricultural harvesting machine 1, and is located, at least on one side of the agricultural harvesting machine 1, between a ground penetration device 2 of the front axle and a ground penetration device 3 of the rear axle. The tank 6 is integrated into a body 7 or attached to a chassis of the agricultural harvesting machine 1 and is located in a lower area of ​​the agricultural harvesting machine 1.The tank container 6 can cover a partial area of ​​a ground penetration device 2 of the front axle and / or a partial area of ​​a ground penetration device of the rear axle and thus function at least partially as a fender.

[0048] The tank container 6 can be divided into several sections, which can be connected to each other or separated. In particular, the tank container 6 offers the possibility of carrying a first operating substance, for example a silage additive, in one section and a second operating substance, for example a cooling liquid, in another section.

[0049] Since agricultural harvesting machines, such as the one in FIG. 1In the illustrated forage harvester, the driver's cab 4 is arranged relatively high, namely above the ground penetration means 2 of the front axle, these agricultural harvesting machines 1 include an access ladder 8, via which the driver's cab 4 is accessible to the operator.

[0050] FIG. 2Figure 1 shows an access ladder 8 according to the invention for the agricultural harvesting machine 1 according to the invention, via which the operator can enter the driver's cab 4 from the ground or ground surface. The access ladder 8 leads the operator from a position on the side of the agricultural harvesting machine 1 between the ground engagement element 2 of the front axle and the ground engagement element 3 of the rear axle to a door of the driver's cab 4 above the ground engagement element 2 of the front axle. The access ladder 8 comprises a staircase 9, which in turn is formed from two staircase sections 10, 11. The staircase 9 therefore comprises a first, lower staircase section 10, i.e., a staircase section close to the ground, and a second, upper staircase section 11, i.e., a staircase section closer to the cab.The second, upper, stair section 11 adjoins the first, lower, stair section 10; in particular, the second, upper, stair section 11 is connected to the first, lower, stair section 10. Both stair sections 10 and 11 each comprise stair treads 12. In the [unclear] FIG. 2 In the illustrated embodiment of the ascent 8, the first, lower, stair section 10 comprises two steps 12 and the second, upper, stair section 11 comprises four steps 12. However, a different number of steps 12 for each stair section 10, 11 is also possible.

[0051] In addition to the ascending staircase 9, the ascent 8 can further comprise a gallery or platform 13, which adjoins the ascending staircase 9, in particular the second, upper, stair section 11. Preferably, the gallery 13 is connected to the second, upper, stair section 11. The ascent 8 can further comprise a - in FIG. 1shown - railing 14, which is attached to the second, upper, stair section 11 and / or the gallery 13.

[0052] It is essential that the tank container 6 forms the first, lower, staircase section 10, and that the steps 12 of the first, lower, staircase section 10 are arranged helically along a vertical axis 15, i.e., in the machine's vertical or machine-height direction. Thus, the installation space provided for the tank container 6 on the agricultural harvesting machine 1 can simultaneously be used for the first, lower, staircase section, whereby, due to the space-saving helical arrangement of the steps 12, only a small amount of the tank container 6's volume is lost.

[0053] The first, lower, stair section 10 is preferably formed by the area of ​​the tank container 6 that is arranged between the ground engagement means 2 of the front axle and the ground engagement means 3 of the rear axle, so that the first, lower, stair section 10 is also arranged between the ground engagement means 2 of the front axle and the ground engagement means 3 of the rear axle.

[0054] The orientation of the first, lowest step 12, i.e., the step closest to the floor, of the first, lower, stair section 10 differs from the orientation of the last, uppermost step 12, i.e., the step closest to the second, upper, stair section 11, of the first, lower, stair section 10 by an angle between 45° and 90°. Preferably, the orientation of the first, lowest step 12 of the first, lower, stair section 10 differs from the orientation of the last, uppermost step 12 of the first, lower, stair section 10 by an angle between 60° and 90°. Thus, when descending or ascending the first, lower, stair section 10, the user changes their orientation, making the steps 12, and in particular the first, lowest step 12, i.e., the step closest to the first, lower, stair section 11, of the second, upper, stair section 11, easily accessible.

[0055] Access from the ground or the floor surface to the first, lower, stair section 10, i.e. the first, lowest, step 12 of the first, lower, stair section 10, is provided in the FIG. 2 and 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the access is formed by a lower tread plate 16, which is attached to the tank container 6. However, it is also possible for access from the floor or floor surface to the first, lower, stair section 10 to be formed by a grid-like step, which will be described below.

[0056] The second, upper, stair section 11 is formed by a climbing frame 17 to which the stair treads 12 are attached and which extends over a running surface of the ground engagement element 2 of the front axle towards above the ground engagement element 2 to the driver's cab 4, in particular to the gallery 13. The stair treads 12 of the second, upper, stair section 11 are arranged one above the other in such a way that the second, upper, stair section 11 forms a straight staircase.

[0057] The tank 6 of the agricultural harvesting machine 1 comprises a stepped surface area 18. This stepped surface area 18 forms the first, lower, stair section 10 and defines its course. The stepped design of the surface area 18 creates step platforms 19, which essentially determine or define the position of the steps 12 of the first, lower, stair section 10. Each step 12 of the first, lower, stair section 10 corresponds to a step platform 19 formed by the stepped surface area 18 on the tank 6. The step platforms 19, like the steps 12 themselves, are helically aligned along the vertical axis 15.Each step 12 of the first, lower, stair section 10 is associated with a step platform 19, the respective step 12 being arranged above the step platform 19 and attached to the tank container 6. The steps 12 of the first, lower, stair section 10 are preferably designed as grid-like treads. Similarly, the steps 12 of the second, upper, stair section 11 can also be designed as grid-like treads. Optionally, the surface of the grid-like treads that comes into contact with the operator's shoes when walking down or climbing the steps 12 can be provided with a structure that increases the grip of the treads and reduces the risk of slipping.

[0058] Each stepped platform 19 of the stepped surface area 18 of the tank container 6 comprises a first platform surface 20. This is preferably arranged centrally below a step 12. The first platform surface 20 is shaped such that contaminants falling onto or entering the first platform surface 20 are discharged or slide off it. Such contaminants may include, for example, contaminants on the operator's shoe that are dislodged when walking down or ascending the steps 9, and / or contaminants generated on the agricultural land during harvesting operations. This list is not exhaustive.

[0059] A preferred embodiment of a stepped platform 19, which is described in the FIGS. 2 and 3As can be seen from the illustrated embodiment, the first platform surface 20 is concave and slopes in the opposite direction of ascent. Due to the concavity of the first platform surface 20, contaminants that fall onto or are carried by the steps 12 onto the first platform surface 20 are concentrated in a central area. The slope then carries these contaminants away from the first platform surface 20, or allows them to slide off and fall onto a subsequent first platform surface 20 of a further step platform 19, or onto the floor.

[0060] In addition to the first platform surface 20, each step platform 19 comprises at least a second platform surface 21, which serves to fasten a stair tread 12. The second platform surface 21 is provided with at least one, preferably several, threaded recesses for fastening the stair tread 12 by means of a fastening element, in particular a screw. Preferably, the second platform surface 21 is positioned higher than the first platform surface 20 in the machine vertical or machine height direction, so that the stair tread 12 is spaced apart from the first platform surface 20 in the machine vertical or machine height direction. A preferred embodiment of the step platform 19, which corresponds to the embodiment according to the FIGS. 2 and 3As can be seen, the stepped platform 19 comprises two second platform surfaces 21. The two second platform surfaces 21 are arranged opposite each other, separated by the first platform surface 20. A stair step 12 can be attached at one end to each of the second platform surfaces 21, so that the stair step 12 bridges the first platform surface 20.

[0061] Preferably, the tank container 6 of the agricultural harvesting machine 1 is designed as a plastic rotationally molded component, or is itself such a plastic rotationally molded component. The threaded recess can be formed by means of a threaded insert that is cast into the tank container 6.

[0062] Each step platform 19 of the tank container 6 is further bounded laterally with respect to the direction of ascent by walls 22. The walls 22 are formed by the tank container 6 itself and each adjoin the second platform surfaces 21, so that the step 12 is framed at both ends by a wall 22.

[0063] The access ramp 8 according to the invention can be formed or arranged on one side of the agricultural harvesting machine 1 or on both sides of the agricultural harvesting machine 1. If the access ramp 8 according to the invention is formed or arranged on only one side, preferably the left side, of the agricultural harvesting machine 1, then as a rule an access ramp is still formed on the other side, which, however, is designed differently than the access ramp 8 according to the invention described above.

[0064] Finally, it should be noted that the embodiments described above serve only to describe the claimed teaching, but are by no means to be regarded as limiting or exhaustive. Reference symbol list

[0065] 1 Agricultural harvesting machine 2 Ground penetration device front axle 3 Ground penetration device rear axle 4 Driver's cab 5 Working unit 6 Fuel tank 7 Body 8 Access 9 Access stairs 10 11 First, lower, stair section Second, upper, stair section 12 Stair step 13 Gallery or platform 14 Railing 15 Axle 16 Lower tread plate 17 Access frame 18 Stepped surface area 19 Step platform 20 First platform surface 21 Second platform surface 22 Wall

Claims

1. An agricultural harvesting machine (1), in particular a forage harvester, with a tank container (6) and a driver's cab (4) which is accessible via a flight of stairs (8), wherein the flight of stairs (8) comprises at least one flight stairway (9) which comprises a first, lower, stairway section (10) and a second, upper, stairway section (11) which adjoins the first, lower, stairway section (10), wherein the first, lower, stairway section (10) and the second, upper, stairway section (11) respectively comprise stairway steps (12), wherein in regions, the tank container (6) is disposed between a ground engaging means (2) of a front axle and a ground engaging means (3) of a rear axle of the agricultural harvesting machine (1), wherein the tank container (6) forms the first, lower, stairway section (10), wherein the stairway steps (12) of the first, lower, stairway section (10) are helically disposed along a vertically extending axis (15), wherein the tank container (6) comprises a stepped surface region (18) which forms the first, lower, stairway section (10), wherein each stairway step (12) of the first, lower, stairway section (10) is associated with a step plateau (19) formed by the stepped surface region (18) of the tank container (6), characterized in that each step plateau (19) comprises a first plateau surface (20) which is shaped such that dirt which falls onto the first plateau surface (20) is dissipated away from the first plateau surface (20).

2. The agricultural harvesting machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that an orientation of a first, lowermost, stairway step (12) of the first, lower, stairway section (10) differs from an orientation of a last, uppermost, stairway step (12) of the first, lower, stairway section (10) by an angle between 45° and 90°, preferably between 60° and 90°.

3. The agricultural harvesting machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that a respective stairway step (12) of the first, lower, stairway section (10) is disposed above a respective step plateau (19).

4. The agricultural harvesting machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first plateau surface (20) is concave and is constructed with an inclination which is opposite to an ascending direction.

5. The agricultural harvesting machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each step plateau (19) comprises at least one second plateau surface (21) which serves to fasten a stairway step (21) of the first, lower, stairway section (10) to the tank container (6).

6. The agricultural harvesting machine (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that each step plateau (19) comprises two second plateau surfaces (21) which are disposed opposite one another spaced apart by the first plateau surface (20).

7. The agricultural harvesting machine (1) according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that the at least one second plateau surface (21) comprises at least one recess provided with a screw thread, the recess serving to fasten the stairway step (12) of the first, lower, stairway section (10) to the tank container (6) by means of a fastening means.

8. The agricultural harvesting machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, with respect to an ascending direction, each step plateau (19) is laterally delimited by walls (22), wherein the walls (22) are formed by the tank container (6).

9. The agricultural harvesting machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the tank container (6) is a rotationally moulded plastic component, wherein preferably, the recess provided with a screw thread of the at least one second plateau surface (21) is formed by means of a threaded insert which is moulded into the tank container (6).

10. The agricultural harvesting machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the stairway steps (12) of the first, lower, stairway section (10) and / or of the second, upper, stairway section (11) are formed by grid-like treads.

11. The agricultural harvesting machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the stairway steps (12) of the second, upper, stairway section (11) are disposed one above the other in a manner such that the second, upper, stairway section (11) forms a straight stairway; and / or the flight of stairs (8) comprises a gallery (13) which adjoins the driver's cab (4) and the flight stairway (9), in particular the second, upper, stairway section (11).

12. The agricultural harvesting machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the tank container (6) serves to accommodate fuel, urea solution, silage additive and / or coolant.

13. The agricultural harvesting machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, at least in regions, the tank container (6) forms a fender of the agricultural harvesting machine (1).