The conveying device of an agricultural harvester conveys crop material through a feeding channel. A cutting assembly (18.1, ... ) engages into the feeding channel. A cutting assembly actuator (33.1, 33. r) can shift the cutting assembly ( 18.1, ... ) with respect to the conveying device from an aligned position into a lateral remote position. A cover position sensor (50.1, 50.r, 52.1, 52.r) checks if a cover (40.1, 40.r) is currently in an opened or in a closed position. The shift of the cutting assembly ( 18.1, ... ) is automatically inhibited when the cover (40.1, 40.r) is in the closed position.