Abstract: A hydraulic system (20) for controlling the seed/fertilizer supply system (10) and the down pressure on a plurality of individual row units (12). A secondary supply arrangement (60) interconnects a first control circuit (26) of supply system (10) with a second control circuit (28), when the row units (12) are in a float mode, to provide pressurized fluid for the down force on the row units (12) during operation.

Abstract: A roller assembly for an undercarriage of a work machine has a roller rim having central passage defined therein. The roller assembly also has a roller shaft positioned in the central passage of the roller rim. Moreover, the roller assembly has a retainer secured to the roller rim so as to retain the roller shaft in the central passage. The retainer is prepared by a process including the steps of (i) arranging a first type of metal powder in a first predetermined location, (ii) arranging a second type of metal powder in a second predetermined location, the second type of metal powder being different than the first type of metal powder, and (iii) sintering both the first type of metal powder and the second type of metal powder. A method of manufacturing a roller assembly of an undercarriage assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly is provided that connects first and second links of a track chain of a track type work machine. The cartridge assembly includes first and second collars and a track pin. The first collar is positioned within a first hole of the first link and the second collar is positioned within a second hole of the second link. The first collar is fixed in relation to the first link and the track pin and the second collar is fixed in relation to the second link and is allowed to move relative to the track pin.

Abstract: A guiding arrangement has a guide structure having an opening defined therein. The guiding arrangement also has a roller assembly. The guiding arrangement further has an axle positioned relative to the guide structure so that a portion of the axle is located within the opening.

Abstract: Track laying work machines (10) are provided with a pair of track roller assemblies (20) positioned on opposite sides of the work machine (10). Each track roller assembly (20) includes a track (12) entrained around a drive wheel (14), an idler wheel (16), and a plurality of supporting mid-rollers (18). An apparatus for measuring misalignment and realigning (48) the track (12) is utilized to monitor alignment and align the track (12) during operation of the work machine (10).

Abstract: Endless rubber track laying machines are provided with a pair of track laying assemblies positioned on opposite sides of the work machine. Each track laying assembly includes an endless rubber belt entrained around a drive wheel, an idler wheel, and a plurality of supporting mid-rollers. A fluid cylinder is connected to the idler wheel for tensioning the endless rubber belts. The present recoil activated valve includes a two position poppet valve positioned between the fluid cylinder and an accumulator. With this recoil activated valve the tensioning system locks the fluid cylinder as the work machine traverses side slopes. Thus, a simple system is provided that can be solely fluid actuated or actuated by an electronic monitoring system, thereby providing a system that reduces the possibility of the endless rubber track from un-tracking.

Abstract: Endless rubber track laying machines are provided with a pair of track laying assemblies positioned on opposite sides of the work machine. Each track laying assembly includes an endless rubber belt entrained around a drive wheel, an idler wheel, and a plurality of supporting mid-rollers. The present supporting mid-roller includes a heat shield that is positioned between individual roller segments and guide blocks positioned on the inner surface of the endless rubber belt. With the heat shield in this position, heat generated from the guide blocks contacting the individual roller segments is dissipated, thereby increasing the life of the individual mid-roller components.

Abstract: Endless track laying work machines are provided with a pair of track roller assemblies positioned on opposite sides of the work machine. Each track roller assembly includes an endless rubber belt entrained around a drive wheel, an idler wheel, and a plurality of supporting mid-rollers. An automatic belt alignment system is utilized to align the endless rubber belt during operation of the endless track laying work machine (10). The automatic belt alignment system also provides connection of the idler wheel assembly to a tensioning system and to the forwardly extending nose portion of a track roller frame.

Abstract: A tractor includes a track assembly having a frame, an idler wheel mechanically coupled to the frame, a drive wheel mechanically coupled to the frame, an endless track disposed around the idler wheel and the drive wheel, and a number of mid-rollers interposed between the idler wheel and the drive wheel. The tractor also includes a first protection member having a first upper edge and a first lower edge. The first protection member is secured to the frame such that a portion of the frame is positioned behind the first protection member. The tractor further includes a number of first guard members secured to the first protection member so that (i) the first guard members extend downwardly beyond the first lower edge toward the endless track and (ii) the first guard members are spaced apart from each other along the first lower edge such that a gap is defined between adjacent first guard members.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor includes a cab frame having structural support post. The tractor also includes a hinge member having a first end portion which is pivotally coupled to the structural support post of the cab frame, and a second end portion which is opposite the first end portion. The tractor further includes a support arm secured to the second end portion of the hinge member in a substantially horizontal orientation. The support arm has a mounting boss secured thereto. The tractor further includes a window panel having a mounting aperture defined therein. The tractor further includes a fastener that is received through the mounting aperture so as to engage the mounting boss thereby securing the window panel to the support arm. Such a configuration allows for replacement of the window panel in the event of breakage thereof without the need to remove the hinge member from the structural support of the cab.

Abstract: A fluid control system (50) is provided for a work machine (10) having first and second compacting drums (14,16). First and second hydraulic motors (28,32) are connected in series and power first and second vibratory mechanisms (26,30) located within the first and second compacting drums (14,16). A control valve (60) supplies pressurized fluid to the first hydraulic motor (28). The pressurized fluid is transferred through a bypass circuit (74) around the second hydraulic motor (32). A sequencing device (80) closes the bypass circuit (74) transferring the pressurized fluid to the second hydraulic motor (32) after actuation of the first hydraulic motor (28).

Abstract: Endless track laying work machines are provided with a pair of track roller assemblies positioned on opposite sides of the work machine. Each track roller assembly includes an endless rubber belt entrained around a drive wheel, an idler wheel, and a plurality of supporting mid-rollers. Each track roller assembly is connected with and supported by a suspension member that provides both rearward and upward deflection. The present suspension member includes a first member that is rigidly attached to the machine frame. A second member is pivotally connected to the first member. A cushioning assembly is formed in an arcuate configuration by a first flexible member that is connected to the first member, a second flexible member that is connected to the second member and a wedge member interposes the first and second flexible members.

Abstract: A rotating concave grain threshing system has a rotor positioned within a concave. The rotor and concave are each rotatable in different preselected speeds and directions through respective transmissions connected to a power source. Measurements are taken corresponding to a physical property of the crop being harvested and the torque induced on the concave. A signal is generated and is responsive to changes in the measurements and delivered to a controller. The controller will then create a controlling signal corresponding to a difference between the desired physical property and the measured physical property and/or the desired torque and the measured torque being greater than a preselected amount. An actuator receives the controlling signal and changes the speed of the concave in response to the magnitude of the received controlling signal.

Abstract: A variable-width milling drum assembly includes a milling drum having an outer surface. The assembly also includes a plurality of cutting segments removably secured to the outer surface of the milling drum along a first substantially helical axis. Each of the plurality of cutting segments includes a segment flight member. Each segment flight member is positioned in helical alignment with respect to an adjacent segment flight member. The assembly also includes a kicker plate which is secured to the substantially cylindrical outer surface along a second helical axis. The kicker plate is utilized to move cut material in a direction away from the cutting segments during rotation of the milling drum. A method of varying the cutting width of a variable-width milling drum assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hitch for a work machine such as an agricultural tractor permits controlled towing of an implement behind the work machine. The hitch is attached to the machine frame. The hitch includes first and second draft arms that are pivotally connected with and spaced apart on the frame by intermediate links. The intermediate links provide pivotal movement of the draft arms constrained about a first horizontal axis. The intermediate links also provide pivotal movement of the first draft arm constrained about a second axis, and of the second draft arm constrained about a third axis. At least one draft cylinder is connected to one of the intermediate links and to a respective draft arm. The hitch incorporates multiple degrees of movement in a compact package and is useful as a steerable component of the machine to provide positive steering force.