Abstract: A forward acting wheel arm for a drawn hitch includes a pivot point directly below the rear rank of the machine frame, and the wheels are rotated directly in front of the front rank during field operation. For transport, the wheels rotate below the front rank to minimize tongue-lightness. The need for stabilizer wheels on the rear of the machine is eliminated, and the wheel arms can be actuated with either series or parallel hydraulic cylinders. The wheel arm pivot and cylinder base end connection are both located on the same support plate, and the hydraulic cylinder force is internalized within the plate rather than being translated through the wheel module mounting hardware.

Abstract: Ripper point structure includes a nose with a tapered top that initiates lift and fracture of compacted soil layers. The tapered top with an included angle of about 100 degrees just forward of the parting wear shin creates a parting stress which increases until the center portion of the soil profile is cut by a sharp leading edge of the shin. In a winged embodiment, gently sloping ripper point wings gradually enter the fracture plane left below the lifted compaction layer and initiate a second fracture of the soil profile. The wings are spaced rearwardly from the point so that the point and wear shin have enough time to lift, fracture, and part the soil profile in contact with the shank prior to any wing action.