Abstract: A marker assembly for use with an agricultural implement includes a float linkage that allows limited vertical displacement of the marker assembly when the marker assembly is in a fully deployed position. This limited vertical displacement accommodates changes in surface terrain (contour) as well as in-field obstructions. The marker assembly is comprised of a series of interconnected linkages. The linkages are extended by an actuator, e.g., hydraulic cylinder and ram. The float linkage allows for vertical displacement of the extended linkages even when the actuator is in an extended position.

Abstract: A marker assembly has a scalable frame that allows a user to set the width of the frame to provide flexibility in defining the width at which a marking furrow is made. The scalable frame includes multiple linkages interconnected to one another in a manner that allows the frame to be folded into a relatively compact configuration for storage and/or transport. An outer linkage has a telescoping member that allows a user to vary the spacing of a marking disc to vary the width at which a marking furrow is made in the ground.

Abstract: A lock assembly operable to secure a lift linkage associated with moving a boom assembly between a lowered, operative position and a raised, inoperative position is provided. The lock assembly includes a lock pin mounted at a carrying frame interconnected between a lift linkage and the boom assembly. The lock assembly also includes a lock plate mounted at the lift linkage. In the raised position of the lift linkage, the lock plate includes a slot configured to align so as receive the lock pin. Once aligned, the boom is pivoted toward the folded, stowed position. As the boom pivots, the boom pushes the lock pin through the slot. The lift linkage is then lowered to seat the lock pin in the slot and thereby secure the lift linkage and supported boom in the raised, folded position.

Abstract: A lock assembly is provided to secure a multi-stage folding boom assembly having left and right booms, each boom having an middle section that pivots about a vertical axis with respect to an inner section, an outer section that pivots about a second vertical axis with respect to the middle section. The lock assembly includes a first interlock portion that receives a second interlock portion when the first section pivots laterally inward about the first vertical axis with respect to the second section to a first stage folded position. As the middle section pivots forward and laterally inward toward a second stage folded position with respect to the third section, the first interlock portion slidably moves and interlocks with the second interlock portion to restrain the outer section from falling out of alignment with respect to the middle section.

Abstract: An assembly for locking a suspension arrangement operatively connected between a boom assembly and a carrying frame that are supported on a boom support implement or vehicle is provided. The implement or vehicle also includes a lift linkage operable to move the carrying frame and connected boom assembly between a lowered, operative position and a raised, inoperative position. The lock assembly includes a lock pin and a bracket assembly. The lock pin is mounted at the lift linkage. The bracket assembly includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket is mounted at the boom assembly and the second bracket is mounted at the carrying frame. In the raised, inoperative position of the boom assembly, the first and second brackets are configured to receive the lock pin in a locked position to restrain the boom assembly from swinging or rotating with respect to the lift linkage.

Abstract: A system for reducing oscillating movement of a boom assembly about a fore-and-aft aligned axis defined by a pivotal connection of a suspension arrangement independent of a carrier frame is provided. The system includes an accumulator, a cylinder actuator mechanically interconnected between the carrier frame and the boom assembly, and a metered orifice connected in fluid communication to restrict a fluid flow between the accumulator and the cylinder actuator. In response to rotation of the boom assembly in a first direction relative to the carrier frame, the system creates a force resisting the rotation of the boom assembly in the first direction. Thereby, the system deadens oscillating pivotal movement of the boom assembly relative to the carrier frame and exerts a biasing force to assist in returning and/or maintaining the boom assembly at a generally horizontal alignment.

Abstract: A system to lock a roll-suspension arrangement operatively connected to allow pivotal movement of a boom assembly about a fore-and-aft axis independent of a carrier frame is provided. The system includes an actuator cylinder having an end movable in a linear direction relative to a fixed end. The fixed end of the actuator cylinder is connected at the carrier frame, and the movable end is connected at the boom assembly. The system further includes a lock valve located in fluid communication with the actuator cylinder. The lock valve in a closed position prevents a fluid flow therethrough so as to restrain movement of the actuator cylinder and rotation of the boom assembly with respect to the carrier frame. In an open position, the lock valve releases movement of the actuator cylinder so that the boom assembly freely pivots independently of the carrier frame.

Abstract: A system to lock a roll-suspension arrangement operatively connected to allow pivotal movement of a boom assembly about a fore-and-aft axis independent of a carrier frame is provided. The system includes an actuator cylinder having an end movable in a linear direction relative to a fixed end. The fixed end of the actuator cylinder is connected at the carrier frame, and the movable end is connected at the boom assembly. The system further includes a lock valve located in fluid communication with the actuator cylinder. The lock valve in a closed position prevents a fluid flow therethrough so as to restrain movement of the actuator cylinder and rotation of the boom assembly with respect to the carrier frame. In an open position, the lock valve releases movement of the actuator cylinder so that the boom assembly freely pivots independently of the carrier frame.

Abstract: A system for reducing oscillating movement of a boom assembly about a fore-and-aft aligned axis defined by a pivotal connection of a suspension arrangement independent of a carrier frame is provided. The system includes an accumulator, a cylinder actuator mechanically interconnected between the carrier frame and the boom assembly, and a metered orifice connected in fluid communication to restrict a fluid flow between the accumulator and the cylinder actuator. In response to rotation of the boom assembly in a first direction relative to the carrier frame, the system creates a force resisting the rotation of the boom assembly in the first direction. Thereby, the system deadens oscillating pivotal movement of the boom assembly relative to the carrier frame and exerts a biasing force to assist in returning and/or maintaining the boom assembly at a generally horizontal alignment.

Abstract: A suspension system supports an implement on a work vehicle and includes a linkage mechanism providing pivotal connection between the work vehicle and the implement and adapted to pivot in such manner as to permit relative upward and downward movement between the vehicle and the implement while maintaining a controlled or selected orientation between them. A hydraulic actuator capable of extending and retracting is operatively connected between the work vehicle and the implement so as to effect the pivotal motion of the linkage and relative motion between the vehicle and implement. A shock absorber is interposed between the hydraulic actuator and one of the work vehicle and the implement for absorbing shock loadings tending to pass between the vehicle and the implement via the hydraulic actuator when in use. The shock absorber includes an elongated link mounted for pivotal motion at a point between opposing ends thereof.