Abstract: A tillage apparatus having a rotary harrow mounted thereon with mounting elements utilizes a cooperative combination of: a compressible material at the mounting element to permit relative motion between the harrow and the mounting element in response to a motion of the harrow; and, a hydraulic actuator operated under a first pressure to lower the rotary harrow and maintain engagement of the rotary harrow with the ground. A pressure relief element is utilized to reduce back pressure in response to the harrow striking a hard impediment on the ground during operation of the tillage apparatus in a field. The combination cooperates to reduce damage to the harrow and/or other parts of the tillage apparatus when the harrow strikes a hard impediment such as a rock.

Abstract: A tillage apparatus having a rotary harrow mounted thereon with mounting elements utilizes a cooperative combination of: a compressible material at the mounting element to permit relative motion between the harrow and the mounting element in response to a motion of the harrow; and, a hydraulic actuator operated under a first pressure to lower the rotary harrow and maintain engagement of the rotary harrow with the ground. A pressure relief element is utilized to reduce back pressure in response to the harrow striking a hard impediment on the ground during operation of the tillage apparatus in a field. The combination cooperates to reduce damage to the harrow and/or other parts of the tillage apparatus when the harrow strikes a hard impediment such as a rock.

Abstract: A conservation tillage implement having three or more rows of individual coulter wheel assemblies laterally spaced apart and removably mounted on a cultivator frame, a coulter wheel assembly in a given row being staggered with respect to the coulter wheel assemblies in a longitudinally adjacent row. The coulter wheel assemblies may be laterally adjustable and may be mounted to the cultivator frame using a mounting means that permits rotation about a vertical axis. The coulter wheel assemblies may comprise a coil spring having a horizontal spring axis to permit upward deflection in response to impact with an obstacle. Leveling attachments may optionally be mounted to the cultivator frame, along with additional field working tools. The implement is used in the management of crop residue as part of a minimum tillage strategy. The implement is particularly resistant to plugging and can be operated at high speeds without undue damage upon impact with obstacles.