Abstract: A tillage implement has a frame with a center section and first and second outer wing sections hingedly attached the center section such that the wing sections can be operably raised and lowered between a field-working position and a transport position. The sections each carry tillage tools for working the soil. Controlling a precharge in a secondary side of a hydraulic circuit enables the operator of the implement to adjust the downward pressure precharge provided by a plurality of hydraulic cylinders based on a desired stiffness of the implement. A pressure-reducing valve is configured such that flow from the hydraulic supply applies downward pressure precharge on the plurality of tillage tools. Once this desired precharge has been achieved, flow from the hydraulic supply is shut off and a check valve holds the pressure such that the plurality of hydraulic cylinders holds the tillage tools in position.

Abstract: An implement for working an agricultural field includes a frame and a plurality of row units carried by the frame. Each row unit includes a subframe trailing the frame and connected to the frame by an upper link and a lower link, at least two different ground-engaging tools carried by the subframe, and at least one pneumatic actuator configured to change a length of the upper link or the lower link to keep the ground-engaging tools in contact with ground. A method includes pulling the implement through the agricultural field, maintaining a selected pressure in the pneumatic actuator, and maintaining the ground-engaging tools in contact with the agricultural field.

Abstract: A tillage implement has a frame with a center section and first and second outer wing sections hingedly attached to respective outer ends of the center section. Controlling a pressure in a secondary side of a hydraulic circuit enables adjustment of the downward pressure precharge provided by hydraulic cylinders based on a desired stiffness of the implement. Flow from a hydraulic supply through a pressure-reducing valve puts the downward pressure precharge on gauge wheels. Once this desired downward pressure precharge has been achieved, flow from the hydraulic supply is shut off and a check valve holds the pressure such that the hydraulic cylinders hold the gauge wheels in the desired position.

Abstract: A tillage implement has a frame with a center section and first and second outer wing sections hingedly attached the center section such that the wing sections can be operably raised and lowered between a field-working position and a transport position. The sections each carry tillage tools for working the soil. Controlling a precharge in a secondary side of a hydraulic circuit enables the operator of the implement to adjust the downward pressure precharge provided by a plurality of hydraulic cylinders based on a desired stiffness of the implement. A pressure-reducing valve is configured such that flow from the hydraulic supply applies downward pressure precharge on the plurality of tillage tools. Once this desired precharge has been achieved, flow from the hydraulic supply is shut off and a check valve holds the pressure such that the plurality of hydraulic cylinders holds the tillage tools in position.

Abstract: A tillage implement has a frame with a center section and first and second outer wing sections hingedly attached to respective outer ends of the center section. Controlling a pressure in a secondary side of a hydraulic circuit enables adjustment of the downward pressure precharge provided by hydraulic cylinders based on a desired stiffness of the implement. Flow from a hydraulic supply through a pressure-reducing valve puts the downward pressure precharge on gauge wheels. Once this desired downward pressure precharge has been achieved, flow from the hydraulic supply is shut off and a check valve holds the pressure such that the hydraulic cylinders hold the gauge wheels in the desired position.

Abstract: A tillage implement has a gang of rotary spider tines, each spider tine having a center portion and a plurality of teeth forming a peripheral edge of the spider tine. Each tooth is rearwardly curving from the intended direction of rotation and has a curved leading edge and a curved trailing edge that taper to a rounded outward tip. A distal end of each tooth is angled relative to a tooth base to form a flared paddle such that the flared paddle is angled with respect to the tooth base and center portion of the spider tine. A first set of teeth have flared paddles angled in a first direction and a second set have flared paddles angled in a direction opposite said first direction, with the first set being alternately positioned with the second set in a circumferential pattern around the peripheral edge of the spider tine.

Abstract: A tillage implement has a gang of rotary spider tines, each spider tine having a center portion and a plurality of teeth forming a peripheral edge of the spider tine. Each tooth is rearwardly curving from the intended direction of rotation and has a curved leading edge and a curved trailing edge that taper to a rounded outward tip. A distal end of each tooth is angled relative to a tooth base to form a flared paddle such that the flared paddle is angled with respect to the tooth base and center portion of the spider tine. A first set of teeth have flared paddles angled in a first direction and a second set have flared paddles angled in a direction opposite said first direction, with the first set being alternately positioned with the second set in a circumferential pattern around the peripheral edge of the spider tine.