Abstract: A folding row marker includes first, inner and second, intermediate sections pivotally coupled together, as well as a third, outer section pivotally coupled to a distal end of the second section. A marker disc is disposed on the distal end of the third section and a hydraulic ram pivotally displaces the second section relative to the first section and further, via connecting linkage, pivotally displaces the third section relative to the second section during extension of the row marker to the use position and retraction of the row marker to the stored position. The first section is adapted for pivoting attachment to an end of a folding toolbar and linkage is provided to maintain all sections of the row marker under application of a positive force in a fixed, fully folded, compact and stable configuration when the toolbar is in the stored position.

Abstract: An agricultural planter for row crops has conventional pull-type row units mounted to a frame at a relatively wide spacing for planting a crop such as corn. Push-type row units, each capable of planting two rows at a spacing which is one-third of the wide spacing are mounted to be pushed by the frame so that when both front and rear row units are used, a much narrower row spacing for beans or wheat, for example, can be achieved. The furrow openers on the push-type units are staggered fore-and-aft to avoid plugging of adjacent gauge wheels with field trash or clods of soil.

Abstract: An hydraulic circuit includes a master cylinder and at least one slave cylinder connected in series circuit. An auxiliary discharge conduit with a solenoid-actuated valve is provided to selectively permit the master cylinder to extend its full useful range after the slave cylinders are fully extended. Under normal operation the valve is closed so that the cylinders may extend together. When the slave cylinders reach full extension, the main control valve is kicked out of its detent and the system locks up in that position. If the operator wants the master cylinder to extend further to a second limit position, he opens the solenoid-actuated valve and again operates the main control valve to extend the master cylinder. The system insures that the main control valve will be released from the detent position when the slave cylinder is fully extended at the first limit position of the master cylinder.

Abstract: An agricultural planter has a main carrier frame attached to a tractor by an hydraulically actuated telescoping tongue. Individual row units are mounted on a lift frame which in the illustrated embodiment has a center section and left and right wing sections. The wing sections are mounted to the center section for independent vertical pivotal motion relative to the center section in the use position. Power locks secure the wings rigidly to the center section for road transport. The lift frame is mounted to the carrier frame by a vertical pivot post and an hydraulically powered lift linkage. The pivot post may be rotated by an hydraulic cylinder under control of the operator. In the use position, the hitch tongue is retracted and the lift frame is lowered and extends transverse of the direction of travel.

Abstract: Apparatus for leveling the front axle of an agricultural combine includes left and right wheel linkages in the form of four-bar linkages. A connecting rod synchronizes the motion of the four-bar linkages. Hydraulic cylinders are connected between the vehicle frame and the wheel linkages respectively to actuate the linkages such that as one wheel is raise above the axle the other wheel is lowered beneath the axle substantially the same amount as the first wheel is raised thereby maintaining the axle in a generally horizontal disposition.

Abstract: An agricultural row crop planter is disclosed which includes a frame and a plurality of individual row units mounted to the frame. Some of the row units are mounted in front of the frame to be driven or pushed by it. The remaining units are mounted behind the frame and are pulled by it. Driven and pulled row units are arranged to plant alternate crop rows so the "on center" lateral spacing of row units is much greater than if all units were mounted side-by-side as is conventional. The driven row units are foreshortened and have their frames strengthened to withstand the forces encountered in use, particularly on curves. The arrangement enables the farmer to plant more than one crop with the same planter and without adjusting the spacing of row units. It also permits the manufacturer to provide a wide range of row spacing, including a very narrow one, with the same planter frame and row units while providing greater trash clearance.

Abstract: An implement frame convertible between use and transport positions and pulled lengthwise for road transport has an improved hitch assembly and an improved transport steering mechanism.

Abstract: A folding marker arm for an agricultural implement includes a swing link and a single hydraulic cylinder pivotally connected between the frame and the swing link. A push/pull link is mounted between the swing link and the marker arm. As the cylinder extends to rotate said marker toward the storage position and the marker arm passes through top dead center the design decelerates the marker arm as it approaches the storage position to avoid having the marker arm slam into the frame.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes an elongated carrier frame with support wheels. One or more tool sections, each having tools mounted to a tool mounting bar, are mounted to the carrier frame. The tool sections are independently raised and lowered between the transport and use positions by hydraulic cylinders. The carrier frame is attached to a tractor by a hitch assembly which includes a control link. With the tractor in the use position, the control link steers the support wheels in the forward direction. In converting the implement for transport, an hydraulic cylinder actuated by the operator from the tractor, uncouples a portion of the hitch assembly and permits the control link to rotate as the tractor is driven to the side of the carrier frame.

Abstract: A marking element is carried by at least one arm which is pivotally mounted to a short boom. The boom, in turn, is pivotally mounted to the outboard end of a tool bar or planter frame. A single hydraulic ram is used to move the marker between a use position in which the arm extends horizontally so the marker engages the ground, and an upright position in which the arm is folded over the tool bar.

Abstract: The plow system may carry as many as 10 or 14 individual plow units. All of the units are connected together by a tie rod and may be pivoted in unison relative to a main frame. By pivoting the units, they may be opened or closed to adjust the width of cut between adjacent units over a continuous, wide range. The main articulated frame includes a forward frame section with a main beam inclined relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle, and the rear frame section with a main beam in axial alignment with the main beam of the forward frame section. The forward frame section and rear frame sections are pivotally connected together for rotation about a horizontal axis to permit the system to follow the contour of the ground extending in the direction of travel. The system includes a forward furrow wheel, a rear furrow wheel, and a steerable intermediate support wheel which rides on unplowed ground ahead of the system and is steered as a function of the adjusted position of the plow units.

Abstract: A plurality of plow units are mounted to a main frame of a plow system for rotation about their vertical axes. The plow units are spaced at equal lateral increments and at uniformly increased distances from a pivot connection between the main frame and a traction vehicle. The plow units are ganged together by means of a guide beam; and a power actuator controls the motion of the guide beam in rotating the plow units so that their cut lines take a predetermined position relative to the main frame. As the plow system is then used to plow ground, the main frame swings about its pivot connection to the tractor until the plow units line up with the direction of travel of the tractor, thereby adjusting the spacing between plow units automatically. The rear plow unit is mounted to a tail section which is pivotally mounted to the main frame and includes a rear wheel for supporting the distal end of the main frame and for steering the system as the tractor turns.