Abstract: A folding tool bar apparatus for an implement such as a rake, the toolbar having a frame with ground engaging wheels. The folding tool bar apparatus is adapted to be operatively attached to a prime mover for towing from place to place. First and second tool bars are pivotally attached to linkage members. A tongue member that sides along its longitudinal axis with respect to the frame pulls front ends of the tool bars toward the tongue member during movement to the transport position thereof and away from the tongue member during movement towards the working position thereof. The rear end of the tongue member is behind the frame in the working position thereof, making the folding tool bar apparatus shorter than conventional folding tool bars in the working position thereof.

Abstract: A suspension system for rakes having at least one floating rake wheel has a hydraulic cylinder is used for both lift and suspension of the floating rake wheel. A hydraulic accumulator provides expansion room for hydraulic fluid to move in and out of the hydraulic cylinder during suspension.

Abstract: A folding tool bar apparatus for an implement such as a rake, the toolbar having a frame with ground engaging wheels. The folding tool bar apparatus is adapted to be operatively attached to a prime mover for towing from place to place. First and second tool bars are pivotally attached to linkage members. A tongue member that sides along its longitudinal axis with respect to the frame pulls front ends of the tool bars toward the tongue member during movement to the transport position thereof and away from the tongue member during movement towards the working position thereof. The rear end of the tongue member is behind the frame in the working position thereof, making the folding tool bar apparatus shorter than conventional folding tool bars in the working position thereof.

Abstract: An implement for raking a crop disposed on ground in a field has a frame adapted to be operatively attached to a prime mover, the frame having a front end and a rear end and being adapted to be moved in a forward direction by the prime mover. A first raking device has an inner end and an outer end, the first raking device being operatively attached to the frame for moving a crop inwardly towards the inner end thereof to form part of a first windrow. A second raking device has an inner end and an outer end, the second raking device being operatively attached to the frame for moving a crop inwardly towards the inner end thereof to form another part of the first windrow. The inner end of the first raking device is spaced from the inner end of the second raking device, thereby forming a space between the inner ends of the first and second raking devices, a front end of said first windrow being disposed at least partially in said space.

Abstract: An implement for raking a crop disposed on ground in a field has a frame adapted to be operatively attached to a prime mover, the frame having a front end and a rear end and being adapted to be moved in a forward direction by the prime mover. A first raking device has an inner end and an outer end, the first raking device being operatively attached to the frame for moving a crop inwardly towards the inner end thereof to form part of a first windrow. A second raking device has an inner end and an outer end, the second raking device being operatively attached to the frame for moving a crop inwardly towards the inner end thereof to form another part of the first windrow. The inner end of the first raking device is spaced from the inner end of the second raking device, thereby forming a space between the inner ends of the first and second raking devices, a front end of said first windrow being disposed at least partially in said space.

Abstract: A folding frame for a drawn implement such as a hay rake is disclosed. The frame includes cushion fold cylinders, a lift cylinder, and a windrow width cylinder. The lift arms actuated by the lift cylinder lift the frame wings and engage a selector valve, providing an open circuit to either the fold cylinder or the windrow width cylinder, or both. During folding, when the cylinders reach the cushion region of their stroke, the pressure in the hydraulic circuit increases, resulting in a change in the force applied to the selector valve by the lift arm. By careful adjustment, this change in pressure will adjust the selector valve so the hydraulic circuit is open to both the fold and windrow width cylinders. Consequently, the windrow width cylinders extend, keeping the frame wings from colliding with the main frame.

Abstract: A folding frame for a drawn implement such as a hay rake is disclosed. The frame includes cushion fold cylinders, a lift cylinder, and a windrow width cylinder. The lift arms actuated by the lift cylinder lift the frame wings and engage a selector valve, providing an open circuit to either the fold cylinder or the windrow width cylinder, or both. During folding, when the cylinders reach the cushion region of their stroke, the pressure in the hydraulic circuit increases, resulting in a change in the force applied to the selector valve by the lift arm. By careful adjustment, this change in pressure will adjust the selector valve so the hydraulic circuit is open to both the fold and windrow width cylinders. Consequently, the windrow width cylinders extend, keeping the frame wings from colliding with the main frame.