Abstract: A folding furrow chopper that facilitates planting operations and optimization of irrigation and drainage with efficient preparation, configuration, and planting of seed beds. A centrally located main section that includes a stalk cutter basket and that is connected to a pair of hinged wings that include additional stalk cutter baskets that for maximum implement width are deployed in alignment with the main section during operation. The wings are hydraulically folded into a compact upright position for legal transport over public roads.

Abstract: An opener unit having a pair of single disc openers mounted upon a parallel linkage which may be mounted onto a tool bar or drawbar is disclosed and claimed. The pair of single opener discs may be used for controlled creation of a pair of furrows to which seed, fertilizer or other soil amendments may be delivered. The opener unit may be mounted in combination with a row clearing or cleaning unit. The opener unit may also be mounted in combination with an auxiliary depth tire or a ski, and or a furrow closing means such as a wheel, a chain or a strap.

Abstract: A seed firming assembly and method for agricultural seeders includes a large diameter seed-firming wheel for firming seeds into soil at the bottom of a furrow. The seed-firming wheel is located immediately behind a furrow opener and a seed guide. The seed-firming wheel is rotatably supported by an attaching arm, which is pivotally attached to a planter subframe at a location behind the seed-firming wheel so as to push the seed-firming wheel in a forward direction during operation. The attaching arm has a forward portion on which the seed-firming wheel is rotatably supported, a rearward portion on which an extension spring is attached for imparting a downward force on the seed-firming wheel during operation, and a horizontal transverse axis of rotation located between the forward and rearward portions. An adjustment mechanism is provided for adjusting the downward force imparted on the seed-firming wheel by the spring.

Abstract: A ground engaging seed delivery device comprising an elongate support arm 8 pivotally mounted to a driving means via a mounting means 7 adapted to accommodate vertical linear displacement wherein said support arm has an offset coulter disc 3 fitted along the length thereof, a back swept seed delivery tube 2, followed by a packer wheel 4 and a ground engaging control arm 1 positioned to act between the coulter disc and packer wheel so as to follow a furrow formed by said coulter disc and prevent said furrow divot from either collapsing and/or being thrown prior to delivery of seed into said furrow such that said packer wheel can replace said divot immediately following delivery of seed to said furrow.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of reducing plugging of a no-till seeder with crop residue by guiding the furrow openers of the seeder between the standing stubble rows of the previous crop. A guidance system is provided comprising sensing means to sense the standing stubble rows from the previous crop and to send a steering signal in response to changes in the relative position of the seeder to the standing stubble rows; and adjusting means to adjust the travel path of the seeder in response to the steering signals. The sensing means can sense the location of the standing stubble rows by contact therewith or by sensing the furrow from which the standing stubble rows extend. The position of the seeder relative to the towing vehicle is adjusted in response to steering signals sent by the sensing means.

Abstract: A towing device for an agricultural apparatus (2), includes at least one wheel (6) which is arranged in a front area of the agricultural apparatus (2) and can rotate about an essentially horizontal wheel axle (8); a link arm (10) which is connected to the wheel axle (8) and is coupled in an articulated manner to a frame (4) arranged on the agricultural apparatus 92) about an essentially vertical first axis (12); and a draw bar (14) which can be coupled to a towing vehicle. A control member (22) is arranged between the draw bar (14) and the frame (4) in order to control the pivoting of the link arm (10) about the first axis (12) as the towing vehicle turns, so that the agricultural apparatus (2) turns at least less than the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A field planting device 1 adapted to pass along a ground furrow into which plants are to be sequentially placed during a planting operation, said device including:

Abstract: A method of planting gel-coated seeds comprising previously making the seeds sprout a root and then sowing the seeds with the tip of the root facing downward.

Abstract: A combined soil agitation and aerating apparatus comprises a frame which is pulled by a tractor over untilled pasture land. A cylindrical drum is rotatably supported on the frame by a co-rotatable axial shaft. A plurality of rigid prongs are provided on the cylindrical surface of the drum which penetrate, agitate and aerate the soil as a drum is rolled over the land to be seeded. A seed dispensing unit is mounted behind and parallel to the drum and is driven by a driving connection with the shaft that rotatably supports the drum.

Abstract: An auger-like apparatus for boring planting holes includes an elongate shaft carrying a spiral blade or screw flight at its lower end. Means are provided at the outer end of the cutting edge to protect a sprinkler conduit or hose which may be contacted by the apparatus. In one embodiment, the outer end of the cutting edge is rounded and tapered into the peripheral edge of the screw flight. In a second embodiment, a guard extends between the outer edge of the cutting edge and a subsequent spiral of the screw flight. The shank may be graduated and support a slidable snap ring. A graduated tape mechanism is also provided to gauge the spacing of the plant bores.

Abstract: Seeds of a second crop (e.g. soybeans) are sown in a standing grain crop (e.g. wheat). When the grain crop is ripe it is harvested by cutting with a combine at a level slightly above the top of the partially grown second crop. Seeding of the second crop is performed using a self-driven, preferably three-wheel vehicle carrying a grain drill box having flexible tubes which fit between the rows of grain and each of which discharges the seed into a gap between two downward-inward slanted discs which first cut a slit in the ground, then deposit the seed and finally cover the slit. The discs are supported and their depth controlled in such manner as to cause minimum interference with the grain.This invention relates to a new and improved apparatus and method for sowing a second crop in standing grain. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of a seed drill of particular configuration for use in practicing a method whereby two crops may be grown on the same acreage.

Abstract: A self-propelled implement is specially constructed to plant seeds such as beans between rows of a tall growing crop such as wheat. The frame members of the implement are supported above the growing crop on top of selectively spaced front and rear wheel assemblies which are narrow enough to pass between the rows of the growing crop. Each wheel is entirely covered and is provided with a fender that tapers to an inclined forward edge to facilitate passage of the implement through the field. An engine which powers the implement also operates seeding mechanisms which are associated with the wheels.