Abstract: A system for rotationally driving ground engaging tools of an agricultural implement may include a rotational actuator configured to rotationally drive a ground engaging tool of the implement about a rotational axis. A controller may be configured to determine a current ground speed of the implement based on data received from a sensor. Moreover, the controller may be further configured to determine a rotational output for the rotational actuator based on the current ground speed of the implement such that the tool rotates at a predetermined rotational speed relative to soil within a field. In addition, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the rotational actuator such that the actuator provides the determined rotational output to the tool while the tool is disposed at a working position relative to a soil surface of the field.

Abstract: An agricultural combine has a chassis that supports a feederhouse receiving cut crop material from an agricultural harvesting head. A rotor and concave arrangement receives the cut crop material to thresh the cut crop material and to separate the cut crop material into a flow of grain and a flow of straw. A cleaning shoe receives the flow of grain from the threshing and separating mechanism to clean the flow of grain and to provide a flow of clean grain and a flow of chaff. A residue management system receives the flow of straw and the flow of chaff. The residue management system has a straw chopper that rotates in a first direction in a windrowing mode to windrow the flow of straw and rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction in a chopping mode to chop the flow of straw.

Abstract: A dynamic supplemental downforce control system for a planter row unit. The system includes closed-loop feedback circuit that cooperates with a downforce actuator to dynamically control fluid flow to the downforce actuator to maintain balance between the actual gauge wheel downforce and a desired gauge wheel downforce during planting operations.

Abstract: A device for coupling towed agricultural machines comprising a fastener for fastening to a frame of the machine, a connecting arm extending substantially longitudinally away from the frame of the agricultural machine, and a coupling head comprising coupling mechanism. The coupling head allows said connecting arm to rotate relative to the towing apparatus about a first axis of rotation which is substantially perpendicular to an operating surface of the agricultural machine. The connecting arm is rotatably connected to the fastener about a second axis of rotation, and further comprises reversible locking mechanism for locking the rotation of the connecting arm.

Abstract: A machine for forming an elongate swale in an earth surface includes a motor for powering the machine along a predetermined path of travel, a first blade housing, a second blade housing, the first and second blade housings being positioned on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the machine at a predetermined angle with respect to the earth surface. A first disc is rotatably mounted in the first blade housing and a second disc is rotatably mounted in the second blade housing. The first and second discs are counter-rotated by the motor. Each of the discs has at least two blades secured to an outer peripheral edge in diametrically opposed relation to one another. The two blades include a digging blade a sweeping blade. Each digging blade depending downwardly from the plane of the disc and each sweeping blade extending upwardly from the plane of the disc.

Abstract: A clutch for driving a pair of output axles for a drive mechanism includes a driven clutch bevel gear mounted on a clutch shaft. A pair of clutch rings is disposed on opposite sides of the bevel gear and slidable along a clutch shaft, to selectively engage a pair of driven gears. A pair of clutch arms engages the clutch rings for moving each clutch ring between its engaged and disengaged positions, and a plurality of springs disposed along the clutch shaft biases the clutch rings to their respective engaged positions. The drive mechanism may include a mounting member having a running surface for a hydraulic motor, a pair of arms on opposite sides and extending away from the running surface, wherein the clutch shaft extends between and is supported by the pair of arms.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a turf aerator includes a frame having wheels, a variable displacement pump, an engine for driving at least one of the wheels and driving the pump, a tine assembly supported by the frame and being movable between lowered and raised configurations, and a swash-plate-adjustment linkage extending from the tine assembly to the pump. The tine assembly includes: a base; a hydraulic motor in hydraulic communication with the pump; rotatable cranks powered by the hydraulic motor; a downwardly-extending arm rotatably coupled to each crank; a tine extending downwardly from each downwardly-extending arm; springs operatively anchored to the base; and a guide arm extending between each downwardly-extending arm and a respective spring. The swash-plate-adjustment linkage automatically adjusts the pump with movement of the tine assembly relative to the frame to provide output to the hydraulic motor substantially only when the tine assembly is at the lowered configuration.

Abstract: An aerator hole spacing control with a hydrostatic traction drive including a pump and a plurality of wheel motors, a control arm mounted on a control shaft of the pump that controls the direction and the speed of the pump, and a cam follower on the control arm that contacts a cam surface having a minimum coring speed position, a maximum coring speed position, and a transport position. The cam surface may be linked to an operator speed control that moves the cam surface to determine where the cam follower contacts the cam surface to change the speed of the pump anywhere between the minimum coring speed position and the maximum coring speed position without stopping the pump.

Abstract: The aerator features a rotatable tine assembly so as to avoid obstacles or aid in the extrication of the aerator therefrom. The tine assembly includes a plurality of tines mounted about a crank shaft and projecting through said retractor plate. Each tine rod passes between two rollers, one serving as a fulcrum is mounted directly on the retractor plate while the other is mounted upon a spring arm that biases the tine rod as far as possible into a forward position. The aerator is driven by the tines used to puncture the ground.

Abstract: A turf aerator including a plurality of rotary hoes (39) that are supported along a drive shaft (41). Each rotary hoe (39) has a single journal bearing adapter (60) including a bearing support sleeve (61) with a cylindrical outer surface oriented at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft so as to wobble the rotary hoes laterally in response to the rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A mobile soil aeration device including a machine frame, a drive, at least one guide arm that can be moved up and down by the drive and that is pivotably arranged on the machine frame, at least one articulated piercing tool that is coupled to the guide arm, said piercing tool can be lowered into the soil and withdrawn therefrom, a tool holder for the piercing tool, that is mounted about a first pivotable axis in the guide arm that can be displaced up and down by the drive in order to allow the piercing tool to pivot in relation to the guide arm when engaging with the soil.

Abstract: A movable soil aeration device with a machine frame, a main input shaft for connection to a drive, an output shaft, preferably a crankshaft, coupled to the main input shaft via a reduction gearing, in which the output shaft can move at least one piercing tool up and down, The piercing tool can be pushed into the soil and be pulled therefrom. Different transmission ratios can be set at the reduction gearing.

Abstract: A mobile soil aerating device including a machine frame, a drive, at least one penetration tool hingedly coupled with the machine frame, said penetration tool being adapted to be driven into the soil and to be pulled out again, said penetration tool being pivotable with respect to the machine frame during a penetration phase in which the penetration tool, prior to penetration, being in an initial position at a predetermined penetration angle, and wherein, at least after having pulled the penetration tool from the ground, at least one element engaging the penetration tool and coupled to the machine frame exerts a restoring moment on the penetration tool in order to pivot the penetration tool back to the initial position.

Abstract: A machine for aerating soil has a frame. A gear box is attached to the frame. A crank assembly is driven by the gear box. A parallel arm is pivotally attached to the crank assembly by a crank arm and is pivotally attached to the frame. A tine assembly arm is pivotally attached to the frame and is pivotally attached to the parallel arm at a fixed point. A rigid tine holder is pivotally attached to the tine assembly arm and is pivotally attached to the parallel arm and extends beyond the parallel arm. The connection of the tine assembly arm, parallel arm and tine holder to the crank assembly ensure that the tines are driven straight into the soil. The lack of arc ensures that the turf surface is minimally disturbed.

Abstract: A soil aeration device may include a plurality of arcuate blades mounted to an assembly adapted to rotate and translate the blades proximate a ground surface, thereby forming aeration pockets in the soil. In certain embodiments, the arcuate tines penetrate and fracture the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket deposited on the top of the soil. In various embodiments, a planetary gear assembly imparts to the tine a translational and rotational movement which creates a fractured pocket in the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket and deposited on the surface of the soil. In still other embodiments, the arcuate tine may have mounted thereon a coring tube that cuts and removes a plug from the pocket formed in the soil.

Abstract: A walk-behind soil aerator includes an engine, a differential, and left and right tine assemblies driven by the first and second output shafts of the differential, and a variable speed drive means between the engine and the differential, as well as a control means accessible by an operator walking behind the aerator which allows the operator to make tight turns by gradually reducing the speed of the drive means to a desired slow speed in order for the driven tines to drive the aerator through the turn and then gradually increasing the speed of the drive means without having to change the engine speed.

Abstract: A soil aeration device may include a plurality of arcuate blades mounted to an assembly adapted to rotate and translate the blades proximate a ground surface, thereby forming aeration pockets in the soil. In certain embodiments, the arcuate tines penetrate and fracture the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket deposited on the top of the soil. In various embodiments, a planetary gear assembly imparts to the tine a translational and rotational movement which creates a fractured pocket in the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket and deposited on the surface of the soil. In still other embodiments, the arcuate tine may have mounted thereon a coring tube that cuts and removes a plug from the pocket formed in the soil.

Abstract: An agricultural implement in the form of a dicing plow booster device is provided that is operative to connect to a further hitch device of a front end of a plow. The implement has a dicing drum in rotating connection with a dicing drum frame, and has a drive roller in rotating connection with the drive roller frame. The dicing drum comprises a plurality of blades. A first hydraulic motor causes the dicing drum to rotate in a first direction. A second hydraulic motor causes the drive roller to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction. When the agricultural implement is mounted to the plow, the dicing drum and drive roller are positioned rearwardly of the plow. The drive roller rotating in the second direction is operative to urge the agricultural implement to move in a direction towards the plow.

Abstract: A tiller can include a frame supported by at least one wheel. An upright assembly can extend from the frame. A drive mechanism can be supported by the frame and include a motor having an output member. A tilling implement can have a drive shaft that is driven by the output member. The tilling implement can comprise at least one tine plate. A slider assembly can communicate with the wheel and be movably coupled along the upright assembly. The slider assembly can be configured to securably locate in at least a first position wherein the wheel is located at a first elevation relative to the frame and a second position wherein the wheel is located at a second elevation relative to the frame. The first and second elevations can be distinct.

Abstract: A turf aerator including a plurality of rotary hoes (39) that are supported along a drive shaft (41). Each rotary hoe (39) has a single journal bearing adapter (60) including a bearing support sleeve (61) with a cylindrical outer surface oriented at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft so as to wobble the rotary hoes laterally in response to the rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A wheel tractor scraper having a rear wheel drive assist, the wheel tractor scraper includes a tractor portion pivotally coupled to a rear scraper portion, the rear scraper portion having a bowl for hauling material and a fluid powered work tool configured to assist in loading the bowl, the work tool powered by a fluid pump connected to a fluid operated work tool motor. The rear wheel drive assist includes a fluid operated drive motor coupled to the rear wheels of the machine, a diverter valve having a first position at which fluid flow is delivered from the pump to the work tool motor and a second position at which fluid flow is delivered from the pump to the drive motor, and a controller being configured to control the diverter valve to engage the rear wheel drive assist. The machine may be operated by engaging the pump and work tool motor, and then actuating the diverter valve to the second position to divert flow from the work tool motor to the drive motor.

Abstract: A soil opening implement comprising a frame (5) adapted to be moved across a ground surface to be opened, a soil opener (1) mounted on the frame for a repetitive cyclic movement to case the soil opener to penetrate the ground at a plurality of spaced positions to form a line of holes in the soil, and adjustment for varying the pitch of the holes, that is the spacing between adjacent holes in the direction of movement of the implement. The implement has the facility to deliver objects, such as seeds to fertilizer granules in the holes, either one object per hole or multiple objects per hole. The implement includes a hopper (11) for holding a supply of objects and for delivering the objects to the soil opener which is in the form of a substantially vertical hollow tube (11b) through which the objects are fed and delivered to the holes.

Abstract: A device for cultivating soil or brushing debris includes a frame supporting a transmission, a motor, and a shaft rotatably supported by a transmission housing and driven by the motor through the transmission. A distal end of the shaft includes a passageway therethrough. A fastener is at least partially received within the passageway. A tine assembly may be removably attached to the shaft and includes a first pair of two laterally spaced-apart tine disks. The first pair of tine disks being laterally positioned on the shaft between the fastener and the housing. A brush attachment may be removably attached, and includes a tube, which has a wheel rotatably attached to a first end thereof and a first gear fixedly attached to an opposing second end thereof. At least a portion of the fastener extends through at least a portion of the tube to fixedly attach the tube to the shaft.

Abstract: An automatic connection mechanism for a mid-mounted implement to a tractor is disclosed. The automatic connection mechanism includes a rear lift linkage pivotably attached to the tractor, that automatically and releasably engage the rear of the implement. The forward lift linkage is pivotably attached to the front of the implement, and automatically and releasably engages the forward end of the tractor. A PTO coupling member also is attached to the rear lift linkage to engage an opposing PTO coupling member on the implement.

Abstract: A turf slicer includes a gang of six slicer wheels that “walk” through the turf in response to the forward motion of the turf slicer. In the meantime, the power takeoff from the tractor vertically oscillates the slicer wheels out of phase with one another, so that every sixth wheel is being thrust downwardly to bear most of the weight of the turf slicer as the other five wheels in the gang of six are either being withdrawn upwardly or moved downwardly and do not bear much weight, so that the weight of the turf slicer is concentrated on the downwardly moving slicer wheel that is approaching bottom dead center of its movement, thereby amplifying the effective weight of the turf slicer against the turf below.

Abstract: A soil aeration apparatus may include aeration tines that are actuated by a relatively compact gear system that reduces the size and weight of the apparatus. In addition, a soil aeration apparatus may operate without a centrally disposed support shaft, thus enabling the tine-holder shafts to be positioned closer to one another and reducing the size of the apparatus.

Abstract: In a gas-engine-mounted working machine, a gas engine is mounted on a machine body and supplied with fuel gas from a cassette gas canister, a handle column extends rearwardly and upwardly from the machine body, and the cassette gas canister is detachably attached to the handle column. Operating handle is collapsably attached to the handle column. Collapsing-movement-preventing member is provided on the operating handle for preventing collapsing movement of the operating handle, utilizing presence of the cassette gas canister attached to the handle column, so that the collapsing movement of the operating handle is prevented as long as the cassette gas canister is attached to the handle column.

Abstract: A soil aeration apparatus may include aeration tines that are actuated by a relatively compact gear system that reduces the size and weight of the apparatus. In addition, a soil aeration apparatus may operate without a centrally disposed support shaft, thus enabling the tine-holder shafts to be positioned closer to one another and reducing the size of the apparatus.

Abstract: A walk aerator comprises a frame supported by a plurality of ground engaging wheels, the frame carrying a coring head having a plurality of side-by-side tine assemblies. The wheels define a wheelbase which is substantially equal to or less than the width of a coring swath and the wheels are located in advance of the coring head to keep the wheels from passing over the holes or soil cores left in any preceding coring swathes formed by the aerator. The vertical position of the coring head is adjustable up and down as the ground contour changes to keep hole depth substantially constant. The tine assemblies are reciprocated by a single crankshaft driven by a single pulley, the crankshaft being assembled from multiple crank arms that are splined and bolted together. Sealed bearings connect drive arms that drive the tine assemblies to the crankshaft. The crankshaft can be disassembled to allow the sealed drive arm bearings to be replaced. Integral core deflectors are used on the drive arms.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a roller assembly on an excavator for degrading natural and man-made formations has a plurality of pointed inserts disposed along its outer diameter. The inserts have a tip adapted to impact the formation and at least one of the tips has polycrystalline diamond bonded to a cemented metal carbide segment. The diamond also has a substantially conical geometry with a 0.50 to 0.200 inch radius and a thickness greater that 100 inches at the apex. The diamond also has a volume that is 75 to 150 percent of a volume of a carbide substrate.

Abstract: A soil aeration apparatus may include aeration tines that are actuated by a relatively compact gear system that reduces the size and weight of the apparatus. In addition, a soil aeration apparatus may operate without a centrally disposed support shaft, thus enabling the tine-holder shafts to be positioned closer to one another and reducing the size of the apparatus.

Abstract: A travelling rolling digger (1) for sequential hole drilling or for producing sequential cultivated spots in soil. The travelling rolling digger (1) includes at least one drilling shaft which is rotatable by a drive mechanism about a longitudinal shaft axis and has a rotating soil penetrating edge. The drilling shaft is mounted to roll about a horizontal shaft in a soil penetrating plane while the horizontal shaft moves in a direction of travel of the traveling rolling digger. The rotating drilling shaft enters the soil at an entry angle and digs into the soil while the horizontal shaft moves in the direction of travel and the drilling shaft continuously changes its angle relative to the soil from the entry angle to a vertical position. The traveling rolling digger further comprising at least one cleaning blade (6).

Abstract: A soil aeration apparatus may include aeration tines that are actuated by a relatively compact gear system that reduces the size and weight of the apparatus. In addition, a soil aeration apparatus may operate without a centrally disposed support shaft, thus enabling the tine-holder shafts to be positioned closer to one another and reducing the size of the apparatus.

Abstract: A combined digger and compost compacting assembly comprises a digger unit and a compacting unit. The digger unit has a drive shaft which includes a plurality of outwardly extending digger tines for digging into the compost in a mushroom bed as the assembly is moved longitudinally from one end of the bed to the opposite of the bed. The compacting unit includes at least one roller for compacting the compost after the digging tines have dug through the compost. The digger unit and the compacting unit are detachably mounted together for joint movement during the compost treating operation. The units can be separated from each other and moved independently of each other to a different mushroom bed after the compost treating operation has been completed.

Abstract: An implement and method of assembly, wherein the implement comprises a housing having a first-side portion and a second-side portion, at least one element having a weight, the element being attached to the second-side portion of the housing and the weight of the element creating a moment arm, a shaft positioned between the first-side portion and second-side portion of the housing and operably coupled to at least one of the element, and a counterweight attached to the first-side portion of the housing, the counterweight offsetting the moment arm created by the weight of the element.

Abstract: A differential device has a power-transmitting member mounted to undergo rotation in forward and reverse directions about a central rotational axis and to undergo linear movement in a direction along the central rotational axis. The power-transmitting member has meshing claws each having an inclined surface. A pair of driven shafts are mounted to undergo rotation about the central axis. A pair of rotational driven members have meshing claws confronting and for meshing engagement with the meshing claws of the power-transmitting member. When the power-transmitting member rotates to transmit rotational driving power to the driven members, force components acting on contacting surfaces of the meshing claws of the power-transmitting members and the driven members displace the driven members in an axial outward direction away from the power-transmitting member to define therebetween a space to allow axial movement of the power-transmitting member within the space.

Abstract: A gardening/landscaping utility machine having a counter-rotating twin shaft system that can perform multiple types of work required for gardening/landscaping, including tilling, trench-edging, weeding, brush cutting, snow removal and lawn mowing. These processes can be accomplished by exchanging attachments from, or altering the orientation of, the counter-rotating twin shafts.

Abstract: This invention provides devices and methods for adapting a motorcycle for use with an agricultural system. In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural system includes a motorcycle drive unit adapted for removable attachment to a tool assembly. In a further embodiment of the invention, power transmission from the drive unit to a tool assembly drive axle is at reduced speed and increased torque relative to the motorcycle drive unit output.

Abstract: A walk-behind trenching implement has a side mounted rotary trenching tool for creating a profiled trench into the surface of the earth, which can also be used as an implement to edge landscape beds. The trenching implement is powered by an engine that delivers rotational power in an unbalanced manner to the wheel adjacent to the rotatable trenching tool. The wheel opposite to the trenching tool is can be non-powered to freely rotate as the implement is moved across the surface of the ground, or braked to unbalance power delivery through a differential. This unbalanced propulsion drive induces a skewing action into the operation of the implement that counterbalances the opposite skewing action resulting from the operation of the trenching tool to provide a more smoothly operating implement. A trenching tool having a configuration conducive to profile modification allows flexibility in the desired shape of the trench being formed.

Abstract: A walk-behind working machine includes a motive power source, right and left transmission shafts, and a clutch for transmitting motive power from the source to the shafts. The transmission shafts are disposed in alignment with their respective ends butting against each other. The clutch includes a driving cylindrical member rotationally mounted around the transmission shafts. The transmission shafts have first grooves formed on their outer peripheral surfaces while the cylindrical member has second grooves formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof. The clutch further includes balls disposed between a space defined by the first and second grooves. The first groove is of substantially V-shaped configuration. The first groove has a leading end positioned between the ends of the transmission shafts.

Abstract: A tiller includes an engine, a transmission mechanism, and a rotor shaft having tillage tines mounted thereon. The transmission mechanism transmits a motive power of the engine to the rotor shaft to thereby cause the tillage tines to perform a tilling operation. The tiller also includes a tranmission case having the transmission mechanism housed therein, and a fender disposed to cover the tillage tines. The fender is mounted to the tranmission case by bolts. Each bolt has a portion projecting downwardly from the fender. The tiller further includes a guard member extending downwardly from the transmission case to a level lower than the downwardly projecting portion of each bolt. The guard member guards the bolts against a foreign object thrown upwardly by the tillage tines during the tilling operation.

Abstract: An aerator is provided having a front axle, including a differential and a tine wheel assembly which may be raised from the ground during maneuvers of the aerator while power continues to be supplied to the front axle, and a tine wheel assembly is provided which allows the operator to repair and change the configuration of the tines of the tine wheel assembly.

Abstract: Front-rotary working machine employs a vertical engine having an output shaft projecting downward, and a transmission case, provided beneath the vertical engine, has a flat underside so as to extend generally parallel to the ground surface to be cultivated. Distance between left and right transporting wheels, connected to a driving shaft at a rear end portion of the transmission case, can be reduced as necessary. With these arrangements, it is possible to reduce the overall width of the front-rotary working machine.

Abstract: Driving worm provided on a transmission shaft, driven worm wheel provided on a cultivating shaft, main shaft portion of the transmission shaft and clutch are collectively accommodated in a transmission casing, which includes first and second bearings for preventing the clutch and driving gear from being displaced toward each other. The main shaft portion is screw-coupled to the clutch and a direction in which the screw-coupling between the main shaft portion and the clutch is tightened corresponds to only one rotational direction of an engine. The casing has a single opening for inserting therein the worm and worm wheel, and the opening is closed with a lid that also functions to prevent the worm from coming off the casing.

Abstract: A traveling rolling digger for sequential hole drilling or for producing sequential cultivated spots in soil. The traveling rolling digger includes at least one drilling shaft which is rotatable by a drive mechanism about a longitudinal shaft axis and has a rotating soil penetrating edge. The drilling shaft is mounted to roll about a horizontal shaft in a soil penetrating plane while the horizontal shaft moves in a direction of travel of the traveling rolling digger. The rotating drilling shaft enters the soil at an entry angle and digs into the soil while the horizontal shaft moves in the direction of travel and the drilling shaft continuously changes its angle relative to the soil from the entry angle to a vertical position.

Abstract: A traveling rolling digger for sequential hole drilling or for producing sequential cultivated spots in soil. The traveling rolling digger includes at least one drilling shaft which is rotatable by a drive mechanism about a longitudinal shaft axis and has a rotating soil penetrating edge. The drilling shaft is mounted to roll about a horizontal shaft in a soil penetrating plane while the horizontal shaft moves in a direction of travel of the traveling rolling digger. The rotating drilling shaft enters the soil at an entry angle and digs into the soil while the horizontal shaft moves in the direction of travel and the drilling shaft continuously changes its angle relative to the soil from the entry angle to a vertical position.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-propelled ground aerating system. The system comprises, in general, a wheeled platform that has disposed thereon a power pack, a steering mechanism, a hopper for distributing materials, and a spiked drum. The spikes disposed on the drum are selectively positioned to engage the ground at a selected angle. The depth of penetration of the spikes into the ground may also be selected. The power pack provides the required power to a drive mechanism which in turn provides power to rotate the spiked drum thus propelling the present invention.

Abstract: A power transmission system for a working machine, wherein drive power is transmitted from an engine to a work-tool holding drive shaft via a reduction mechanism is provided. The reduction mechanism includes an input shaft having a first gear, and an output shaft having a second gear. The second gear has a gear portion and a cylindrical boss segment press fitted thereto, forming a torque limiter. As a result, the reduction mechanism, which has the torque limiter, has a simplified structure, enabling easy assemblage.

Abstract: A digger for facilitating the application of a material to a mushroom bed includes a feed system wherein a metering shaft is provided in the compartment or hopper for the material. The metering shaft contains sets of supply pockets which receives the material to be conveyed to distribution heads. The digger also includes a digging shaft connected to a drive shaft by improved structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a plurality of spaced apart cultivated spots in soil. A spot cultivator (1) is moved across the soil in a direction in which the spaced apart cultivated spots are to be formed. The spot cultivator (1) includes at least one tilling shaft (7) which is mounted to roll about a horizontal axis which moves with the spot cultivator (1) and which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of at least one tilling shaft (7). At least one tilling shaft (7) is rolled about said horizontal axis in a plane which intersects the soil. The at least one tilling shaft (7) has a length sufficient to contact and penetrate the soil at a controlled spacing during each rotation about the horizontal axis.