Abstract: A wheel assembly of an agricultural implement includes a wheel and a wheel frame supporting the wheel. The wheel frame is configured to pivotally couple to a toolbar of the agricultural implement, and the wheel frame is configured to rotate between a lowered position and a raised position. The wheel assembly also includes a mount configured to fixedly couple to the toolbar. In addition, the wheel assembly includes a linkage assembly configured to control rotation of the wheel frame between the raised position and the lowered position. The wheel assembly also includes a fastener configured to selectively engage the mount and the linkage assembly while the wheel frame is in the lowered position to block rotation of the wheel frame.

Abstract: A motor grader including a main frame, an operational frame movable relative to the main frame about a primary joint, and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders configured to adjust a position of the operational frame relative to the main frame, where each cylinder of the plurality of cylinders is movable between an extended position and a retracted position to adjust the length thereof. The motor grader further includes a processor configured to receive a signal indicating a desired cross slope of the operational frame, receive a signal identifying one of the plurality of cylinders as a lead cylinder, determine a desired position of the operational frame that achieves the desired cross slope of the operational frame, estimate a current position of the operational frame by monitoring a length of the lead cylinder, and adjust the position of the operational frame by controlling a follower cylinder of the plurality of cylinders to create the desired cross slope.

Abstract: A motor grader including a main frame, an operational frame movable relative to the main frame in three directions, and a linkage system coupling the operational frame to the main frame. The linkage system includes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders each movable between an extended position and a retracted position to adjust the length thereof. The plurality of cylinders is operationally connected such that movement of one cylinder of the plurality of cylinders causes movement of at least another cylinder of the plurality of cylinders. A processor is configured to receive a signal related to the length of at least one cylinder of the plurality of cylinders, and estimate, based in part on the signal, a position of the operational frame relative to the main frame in the three directions.

Abstract: A parallel arm furrow opener assembly defines upper and lower front pivot axes and upper and lower rear pivot axes oriented horizontally and perpendicular to a travel direction. A furrow opener and a packer wheel are attached to a rear link of the assembly. In operation the furrow opener and the packer wheel are in fixed positions with respect to the rear link member, and a bias element is operative to exert a downward bias force on the furrow opener assembly. A front pivot line connecting the upper and lower front pivot axes is parallel to a rear pivot line connecting the upper and lower rear pivot axes, and the front and rear pivot lines are oriented at a pivot angle with respect to a vertical orientation, and the pivot angle is adjustable to vary a furrow depth of the furrow.

Abstract: By providing a hydraulic system for configuring an angle of rotation for smoothing tools of a harrow that is predetermined for a tilling session, hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic system may be maintained (and not adjusted) to allow the hydraulic system to actuate during the tilling session by tilling forces encountered by the smoothing tools. As a result, the angle of the smoothing took may change during the tilling session, thereby allowing excessive plant residue encountered by the smoothing tools to be passed over to minimize plugging or bunching.

Abstract: A harrow implement comprises a tool bar and harrow sections extending rearward therefrom. Each of a plurality of hydraulic cylinders is connected between the tool bar and a corresponding harrow section. A hydraulic control is operative to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid such that the hydraulic cylinders exert a substantially constant selected bias force on the harrow sections. The hydraulic control is operative to direct pressurized hydraulic fluid into a first port on each hydraulic cylinder to exert a downward bias force on the plurality of harrow sections, and operative to direct pressurized hydraulic fluid into a second port on each hydraulic cylinder to exert an upward bias force on the plurality of harrow sections. The hydraulic cylinder can be configured to raise the harrow sections to an idle position above the ground, and to a transport position extending up from the tool bar.

Abstract: A parallel arm furrow opener assembly defines upper and lower front pivot axes and upper and lower rear pivot axes oriented horizontally and perpendicular to a travel direction. A furrow opener and a packer wheel are attached to a rear link of the assembly. In operation the furrow opener and the packer wheel are in fixed positions with respect to the rear link member, and a bias element is operative to exert a downward bias force on the furrow opener assembly. A front pivot line connecting the upper and lower front pivot axes is parallel to a rear pivot line connecting the upper and lower rear pivot axes, and the front and rear pivot lines are oriented at a pivot angle with respect to a vertical orientation, and the pivot angle is adjustable to vary a furrow depth of the furrow.

Abstract: A diagonal brace apparatus for an implement frame includes a bias element connected to a front location on a front portion of the implement frame and connected to a rear location on a rear portion of the implement frame laterally offset from the front location. The bias element is operative to exert a bias force resisting rearward movement of an outer end of the implement frame with respect to an inner end of the implement frame. Conveniently the bias element is provided by a hydraulic cylinder which exerts a bias force and can extend to allow the frame to flex to reduce shock loading on the implement when excessive forces are exerted on the frame.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a grading tool structured for attachment to a work machine. The grading tool includes a frame, ground contacting wheels coupled with the frame, a comb coupled with the frame and extending from a first end of the frame, and a coupling member coupled with the frame and structured to be accessible from a second end of the frame. When the ground contacting wheels are in contact with the ground a depth of penetration of the comb into the ground surface is adjustable by changing the pitch of the grading tool.

Abstract: A work machine includes a vehicle body, a blade supported by the vehicle body, a pair of first hydraulic cylinders, a pair of second hydraulic cylinders, a pair of lift stroke sensors and a control unit. The first hydraulic cylinders are configured to lower and raise the blade. The second hydraulic cylinders are configured to tilt the blade forward and backward and left and right. The lift stroke sensors are configured to detect stroke amounts from the pair of first hydraulic cylinders, respectively. The control unit is configured to start actuating the pair of second hydraulic cylinders when the stroke amounts of the pair of first hydraulic cylinders match. The control unit is configured to stop actuating the pair of second hydraulic cylinders based on a magnitude relation between a prescribed threshold and a difference in the stroke amounts of the pair of first hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A pair of inner plates which are mounted to a coulter wheel by a hub bolted to the two inner plates in one end, and a bearing on an opposing end. A pair of outer plates retains the inner plates and coulter wheel while provide attachment means for a hydraulic cylinder. A hydraulic cylinder is mounted between two tabs located on outer plates and between the inner plates adjacent to the pivot bearing and opposite the coulter wheel. The hydraulic cylinder is connected to a accumulator which provides for a static down pressure. Upon impact with an obstacle, the force pushing up on the coulter wheel overcomes that of the downward static pressure and the hydraulic cylinder retracts allowing the coulter wheel to move in response to the impact force. Trash wheels are bolted to the outer plates parallel to the coulter wheel or at any desired angle.

Abstract: A ground shaping machine, particularly an agricultural machine, including a frame, at least one roller fitted with a flexible tire, a first bearing and a second bearing whereby the roller can rotate about a substantially horizontal axis in the working position, the first bearing and the second bearing being positioned one at each end of the roller. The frame has a first support and a second support, the first support at least being connected to the first bearing through a suspension device including a mechanism with an upper arm and a lower arm, both substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the roller, each of the upper and lower arms being connected by a joint to the first support, and to the first bearing, the mechanism forming a deformable quadrilateral, while the suspension device also have a substantially vertical resilient return member connected by a joint to the first support and to the first bearing.

Abstract: A tillage coulter unit (22, 122) adapted for use with a farm implement (10) is provided which permits high speed tillage operations (e.g., field fertilization using liquid fertilizer such as ammonia, or seeding) without undue soil disruption or fertilizer vaporization. The coulter unit (22, 122) includes an upright, rotatable coulter blade (26, 130) with a gauge assembly (28, 132) operable to limit the depth of the coulter blade into soil and to minimize soil disruption. The gauge assembly (28, 132) preferably includes a pair of elongated, shiftable belt or chain loops (74, 212, 214) positioned in straddling relationship and astride the blade (26, 130). The loops (74, 212, 214) present lower runs (96, 212a, 214a) which substantially contact the soil as the unit (22, 122) traverses a field.

Abstract: A tillage disc assembly for use with a fully-integrated tillage implement including two modes of transportation: a working implement mode and a transportation mode, wherein the disc assembly includes an air spring and a thrust bearing for superior conformity to the field surface and protection of the disc itself. The shank can be adjusted to numerous angles for desired earth working performance. Each disc assembly is individually mounted to the frame.

Abstract: A tillage apparatus having a rotary harrow mounted thereon with mounting elements utilizes a cooperative combination of: a compressible material at the mounting element to permit relative motion between the harrow and the mounting element in response to a motion of the harrow; and, a hydraulic actuator operated under a first pressure to lower the rotary harrow and maintain engagement of the rotary harrow with the ground. A pressure relief element is utilized to reduce back pressure in response to the harrow striking a hard impediment on the ground during operation of the tillage apparatus in a field. The combination cooperates to reduce damage to the harrow and/or other parts of the tillage apparatus when the harrow strikes a hard impediment such as a rock.

Abstract: An agricultural tool for a tractor tool bar comprises a unit, such as a planter unit, that includes a ground contacting member for performing a working operation on the ground for changing the state of the soil, such as by opening a furrow to receive a seed from the planter unit. A downpressure system for the tool includes a two part telescopic air shock extending between the tool bar and a parallelogram linkage that attaches the unit to the tool bar. A sensor is operatively connected to the portion of the air shock that is attached to the parallelogram linkage for sending a signal representative of the length of the shock to an electronic controller. The controller operates through a feedback loop to attempt to maintain the air shock at a predetermined length which corresponds to a desired amount of downpressure.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to the field of agricultural machinery and relates to implements generally used in combination with a multi-row soil trench closing mechanism. Specifically, the disclosure relates to row treating units adapted to be attached to and following a multi-row planter and incorporating a combination of tools that includes a seed trench closing wheel assembly and a firming/packing wheel assembly. The deployment of and down force exerted by the packing wheel is independently adjustable and controlled using pneumatic air bag operators and the soil penetration of the trench closing wheels is limited.

Abstract: A drawbar apparatus for coupling an earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement. The drawbar apparatus comprises a drawbar. The drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion. A joint comprises a first bracket comprising a protrusion. The protrusion defines a first aperture. The first bracket is coupled to one of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A second bracket defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion. The channel defines a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel. The second bracket is coupled to the other of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A fastener is positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture. The protrusion is configured to move laterally in the channel.

Abstract: A system for automated control of a machine having a ground engaging work implement includes an implement load sensor system. A controller determines a change in terrain based at least in part upon a change in the load on the ground engaging work implement. If the change in terrain exceeds a threshold, the controller generates an alert command signal. A method is also provided.

Abstract: An agricultural device associated with reduced tillage techniques in a field includes a frame and a separator supported by the frame. The separator is configured to form a strip of exposed soil in residual plant matter in the field. A crimping device associated with the separator is configured to at least partially crush stems of residual plant matter while maintaining the strip.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to a towing frame, and a linkage assembly pivotably coupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivoting movement of the linkage assembly relative to the attachment frame. The row unit further includes a hydraulic actuator coupled to the linkage assembly for urging the linkage assembly downwardly toward the soil, and a hose connection manifold mounted adjacent to the hydraulic actuator for circulating hydraulic fluid between a hydraulic source and the hydraulic actuator. The hose connection manifold has a modular port for accepting, one at a time, a removable control valve and a port plug.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to a towing frame. A linkage assembly is pivotably coupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivoting movement of the linkage assembly relative to the attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the linkage assembly for urging the linkage assembly downwardly toward the soil. A hose connection manifold is mounted adjacent to the hydraulic cylinder for circulating hydraulic fluid between a hydraulic source and the hydraulic cylinder. The hose connection manifold has a plurality of ports including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a valve port, the inlet port being adapted to receive an inlet hose, the outlet port being adapted to receive an outlet hose, and the valve port being adapted to receive an end of a hydraulic control valve.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame. A support member is pivotably coupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivoting movement of the support member relative to the attachment frame, and at least one furrow-closing device is mounted on the support member. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the support member for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil. The hydraulic cylinder includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for urging the ram in a first direction that pivots the support member in a first vertical direction. An accumulator has a fluid chamber containing a pressurized gas for urging the ram in a second direction that pivots the support member in a second vertical direction.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a down force cylinder configured to apply a downward force to a row unit, a depth control cylinder configured to vary a penetration depth of a ground engaging tool of the row unit, a press wheel cylinder configured to vary contact force between a press wheel and a soil surface, a closing disk cylinder configured to vary contact force between a closing disk and the soil surface, a residue manager cylinder configured to vary contact force between a residue manager and the soil surface, or a combination thereof. The agricultural implement system also includes an electronic control unit configured to automatically regulate a pressure within the cylinders, and a manual backup system configured to facilitate manual pressure adjustment of the cylinders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ground shaping machine, particularly an agricultural machine, comprising a frame (3), at least one roller (11) fitted with a flexible tire (13), a first bearing (37) and a second bearing (37) whereby the roller (11) can rotate about a substantially horizontal axis (XX) in the working position, the first bearing (37) and the second bearing (37) being positioned one at each end of the roller (11).

Abstract: An agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, a linkage pivotably coupled to the attachment frame, and a row unit frame having a leading end pivotably coupled to the linkage to permit vertical pivoting movement of the row unit frame relative to the attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder coupled to the attachment frame and the linkage, for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil, includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for advancing the ram in a direction that pivots the linkage and the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, a linkage pivotably coupled to the attachment frame, and a row unit frame having a leading end pivotably coupled to the linkage to permit vertical pivoting movement of the row unit frame relative to the attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder coupled to the attachment frame and the linkage, for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil, includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for advancing the ram in a direction that pivots the linkage and the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit includes a linkage assembly that is pivotably coupled to an attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the linkage assembly and applies pressure to the linkage assembly. A controller is mounted in the row unit such that is coupled to the hydraulic cylinder for controlling the pressure applied by the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A furrow opener apparatus attachable to an implement has a trailing arm with a packer wheel at the rear end, and a furrow opener attached forward of the packer wheel. An actuator moves the trailing arm between a lowered operating position and a raised transport position. A latch mechanism engages the implement frame and the trailing arm when the actuator is operated to move the trailing arm to the transport position, preventing the trailing arm from moving downward. A release mechanism moves the latch mechanism to an unlatched position when the actuator is operated to move the trailing arm from the raised transport position to the lowered operating position, allowing the trailing arm to move down from the transport position.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to a towing frame, and a linkage assembly pivotably coupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivoting movement of the linkage assembly relative to the attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the linkage assembly for urging the linkage assembly downwardly toward the soil, and an accumulator is mounted to the hydraulic cylinder for supplying pressurized gas to the hydraulic cylinder urging the linkage assembly upwardly away from the soil. A manifold is removably mounted to the hydraulic cylinder via a mounting interface, the manifold being selected from a group of different types of modular manifolds in which each manifold is removably mountable to the hydraulic cylinder, one at a time, via the same mounting interface, the manifold having two hydraulic-fluid ports including an inlet port and an outlet port.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame. A support member is pivotably coupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivoting movement of the support member relative to the attachment frame, and at least one furrow-closing device is mounted on the support member. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the support member for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil. The hydraulic cylinder includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for urging the ram in a first direction that pivots the support member in a first vertical direction. An accumulator has a fluid chamber containing a pressurized gas for urging the ram in a second direction that pivots the support member in a second vertical direction.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a lost motion linkage, a hoe opener, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by adjusting assembly components to and compensating for changes in terrain elevation.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly features a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a ground engaging tool, and an adjustable packer wheel assembly. The design provides improved seeding accuracy by providing a variable distance between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention allow for adjustment of the distance between the ground engaging tool and wheel elements.

Abstract: The invention refers to an implement regulating device in an agricultural machine including at least one group of implements (4) arranged across the driving direction, thereafter cross-wise arranged support members (15) and at least one each group of implements and support members are controllable and adjustable by a power device (23). Implements (4) and support members (15) in each group are journalled in bearings at one end of at least one carrying arm (13). The power device (23) is adapted to rotate a cross-running main beam (19). The main beam is connected with the carrying arm (13) via a spring member (18) and is rotatably suspended in relation to the frame (Ia) of the machine (1). Activation of the power device is adapted to influence the carrying arm between a position for maximum sowing depth and a transport position.

Abstract: An implement with a ground working tool mounted on an arm pivotably movable between raised and lowered positions includes a pneumatic down pressure control system. The down pressure control system includes upper and lower mounts with an air spring located between them and having compressed and extended configurations with said arm raised and lowered respectively. A parallel plate mechanism maintains the upper and lower mounts in parallel relation and maintains a relatively consistent down pressure of the air spring. Multiple air springs can be provided on an implement and pneumatically interconnected by an air line for simultaneously charging to a constant air pressure.

Abstract: A diagonal brace apparatus for an implement frame includes a bias element connected to a front location on a front portion of the implement frame and connected to a rear location on a rear portion of the implement frame laterally offset from the front location. The bias element is operative to exert a bias force resisting rearward movement of an outer end of the implement frame with respect to an inner end of the implement frame. Conveniently the bias element is provided by a hydraulic cylinder which exerts a bias force and can extend to allow the frame to flex to reduce shock loading on the implement when excessive forces are exerted on the frame.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a lost motion linkage, a hoe opener, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by adjusting assembly components to and compensating for changes in terrain elevation.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a ground working tool having attached thereto an implement includes a trip mechanism. The trip mechanism includes a generally horizontally oriented hydraulic cylinder configured to be biased into an extended position to engage the implement in a work position engaged to work the ground. Specifically, a link rod connects the hydraulic cylinder to a carrier to which the implement is attached. The link rod can be adjusted in length and has a generally small diameter, such that, upon extending into hydraulic cylinder when the implement impacts an obstruction, the link rod does not contact the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a lost motion linkage, a biasing member, a ground engaging tool, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by compensating for changes in draft force caused by changes in terrain elevation.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a ground working tool having attached thereto an implement includes a trip mechanism. The trip mechanism includes a generally horizontally oriented hydraulic cylinder configured to be biased into an extended position to engage the implement in a work position engaged to work the ground. Specifically, a link rod connects the hydraulic cylinder to a carrier to which the implement is attached. The link rod can be adjusted in length and has a generally small diameter, such that, upon extending into hydraulic cylinder when the implement impacts an obstruction, the link rod does not contact the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A single acting hydraulic cylinder apparatus includes a mechanism operated by a single acting hydraulic cylinder, the mechanism including a hollow member. A breathing chamber is provided by sealing at least a portion of the hollow member such that outside air is prevented from entering the breathing chamber. A pressurized port of the hydraulic cylinder is adapted for connection to a pressurized hydraulic fluid source, and an un-pressurized breathing port of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the breathing chamber such that air can flow between the breathing port and the breathing chamber.

Abstract: A harrow frame may be operable to permit pivoting of its ground working tool support arms between a first relative angle and a second relative angle. Pivoting may be achieved through a drive system and a lock controllable remotely such that the tool support arms can be pivoted about their fulcrums “on-the-fly” while the harrow frame is being moved along a ground surface. In addition or alternately, a harrow frame may also be folded to have a width less than 8.5 feet to facilitate transport.

Abstract: A compression system for a dual material delivery assembly for mounting on a frame alongside a plurality of similar assemblies is described. The assembly includes a furrowing knife for producing a furrow in the ground as it is towed across the ground. A fertilizer tube is mounted behind the furrowing knife. A seed dispensing tube provided is for depositing seed in the furrow behind the fertilizer knife offset to one side and above the fertilizer. A packer wheel is attached to the seed tube assembly. The fertilizer knife and the seed tube assembly are separately mounted on a bracket attached to the implement frame for pivotal movement about a common pivot Two separate cylinders are provided to apply a separate force on the furrowing element and the packer wheel. The cylinders of each of the assemblies are commonly connected for common adjustment on the frame or on the go on a tractor towing the frame.