Abstract: Efficient towed implement guidance to a desired path is achieved by guiding a towing vehicle toward a path on the opposite side of a desired path, then guiding the vehicle back to the desired path. Efficient forward implement guidance to a desired path is achieved by guiding a pushing vehicle along a tractrix. A vehicle leaves a straight line along a tractrix to keep a rear implement on the line as long as possible.

Abstract: A steerable agricultural implement configured to be coupled to a tractor by a multi-point hitch system that restrains side-to-side articulation between the tractor and the implement. The agricultural implement includes a steering controller that receives a positional attribute from a steering system of the tractor and controls a degree of pivot of a wheel assembly of the agricultural implement based on the positional attribute of the tractor steering system. The wheel assembly is configured with a steering actuator that is operable to pivot a portion of the wheel assembly without transmitting force beyond the wheel assembly, abutment stops to define maximum degrees of pivot of the portion of the wheel assembly and relieve the steering actuator without transmitting force beyond the wheel assembly, and a quick release free-wheel mechanism to enable a disconnected or “free wheel” operation of the wheel assembly independent of the steering actuator.

Abstract: A system for push-steering an implement includes a pair of links, each link connecting the implement to a front portion of a motorized vehicle. Each link of the pair of connected links between the motorized vehicle and the implement is non parallel to each other. In response to the motorized vehicle traveling at a first predetermined steering angle, a traction element developed between at least two wheels of the implement and the driving surface rotatably urges one link toward a predetermined offset angle in a rotational direction opposite of the first predetermined steering angle. The pair of links simultaneously rotatably urges the implement to be steered toward a second predetermined steering angle in the same rotational direction as the first predetermined steering angle. The predetermined offset angle and second predetermined steering angle define a substantially stable position in response to the first predetermined steering angle.

Abstract: An improved equipment guidance system and assembly is described comprising a top plate in releasable engagement with a drawbar of a towing vehicle, a supplemental or ancillary drawbar pivotable about a forward location and movable to an offset position left or right of center by a pair of pistons, and a bottom plate for attachment to the ancillary drawbar and the top plate. The pistons are controlled by a control box that dictates in concert the extension and retraction of the left and right pistons. A signal from the control box is generated from a plurality of sources. One example of a signal source is a tilt sensor that measures inclination relative to gravity. Another example of a signal source is an automatic “whiskers” crop row sensing wand system. Yet another example of a signal source can be generated manually from an operator of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A power-takeoff apparatus for use on a compact tractor equipped with a compound steering mechanism is disclosed wherein the chassis includes a front chassis member having an opening formed therein to allow the passage of a power-takeoff shaft therethrough for connection to a front-mounted implement mounted to the steerable axle for lateral movement therewith. The opening in the front chassis member having a sufficient transverse width to accommodate the lateral swinging movement of the power-takeoff shaft in unison with the movement of the front-mounted implement. The front chassis member is also adapted for mounting a front-mounted implement thereto for providing an alternative mounting thereof so that the implement will not move with the steerable axle.

Abstract: A tractor having a front axle that pivotally moves laterally in response to a corresponding steering action of the steerable wheels mounted on the front axle is disclosed wherein an implement attachment mechanism is detachably connected directly to the front axle in a manner so as to be laterally movable relative to the chassis with the shiftable front axle. The implement attachment mechanism includes a hydraulically powered lift mechanism to power a vertical movement of any implement attached thereto relative to the chassis. An optional supplemental support strap detachably connects to the frame portion of the implement attachment mechanism and engages the pivot assembly supporting the front axle from the chassis to provide additional support for connecting said implement attachment mechanism to said front axle without interfering with the pivotal movement of the front axle relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A system is provided for guiding a tool assembly that extends forwardly from an automotive vehicle. The system comprises a connecting member (7) having one end connected to the tool assembly, and being pivotally mounted to the vehicle frame intermediate its length. The other end of the connecting member (7) is pivotally connected to one end of an auxiliary tie rod (10), and the other end of the tie rod (10) is pivotally connected to one of the arms of the pair of steering knuckles comprising the vehicle's conventional steering system. The tool assembly is thus directed along a trajectory exactly corresponding with the path of the vehicle.

Abstract: A self propelled apparatus providing a cultivator, planter units and fertilizer tanks. A traction wheel assembly composed of a plurality of wheels adapted to propel the entire apparatus forwardly by pushing. The plurality of traction wheels being mounted from a traction wheel assembly frame and the traction wheel assembly frame being formed in two sections which are pivoted together at the mid-point thereof. The plurality of traction wheels being arranged in pairs and adjacent pairs of traction wheels being connected together for co-action therebetween. Separate means are provided for driving the traction wheels and such wheels being balanced and mounted from the pivotal frame will impart substantially no compacting forces to the treated soil. The apparatus includes structure and mechanism whereby the sections of the traction wheel assembly frame may be separated to thereby reduce the width of the traction wheel assembly and traction wheel assembly frame for road transport.