Abstract: In one embodiment, a steering system for an agricultural implement system includes a first actuating cylinder configured to rotate a first track relative to an implement frame where the first actuating cylinder is connected to a first frame of the first track, and a second actuating cylinder configured to rotate a second track relative to the implement frame where the second actuating cylinder is connected to a second frame of the second track. The steering system also includes a first fluid control conduit extending to a cap end of the first actuating cylinder, a second fluid control conduit extending between a rod end of the first actuating cylinder and a rod end of the second actuating cylinder, a third fluid control conduit extending to a cap end of the second actuating cylinder, and a steering control valve in fluid communication with the first and third fluid control conduits.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a main frame assembly, a track assembly coupled to the main frame assembly, and a toolbar coupled to the main frame assembly. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a caster wheel assembly including a linkage assembly coupled to the toolbar, an actuator, and a caster wheel. The caster wheel is pivotally coupled to the linkage assembly to enable the caster wheel to caster relative to the linkage assembly while the toolbar is in a working position and in a raised position. In addition, the actuator is configured to control a vertical position of the caster wheel relative to the toolbar. The actuator has a first end and a second end, and the second end is positioned between a bottom link and a top link of the linkage assembly.

Abstract: A work vehicle grade control system for a vehicle having a plurality of pneumatic tires, a frame supported by the plurality of tires, and a grader blade configured to move with respect to the frame to grade a surface. The grade control system includes an actuator operatively connected to the grader blade, wherein the actuator is configured to move the grader blade with respect to the frame based on one or more tire pressures. The grade control system includes control circuitry configured to identify a current grade of the surface; identify a position of the grader blade with respect to the surface; identify the one or more tire pressure of one or more of the plurality of tires; and adjust the position of the grader blade with respect to the frame based on the identified current grade and the identified tire pressure of the one or more plurality of pneumatic tires.

Abstract: A toolbar implement connects to a tractor and a plurality of row units are connected to the toolbar implement. The toolbar implement contains: (a) a main longitudinal frame; (b) a transverse left wing toolbar hingedly connected to the frame; (c) a transverse center bar connected to the frame; (d) a transverse right wing toolbar hingedly connected to the frame; (e) a plurality of lift arms connected to the center bar; (f) an axle connected to the distal ends of the lift arms; (g) a plurality of track assemblies mounted on the axle; (h) a left longitudinal frame member connected to the center bar and extending rearwardly; (i) a right longitudinal frame member connected to the center bar and extending rearwardly; and (j) a transverse center toolbar connected to the main frame, the left longitudinal frame member, and the right longitudinal frame member.

Abstract: An agricultural implement having a steering mechanism comprising a outer hitch, a main carriage connected to the outer hitch by a first pivoting connection, a steering system disposed on the main carriage and an endless track assembly connected to the main carriage by a second pivoting connection and to the steering system by a third pivoting connection. The pivoting connections enable the tracks to be actively steered and remain parallel to the surface over which the implement travels.

Abstract: An adjustable rake assembly for raking and baling material in a single pass is provided. In particular, a rake assembly is provided that includes a frame and two movable wings configured to be moved to at least one transport position, in which the wings are disposed proximate a main axial member of the frame in a folded arrangement. A rake assembly is also provided wherein at least one rake is configured to be moved with respect to the frame between a first position and a second position via a telescoping rake connection and a rotating rake connection. The position of the wings and/or rakes may be changed via a control system.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly is provided which includes a vehicle frame having a first axle, a wheel assembly having a housing with an aperture engaging the first axle and enabling the wheel assembly to pivot in a first plane about a first axis formed by the first axle. A cylindrical member is carried by the housing of the wheel assembly, the cylindrical member and housing are arranged perpendicular to the first axle. A first wheel is pivotably connected to a first portion of the cylindrical member and a second wheel is pivotably connected to a second portion of the cylindrical member. The first wheel and second wheel independently pivot in a second plane about a second axis formed by the cylindrical member. The first axis is arranged perpendicular to the second axis and the first plane is arranged perpendicular to the second plane.

Abstract: A ground working apparatus has a plow assembly including a frame formed with an attached runner and a plow tool. A linkage assembly couples the frame to a bridle assembly for movement of the plow assembly between raised and lowered positions relative to the bridle assembly. The runner and the plow tool depend downwardly from the frame to concurrently run over and plow, respectively, ground to be plowed along a plowing path ahead of the bridle assembly and the plow assembly, wherein the runner sets the frame of the plow assembly at a fixed elevated position with respect to the ground to be plow.

Abstract: A utility cart and a folding stacking frame for mounting agriculture implements is disclosed. The folding stacking frame includes wings that extend to a working position transverse to the direction of travel of the utility cart to extend across numerous rows of crops. The frame permits the wings to be folded forward so that they are generally parallel with the direction of travel, and then stacked above the utility cart in a transportation position. The wings can be provided with self-tucking wheels that provide support for the wings when in the working position, and which tuck to a collapsed position when the wings are folded to the transportation position. The utility cart can ride on tracks which closely follow the contours of the ground. The track construction utilizes idler wheels mounted on tandem arms to support the track. The idler wheels pivot independently from each other, and allow the track to twist and bend to match the contours of the ground.

Abstract: The machine includes a frame adapted to move along spaced ridges planted with crop plants, frame support runners engaging the furrows between the ridges, a pair of transverse rows of weeding implements carried by the frame for movement along the ridges and furrows, the implements of one row disposed on one side of the plants and the implements of the other row disposed on the other side of the plants. Each row is transversely displaceable by a double acting hydraulic ram relative to the frame. The rams are controlled by an operator supported by the frame in a position to have a direct view of the weeding implements. Each implement is free to move up and down independently of the remaining implements in order to follow the ground contour. The implements of any one row can be raised together out of working position. These weeding implements can be earth working discs and/or thermal weeders.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle flotation augmentation device is disclosed herein having at least elongated segments releasably connected together in a continuous and endless series of track block guides so as to form a circular tread about the periphery of a single wheel of the vehicle. The plurality of track block guides in the series are hingably coupled together and the adjacent ends of each segment of track block guides are joined by releasable pins. Each track block guide includes a flat base having outwardly projecting and spaced apart side horns which are separated by the wheel of the vehicle. The terminating tips of the side horns are rounded to aid in projecting a load bearing track block beyond full tire contact and so provide increased ground contact length or aspect ratio in soft-soil or snow environments.

Abstract: Seed drill (FIG. 2) having share disks 10, and press wheels 27 which determine the depth of penetration of the disks. Runners 13 and disposed on the outer sides of the disks for enabling the soil particles or cohering pieces of soil lifted by the disks to fall back unturned into the seed furrows produced by the disks.

Abstract: An apparatus for making ski tracks and/or levelling ski slopes is mounted in front of a driving vehicle so as to be freely vertically movable relative to the vehicle to adjust its position to varying snow heights encountered in treating the snow cover. Front and rear supports such as sleds or rollers are pivotally mounted on the frame and support the apparatus on the snow cover. A rotating cutting tool for treating the snow is mounted on an arm which is pivotally joined to the frame, to allow the cutting tool to swing upward and downward relative to the frame in response to varying snow heights. The cutting tool support arm may be resiliently mounted to bias the cutting tool in a downward direction to provide a flatter snow surface. At least one of the front and rear supports may be swingably mounted similarly to the cutting tool. The apparatus produces a flatter snow cover in areas of varying length of waves in the snow surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing ski tracks for a ski trail, comprising a sliding/planing body with a flat sliding surface which curves upwardly at the forward section of said body, and spaced-apart track-forming members depending downwardly from said sliding surface. The track-forming members each comprising a bottom surface and two parallel side surfaces whose forward portions converge to form a plow portion while the bottom surface extends forward in full width beneath said plow portion and at least to the tip of it. A drag frame pivotally attached to the surface of the sliding/planing body rearward of its forward section. The axis of pivot for the frame running transversely of the direction of advancement for the sliding/planing body. The trackforming members producing a track with strong, compacted walls, without weighing down the apparatus.

Abstract: A device adapted to be attached to a vehicle for plowing snow on gravel covered roads while minimizing loss of gravel caused by plowing which employs a horizontally elongated blade having a concave plowing front surface and a convex rear surface.A horizontal foot is disposed below the blade and is adapted slidably to rest on the top of a gravel road covering. A mechanism secures said foot to said blade in such manner that the bottom edge of the blade is disposed above the foot. The mechanism is manually adjustable to adjust the vertical separation between the bottom edge of the blade and the bottom surface of the foot to a distance at which the gravel will not be removed and the snow can be suitably plowed when the device is used on a vehicle.

Abstract: A new ski track mold is disclosed which is capable of forming a new and improved type of ski track for use in Nordic skiing when towed behind a tractor, snowmobile or similar transport vehicle. This invention provides novel means for forming a ski track which has a track plane for each ski substantially perpendicular to the earth's gravitational vector forces regardless of the type of terrain being traversed, as well as novel means for assuring a superior quality ski track with an increased life span.

Abstract: An apparatus and more specifically a drag adapted to form and condition a ski trail, and in particular two generally parallel ski traces as commonly used for cross-country skiing, such that the ski traces are of uniform parallelism and depth and are free of lumps of ice and snow. This drag includes a rear sled unit and a front unit, a pair of runners forming ski traces secured under the sled unit, a pivotal connection joining the two units and allowing only up-and-down sliding and yaw pivoting of the rear unit relative to the front unit. The rear unit includes a sled platform and a pair of runners of particular construction to cooperatively produce ski traces of uniform parallelism and depth. The front unit includes a frame carried by a runner and adjustable height relative to the latter, scrapers pivoted to the frame of the front unit between a downward operative position and an elevated inoperative position.

Abstract: The device is pulled behind conventional sod cutting apparatus and includes an angled roller that diverts the various sod rolls sequentially discharged from the apparatus, doing so to one side of the path traversed by the apparatus. The device also includes a frame having ground supports for supporting the roller at a slight elevation above the ground so that the roller is free to rotate in a direction determined by the still moving rolls of sod. Provision is made for optimumly adjusting the roller angle and once adjusted to maintain the same angle when changing the setting back and forth to divert rolls either to the left or right. The device also includes a hitch by which the device can be quickly unhitched at the end of each run to permit the sod cutting apparatus to be turned around more readily. Also, the roller supporting frame is adjustable to accept rollers of different lengths for accommodating sod rolls of different sizes.

Abstract: A light weight trail groomer is supported at its rear end on each side by a pair of longitudinally aligned skis connected to respective arms of a bracket pivotally mounted on a main frame element. The frame structure is arranged for connection at its forward end to a towing vehicle and includes a scraper blade structure the height of which can be adjusted by independent adjuster means connected between an auxiliary frame structure and each one of the main frame elements.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for reclaiming strip mined land. The apparatus generally comprises a leading tractor and a trailing tractor and an elongated adjustable side casting blade angularly disposed between and connected to the tractors. Control of both tractors and blade adjustment is carried out by an operator on the leading tractor. The method generally comprises the steps of driving the apparatus along a spoil bank crest near one side thereof in one direction to make one pass to effect side casting of material down one repose slope of the spoil bank and then driving the apparatus along the spoil bank crest near the other side thereof in the opposite direction to make another pass to effect side casting of material down the other repose slope of the spoil bank. Two such passes constitute one complete cycle and blade angle; blade tilt and depth of cut are changed for each pass.

Abstract: A soil cultivator has at least one rotor mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis and rows of rigid soil working tines are secured on the rotor to be driven through the soil in a direction opposite to the travel direction of the cultivator. The tines can be curved with their free ends oriented to the rear with respect to their direction of movement through the soil. Stationary tines can be affixed in front of the rotor so that the rotor tines are moved between the stationary tines. Two rotors can be mounted side-by-side on a common shaft or axis of rotation and the shaft journalled in side plates having edge rims. A row of rotatable disc-like supporting members is arranged zig zag on a beam and the beam has arms that are adjustably connected to the cultivator frame at the rear of the rotor. Projections on the bottoms of the members induce rotation thereof. The rotor or rotors can also be supported by an elongated roller having a helical rib.