Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for shifting weight between a tractor and toolbar and between sections of the toolbar and for folding a toolbar between a field position and a transport position.

Abstract: A hitch assembly having a carrier for attachment to a working vehicle. A pair of lift arms, link member and actuator are pivotally interconnected such that the hitch assembly is lockable in working and folded configurations. In the working configuration, the lift arms are secured to the carrier and the actuator is operable to raise and lower the lift arms. In the folded configuration, the lift arms are pivotable relative to the carrier. Extension of the actuator folds the lift arms relative to the carrier to move the hitch assembly between the working and folded configuration.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for adjusting fore/aft level trim of the frame of a towed agricultural tillage implement utilize an electronic control unit that receives an input signal indicative of a desired depth of penetration of tillage tools operatively attached to the front and rear of the implement frame, and automatically computes a desired for/aft trim angle as a function of the desired depth input, and then adjusts the fore/aft trim of the implement frame by titling the frame toward the front or rear of the frame in accordance with the desired fore/aft trim angle computed from the desired depth input signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for combining planting implements enables an operator of a tractor to use both a conventional cultivating implement and a conventional broadcasting implement simultaneously. The apparatus is rigidly affixed to a conventional cultivating implement and comprises a support frame, a pair of brackets, and a connection bar. In combination, the support frame, pair of brackets, and connection bar provide a three-point connection whereby a conventional broadcasting implement may be attached thereto, thus enabling an operator of a tractor to use both a conventional cultivating implement and a conventional broadcasting implement simultaneously. In operation, at least a portion of the conventional cultivating implement is disposed behind the conventional broadcasting implement when the conventional broadcasting implement is attached to the support frame, thereby allowing simultaneous cultivation and broadcasting of constituents.

Abstract: An agricultural implement configured to shift weight between a center toolbar and left and right wing sections. Each wing section includes inner and outer sections pivotally coupled about a horizontal axis. Left and right wing flex actuators pivot the outer wing sections with respect to the inner wing sections about the respective left and right horizontal axes. Each of the inner wing sections is pivotally coupled to the center toolbar about respective left and right vertical axis. The center toolbar section is supported by a center wheel assembly and distal ends of the left and right outer wing sections are supported by respective left and right wing wheel assemblies. A monitor is in signal communication with load sensors on each of the wheel assemblies and a fluid control system to actuate the wing flex actuators so the measured center wheel load approaches a center wheel target load.

Abstract: A protection system for a rotary cutter, with the rotary cutter including a deck and one or more blade assemblies extending below the deck for cutting vegetation. The protection system comprises a protection annulus associated with one of the blade assemblies, with the protection annulus secured to a bottom surface of the deck and positioned between the deck and the blade assembly. The protection annulus has a width extending from an inner radius of the protection annulus to an outer radius of the protection annulus. The protection annulus has a height extending vertically downward from the bottom surface of the deck. The width of the protection annulus is greater than the height of the protection annulus.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for shifting weight between a tractor and toolbar and between sections of the toolbar and for folding a toolbar between a work position and a transport position.

Abstract: A seed planting apparatus includes a toolbar mounted on a tractor for traversing the ground in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the toolbar. A plurality of seeding units are spaced laterally across the toolbar for ground penetration and planting of seeds. A ground engaging wheel is provided and a linkage connects the wheel to the toolbar for up and down movement relative to the ground. An actuator interconnects the toolbar to at least one of the linkage and wheel for selectively elevating the wheel. A bulk seed hopper is supported adjacent the wheel and a control system determines a parameter associated with the toolbar and raises and lowers the wheel to transfer weight from the bulk feed hopper to and from the toolbar.

Abstract: A tree removal device configured for coupling on a working vehicle is usable for slicing tree roots. The working vehicle has a front element which is pivotal relative to a frame of the vehicle about a lateral axis in front of a forward end of the frame, thereby allowing a knife element of the tree removal device to be pivoted into the ground for performing a cutting action with a sharpened cutting edge so as to slice the tree roots.

Abstract: A working vehicle comprises a vehicle body, a quick hitch, a working implement connected to the vehicle body via the quick hitch, and a linkage interposed between the quick hitch and the vehicle body. The linkage is movable to raise and lower the quick hitch so as to locate the quick hitch at an optional height. The quick hitch can be inclined to a certain degree in a pitching direction of the vehicle body at the optional height defined by the linkage.

Abstract: A combination of a tree removal device and working vehicle for coupling the device thereon such that the combination is arranged for slicing tree roots. The working vehicle has a front element which is pivotable relative to a frame of the vehicle about a lateral axis in front of a forward end of the frame. The tree removal device includes an attachment portion for coupling to the front element and a knife element having a blade portion. The blade portion has front and rear edges arranged for engaging the ground in respective forward and backward directions of movement of the vehicle which are sharpened so as to perform a cutting action in the respective direction of movement when the blade portion engages the ground. Furthermore, the knife element is pivotable relative to the attachment about an axis in a vertical plane that divides the vehicle into symmetrical halves.

Abstract: An agricultural undercut implement includes a frame carrying ground-engaging rolling means, a cutting disk arrangement to cut parallel slits in the ground soil, and an undercut assembly having upright cutting edges each aligned to follow a slit, and a transverse blade with a horizontal cutting edge disposed to undercut the ground soil between slits, as the frame rolls over the ground, such as when towed behind a tractor. The transverse blade is configured to sever the strip of ground soil undercut by the cutting edge, and then move the undercut soil strip up and over the blade before replacing it intact on the ground. A method of agricultural crop management includes non-terminatingly retarding the growth of a permanent cover crop by using the implement to undercut and replace intact the ground soil beneath the cover crop. Some examples include drive units configured to drive blades through pluralities of blade positions.

Abstract: A tractor implement support linkage has a pair of implement attachment links (11), each link being provided at its outer end with an implement attachment means (12) and being pivoted (13) at its inner end on a first arm (14). The first arm is pivoted (15) at its inner end on a support frame (16), the outer end (14a) of each first arm being moveable by a lift means (18) for raising and lowering the first arm about its inner pivot (15) on the support frame (16). Each link (11) is also connected (20) with a second arm (21) which is pivoted at its inner end (22) on the support frame (16) and is pivotally connected at its outer end (20) with the link (11). The second arm (21) rotates the link (11) about its connection (13) with the first arm (14) as the first arm is rotated about its pivot (15) on the support frame (16) by the lift means (18) thus increasing the pivotal movement of the implement attachment means (12) relative to the support frame (16) for a given movement of the lift means (18).

Abstract: A lift arm assembly is provided for a hitch having a hitch frame adapted to be mounted to a vehicle. The lift arm assembly includes a first arm pivotally coupled to the frame and having a having a pivot bore therein. A second arm is adapted for coupling to an implement and has a pivot pin which is rotatably and slidably received by the pivot bore. The second arm is slidable with respect to the first arm from an inboard position to an outboard position. When the second arm is in its outboard position, the second arm is pivotal about the pivot pin from a lowered position to a raised position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural device which is couplable to a tractor vehicle with carrier arms. The agricultural device comprises a carrier frame with a set of wheels and a coupling device for coupling the agricultural implement to a tractor vehicle. The agricultural device further comprises a coupling frame having at least one coupling point for coupling of the coupling frame to both carrier arms of the tractor vehicle. The coupling frame is connected to the carrier frame so as to be rigid in rotation in the vertical plane, wherein at least one coupling point of the coupling frame is positioned on or above the centre line of the carrier frame. Owing to the fact that the carrier arms extend horizontally or upwards, the carrier arms will not or will hardly get out of position as a result of the travelling of the vehicle.

Abstract: Vertically mounted compression springs inside heavy walled containment tubes with adjustable tensioning rods mounted above the three-point-hitch of a tractor and connected to the three-point-hitch implement lift arms by chains, which provide supplemental lifting, floating, height control and impact absorption for heavy, tractor-mounted implements.

Abstract: A three point hitch for a cart-type utility vehicle wherein the utility vehicle comprises a vehicle frame that includes an axle housing and an upper frame cross member. The three point hitch comprises a pair of spaced apart lower draft links, each pivotally mounted to the axle housing and extending rearward, the lower draft links having connection features at free ends thereof for connecting to an implement. A beam extends in a lateral direction parallel to the upper frame cross member. A rockshaft extends parallel to the beam and is pivotally connected to the beam. A lift bracket is fixedly connected to the rockshaft. Two upper links are fixedly connected to the rockshaft and extend rearward, the upper links located above the lower draft links. Two vertical links connect the upper links and the lower draft links. Endplates are fixedly connected to the beam and are connected to the vehicle frame by pins that also are used to pivotally connect a cargo box or platform to the frame.

Abstract: A device for attaching farm implements to a tractor incorporates a top link having a central body inserted inside a sleeve. Two handles are integral with the sleeve on opposing sides and having respective projecting ends. A hook is provided on the top link for attachment to a farm implement with the hook being fixed to the central body. A joint, fixed to the central body, connects the top crossbar. A lock device locks the projecting ends of the handles inside respective seats.

Abstract: A lifting device for lower steering arms of a tractor has a position recording device (25). The position recording device (25) generates a position signal representing the pivot position of the lower steering arms (2, 3). A piston-cylinder unit (11, 12) acts on the tractor and on the lower steering arm (2, 3). A switching circuit is provided per piston-cylinder unit (11, 12). The switching circuit includes a directional valve (33, 33′) with four ports and four switching positions. In a first position of the directional valve (33, 33′) all ports are blocked. In a second position, the cylinder chamber at the piston end is connected to the pressure agent supply source and the cylinder chamber at the piston rod end is connected to the return line. In a third position, the cylinder chamber at the piston rod end is connected to the pressure agent supply source and the cylinder chamber at the piston end is connected to the return line.

Abstract: A lifting device comprising: a backframe (1) equipped at its bottom with a pair of arms (4); lifting element (R) between the pair of arms (4) and the backframe (1), and two forearms (10a) mounted on each side of the pair of arms (4) on an articulation spindle (11), each forearm comprising an attachment bracket (13) and, at the opposite end, an extension (15) beyond the articulation spindle (11). The end of the extension (15) has a recess (16) which is open in the direction away from the attachment bracket. A stop connected to the pair of arms comprises a transverse spindle (20) equipped, over part of its length and of its periphery, with a radial bulge (E). When the bulge (E) is housed in the recess (16), the forearm (10a) is immobilized relative to the pair of arms (4), whereas when the bulge is out of the recess (16), a limited angular excursion of the forearm (10a) relative to the pair of arms (4) is possible.

Abstract: Down-force control is provided by a top-link, which presses down the rear end of a tool-bar carrying multiple rows of seeder tools. The height of the tool bar is set front and rear during operation. The top-link includes a hydraulic ram. The ram is supplied with pressure from a pressure-reducing-relieving valve, whereby the downward-force on the rear of the tool-bar remains constant during operation. The tool bar has side wings which are pressed down by a pressure that is regulated by the same valve. The system allows the seeder to maintain constant implantation depth, even over uneven ground.

Abstract: A bogie is attached to a three point hitch of a tractor and serves to control the up and down movement of a scraper blade. The bogie comprises an articulated frame having a pair of spaced side rails each connected to a separate lower link of the hitch. An intermediate arm is supported by the side rails and has means for connection to the upper link of the hitch. A castor is mounted for swivelling in a wheel housing and is raised and lowered by means of an hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-purpose tractor toolbar device which is designed to be attached to a conventional tractor. The toolbar includes a first frame section and a second frame section. The first frame section is slideably mounted to the second frame section via a sliding mechanism. The second frame section is removably secured to the conventional tractor. The sliding mechanism enables the first frame section to travel transversely along the tractor and optionally can be retracted so as to enable the first frame section to be situated rearwardly and centrally behind the tractor. The first frame section is designed to accept and maintain a plurality of conventional farming implements, such as toppers, sprayers or the like. The multi-purpose tractor toolbar device is also equipped with a hydraulic cylinder for enabling angular movement of the first frame section. The attachment of the toolbar device of the present invention to the conventional tractor occurs via a conventional three point hitch.

Abstract: A hitching device for attachment to a three-point hitch of a tractor has a frame removably coupled to and extending between the draft links of the three-point hitch. The frame has a horizontal member adapted to allow attachment of an implement. The horizontal member is disposed at a location that is below the draft links and that is forward of the ends of the draft links so that the horizontal member is closer to the tractor than the ends of the draft links. An alternative embodiment of hitching device includes an elevated hitch ball on top thereof for accommodating a fifth wheel trailer hitch. A pair of tine receiving slots are positioned in the two lowermost corners of the alternative hitching device frame for receiving a respective pair of rearwardly extending fork lift tines.

Abstract: A hitch assembly is disclosed for use with endless track land vehicles that allows an implement mounted by a three-point hitch arrangement up to about 15 degrees arcing movement off the longitudinal axis oriented in the direction of travel of the land vehicle. A pivotal mounting means is connected to two horizontal arms which are joined at the rear by another member. The mounting means and connecting arms form a four-sided polygonal structure which can be raised or lowered by a hydraulic ram since the arms are pivotally connected at the corners. Finally, a telescoping linkage assembly, after the hitch assembly has been raised through 75 percent of its travel, urges the implement mounting means on the rear vertical connecting arm into a common, pre-selected travel position.

Abstract: A spreader/grader attachable to a three point hitch of a tractor and including a pair of longitudinally extending, parallel, transversely spaced side pans or frame members oriented in fixed relation to each other and operatively connected to a three point hitch. Extending between the side pans or frame members is a plurality of transverse blades for engaging a soil surface in order to perform various earth working functions.

Abstract: An agricultural machine including a fixed mast secured to a frame body so as to be projected from a front end portion of the frame body, a movable mast which is pivotably mounted to the fixed mast so as to be arcuately movable in an agricultural working direction relatively to the fixed mast and has a mount portion to which a top link of a tractor is mounted, and a mode selecting mechanism provided between the movable mast and the fixed mast for changing and fixing a positional relationship between the movable mast and the fixed mast interlockingly with a lifting operation of the agricultural machine to thereby freely change a penetrating angle of the agricultural machine into the soil.

Abstract: A agricultural implement incorporates a frame which is adapted to engage a three point hitch of a tractor. The frame employs a longitudinally extending member which is pivotally connected to a link member. A resilient yielding assembly is disposed between the longitudinally extending member and the link member to absorb forces exerted from the link member onto the longitudinally extended member. Accordingly, when the link is acted upon by forces which cause the link to exert a stress on the three point hitch of a tractor, the resilient yielding assembly allows the first link to pivot about the longitudinal member thereby reducing compressive loads exerted on the upper link of the tractor's three point hitch.

Abstract: A system includes two lower articulated longitudinal arms (6, 7) provided on their front ends with two bottom hitching points (8, 9), and an upper arm (10) in the middle, for hitching an implement at a third point; valves for controlling the rise and descent of the two lower arms and of the upper arm are provided, and the implement (3) is equipped with hitching members (11) corresponding to the three point hitch of a tractor; a rigid intermediate support frame (12) is provided for connection between the implement and the arms (6, 7, 10); the frame includes two bottom lateral points (13, 14) and one top middle point (15) for hitching the implement, and two lateral top points (16, 17) intened to be connected to the third top hitching point (10) of the tractor by connection jacks of variable length; the two lower arms (6, 7) are independent and can assume different inclinations, and the two lower lateral portions (22, 23) of the frame (12) are hitched to the two bottom points (8, 9), the assembly being such that

Abstract: A vertical angle adjustable quick-attaching coupler for attaching an implement to the three point hitch of a vehicle. The coupler comprises a coupler frame, attachment means for pivotally mounting the coupler to the three point hitch of the vehicle, hook members for attaching the coupler to the implement, and angle adjustment means which includes a lever arm and a hydraulic cylinder for adjusting the vertical angle of the plane defined by the three attachment points of the three point hitch relative to the plane defined by the hook members of the coupler.

Abstract: A weight transfer linkage arrangement for connection between the three-point hitch of a tractor, a tool bar carrying agricultural implements and a hitch. The linkage arrangement includes a first parallel linkage connecting the tool bar and the hitch and a second parallel linkage connecting the three-point hitch of the tractor and the tool bar. The first and second linkages are both adaptable to be moved between corresponding cooperative lowered and raised positions, such that the tool bar may be raised and lowered without raising and lowering the hitch. Force applying means are connected to the first linkage to apply downpressure on the tool bar when the linkage arrangement is in a lowered position.

Abstract: The utility blade assembly for use on tractors having a three-point hitch connection. The blade assembly includes an elongated boom having a turntable mounted on the rear end thereof. The turntable carries a utility blade. Hydraulic piston and cylinder subassemblies are provided for rotating the blade on the turntable. At its forward end, the boom extends through a sleeve in which it is free to rotate about its axis. The sleeve carries aligned laterally projecting elements which function to support the sleeve and boom for rotation about a transversely extending horizontal axis. A piston and cylinder subassembly is provided for pivoting the boom and sleeve about this horizontal axis so that the rear end of the boom carrying the turntable and utility blade can be lifted upwardly. A boom rotating piston and cylinder subassembly is provided for rotating the boom about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic circuit for raising and lowering a three-point hitch-mounted implement having a lift assist assembly and for selectively lowering the lower draft links of the three-point hitch to transfer implement weight to the rear wheels of the tractor without affecting the normal operation of the tractor operator control valve. A shuttle valve connects the rockshaft control valve, which otherwise would be disabled, to the rockshaft cylinder which controls the lower draft links. The ball-check valve also connects the rockshaft cylinder to the operator control valve while isolating the rockshaft control valve from the operator control valve.

Abstract: A blade assembly is adapted to be connected to the conventional three-point hitch of a farm tractor. A generally horizontal boom pivotally carries at its rear end a blade bucket which is swingable by means of a pair of double-action hydraulic jacks pivoted to the blade and to the boom. The front end of the boom is adapted to be pivotally connected to the pair of laterally-spaced hitch lever arms of the tractor hitch system. A spacer frame upstands from and is pivotally connected to the front ends of the boom. A central lever arm is pivotally connected intermediate its ends to the upper portion of the spacer frame. A central link pivotally interconnects the front end of said central lever arm with the front portion of the boom. A double-acting hydraulic jack interconnects the boom with the pivotal connection between the central lever arm and the link.

Abstract: An improved, integrated three-point hitch arrangement is disclosed which includes a mounting arrangement for conveniently effecting a fixed connection to a tractor or the like. The hitch includes a pair of upper and lower arms pivotally connected to a mounting plate, with a pair of adjustable-length link members respectively interconnecting the upper and lower arms. Connector means are provided which permit limited relative pivotal movement of each link member with respect to the respective one of the upper arms about first and second perpendicular axes, with the connector means as permitting limited relative vertical movement of the link members to accommodate "floating" of the hitch-mounted implement. The integrated nature of the present hitch permits it to be very easily mounted on an associated tractor, with the mounting arrangement preferably configured to accommodate mounting on different tractor models.

Abstract: A work vehicle with a rolling-control mechanism, having a ground-engaging implement to be connected via a three-point link mechanism adapted to be free to effect adjustment with respect to the connection positions, has a sensor to detect slanting of the vehicle body. It also has electrical circuitry for correcting the control gain based on the detection results thereof, in response to the adjustment of the implement-attaching width and of the connection positions of three-point link mechanism. It may further be provided with a sensor and a control mechanism for effecting the control to minimize errors as are particular to using, as the rolling-control mechanism, torsional displacement in the three-point link mechanism.

Abstract: A tractor hitch assembly including clamps mounted to the lower frame portion of a tractor. Each clamp comprised of a lug having a plurality of vertically elongated seats, and a clip pivotally mounted to the lug and having a plurality of vertically aligned C-shaped recesses. Each C-shape recess is cooperatively positioned with a respective seat to capture a pin associated with an implement support assembly.

Abstract: The soil scraper of the present invention is adapted for use with a tractor or vehicle having a three point hitch. The device includes an elongated frame having a three point hitch receptacle mounted on its forward end and having an elongated scraper blade pivotally mounted to its rearward end. The scraper blade pivots about a horizontal axis and power means are provided for controlling the pivotal movement of the scraper blade about this horizontal axis. The frame has a length of at least five feet between the scraper blade and the three point hitch receptacle. The device can be used for scraping out the bottom of drainage ditches or other areas where it is desired to achieve the scraping action without placing the vehicle in the vicinity of the area being scraped.

Abstract: A farm implement adapted to install plastic lined irrigation gates in rice levees and the like to aid in flood control. The machine comprises an elongated, rigid frame comprised of a trio of rigid struts. The rear of the frame terminates in a rigid scoop of concave cross section having a width somewhat wider than the frame. An elongated dipper blade, also of concave cross section, is pivotally coupled to the frame in spaced-apart, generally parallel relation with respect to the scoop. The dipper blade may be removed by hydraulic means between dirt cupping, dirt releasing and ground engaging positions whereby to dig a suitable contoured trench adjacent the levee after a hole has been cut by the scoop. A plastic sheet is then placed over the hole and trench, and dirt from the dipper blade is deposited upon the plastic sheet to secure same. Prior to cutting another gate, the dipper blade is drawn over the plastic sheet and the dirt deposited thereon to properly contour the gate for subsequent flood control.

Abstract: A combination listing and bed shaping apparatus for use with a self-propelled vehicle having a three-point hitch. A tool bar assembly is provided which is secured to the three-point hitch so that tool bar assembly extends in a generally horizontal direction perpendicular to the path of travel of the self-propelled vehicle. Listing apparatus is carried by said tool bar assembly for forming furrows and raised beds. An additional tool bar is secured to the tool bar assembly permitting pivotal movement of said additional tool bar along about an axis parallel to the tool bar assembly. Bed shaping apparatus is carried by additional tool bar. An actuator is connected between the tool bar assembly and the additional tool bar for raising and lowering said additional tool bar with respect to said tool bar means.

Abstract: A hitch system includes a yoke pivotally supported by the ends of a rockshaft extending from the sides of the tractor housing. The yoke includes left and right side panels and a two-piece bottom. A drawbar is pivotally coupled to the yoke between the two bottom pieces. Left and right draft links have fore ends pivotally coupled to the yoke and are sway limited in the down position by sway links connecting each draft link with an inboard portion of the yoke. The draft links are sway limited in the raised position by sway surfaces on the sides of the yoke. Lift arms are splined to the rockshaft ends and are pivoted by a pair of lift cylinders coupled between the lift arms and the housing. A pair of lift links connect the lift arms to the draft links. A yoke positioning and draft sensing link includes a fore end connected to a bottom side of the housing and an aft end connected to the yoke.

Abstract: A grubbing plow mounted on two lower arms and an upper attachment point of a 3-point tractor hitch includes a frame having (1) a horizontal pivotal bar journaled at opposite ends thereof on the lower hitch arms; (2) an upper crank arm; and (3) a lower member. The pivot bar is pivotally mounted for rotational movement about a horizontal axis. The upper crank arm and lower member are aligned and oppositely directed from the pivot bar.A knife-edged, V-shaped blade is rigidly attached to the lower end of the lower member and lies in a plane perpendicular to the length of the lower member.A hydraulic cylinder is connected between the upper attachment point and the upper end of the upper crank arm for forcibly swinging the blade in an arc around the axis of the pivot bar to engage and remove roots encountered within said arc.A force transmitting member is pivotally mounted to the frame and extends from the frame for contacting the ground on the side of the frame opposite from which the blade extends.

Abstract: A grubbing plow mounted on two lower arms and an upper attachment point of a 3-point tractor hitch includes a frame having (1) a horizontal pivotal bar journaled at opposite ends thereof on the lower hitch arms; (2) an upper crank arm; and (3) a lower member. The pivot bar is pivotally mounted for rotational movement about a horizontal axis. The upper crank arm and lower member are aligned and oppositely directed from the pivot bar.A knife-edged, V-shaped blade is rigidly attached to the lower end of the lower member and lies in a plane perpendicular to the length of the lower member.A hydraulic cylinder is connected between the upper attachment point and the upper end of the upper crank arm for forcibly swinging the blade in an arc around the axis of the pivot bar to engage and remove roots encountered within said arc.

Abstract: An implement for loosening soil arranged to be propelled by a tractor includes at least one supporting structure extending transversely of the direction of travel of the tractor and at least two agricultural tools releasably connected to the supporting structure. Additional implements whose tools are to be driven by the power take-off of the tractor through at least one universal joint shaft can be connected to the supporting structure. The supporting structure is V-shaped and is arranged inverted with respect to the soil so that a passage is formed enabling the universal joint shaft driving the tools of the additional implement to extend therethrough.

Abstract: There is disclosed a farm implement having a frame connectible to a tractor by means of a three-point hitch to permit it to be moved forwardly over the ground level, a first set of chisels supported on the frame in laterally spaced-apart relation, a second set of chisels supported on the frame rearwardly of the first set and laterally intermediate laterally adjacent chisels of the first set, and a lister mounted on each chisel of the second set with its lower edge above the lower edge of the chisel of the second set. In use of the implement, the first set of chisels form longitudinally extending trenches in the ground, and the listers mounted on the chisels of the second set turn the soil toward the trenches in order to build beds thereover.

Abstract: A mobile grading machine and method with a scraper structure including a grading blade supported by caster wheels trailing therebehind. A trailing connection is disposed between the scraper structure and the caster wheels in fixed lateral relation relative to the ends of the blade. A fixed towing connection is carried at a leading portion of the scraper adapted to be coupled to a towing assembly of a tractor in a manner so as to support the grading structure for terrain following movement. A laser sensor or receiver is carried by the grading machine for raising and lowering the grading blade as the receiver falls and rises in traveling across a field. The grading blade and receiver are sufficiently closely spaced longitudinally so as to cause the receiver to detect a change in the surface of the terrain substantially coincident with the arrival of the blade at the detected change.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a spreading machine on a tractor. The device (FIG. 2; a front view) comprises an upright frame 2 outfitted with linkages for connection to the tractor and the spreader and a hydraulic system 20 for adjusting the elevation of the spreader on the mounting device for mid-season spreading of fertilizer. The construction is such that an open area 6 is provided to accommodate pivoting of a drive shaft 8 extending from the power take-off of the tractor to the spreader when the spreader is elevated.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is provided for an integrally-mounted agricultural implement which permits control of the tractor three-point hitch rockshaft cylinder, upper draft link hydraulic cylinder and lift assist hydraulic cylinder through a single valve control lever. One end of the double-acting lift assist cylinder is plumbed in parallel with the single-acting rockshaft cylinder and the other end of the lift assist cylinder is plumbed in parallel with the single-acting upper link cylinder. The fluid lines are coupled with a single control valve to permit the implement to be supported by the lift assist wheel and three-point hitch during transport, permit it to rock about the lower connection with the three-point hitch during transport and float vertically at the hitch connection during field operations while operating with the lift assist wheel elevated.

Abstract: An implement hitching mechanism for a tractor of the type for straddling rows of agricultural crops in which a first gantry is connected to the tractor and a second gantry having the hitching means thereon is mounted to said first gantry for movement therealong.

Abstract: An earth-working tool has mounting means at one end for attachment of the tool to the frame of an agricultural implement, a tool blade down the forward edge of the tool and attachment means at the other end of the tool for securing a tool point. The mounting means is so arranged that the tool may be attached to the frame in such a manner that the tool blade will form a rearward angle, from the top end to the other end, in relation to a line normal to the direction of forward movement which the tool will take during use, with the result that soil tilled by the tool point will be prevented from rising to the surface by the action of the rearwardly directed tool blade. Ideally the tool may be mounted so that the tool blade will be forwardly directed, either by reversing the tool or by providing alternative mounting holes for mounting the tool to an agricultural implement.