Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle may include a frame to which a mobility assembly is operably coupled, an equipment frame operably coupled to the frame forward of the mobility assembly, a steering assembly operably coupled to the mobility assembly to enable an operator seated on the riding lawn care vehicle to provide steering control of the riding lawn care vehicle, a removable cutting in deck and a belt positioning system. The cutting deck includes a rotatable blade and is configured to receive power for turning the blade from an equipment drive belt of the vehicle when the equipment drive belt is operably coupled with the cutting deck. The belt positioning system is configured to enable the equipment drive belt to be automatically operably coupled between the cutting deck and the riding lawn care vehicle in response to the cutting deck being docked with the equipment frame in an operational position.

Abstract: A work machine has a boom and a boom lock. The boom lock is arranged to lock the boom in a raised boom position. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: A disc harrow implement having a wheel supported frame to carry the gang discs for transport over-the-road operating mechanism in the frame to selectively extend the wheels and to retract the wheels during ground discing, a shiftable bar to support a fluid pressure motor connected to the wheels, and a transport link that cooperates with the shiftable bar and the wheel supports to allow the implement to be converted between transport configuration and ground discing configuration.

Abstract: A forwardly folding tool bar comprising a center tool bar section having wing sections pivotally secured to the outer ends thereof. Hydraulic cyclinders are operatively connected to the wing sections to cause the wing sections to be forwardly folded relative to the center tool bar section. The wing sections are supported on a transversely extending beam secured to the tongue when the folding tool bar is in its transport position. The tool bar inlcudes a telescoping tongue which may be locked in its withdrawn position without leaving the tractor. The tool bar sections are supported by gauge wheels which are mounted at the forward side of the tool bar sections so that they do not interfere with the mount of implements on the tool bar sections.

Abstract: An improved height adjustment mechanism comprises a height adjustment arm permanently affixed to a wheel mounting member, the wheel mounting member pivoting around a bracket which is permanently connected to the underside of a longitudinal structural member. The height adjusting arm comprises two opposed parallel guide plates, arranged vertically, and attached at their lower extreme to the wheel mounting member. The height adjustment arm is raised and lowered by operation of height adjustment means attached to the top of the arm, the height adjustment means having both ends pivotally attached to the top side of the platform frame member. The guide plates of the height adjustment arm are pierced through with a series of opposing pairs of support openings, to which a support pin may be fitted. Placement of the pin then serves as a physical stop for the underside of the longitudinal structural member as the frame is lowered. The weight of the platform is thus borne by the support pin and the wheel arm.

Abstract: A tractor-loader-backhoe is disclosed wherein the loader mechanism is mounted on the frame of the prime mover by a tapered pivot pin having a fastener extending entirely through the axis of the pivot pin to effect a clamping load operable to seat the tapered pivoted in the conical hub affixed to the frame of the prime mover to assure a firm fastening of the loader mechanism on the prime mover. The backhoe mechanism is provided with a transport lock remotely accuatable from the operator's cab mounted on the prime mover and incorporating a locking pin having a concentric spring mounted thereon to urge the pin out of engagement with the frame whenever the transport lock is disengaged to permit operation of the backhoe mechanism. The boom and dipper members of the backhoe mechanism are constructed from a pair of opposing C-shaped channels having inwardly directed legs centrally located within the boom and dipper members.

Abstract: Blade assemblies having a plurality of teeth extending therefrom are useful for working soil and/or for removing objects buried under the surface of the ground. However, having a plurality of teeth extending below the blade assembly can be detrimental since ground clearance is reduced or if the blade assembly inadvertently lowers during movement of the vehicle from one job site to another. In the subject arrangement, a blade assembly is provided having a plurality of teeth extending therefrom. The plurality of teeth are retractable in response to movement of a mechanism within the blade assembly. Upon raising the blade assembly to its carry position with subsequent retraction of the plurality of teeth, a mounting bar assembly which is associated with the plurality of teeth is moved into a recessed pocket of a latching flange. The latching flange is attached to a vehicle by a frame assembly.

Abstract: A folding mechanism for the wing section of an agricultural implement frame includes a main hinge interconnecting the wing section to the center section for pivotal motion about a horizontal axis. A hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected at the butt end to the center frame section and at the rod end to a pivot juncture between a locator link and a push link. When the hydraulic cylinder is extended, the push link forces the wing section to rotate to the folded position; and the locator link guides the movement of the pivot juncture into an over-center, locked position so that the wing section will remain in the transport position even if hydraulic pressure is lost.

Abstract: A levee cutting and forming implement for rice farming which prevents the construction of unwanted bar ditches or ruts. A rigid, generally angularly rearwardly diverging frame supports a pair of rigid, ground engaging levee cutting blades. The elongated cutting blades form a wide mouth at the front of the frame, and converge beneath the frame to a rear levee output. A tine control system comprising a plurality of rigid downwardly projecting Danish tines is employed during the levee cutting process to smooth over the channels adjacent the levee to prevent the formation of bar ditches. The tine system comprises a pair of spaced-apart tine bars from which a plurality of resilient Danish tines project downwardly. A transverse tine control axle journaled for rotation is transversely mounted beneath the frame, and it is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder. A pair of outwardly extending, rearwardly angularly diverging tine control struts emanate from the time control axle and mount the rear tine control bars.

Abstract: An agricultural implement with a main frame and inner and outer wing frames that include gravity actuated latching structure securing the wing frames in a folded position. The latching structure automatically locks the wing frames together as they are pivoted upwardly in the folded position toward a transport position and unlocks the wing frames as they are pivoted downwardly toward a transport position.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding the plow blade of a railroad car-mounted cable laying device which includes support means on the railroad car for supporting the plow blade thereon and stop means on the support means for prohibiting the plow blade from sliding off the support means. When more than one plow blade is provided, tethering means is also provided between the plow blades for constraining the plow blades and prohibiting the plow blades from sliding off the support means.

Abstract: A spray system and method is described for producing a spray pattern that may be used to spray around stationary objects such as tree trunks in a single pass from one side of the object. The system includes an elongated sectioned boom having provisions for carrying a spray head at an outward end at a relatively constant height from the ground surface. Nozzles at the outward boom end are selectively adjustable into a desired spary configuration whereby the pattern produced projects both inward and outward of the boom end. The pattern may be adjusted so that it will extend equally to opposite sides of an object spaced outwardly of the boom end. Provisions are also made for adjusting the spray pattern and for elevationally adjusting the effective height of the nozzles from the ground surface. Other provisions include a break away mechanism that enables pivotal motion of the outward boom end in response to engagement with an object such as a tree trunk as the system is moved forwardly.

Abstract: An agricultural planter has a main carrier frame attached to a tractor by an hydraulically actuated telescoping tongue. Individual row units are mounted on a lift frame which in the illustrated embodiment has a center section and left and right wing sections. The wing sections are mounted to the center section for independent vertical pivotal motion relative to the center section in the use position. Power locks secure the wings rigidly to the center section for road transport. The lift frame is mounted to the carrier frame by a vertical pivot post and an hydraulically powered lift linkage. The pivot post may be rotated by an hydraulic cylinder under control of the operator. In the use position, the hitch tongue is retracted and the lift frame is lowered and extends transverse of the direction of travel.

Abstract: In a harvester wherein the frame is raised relative to ground wheels for roading purposes and such elevation of the frame stretches flotation springs to thereby lift the harvesting header off the ground, the amount of flotation force exerted by the springs on the header can be quickly and easily adjusted by only partially raising the frame and then inserting mechanical stops which prevent retraction of hydraulic lifting cylinders when pressure is relieved therein. By inserting a variable number of such stops in a stack, the flotation force can likewise be adjustably varied.

Abstract: An implement wing frame folding apparatus is provided for a mobile machine and includes a main frame, a wing frame pivotally connected to the main frame, and a striker pin offset from the pivot axis of the wing frame. A float bar having first and second ends is provided with the first end pivotally connected to the wing frame. An actuating device is pivotally connected to and between the main frame and the float bar second end for selectively moving the float bar to pivot the wing frame between lowered and raised positions. A latch is pivotally mounted to the main frame for engaging the striker pin in an engaging position when the wing frame is in the raised position. A biasing mechanism is provided on the main frame for biasing the latch toward the engaging position.

Abstract: Forward and rear gang disc harrow carriers are hingedly joined near corresponding ends by a vertical axis hinge structure. Near their other corresponding ends, the gang disc harrow carriers are interconnected through a four element linkage having an operating cylinder and a latch bar whereby the carriers can be positioned at varying prescribed angles for working the soil and in parallel locked relationship for transport. Transport wheels are pivotally attached to the rear carrier and are equipped with power cylinders which raise and lower the wheels for lowering and raising the rear carrier. The front carrier has a pivotal connection with a drawbar and another power cylinder is connected between the drawbar and front carrier and is operable to raise and lower the front carrier.

Abstract: A vehicle has a forward end portion which extends above a portion of an implement mounted to the front of the vehicle by a pair of hydraulically controlled lift arms. A latch link is connected to one and has a hook engageable with the other of the vehicle forward end portion and the implement when the implement is in a raised, inoperative position.

Abstract: Movement of a wing frame to folded position moves a locking member into position to be engaged by the arm which actuates the wheels to lowered position. When engaged, the lock prevents the wheels from being raised. To disengage the lock the wing must be unfolded first to enable the locking lever to rise out of the way when the arm is actuated to disengage the lock. The entire operation is controlled hydraulically and the farmer need not get off his tractor to lock or unlock the rig.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder safety lock allows an operator of an implement controlled through the use of an extendable and retractable hydraulic cylinder to mechanically lock the cylinder in a transport position. The lock also is used to lock the cylinder during storage between seasons so that the implements being operated by such cylinder or cylinders will not tend to settle under loads.

Abstract: In an agricultural implement which includes a tool bar, a tongue for towing the implement in a direction generally transverse to the direction in which the tool bar extends, and a plurality of operating heads mounted from the tool bar for performing a function, such as planting, the tool bar is divided into sections of convenient length which are hinged to fold from their generally colinear use orientations to generally parallel or at relatively small angles to each other. This compact folded implement is much more conveniently transported, for example, between agricultural fields on public highways.

Abstract: A double latch system for maintaining an implement outrigger in a folded position, including a primary latch member which receives a locking pin to secure the outrigger in the raised position, and a pivoting secondary latch having a hooked end which automatically aligns with a latch pin when the locking pin is removed from a storage position for insertion into the primary latch. To lower the outrigger, the locking pin must first be removed from the primary latch, and the secondary latch hook must be pivoted and held away from the latch pin by lifting the secondary latch and inserting the locking pin in the storage position.

Abstract: The normally horizontal frame of a wheeled farm implement, such as used for tillage purposes, has a center section at the ends of which are hinged a pair of wing sections that are fully foldable into overlying, substantially parallel relationship to the center section through use of hydraulic cylinder assemblies. At each hinge a pair of links, pivotally connected to corresponding hinge straps, have a common pivotal connection at their upper ends with the piston rod of the cylinder. A pintle-receiving slot, strategically located in the wing section hinge strap not only permits limited rise and fall of the wing section over uneven terrain but causes smooth swinging movements of the wing sections to and from their folded conditions. Entirely eliminated is free falling of the wing sections because of constant control by the hydraulic assemblies made possible by abutment at all times of the spring-loaded pintles against one end of the slots.

Abstract: Apparatus for clearing mines comprising a frame mountable onto a vehicle for selectable positioning in a raised or lowered orientation, plow apparatus for raising and shunting aside mines mounted onto the frame and apparatus for automatically raising the plow from its lowered orientation to its raised orientation in response to backwards motion of the vehicle and including mounting apparatus rotatably mounted onto the vehicle, spring supporting apparatus mounted onto the mounting apparatus and attached to the plow apparatus; and tooth apparatus fixed onto the mounting apparatus and arranged for selectable engagement with a vehicle tread, the spring supporting apparatus being operative when the plow is in its lowered orientation to urge the tooth apparatus into driven engagement with the vehicle tread whereby during backwards movement of the vehicle the mounting apparatus rotates in a first direction, thereby extending the length of the spring supporting apparatus, and increasing the spring force thereof until

Abstract: An implement having a tool equipped tool bar with a central horizontal section, a wing pivotally mounted to each end of the central section, a hydraulic cylinder mounted on the central section for each wing and connected with the wing to move the wing from a working position in general alignment with the central section to a folded storage, or transport position on the central section, a pair of spaced front support structures for the central section in the storage position and a support stand mounted on the wing, the support stand in the wing folded storage position extending downwardly and rearwardly of the tools to support the rear of the implement.

Abstract: An automatic support for folding frames such as those used in many agricultural implements. The folding frames include at least one generally horizontally disposed main frame section having at least one wing frame section hingedly connected thereto, the wing frame being movable between a lowered, outwardly extended working position wherein it is substantially coplanar with the main frame, to an upwardly folded transport position wherein it generally overlies the main frame and forms an included angle of less than 90.degree.. The automatic support includes a support arm, connecting link and pivot link all of which are pivotally interconnected with the wing frame section to form a four bar linkage arrangement. When the wing frame is in its extended working position the support arm is in close proximity to the wing frame providing the implement with a low overall profile.

Abstract: A multi-section agricultural implement comprising a plurality of side-by-side separate sections each comprising a main carriage frame independently supported by ground engaging wheels and an implement supporting sub-frame supported by the main frame, an adjacent sub-frame being connected solely through universal joint connection means, and a towing frame connected to some of the sub-frames and being arranged to be hitched to a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A bulldozer and backhoe locking device for prevention of theft of heavy equipment having hydraulic pistons and cylinders by locking the blade or bucket against the ground by placement of an elongated sleeve pivoted together along one edge over the extended piston rod for engagement against the end of the piston and cylinder assembly and the boom of the backhoe or the blade of the bulldozer.

Abstract: A transport lock system for an implement or the like having a frame and transport wheels movable between lowered transport positions wherein the frame is raised for transport and raised positions wherein the frame and ground working tools thereon are lowered for an operating mode, and having a fluid pressure operated cylinder operative to move the transport wheels between their raised and lowered positions. The transport lock system includes a lock link and locking pin which are selectively cooperable to prevent an operator from lowering the frame during a transport mode and includes a flow control valve operative in response to movement of the locking pin to a locking position to prevent the operator from inadvertently applying fluid pressure to the cylinder in a manner to lower the frame. The control valve is operative in response to movement of the locking pin to a non-locking position to enable actuation of the cylinder to raise and lower the frame.

Abstract: A locking member is disclosed that is selectively operable to secure the loader boom arms in a raised position for service or repair. The locking member is pivotally connected to a boom arm for movement to an operative position between the boom arm and its respective lift cylinder where it is restrained in compression between the boom arm and lift cylinder to latch the boom arm in a raised position against collapsing movement. The locking member includes a pair of spaced apart, parallel, and aligned mounting plates, each being generally in the form of a right triangle and a generally U-shaped yoke fixed between the mounting plates and extending along opposed corresponding sides of the mounting plates for a part of their length.

Abstract: The previous linkages for transmitting signals across an axis (21) between a first member or cylinder (20) and a second member or frame (11) have been relatively difficult to adjust and have had a tendency to bind. Herein, a roller (44) is pivotally mounted to a first link structure (36) which is itself pivotally mounted relative to the cylinder (20). The roller (44) defines a generally circular cam surface (42). A second link structure (52) is mounted to the frame (11) and a generally U-shaped member (98) has one of its legs (100) mounted to the second link structure (52) and the other leg (102) positioned to define a coacting surface (106) for action against the roller (44). An adjustment device (122) serves for adjusting the other leg (102) of the generally U-shaped member (98) tangentially and radially relative to the roller (44). Relatively straightforward and easily accessible adjustment is thereby provided. Also, binding problems are reduced.

Abstract: A mechanism for folding the wings of a multi-section implement from a transversely extending working position to a latched, vertical transport position relative to the main section and return. The mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder that extends between the main section and each wing and a support and latch assembly. This assembly includes a fixed support on the main section and a telescoping tube for each wing which has its outer end pivotally connected to the wing and its inner end pivotally attached to the support. A latch structure is attached to the inner end of each tube and includes a crank arm pivotally mounted on the latch structure and pivotally connected to the rod of a single cylinder. A lever extends from this connection to a slidable mount on a slotted hole in the fixed support. The latch structure has a spring loaded tongue that engages a ramp having an aperture therefor on the outer end of each tube to latch the inner and outer ends of each of the tubes together.

Abstract: In an implement frame, particularly for an agricultural machine, comprising a central section and at least an end section or wing which is foldable between an extended operating position and a transport position substantially perpendicular thereto, the folding mechanism incorporates a first latch member for automatically arresting the end section in its extended position and a second latch member, associated with said first latch member, for automatically arresting the end section in its transport position.

Abstract: A plurality of grain drills are coupled together in end-to-end relation for towing behind a tractor for operation and alternately in an endwise direction for transport. Each drill is supported in field operation by a forward caster wheel and a plurality of side-by-side gangs of press wheels disposed along the rear of the drill. The drills are coupled to the tractor for operation by duplex (or triplex) hitch structure. For endwise transport an endmost drill is provided with a hitch swingable to a transport position for coupling to the tractor. A single transport wheel is mounted on the rear of this drill for movement to a position providing endwise transport. A press wheel gang lock mechanism is arranged for movement to a position locking the gangs against downward movement in response to swinging the endwise hitch to its transport position. This leading drill is thus supported in transport by the front caster wheel, the transport wheel, and the tractor through the endwise hitch.

Abstract: This invention relates to a transport wheel assembly for a tillage type agricultural implement having at least two pairs of ground support wheels mounted on the frame section of the implement. Each wheel of the pair is journaled in a separate axle mounted on the end of a pivot arm with the pivot arms being mounted in spaced shafts journaled on the implement frame. The shafts are separated longitudinally of the implement frame or across the width of the same to space the wheels longitudinally apart, and they are also separated in a fore and aft direction of the implement frame. The shafts of each pair are tied together through a hydraulic actuator which acts as a linkage to transmit motion from one wheel to the other when the implement traverses uneven terrain. The actuator in one position pivots the wheels in close proximity in the fore and aft direction for stability in turns and raising the implement and hence the ground working tools above ground level for transport.

Abstract: A farm implement tool bar includes a main frame section having a wing section pivotally connected thereto and operated by a hydraulic cylinder located in a passageway in the main frame. The pivotal connection between the hydraulic cylinder and the wing section includes a lost motion connection to allow the wing section to float above and below the horizontal when the wing section is in its extended position. Cooperating lock members on the cylinder and wing section engage when the wing section is pivoted from the extended position to an angular position to limit pivotal movement of the wing section independently of the cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for positively locking the wheels of a disc in transport and depth control positions. The disc harrow comprises a frame having disc sections thereto. A transversely extending axle is secured to the frame and has ground engaging wheels at the opposite ends thereof which control the discing depth and transport height. A hydraulic cylinder is secured at its forward base end to the frame and has the rearward end of its cylinder rod pivotally connected to the axle to raise and lower the wheels with respect to the frame. A spacer assembly slidably embraces the cylinder rod. A cylinder stroke lock assembly is pivotally connected, at its rearward end, to the rearward end of the cylinder rod for pivotal movement between a first horizontal position and a second upstanding position. The spacer assembly comprises a spacer tube and spacing washers. The spacing washers may be selectively moved with respect to the cylinder stroke lock assembly to permit depth control adjustment.

Abstract: A loader comprises a pair of lift arms having a bucket pivotally mounted on the forward ends thereof. A tilt linkage, including at least one double-acting cylinder, is operatively connected between the lift arms and the bucket to selectively position the bucket in response to actuation of a control valve operatively connected thereto. A detent mechanism, including a housing movably mounted on the loader, is operatively connected to the control valve for holding it in a rack-back condition of operation. A cable is operatively interconnected between the housing and the cylinder for automatically moving the housing to release the detent mechanism in response to actuation of the cylinder for permitting the control valve to return to a neutral condition of operation.