Abstract: A land roller implement includes a wheel aligned with the respective gap between the inner roller and the outer roller of each wing in which the wheel is pivotal between a packing position in the working position of the rollers and a transport position supporting the rollers in the transport position of the implement. The wings can also include a drive motor associated with each transport wheel to drive forward rotation of the wheel for displacing the wings from the transport position to the working position without displacing the implement in a rearward direction. A levelling beam attachment and a seeding attachment can also optionally be used on the land roller implement. Optional latchable brace members pivotally supported on the wings may provide additional support to the wings when using the levelling beam attachment.

Abstract: A land roller implement includes a main frame section, two intermediate frame sections extending laterally outward from opposing sides of the main frame section in a trailing relationship therewith in a working position, and a pair of outer frame sections extending laterally outward from respective intermediate frame sections in a leading relationship therewith in the working position. The outer frame sections are coupled to the intermediate frame sections by readily removable outer brace portions to reduce the transport width if required. Inner brace members are coupled between the main frame section and the intermediate frame sections by coupling to the outer brace portions at the outer ends and by pivoting on the main frame section about a floating axis which is coaxial with floating movement of the intermediate frame sections relative to the main frame section.

Abstract: A row unit for an agricultural planter is provided. The row unit may include a body operably coupled to the agricultural planter, a bracket secured to the body, and a chassis pivotably coupled to the bracket. The bracket may include a top wall and opposing sidewalls extending downwardly from the top wall. The chassis may be coupled to the bracket beneath the top wall of the bracket.

Abstract: A debris assembly for use with a mobile agricultural device is provided. The debris assembly may include a debris member and an attachment bracket. The debris member may substantially prevent debris from accumulating on the disc of the mobile agricultural device. The debris member may be adjustable as a single component relative to the disc to accommodate various soil conditions. The debris member may be removable from the attachment bracket.

Abstract: A tillage coulter unit (22, 122) adapted for use with a farm implement (10) 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: An agricultural disk gang includes an elongated disk gang bolt having a threaded end with an externally threaded surface. A plurality of cultivating disks are supported on the disk gang bolt. A nut is threadably engaged with the externally threaded surface. The nut has a first side facing the disks and a second side facing away from the disks. The nut is disposed to axially compress the disks together on the disk gang bolt when tightened. A tensioning structure is mounted on the disk gang bolt outside of the nut. The tensioning structure has a plurality of threaded through holes. A plurality of threaded fasteners are threadably engaged with the threaded through holes and are disposed to axially compress the disks when the plurality of threaded fasteners are tightened, thereby permitting the nut to be further tightened.

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 idler roller assembly having a roller tube which has a constant diameter throughout its length and does not have machined ends or ends formed with integrally formed flanges. An end cap is attached to each end of the roller tube which has a hollow internal bore and an outer seal insert retained within the hollow internal bore of the end cap and having an internal recess and adapted for rotation with the roller tube and end cap. A stationary inner seal is located in the recess and having a flexible lip. Also included is a bearing retained within the internal bore of the end cap as well as a stationary shaft extending through a hollow interior of the roller tube wherein the inner seal is fixed to the stationary shaft. There is also provided an inner fastening member retaining the bearing in position within the end cap.

Abstract: An apparatus for compacting and conditioning a tract of ground generally consisting of a machine; means mounted on the machine for maneuvering an implement mounted thereon along and in contact with the tract of ground; and an implement mounted on the maneuvering means of the machine movable along and in contact with the tract of ground including a frame attachable to the maneuvering means of the machine, a drum rotatably mounted on the frame and a plurality of segments comprised of loosely connected components disposed transversely and spaced circumferentially on the drum.

Abstract: A seeder implement (125) includes a fork (146) having a first spindle support arm (150) that supports a first spindle (164) and a second spindle support arm (152) that supports a second spindle (168). A first disk (160) is supported on the first spindle (164), wherein the first spindle (164) is oriented in a first orientation and at a first acute angle relative to a lateral line. The first disk (160) is oriented at a second acute angle relative to the ground surface. A second disk (166) is supported on the second spindle (168), wherein the second spindle (168) is oriented in a second orientation and at a third acute angle relative to the lateral line. The second disk (166) is oriented at a fourth acute angle relative to the ground surface. The first disk (160) is longitudinally offset ahead of the second disk (166), and there are no structural components between the first and second disks (160, 166) other than the first and second spindles (164, 168).

Abstract: A reconfigurable farm implement for tilling soil is described. The farm implement may comprise a frame having a plurality of mounting surfaces. A plurality of interchangeable tillage modules may be releasably coupled to the mounting surfaces. The interchangeable tillage modules may be arranged in a predetermined order based on a tillage requirement.

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 scraping arrangement including a pair of linkage arms mounted at a one end to a frame. The pair of linkage arms is pivotally mounted to the frame. The scraping arrangement also includes a scraper supported at a free end of the pair of linkage arms. Further, a retaining member is provided to releasably secure the pair of linkage arms along with the scraper to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soil cultivation device with a rotating roller implement, comprising a shaft rotating around an essentially horizontal axis, with a multitude of crescent shaped spring elements arranged over the entire circumference and width of said shaft, with the spring elements each being fastened to the shaft at one end section, and being bent in the direction of their other, free end section before extending arcuately along a circumferential segment of an outer circumference or a quasi-circular outline of the roller implement, with said circumference or outline being nearly coaxial to the rotating shaft. At least some of the spring elements comprise, in at least one area with a flat cross-section, a defined elastic pliability, and comprise in at least one section in the direction toward the free end and/or in the area of their circumferential segment a profiled cross-section of a defined bending stiffness.

Abstract: A turf treatment trailer attachable to a ride-on lawnmower. The turf treatment trailer comprises a drawbar which is detachably attachable to the ride-on lawnmower, a frame connected to the drawbar, a first ground-bearing trailer wheel rotatably mounted on the frame, a second ground-bearing trailer wheel rotatably mounted on the frame and at least one turf treatment unit detachably attached to the frame. The turf treatment unit is positioned on the frame to trail the first ground-bearing trailer wheel so that in use when the turf treatment trailer is attached to the ride-on lawnmower which is moving forward over the ground, a substantially common area of the turf on the ground is sequentially traversed by the first ground-bearing trailer wheel and treated by the turf treatment unit.

Abstract: The combination of a rolling basket tillage implement and a seed distribution implement is disclosed. A height-adjustable mounting system for a rolling basket soil tillage implement is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables such an implement to be raised above the soil as needed to avoid wet conditions.

Abstract: A disk gang assembly (10) includes a disk gang shaft (30) supported by a standard-mounted disk gang bearing assembly (20) having an inner race (20a) receiving a mounting portion (30m) of the disk gang shaft (30). A non-metallic anti-corrosive shaft liner (50) supported over the mounting portion (30m) between the inner race (20a) and the mounting portion (30m) protects the mounting portion from impacts and from seizure of the inner race (20a) and provides a tight fit between the shaft mounting portion (30m) and the inner race (20a) without need for close manufacturing tolerances. The shaft liner (50) aligns the bearing, spacers and washers relative to the shaft (30) and accommodates slight misalignments of the shaft (30), bearing inner race (20a) and any spacing components (34,36,37,38) between disk blades (32,32a,32b). A split (52) generally along an axis parallel to an axis of the disk gang (30a) shaft facilitates assembly of the liner (50) unto the shaft (30).

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a machine for degrading a natural and/or man-made formation has picks connected to a drum of the machine and at least one accelerometer mounted to the machine adapted to measure forces acting on the machine. Electronic equipment is in communication with the at least one accelerometer and the electronic equipment has a processor adapted to determine a change in the formation based off of input from the at least one accelerometer. The electronic equipment also is in communication with a mechanism adapted to control, at least in part, a location of the drum.

Abstract: A disk assembly for an agricultural implement includes a hub; a disk mounted to the hub; an axle having outer threads; a sleeve having inner threads engaged with the outer threads on the axle; and a bearing assembly having an outer race adjacent the hub and an inner race adjacent the sleeve.

Abstract: A mulcher apparatus includes a tractor and a mulcher unit provided to the tractor. The mulcher unit includes a tooth assembly with a holder and a cutter element with a cooperating notch portion and cross bar arrangement. The notch portion can be retrofit to existing holder arrangements. The cutter element may include various features, to enhance cutting efficiency. For example, the cutter elements may include a double-ended structure, a relatively wide serrated cutting edge at one or both ends, carbide coatings, layers or inserts, etc.

Abstract: A disc system for an agricultural machine including a frame carrying a plurality of agricultural tools, the disc system comprising a leading disc mounting mechanism and a rear tools mounting mechanism, wherein the mechanisms are mounted in the frame in a manner that they move in upward and downward directions and when one of the mechanisms tends to move in one of the directions the other one of the mechanisms tends to move in the opposite direction to copy as close as possible the field profile.

Abstract: A disc opener assembly for an agricultural planter includes a coulter disc formed without a pilot hole for the spindle of the mounting hub. The mounting hub is formed without the spindle such that the coulter disc is supported directly in a cantilevered manner from the mounting flange of the mounting hub. The coulter disc is formed with fastener holes aligned with mounting holes in the mounting flange for the passage of fasteners to affix the coulter disc to the mounting flange. The fasteners are countersunk into the coulter disc to present a smooth exterior surface. A seal is positioned between the mounting flange and the coulter disc to prevent the entry of dirt and debris into the mounting hub. No dust cap on the exterior surface of the coulter disc is required with this configuration which improves the operation of the disc opener assembly.

Abstract: A device for removing obstructions from a work site. The device is attachable to the front of a work machine. The device comprises a frame, a flange, a rotatable cutting member supported on the flange, and a means for rotating the cutting member. The flange is non-rotatable, but is movable along at least one length relative to the frame. The means for rotating the cutting member may be supported on the flange, and comprises a motor and gearbox or similar equipment. The device further comprises a plurality of removably attachable blocking members for decreasing the range of travel of debris generated during operation of the cutting member.

Abstract: An agricultural ground working apparatus includes a mounting bracket adapted for attachment to an implement frame. A shank is pivotally attached to the mounting bracket about a shank pivot axis and extends downward from the mounting bracket to a lower end thereof adapted for engaging the ground. Right and left disc arms are pivotally attached at upper portions thereof to the mounting bracket such that the disc arms pivot about arm pivot axes independent of the shank.

Abstract: In a device, which is suspended from cables or other flexible or articulated structures, for the mixing in situ of earth for the formation of underground walls or diaphragms presenting in its lower part disaggregating means (1) for the disaggregation of the earth, above the disaggregating means are positioned correcting means (5, 13) for the direction of the excavation being able to rotate around substantially vertical axes.

Abstract: A rotatably driveable work tool (1) of a motor-driven work apparatus has, at a front end (2, 3), an end plate (5, 6) lying perpendicularly to a rotational axis (4). The end plate (5, 6) has an outer diameter (DR) which is less than a flight circular diameter (DF) of the work tool (1). The end plate (5, 6) is configured as a roll-up protective ring (8) which extends in a radial direction (14) from an inner diameter (DI) to the outer diameter (DR). The roll-up protective ring has an axially-extending component from the work tool (1) outwardly.

Abstract: Cover crops may be rolled and crimped using an apparatus which may be rolled across a field at a relatively high speed without excessive vibration. The apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical drum which has a plurality of rows of outwardly extending blades projecting therefrom. The blades may be wave-shaped, curved, substantially straight and discontinuous, blades paired with a plurality of spaced apart outwardly extending rings, or combinations thereof. In use as the apparatus is rolled across a field having a crop thereon, the blades contact and crimp the stalks of the crop, effectively killing the plant.

Abstract: A joint for a work machine having a body and a base is provided. A first member is connected to one of the body and the base and a second member is connected to the other of the body and the base. The second member is engaged with the first member to allow the body to swivel relative to the base. A transmitter is connected to one of the body and the base and is operable to transmit an informational signal. A receiver is connected to the other of the body and the base and is operable to receive the informational signal.

Abstract: A tiller assembly includes a tine assembly that is rotatably connected to a tiller body and the tine assembly includes at least one tine for use in tilling associated soil. A hydraulic system is operatively connected to the tine assembly and includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor for use in rotating the tine assembly in first and second directions, a control valve, and hydraulic hose for use in communicating hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic pump, the hydraulic motor, and the control valve. The control valve may be positioned on-the-go into a first position thereby causing the tine assembly to rotate in a first direction and into a second position thereby causing the tine assembly to rotate in a second direction. The tiller assembly may also include a roller assembly that has a roller frame pivotably connected to the tiller body. The roller assembly also includes a roller that is rotatably connected to the roller frame and a spring for use in maintaining the roller against the soil.

Abstract: A base frame for a roll-over disc plow can be symmetrical about a longitudinal axis and can be adapted to be secured to a standard tractor hitch. A plow frame can overlay and be pivoted to the base frame about the longitudinal axis. The plow frame can be hydraulically moved about one hundred eighty degrees between extreme positions.

Abstract: A tiller assembly includes a tine assembly that is rotatably connected to a tiller body and the tine assembly includes at least one tine for use in tilling associated soil. A hydraulic system is operatively connected to the tine assembly and includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor for use in rotating the tine assembly in first and second directions, a control valve, and hydraulic hose for use in communicating hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic pump, the hydraulic motor, and the control valve. The control valve may be positioned on-the-go into a first position thereby causing the tine assembly to rotate in a first direction and into a second position thereby causing the tine assembly to rotate in a second direction. The tiller assembly may also include a roller assembly that has a roller frame pivotably connected to the tiller body. The roller assembly also includes a roller that is rotatably connected to the roller frame and a spring for use in maintaining the roller against the soil.

Abstract: A gear mechanism, especially for an engine unit for cultivating ground, such as a power tiller gear mechanism, is provided and has a wrapping protection to prevent cut material from wrapping around. The wrapping protection is disposed radially outwardly of a portion of a shaft that is driven by the gear mechanism, and extends between two side components disposed on the shaft portion. The side components are in particular tiller stars. To avoid the cut material from wrapping around, the wrapping protection is rotatable about the shaft portion.

Abstract: A furrow opener apparatus comprises a disc rotatably attached to the apparatus such that when the disc engages the ground, a furrow is formed adjacent to a trailing face of the disc. A scraper has a scraper blade oriented substantially parallel to the trailing face of the disc, and mounted such that the scraper blade is oriented in close proximity to or touching a lower portion of the trailing face adjacent to an outer edge of the disc. The scraper is adjustably attached to the apparatus such that the scraper blade can be moved inward along the trailing face of the disc as the disc wears while being maintained substantially parallel to the trailing face of the disc and in close proximity to or touching the trailing face of the disc. A delivery tube for agricultural material can be attached to the apparatus so that it moves in conjunction with the scraper, and the scraper can be biased against the face of the disc.

Abstract: A tine assembly for a cultivator includes a first tine member having a plurality of radially extending non-planar tines. At least two tines on each tine member differ in shape from the remaining tines. The tine assembly may include a second tine member which is shaped like a mirror-image of the first tine member. When assembled on a shaft, the second tine member is off-set from the first tine member so that tines on alternating tine members contact the ground as the shaft rotates.

Abstract: An agricultural machine for effectively mulching fodder within the space between crop rows with a single pass includes a frame having an adjustable tongue assembly for towing by a tractor at a preselected pitch and a retractable wheel assembly for transporting the machine over roads. Carriages attached to the frame carry freely rotating drums. Each carriage is slidable and rotatable on the frame for securing the carriage at a preselected orientation. Each drum has a rolling surface for engaging the ground being cultivated. Two carriages form a drum pair which straddles the crop row for permitting the drums within the drum pair to freely roll over ground on opposing sides of the crop row. A plurality of blades is carried on each of the rolling surfaces of the drums for penetrating the ground surface, with the blades extends radially outward from the axis of rotation. Each blade includes a cutting edge oriented with the blades on one drum orthogonal to the blades an the second drum of the drum pair.

Abstract: A gauge wheel/coulter arrangement for an agricultural row unit. A pair of closely spaced, narrow, ground-engaging wheels in side-by-side relation are mounted to rotate about intersecting axes. Specifically, the wheels are angled inwardly toward each other at the forward and lower portions of the wheels so that adjacent edges of the wheels firmly engage each other to cause the wheels to rotate in unison when drawn through a field. The region of contact between the wheels extends from a point at or below the horizontal center lines of the two wheels, downwardly and rearwardly to a point adjacent where the two wheels engage the ground. A coulter is located between the gauge wheels and bisects the angle between them. The gauge wheels engage and pin down the crop residue while the coulter cuts the residue as it is held in place and tensioned by the passing, diverging gauge wheels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cultivator mounted to roll about a horizontal axis transverse to the direction of travel of the machine in combination with a hopper. The cultivator and hopper are mounted on a frame which is adapted to be connected to a three-point hitch of a tractor. The cultivator is connected to the frame under and behind the hopper and by a pivotal shaft which interconnects bearings confined fore and aft by U-profiles. The cutivator is thus tiltable within limits relative to the frame and hopper and is also turnable within limits so that the cultivator turns with the tractor. It also provides support for the hopper. A centrifugal air pump is mounted on the hopper which, via a pair of venturi-type devices, draw in granular material, such as seed, from the hopper for distributing same on the soil, the hopper having a pair of metering devices which meter granular material received by the venturi-devices.

Abstract: A bucket wheel excavator has a scraper blade mounted on the bogie and whose height is independent of the raising and lowering of the bucket wheel to maintain a level track for the crawler bogie. The scraper blade can be tilted about a horizontal axis by at least one hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A snow blower is provided with cutting devices which are housed within, but project beyond, a housing provided for the blower's auger. As the cutting devices engage snow during the blower's advance, the cutting devices move in a direction which tends to urge the forward portion of the blower downwardly.

Abstract: A hub that has universal application for use with a rotatable body, such as a packer wheel for seed planting, includes a flange which abuts a side wall of the body, a non-circular or polygonal boss that projects laterally from an inner side of the flange, and a bore that extends through the hub along the rotation axis. The non-circular shape of the boss prevents relative rotation between the hub and the body. The bore is generally cylindrical to receive a cylindrical shaft but it is also provided with generally V-shaped corners cut into the bore surface so that the bore can receive a rectangular shaft to which the hub is thereby locked for rotation therewith. The end face of the boss is provided with a projecting pin diametrically opposed from a similarly shaped recess such that the pin and recess of one hub can mate with the recess and hub respectively of another hub to achieve an aligned hub assembly for mounting a wide rotating body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wavy coulter having a plurality of waves, each wave defined by a crest and an adjacent valley. Each crest and valley extends back from the peripheral edge of the coulter in respective adjacent lines disposed at a predetermined acute angle with respect to the radius of the coulter body. The coulter is mounted on an implement time such that a leading peripheral edge of the coulter rotates in a downward direction as it enters the soil, and the lines of each crest and valley enter the soil at a nearly vertical orientation. A uniform narrow band of fractured soil is, thus, prepared by the coulter since soil compaction is minimized.

Abstract: A mobile, ground compacting vehicle includes a front row of compacting wheels and a rear row of compacting wheels. The rear row includes two spaced-apart, driven wheel assemblies, each wheel assembly carrying a pair of rims, with a and tire on each rim. A center wheel assembly carries a single rim and tire thereon and is positioned between the spaced-apart wheel assemblies. For replacement of an inner tire of the driven wheel assemblies, the center wheel assembly can be pivoted to the side to provide access to the adjacent wheel assembly lug nuts.

Abstract: An agricultural implement having a mobile mounting frame for moving across an area to be treated, and a soil working assembly co-operating with the mounting frame. The soil working assembly includes a flexible chain of interconnected links, the chain being rotatable about its axis and having blades extending from the chain. The blades are adapted to penetrate gravitationally, scoop hollows from, the soil as the implement is advanced rotating the chain over the soil. The implement reduces undesirable consequences of rapid and unimpeded run-off of rain water by upturning the soil in such a manner that run-off is impeded.

Abstract: A packer wheel for a farm implement is reinforced by a band of angle-section metal welded around the periphery of the wheel with the edges of respective webs of the band engaging outer surfaces of respective half shells of the wheel.

Abstract: Peripheral strengthening of double dished packer wheels used in connection with seeding implements is accomplished by providing a rigid connection for a strong, rigid annulus between the dish-shaped sides of the wheels.

Abstract: A yard roller having a frame traversable over ground to be rolled by a drum rotatably mounted on the frame and arranged engaging ground over which the frame traverses. A power unit is mounted on the frame and connected to the drum for rotating the drum and moving the frame together with the drum.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-transportable truck mounted roller for paving or repairing paved roads. The invention comprises a lightweight roller and roller assembly mounted to the front end of a truck, and includes hydraulic cylinders or other means for raising and lowering the roller. In operation, the roller is lowered enough to displace the weight of the truck from the front wheels onto the roller, thereby providing a highly compressive paving force.

Abstract: Disclosed is an agricultural roller useful, for example, in closing and packing furrows after they have been sowed by a seed drill. The roller includes a generally rectangular frame equipped with several roller mounting stations for mounting the desired number of pairs of rollers for a particular use in side-by-side alignment. The frame is also equipped with alternate towbar mounting stations and means for positioning the towbar appropiately for the number of roller pairs employed, and with mounting stations for outrigger frames carrying additional roller pairs when desired. The roller pairs are so mounted on the frame (and outriggers) that they are pivotable in a vertical plane transverse to the rolling direction to closely follow the land contour.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a soil aerating device which is adapted for connection to a powered vehicle, which includes a first frame rotatably supporting a drum carrying a plurality of core-forming tines adapted to penetrate the ground or turf to be aerated and remove a plug of soil and/or grass as the drum is rolled over the surface of the ground or turf, and which further includes a second frame having forward and rear portions. The first frame is pivotally connected to the rear portion of the second frame for limited relative pivotal movement between the two frames and the forward portion of the second frame is pivotally connected to the vehicle for pivotal movement of the two frames relative to the vehicle between a raised position wherein the drum and tines are disengaged from the ground or turf and a lowered position wherein the drum is in engagement with the ground or turf.

Abstract: An apparatus for compacting subgrade and pavement materials during a road building operation, and which is characterized by the ability to selectively perform a plurality of distinct road rolling functions to thereby facilitate a road building operation. The apparatus is self-propelled and includes compacting means which comprises a pair of steel cylindrical rollers and two sets of rubber wheels having overlapping tracks. Provision is made for selectively moving the sets of rubber wheels into and out of operative engagement with the ground, whereby selective compaction by the independent operation of either the steel cylindrical rollers or the rubber wheels may be effected, and without simultaneous operation by the non-operating compacting means. A unitary steering system is also provided whereby the direction of the apparatus may be controlled when either compacting means is in operation.