Abstract: A hitch assembly includes a vehicle connection interface and a rotary cutter connection interface. A mounting plate extends between the vehicle connection interface and the rotary cutter connection interface. A pivot plate is pivotally coupled to the mounting plate. A suspension element coupled between the pivot and mounting plates mitigates force transfer between the connection interfaces resulting from the relative movement of the connection interfaces.

Abstract: A system is suitable for connecting multiple implements to a three-point hitch of mobile machinery for controllable side-shifting movement of the connected implements. The system comprises first, second and third apparatuses, each apparatus comprising a first framework, a slidable second framework laterally slideable relative to the first framework, at least one connector supported by the slidable second framework for connecting the slidable second framework to one of the implements, and at least one driver connected to the first framework and the slidable second framework for driving the slidable second framework laterally back and forth relative to the first framework. The second apparatus is attached to one side of the first apparatus and the third apparatus is attached to the other side of the first apparatus.

Abstract: A torsion gooseneck coupler has a pin box that is designed to be affixed to an existing trailer. The pin box has a pin box torsion end and a lower assembly that each have a corresponding torsion bar. The torsion bars extend outwardly where each affixes to a corresponding torsion arm. The lower assembly is designed to affix to a towing vehicle. The lower assembly has an upper and a lower torsion tube that each has a corresponding torsion bar. The upper torsion arm affixes the upper torsion bar of the pin box assembly to the upper torsion bar of the lower assembly. Correspondingly, a lower torsion arm affixes the lower torsion bars of the pin box assembly to the lower assembly. The torsion tubes and bars resist rotation and cooperate to allow limited movement and provide resistance to forces along the axes of the upper and lower assemblies.

Abstract: During coordinated operation of multiple different modular traction power units (MPUs), a desired change in relative tractive effort contributed by each of the MPUs is identified. Relative distances between a connection point for each MPU and an implement hitch point is determined, in order to identify a hitch bar target position that will achieve the identified relative tractive effort contribution. The hitch bar is adjusted to make distance adjustments, based on the target position, to achieve the identified relative tractive effort for the MPUs.

Abstract: A torsion receiver hitch is provided having a drawbar portion and a ball mount portion. The drawbar portion can affix to a towing vehicle and the ball mount portion can receive and affix a trailer. The drawbar portion is coupled to the ball mount portion with torsion arms that are affixed to torsion bars. The torsion bars are carried in corresponding torsion tubes affixed to the drawbar and ball mount portion. The ball mount portion can move with respect to the drawbar portion between a compression and tension position. The ball mount portion and drawbar portion remain parallel between the compression and tension position. Located between the compression and tension positions is a rest position. The rest position corresponds to no force being applied between the drawbar portion and ball mount portion.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to a towing frame, and a linkage assembly pivotably coupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivoting movement of the linkage assembly relative to the attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the linkage assembly for urging the linkage assembly downwardly toward the soil, and an accumulator is mounted to the hydraulic cylinder for supplying pressurized gas to the hydraulic cylinder urging the linkage assembly upwardly away from the soil. A manifold is removably mounted to the hydraulic cylinder via a mounting interface, the manifold being selected from a group of different types of modular manifolds in which each manifold is removably mountable to the hydraulic cylinder, one at a time, via the same mounting interface, the manifold having two hydraulic-fluid ports including an inlet port and an outlet port.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame. A support member is pivotably coupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivoting movement of the support member relative to the attachment frame, and at least one furrow-closing device is mounted on the support member. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the support member for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil. The hydraulic cylinder includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for urging the ram in a first direction that pivots the support member in a first vertical direction. An accumulator has a fluid chamber containing a pressurized gas for urging the ram in a second direction that pivots the support member in a second vertical direction.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, a linkage pivotably coupled to the attachment frame, and a row unit frame having a leading end pivotably coupled to the linkage to permit vertical pivoting movement of the row unit frame relative to the attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder coupled to the attachment frame and the linkage, for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil, includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for advancing the ram in a direction that pivots the linkage and the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil.

Abstract: A coupling (31, 32) for use with agricultural implements (1) such as yard scrapers, and agricultural implements including the coupling (31, 32) are described. The coupling (31, 32) sits between connection means (20) such as a vehicle mounting point, and a working portion (1) such as the frame (10) of a yard scraper (1). The coupling is simple, and provides an effective way for transferring load between the connection means (20) and the working portion (1).

Abstract: A furrow opener device includes a disc arranged to open a primary furrow in the ground. A scraper body has a leading scraper edge supported alongside the disc to scrape the disc. A wing member is supported on a bottom portion of the scraper body in proximity to a bottom end of the disc and extends laterally outwardly away from the disc so as to be arranged to open a groove in the primary furrow projecting laterally to one side of the primary furrow, and a tube extends generally downward to an output opening located adjacent the wing member and is arranged for depositing product into the groove. A packer wheel is arranged in a first configuration where depth of disc penetration is gauged by a gauge wheel adjacent to the furrow opener and in a second configuration in which depth is gauged by the packer wheel.

Abstract: A removable side impact load cushioning device for use on the hitch on an agricultural tractor or prime mover that allows operator selectable use of the device to dampens side impact loads on a drawbar by enabling slight lateral movement of the drawbar or to retain the drawbar in a generally laterally fixed position.

Abstract: A coupling device that requires no manual actuation to achieve coupling features a locking bolt movable along a hole extending into a mouth of a hook body to secure a coupling pin therein. A control lever pivotally connected to the locking bolt opposite the mouth end is biased toward a locked position in which motion of the locking bolt is blocked. To engage the coupling pin and the hook mouth, the coupling pin and an operable pin extending through the hollow locking bolt are brought into contact. This causes an end of the operable pin opposite the mouth to push against the control lever to unlock it from the latching position. The coupling pin pushes the locking bolt out of the mouth so that it can pass by further into it, at which point the lever and bolt return to the locked positions to secure the coupling pin inside.

Abstract: A furrow opener apparatus includes a parallel link trailing arm having a rear link that is maintained substantially horizontal as the arm moves up and down. Front and rear furrow openers are attached to the rear link. A packer wheel arm is attached to the rear link and extends rearward and downward from the rear link, and a packer wheel is mounted to the packer wheel arm and aligned with one of the furrow openers. A bias device exerts a downward bias force on the trailing arm, furrow openers, and packer wheel. The furrow openers, the packer wheel, and the rear link are maintained in rigid orientation with respect to each other when in a working mode, and a vertical operating position of at least one of the furrow openers with respect to the packer wheel is adjustable to vary a depth of the furrow.

Abstract: A three-point apparatus is disclosed comprising a hitch system, an implement, and a suspension system. The hitch system is comprised of a base and a three-point interface. The base of hitch system is coupled to the three-point interface of the hitch system. The three-point interface is configured to connect to a three-point system, such as the three-point arms of a tractor. The suspension system is coupled between the base of the hitch system and the implement.

Abstract: A pull-type implement has operating components that are driven by a mechanical drive line on the tongue of the implement. An upper gear box is fixed to the front end of the tongue and a lower gear box swivels relative to the upper gear box about an upright axis passing through the two gear boxes. A hitch that establishes a draft connection between the tongue and the draw bar of a towing tractor has a fore-and-aft receiver that extends beneath the lower gear box and has a lower pivotal connection with the tongue at that location. A mast fixed to and projecting upwardly from the receiver has an upper pivotal connection with the tongue at a location above the upper gear box. The receiver has a forwardly facing socket that loosely receives the draw bar to permit the draw bar to swing up and down to a limited extent about a transverse axis and rotate side-to-side to a limited extent about a fore-and-aft axis when the draw bar is retained within the socket by a locking pin.

Abstract: An implement hitch is mounted to the forward end of an implement tongue for swivelling about an upright axis. The hitch includes right- and left-hand arm assemblies which each include separate inner and outer arms mounted for swinging about a horizontal transverse axis defined by a connection pin located in respective rear ends of the arms. A first embodiment of the inner and outer arms includes apertured balls universally mounted in forward ends of the arms, with the balls of each adjacent pair of inner and outer arms having a hitch pin extending therethrough which is adapted for being received in the receptacle of the hook of the corresponding side of a quick-coupler carried by the three-point hitch of a tractor. In a second embodiment, radiused apertures are provided in the forward ends of the inner and outer arms in lieu of the apertured balls.

Abstract: A device for connecting an agricultural implement to a tractor, towing it and driving it, via a power take-off shaft, has a double drive (8) which includes two angle drives (15, 16) which are arranged one above the other and which are pivotable relative to one another via a bearing around a first axis. The double drive (8) is associated with a holding bracket (9) and with a support (36) supported thereon via springs. The support (36) has a bearing journal via which is connected to a transverse bar (7) so as to be pivotable around an axis. The transverse bar (7) serves to connect the implement to the catching hook of the lower steering arms (3) of the tractor (1). These permit a pivot movement around the axis. The support (36) ensures improved conditions when accommodating forces in the case of impacts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blade plough suitable for use on undulating ground. The blade plough has a floating blade which is able to pivot irrespective of the drawbar attachment to the tractor. A spring mechanism is provided to bias the blade in an operative attitude and thereby compensate for varying soil conditions. The blade also comprises an improved cutting edge having a hard laminate on its underside. Blade extension members are provided for varying the operating width of the blade.

Abstract: A compact flexible mounting system for connection of an agricultural implement to a tractor includes a load transfer member pivotally attached to the upper stabilizing link of a three-point hitch and to the implement support frame to which the lower links of the hitch are attached. A compression spring is interposed between a portion of the load transfer member and a portion of the implement support frame to yieldably resist rotation of the pivotal load transfer member away from the tractor for stress relief purposes while transmitting down-pressure forces from the hitch to the implement.

Abstract: A laterally yieldable or "bendable" hitch pole is provided for the steering mechanism of a trailing vehicle to minimize or prevent breakage of the hitch pole during sharp turns negotiated by the draft vehicle, especially during backing of the trailer. The invention is especially applicable to trailers having steering mechanisms of the Ackerman type. The hitch pole is typically swingable between right and left stops and breakage or other damage occurs when the pole encounters one or the other of the stops and turning forces are still applied. The invention provides a two-piece hitch pole having its end-to-end parts connected in such manner as to enable "bending" of the hitch pole in those situations with subsequent recovery of the pole to its normal attitude.

Abstract: A powered mobile unit for turf-care apparatus comprises a chassis, driven and steerable front wheels, rear wheels supporting the chassis, a seat carried at least mainly by the rear wheels, a linkage behind the rear wheels for the attachment of turf-treating implements; and a powered hydraulic unit capable of activating the linkage to lift an attached implement clear of the ground and of applying such downward pressure to the implement as to cause the rear wheels to be raised clear of the ground with an operator in the seat, while the unit is mobile.

Abstract: A frame carries two transverse digger shafts each having a plurality of diggers mounted thereon in spaced apart relationship such that the diggers form independent furrows. The frame is supported on wheels on a single axis between the two digger shafts and it tiltable on this axis substantially independently of the three point hitch by virtue of a pair of pivoted connections between the hitch and the frame. A longitudinal tilt arm extends from an elevated position over the frame and is connected near its forward end by a resilient member to the hitch or to a selected attachment point on a rigid telescoping member also extending between the tilt arm and hitch. The tilt of the frame is also biased by placement of the wheel frame axis slightly to the rear of the frame's center of gravity. The digger shafts are connected to the drive for opposite relative rotation with the rear shaft rotating rearwardly whereby its diggers apply a retarding force to the frame and stabilize the frame on the frame wheel axis.

Abstract: An arrangement for coupling a cultivating attachment to a cultivating machine has a spring-suspended support articulately coupling a respective roller unit of the attachment to a main frame of the machine. The support includes elements for adjusting the relative elevation of the main frame and the roller unit while permitting relative vertical movement between the same. The support includes spring element opposing such relative movement with shock-absorbing action. A blocking element is provided cooperating with the spring-suspension support and movable between a blocking setting preventing the above-mentioned relative movement and an unblocking setting not preventing such limited movement.

Abstract: An agricultural implement such as a disc or treader is provided with a counterpoise connection between the frame of the implement and the tongue for holding the tongue in a normal operative position. The counterpoise employs a spring-loaded compensator link of normally fixed length which prevents relative movement of the tongue and frame under the reaction forces against the tillage tools produced by the resistance of the soil, but the springs permit the length of the link to change to allow the tongue to self-adjust in response to the higher forces against the tongue encountered when uneven terrain is traversed. The design provides for the use of a selected number of springs in a symmetrical cluster with each spring being employed in both the extension and shortening of the link. The illustrated embodiment is a double offset disc wherein the front gangs of discs cut a furrow in the soil in which the center transport wheels of the implement are forced to run.

Abstract: A resilient hitch linkage between a towing vehicle such as a tractor and an implement or attachment such as, for example, a rotary tiller, towed by the towing vehicle. The resilient hitch linkage serves to reduce the transmission of impact or shock loads and/or vibrations between the implement and the tractor and includes a front link pivotally connected to a hitch point on the tractor and a rear link pivotally connected to the attachment being towed. One of the pivoted links, such as the rear link, has a member with multiple flat exterior surfaces such as a member of rectangular cross section (a "square tube") secured thereto and extending laterally therefrom. The other pivoted link, such as the front link, has a first U-shaped clamp member secured thereto and lying on one side of the "square tube" carried by the one link. A pair of rubber cylinders are retained by the first clamp member.