Abstract: A towed implement, such as a planter, is provided with an operator platform and ladder for mounting the platform. The platform may be supported on the implement frame, and extends from a position rear of the ground-engaging row units to a position immediately adjacent to seed tanks. The platform may extend between the seed tanks to allow for loading of seeds, inspection of the tanks, removal of debris, and so forth. The ladder for accessing the platform may be fixed or stowable in a raised position. Handrails may be provided on either side of the platform, forward of the platform, and adjacent the ladder for stabilizing the operator during servicing of the implement.

Abstract: An access assembly to approach a first storage tank and an adjacent second storage tank of a planting implement is provided. The first and second storage tanks are mounted on a wheeled frame assembly for movement in a direction of travel. The access assembly includes a ramp having a first end opposite a second end aligned in a fore-and-aft direction relative to the direction of travel of the implement. The first end of the ramp is pivotally attached about a first horizontal axis relative to the wheeled frame assembly. The access assembly further includes a ladder pivotally coupled about a second horizontal axis at the second end of the ramp. The ladder and the ramp pivot together about the first horizontal axis at the first end of the ramp between a raised and a lowered position.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for use with a front fold planter is configured to move the tool bar of the planter between a first height corresponding to a planting position, a second height corresponding to a field transport position and a third height corresponding to a road transport position. A first set of hydraulic cylinders is mounted to the tool bar for moving the frame between the first height, the second and the third height. A second set of hydraulic cylinders is mounted to the tool bar for moving the frame between the first height and the second height. The first and second set of cylinders are arranged in a master/slave relationship relative to each other and operable independent of each other.

Abstract: A towed implement, such as a planter is provided with a folding platform allowing easy access to upper regions of the implement. The platform may be provided in addition to a transverse platform or other upper walkway, such as for access to seed tanks in planters. The folding platform may be deployed, along with handrails and a ladder for accessing the platform for servicing the implement. When not in use, the folding platform may be collapsed or folded, and other ancillary structures, such as the ladder may be moved to stowed positions.

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 power transmission device for utility machinery is disclosed, the device including: a) a sleeve supporting a first sheave member having a first face; b) a hub received through said sleeve and moveable axially in relation thereto, said hub supporting a second sheave member having a second face that opposes said first face such that said first and second faces define therebetween a groove adapted to receive a belt and relative axial movement between said sleeve and said hub being adapted to vary at least one of pitch diameter and grip imparted to said belt from said sheaves; and c) an actuator mechanism adapted, through control of relative axial displacement between said sleeve and said hub, to vary at least one of said pitch and grip, said actuator mechanism comprising a control rod disposed substantially perpendicularly to the line of action of said axial displacement and connected to said hub through a link mechanism, said control rod being adapted to rotate and said link mechanism being adapted to transl

Abstract: The inductor assembly of the present invention is configured with an agricultural implement to enhance conveyance of product from a storage hopper to a remote location. The inductor assembly includes an inductor chamber that defines an interior cavity configured to receive the supply of product from the storage hopper, an inlet tube configured to direct the stream of pressurized air so as to generate a combined stream of pressurized air and product, and an outlet tube configured to pass the combined stream of pressurized air and product from the inductor chamber to a distribution system application of the product in an agricultural environment. The improved inductor assembly can further include a selectively extendable outlet tube assembly, a trajectory control assembly coupled to the inlet tube, and an adjustable cover assembly configured to regulate agitation of the product and to purge deposits downstream of the inductor assembly.

Abstract: A steering connection assembly is provided that interconnects a towed implement with a tow vehicle. The steering connection assembly includes a tongue member having a forward end pivotally connected at the tow vehicle so as to rotate about a first vertical axis, and a rearward end fixed relative to the frame of the agricultural implement. A drive linkage has a forward end pivotally connected at the tow vehicle so as to rotate about a second vertical axis. A steering linkage interconnects the rearward end of the drive linkage to a series of caster wheel assemblies in support of the frame of the implement. In response to a turn of the tow vehicle, the drive linkage communicates a turn signal via rotation about the second vertical axis so as to cause the steering linkage to steer the caster wheel assembly in the turn direction of the tow vehicle.

Abstract: A remote boom lock assembly is provided to secure a boom assembly supported on an agricultural vehicle or implement. The boom lock assembly is generally configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the boom assembly as it is seated in a boom cradle structure mounted on the agricultural vehicle. The boom lock assembly includes a boom lock element mounted to the boom cradle structure, and an actuator assembly configured to selectively move the boom lock element from a locked position to an unlocked position. A remote switch is employed to control operation of the actuator assembly. The boom lock assembly further includes a spring configured to bias the boom lock element toward the locked position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with an agricultural implement assembly that includes a support frame, a wing frame and a cylinder assembly that includes a cylinder and a rod, each of the support frame, wing frame, cylinder and rod being an assembly component, the rod moving relative to the cylinder between an unlatched position and a latched position as the support and wing frames move from an operating position toward a transport position, the apparatus comprising a first coupler supported by one of the assembly components and moving along a pathway as the wing frame moves from the operating position toward the transport position, a second coupler supported at least in part within the pathway by at least another of the assembly components, the second coupler operable to couple with the first coupler when the rod is in the latched position and a latch inhibiting member that is manually moveable between a latch inhibiting position and a latch enabling position, when in the inhibiting position, the inhibiting m

Abstract: A lock assembly is provided to secure a multi-stage folding boom assembly having left and right booms, each boom having an middle section that pivots about a vertical axis with respect to an inner section, an outer section that pivots about a second vertical axis with respect to the middle section. The lock assembly includes a first interlock portion that receives a second interlock portion when the first section pivots laterally inward about the first vertical axis with respect to the second section to a first stage folded position. As the middle section pivots forward and laterally inward toward a second stage folded position with respect to the third section, the first interlock portion slidably moves and interlocks with the second interlock portion to restrain the outer section from falling out of alignment with respect to the middle section.

Abstract: An assembly for locking a suspension arrangement operatively connected between a boom assembly and a carrying frame that are supported on a boom support implement or vehicle is provided. The implement or vehicle also includes a lift linkage operable to move the carrying frame and connected boom assembly between a lowered, operative position and a raised, inoperative position. The lock assembly includes a lock pin and a bracket assembly. The lock pin is mounted at the lift linkage. The bracket assembly includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket is mounted at the boom assembly and the second bracket is mounted at the carrying frame. In the raised, inoperative position of the boom assembly, the first and second brackets are configured to receive the lock pin in a locked position to restrain the boom assembly from swinging or rotating with respect to the lift linkage.

Abstract: A planting unit is provided having a seed trench opener that forms a seed trench in a ground surface as the planting unit travels along the ground. A depth regulating member is provided that has a predetermined vertical position relative to the opener. The depth regulating member is operable to ride along the ground and thus predetermined the seed trench depth. A suspension assembly is provided to reduce the shock forces on the planting unit when obstacles are encountered. Furthermore, a suspension system is provided to the seed trench opener, in addition to the depth regulating member.

Abstract: A system for reducing oscillating movement of a boom assembly about a fore-and-aft aligned axis defined by a pivotal connection of a suspension arrangement independent of a carrier frame is provided. The system includes an accumulator, a cylinder actuator mechanically interconnected between the carrier frame and the boom assembly, and a metered orifice connected in fluid communication to restrict a fluid flow between the accumulator and the cylinder actuator. In response to rotation of the boom assembly in a first direction relative to the carrier frame, the system creates a force resisting the rotation of the boom assembly in the first direction. Thereby, the system deadens oscillating pivotal movement of the boom assembly relative to the carrier frame and exerts a biasing force to assist in returning and/or maintaining the boom assembly at a generally horizontal alignment.

Abstract: The inductor assembly of the present invention is configured with an agricultural implement to enhance conveyance of product from a storage hopper to a remote location. The inductor assembly includes an inductor chamber that defines an interior cavity configured to receive the supply of product from the storage hopper, an inlet tube configured to direct the stream of pressurized air so as to generate a combined stream of pressurized air and product, and an outlet tube configured to pass the combined stream of pressurized air and product from the inductor chamber to a distribution system application of the product in an agricultural environment. The improved inductor assembly can further include a selectively extendable outlet tube assembly, a trajectory control assembly coupled to the inlet tube, and an adjustable cover assembly configured to regulate agitation of the product and to purge deposits downstream of the inductor assembly.

Abstract: The inductor assembly of the present invention is configured with an agricultural implement to enhance conveyance of product from a storage hopper to a remote location. The inductor assembly includes an inductor chamber that defines an interior cavity configured to receive the supply of product from the storage hopper, an inlet tube configured to direct the stream of pressurized air so as to generate a combined stream of pressurized air and product, and an outlet tube configured to pass the combined stream of pressurized air and product from the inductor chamber to a distribution system application of the product in an agricultural environment. The improved inductor assembly can further include a selectively extendable outlet tube assembly, a trajectory control assembly coupled to the inlet tube, and an adjustable cover assembly configured to regulate agitation of the product and to purge deposits downstream of the inductor assembly.

Abstract: A ground working apparatus for dispensing an agricultural additive to the soil is provided. The apparatus is mounted to a tool bar that is operable to be towed across an agricultural field. The apparatus includes a coulter blade in combination with a knife element, and a conduit attached thereto operable to dispense the agricultural additive in the soil. The knife element and the coulter blade characterize a gap therebetween. The gap is defined by a forward edge of the knife element having a radius of curvature that is less than a radius of curvature of the coulter blade. The conduit in interchangeably attached by at least one conduit mount plate at the knife element.

Abstract: A system to lock a roll-suspension arrangement operatively connected to allow pivotal movement of a boom assembly about a fore-and-aft axis independent of a carrier frame is provided. The system includes an actuator cylinder having an end movable in a linear direction relative to a fixed end. The fixed end of the actuator cylinder is connected at the carrier frame, and the movable end is connected at the boom assembly. The system further includes a lock valve located in fluid communication with the actuator cylinder. The lock valve in a closed position prevents a fluid flow therethrough so as to restrain movement of the actuator cylinder and rotation of the boom assembly with respect to the carrier frame. In an open position, the lock valve releases movement of the actuator cylinder so that the boom assembly freely pivots independently of the carrier frame.

Abstract: A down pressure adjustment mechanism for a planter provides a self-contained spring cartridge holding a preloaded compression spring that may be moved between a limited number of mounting points to provide for convenient and significant changes in down pressure without the need for specialized tools or the like.