Abstract: An anti-flip strut for use with rotary broom attachments for skid steer loaders. The present invention provides a strut adapted to connect the rotary broom attachment to the loader arms of a skid steer and move between a fully extended and a fully retracted position. In the fully extended position, the rotary broom is prevented from forward rotation and thereby allows the bucket working in conjunction with the rotary broom to pivot forward and dump its load. In the fully retracted position when the loader arms are rotated above the skid steer loader, the strut prevents backward rotation of the rotary broom and thereby prevents damage to the skid steer and operator either through forcible contact with the skid steer or by causing the loader itself to tip over or otherwise loose its balance. Moreover, through the provision of a quick disconnect coupling system, the strut enables the rotary broom attachment to be quickly disconnected and attached to the loader arms of the skid steer.

Abstract: The coupler is attached to the boom of a tractor or other vehicle and enables the boom to be quickly and automatically connected to and disconnected from an implement such as a loader bucket. The coupler includes laterally shiftable pins that are moved into and out of latching relation with the implement by a linear actuator powered by an electric motor which may be quickly and easily connected with the electrical system of the vehicle.

Abstract: The harrow includes a series of sleeves each having a plurality of teeth and telescoped non-rotatably over a rod which is rotatably journaled by laterally spaced bearings supported by mounting arms which, in turn, are attached to a tool bar. The teeth roll over the ground and pulverize and level the soil as the tool bar is pulled forwardly. The toothed sleeves may be laterally positioned as necessary on the rod to enable the bearings and the mounting arms to be located laterally as required to permit attachment of the arms to any particular tool bar. The tool bar is supported by parallel links which may be adjusted upwardly or downwardly by manually operable jacks in order to change the operating height of the harrow, the jacks being connected to the links in such a manner as to enable the links to float upwardly or downwardly in the event the harrow encounters a rise or falls into a valley.

Abstract: The coupler is attached to the boom of a tractor or other vehicle and enables the boom to be quickly and automatically connected to an implement such as a loader bucket. The coupler includes spring-loaded and laterally shiftable pins which automatically latch to the implement when the coupler is shifted forwardly toward the implement. Unlatching of the pins is effected by manually turning an operating handle. The operating handle is connected to the pins by laterally rigid links which cause movement of the handle to follow movement of the pins in all positions of the pins so that the position of the handle serves as a visual indicator as to whether the pins are latched or unlatched.

Abstract: A rock raking apparatus which is adapted to be attached to a self-propelled vehicle and includes a rock raking unit with a toothed rotor and a rock collector bucket pivotably connected to the raking unit. The rotor is driven to propel rocks into the bucket. The raking unit includes a power-rotated brush positioned to deflect the propelled rocks into the rear of the bucket, to clean the surface of the rotor to prevent carryover and to prevent the formation of rock barricades at the entrance of the bucket to assure that the bucket is filled. The rotor is based on a cylindrical drum having a pattern of symmetrical radially extending teeth affixed to the peripheral surface thereof, with the pattern also being symmetrical so that the drum is reversible end for end when the leading edges of the teeth are worn. Double pivot mounts allow limited floating of the raking unit with respect to the bucket to accommodate uneven ground.

Abstract: A harrow includes a series of sleeves each having a plurality of teeth and telescoped non-rotatably over a rod which is rotatably journaled by laterally spaced bearing assemblies supported by mounting arms which, in turn, are attached to a tool bar. The bearing assemblies include an outer bearing and a generally cylindrically-shaped collar having a circular outer perimeter and a split extending longitudinally along the collar. The collar defines an inner perimeter disposed to receive the elongated rod. At least one radially directed pilot hole for receiving a set screw is formed through each collar. A set screw is threaded through the pilot hole and may be rotatably advanced therein to abut the elongated rod. Reactionary force from the abutment expands the collar at the split to positively engage the outer perimeter of the collar with the outer bearing.

Abstract: A planter includes a pair of toothed wheels which sweep mulch away from the path followed by furrow opening discs. The sweeper wheels are carried on the trailing end of a parallel bar linkage attached to a tool bar by which the planter is pulled. As a result of the parallel bar linkage, the sweeper wheels may float upwardly and downwardly independently of the planter frame in order to conform to uneven ground. A spring acts on the parallel bar linkage and may be adjusted either to press the wheels downwardly into the ground if the mulch is hard and dense or to urge the wheels upwardly and relieve some of the weight of the wheels from the ground if the mulch is loose and the underlying soil is relatively fine.

Abstract: A planter includes a pair of toothed wheels which sweep mulch away from the path followed by furrow opening discs. The sweeper wheels are carried on the trailing end of a parallel bar linkage attached to a tool bar by which the planter is pulled. As a result of the parallel bar linkage, the sweeper wheels may float upwardly and downwardly independently of the planter frame in order to conform to uneven ground and achieve more effective removal of the mulch without significantly disturbing the soil. The forward location of the sweeper wheels enables a coulter to be mounted on the planter frame and slice vertically into the ground ahead of the furrow opening discs.

Abstract: A backhoe attachment for a skid steer loader includes a dipper stick formed by two separable boom components which reduce the cost of shipping the dipper stick, one of the boom components being constructed as a standard module and the other component being customized in accordance with the particular model of skid steer loader to which the backhoe is to be attached. The two boom components are inclined relative to one another at an obtuse included angle to enable the bucket of the attachment to dig in close proximity to the front of the loader. Detachable stabilizers extend downwardly, outwardly and forwardly from the loader and engage the ground during a digging operation in order to prevent tipping of the loader. Stops are carried by and located above the stabilizers and engage the loading arms of the loader in order to prevent damage to the stabilizers when the loading arms are swung downwardly in front of the vehicle.

Abstract: An attachment for the snout of a combine includes a plate which is disposed above the snout and is inclined upwardly and rearwardly at an angle greater than the angle of the upper surface of the snout to provide a steeper surface for engaging and lifting a down crop. The plate extends above the conventional ear saver which thereby may remain in place to prevent corn ears from being ejected from the combine. The forward end of the plate is fastened to the snout and the rear end is supported on the ear saver by a sliding connection which permits the forward part of the snout to tilt up as it encounters mounds of earth and the like.