Abstract: An integrated shredder/plow combination for reducing trash to facilitate its being mixed with the soil by the action of the trailing plow portion of the combination is disclosed. The shredder portion includes a unique arched structure positioned above a housing enclosing the shredder's cutting blades which permits the plow's drag to be transmitted directly to the tractor hitch so as to bypass the shredder assembly. The shredder assembly is thus not subjected to the large longitudinal forces associated with plowing operations as well as the high side loading encountered during turns and as a result of ground countour. This prolongs shredder operating lifetime and increases its reliability. By positioning the plow assembly immediately aft of the shredder mechanism, the cut-up vegetation, or trash, is more effectively turned under as it is in an agitated, suspended condition when it encounters the burying action of the trailing plow assemblies.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated, triple-hinged tool bar comprised of four independently positioned sections is disclosed. A first outer section is flexibly coupled to one end of a center section of the tool bar while to the other end thereof is flexibly coupled an intermediate section, the length of which is less than that of the first outer section. A second outer section is flexibly coupled to the outer end of the intermediate section providing a lower profile when all sections of the tool bar are in the retracted, or non-working, position. Positioning control between the center section and the first outer and intermediate sections is provided by respective hydraulically-actuated cylinders while a third hydraulic cylinder coupling the intermediate and second outer section dampens the vertical movement of the latter for increased stability in the working and non-working positions.