Abstract: An ice removal blade assembly for a vehicle includes: a support member configured to be affixed to a snow plow of the vehicle; a suspension member pivotably connected to the support member, the suspension member being pivotable about a suspension pivot axis; a plurality of blade mounts pivotably connected to the suspension member, the blade mounts being laterally spaced from one another, each blade mount of the plurality of blade mounts being pivotable about a respective blade mount pivot axis, the blade mount pivot axes of the blade mounts extending generally parallel to the suspension pivot axis; and a plurality of removable blade members affixed to respective ones of the blade mounts so as to pivot together therewith about the blade pivot axes. Each removable blade member has a lower cutting edge configured to scrape ice on a ground surface on which the vehicle travels.

Abstract: A grader and a blade control method wherein the grader includes: a blade mechanism including a blade; a blade adjusting mechanism including a plurality of adjusting means respectively corresponding to at least two degrees of freedom of the blade, and configured to adjust a spatial position and/or angle of the blade; a blade position detecting mechanism configured to detect a slope parameter for characterizing a spatial position of the blade; a motion trajectory library configured to store motion functions of the plurality of adjusting means respectively when different operation conditions and/or different grades are switched; a controller configured to call a corresponding motion function in the motion trajectory library according to a set operation condition and a required slope, and control at least one of the plurality of adjusting means according to a position parameter of the blade and the motion function.

Abstract: An agricultural distribution device for spreading granular material to be distributed such as seed, fertilizer or the like is disclosed. The distribution device has a frame with at least one storage container for material to be distributed mounted thereon and a tool bar having a toolbar center section and toolbar wings pivotally mounted on opposite ends thereof and a plurality of row units mounted on the tool bar center section and each of the toolbar wings. The toolbar wings are pivotable between working and transport positions. In the working position the toolbar wings extend generally in longitudinal alignment with the center section. In the transport position the toolbar wings are pivoted about a pivoting angle of more than 90° and up to 180° with at least a portion of each toolbar wing or any row units attached thereto supported above the at least one storage container.

Abstract: A method of exposing a buried utility under a roadway by cutting an access hole in the roadway, vacuuming away dirt surrounding the buried utility, and spraying at least one of pressurized water or compressed air into the dirt to loosen the dirt. A vacuum device having a vacuum nozzle, a compressed air nozzle, and a pressurized water nozzle.

Abstract: A gravel recapturing and sifting apparatus for attachment to a vehicle on a roadway includes a framework that includes a mounting portion selectively coupled to a front of the vehicle and a mounting boom having a proximal end attached to the mounting portion and which extends rearwardly alongside the vehicle. The apparatus includes at least one wheel assembly coupled to an outer face of the mounting boom and being outwardly offset relative to the outer face, the at least one-wheel assembly including a wheel having a plurality of tines and that is rotatable when actuated. The tines are spaced apart and radially arranged so as to kick up and urge gravel in a direction toward the mounting boom while allowing grass and weeds to pass through in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the operation of an attachment that is coupled to a tractor via a top link and two bottom links of a powerlift. The method includes selecting a point of action from at least one of a pull point as a geometric intersection of imaginary extensions of both bottom links and a pole point as a geometric intersection of imaginary extensions of the top link and a bottom link. The method also includes determining a position of the selected point of action, and signaling the determined position of the point of action by a display unit or adjusting the determined position depending on a comparison with a setpoint setting.

Abstract: A V-blade for a snowplow, a snowplow incorporating the V-blade and a method of use thereof. The blade includes left and right wings engaged with a central shaft. A trip edge is provided on each wing and includes a lower section of moldboard, a cutting edge, and snow shield engaged with an upper section of the moldboard via a biasing assembly. The assembly biases the trip edge into alignment with the upper section. When an obstacle on the surface is struck by the trip edge, the trip edge pivots relative to the upper section about a horizontal axis extending along a shaft of the biasing assembly. A translation assembly causes the trip edge to move laterally in a first direction away from the central shaft and parallel to the vertical axis extending therealong. The trip edge returns to its original position under spring force.

Abstract: A trench cutting machine for making a cut in a surface includes a frame with at least one rear axle and at least one front axle, and a rotatable circular blade mounted the frame. The front axle is vertically adjustable relative to the frame between a first position where the circular blade is lifted clear of the surface, and a second position where the circular blade is arranged to extend downwards from the frame to cut a predetermined distance into the surface. The frame includes an auxiliary front axle located in front of the axis of rotation of the circular blade. The auxiliary front axe and the rear axle are arranged to support the frame on the surface during a cutting operation and to maintain a selected depth of cut. A shroud assembly and a debris guiding device for such a machine are also included.

Abstract: A system for detecting the operational status of ground engaging tools for agricultural implements includes an agricultural implement including a frame and a ground engaging tool coupled to the frame. The system further includes one or more sensors supported relative to the frame. The sensor(s) are configured to capture data indicative of a fluid flow past the ground engaging tool as the agricultural implement is moved across the field. The system further includes a controller configured to monitor the data received from the sensor(s) and identify an operational status of the ground engaging tool based at least in part on a comparison between one or more monitored values associated with the fluid flow past the ground engaging tool as the agricultural implement is moved across the field and a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A seed planter assembly for planting seeds in rows throughout a field includes at least one tank for storing the seeds and a seed hose in communication with the at least one tank for delivering the seeds to the field. The seed planter assembly also includes a support frame for supporting the at least one tank and the seed hose, and a linkage assembly (e.g., including a four-bar linkage) coupled with the support frame and the at least one tank. The linkage assembly is configured for lifting the at least one tank from a first orientation proximate to a support surface to a second orientation spaced farther apart from the support surface. The seed planter assembly can also include an actuator (e.g., a hydraulic actuator) connected between the support frame and the linkage assembly for moving the at least one tank between the first orientation and the second orientation.

Abstract: A hitch that connects to a chassis of the work vehicle and rotates with respect to the chassis includes a first bracket connected to a first portion of the chassis, a first stabilizer bar connected to the first bracket, and a first hitch arm connected to the first stabilizer bar. The first hitch arm has a free end that engages a work implement. A second bracket is connected to a second portion of the chassis. The second portion of the chassis is spaced from the first portion of the chassis, so that the second bracket is spaced apart from and independent of the first bracket. A second stabilizer bar is connected to the second bracket. A second hitch arm is connected to the first stabilizer bar. The second hitch has a free end configured to selectively engage the work implement.

Abstract: A method of dredging which comprises suspending dredging apparatus 200 from a vehicle 360. The sediment agitating apparatus comprising a chassis 210, and mounted on the chassis are an extractor, sediment agitating apparatus and respective pumps 220, 230. The dredging apparatus 200 is disposed above, but not in contact with a waterbed 340 to be dredged of sediment 350. The sediment 350 is agitated then extracted with the extractor. The dredging apparatus 200 is moved around the water and the extracted sediment 400 is deposited underwater and above the dredging apparatus 200, so that the sediment 400 is transported and deposited away from an area being dredged by the natural movement of the water. Apparatus and use of the apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A cultivator function is coupled with a scraper function in a single implement such that the cultivator portion and the scraper portion of the combination farming implement, when attached to a vehicle, can be mechanically and remotely changed out at any time. The cultivator portion and the scraper portion of the combination farming implement are positioned on opposite sides of a rotating framework, such that the combination farming implement can be mechanically and remotely rotated during use in the field, thus enabling the performance of both the cultivator function and the scraper function without a vehicle operator ever leaving the vehicle.

Abstract: A soil preparation apparatus having a first frame member configured to couple to a towing vehicle, wherein the first frame member comprises a blade member configured to engage soil. The apparatus can also include a second frame member pivotally secured to the first frame member, wherein the second frame member comprises an adjustable height protruding member configured to engage soil. The apparatus can also include a third frame member pivotally secured to the second frame member, wherein the third frame member comprises a plurality of bars configured to engage soil, and wherein the second frame member pivots relative to the first and third frame members.

Abstract: The multifunctional agricultural machine includes a vehicle body with a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted thereon. At least one sensor is mounted on a front end of the vehicle body for measuring at least one soil condition. At least one soil excavation unit is mounted on the vehicle body for digging a hole in the soil. A seed tank is in communication with the at least one soil excavation unit for delivering a selectable number of seeds thereto. The at least one soil excavation unit is configured to drop the selectable number of seeds into the hole in the soil. A water tank is in fluid communication with the at least one soil excavation unit for delivering a selectable volume of water thereto. The at least one soil excavation unit is further configured to dispense the selectable volume of water in the hole in the soil.

Abstract: A rolling basket assembly for an agricultural tillage implement. The rolling basket assembly includes a bracket, a first disk and a second disk rotatably connected to the bracket, a plurality of chain assemblies. Each chain assembly includes a first end connected to the first disk and a second end connected to the second disk and a plurality of links looped around one another and collectively forming each chain assembly. Each link includes a first loop, a second loop that is looped around the first loop, and at least one projection extending outwardly from one of the first loop and the second loop.

Abstract: A snow plow and mount frame assembly permits an operator to attach and detach a snow plow to and from a mount frame secured to a vehicle, without the operator exiting a cab of the vehicle. The assembly comprises a mount frame, a snow plow frame, a plow blade, a first actuator for pivoting the A-frame relative to the lift frame, a latch mechanism, and a second actuator to either latch or unlatch the latch mechanism. When the vehicle is driven toward the snow plow the snow plow frame mates with the mount frame and an electrical connection is made between the vehicle electrical system and at least the first actuator without manual manipulation. The second actuator is energized to either latch the latch mechanism thereby securing the snow plow frame to the mount frame or unlatch the latch mechanism thereby freeing the snow plow frame from the mount frame.

Abstract: A snow plow apparatus including at least one pivotable plow wing that is capable of removing snow or debris adjacent to a vehicle. The pivotable plow wing is operable to deploy from a stowed configuration behind the vehicle to a deployed configuration where the plow wing substantially extends beyond a side of the vehicle and is in contact with a surface to be plowed to remove snow adjacent to the footprint of the vehicle. Once deployed, the pivotable wing is configurable to direct snow or debris away from or toward the vehicle by adjusting the angle of the plow wing relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle. The snow plow apparatus includes powered actuators and an electronic control unit that coordinate to operate the snow plow apparatus without the need for an operator to manually deploy, stow, or position the snow plow apparatus.

Abstract: A spring is combined between the chassis and the pair of links arms. An electric actuator is combined between the chassis and the pair of links arms for compressing the spring with the assistance of gravity on a downward stroke of the electric actuator while lowering the pair of link arms, and wherein the pair of link arms are raised by an outward stroke of both the electric actuator and the spring.

Abstract: A quick hitch for coupling a tool to an excavation arm of an excavator. The quick hitch comprises a connector comprising a first end coupleable to an excavation arm, and a second end coupleable to a tool; and a latching member releasably engageable with the second end of the connector. In use the second end of the connector receives the tool, and the latching member engages with the connector to releasably couple the tool to the connector.