Abstract: A system for limiting plugging within an agricultural implement. The system includes a ground engaging tool configured to be supported by the agricultural implement. An actuator is coupled to the ground engaging tool. The actuator is operable to apply a down pressure on the ground engaging tool. A soil moisture sensor is positioned forward of the ground engaging tool. The soil moisture sensor is configured to measure a soil moisture forward of the ground engaging tool. A controller is communicatively coupled to the soil moisture sensor. The controller is configured to receive, from the soil moisture sensor, a signal that corresponds to the soil moisture forward of the ground engaging tool. The controller is further configured to adjust the down pressure on the ground engaging tool applied by the actuator based at least in part on the signal from the soil moisture sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining uniformity of a tilled surface of a seedbed prepared by a tillage tool of an agricultural tillage implement utilize a seedbed uniformity sensing arrangement including a sensing element having a sensor body adapted for vertically articulating attachment to the implement behind the tillage tool and defining a soil-contact surface configured to bear against the tilled surface. The sensing element includes a vertical position sensor including a strain gauge fixedly attached to the sensor body for generating a surface uniformity signal in response to bending loads imposed on the sensor body by vertical movement of the soil-contact surface as it rides along on the tilled surface. The surface uniformity signal is processed to provide an indication of the general uniformity of the tilled surface, and a surface control signal that is used for controlling operational parameters of the tillage implement.

Abstract: A system for limiting plugging within an agricultural implement. The system includes a ground engaging tool configured to be supported by the agricultural implement. An actuator is coupled to the ground engaging tool. The actuator is operable to apply a down pressure on the ground engaging tool. A soil moisture sensor is positioned forward of the ground engaging tool. The soil moisture sensor is configured to measure a soil moisture forward of the ground engaging tool. A controller is communicatively coupled to the soil moisture sensor. The controller is configured to receive, from the soil moisture sensor, a signal that corresponds to the soil moisture forward of the ground engaging tool. The controller is further configured to adjust the down pressure on the ground engaging tool applied by the actuator based at least in part on the signal from the soil moisture sensor.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement includes a main section including a hitch extending in a travel direction, a plurality of foldable wing sections coupled with the main section, a plurality of ground engaging tilling elements, a plurality of wheel assemblies and a control system. The tilling elements are coupled to the main section and wing sections. Each of the wheel assemblies include an actuator. The wheel assemblies include a first plurality of wheel assemblies associated with the main section and a second plurality of wheel assemblies associated with the plurality of wing sections. The actuators of the first plurality of wheel assemblies being independent of the actuators of the second plurality of wheel assemblies. The control system is configured to actuate the actuators to effect a profile minimizing operation of the foldable wing sections when the implement is being transitioned into a transport mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tillage point having a ground engaging structure configured to adjust with respect to the ground so that the tillage point can flexibly adapt to various field conditions. The ground engaging structure can comprise wings for increasing soil fracture below the ground surface and/or a cover board for moving soil along the ground surface. The ground engaging structure can variably adjust using an actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, connected to linkage which can move the ground engaging structure through multiple angles about a pivot point during tillage operations. In addition, a controller can adjust the actuator to maintain an angle of the ground engaging structure according to a location on a prescription map.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for de-plugging an agricultural implement may include an actuator coupled between a ground-engaging tool of the implement and a frame of the implement. The actuator maybe configured to move the ground-engaging tool relative to the frame between a first position in which the tool penetrates the soil and a second position in which the tool is lifted out of the soil. Furthermore, the system may include a sensor configured to capture data indicative of plugging of the ground-engaging tool. Additionally, a controller of the disclosed system may be configured to determine when the ground-engaging tool is plugged based on the data received from the sensor. Moreover, the controller may be further configured to control an operation of the actuator such that the ground-engaging tool is moved from the first position to the second position when it is determined that the tool is plugged.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining uniformity of a tilled surface of a seedbed prepared by a tillage tool of an agricultural tillage implement utilize a seedbed uniformity sensing arrangement including a sensing element having a sensor body adapted for vertically articulating attachment to the implement behind the tillage tool and defining a soil-contact surface configured to bear against the tilled surface. The sensing element includes a vertical position sensor including a strain gage fixedly attached to the sensor body for generating a surface uniformity signal in response to bending loads imposed on the sensor body by vertical movement of the soil-contact surface as it rides along on the tilled surface. The surface uniformity signal is processed to provide an indication of the general uniformity of the tilled surface, and a surface control signal that is used for controlling operational parameters of the tillage implement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tillage point having a ground engaging structure configured to adjust with respect to the ground so that the tillage point can flexibly adapt to various field conditions. The ground engaging structure can comprise wings for increasing soil fracture below the ground surface and/or a cover board for moving soil along the ground surface. The ground engaging structure can variably adjust using an actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, connected to linkage which can move the ground engaging structure through multiple angles about a pivot point during tillage operations. In addition, a controller can adjust the actuator to maintain an angle of the ground engaging structure according to a location on a prescription map.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement includes a main section including a hitch extending in a travel direction, a plurality of foldable wing sections coupled with the main section, a plurality of ground engaging tilling elements, a plurality of wheel assemblies and a control system. The tilling elements are coupled to the main section and wing sections. Each of the wheel assemblies include an actuator. The wheel assemblies include a first plurality of wheel assemblies associated with the main section and a second plurality of wheel assemblies associated with the plurality of wing sections. The actuators of the first plurality of wheel assemblies being independent of the actuators of the second plurality of wheel assemblies. The control system is configured to actuate the actuators to effect a profile minimizing operation of the foldable wing sections when the implement is being transitioned into a transport mode.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a chassis; a linkage carried by the chassis; a turnbuckle connected to the linkage and having a frame which includes a threaded hole formed therein and a non-circular region; and a latch pivotable about a fulcrum carried above the frame. The latch has a notch formed therein which is shaped to prevent substantial rotation of the frame when engaged with the non-circular region of the frame.

Abstract: An agricultural implement has a main frame including fore-to-aft and cross frame members. Main lift and transport wheels are connected to rockshaft pedestal arms that are pivotally connected to the main frame by way of a rockshaft held by the main frame. The rockshaft is held spanning a distance between upper and lower fore-to-aft frame member components.

Abstract: A system for adjusting down pressure loads on a harrow of an agricultural implement may include a base hitch member and an upper tow arm pivotally coupled to the base hitch member. First and second linkage arms may pivotally couple to the upper tow arm. A lower support arm may pivotally couple to the first and second linkage arms. A plurality of ground engaging elements may be supported on the lower support arm. A tensioner assembly may include an actuator coupled between the base hitch member and the lower support arm. The actuator may include an actuator rod that extend and retract to adjust a relative distance between the base hitch member and the lower support arm. The actuator may regulate a down pressure applied on the plurality of ground engaging elements by adjusting the relative distance between the base hitch member and the lower support arm.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement includes a main section including a hitch extending in a travel direction, a plurality of foldable wing sections coupled with the main section, a plurality of ground engaging tilling elements, a plurality of wheel assemblies and a control system. The tilling elements are coupled to the main section and wing sections. Each of the wheel assemblies include an actuator. The wheel assemblies include a first plurality of wheel assemblies associated with the main section and a second plurality of wheel assemblies associated with the plurality of wing sections. The actuators of the first plurality of wheel assemblies being independent of the actuators of the second plurality of wheel assemblies. The control system is configured to actuate the actuators to effect a profile minimizing operation of the foldable wing sections when the implement is being transitioned into a transport mode.

Abstract: A castor wheel support for a towed agricultural implement. The castor support has a spindle for supporting a castor mounting structure for pivoting movement. The castor mounting structure includes an annular friction element received over the spindle and a plurality of C-shaped shims removable laterally without disassembly of the mounting structure to allow the pressure on the friction element to be set to minimize wobbling.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement with a hydraulic system having a left wing hydraulic subsystem with an outer left wing hydraulic circuit supplying hydraulic pressure and flow to an actuator for actuating an actuator of an outer left wing folding implement section, and a right wing hydraulic subsystem having an outer right wing hydraulic circuit for actuating the actuator of an outer right wing implement section; the hydraulic system additionally having a hydraulic flow divider dividing hydraulic flow and pressure between the outer left wing hydraulic circuit and the outer right wing hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic flow divider being configured to coordinate the motion of the outer left wing section and the outer right wing section.

Abstract: By providing an electronic control system in communication with a hydraulic system for adjusting an angle of smoothing tools of a harrow, the smoothing tools may be adjusted more quickly and on the go, including from a tractor cab, for optimum field leveling during a tilling session. The control system may include a hydraulic control valve in communication with a linear actuator. The linear actuator may be in communication with a slide bar disposed in a channel. By configuring multiple bars of a harrow to achieve an angle of rotation defined by the slide bar, the angle of rotation for smoothing tools of the harrow may be precisely controlled by the control system.

Abstract: An agricultural or industrial implement has a main frame including longitudinal and cross frame members. Rear main lift wheels are connected to rear lift wheel arms that are pivotally connected to the main frame and can be raised and lowered using a hydraulic lift cylinder. The hydraulic lift cylinder is connected to a center pivot of a lug. The lug has a lower connection point connected to a lug anchor, which is connected to a rear cross frame member. The lug also has an upper connection point connected to two load members. One load member extends diagonally forward from the upper connection point and connects to one of the longitudinal frame members located to the left of the lug. Another load member extends diagonally forward from the upper connection point and connects to one of the longitudinal frame members located to the right of the lug.

Abstract: An agricultural implement having ground engaging components and inboard and outboard frame members are safely unfolded by using a radar or laser sensor to detect the presence of an obstacle in the unfolded position. A warning signal or disabling the unfolding process occurs when an obstacle is detected.

Abstract: A lift and gauge wheel lift mechanism has a hydraulic lift cylinder pivotally connected to a lift mechanism rocker link. A rear lift wheel link is pivotally connected to the lift mechanism rocker link. The rear lift wheel link is pivotally connected to either a rear lift wheel arm having at least one rear lift wheel attached. A gauge wheel link is pivotally connected to the lift mechanism rocker link. The gauge wheel link is pivotally connected to a gauge wheel parallel arm bell crank. The gauge wheel parallel arm bell crank is attached to either a gauge wheel upper parallel arm, or to a gauge wheel lower parallel arm. At least one front gauge wheel is connected to the gauge wheel upper parallel arm and to the gauge wheel lower parallel arm.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement for use in a field. The agricultural tillage implement including a frame section and a plurality of wing sections. The frame section has a pull hitch extending in a travel direction. Each of the plurality of wing sections are coupled to the frame section and/or a wing section. The wing sections each have an articulated portion pivotal about an axis substantially perpendicular to the travel direction.