Abstract: A lock for an implement turnbuckle includes an apertured plate attached directly to the turnbuckle. The plate receives the pin or linkage connecting structure that attaches to the threaded eyebolt of the turnbuckle. The mounting end of the plate opposite the slot is secured against a flat on the internally threaded member of the turnbuckle by a U-bolt. The plate prevents relative rotation between the eyebolt and an internally threaded member receiving the eyebolt to thereby maintain the desired turnbuckle length adjustment.

Abstract: Gauge or stabilizer wheels are located at the outer front portions of disk wing frames and are connected for operation with other disk wheels on the main and wing frames. The front stabilizer wheels bear much of the wing loading and allow the wing primary depth control wheels to be positioned further to the rear of the machine. The front stabilizer wheels can be hydraulically controlled for on-the-go forward depth control adjustments and provide frame support when the disk is in a field transport position.

Abstract: A contaminant-resistant bearing assembly includes a multi-lip seal with an extended shroud supported from the outer ring and projecting adjacent a stepped inner ring shoulder. A steel slinger supported from the inner ring is offset outwardly adjacent the shroud and includes a radially outer edge terminating closely adjacent the connection of the seal shroud to the outer ring. The slinger includes an outer portion angled inwardly from the radial direction and supporting a lip seal which contacts an angled portion of the seal shroud at a central location between the rings. A primary step machined on the inner ring prevents the slinger from being pushed into the seal.

Abstract: A maintenance free repetitive sealing system for a disk blade bearing hub utilizing an integrated system of components to seal and protect the primary bearing seal. The blade side of the spindle includes a hub overlap portion which deflects dirt, keeps large debris out, and prevents wrapping. A plastic seal protector keeps dirt and debris from pushing directly into external seal lips of a multiple lip seal. The lip seal provides positive sealing and is backed up by a grease layer barrier. The hub overlap, plastic seal protector, and grease barrier protect the bearing seal. The back side of the bearing hub is positively sealed with a protected O-ring and dust cap combination. The cap combination also protects the blade mounting hardware threads and nut.

Abstract: A forward acting wheel arm for a drawn hitch includes a pivot point directly below the rear rank of the machine frame, and the wheels are rotated directly in front of the front rank during field operation. For transport, the wheels rotate below the front rank to minimize tongue-lightness. The need for stabilizer wheels on the rear of the machine is eliminated, and the wheel arms can be actuated with either series or parallel hydraulic cylinders. The wheel arm pivot and cylinder base end connection are both located on the same support plate, and the hydraulic cylinder force is internalized within the plate rather than being translated through the wheel module mounting hardware.

Abstract: A bearing block structure for an implement rockshaft includes a two-piece ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene wear insert located between a cast iron or welded steel bearing block and a rockshaft. In one embodiment, identical insert halves are supported in corresponding insert cavities in the bearing block sections, and a small thin clip is secured between the sections to prevent relative rotation between the insert halves and the bearing block. In another embodiment, a stop member projects into the cavities to prevent rotation of the insert halves.

Abstract: A maintenance free repetitive sealing system for a disk blade bearing hub utilizing an integrated system of components to seal and protect the primary bearing seal. The blade side of the spindle includes a hub overlap portion which deflects dirt, keeps large debris out, and prevents wrapping. A plastic seal protector keeps dirt and debris from pushing directly into external seal lips of a multiple lip seal. The lip seal provides positive sealing and is backed up by a grease layer barrier. The hub overlap, plastic seal protector, and grease barrier protect the bearing seal. The back side of the bearing hub is positively sealed with a protected O-ring and dust cap combination. The cap combination also protects the blade mounting hardware threads and nut.

Abstract: A bearing block structure for an implement rockshaft includes a two-piece ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene wear insert located between a cast iron or welded steel bearing block and a rockshaft. In one embodiment, identical insert halves are supported in corresponding insert cavities in the bearing block sections, and a small thin clip is secured between the sections to prevent relative rotation between the insert halves and the bearing block. In another embodiment, a stop member projects into the cavities to prevent rotation of the insert halves.

Abstract: A trailing attachment for a deep tillage implement is supported from the implement frame by transversely spaced four-bar linkages extending rearwardly from the frame. Single acting hydraulic cylinders are pressurized to lift and adjust the attachment. A breather plug and a U-shaped hose allow air to be pushed from the rod end as each cylinder extends. To lower the trailing attachment, an SCV is moved to open the base ends of the cylinders to the return line of the hydraulic system, and the weight of the attachment moves the tools into ground engagement. If vertical lifting force exceeds attachment weight during operation, air is pushed out through the breather plug and a vacuum is drawn in the base ends so the attachment can lift to avoid excessive forces, even if the SCV is in neutral and blocking fluid flow into the base ends.

Abstract: A trailing attachment for a deep tillage implement is supported from the implement frame by transversely spaced four-bar linkages extending rearwardly from the frame. Single acting hydraulic cylinders are pressurized to lift and adjust the attachment. A breather plug and a U-shaped hose allow air to be pushed from the rod end as each cylinder extends. To lower the trailing attachment, an SCV is moved to open the base ends of the cylinders to the return line of the hydraulic system, and the weight of the attachment moves the tools into ground engagement. If vertical lifting force exceeds attachment weight during operation, air is pushed out through the breather plug and a vacuum is drawn in the base ends so the attachment can lift to avoid excessive forces, even if the SCV is in neutral and blocking fluid flow into the base ends.

Abstract: A wheel arm assembly for an implement includes a common wheel arm for single wheel, straight tandem wheel, or walking beam configurations. In the straight tandem configuration, a pair of spindles are supported in corresponding bushings at the end of the wheel arm. The spindles are axially aligned, project outwardly from the arm, and support a pair of wheels in tandem. To convert to the optional walking beam configuration, the operator removes the spindles from the bushings and inserts a long pin through a selectively attachable walking beam casting and through the bushings in the arm. The same spindles that attach the wheels to the arm in the conventional tandem configuration are inserted in the offset ends of the walking beam to support the wheels from the walking beam casting.

Abstract: A dual action leveling system for a disk or similar implement connected between the hitch and the lift wheel assembly includes a transport stop for providing a fixed hitch position for good transport leveling and stability. The system includes a fore-and-aft extending member with first and second coil springs and an adjustable spring abutment member threaded through one end of a rod for providing leveling for different ground conditions. Weight can be transferred to and from the front of the implement by simply turning a crank located at one end of the rod. For example, weight can be transferred to the front of the implement to provide compensation for added weight of a rear mounted attachment. The spring structure provides a self-compensating effect which resists changes in front-to-rear implement leveling with changes in ground conditions.