Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming at least a first frame section, a second frame section, and a third frame section, where the first frame section is disposed between the second and third frame sections. A pair of elongated gang assemblies are on the first frame section, an elongated gang assembly is on the second frame section, and an elongated gang assembly is on the third frame section. Each of the gang assemblies is horizontally adjustable relative to the frame. An actuator for each gang assembly operably controls the angular adjustment of the gang assemblies, and a fluid source supplies fluid to the actuators. The actuator on the second frame section is a master actuator for one of the actuators on the first frame section, and the actuator on the third frame section is a master actuator for the other actuator on the first frame section.

Abstract: A tillage implement is configured to be towed behind an agricultural vehicle. An implement frame has a first lengthwise frame member, a second lengthwise frame member, and a lateral frame member connected to and extending between the first and second lengthwise frame members. A tool assembly is pivotally connected to the implement frame and includes a ground engaging member. An actuator has a first portion connected to the implement frame and a second portion connected to the tool assembly. Movement of the actuator adjusts the position of the tool assembly relative to the implement frame. The lateral frame member includes an actuator opening and at least a portion of the actuator extends into the actuator opening and the lateral frame member.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an agricultural tillage disk blade includes providing a substantially circular-shaped disk body with an outer peripheral edge and a central opening that defines a rotation axis, the outer body being disposed within a first plane. A plurality of waves is formed in a predetermined pattern in the outer peripheral edge of the disk body, and the outer peripheral edge is sharpened to form a plurality of teeth such that at least a portion of the sharpened outer peripheral edge is disposed within a second plane that is parallel to the first plane and substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis. The method also includes machining a plurality of relief portions in each of the plurality of waves at a location radially inward of the plurality of teeth, and heat treating the disk body after the sharpening and machining steps.

Abstract: A tillage machine includes a main frame, a gang rotatably coupled to the main frame, and an arcuately-shaped adjustment rail coupled to the main frame. At least a portion of the adjustment rail is spaced from the main frame. The adjustment rail includes a plurality of apertures each configured to receive a locking structure, and the adjustment rail defines an open space adjacent the main frame.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming a first, a second, and a third frame section. A hydraulic control system controls a raising or lowering movement of each frame section. A first actuator and a second actuator are coupled to the first frame section, a third actuator is coupled to the second frame section, and a fourth actuator is coupled to the third frame section. A first control valve is fluidly coupled between a fluid source and the first and second actuators. A second control valve is fluidly coupled to the third actuator and a third control valve is fluidly coupled to the fourth actuator. A first flow path fluidly couples the first actuator, the second actuator, the third actuator, and the fourth actuator in series and a second flow path fluidly couples at least the third and fourth actuators in parallel with one another.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming a first, a second, and a third frame section. A hydraulic control system controls a raising or lowering movement of each frame section. A first actuator and a second actuator are coupled to the first frame section, a third actuator is coupled to the second frame section, and a fourth actuator is coupled to the third frame section. A first control valve is fluidly coupled between a fluid source and the first and second actuators. A second control valve is fluidly coupled to the third actuator and a third control valve is fluidly coupled to the fourth actuator. A first flow path fluidly couples the first actuator, the second actuator, the third actuator, and the fourth actuator in series and a second flow path fluidly couples at least the third and fourth actuators in parallel with one another.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming a first, a second, and a third frame section. A hydraulic control system controls a raising or lowering movement of each frame section. A first actuator and a second actuator are coupled to the first frame section, a third actuator is coupled to the second frame section, and a fourth actuator is coupled to the third frame section. A first control valve is fluidly coupled between a fluid source and the first and second actuators. A second control valve is fluidly coupled to the third actuator and a third control valve is fluidly coupled to the fourth actuator. A first flow path fluidly couples the first actuator, the second actuator, the third actuator, and the fourth actuator in series and a second flow path fluidly couples at least the third and fourth actuators in parallel with one another.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming a first, a second, and a third frame section. A hydraulic control system controls a raising or lowering movement of each frame section. A first actuator and a second actuator are coupled to the first frame section, a third actuator is coupled to the second frame section, and a fourth actuator is coupled to the third frame section. A first control valve is fluidly coupled between a fluid source and the first and second actuators. A second control valve is fluidly coupled to the third actuator and a third control valve is fluidly coupled to the fourth actuator. A first flow path fluidly couples the first actuator, the second actuator, the third actuator, and the fourth actuator in series and a second flow path fluidly couples at least the third and fourth actuators in parallel with one another.

Abstract: A seal assembly is disclosed for a bearing having first ring with a first inner surface, a second ring with a second inner surface, and at least one bearing member disposed between the first and second inner surfaces. An exterior seal with a first plurality of lips is attached to an exterior backing, the exterior backing engaging the first ring of the bearing to hold the first plurality of lips against the second inner surface of the second ring. An interior seal with a second plurality of lips is attached to an interior backing, the interior backing engaging the second ring of the bearing to hold the second plurality of lips against the first inner surface of the first ring. The second plurality of lips may be configure differently than the first plurality of seal lips. The interior backing may be oriented between the exterior seal and the interior seal.

Abstract: A seal assembly is disclosed for a bearing having first ring with a first inner surface, a second ring with a second inner surface, and at least one bearing member disposed between the first and second inner surfaces. An exterior seal with a first plurality of lips is attached to an exterior backing, the exterior backing engaging the first ring of the bearing to hold the first plurality of lips against the second inner surface of the second ring. An interior seal with a second plurality of lips is attached to an interior backing, the interior backing engaging the second ring of the bearing to hold the second plurality of lips against the first inner surface of the first ring. The second plurality of lips may be configure differently than the first plurality of seal lips. The interior backing may be oriented between the exterior seal and the interior seal.

Abstract: A self-compensating multiple-section agricultural implement is disclosed. The agricultural implement includes a first ground-engaging tool coupled to a first frame section. A lift device in fluid communication with a hydraulic controller is coupled to the first frame section. The lift device is configured for raising and lowering the first frame section to move the first ground-engaging tool between a first ground-engaging tool transport position and a first pre-selected operating depth. A second frame section is coupled to the first frame section forward of the first ground-engaging tool. A second ground-engaging tool is coupled to the second frame section. An extendable and retractable cylinder is in fluid communication with the hydraulic controller and is coupled to the first frame section and the second frame section.

Abstract: A self-compensating multiple-section agricultural implement is disclosed. The agricultural implement includes a first ground-engaging tool coupled to a first frame section. A lift device in fluid communication with a hydraulic controller is coupled to the first frame section. The lift device is configured for raising and lowering the first frame section to move the first ground-engaging tool between a first ground-engaging tool transport position and a first pre-selected operating depth. A second frame section is coupled to the first frame section forward of the first ground-engaging tool. A second ground-engaging tool is coupled to the second frame section. An extendable and retractable cylinder is in fluid communication with the hydraulic controller and is coupled to the first frame section and the second frame section.

Abstract: A control system for an agricultural implement is disclosed. The control system includes a position sensor configured to measure a depth indication of an actual operating depth of a ground-engaging tool and configured to generate a corresponding position signal. A pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure indication of an actual operating pressure and configured to generate a corresponding pressure signal. An implement control unit configured to receive the position signal and the pressure signal and configured to control an adjustment device so that the depth indication targets a depth set point that is indicative of the pre-selected operating depth provided that the pressure indication is within a pre-selected pressure range.

Abstract: An implement wheel assembly includes two individual wheel arms tied together by a linkage that pivots about a fore-and-aft extending axis at a location above the wheels and generally above the plane of the implement frame. The linkage constrains the wheel arms to pivot in opposite vertical directions as the implement moves over irregular ground surfaces to improve weight distribution on the wheels. Spring structure may be interposed between the ends of a pivoting linkage and the individual wheel arms to lower frame impact forces. The structure allows two wheels to be placed side-by-side with their axes generally aligned and reduces under-frame hardware to improve crop and soil and trash flow.

Abstract: An implement wheel assembly includes two individual wheel arms tied together by a linkage that pivots about a fore-and-aft extending axis at a location above the wheels and generally above the plane of the implement frame. The linkage constrains the wheel arms to pivot in opposite vertical directions as the implement moves over irregular ground surfaces to improve weight distribution on the wheels. Spring structure may be interposed between the ends of a pivoting linkage and the individual wheel arms to lower frame impact forces. The structure allows two wheels to be placed side-by-side with their axes generally aligned and reduces under-frame hardware to improve crop and soil and trash flow.

Abstract: A knife assembly includes a unique finned point with angled soil-engaging surfaces defining several fracture areas and preventing slabbing to avoid excessive soil disturbance and knife wear. The knife has an extended length between the point and upper mounting brackets to facilitate operation of the point over a substantial range of depths, and the mounting brackets operate above ground level even at maximum point depth operation.

Abstract: A knife assembly includes a unique finned point with angled soil-engaging surfaces defining several fracture areas and preventing slabbing to avoid excessive soil disturbance and knife wear. The knife has an extended length between the point and upper mounting brackets to facilitate operation of the point over a substantial range of depths, and the mounting brackets operate above ground level even at maximum point depth operation.