Abstract: A down-pressure system for an agricultural seeder includes single-action hydraulic cylinders connected between a rockshaft assembly and respective opener assemblies. The single-action hydraulic cylinders are connected to a pressure-regulated hydraulic circuit. The regulated pressure from the hydraulic circuit operates to bias the hydraulic cylinders in an extended direction to apply downforce to the opener assemblies when the rockshaft assembly is in its lowered condition with the opener assemblies engaging the soil. A double-acting hydraulic cylinder is provided for rotating the rockshaft assembly between a raised transport position and a lowered field working position. The double-acting hydraulic cylinder and the single-action hydraulic cylinders for applying down-pressure to the opener assemblies can be operated on the same hydraulic circuit, or on separate circuits.

Abstract: A down-pressure system for an agricultural implement has a linear actuator connected between a frame assembly and an opener assembly. A mounting structure for connecting the linear actuator to the opener assembly includes a bushing and an alignment member attached to the linear actuator. The bushing has protrusions extending transversely from opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the linear actuator. Each protrusion has a curved engagement surface for engaging a flat surface on the opener assembly to prevent bending stresses on the linear actuator when the opener assembly is raised and lowered. The alignment member is arranged to lock the bushing into a predetermined rotational position about a longitudinal axis of the linear actuator relative to the opener assembly. The alignment member comprises a first structure that mates with a corresponding structure on the bushing, and a second structure that engages opposite sides of the opener assembly.

Abstract: A down-pressure system for an agricultural implement has a linear actuator connected between a frame assembly and an opener assembly. A mounting structure for connecting the linear actuator to the opener assembly includes a bushing and an alignment member attached to the linear actuator. The bushing has protrusions extending transversely from opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the linear actuator. Each protrusion has a curved engagement surface for engaging a flat surface on the opener assembly to prevent bending stresses on the linear actuator when the opener assembly is raised and lowered. The alignment member is arranged to lock the bushing into a predetermined rotational position about a longitudinal axis of the linear actuator relative to the opener assembly. The alignment member comprises a first structure that mates with a corresponding structure on the bushing, and a second structure that engages opposite sides of the opener assembly.

Abstract: A down-pressure system for an agricultural seeder includes single-action hydraulic cylinders connected between a rockshaft assembly and respective opener assemblies. The single-action hydraulic cylinders are connected to a pressure-regulated hydraulic circuit. The regulated pressure from the hydraulic circuit operates to bias the hydraulic cylinders in an extended direction to apply downforce to the opener assemblies when the rockshaft assembly is in its lowered condition with the opener assemblies engaging the soil. A double-acting hydraulic cylinder is provided for rotating the rockshaft assembly between a raised transport position and a lowered field working position. The double-acting hydraulic cylinder and the single-action hydraulic cylinders for applying down-pressure to the opener assemblies can be operated on the same hydraulic circuit, or on separate circuits.