Abstract: A supporting wheel substitute or track drive conversion apparatus is connectible to a driven wheel of a vehicle having a support frame. A frame is pivotally connectible to the support frame of the vehicle for movement in a vertical plane relative to the support frame of the vehicle. An end wheel is positionable spaced longitudinally from the driven wheel of the vehicle along the frame. Adjustable members selectively secure the end wheel in various longitudinal positions along the frame with respect to the driven wheel of the vehicle. An endless, flexible track is trainable over the end wheel and the driven wheel of the vehicle and is engageable with a surface over which the vehicle is traveling.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for manipulating and clearing crop residue or other debris from a zone of soil before tilling the zone of soil to form a seedbed. The apparatus may be attached to the tool bar of a farm implement and includes a pair of fingered wheels which are rotated by the ground and manipulate the crop residue as the apparatus moves along the ground. A rotating coulter blade is disposed behind and between the wheels, and the wheels pull the residue rearward and press it against the soil surface where it is cut by the rotating coulter blade. The coulter blade cuts the residue into several portions at least some of which are thrown outward away from the zone of soil to be tilled. A zone tillage apparatus then tills, mixes, aerates and fertilizes the soil in the zone to form a fertilized seedbed, and a planter places seed in the seedbed, all of these procedures being carried out in one pass along the soil.

Abstract: A soil manipulation device is provided for closing a groove in soil formed by a soil tiller shank. The device includes a frame connected to a rear portion of the tiller shank and a pair of rotatable coulter blades mounted on the frame for engaging soil behind the tiller shank. The coulter blades are positioned on opposite sides of the groove so as to close the groove in the soil behind the tiller shank. The coulter blades are selectively movable and positionable in directions toward and away from each other so as to vary the distance between the coulter blades. The coulter blades also are selectively movable and positionable in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the frame, so as to permit variation in depth of coulter blade penetration into the soil.

Abstract: A coulter blade assembly for use with a farm implement, which assembly comprises a first coulter unit, a second coulter unit, and a third coulter unit, all units mounted to the implement in a triangular arrangement in plan; with the first coulter unit being a lead unit, the second coulter unit trailing and to one side of the lead unit, and the third coulter unit trailing and placed to an opposite side of the second coulter unit for forming with said other coulter units a seedbed, and a substance applicator mounted on the third coulter unit for applying the substance onto the seedbed, and optionally a second substance applicator mounted on the second coulter unit for applying another substance onto the seedbed separated laterally from the other substances. The invention includes further a process of preparing a seedbed by moving and rotating implements such as coulter blades into the ground in a particular triangular relationship in conjunction with one or more substance applications concurrently therewith.

Abstract: A pair of coulter units arranged in a staggered relationship, each coulter unit having an upstanding shank of a height to place the shanks below a tool bar, a single, relatively flat plate disposed on a diagonal to support both shanks, and a single upstanding support member secured to the plate for mounting on the tool bar.

Abstract: A seedbed preparation apparatus attachable to existing seed planting devices comprising a coulter cart. The apparatus is designed to lessen the number of passes required to prepare and plant a field. Fertilizer delivery is provided to the soil raised by the coulter wheels. The fertilizer injector nozzles are secured to flexible mounting devices to permit the nozzle to move in accordance with the terrain preventing clogging or stoppage of the nozzles.

Abstract: A clearing assembly of a farm implement comprises a clearing wheel having peripheral teeth for clearing mulch and means for attaching the clearing assembly for centrally positioning the clearing wheel in front of a tool of a unit of the farm implement. The clearing assembly has a vertical standard and an arm attached radially to the lower end of the standard. The outer end of the arm is connected to the hub of the Wheel. The upper end of the standard is adjustable vertically and rotatively within the attaching means to position the clearing wheel vertically for minimum penetration of soil and transversely for clearing a path with a centerline directly in front of the tool of the unit.

Abstract: A one pass seedbed preparation device having two fluted coulter assemblies per seedbed. The coulter assemblies are attachable to existing seed planting apparatus at their bias spring housings and are offset to provide self-cleaning action. Fertilizer delivery is then provided to an area surrounding the seedbed raised by the coulter wheels. The fertilizer may be delivered by a knife-blade cultivator, an injector or a rolling-disc drive.

Abstract: A one pass seedbed preparation device having two fluted coulter assemblies per seedbed. The coulter assemblies are attachable to existing seed planting apparatus at their bias spring housings and are offset to provide self-cleaning action. Fertilizer delivery is then provided to an area surrounding the seedbed raised by the coulter wheels. The fertilizer may be delivered by a knife-blade cultivator, an injector or a rolling-disc drive.