Abstract: A system for preventing rotation of fasteners is provided that includes secondary locking devices. The system may include multiple fasteners that extend parallel to each other and may be arranged in a generally circular pattern. Multiple secondary locks may be arranged concentrically outside of the fasteners and have radially extending teeth so that teeth of adjacent secondary locks engage each other for preventing rotation of the fasteners. The secondary fasteners may have central openings that are larger than the fasteners to allow for substantial back-and-forth rotational movement, which may be between about 5 to 20 degrees of travel, of the secondary locks upon the fasteners before being stopped by the engagements of the secondary locks and fasteners. Inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the secondary locks may have different axes of symmetry which may allow the secondary lock teeth to be arranged asymmetrically relative to the fasteners.

Abstract: A front fork assembly for use with a three-wheel agricultural floater has a yoke having a first yoke portion and a second yoke portion extending downwardly from generally opposite ends of an upper yoke portion. A first plurality of wheel mounting points is formed on the first yoke portion and a second plurality of wheel mounting points is formed on the second yoke portion. The front fork assembly further includes a first wheel mounting arrangement formed from selected mounting points of the first plurality and the second plurality of mounting points. A second wheel mounting arrangement, different from the first wheel mounting arrangement, is formed from selected mounting points of the first plurality and the second plurality of mounting points. In this regard, the front fork assembly provides more than one mounting position for a front floatation tire.

Abstract: A front fork assembly for use with a three-wheel agricultural floater has a yoke having a first yoke portion and a second yoke portion extending downwardly from generally opposite ends of an upper yoke portion. A first plurality of wheel mounting points is formed on the first yoke portion and a second plurality of wheel mounting points is formed on the second yoke portion. The front fork assembly further includes a first wheel mounting arrangement formed from selected mounting points of the first plurality and the second plurality of mounting points. A second wheel mounting arrangement, different from the first wheel mounting arrangement, is formed from selected mounting points of the first plurality and the second plurality of mounting points. In this regard, the front fork assembly provides more than one mounting position for a front floatation tire.

Abstract: A front axle assembly for a floater or other agricultural implement has a hollow shaft with pressed-in axle stubs for mounting the shaft to a pair of bearing assemblies. A pair of discs are mounted or otherwise secured to ends of the hollow shaft. The discs are angled inwardly from a position generally adjacent an inner end of the pressed-in axle stubs. The placement of the discs reduces stress applied to the hollow shaft during use.

Abstract: A system configured to drive a fan of an agricultural applicator is provided. The fan is mounted on a wheeled chassis assembly propelled via a drive train by an engine in a forward direction of travel. The system includes a hydraulic pump mechanically driven by the engine. The hydraulic pump is connected to drive the fan in creating a pressurized air stream to distribute product from the applicator across a field. The system further includes a stroke limiter mechanically connected to the hydraulic pump. When the engine slows below a threshold speed, the stroke limiter automatically diverts a portion of a power demand by the hydraulic pump via the drive train to drive movement of the wheeled chassis assembly.

Abstract: A side mounted storage device is provided for an agricultural applicator having a frame assembly in support of a drive unit or engine configured to drive the agricultural applicator on a plurality of wheel assemblies in a forward direction of travel. The storage device includes a fixed storage compartment and a pivotal storage compartment. The pivotal storage compartment is pivotally attached at the forward end of the fixed storage compartment with respect to the forward direction of travel of the agricultural applicator. From a closed position, the pivotal storage compartment is coupled to swing in a radially outward direction with respect to the frame assembly of the agricultural applicator. In a preferred embodiment, the pivotal storage compartment in the open position provides an operator on the ground with ready access to the engine.

Abstract: A configuration of a three-wheeled agricultural applicator is provided that enhances visibility or the field of view of an operator. The three-wheeled agricultural applicator includes a frame assembly having a fork assembly and a kingpin extending generally upward therefrom. The three-wheeled agricultural applicator further includes a steering assembly that includes a steering wheel interlinked by a left steering actuator and a right steering actuator with a steering plate attached at the top of the kingpin. This configuration allows a hood associated with a drive unit of the three-wheeled agricultural applicator to be angled in a downward direction towards the forward direction of travel, thus enhancing the operator's field of view.

Abstract: A system is provided for regulating a ground speed of a vehicle having an engine and a variable transmission that is driven by the engine. The system includes a mode selector that is movable for selection between a high speed mode of operation and a deceleration mode of operation. The system also includes a controller connected in communication with the mode selector and a manual input. The controller is configured to receive and store a deceleration gear value via the manual input for operation of the system. When the mode selector is selectively positioned for the deceleration mode of operation, the controller is operatively connected to cause the engine to operate at a deceleration engine speed value, and to cause the transmission to automatically shift to the deceleration gear value.

Abstract: A frame assembly is configured to enhance control and maneuverability of a three-wheeled agricultural applicator. The frame assembly includes a fork assembly mounted on a single front wheel assembly having a single front floatation tire. The front floatation tire generally includes a tread having a central crown, a first tread face extending in one direction from the crown, and a second tread face extending in a second direction from the crown opposite the first tread face. The frame assembly includes a spindle housing having an opening with a central axis aligned at an angle from vertical and configured to receive a kingpin extending upward from the fork assembly. When turning the agricultural applicator at a turn angle from a straight-forward direction of travel, the angle of the kingpin causes the vertical alignment of the crown of the front tire to roll a roll angle from vertical.

Abstract: A three-wheeled agricultural applicator includes a hood assembly with enhanced maneuverability between an open and a closed position. The hood assembly includes a hood and a linkage assembly coupling the hood to a frame assembly of the agricultural applicator. The linkage assembly includes a first pivotal hood coupling assembly, a second pivotal hood coupling assembly, and a third pivotal hood coupling assembly located therebetween, attached to the hood. The linkage assembly further includes a first assist device and a second assist device each attached between the hood and frame assembly. The first and second assist devices are each configured to exert a force to assist the operator in moving the hood from the closed position toward an open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake system configured to enhance control and maneuverability of a three-wheeled agricultural applicator. The brake system includes a brake pedal in fluid communication with a rear brake system and a front brake system. The front brake system includes a flow limiter in communication with a brake actuator configured to delay application of a second braking force by the front brake system relative to application of a first braking force by the rear brake system. The front brake system includes a front brake mechanism comprising a caliper assembly in combination with a disc brake configured to apply the second braking force to the at least one front wheel assembly. The caliper assembly employs a spacer combined with a series of bushings to float the caliper assembly in general alignment with movement of the disc brake caused by dynamic forces associated with operation of the vehicle.