Abstract: An agricultural planter is provided with forwardly folding wing members that allow conversion of the planter from a laterally extending operating position to a compact transport position. To increase stability for the planter, the draw bar telescopes as the wing members are folded forwardly into the transport position. Brace members interconnect a forward portion of the draw bar and the wing members. As the wing members fold forwardly, the brace members are arranged to cause a rearward portion of the draw bar to extend rearwardly from the forward portion and effect the telescopic action in the draw bar. A draw bar hitch lock linkage is provided to keep the draw bar compacted when the wing members are in the operating position. A hitch lock actuator is tied into the hydraulic system for the movement of the wing members into the transport position to permit the telescopic action of the draw bar in concert with the forward folding of the wing members.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided with a forward folding tool bar that is pivotally mounted on the draw bar for rotation about a transverse pivot axis as part of the folding and unfolding of the tool bar. The tool bar is provided with a tower apparatus having a passageway therethrough for alignment with pivot linkages for providing a floating movement of the pivotally mounted wing members with the wing fold actuators forming a rigid link in the pivot linkages. An unfold finger is mounted on the draw bar where the tower mechanism would be positioned upon the rotation of the tool bar into an intermediate transport position such that the unfold finger is positionable within the passageway through the tower apparatus. The unfold finger is spring-biased and incorporates lost movement slots to allow the unfold finger to yield when the passageway is blocked as the tower apparatus is moved over the unfold finger.