Abstract: Tube mounted bracket structure for a toolbar or similar tube with a rectangular cross section includes a bracket having a tube abutting flange with an aperture offset from an elongated slot. A rotatable insert has an inwardly directed and elongated projection conforming to the shape of the elongated slot and an aperture located at one extremity of the projection. The aperture extends through the projection and through an integral washer portion which defines an enlarged shoulder area for contacting the tube abutting flange when the insert is positioned in the slot. The elongated projection generally fills the entire slot with the exception of the aperture, thereby presenting a relatively solid bolt receiving area for mounting a U-bolt or similar bolt structure. For a toolbar or tube having relatively large cross section, the insert is positioned in the slot to provide maximum offset from the flange aperture.

Abstract: Down pressure structure for providing an adjustable down force on a rig of row crop implement such as a cultivator includes an overcenter toggle connected to the rig for pivoting about a toggle axis between a first and second positions. The toggle has a protrusion that contacts the edge of a rig plate at two different locations corresponding to a light and a heavy down pressure position. A down pressure spring is tensioned between the frame and the toggle and maintains the toggle in a selected one of two overcenter positions corresponding to the two different spring tension positions. A hex projection on the toggle receives a conventional wrench for moving the toggle between the first and second positions. A second toggle and down pressure spring combination provide additional spring adjustments so that at a numerous easily determinable down pressure settings are available.

Abstract: A series of notches are provided in the upright plates on one end of a parallel bar linkage connecting a cultivator rig or planter assembly to a tool bar. Coil springs are tensioned between the opposite end of the linkage and a rod and trunnion assembly that fits into the series of notches. The coil springs maintain the rod and trunnion in a selected set of notches. A handle on the rod allows the operator to walk the rod and trunnion assembly up and down the series of notches to select a different set of notches and thereby incrementally adjust the down pressure to a known value or setting. When the tool bar is raised to a transport position and the linkage pivots downwardly to a lowermost position, the spring is stretched only slightly so that down pressure adjustments can be made easily using only the handle on the rod.

Abstract: A gauge wheel assembly includes a gauge wheel arm that straddles the rig tube and is supported on the tube by two bushings inserted through holes on either side of the tube. The bushings contact each other near the center of the tube to provide a solid or hard joint which permits the pivot bolt to be tightened without crushing the sides of the tube. The bushing has protrusions that are pressed into the tubing wall during installation and thereby prevent bushing rotation. Two different straps at the lower end of the wheel arm permits at least three different combinations of gauge wheels to be quickly and easily mounted. A compact and easily accessible depth adjusting crank is supported entirely above the rig tube. A depth indicator projects from the crank trunnion mounting on the upper end of the wheel arm to provide an indication of depth adjustment.

Abstract: Hitch ball assemblies for implement hitches are welded directly into holes formed in sidewalls of tubing ends which have been flattened to provide direct load transfer from the tubing to the implement frame. Several different flattened end cross-sectional configurations provide strong ball joint areas with a pleasing appearance. In one embodiment, an additional plate is supported between the sidewalls prior to flattening, and the hole is formed in the two sidewalls and the plate in the same hole-forming operation. The reduced number of hitch parts and welding steps decreases cost and dimensional variations.

Abstract: An improved disk harrow C-spring with a tapered cross section which reduces the compressive stresses in the inside radius and improves vertical and side-to-side flexibility. The curved portion of the C-spring has a constant cross section at the top and around three-fourths of the bend. At a location on the bend 45 degrees down from the horizontal, the thickness tapers to a location forward of the bearing hanger. The cross section is constant from the end of the taper to the end of the spring. The tapered cross section allows a thicker section to be used on the most highly stressed areas in the upper quadrant of the curved portion of the C-spring. The lower quadrant taper results in uniform stress distribution along the entire C-spring with the maximum compressive stress on the inside radius reduced substantially over a conventional C-spring. In addition, the tapered design provides an increase in both vertical and side-to-side flexibility for improved operation in rocky soil.

Abstract: A flexible spike-tooth harrow having a plurality of tooth-supporting angles spaced fore-and-aft by connecting structure including reversible link straps having opposed edge surfaces on one end thereof tapered with respect to the axis of the strap at differing angles. A selected one of the edges is positioned against the top side of the angle to maintain the spikes in a preselected working attitude. By simply reversing the strap with respect to its longitudinal axis, the working angle of the spikes can be changed.

Abstract: A spray cart which straddles a trailing implement hitch and supports a tank on two castering wheels and on the tractor hitch. The caster wheels have adjustable tread, and the caster wheel support structure provides additional strength to the tank support frame. A stabilizer bar is connected between the cart and the trailing implement to make them operate as a single unit. The cart serves to closely connect the trailing implement and the tractor and provide straight-line pull through the system.

Abstract: A twisted shovel, for a chisel plow or similar implement, having a concave twisted surface. The concave surface maintains soil flow in the desired path as the shovel is moved forwardly through the soil. The soil displaced by the shovel is directed more effectively by the concave surface to one side of the shank to improve crop residue flow and incorporation, and the concave shape significantly improves the bending strength of the shovel over that of flat-twisted shovels of comparable width and thickness.