Abstract: A system includes a hollow shaft, a drum, an absolute encoder, a driving mechanism, a conveyor belt, a photoelectric sensor, and a controller. A structural optimization design method of the drum is provided on the basis of theoretical calculation of a seeding track of the drum-type seed-metering device, a theoretical model of a conveying position of a tray and a seed-metering angle is built with the aim of continuously sowing grains to the center of each hole, the conveying position of the tray and a rotating position of suction holes on the drum are monitored in real time on a seedling raising line, and a difference value between the actual position of the suction holes and the theoretical seed-metering angle and a change rate of the difference value are calculated and serve as input parameters to design a fuzzy controller of the rotation speed of the drum.

Abstract: A sowing unit for a sowing machine that comprises a coupling device, a joint device provided between the coupling device and a support device with separate fastening points for functional components, and a sowing heart which meters a work product is disclosed. The support device has a proximal support arm, which couples to the joint device, and a distal support arm, which, on a side of the proximal support arm facing away from the joint device, extends away from the proximal support arm, and on which the sowing heart is arranged laterally in the area of an assembly section in such a way that a rear side of the sowing heart is arranged so as to be located opposite to the assembly section of the distal support arm and a front side of the sowing heart is arranged so as to be unobstructed by the support device.

Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine has a seed meter assembly having first and second reservoirs for holding a first pool of seeds and a second pool of seeds, respectively. The seed meter assembly is operable to selectively transport seeds from the first pool and seeds from the second pool. The row unit also has a conveyor with a conduit for receiving seeds and configured to discharge the seeds from the seeding machine, and a seed loader disposed between the seed meter assembly and the conveyor for directing the seeds from the seed meter assembly to the conveyor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a synthetic athletic field grooming apparatus configured to be pulled by a vehicle to maintain the synthetic athletic field. The apparatus comprises a frame having a coupling mechanism for mounting the apparatus to the vehicle. At least one broom channel is coupled to the frame rearward of the coupling mechanism, and forward and aft rows of brushes are attached to the broom channel. The aft row of brushes is spaced apart from and rearward of the forward row of brushes to allow infill of the synthetic athletic field to flick upward from the forward row while containing the infill for re-agitation from the aft row. The coupling mechanism and the frame allow an attached vehicle to control a downward pressure forcing the rows of brushes into contact with the synthetic athletic field with a desired force. Also disclosed is a method of grooming a synthetic athletic field.

Abstract: A vehicle module having a height, a width and a length, front and rear vertical panels and a horizontal floor, and wherein said height and width are adjustable and the front and rear vertical panels are foldable to allow enlargement of an empty module to pass over another module. The modules are useful for transport of passengers or goods, particularly in a guided rail system.

Abstract: A planting unit for a seed machine is described. The planting unit includes a seed meter with a metering member that moves seed along a first path to a release position, at which the seed is moving in a first direction. A delivery system receives seed from the metering member at the release position and moves the seed in a second direction by way of a brush belt with flexible bristles that sweep seed off the metering member. A blocking member has a blocking face adjacent the first path to prevent movement of the seed in the second direction until the seed has passed the blocking face, and to deflect a first portion of the flexible bristles. The blocking member includes a transition surface to allow the deflected bristles to return gradually to an un-deflected configuration as the bristles travel downstream of the blocking face.

Abstract: A tractor (100) comprises an internal combustion engine (107) for delivering torque, wheels (101-104) or tracks for imparting a propulsive force to the ground, and a power takeoff shaft (110) for delivering torque to implements attached thereto. The power takeoff shaft is driven by a mechanical drive connection to the engine. An electrical motor/generator (115) is drivingly connected to the engine, and at least one electrical motor (121-124) is arranged to deliver a propulsion force to the wheels or tracks. The motor is electrically connected to, and powered by, the electrical motor/generator. A battery (120) is connected to the electrical motor/generator and to the electrical motor so that electrical energy can be passed therebetween. The motor/generator can also operate as a motor so that the power takeoff shaft is at least partially powered by electrical energy from the battery.

Abstract: A seed delivery system for use in a seeding or planting machine that removes the seed from a seed meter by capturing the seed therefrom. The delivery system then moves the seed down to a lower discharge point and accelerates the seed horizontally rearward to a speed approximately equal to the forward travel speed of the seeding machine such that the seed, when discharged has a low or zero horizontal velocity relative to the ground. Rolling of the seed in the trench is thus reduced. Furthermore, as the seed only has a short drop from the outlet to the bottom of the seed trench, the seed has little vertical speed to induce bounce. The delivery system uses a brush belt to capture, move and accelerate the seed. By capturing the seed and moving it from the meter to the discharge, the seed is held in place relative to other seeds and the planter row unit. As a result, the seeds are isolated from row unit dynamics thereby maintaining seed spacing.

Abstract: A seeding machine with a seed meter and a seed delivery system for moving seed from a seed meter to a furrow formed in the soil. The delivery system has an endless member moving in a housing about pulleys to move seed from an upper opening in the housing to a lower discharge opening. In one embodiment, a loading wheel at the upper opening to the housing engages seed on a metering disk to move seed into the housing. The metering disk and housing can be arranged in planes parallel to one another.

Abstract: A seeding machine with a seed meter and a seed delivery system for moving seed from a seed meter to a furrow formed in the soil. The delivery system has an endless member moving in a housing about pulleys to move seed from an upper opening in the housing to a lower discharge opening. In one embodiment, a loading wheel at the upper opening to the housing engages seed on a metering disk to move seed into the housing. The metering disk and housing can be arranged in planes parallel to one another.

Abstract: A planting system for planting multiple seed varieties. The planting system includes a planter having a plurality of tanks and a plurality of row units. A plurality of seed meters are included in of the plurality of the row units. A seed transport belt is disposed below the plurality of seed meters to transport seed from each of the plurality of seed meters into a seed tube. Each of the plurality of seed meters is engaged and disengaged by a clutch, and the seed transport belt is disposed below the plurality of seed meters in an angled orientation.

Abstract: A seed delivery system for use in a seeding machine that removes seed from a seed meter by capturing seed therefrom. The delivery system moves seed down to a lower discharge point and accelerates seed horizontally rearward to a speed approximately equal to the forward travel speed of the machine such that the seed, when discharged has a low or zero horizontal velocity relative to the ground. The delivery system uses a brush belt to capture, move and accelerate the seed. By capturing the seed and moving it from the meter to the discharge, each seed is held in place relative to other seeds and the planter row unit. As a result, the seeds are isolated from row unit dynamics thereby maintaining seed spacing.

Abstract: A manifold actuator assembly is provided with a manifold comprising a block, and a hydraulic actuator connected to a solenoid valve within the block. The solenoid valve controls hydraulic, linear movement of a rod of the hydraulic actuator. The manifold actuator assembly may be used in a metering system to open and close movable gates disposed downstream from a meter roller before product enters a distribution system. The manifold actuator assembly may also be used as a locking apparatus to lock and unlock members in a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: A seed metering apparatus having a selectably actuated panel positioned between the metering apparatus and discharge chute, the panel moving between an open position and a closed position such that seeds may be more accurately spaced and metered without disrupting the drive mechanism of the seed metering apparatus. A seed metering apparatus where metered but non-discharged seeds are returned to a seed reservoir for subsequent metering and planting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to be used for the mechanized distribution of natural antagonists for the treatment of crops grown in greenhouse or in open field, under organic and/or integrated regimen, improving uniformity of distribution and concomitantly reducing the time spent in the distribution, with respect to other known systems in the current state of the art.

Abstract: A volumetric metering system for a seeding machine is provided with movable gates disposed downstream from the meter roller but before the product enters a distribution system to selectively stop the flow of product through sections of the metering system. By placing the shut-off gate after the meter but before product enters the distribution system, there will not be a delay in stoppage of product flow while the meter empties of product. Furthermore, by locating the gate before the distribution system, the metered product is not mixed with the air stream or with additional products, causing a need for product redirection into a pressurized tank or separation of multiple products.

Abstract: A volumetric metering system for a seeding machine is provided with a plurality of movable inserts each insert defining a ledge over which the seed falls to the meter outlet. The inserts are selectively movable between an open position in which seed is allowed to flow over the ledge and a closed position in which the inserts close the product flow to the outlet. By locating the product shut-off after the meter but before product enters the distribution system, there will only be a short delay in stoppage of product flow once the shut-off is closed.

Abstract: A seed meter with a flat seed disk with seed apertures on the peripheral edge of the disk results is provided. The seed pick-up on the disk edge enables a more predictable seed trajectory thereby improving the accuracy of seed spacing. With seed pick-up on the disk periphery, the seed reservoir in the meter housing is located rearward of the disk as opposed to the side of the disk, resulting in a narrowing of the meter housing, making it easier to package two meters close together for twin row planting or to lower the meter in the row unit, reducing the seed drop distance. With improved seed placement accuracy, the planter travel speed can be increased. Further efficiency is gained by a vacuum clean-out of the seed meters, reducing the time required to change seed type or variety.

Abstract: A seed meter is provided having an endless belt as a seed transport member together with a pressure differential to hold the seed onto the belt. The use of an endless belt as the seed transport member enables the spatial orientation of the seed transport member to vary from location to location along the path of the belt where different seed meter functions are performed. The belt allows greater freedom in determining the location of the seed pick-up region and the seed release or removal region beyond the constraints of a fixed diameter seed disk. The belt further allows for a narrow envelope seed meter which can cross-feed seed into a substantially vertically oriented delivery device.

Abstract: A seed delivery system for use in a seeding or planting machine that removes the seed from a seed meter by capturing the seed therefrom. The delivery system then moves the seed down to a lower discharge point and accelerates the seed horizontally rearward to a speed approximately equal to the forward travel speed of the seeding machine such that the seed, when discharged has a low or zero horizontal velocity relative to the ground. Rolling of the seed in the trench is thus reduced. Furthermore, as the seed only has a short drop from the outlet to the bottom of the seed trench, the seed has little vertical speed to induce bounce. The delivery system uses a brush belt to capture, move and accelerate the seed. By capturing the seed and moving it from the meter to the discharge, the seed is held in place relative to other seeds and the planter row unit. As a result, the seeds are isolated from row unit dynamics thereby maintaining seed spacing.

Abstract: A spreader accessory mountable below the extension rack of an ATV. In another aspect, an improved spreader mechanism that automatically starts and stops the feed of material from a storage container in conjunction with the distribution of material therefrom.

Abstract: An assembly for selectively supplying particulate material to an air seeder, an agricultural implement able to selectively supply and dispense particulate material into the ground and a method of selectively dispensing particulate material into the ground are provided. The assembly has at least one supply receptacle for receiving particulate material from a source and a metering roller for supplying the material to an air seeder. The assembly is operative to selectively supply the material to the air seeder and prevent the material from being supplied to the air seeder. The implement can use the assembly to selectively supply particulate material to ground engaging openers where the particulate material will be dispensed into the ground. Particulate material can be selectively supplied to the implement when it is desired to have the particulate material dispensed into the ground and then prevented from being supplied to the implement when it is not desirable.

Abstract: The applicator system is designed to distribute agriculturally beneficial matter across a field. The system includes a supply reservoir and an agitator assembly that grates and abrades matter in the supply reservoir until the abraded matter precipitates out of the supply reservoir and onto a supply conveyor. The supply conveyor conveys the matter to a distribution device. The distribution device meters the matter onto at least two lateral distribution conveyors. At the end of each of the distribution conveyors the matter is funneled downwardly into an open trench created by a trenching device associated with each distribution conveyor. After the matter is deposited into the trench, a trench closing assembly directs soil back into the trench and compresses the soil surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method for dense phase transport of a granular product, such as seed. A dense phase delivery line includes a porous medium located along a side wall of the dense phase delivery line. When air and seed are send through the delivery line, a control cover may be moveably positionable over the porous medium to control the flow of air through the porous medium and to start, stop, or otherwise control the dense phase transport of seed through the dense phase delivery line.

Abstract: A dense phase flow product delivery system for an agricultural implement is provided. The system comprises a primary container configured to accommodate dispensed product and that includes a product exit. The system also comprises a pressure supply assembly configured to provide a pressurized fluid to the primary container and a delivery conduit connected to the product exit and configured to permit the dispensed product to pass there through. The system further comprises a purge supply configured to provide a purge fluid to the delivery conduit. The system is configured for a dispensing operation in which the pressurized fluid forces the dispensed product in the primary container to flow through the delivery conduit in a delivery direction. The system is also configured for a purging operation in which the purge fluid forces residual product in the delivery conduit to flow in a direction opposite the delivery direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agricultural implement and a method of making an agricultural implement. The agricultural implement has a primary containment unit and a plurality of sections. At least one dense phase delivery line connects the primary containment unit to each of the sections. A transport control system allows for individual control of the dense phase transport of the granular product from the primary containment unit to each of the plurality of sections via the at least one dense phase delivery line.

Abstract: A liquid metering system for an agricultural implement is modular, having individual metering pumps for each crop row. The pumps are individually controlled for precise application of the liquid input and are preferable electrically driven. A common pump is used, making the system modular in that varying sizes of implements can be produced by varying the number of pumps. A common supply line is used to supply a liquid input from a reservoir to the pumps. Each pump is connected to the common supply line. By connecting each pump to the common supply line, the difficulty of routing individual hoses from a central pump to each row unit are overcome.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for sowing new grass seed, fertilizer or other products in an existing lawn. The device comprises a chassis (1) which includes a drive shaft (15) in the horizontal plane fitted with cams, around which bearing-mounted pin disk (12) combinations have been fitted. The device is also fitted with a seed dosing system, consisting of a seed tray (3) and a driven dosing roll (5), the dose of which can be changed. The dosed seed (4) falls onto a guiding plate (10) along its full width, where the seed (4) is distributed in rows by means of funnel plates (11) and is introduced to the pin disks (12). The pin disks collect the seed and plant it in the existing lawn. In order to improve results on hard soil, a vibrating action in the vertical plane can be added to the pin disks (12) by driving the central drive shaft (15). This vibrating movement pushes the seed into the soil, presses it against the side of the hole and improves penetration of the pins in hard soil.

Abstract: An air seeder includes a product tank having an interior, an air lock in communication with the product tank interior, a plurality of product boots, a pneumatic distribution system, and a plurality of diverter assemblies. The pneumatic distribution system includes an air source and a plurality of distribution lines. The air source is in communication with the product tank interior. Each distribution line is fluidly coupled with at least one corresponding product boot. Each diverter assembly includes an inlet coupled with the air source, a first outlet coupled with at least one distribution line, a second outlet in communication with the air lock, and a diverter for selectively diverting air and entrained product from the inlet to the first outlet or the second outlet.

Abstract: An accessory mountable to an ATV includes an extension rack that provides a substantially flat storage bed. A spreader assembly for storing and distributing granular material therefrom is supported in a position below the extension rack. In the preferred embodiment, the extension rack is mounted to the carrier rack of the ATV, and the spreader is mounted to the extension rack such that it is positioned under the extension rack. The extension rack preferably includes a door that provides a passageway to the spreader assembly and also includes side walls that are vertically disposed with respect to the substantially flat storage bed.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting seed planting appurtenances in substantial alignment with respect to a seed tube of an agricultural planter. The bracket assembly includes a shaft mount and a shank mount.

Abstract: A sowing device having a travelling framework (2) is described, which comprises a storage roll (3) for a seed strip (4) equipped with individual grains (5) of a seed, and an unwinding unit (6) for the seed strip (4) drivable as a function of the travel distance. To ensure a precise deposit of the seed grains (5), it is suggested that a sensor (15) for the individual grains (5) in the seed strip (4) be provided in the area of the seed strip section (14) between the unwinding unit (6) and a ground-proximal deflection roll (8), and a control unit (16), connected on one hand to the sensor (15) and on the other hand to a travel distance encoder (18), activate the drive (17) of the unwinding unit (6) as a function of the difference between the actual location of the seed grains (5) detected by the sensor (15) and a setpoint location predefinable with the aid of the travel distance encoder (18).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the spreading system of broadcast spreaders, and in particular, to a spreader disengagement plate and method of use thereof for selectively engaging a rotatable spreader plate by coupling and uncoupling the different elements of a drive mechanism. A folded, U-shaped metal disengagement plate having a central pivot is connected to an axle. By pushing on either end of the pivoting disengaging plate, a user rotates the disengagement plate from an open configuration to a locked configuration and back. When in an open configuration, the disengagement plate remains immobile while the broadcast spreader is moved. When in the locked configuration, the disengagement plate rotates in conjunction with the wheel. In one embodiment, a lock nut is placed on the external surface of the wheel hub and must be inserted within the folded, U-shaped metal disengagement plate in the locked configuration.

Abstract: A seed carrier includes a main hopper coupled with a frame via leg members. The main hopper has a discharge. A base plate is coupled with the frame. A support arm is rotatably coupled with the base plate at a first end. A belt driven conveyor having a conveyor hopper at a first end and a discharge at a second end is rotatably coupled with a second end of said support arm at an approximate center of gravity thereof. A latch mechanism is provided for detachably coupling the first end of the conveyor with the first end of the support arm such that the conveyor hopper is position below the main hopper discharge. When the conveyor is uncoupled from the first end of the support arm, the conveyor can rotate to a loading position wherein the discharge thereof can be positioned over the main hopper.

Abstract: A metering apparatus for metering a granular product is presented having a unitary meter roller comprising a plurality of meter roller sections, where each meter roller section has a plurality of radially extending ridges defining product receiving valleys having a volume such that each meter roller section dispenses a specific volume of the granular product per rotation of the unitary meter roller, whereby at least one meter roller section of the unitary meter roller has product receiving valleys of a different volume than the other meter roller sections of the unitary meter roller for reducing or increasing the overall volume of the granular product dispensed per rotation of the uniform meter roller.

Abstract: A seeder (20) includes a seed hopper (22) that feeds seed by gravity to a seed dispenser (24). The seed feed wheels (38) of the seeder are mounted in a seed metering tube (30) so that rotation of the seed feed wheels meters the output of the seeds. The seed feed wheels can be formed in segments (50 and 60) so that by matching different segments, different sizes of seed receiving detents can be used for dispensing the seeds. An adjustment bracket (72) shifts the seed feed wheels so that different sizes of detents can register with the openings of the seed metering tube (30), thereby achieving the desired matching of sizes of detents with the sizes of the seeds.

Abstract: An animal feeder having a distribution mechanism which allows food to be either dropped or scattered in random directions, providing exercise and entertainment for the animal. The feeder includes a food hopper supported by wheels, which when pushed or pulled by the user activate a distribution mechanism which releases food from the hopper at predictable intervals.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dispensing aggregates for lawn improvement. Aggregates are delivered to the site in a primary dispensing vehicle, which is configured to allow a smaller secondary dispensing vehicle to be loaded with the aggregate directly from the primary vehicle. The process includes aerating the soil, distributing a variety of soil amendments evenly over the area to be treated and then dragging a unique drag mat over the area to make a smooth contour and to even the distribution of the aggregate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dispensing aggregates for lawn improvement. Aggregates are delivered to the site in a primary dispensing vehicle, which is configured to allow a smaller secondary dispensing vehicle to be loaded with the aggregate directly from the primary vehicle. The process includes aerating the soil, distributing a variety of soil amendments evenly over the area to be treated and then dragging a unique drag mat over the area to make a smooth contour and to even the distribution of the aggregate.

Abstract: A broadcast spreader includes a perforated, dished spinner defining a concave upper surface which is particularly adapted to spreading pelletized mulch. The shaft upon which the spinner is mounted is jointed to permit sections of the shaft to be disconnected, and the spinner replaced with a conventional spinner to enable spreading of fertilizer and seeds, etc., or with a mulch spreader of a different size to accommodate different types of mulch.

Abstract: The seeder apparatus includes a first hopper for dispensing seeds onto a conveyor mechanism to be moved thereby to an entry nip between a rotary brush and the conveyor mechanism for propelling the seed downwardly at the discharge end of the frame on which the hopper is mounted. A shield assembly is mounted to the frame discharge end portion to minimize the effects of wind on the trajectory of seed or other material being propelled to the ground by a brush and conveyor mechanism. In one embodiment, a metering gate extends vertically in its closed position relative to the conveyor mechanism, the metering gate controlling the rate of dispensation of seed being moved to the entry nip.

Abstract: The seeder apparatus includes a material hopper for dispensing material onto a conveyor to be moved thereby to an entry nip between a rotary brush and the conveyor for propelling the material downwardly at the discharge end. In one embodiment, a metering gate extends vertically in its closed position relative to the conveyor, with the metering gate controlling the rate of dispensation of seed or other material being moved to the entry nip. A shield assembly is provided to minimize the effects of wind on the trajectory of seed or other material being propelled to the ground by the brush and conveyor. In preferred forms, a separate seed hopper is mounted to the top dresser, and in a second embodiment, either seed from the seed hopper and/or dressing material from the top dresser hopper may be moved by the conveyor to the entry nip.

Abstract: A mower (100) has a collecting box (108,110;1) with the dual functions of collecting mown grass and distributing grass or other material over the ground. Thus the box has an outlet opening (12) which is closed or obstructed during grass collection. It may be an elongate opening which is obstructed by an elongate brush (2) or paddle (8) member which is rotatable when it is desired to discharge material. The box may have a mechanism such as a belt or other conveyor (10;11;12) for conveying material to the opening.

Abstract: The seeder apparatus includes a first hopper for dispensing seeds onto a conveyor mechanism to be moved thereby to an entry nip between a rotary brush and the conveyor mechanism for propelling the seed downwardly at the discharge end of the frame on which the hopper is mounted. A shield assembly is mounted to the frame discharge end portion to minimize the effects of wind on the trajectory of seed or other material being propelled to the ground by a brush and conveyor mechanism. In one embodiment, a metering gate extends vertically in its closed position relative to the conveyor mechanism, the metering gate controlling the rate of dispensation of seed being moved to the entry nip.

Abstract: An improved manure spreader has two augers that lie in respective channels in the floor of the manure spreader box. The augers are journaled only at the front end of the box. Center and side holddowns overlie portions of the auger peripheries to restrain the augers from rising out of the channels. The augers propel material to a discharge opening in the box back wall. One or two rapidly rotating expellers on the outside of the box discharge opening receive the material and fling it onto the ground. The expellers may rotate about vertical or horizontal axes. A gate is slidable within the box back wall to selectively open and close the discharge opening. A breakup bar is pivotally connected between the gate and a cross brace in the box. Raising and lowering the gate simultaneously opens and closes the discharge opening and pivots the breakup bar. The breakup bar penetrates material in the box to thereby prevent bridging of the material over the augers.

Abstract: An improved manure spreader has two augers that lie in respective channels in the floor of the manure spreader box. The augers are journaled only at the front end of the box. Center and side holddowns overlie portions of the auger peripheries to restrain the augers from rising out of the channels. The augers propel material to a discharge opening in the box back wall. One or two rapidly rotating expellers on the outside of the box discharge opening receive the material and fling it onto the ground. The expellers may rotate about vertical or horizontal axes. A gate is slidable within the box back wall to selectively open and close the discharge opening. A breakup bar is pivotally connected between the gate and a cross brace in the box. Raising and lowering the gate simultaneously opens and closes the discharge opening and pivots the breakup bar. The breakup bar penetrates material in the box to thereby prevent bridging of the material over the augers.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a new distribution device for use with conventional seeding meters. The system consists of a seed meter for dispensing a predetermined amount of seed and the distributor of this invention disposed below the dispenser. The invention is of a plate having an intricate geometrical configuration positioned below the volume or weight seed distributor to insure that the seeds are contained for controlled fall toward the ground and a portion shaped to provide even distribution of the seed whether or not the seeds are distributed by the center or either side of the present seed distribution system.

Abstract: A special seed spreading machine, lawn care apparatus and process are provided to transport, meter, and disperse different types of grass seeds evenly and uniformly over a lawn, turf, or soil. Advantageously, the novel seed spreading machine, lawn care apparatus and process can accurately control, mix, meter, and spread different amounts (proportions) of various types of grass seeds and/or other materials, and can dispense different types of grass seed in separate bins simultaneously at different speeds and flow rates. The seed spreading machine and lawn care apparatus preferably comprise of a ground driven disc, dual hopper assembly with double friction wheels which drives tumblers in the hopper assembly through a chain and sprocket arrangement.

Abstract: A support arm has an inner section connected to the three-point hitch of a tractor and an outer section positioned at the side of the tractor carrying a spreader which can spread ground over which the tractor cannot be driven. The spreader may be raised or lowered to reach ditches, side slopes or terraces. A support arm may be converted into a tongue for pulling the spreader behind the tractor when a cart is provided at the outer end, and a hitch is provided on the inner end for being connected to the draw bar of a tractor.

Abstract: An agricultural machine comprises a frame (1) carrying a hopper (2) for a fluid material, the hopper (2) is located in a sealed chamber (4) having an inlet communicated with a source (5) of working fluid and a device for causing the fluid material to move which is made in the form of a driven drum (6) having a flexible hose (7) wound thereon. The interior space (8) of the hose (7) communicates with the hopper (2). The free end of the hose (7) is extended through the inlet of the chamber (4) being turned inside out and sealingly secured to and along the perimeter of the chamber (4) so as to define an annular space (A).