Abstract: An agricultural seeder implement includes an opener including a first complemental element and a second complemental element, and a soil distributing assembly mounted to the opener for movement between a lowered position and a raised position. The soil distributing assembly is disabled from moving beyond the lowered position, when an element of the soil distributing assembly is engaged to the first complemental element when the soil distributing assembly is in the lowered position, and is disabled from moving beyond the raised position, when the element is engaged to the second complemental element when the soil distributing assembly is in the raised position. The element extends through a slot in the opener that extends from a first end wall defining the first complemental element to a second end wall defining the second complemental element.

Abstract: An agricultural seeder implement includes an opener, a seed boot mounted to the opener, and a closer mounted to the opener. The opener is for cutting a furrow, the seed boot is for depositing seeds in the furrow, and the closer is for distributing loosened soil over seeds deposited in the furrow by the seed boot.

Abstract: The present invention includes an auxiliary closing wheel for use with an agricultural seeding implement of a type of having a factory closing wheel rotatably coupled to a mounting arm with a rod. The auxiliary closing wheel includes a plate member rotatably coupled to the rod to which the factory closing wheel is coupled. The auxiliary closing wheel has a generally planar and annular configuration. The plate member includes a peripheral edge having a plurality of spiked teeth extending away therefrom. The plate member includes an inner surface defining a flange configured to mate with a recessed area of the factory closing wheel such that both wheels thereafter move unitarily. The plate member includes a diameter greater than a diameter of the factory closing wheel such that the spiked teeth will contact a ground surface in use instead of the factory closing wheel.

Abstract: One closing assembly of a row unit for an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to support ground-working tools of the row unit. Multiple arms are coupled to the frame, each arm of the multiple arms being independently rotatable about a common axis. Each arm is configured to be coupled to a closing disc configured to direct soil into a trench.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controlling the moisture content of soil deposited in a furrow during seed planting comprises tilling the soil to an adjustable depth to expose soil corresponding to a reference soil moisture setting, selecting covering soil from the exposed soil having a moisture content that matches the moisture content of the reference soil moisture setting, and depositing the covering soil over the seed.

Abstract: An agricultural material applicator is disclosed herein. The applicator uses a coulter, a knife, and a dual sealer assembly to provide agricultural material such as liquid manure to the soil. Weight of the agricultural material applicator is supported by the sealer assembly to eliminate the need for additional gauge wheels. The sealer assembly is two sealers provided with independent suspension to allow one sealer to move out of the way of an obstruction, while the other sealer continues to operate.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes an agricultural row unit movable on a field between a first soil condition and a second soil condition, the first soil condition having a different soil hardness than the second soil condition. A down-pressure actuator applies an initial first pressure associated with the first soil condition. A soil-hardness sensing device is positioned at a distance D forward of the row unit and outputs a soil-hardness change signal when detecting a change from the first soil condition to the second soil condition. At least one memory device stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the down-pressure actuator to change, in response to receiving the soil-hardness change signal, the initial first pressure to a different second pressure when the row unit encounters the second soil condition.

Abstract: Agricultural planter row units feature soil finishing assemblies for closing a seed groove after seed is placed in the soil. An adjustable furrow closing assembly enhances upper seed groove coverage and closure with soil resulting in sustained relative humidity levels and optimum seed-to-soil contact for faster seed germination. The furrow closing assembly includes a closing wheel assembly having at least one closing wheel and a press wheel assembly having a press wheel following behind the closing wheels. The closing wheels and press wheel are attached to the planter row unit in a manner allowing the press wheel to move vertically relative to the closing wheels. Adjustable down-force systems are provided to vary the down force applied to the closing wheels and the press wheel to maintain optimum soil contact in irregular terrain and in varying soil densities and conditions to provide optimum soil coverage and compaction of the seed bed.

Abstract: A trough is cut in the ground surface by a rotating member. The rotating member displaces soil upward with respect to the ground surface and rearwardly with respect to a direction of travel of the rotating member. While the soil is in the air, slurry is deposited into the trough. The soil is then redirected downward to the trough to cover the slurry with the soil.

Abstract: An adjustable row cleaner includes a row cleaner assembly that functions to clear material from the ground surface. The adjustable row cleaner includes, in one embodiment, a connector that is in mechanical communication with both a row cleaner frame, to which row cleaner wheels may be pivotally mounted, and a first end of a translator member. The translator member may pivot with respect to the row unit frame and/or row unit sub-frame about a translator member pivot. The position of a translator member second end may be manipulated, thereby adjusting the maximum depth to which the row cleaner wheels penetrate the ground surface. The adjustable row cleaner may be powered or manually adjusted, and the position of the row cleaner wheels may be monitored and automatically adjusted via a control system.

Abstract: A single seeder with a foldable chassis composed of a central section arranged transversely with respect to the direction of work and of two lateral sections articulated on the central section, seeder elements being distributed in a regular manner on the chassis, the seeder including burying coulters for the distribution of product extending at the front of a respective seeder element, a distribution head and pipes connected on the distribution head and ending at the burying coulters. The distribution head is arranged at the rear of the seeder, behind the seeder elements, taking into account the direction of advance.

Abstract: One closing assembly of a row unit for an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to support ground-working tools of the row unit. Multiple arms are coupled to the frame, each arm of the multiple arms being independently rotatable about a common axis. Each arm is configured to be coupled to a closing disc configured to direct soil into a trench.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit includes a linkage pivotably coupled to an attachment frame, and a row unit frame with a leading end pivotably coupled to the linkage. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the attachment frame and the linkage, for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil, and includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder. A hydraulic-fluid cavity is located within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for advancing the ram in a direction that pivots the linkage and the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil. An accumulator is positioned adjacent to the hydraulic cylinder and has a fluid chamber containing a diaphragm, with the portion of the chamber on one side of the diaphragm being connected to the hydraulic-fluid cavity in the hydraulic cylinder, and the portion of the chamber on the other side of the diaphragm containing a pressurized gas.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit includes a hydraulic cylinder coupled to a support member for urging a soil-engaging tool coupled to the support member downwardly toward the soil. A hydraulic line is coupled to the hydraulic cylinder for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to the cylinder, and a controllable valve is provided in the hydraulic line for controlling the supply of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the cylinder through the line. A pressure sensor, such as a load cell or strain gauge, is connected between the hydraulic cylinder and the support member for producing an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure on the tool, and a controller is coupled to the pressure sensor and the controllable valve, the controller being adapted to receive the electrical signal from the pressure sensor and produce a control signal for controlling the valve thus the supply of the hydraulic fluid to the cylinder.

Abstract: This improved apparatus for planting grain crops provides improved emergence, particularly under heavy soil conditions, promotes more vigorous growth, reduces tillering and improves the yield in wheat and barley crops. The improved apparatus receives seed at a more-or-less uniform rate, captures the flow of seed until a multiplicity of seed generally in the range of 20 to 30 seeds is gathered, then releases seed in concentrated groups spaced apart from one another and with blank or non-seeded portions therebetween into a furrow prepared by an angled disk.

Abstract: A forged agricultural wheel with a radial grain pattern includes a plurality of teeth projecting radially outwardly from a hub, with each tooth having a tooth root adjacent to the internal periphery of the hub. Each tooth further has a leading soil-contacting surface extending from the tooth root in a curved counterclockwise manner and having a variable width with a maximum tooth width. A trailing surface opposite the leading soil-contacting surface extends from the tooth root in a curved counterclockwise manner. A tooth end is angled counterclockwise away from a radius passing from a central axis through a central point of the tooth root. The tooth end connects the two surfaces and converges to a point on a maximum outside diameter of the wheel. An adjoining root valley connects each pair of adjacent teeth and has a thickness that is substantially thinner than the maximum tooth width.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for forming in a single pass operation, a profiled planting mound for growing of a crop from planted seeds or billets by using a pair of spaced tools (37) to displace soil inwardly towards each other. A central bed is formed between the displaced soil onto which billets or seeds may be deposited through a guide or chute (13). Covering discs (78,79) are provided to move soil to cover the billets or seeds and a press wheel assembly (81) is used for pressing the soil in the mound and form the desired profile in the mound.

Abstract: A bushing is provided for mounting a pivot arm that has both a threaded portion as well as one or two smooth cylindrical portions. The threaded portion enables the pivot arm to be a laterally adjusted by rotating the bushing while the smooth portion or portions provide a bearing surface or surfaces for the pivot arm loads. This removes the load from the threads, reducing wear of both the bushing and the pivot arm, thereby reducing maintenance cost.

Abstract: A method is provided for depositing slurry into a ground surface for plant nutrition. A trough is cut in the ground surface by a rotating member. The rotating member acts by displacing soil upward with respect to the ground surface and rearwardly with respect to a direction of travel of the rotating member. While the soil is in the air, slurry is deposited into the trough. The soil is then redirected downward to the trough to cover the slurry with the soil. The rotating member may be a coulter blade that has a plurality of flutes formed on a first and a second side of the blade. The flutes have a leading edge that enters the ground substantially perpendicular with respect to the ground and exits at an angle to eject soil upward and outward.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a down force cylinder configured to apply a downward force to a row unit, and a depth control cylinder configured to vary a penetration depth of a ground engaging tool of the row unit. The agricultural implement system also includes a valve assembly in fluid communication with the down force cylinder and the depth control cylinder. The valve assembly is configured to automatically adjust the downward force by varying fluid pressure within the down force cylinder based on fluid pressure within the depth control cylinder.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, where the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The agricultural implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a depth of a valley opened in a soil region by the ground engaging tool and is configured to pack the soil region as the implement is towed through a field and a soil shaping assembly disposed between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel, wherein the soil shaping assembly is configured to close the valley prior to packing by the packer wheel.

Abstract: A bushing is provided for mounting a pivot arm that has both a threaded portion as well as one or two smooth cylindrical portions. The threaded portion enables the pivot arm to be a laterally adjusted by rotating the bushing while the smooth portion or portions provide a bearing surface or surfaces for the pivot arm loads. This removes the load from the threads, reducing wear of both the bushing and the pivot arm, thereby reducing maintenance cost.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an agriculture planter. The planter may include a planter frame, a seed hopper and a trailing arm assembly. The planter frame may include a hitch tongue extending forwardly from the planter frame. The planter frame supports the seed hopper. The a trailing arm assembly is vertically pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the planter frame, extends rearward from the planter frame and includes a trailing arm frame and a lever arm vertically pivotally coupled to the trailing arm frame by a pivot point. The lever arm includes a leading end, a trailing end, a middle portion, a furrow opener disc and a first furrow closer wheel. The disc is rotatably mounted to the lever arm near the leading end. The first wheel is rotatably mounted to the lever arm near the trailing end. The middle portion is pivotably coupled to the pivot point.

Abstract: A pair of paddle closing wheels are adapted to be coupled to a frame structure that is coupled to a planter unit pulled by a motive power source. The paddle closing wheels are rotatably attached to the frame structure and are adapted to engage the soil. Fingers extend from the paddle closing wheel in a radial direction and include paddles that are coupled to the fingers. Once the seed is deposited in the soil the paddle closing wheels move the soil to cover up the seeds.

Abstract: A seed planting assembly comprises a depth regulating member and a residue driving member. The depth regulating member and residue driving member may be integrally formed as one structure, or they may be formed separately and later joined to one another. A method of planting comprises selecting the geometries of the depth regulating member and residue driving member for a given set of conditions so that the depth regulating member facilitates travel of a planting unit over debris.

Abstract: A seed furrow closing wheel has a generally dish-shaped body defined by a central portion and a notched outer flange portion that circumscribes the central portion and projects obliquely outwardly from the plane thereof. The notched flange portion is configured to present a series of circumferentially spaced, non-radial, obliquely projecting teeth that function to fragment and squeeze together opposite sidewalls of the seed furrow when a pair of the wheels are rolled along opposite sides of the furrow outboard of the furrow itself, crumbling the sidewalls and covering the seeds.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is directed to delivering a fluid to the soil of an agricultural field and includes a main frame attached to an opener device, a closing device, a pivoting assembly, and an injection tine. The opener device forms a furrow in the soil, the closing device trails the opener device for closing the furrow, and the injection tine delivers the fluid towards the furrow. The injection tine has a pivoting end attached to the pivoting assembly and a bottom end extending downwardly into the furrow between the opener device and the closing device. The pivoting end is pivotably connected at the pivoting end such that the injection tine is freely pivotable in at least two independent pivotable directions relative to furrow. A diffuser is attached to the bottom end of the injection tine for expelling the fluid into the furrow.

Abstract: A trench opener/closer is provided for an agricultural seeding machine movable in a planting direction. The trench opener/closer includes a disc opener assembly, a gauge wheel assembly, a closing assembly, a boot member, and a seed delivery member. The disc opener assembly has a first axis of rotation. The gauge wheel assembly has a second axis of rotation disposed rearward of the first axis of rotation in the planting direction. The closing assembly has a third axis of rotation disposed rearward of the second axis of rotation in the planting direction. The boot member extends between the disc opener assembly and the closing assembly. The seed delivery member is disposed rearward of the disc opener assembly in the planting direction. The seed delivery member is disposed adjacent to both a trailing edge of the boot member and the closing assembly.

Abstract: A disc planter (10) for applying fertilizers and seeds to soil, and incorporating previously applied chemicals therein, the disc planter (10) having a frame (12) with a longitudinal forward direction of travel, and a plurality of rotatable tools mounted in series to the frame, the plurality of rotatable tools including a fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), a seed furrow opening disc (18), a soil throw controlling wheel (20), a soil closing wheel (22) and a soil disturbing star wheel (24), wherein the fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), seed furrow opening disc (18), and soil disturbing star wheel (24) are alternately oppositely inclined to one another in the forward direction of travel, the fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), seed furrow opening disc (18), soil throw controlling wheel (20), soil closing wheel (22) and soil disturbing star wheel (24) are longitudinally spaced and alternately laterally offset from one another in the forward direction of travel, the soil throw controlling wheel (20) is closel

Abstract: A seed meter for a planting machine is provided with an adjustable drive coupling between the seed meter and the planting machine main drive. The drive coupling includes a drive member connected to the planter drive and a driven member coupled to the seed meter shaft. The drive member and driven member are drivingly engagable with one another and held into the engaged position by a biasing member. The drive member and driven member are selectively movable relative to one another to a disengaged position, enabling adjustment of the seed meter relative to the drive by rotation of the meter shaft. Once released, the coupling self-engages.

Abstract: An improved depth regulating member comprising: a first portion, the first portion positioned adjacent a furrow forming assembly for engagement with ground surface adjacent a furrow; and a second portion, the second portion positioned adjacent the first portion opposite the surface of the first portion adjacent the furrow forming assembly, wherein the second portion engages and drives residue through the area between adjacent furrow forming assemblies opposite the direction of travel of the furrow forming assembly.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, where the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The agricultural implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a depth of a valley opened in a soil region by the ground engaging tool and is configured to pack the soil region as the implement is towed through a field and a soil shaping assembly disposed between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel, wherein the soil shaping assembly is configured to close the valley prior to packing by the packer wheel.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, where the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The agricultural implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a depth of a valley opened in a soil region by the ground engaging tool and is configured to pack the soil region as the implement is towed through a field and a soil shaping assembly disposed between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel, wherein the soil shaping assembly is configured to close the valley prior to packing by the packer wheel.

Abstract: A closing wheel assembly having a closing wheel frame and at least one closing wheel pivotally mounted to a lever allows the operator to change the angle at which the at least one closing wheel intersects the ground surface during use. The lever to which the closing wheel is mounted may be pivotally mounted to the closing wheel frame about a lever attachment. The lever may be formed with a lever handle on a first end thereof and a closing wheel mount on the second end thereof, wherein the lever attachment is positioned between the first and second ends of the lever. Accordingly, as the angle of the lever is manipulated about the lever attachment, the angle of the closing wheel pivotally mounted to that lever changes in the vertical and/or horizontal dimensions.

Abstract: A seed furrow closing wheel has a generally dish-shaped body defined by a central portion and a notched outer flange portion that circumscribes the central portion and projects obliquely outwardly from the plane thereof. The notched flange portion is configured to present a series of circumferentially spaced, non-radial, obliquely projecting teeth that function to fragment and squeeze together opposite sidewalls of the seed furrow when a pair of the wheels are rolled along opposite sides of the furrow outboard of the furrow itself, crumbling the sidewalls and covering the seeds.

Abstract: A planter row unit has a pair of ground-engaging gauge wheels located in close proximity to opposite sides of a furrow opener of the unit. The depth of penetration of the furrow opener depends upon the vertical position of the gauge wheels relative to the furrow opener. Wheel arms that connect the gauge wheels to the frame of the row unit are operably coupled with a depth adjustment lever through a rigid link that transmits adjusting movement of the depth adjustment lever to the gauge wheels to raise or lower the same. The link is made adjustable in length to provide fine depth adjustment of the unit for calibration purposes or otherwise.

Abstract: An adjustable row cleaner includes a row cleaner assembly that functions to clear material from the ground surface. The adjustable row cleaner includes, in one embodiment, a connector that is in mechanical communication with both a row cleaner frame, to which row cleaner wheels may be pivotally mounted, and a first end of a translator member. The translator member may pivot with respect to the row unit frame and/or row unit sub-frame about a translator member pivot. The position of a translator member second end may be manipulated, thereby adjusting the maximum depth to which the row cleaner wheels penetrate the ground surface. The adjustable row cleaner may be powered or manually adjusted, and the position of the row cleaner wheels may be monitored and automatically adjusted via a control system.

Abstract: An apparatus that cleanly severs and clears crop debris from a planting row or closes a furrow while causing minimal disturbance to the soil. The residue coulter apparatus comprises a pair of flat discs each having a plurality of back swept teeth extending about their periphery. The teeth include a beveled cutting edge on the outer edge of the teeth adapted to sever residue from the field or close a furrow. The discs are oriented substantially vertical to the ground. Two discs are used in combination to clear a pathway for planting seed or for closing a furrow.

Abstract: A gauge wheel assembly for a farming implement is disclosed which comprises a hub portion positioned substantially centrally with respect to the assembly, a rim portion forming a circumference of the assembly and forming a circumferential ground contacting surface; and an intermediate portion positioned between and connecting the hub portion and the rim portion. The intermediate portion comprises a hub side section positioned about the hub portion, a rim side section positioned inwardly of the rim portion, and a plurality of spoke sections extending from the hub side section to the rim side section and connecting the hub side section to the rim side section. The rim side section encircling the plurality of spoke sections. The hub side section of the intermediate portion defines an aperture with the hub portion being positioned in the hub side section. The intermediate portion is separable from the rim portion and the hub portion.

Abstract: A disc system for an agricultural machine including a frame carrying a plurality of agricultural tools, the disc system comprising a leading disc mounting mechanism and a rear tools mounting mechanism, wherein the mechanisms are mounted in the frame in a manner that they move in upward and downward directions and when one of the mechanisms tends to move in one of the directions the other one of the mechanisms tends to move in the opposite direction to copy as close as possible the field profile.

Abstract: An agricultural seeding machine including at least one tool bar and a plurality of row units attached to the tool bar. Each row unit including a frame, a plurality of ground engaging wheels including a first ground engaging wheel, at least one suspension structure and a torsional biasing device. The at least one suspension structure including a first suspension structure having a first end and a second end. The first end rotatably coupled to the first ground engaging wheel. The torsional biasing device coupled to the second end of the first suspension structure. The biasing device being carried by the frame.

Abstract: An agricultural machine apt for crop interseeding, of the type that is self-propelled, comprising a unit with a drawing drive unit and a draw unit, both operatively linked to each other. The drawing drive unit comprises a land vehicle including an elevated chassis disposed at a substantial height for passing over tall mature crops such as corn, wheat, sunflowers and other similar crops, without causing any damage. The drawn unit comprises a structure mounted on a metal frame of a single hopper housing seeds and/or fertilizers with its corresponding dosage dispensers and mechanically actuated drop chutes.

Abstract: A gauge wheel assembly for a farming implement is disclosed which comprises a hub portion positioned substantially centrally with respect to the assembly, a rim portion forming a circumference of the assembly and forming a circumferential ground contacting surface; and an intermediate portion positioned between and connecting the hub portion and the rim portion. The intermediate portion comprises a hub side section positioned about the hub portion, a rim side section positioned inwardly of the rim portion, and a plurality of spoke sections extending from the hub side section to the rim side section and connecting the hub side section to the rim side section. The rim side section encircling the plurality of spoke sections. The hub side section of the intermediate portion defines an aperture with the hub portion being positioned in the hub side section. The intermediate portion is separable from the rim portion and the hub portion.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a tool bar and at least one opener/closer arrangement carried by the tool bar for opening a trench in soil. Each opener/closer arrangement includes an opener disc positioned at an angle relative to a working direction and defining a trench profile. The opener disc has an axis of rotation, a leading edge, and a trailing edge positioned adjacent one side of the trench profile. A gauge wheel is positioned generally inline with the opener disc adjacent to the trailing edge of the opener disc. The gauge wheel has a leading edge positioned between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the opener disc. A first closing wheel is positioned on a side of the trench profile opposite to the gauge wheel. The first closing wheel has a leading edge positioned between the axis of rotation and the trailing edge of the opener disc. A second closing wheel is positioned on a same side of the trench profile as the gauge wheel.

Abstract: An agricultural seeding machine including at least one tool bar and a plurality of row units attached to the tool bar. Each row unit including a frame, a plurality of ground engaging wheels including a first ground engaging wheel, at least one suspension structure and a torsional biasing device. The at least one suspension structure including a first suspension structure having a first end and a second end. The first end rotatably coupled to the first ground engaging wheel. The torsional biasing device coupled to the second end of the first suspension structure. The biasing device being carried by the frame.

Abstract: An agricultural seeding machine movable in a planting direction includes a frame; a disc opener assembly carried by the frame and having a first axis of rotation; a gauge wheel assembly carried by the frame and having a second axis of rotation, and a press wheel assembly carried by the frame and having a third axis of rotation. The second axis is positioned forward of the first axis relative to the planting direction. The gauge wheel assembly overlaps the disc opener assembly relative to the planting direction. The third axis is positioned rearward of the first axis relative to the planting direction. The press wheel assembly overlaps the disc opener assembly relative to the planting direction.

Abstract: A planting unit is provided having a seed trench opener that forms a seed trench in a ground surface as the planting unit travels along the ground. A depth regulating member is provided that has a predetermined vertical position relative to the opener. The depth regulating member is operable to ride along the ground and thus predetermined the seed trench depth. A suspension assembly is provided to reduce the shock forces on the planting unit when obstacles are encountered. Furthermore, a suspension system is provided to the seed trench opener, in addition to the depth regulating member.

Abstract: An agricultural ground working apparatus includes a mounting bracket adapted for attachment to an implement frame. A shank is pivotally attached to the mounting bracket about a shank pivot axis and extends downward from the mounting bracket to a lower end thereof adapted for engaging the ground. Right and left disc arms are pivotally attached at upper portions thereof to the mounting bracket such that the disc arms pivot about arm pivot axes independent of the shank. The disc arms extend rearward and downward from the mounting bracket on each side of the shank, and right and left discs are rotatably attached to lower portions of the corresponding right and left disc arms.

Abstract: A planting unit is provided having a seed trench opener that forms a seed trench in a ground surface as the planting unit travels along the ground. A depth regulating member is provided that has a predetermined vertical position relative to the opener. The depth regulating member is operable to ride along the ground and thus predetermined the seed trench depth. A suspension assembly is provided to reduce the shock forces on the planting unit when obstacles are encountered. Furthermore, a suspension system is provided to the seed trench opener, in addition to the depth regulating member.

Abstract: A residue coulter apparatus that cleanly severs and clears crop debris from a planting row, causing minimal disturbance to the soil. The residue coulter apparatus comprises a pair of flat discs each having a plurality of back swept shark type teeth extending about their periphery. The teeth include a double beveled cutting edge on the outer edge of the teeth adapted to sever residue from the field. The clearing discs are oriented substantially vertical to the ground. Two clearing discs are used in combination to clear a pathway for planting seed. The clearing discs are angled toward each other so that the leading edges of the clearing discs are pointed in a toe-in orientation. The present design effectively removes crop debris without over discharge and causes minimal soil disturbance.