Abstract: An agricultural device including a first frame portion rotatably carrying a second frame portion for carrying at least one agricultural module, the second frame portion being rotatable relative to the first frame portion between a first position generally perpendicular to a direction of travel of the device and a second position generally parallel to the direction of travel of the device, the first frame portion having a pair of rolling elements for supporting the first frame along a support surface. The pair of rolling elements is laterally movable relative to the first frame portion in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the device. The pair of rolling elements continuously laterally surrounds the second frame when viewed from behind a forward direction of travel of the device.

Abstract: A bite valve (100) comprises an outer barrel (105) of low-friction, soft but durable, laterally-compressible material and a rigid axially moveable inner stem (110). Closing the valve urges the distal face of a stem-mounted gasket (115) distally against the sharpened tubular proximal end of a barrel-embedded flanged rigid sleeve (120) through which fluid passes. The stem is continually urged distally by captive compression spring (140) which pushes proximally against sleeve (120) and distally against a cap (135) mounted on the stem's distal end. When a user bites the barrel's indented exterior bite zone (150), two opposing sides of a conical surface (155) inside the barrel contact and slidably urge the stem proximally, pulling the gasket away from the sleeve end, thereby opening the valve. After drinking, a user releases their bite, allowing the spring to again move the stem distally, pushing the gasket back into a (default) sealing condition pressed against the sleeve's sharpened proximal end.

Abstract: An implement frame having a carriage frame for coupling to a towing vehicle and wheels to support the frame for movement over a ground surface. A pivot frame is rotationally mounted to the carriage frame and a lift assembly is coupled to the pivot frame via a shift assembly. A tool bar is mounted to the lift assembly. The shift assembly moves the tool bar forward as it is moved from the field use position to the transport position. The wheels are mounted to swing arms to move the wheels inward for a narrow transport position. All motion is accomplished through actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders, to automate the process making it quick and easy.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system includes a wheel position control system configured to control respective positions of an aligned wheel and an offset wheel of the agricultural implement system. The aligned wheel is configured to be substantially laterally aligned with a corresponding vehicle wheel/track, and the offset wheel is configured to be laterally offset from the corresponding vehicle wheel/track. The wheel position control system is configured to instruct lowering of the aligned wheel and the offset wheel to transition a toolbar assembly to a non-working position, the wheel position control system is configured to instruct raising of the aligned and offset wheels to transition the toolbar assembly to a working position, and the wheel position control system is configured to instruct raising of the offset wheel above the aligned wheel while the toolbar assembly is in the working position such that the offset wheel is disengaged from the soil surface.

Abstract: An agricultural machine for working soil or for sowing seeds, including a trailed chassis and work elements distributed over a transverse beam including a central section including wheels and two side sections extending on either side of the central section during work, each end of the central section resting on the ground via a wheel. Each side section includes an extension arm and an intermediate arm, the extension arm is connected to the intermediate arm by a horizontal articulation with a substantially horizontal axis and is directed in a direction of advance at work and each intermediate arm is connected to the chassis via a vertical articulation and carries at least one work element.

Abstract: An agricultural machine for working soil or for sowing seeds, including a trailed chassis and work elements distributed over a transverse beam including a central section including wheels and two side sections extending on either side of the central section during work, each end of the central section resting on the ground via a wheel. Each side section includes an extension arm and an intermediate arm, the extension arm is connected to the intermediate arm by a horizontal articulation with a substantially horizontal axis and is directed in a direction of advance at work and each intermediate arm is connected to the chassis via a vertical articulation and carries at least one work element.

Abstract: A stack-fold implement having a central bulk fill hopper assembly is provided. The bulk fill hopper assembly is mounted to the center frame section of the stack-told implement and does not affect the narrowness of the stack-fold implement when it's in a stacked, transport position, The hopper assembly includes a pair of bulk fill hoppers or tanks supported by cradle that is in turn supported by a pair of wheels. The cradle is removably coupled to the center frame section by a plurality of rigid frame members.

Abstract: A stack-fold implement having a central bulk fill hopper assembly is provided. The bulk fill hopper assembly is mounted to the center frame section of the stack-fold implement and does not affect the narrowness of the stack-fold implement when it's in a stacked, transport position. The hopper assembly includes a pair of bulk fill hoppers or tanks supported by cradle that is in turn supported by a pair of wheels. The cradle is removably coupled to the center frame section by a plurality of rigid frame members. A retractable ladder may be stowed beneath the hopper assembly.

Abstract: A tool bar assembly comprises a central section having a pair of pivotal wings each of which comprises pivotal inner and outer wing sections. The sections can be folded into a transport/storage position or unfolded into a substantially horizontal deployed position. In the deployed position, the sections are aligned end-to-end laterally behind a rear end of a movable frame which mounts central section. In the transport/storage position, the central section still extends laterally behind the rear end of the frame, but the pivotal wings have been folded forwardly at the ends of the central section to lie along opposite sides of the movable frame. In each folded pivotal wing, the inner wing section extends forwardly and upwardly at an angle from the central section and the outer wing section extends substantially rearwardly and horizontally from a front end of the inner wing section.

Abstract: A seeder including a chassis including a substantially horizontal transverse beam on which seeding elements are distributed in a regular manner, the transverse beam including a central section and two lateral sections arranged on either side of the central section in a work position, and being raised substantially above the central section in a transport position, each lateral section being connected to the chassis by a respective arm and being displaceable transversely and vertically with respect to the chassis by a deformable mechanism controlled by an operating jack. In the seeder one deformable mechanism is offset with respect to the other deformable mechanism, taking into account a direction of advance.

Abstract: A stack-fold implement having a central bulk fill hopper assembly is provided. The bulk fill hopper assembly is mounted to the center frame section of the stack-fold implement and does not affect the narrowness of the stack-fold implement when it's in a stacked, transport position. The hopper assembly includes a pair of bulk fill hoppers or tanks supported by cradle that is in turn supported by a pair of wheels. The cradle is removably coupled to the center frame section by a plurality of rigid frame members. A retractable ladder may be stowed beneath the hopper assembly.

Abstract: An inter-seeding unit may be provided. The inter-seeding unit may comprise an upper suspension unit and an intermediate joint connected to the upper suspension unit. The inter-seeding unit may further comprise a row unit connected to the intermediate joint. The row unit may comprise a seeding device.

Abstract: A seed tank arrangement is provided with improved access to seed tanks of an agricultural planter and the contents thereof, while simplifying the manufacturing of such tanks. The seed tank has a fill opening formed in the upper surface of the tank for loading and accessing seeds in the interior of the tank. Features of the tank are mirror images about a diagonal plane of the tank, which enables the same tank to be used for both the left and right sides of the planter. This is achieved by rotating the left tank 90 degrees with respect to the right tank. The design provides improved access to the interior of the tanks for filling and servicing the seed.

Abstract: A system for distributing seeds is configured to be transported by an agricultural vehicle along a direction of travel. The system includes a main frame extending along the direction of travel, a first wing frame extending from a first side of the main frame in a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel, and a second wing frame extending from a second side of the main frame in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel. The system further includes at least one row unit arranged on the first side of the main frame and supported by the first wing frame, at least one row unit arranged on the second side of the main frame and supported by the second wing frame, a first seed reservoir arranged on the first side of the main frame, and a second seed reservoir arranged on the second side of the main frame.

Abstract: A towed agricultural implement including a center section having a chassis supported on wheels, and with a pair of selectively positionable wing assemblies extending laterally from each side. The wing assemblies include an arm assembly operably coupled at one end to the center section, and operably coupled at the other end to a wing frame. The wing assemblies are positionable in a folded-down position, wherein the wing frames are generally parallel to the ground, and a folded-up position wherein the wing frames are positioned generally perpendicular to the ground.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for proving a flotation for the wings of a foldable wing of an agricultural seeder that are centrally suspended from the main frame such that individual wings are pivotable centrally of the longitudinal axis therefore to better follow the contours of the ground.

Abstract: The transversely extending frame of a machine has a number of hingedly interconnected frame sections that may be raised and lowered by lift cylinders to convert the machine between a wide-spread working position and a folded-up transport position. Two lift cylinders for raising and lowering inner wing frame sections relative to the central main frame section are anchored at their inner ends to a hydraulically operated holding cylinder that effectively adjusts the positions of the anchor points of the lift cylinder in a lateral sense. Thus, when the holding cylinder is fully contracted, the inner wing frame sections may be lowered by their lift cylinders until the lift cylinders are fully extended, but the outer ends of the inner wing frame sections remain tilted upwardly to a certain extent. Thus, outer wing frame sections connected to the outer ends of the inner wing frame sections also remain slightly lifted off the ground until fully unfolded from the inner wing frame sections.

Abstract: A seeding machine comprises a main frame segment and two wing frame segments. In its working configuration the wing frame segments extends transversely. In its transport configuration the wing frame segments are folded forwardly. The wing frame segments are provided with planting units that are mounted to the wing frame segments by pivot arms that extend downwardly and rearwardly. The pivot arms are pivotally mounted to the wing frame segments by a rock shaft. The rock shaft is provided with an actuator bell crank that is coupled to a linear actuator for rotating the rock shaft relative to the wing frame segments. The pivot arms have a working position, wherein the planting units are in their working position, and a transport position, wherein the planting units have been pivoted on their noses into their substantially vertical transport position.

Abstract: A seeding machine comprising a transversely extending main frame and left and right transversely extending wing frames. The main frame and the wing frames are provided with a plurality of planting units. Left and right main seed hoppers are mounted to the main frame. The left and right main seed hoppers are transversely separated from one another by a longitudinally extending gap located along the longitudinal centerline of the seeding machine. A pneumatic seed on demand delivery system automatically directs seed from the left and right main seed hoppers to the planting units. A walkway is positioned in the gap between the left and right main seed hoppers to facilitate operator access to the lids of the main seed hoppers.

Abstract: A grass treatment apparatus is adapted to be coupled with a propellant vehicle in order to be movable over the ground and which mounts a plurality of grass treatment units which are engageable with the ground in order to carry out required grass treatment operations. The apparatus includes a main frame having mountings for coupling to the propelling vehicle and a grass treatment unit mounted on the main frame. A side frame is adjustably mounted on the main frame and has a grass treatment unit mounted thereon. The main frame has a mounting recess for receiving the side frame. A power operated device couples the side frame to the main frame and adjusts the side frame between an outwardly deployed position in which it is laterally spaced from the main frame and an inwardly deployed position in which the side frame is received by the mounting recess.

Abstract: A multiple section, front-folding implement has gauge wheel assemblies located on the front side of laterally extending beams of the sections during field operations. As the wing sections are folded forwardly to prepare the machine for transport, the gauge wheel assemblies are simultaneously swung around to the ends of the beams into outboard positions so that they extend generally forwardly from the beams when the beams are fully folded. Thus, instead of taking up space between the folded beams, the gauge wheel assemblies are moved into clearance positions that enable the wing sections to be folded more closely together, reducing the overall roading width of the machine when folded.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention an extension section of a frame is held down in its locked position by the same mechanism that folds and unfolds the frame extension. When the frame extension is in its locked down position, it bears against a limit stop that precludes further movement in an unfolding direction. An operating link that is pushed and pulled by a hydraulic cylinder to manipulate the frame extension is controlled in such a way by a guide member that the line of action of the link is directed transversely toward a guide surface of the guide when the frame extension is in its unfolded position. Thus, only a small amount of force is required from the hydraulic cylinder at that time to maintain the link in its locked position, since most of the load from the link is born by the guide surface at this time. In a preferred embodiment, the line of action of the link is approximately perpendicular to the guide surface.

Abstract: A folding agricultural implement is disclosed having a frame including an inner section, a pair of intermediate sections, and a pair of end sections. The inner section and the end sections of the frame are equipped with lift wheel assemblies including a ground engaging wheel and a wheel cylinder connected to the ground engaging wheel for selectively raising and lowering the frame relative to the ground. The intermediate sections have no lift wheel assemblies. The joints between the end sections and the intermediate sections are held rigid when the implement is in the working position, but can be folded to move the implement into the transport position. When the implement is folded, the intermediate sections and end sections are first raised together relative to the inner section. After the intermediate sections and end sections reach a generally vertical position, the end sections are then folded downwardly over the inner section.

Abstract: A planter/fertilizer assembly that can be configured to facilitate either rapid seeding/fertilizing or transport and including an implement bar mounted on a wheel supported carrier frame for rotation between a transport position where the implement bar is parallel to a transport direction and an operating position where the implement bar is perpendicular to the transport direction, row units mounted to the implement bar on a side opposite the wheels and including central units adjacent the wheels and lateral units disposed laterally of the wheels, lateral coulter/fertilizer units mounted to the lateral row units, a coulter bar mounted to an underside of the carrier frame on a side opposite the support wheels and a separate coulter/fertilizer unit mounted to the coulter bar and aligned with each of the central row units.

Abstract: An planter/fertilizer assembly that can be configured to facilitate either rapid seeding/fertilizing or transport and including an implement bar mounted on a wheel supported carrier frame for rotation between a transport position where the implement bar is parallel to a transport direction and an operating position where the implement bar is perpendicular to the transport direction, row units mounted to the implement bar on a side opposite the wheels and including central units adjacent the wheels and lateral units disposed laterally of the wheels, lateral coulter/fertilizer units mounted to the lateral row units, a coulter bar mounted to an underside of the carrier frame on a side opposite the support wheels and a separate coulter/fertilizer unit mounted to the coulter bar and aligned with each of the central row units.

Abstract: A seeding machine having a wing frame with planting units. The planting units are coupled to the wing frame by a pivot arm. The pivot arms move the planting units between a horizontal working configuration and a vertical transport configuration. An operator walkway is located above the planting units. The operator walkway comprises a walkway frame and a footboard. The walkway frame is pivotally coupled to the wing frame segment by a walkway frame pin. The footboard is pivotally coupled to the walkway frame by a footboard pin. As the planting units are moved from their horizontal working configuration to their vertical transport configuration the walkway frame and attached footboard are automatically folded between the planting units and the respective wing frame segment.

Abstract: A seeding machine comprises a main frame segment and left and right wing frame segments. In its working configuration the wing frame segments extend transversely. In its transport configuration the wing frame segments are folded forwardly. The wing frame segments are provided with a rear rank of planting units that are mounted to the wing frame segments by pivot arms that extend downwardly and rearwardly. The pivot arms are pivotally mounted to the wing frame segments by a rock shaft. The rock shaft is provided with an actuator bell crank that is coupled to a linear actuator for rotating the rock shaft relative to the wing frame segments. The pivot arms have a working position, wherein the planting units are in their working position, and a transport position, wherein the planting units have been pivoted on their noses into their substantially vertical transport position to reduce the transverse transport width of the seeding machine.

Abstract: A seeding machine comprises a main frame segment and two wing frame segments. In its working configuration the wing frame segments extends transversely. In its transport configuration the wing frame segments are folded forwardly. The wing frame segments are provided with planting units that are mounted to the wing frame segments by pivot arms that extend downwardly and rearwardly. The pivot arms are pivotally mounted to the wing frame segments by a rock shaft. The rock shaft is provided with an actuator bell crank that is coupled to a linear actuator for rotating the rock shaft relative to the wing frame segments. The pivot arms have a working position, wherein the planting units are in their working position, and a transport position, wherein the planting units have been pivoted on their noses into their substantially vertical transport position.

Abstract: A towed agricultural implement frame comprises a main frame, and right and left wing frame sections that are coupled to one another by right and left pivot frames. The pivot frames are pivotally coupled to the main frame by right and left vertical pivots and to the wing frame sections by right and left horizontal pivots. The wing frame sections can be folded forwardly by right and left folding hydraulic cylinders. As the wing sections are folded forwardly towards the main frame draw bar, right and left rollers on the outermost ends of the wing frame sections engage right and left ramps mounted on the draw bar. Further retraction of the folding hydraulic cylinders lifts the outermost ends of the wing sections by moving the rollers up the ramps. Lift hydraulic cylinders located between the main frame and a wheel frame raise the main frame. The main frame also lifts the innermost ends of the right and left wing frame sections.

Abstract: A foldable implement frame and hitch for attachment to a draft vehicle with a three-point hitch, including a support frame carrying field wheels and dedicated transport wheels, motors for moving the transport support wheels between a stored position and a transport position, a main frame having two telescoping frame members, the outer one of the frame members being supported upon the support frame and the inner one of the frame members carrying on the other end thereof a hitch for connection to the three-point hitch. Two wing frames are pivotally mounted on the support frame with two wing motors connected between the support frame and the wing frames for assisting in moving the wing frames between the extended working positions. Wing wheel assemblies mounted on the outer ends of the wing frames and each including a support wheel, wing wheel lift motors mounted on the wing frame and connected to a wing support wheel for moving it between a working position and a transport position.

Abstract: A winged implement includes an hydraulic control circuit having two operator-controlled valves, including a work valve and a transport valve. Using only these controls, and without leaving the tractor cab, the operator can (1) fold the implement for transport; (2) unfold the wings; (3) place the implement in the field use position with substantial constant down pressure on the wings; and (4) raise the wings and center section to an intermediate position with the wings inclined upwardly for end row turns.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame having a pair of tool-carrying wings pivotally mounted thereon for pivotal movement between raised transport positions and lowered ground-working positions. Each wing has a hydraulic wing actuator connected thereto which is extendable and retractible for effecting the pivotal motion. A hydraulic wing actuator circuit is connected to each of the wing actuators, which circuit, when connected to a tractor hydraulic system, enables the wing actuators to apply down pressure to said wings when the wings are in the lowered working positions. A hydraulic pressure control valve system controls the down pressure exerted by the wing actuators.

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: A planter apparatus includes a carrier frame including a curved track portion, and a mainframe rotatably attached to the carrier frame and rotatable along the curved track portion and about a pivot point, which is offset from a centerline of the carrier frame. The transverse center of gravity of the planter apparatus is substantially along the centerline when the mainframe is in a transportation position.

Abstract: A forwardly folding tool bar including a center tool bar section having wing tool bar sections pivotally secured to the outer ends thereof. The wing tool bar sections are pivotally movable from a field position to a transport position. In the field position, the wing tool bar sections are parallel to and extend outwardly from the outer ends of the center tool bar section. When the wing tool bar sections are moved to their transport positions, the wing tool bar sections pivotally move approximately 180° with respect to the center tool bar section so that the wing tool bar sections are positioned in front of the outer ends of the center tool bar section. A telescoping tongue is also provided on the tool bar section which includes telescoping tongue sections which are automatically locked and unlocked.

Abstract: An agricultural device for transporting planting units which has a first stationary toolbar and a pair of toolbars spaced away and separate from the stationary toolbar and carrying a plurality of planting units thereon at fixed intervals. The pair of toolbars are moved between a first position where the fixed toolbar and the pair of toolbars are positioned with their longitudinal axes generally colinear and a second position where the pair of toolbars are spaced from the fixed toolbar and the longitudinal axes of the fixed toolbar and the pair of toolbars are parallel. The agricultural device is incapable of positioning the planting units carried thereby in at least two different spacings depending upon whether the pair of toolbars are in the first or the second positions thereof.

Abstract: A tool bar comprising an elongated tongue having a forward end rotatably secured to the hitch of a tractor and having first and second horizontally disposed pivot pins secured to the rearward end thereof at the opposite sides thereof. The inner end of a first elongated tool bar section is pivotally secured to the first pivot pin and a second elongated tool bar section is pivotally secured to the second pivot pin. The pivotal connection between the tool bar sections and the rearward end of the tongue permits the tool bar sections to flex upwardly and downwardly.

Abstract: A forwardly-foldable agricultural implement includes a center frame supported by wheels and extending generally transverse to the direction of travel, and a pair of wing sections. Each wing section has an intermediate portion pivotally connected to the center frame by a foldable frame and being supported by a wheel. The foldable frame includes a pair of elongated wing support members having one end connected to the center frame and another end connected to the respective wing section. The foldable frame also includes a pair of hitch arms with one end connected to a two-direction pivot knuckle on a three-point tractor hitch and another end pivotally connected to the respective wing section and its wing support member. This structure provides a method of changing a foldable implement between a wide, field operating configuration and a narrower, road transport configuration without the necessity of a telescopic tongue member.

Abstract: A full truss tool bar is disclosed comprising an elongated main tool bar section having right and left tool bar wing sections positioned at the right and left ends of the main tool bar section. An elongated main truss member is positioned above the main tool bar section and is secured thereto. Right and left truss members are positioned above the right and left tool bar wing sections and are secured thereto. The main truss member is pivotally connected to the right and left truss members, about horizontal axes. In a modified version of the device, auxiliary tool bar sections are positioned outwardly of the right and left tool bar wing sections and have truss sections positioned thereabove and secured thereto. The trusses on the auxiliary tool bar sections are pivotally connected, about vertical axes, to the outer ends of the right and left tool bar wing sections.

Abstract: An improved frame for a drawn agricultural implement, such as a planter, includes a telescoping main frame. The main wheel set is mounted to a sliding carriage to support the central main frame, and may be moved between a forward and a rear position. As the main frame extends, the wing sections fold forwardly. When the wing sections in the illustrated embodiment are completely folded, hydraulic cylinders slide the main wheel set forwardly so that the down load on the hitch is reduced for road transport. Conversely, during the unfold cycle, the hydraulic cylinders return the wheel set to the rear position, and the wings are then extended (i.e., unfolded) for field use.

Abstract: A floating wing apparatus for toolbars which allows each wing to ride smoothly over terraced or rolling terrain, thereby providing a continuous, even contact between the implements carried thereon and the ground. Upper and lower pivot arms extend from the central section of the toolbar to the inner end of each wing section to form a parallelogram linkage which maintains the wing sections in a substantially horizontal orientation at all times, whether in the raised or lowered position. The upper pivot arm is pivotally connected to a pivot post, which is in turn pivotally connected to the central section. When working the land, this pivot post allows the wing sections and their attached implements to float or ride over uneven, rolling terrain. When the implements must be raised above the ground as during turning at the end of a field or when the wings are raised to the retracted position, the pivot posts are locked to a vertical position by means of hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: An agricultural implement, such as a row crop planter, has a main carrier frame drawn by a tractor and including support wheels. Individual row units are mounted on a lift frame. The carrier frame includes a cornered lift post which is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis. A cornered sleeve or collar in the form of a tube is mounted to the lift frame for vertical sliding motion on the lift post. A lift hydraulic cylinder couples the lift frame to the carrier frame for setting the lift frame in (i) a use position wherein the row units are lowered to engage the soil; (ii) an intermediate, raised position wherein the row units are disengaged, for negotiating end turns; or (iii) a fully raised position wherein the lift frame and row units may be rotated from a transverse position to a longitudinal position, to narrow the implement for road travel.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a row unit for lateral movement relative to a chassis of an agricultural implement. The row unit mounting apparatus includes a laterally extending tool bar assembly supported on a chassis and having a support surface extending between opposite ends thereof. The row unit is supported on the main frame in a manner allowing sliding movement of the row unit along the support surface of the tool bar assembly. The tool bar assembly includes a main frame and an extension frame selectively attachable to a first end of the main frame for easily and conveniently extending the support apparatus to provide additional row unit capacity or to accommodate lateral movement of the row units in a manner facilitating inspection and servicing thereof.

Abstract: A foldable agricultural implement for use in a towed relationship with a tractor, wherein a pair of outboardly wheeled implement frames or wings carrying around working tools are rotatably and pivotally supported at their inboard ends by a wheeled rear carrier. The implement frames are connected to the rear carrier by ball-and-socket joint assemblies and are pivotally and rotatably connected to a towing means by a twin tongue assembly, adapted so that the work performing means are capable of maneuvering and closely following the contours of a field and folding forward and elevating to provide ground clearance for transport.

Abstract: A second hayrake hitch for use with a tractor is disclosed. The hayrake hitch includes a generally U-shaped main frame of size and height to overfit a forward hayrake which is directly connected to the tractor. The main frame includes a main beam and a wheeled rear support bar which is pivotally interconnected relative to the main beam. A second hayrake is connected to a hitch bar secured to the rear support bar to enable the tractor to simultaneously pull the two hayrakes. A hydraulic cylinder extends between the rear support bar and a leg connected to the main beam and hydraulic lines interconnect the cylinder with the hydraulic coupling of the tractor. By hydraulically functioning the cylinder while the tractor is moving, the rear support bar can be pivoted relative to the axis of the main beam to thereby move the rear hayrake to the right or to the left relative to the front hayrake to simultaneously rake two hay windrows or one large combined windrow.

Abstract: A foldable agricultural implement for use in a towed relationship with a tractor, wherein a pair of outboardly wheeled implement frames or wings carrying ground working tools are rotatably and pivotally supported at their inboard ends by a wheeled rear carrier. The implement frames are connected to the rear carrier by ball and socket joint assemblies and are pivotally and rotatably connected to a towing means by a twin tongue assembly, adapted so that the work performing means are capable of maneuvering and closely following the contours of a field and folding forward and elevating to provide ground clearance for transport.

Abstract: An agricultural planter has a main carrier frame attached to a tractor by an hydraulically actuated telescoping tongue. Individual row units are mounted on a lift frame which in the illustrated embodiment has a center section and left and right wing sections. The wing sections are mounted to the center section for independent vertical pivotal motion relative to the center section in the use position. Power locks secure the wings rigidly to the center section for road transport. The lift frame is mounted to the carrier frame by a vertical pivot post and an hydraulically powered lift linkage. The pivot post may be rotated by an hydraulic cylinder under control of the operator. In the use position, the hitch tongue is retracted and the lift frame is lowered and extends transverse of the direction of travel.

Abstract: A pull-type folding implement, such as a grain drill, has individual and independent radial flotation for each of its drill units such that each unit can rise and fall, while remaining level, independently of the other, as well as cock and cant independently of the other as may be necessary to accommodate uneven ground terrain, yet the units may be folded into compact, fore-and-aft extending transport positions in which ground wheels thereof are retracted off the ground and the units are carried by a main, fore-and-aft carrier frame of the implement. A third, center unit may be provided between the two outer units and utilizes its own set of ground wheels during both field working and over-the-road travel when the other units are folded in, the center unit likewise having a floating connection with the carrier frame which permits the center unit to rise and fall, cock and cant when experiencing terrain irregularities.

Abstract: In an agricultural implement which includes a tool bar, a tongue for towing the implement in a direction generally transverse to the direction in which the tool bar extends, and a plurality of operating heads mounted from the tool bar for performing a function, such as planting, the tool bar is divided into sections of convenient length which are hinged to fold from their generally colinear use orientations to generally parallel or at relatively small angles to each other. This compact folded implement is much more conveniently transported, for example, between agricultural fields on public highways.

Abstract: A planting implement which includes an elongated support beam for carrying a plurality of spaced planting units thereon. The support beam also includes a plurality of rearwardly pivotable segments arranged so that a closed framework structure may be constructed by pivoting and interconnecting the rearwardly pivotal segments. The closed framework structure includes a forward side containing a portion of the planting units and a generally parallel, rearward side containing the remaining planting units. The spacing of the rearward side planting units is offset from that of the forward side units, approximately one-half of the distance of the planting units. This results in equally spaced rows of approximately one-half the distance between the planting units.