Abstract: A steerable agricultural implement configured to be coupled to a tractor by a multi-point hitch system that restrains side-to-side articulation between the tractor and the implement. The agricultural implement includes a steering controller that receives a positional attribute from a steering system of the tractor and controls a degree of pivot of a wheel assembly of the agricultural implement based on the positional attribute of the tractor steering system. The wheel assembly is configured with a steering actuator that is operable to pivot a portion of the wheel assembly without transmitting force beyond the wheel assembly, abutment stops to define maximum degrees of pivot of the portion of the wheel assembly and relieve the steering actuator without transmitting force beyond the wheel assembly, and a quick release free-wheel mechanism to enable a disconnected or “free wheel” operation of the wheel assembly independent of the steering actuator.
Abstract: A vehicle having a length, a front end and a substantially opposing rear end useful for propelling an implement pivotably coupled thereto at or near the front end. The vehicle comprises two driven wheels located at or near the rear end and positioned to rotate in a direction generally parallel to the length of the vehicle; a power system acting to provide power to rotate the two driven wheels; at least one non-steered wheel located at or near the front end, the non-steered wheel being rotatable about an axis which axis is at least partially rotatable; and a seat acting to provide a location at which a human being can sit on the vehicle and control the vehicle. The vehicle is sized so that the human being sitting in the seat is capable of directly steering the pivotably coupled implement.
Abstract: An earthworking implement comprising a frame on which are supported front wheels, rear wheels and a rearmost dolly wheel. An aerator member with blades is rotatably secured to the frame between the front and rear wheels. The dolly wheel is mounted on the frame for rotation about a vertical axis at a location rearwards of the rear wheels. The front wheels and the dolly wheel represent endmost wheels on the frame. One of the endmost wheels is vertically movable with respect to the frame between raised and lowered positions, such that in the raised position the front wheels and dolly wheel define a common tangential plane which is at a level above the blades of the aerator member and below the rear wheels thereby establishing an operative aerating position whereas in the lowered position the front wheels and dolly wheel define a common tangential plane which is at a level below the aerator member and the rear wheels thereby establishing a transport position.