Abstract: A milling machine includes a milling assembly having a housing to which left and right end gates are attached, a controller, a right front lifting column, a left front lifting column and a rear lifting column. Elevation sensors are located at the front and rear of each of the end gates. The controller is operatively attached to the elevation sensors and to linear actuators within the lifting columns of the milling machine. The elevation sensor that is located at the front end of the right end gate will provide feedback to control the position of the right front lifting column, and the elevation sensor that is located at the front end of the left end gate will provide feedback to control the position of the left front lifting column. The elevation sensors that are located at the rear ends of the end gates are available, as selected by the operator, to provide feedback to control the positions of one of the right and left front lifting columns, as well as the rear lifting column.

Abstract: An example cold planer system includes a machine frame, a milling drum, a first conveyor, a second conveyor, a swivel sensor and a control module. The milling drum is rotatably coupled to the machine frame. The first conveyor is configured to convey a milled material away from the milling drum. The second conveyor is configured to convey the milled material from the first conveyor to a discharge location and the second conveyor is pivotably connected to the machine frame. The swivel sensor is configured to generate swivel data corresponding to a swivel position of the second conveyor. The control module is in electrical communication with the swivel sensor, and the control module is configured to receive the swivel data and to control motion of the second conveyor based on the swivel data.

Abstract: A walk-behind soil aerator includes an engine, a differential, and left and right tine assemblies driven by the first and second output shafts of the differential, and a variable speed drive means between the engine and the differential, as well as a control means accessible by an operator walking behind the aerator which allows the operator to make tight turns by gradually reducing the speed of the drive means to a desired slow speed in order for the driven tines to drive the aerator through the turn and then gradually increasing the speed of the drive means without having to change the engine speed.

Abstract: A soil opening implement comprising a frame (5) adapted to be moved across a ground surface to be opened, a soil opener (1) mounted on the frame for a repetitive cyclic movement to case the soil opener to penetrate the ground at a plurality of spaced positions to form a line of holes in the soil, and adjustment for varying the pitch of the holes, that is the spacing between adjacent holes in the direction of movement of the implement. The implement has the facility to deliver objects, such as seeds to fertilizer granules in the holes, either one object per hole or multiple objects per hole. The implement includes a hopper (11) for holding a supply of objects and for delivering the objects to the soil opener which is in the form of a substantially vertical hollow tube (11b) through which the objects are fed and delivered to the holes.

Abstract: A soil aeration device may include a plurality of arcuate blades mounted to an assembly adapted to rotate and translate the blades proximate a ground surface, thereby forming aeration pockets in the soil. In certain embodiments, the arcuate tines penetrate and fracture the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket deposited on the top of the soil. In various embodiments, a planetary gear assembly imparts to the tine a translational and rotational movement which creates a fractured pocket in the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket and deposited on the surface of the soil. In still other embodiments, the arcuate tine may have mounted thereon a coring tube that cuts and removes a plug from the pocket formed in the soil.

Abstract: A sod cutter (10) is disclosed including a frame (12) formed by welding the free edges of mount, frame and end plates (46a, 46b 46c) bent relative to one of two side plates (46) to the corresponding edges of the other side plate (48). An axle assembly (160) is pivotal relative to the frame (12) by a depth adjustment lever (198) between a working position where wheels (16) carried by the axle assembly (160) engage tubular members (168) slideably and nonrotatably received on a drive shaft (166) and a transport position where the wheels (16) are spaced from the tubular members (168). A U-shaped handlebar (210) is positionable between an operating position for grasping during operation and a storage position for lifting and handling. A U-shaped control (212) is pivotably mounted in front of and above the U-shaped handlebar (210) for actuating the throttle of the engine (18).

Abstract: A walk-behind working machine includes a motive power source, right and left transmission shafts, and a clutch for transmitting motive power from the source to the shafts. The transmission shafts are disposed in alignment with their respective ends butting against each other. The clutch includes a driving cylindrical member rotationally mounted around the transmission shafts. The transmission shafts have first grooves formed on their outer peripheral surfaces while the cylindrical member has second grooves formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof. The clutch further includes balls disposed between a space defined by the first and second grooves. The first groove is of substantially V-shaped configuration. The first groove has a leading end positioned between the ends of the transmission shafts.

Abstract: A pulverizer for reducing the clumpiness or aggregation of soil into clumps or clods and for screening materials, the pulverizer having a frame mounting a substantially cylindrically configured screening drum for rotation and a scoop for aiding the delivery of the material to be pulverized or screened to the screening drum. The pulverizer may be mounted as an attachment onto an appropriate power source such as a tractor or a skid-steer loader.

Abstract: An improved method of mounting the cutting head of a sod harvester with respect to the conveyor employs a single ball joint between the cutting head and the conveyor, and a pair of side links spaced outwardly of the conveyor and arranged to constrain the cutting head against lateral displacement with respect to the conveyor. Preferably, the links are adjustable in length to permit vertical and lateral adjustment of the cutting head with respect to the conveyor, e.g. “tracking” of the cutting head.

Abstract: A vibratory roller unit for replacement of a reel cutting unit in a multiple deck lawn mower for conversion of the mower into a greensroller. The vibratory roller unit has a frame, vibratory roller and a power train. The frame, vibratory roller and power train are universal. Different motor attachment devices and lift and tow devices are provided to customize the vibratory roller unit for use with different makes and models of lawn mowers. The power train includes a jack shaft such that a motor for driving the vibratory roller is mounted on a side of the frame opposite a power take-off for driving the vibratory roller.

Abstract: Rolling apparatus for rolling of turf or grass surfaces including a mobile main frame (11) and one or more undercarriages (45, 46) attached to the main frame (11) wherein the or each undercarriage has one or more smoothing rollers (45A, 46A) and there is further provided a control (62) pivotally attached to the main frame (11) wherein the or each undercarriage is pivotally attached to the control such that, in use, the or each smoothing roller closely follows ground contours.

Abstract: An apparatus for clearing mines set in the ground has a vehicle body adapted to travel along the ground in a horizontal travel direction, a drum mounted at a front end of the body and rotatable in a rotational sense about a horizontal axis generally perpendicular to the direction, and an array of radially outwardly projecting chisels mounted on the drum. A support mounted on the body spaced from the drum is at least partially displaceable on the body radially relative to the drum. Springs braced between the body and the support hold the support in a standard position at a predetermined radial spacing from the drum and permit deflection of the support radially away from drum. A plurality of vertically spaced breaker bars are mounted on the support spaced from the drum.

Abstract: A power transmission system for a working machine, wherein drive power is transmitted from an engine to a work-tool holding drive shaft via a reduction mechanism is provided. The reduction mechanism includes an input shaft having a first gear, and an output shaft having a second gear. The second gear has a gear portion and a cylindrical boss segment press fitted thereto, forming a torque limiter. As a result, the reduction mechanism, which has the torque limiter, has a simplified structure, enabling easy assemblage.

Abstract: A hand-held portable lawn and garden tool having implements. A housing encloses a motor and at least two sets of gears arranged in cascade to provide low speed and high torque to the implements. Each set of gears is a sun gear with a plurality of planetary gears. Embodiments energized by battery packs, line power and internal combustion engines are disclosed.

Abstract: A core harvesting machine that can be mounted to the rear of a conventional aeration machine to receive green cores directly from the aeration machine without having the cores discharged to the ground. The core harvesting machine has a rotating brush core capturing system that collects green aeration cores directly from an aeration machine to which the core destroying machine is attached. The collected green cores are discharged from the brush collector system and received by a core destroying apparatus including three rotary paddle assemblies co-operating with corresponding arcuate screens to separate the earthen material from the root thatch before discharging the thatch into a collector vessel. The core harvesting machine includes paddle members having overlapping arcs of rotation that have a relatively flat side and an opposing bent side to enhance the operation of the machine is either mode of operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for in-situ remediation of contaminant-bearing earthen material includes a generally cylindrical tined assembly; a housing for mounting the tined assembly for rotational motion; an hydraulic driver for delivering torque to rotate the tined assembly; and an additive supply system configured to drop an additive into the space defined by and along the length of the cylindrical tined assembly.

Abstract: A compact lawn aerator comprises a rigid frame having a hitch for releasably fastening tire frame to the back of a self-propelled mower. An elongated axle is secured to the under side of the frame and a set of aerator wheels are rotatably mounted at spaced intervals along the axle. Each of the aerator wheels has a generally disk-shaped hub from the periphery of which four spikes radiate. Each spike initially projects from the hub along a radius but curves along its length in the direction of rotation of the wheel. The spikes are tapered to a sharpened point and their curve is determined so that, as the wheel rotates, the ends of the spikes pierce the soil at substantially right angles and the shank of the spikes slip into the ground progressively through the pierce point. This greatly reduces the force needed to drive the spikes into the ground, thus reducing the weight and size of the device.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for aerating soil, especially grass or hay ground. The apparatus is intended to be towed by a farm tractor, and the apparatus includes elongated spikes on a cylindrical drum. As the apparatus is towed across a field, the spikes penetrate the soil and loosen it as well as providing openings in the soil to improve absorption of water. This reduces water run-off. The spikes are secured to bands encircling the drum, and the spacing between bands is adjustable so that the spacing between spikes can be adjusted.

Abstract: A landscape leveling and raking apparatus has a frame, a handle protruding upwardly from the frame, a rake pivotally coupled to the frame to protrude downwardly and rearwardly therefrom, a screed fixed to the frame forwardly of the rake, a plurality of tiller blades rotatably mounted along a forward, open end of the frame, a motor which rotatably drives the tiller blades, and a mechanism for raising or lowering the tiler ,blades relative to the frame. As the blades rotate, they till the soil and propel the apparatus forward. The frame is open along its front edge. This allows soil to accumulate within the frame as the apparatus moves forward. The soil gradually escapes from the frame by passing beneath a screed fixed along the lower rear edge of the frame. The screed levels the soil before it is raked by the tines of the rake.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerating turf including a mounting frame (11) for mounting the apparatus to the hydraulic lift system (12) of a utility tractor. A trailer support frame (13) is pivotably mounted to the mounting frame (11) so as to enable the trailer support frame (13) to tilt toward and away from engagement with the turf. A plurality of rotary hoes (39) are supported within the trailer support frame (13) along a drive shaft (41). Each rotary hoe (39) has a double row tapered roller bearing assembly (53) mounted on the drive shaft (41) at an angle tilted from the longitudinal axis (70) of the drive shaft, causing the rotary hoe to wobble from side-to-side (B, B') in response to the rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerating turf including a mounting frame (11) for mounting the apparatus to the hydraulic lift system (12) of a utility tractor. A trailer support frame (13) is pivotably mounted to the mounting frame (11) so as to enable the trailer support frame (13) to tilt toward and away from engagement with the turf. A plurality of rotary hoes (39) are supported within the trailer support frame (13) along a drive shaft (41). The drive shaft (41) is rotated by the power take-off (44) of the tractor, and causes the rotary hoes (39) to vibrate as the tines (58) of the rotary hoes (39) penetrate the soil so as to aerate the turf without causing compaction of the soil.

Abstract: A cultivating implement to be carried by a vehicle comprises a frame (10) having spaced and opposed members (11, 12) between which a tine-carrying bar (13) is supported for gyratory motion the direction of which is counter to the direction of forward rotation of the ground wheels of the carrying vehicle and which derives from and is centered on the axis of axially-aligned stub shafts (14,15) adapted to be driven from a prime mover and supported in bearings mounted in or on said opposed members of the frame. Preferably the mutually-opposed ends of the stub shafts (14, 15) are cranked in mirror-image fashion and the tine-carrying bar (13) is supported between bearing arrangements (28, 29) centered on the crank arms. The angle of presentation of the tines to the ground is preferably selectable to accord with the nature of the work to be done and the tine sweeps or shovels to be used therefor.

Abstract: A soil working machine has elongated carriers that extend transverse to the direction of travel, one behind the other. Eccentric mechanisms are attached to each carrier to move tools depending from the carriers, back and forth in directions parallel to the direction of travel. The eccentrics have upper supports connected with resilient controls and lower supports of unequal lengths so that the tools work different paths. A front levelling member is connected to the frame via a parallelogram linkage and the rear carrier has a row of tines. A supporting roller is connected to the frame by arms each of which has two portions. The portions can be pivoted or slid towards and away from one another so that the roller is also moved towards and away from the carriers. Also, the arms with roller are vertically adjustable and fixable in position.

Abstract: A machine is provided for the root-pruning of plants growing in rows, such that the root system of the plants will be small in circumference but finely-branched. The machine has, for each plant row, a knife unit for forming a groove in the ground and root-pruning the plants. Each knife unit comprises a first and second knife, wherein the first knife is forward of the second knife and lies in a vertical plane parallel to the direction of travel of the machine. The second knife has a cutting blade comprising a substantially vertical blade portion and a substantially horizontal blade portion. The first and second knives are rigidly interconnected and arranged for reciprocatory movement in a direction parallel to the direction of travel of the machine. A compactor is disposed behind the second knife for reclosing the groove made in the ground by the knife unit.

Abstract: A machine for cultivating the soil has a main transverse beam carrying a transverse tool shaft, and a gear box for driving the tool shaft. The beam has a frame for attaching the machine to the conventional three-point hydraulic system of a tractor, the tractor power take-off shaft then being connected to drive the tool shaft via the gear box. To enable the machine to be constructed in various widths and to facilitate its assembly and transportation, the main beam is in two half portions interconnected by the gear box housing. Likewise the tool shaft is in half shaft portions driven by a common, hollow gear box drive shaft. The gear box itself is formed in upper and lower portions, the upper portion of which is interchangeable with a different gear ratio portion to suit different tractor power take-off speeds. The gear box drive shaft has a rearwardly projecting drive shaft portion for driving further equipment to be used in combination with the machine.

Abstract: An implement has rows of tines on carrier supports that are elongated and extend transverse to the direction of travel. A transmission shaft with pairs of eccentrics is positioned between the supports and connected to move the tines of the supports to and fro in relatively opposite directions. The eccentrics are in pairs and interconnected to the frame by adjustable links that control the operative movements of the tines, those movements being in the direction of travel. A pulverizing member is pivoted to the rear carrier support to move with same and a front soil levelling member with strip-shaped members is positioned in front of the tines. Preferably, a supporting roller is connected to the frame at the rear of the pulverizing member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for planing a paved roadway wherein a main frame is drivingly supported by track assemblies and a planer assembly is disposed in cutting engagement with a top portion of the paved roadway to produce a new roadway surface. An elevation positioning assembly is provided for raising and lowering the main frame in response to an external control reference such as a string line, and a cross slope positioning assembly is provided for raising and lowering one side of the main frame relative to the other side thereof for maintaining a selected cross slope. The planer assembly comprises a planing cutter that is partially surrounded by a hood that forms a material directing compartment, and spray nozzles produce a vapor mist within the compartment. A floating moldboard is yieldingly forced into contact with the roadway to the rear of the planer assembly and cooperates with a reclaimer assembly to receive and transport the removed pavement material to a selected depository.