Abstract: A rolling basket assembly for use with an agricultural tillage implement having a frame. The rolling basket assembly includes a rolling basket and at least one arm assembly. The arm assembly has a first and second structural member, a biased device, a bracket and an actuator. The first structural member extends from the frame. The biased device is pivotally coupled to the first structural member or the frame. The bracket is coupled to the first structural member and to the biased device. The second structural member is pivotally coupled to the first structural member. The rolling basket is rotationally coupled to the second structural member. The actuator is pivotally coupled to both the second structural member and the bracket.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a frame assembly. Moreover, the agricultural implement includes a rear hitch assembly coupled to the frame assembly. The rear hitch assembly includes a first arm, a second arm, and a hitch. The first arm and the second arm extend between the frame assembly and the hitch. The hitch is configured to be coupled to an auxiliary implement. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a ground engaging assembly which is coupled to the frame assembly, positioned between the first arm and the second arm, and includes a closing system.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a frame assembly. Moreover, the agricultural implement includes a rear hitch assembly coupled to the frame assembly. The rear hitch assembly includes a first arm, a second arm, and a hitch. The first arm and the second arm extend between the frame assembly and the hitch. The hitch is configured to be coupled to an auxiliary implement. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a ground engaging assembly which is coupled to the frame assembly, positioned between the first arm and the second arm, and includes a closing system.

Abstract: A reconfigurable farm implement for tilling soil is described. The farm implement may comprise a frame having a plurality of mounting surfaces. A plurality of interchangeable tillage modules may be releasably coupled to the mounting surfaces. The interchangeable tillage modules may be arranged in a predetermined order based on a tillage requirement.

Abstract: A residue clearing apparatus for a shank of an agricultural implement includes a spoked wheel adapted for attachment to the implement such that the spoked wheel rotates about a wheel axis oriented substantially horizontal and perpendicular to an operating travel direction of the implement and forward of the shank. A drive is operative to rotate the spoked wheel. The spoked wheel is oriented such that ends of spokes of the spoked wheel pass above the ground forward of the shank, and such that the ends of the spokes of the spoked wheel pass adjacent to a front face of the shank. The spokes may be resiliently or pivotally mounted to the wheel.

Abstract: A turf grader including plow blades, soil engaging tines, scraper blades and a leveling and pulverizing roller. The roller includes an inner cylindrical main body with a continuous solid outwardly facing surface over which is mounted a perforated wall. The tines are arranged in pairs with each pair having a downwardly extending legs integrally joined together by a pair of coils, in turn, integrally connected together and mounted to the tine assembly sub-frame.

Abstract: A turf grader including plow blades, soil engaging tines, scraper blades and a leveling and pulverizing roller. The roller includes an inner cylindrical main body with a continuous solid outwardly facing surface over which is mounted a perforated wall. The tines are arranged in pairs with each pair having a downwardly extending legs integrally joined together by a pair of coils, in turn, integrally connected together and mounted to the tine assembly sub-frame.

Abstract: A low till agricultural implement has a frame with a hitch for attachment to a tractor. An shallow-angled blade gang composed of an array of parallel ultra-shallow inclined disk blades is mounted to the front of the frame, and is followed by at least one wheel, spiral reel, and spike tooth harrow. The ultra-shallow inclined disk blades are mounted perpendicular to rotating shafts, and slice through field residue and soil with minimal lateral movement of material. The blades of the following reel then make cuts nearly perpendicular to those made by the circular blades. A trailing rolling basket or other finishing implement follows the spiral reel. The implement aids in drying the soil surface layer. Also, by cutting up residue and evenly spreading debris and topsoil, the implement helps to warm up the soil.

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 soil spreading scraper device comprises a cutting blade for cutting a top layer of soil from the ground, a kicker for throwing the cut soil rearward from the cutting blade, and an impeller member rotatable within a plane of rotation extending upward and rearward from the cutting blade for capturing the soil thrown by the kicker and spreading the cut soil generally radially outward relative to an axis of rotation of the impeller. A gearbox which receives power from a power takeoff of a towing vehicle directly drives the rotation of the impeller member in the preferred embodiment. The blades of the impeller members may include recessed portions adjacent the impeller axis in some embodiments to encourage soil being received in the impeller member even at higher rates of rotation, for example in the range of 250 to 320 RPM.

Abstract: A tillage implement includes a hitch adapted for connection to a prime mover. A cultivator section is attached to the hitch. The cultivator section includes a plurality of transversely spaced cultivator members. A tine harrow assembly is connected to the cultivator section in a trailing relationship thereto. The tine harrow assembly includes at least two transversely oriented rows of transversely spaced tines. A first row of tines are adjacent to the cultivator section having the tines arranged such that one of the tines is positioned along a line of travel offset laterally from a line of travel of each the cultivator members to engage soil positioned in a mound to opposing sides of the cultivator members.

Abstract: There is disclosed a primary tillage system in combination with a soil conditioner rotary reel that addresses the performance requirement differences due to soil types and moisture conditions that other tillage systems do not address. The combination provides a one-pass seedbed preparation process of a superior quality to that of any heretofore known one-pass systems through the improved performance of the soil conditioning rotary reel. The rotary reel includes a plurality of flat bars attached to support plates in a symmetrical helix arrangement that provide a thorough breakup of clods not heretofore possible.

Abstract: A one-pass field tillage implement and method which maintains a uniform soil density throughout the crop root zone for greater root development, improved plant health and greater yields by eliminating tillage of the soil at seed planting depths. The implement includes a wheeled frame operably supporting at least three longitudinally spaced tillage tool assemblies which first chops crop surface residue, then aggressively lifts and redistributes the chopped surface crop residue and breaks up the soil surface crust, and then levels the soil so that the soil surface is substantially smooth and ready for planting, all in a single-pass without tilling the soil at seed planting depths.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention prepares agricultural ground for planting by performing multiple functions in a single pass over the field. The apparatus includes rolling choppers and coulters for cutting crop residue, and disks and rippers for tilling the soil. The apparatus also includes a harrow for further mixing the soil and crop residue, and spreading the mixture evenly over the field. The coulters, disks, and rippers are mounted in sets on independent arms which float freely upwardly and downwardly to accommodate variations in the ground surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a layer of soil and spreading the cut soil over adjacent ground comprises a disc having a rotational plane sloping backward and upward from a lower portion of the apparatus at an angle between 45 and 75 degrees above a horizontal plane. The disc surface includes an annular outer portion adjacent to the outer edge, and an inner portion. Spreading members are oriented upright on the disc surface. A blade is mounted ahead of and below the outer edge of the disc and is operative to cut a layer of soil. A pan extends from the blade rearward and over the outer portion of the disc surface. Soil flows over the pan onto the inner portion, but is prevented from flowing onto the outer portion of the disc. A kicker propels soil rearward and toward the center of the disc.

Abstract: A feeding device for a ditch digging and cleaning system for allowing soil to be easily fed into one or more rotating dispersing members. The device includes a beater member positioned in the front portion of a frame having a hitch and a pair of support arms with wheels, a front blade, a pair of side blades, a dispersing member rotatably attached to the frame behind the front blade and the beater member, a power train mechanically connected to the dispersing member, and an adjustable deflector assembly attached to the rear portion of the frame. The dispersing member is comprised of a circular base, and a plurality of fan blades orthogonally attached to an upper surface of the circular base. The dispersing member is juxtaposed behind a pan attached to the front blade. The dispersing member is also less than 45 degrees with respect to the ground surface. The blade preferably is V-shaped for penetrating hardened soil.

Abstract: A ditch digging and cleaning device includes a frame having a hitch and a pair of support arms with wheels, a pair of front blades, a pair of side blades, a pair of dispersing members rotatably attached to the frame, a drive system mechanically connected to the dispersing members, and a pair of deflector structures attached to the rear portion of the frame. The dispersing members are each comprised of a circular base, and a plurality of fan blades orthogonally attached to an upper surface of the circular base. The dispersing members are juxtaposed behind pans attached to the front blades. The dispersing members are also less than 45 degrees with respect to the ground surface. The blades preferably are V-shaped for penetrating hardened soil. Coulters may be added in front of the front blade for loosening the ground or a beater member. In operation, the front blades sever the dirt from the ground surface at a desired depth.

Abstract: A ditch digging and cleaning system includes a frame having a hitch and a pair of support arms with wheels, a front blade, a pair of side blades, a dispersing member rotatably attached to the frame, a power train mechanically connected to the dispersing member, and an adjustable deflector assembly attached to the rear portion of the frame. The dispersing member is comprised of a circular base, and a plurality of fan blades orthogonally attached to an upper surface of the circular base. The dispersing member is juxtaposed behind a pan attached to the front blade. The dispersing member is also less than 45 degrees with respect to the ground surface. The blade preferably is V-shaped for penetrating hardened soil. Coulters may be added in front of the front blade for loosening the ground. In operation, the front blade severs the dirt from the ground surface at a desired depth.

Abstract: A multi-purpose landscaping device is provided including a horizontal rake assembly with a plurality of tines coupled thereto and depending therefrom. A bracket assembly is coupled to the horizontal rake assembly such that a three point hitch of a tractor may be coupled thereto for selectively elevating the rake assembly. An adjustable blade mechanism is provided with a blade having a length equal to that of the rake assembly. The adjustable blade mechanism further includes a blade hydraulic cylinder adapted to raise and lower the blade with respect to the rake assembly. An adjustable roller mechanism with a similar associated hydraulic cylinder is further provided.

Abstract: A conservation tillage tool, including a main frame and a rear frame pivotally mounted on the main frame disposed to support a number of soil working implements in sequence. The main frame is supported by ground wheels attached to the rear section of the main frame. The wheels are movable with respect to the main frame to move the latter between a raised transport position and a number of lowered working positions. A tongue and hitch unit connect the main frame to a prime mover, and a leveling mechanism operably interconnects the main frame, ground wheels and tongue for maintaining the main frame level at any of its positions. A spring-cushioned linkage operably interconnects one of the implements at the front of the main frame with one of the implements mounted on the rear frame for simultaneously raising and lowering those two implements between transport and working positions.

Abstract: A plurality of digging devices are mounted side by side on the same beam which is coupled to a clamping system of a vehicle or of a tank containing the liquid to be buried. Each device comprises, mounted on the same chassis, at least a disk for forming and opening a furrow on the ground surface. The liquid to be buried is injected into the opened furrow and then it is covered after the injection. The disk (15) has at least one convex face. The disk (15) is mounted to stand almost vertical with its axis of rotation, in an almost horizontal location which is perpendicular to the forward moving direction of the device. The clamping system is designed to exert a vertical downward force on the disk (15).

Abstract: The present invention entails an agricultural implement for forming planting rows with a minimum of tillage. The implement of the present invention is designed to form a multiplicity of rows and accordingly includes a series of side-by-side row units. Each row unit includes a front colter, a ripper which follows the colter, a rotor tiller assembly disposed behind the ripper, a pair of laterally spaced soil confining panels extending between the ripper and the rotor tiller assembly, and a final following soil packer. Once the agricultural implement has traversed a certain area of the land, there is formed a multiplicity of planting rows with the area between the formed planting rows being untilled.

Abstract: A method of continuously applying an additive to soil with a soil treating apparatus as the soil treating apparatus is advanced in a travel direction along a planting path on soil being treated. The method includes the steps of resituating residue in the planting path in a lateral direction transverse to the travel direction away from the planting path, applying an additive to the soil, and moving soil laterally inwardly over the planting path after the additive is applied to the soil. An apparatus is provided for practicing the method.

Abstract: A tillage implement for preparing seed beds for planting seeds for row crops. The implement includes deep tillage units for loosening soil behind the wheels of a tractor, additional deep tillage units for loosening soil in the areas where seed beds are located, seed bed shaping units, and ribbed wheels for providing guide tracks in the soil for use in aligning a planter with the seed beds.

Abstract: A chisel cultivator for post-planting cultivation. The cultivator includes a main frame. A chisel member has one end portion coupled to the frame and a second end portion spaced from the first end portion along a longitudinal axis of the chisel member for cultivating sub-surface soil during operation of the cultivator. A heave limiter is coupled to the frame ahead of the chisel member relative to the direction of operation of the chisel cultivator. The chisel member is adjustable relative to the frame to adjust the distance of the second end portion of the chisel member from the frame. A sweep assembly is coupled to the frame behind the chisel member relative to the direction of operation of the chisel cultivator. The sweep assembly includes wings which extend outwardly of a centerline extending in the direction of operation of the chisel cultivator in a plane substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the chisel member.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed for independent adjustment of the gauge wheel, disc hillers, stabilizer disc and, if desired, the rear, central sweep for an agricultural cultivator unit. The adjusting mechanism includes a screw jack which is easily accessible from the top of the cultivator for setting the adjustment of vertically telescoping inner and outer tubular sections, and a clamp for maintaining the setting once the adjustment is made. Improvements in the disc hiller structure itself include an indicator plate located at the top of the shank on which the disc is mounted for indicating the angular adjustment of the working angle of the disc, and a forged shank having a circular cross-section at the top, and a flattened portion at the bottom to provide strength but flexibility.

Abstract: An improved soil leveling apparatus (10) includes a frame (12), connecting hitch means (14), and adjustable lost motion linkage (48) secured to the top connection point (52) of the hitch, and an optional scarifier assembly (16) which is supported on a connector (66) pivoted between the legs (36, 40) of the hitch. The scraper member (18) of the frame (12) is of generally inverted J-shaped cross section, and tine subassemblies (90) can be substituted for the teeth (78) on the scarifier assembly (12).

Abstract: A cultivator comprises an array of laterally-spaced soil-inversion discs having their centers arranged in a substantially horizontal line lying at not more than 30.degree. to a transverse plane of the cultivator and being mounted for rotation about individual axes which are equally inclined to the vertical and, when viewed in plan, also to the longitudinal plane of the cultivator.

Abstract: An agricultural apparatus and more specifically a cultivator intended to till the soil for the incorporation of chemical solutions and to prepare it for sowing. This cultivator has a double-wheel-mounted frame capable of being hitched to a tractor, at least one transverse row of tines at the front or drawing end and at least one additional transverse row of the tines at the rear. A single or double transverse cylindrical rolling harrow, spring-pressed downwardly and oscillating vertically, is provided behind the rear tines, the harrow having a churning action which breaks up the lumps left after the soil has been loosened by the tines. A further transverse rolling harrow is also provided between the front and rear rows of tines, generally at the center of the frame. This additional harrow is, like the rear one, pressed downwardly by springs and is also able to oscillate vertically.

Abstract: A snow grooming apparatus for towing behind a pulling vehicle to handle and condition snow, as an example, on ski slopes or cross country trails. The apparatus includes a scraper and snow collector assembly including a scraper blade and hopper followed by a roller assembly. As the apparatus moves forwardly the blade scrapes or cuts the surface of the snow and confines the cut snow in the hopper. The hopper includes at opposite sides thereof a pair of pivoted floated side panels, the bottom edges of which follow the grade or terrain and help to prevent the cut snow in the hopper from escaping out the sides of the hopper. As the apparatus continues to move forwardly, the cut or powder snow is redeposited almost immediately in low areas of the terrain. Finally the roller assembly moves across the redeposited snow and compacts and conditions the surface for safe recreational purposes.

Abstract: A method for preparing a field which has crop residue rows for subsequent row crop planting comprises cutting a plurality of furrows between crop residue rows and lifting and turning over the soil from the furrows into ridges, and simultaneously scraping over a plurality of crop residue rows and transferring the residue into the furrows which are being simultaneously cut, and wherein the former step forms the ridges on surfaces that are simultaneously being cleared by the latter step. The method is accomplished by tillage apparatus including a horizontal frame, a plurality of furrow cutting moldboards affixed to the frame and being curved to lift and turn over the soil cut from the furrows into ridges, and a plurality of trash boards affixed to the frame diagonally to the crop rows and in alternate relation to the moldboards and being curved to transfer the crop residue removed thereby into the furrows being simultaneously cut by the moldboards.

Abstract: An attachment for agricultural machines includes a frame having a leading and trailing portion, a first soil-treating unit located at the leading portion of the frame and a second soil-treating unit located at the trailing portion of the frame. Between the first unit and the second unit there is located on the frame wheels for supporting the frame when an agricultural machine provided with the attachment moves along a road. The wheels are displaceable relative to the frame between a first position in which the wheels engage the ground and a second position in which the wheels do not engage the ground. The frame is so coupled to a lifting device of the agricultural machine that, when the wheels are in the second position, the trailing portion of the frame is supported on the ground by the second soil-treating unit.

Abstract: A farm implement is provided having a sub-soiler followed by a seed bed preparation tool and a planter. The seed bed preparation tool includes a rotary bladed portion for filling in the furrow left by the sub-soiler with soil turned up by the sub-soiler and for forming a depression along the crop row for planting. The seed bed preparation tool can also include a curved packer blade at the rear thereof for packing the soil in a central portion of the depression formed by the rotary portion of the tool.

Abstract: A soil cultivating machine has a pair of frame units inclined rearwardly divergently to each other, each frame unit having a respective tool-holding shaft. Each shaft is associated with two tool-holding bars, one in front of the shaft and one behind it. The bars carry deep-tilling implements, while the shafts carry disc-like tools. There is a prescribed numerical relationship between the depth of tilling by these implements and the distance, measured in a direction parallel with the direction of advance of the machine, between a given implement and the associated disc-like tool. There is a further prescribed numeral relationship between this distance and the velocity of advance of the machine.

Abstract: Ground preparing apparatus for seed planting comprising a frame adapted to be drawn along a field by a tractor or the like connected to the leading end of the frame and with a planting machine connected to the trailing end of the frame. A colter disc rotatably carried by the frame penetrates the ground to form a slit in the ground and cut stalks and like debris. A pair of laterally and longitudinally spaced narrow tooth elements carried by the frame between the colter disc and the trailing end of the frame penetrate the ground on opposite sides of the slit and cut the ground to form a band-like region of ground prepared to receive seeds and the like dispensed by the planter. A pair of wheels rotatably connected to the frame contact the ground and are located between the tooth elements and the trailing end of the frame and are laterally spaced from the band-like region for controlling the depth of penetration of the colter disc and tooth elements into the ground.

Abstract: An implement attachable to the lifting links of a tractor has at least one, preferably two, rows of tines fixed to respective transverse frame beams. Between the rows of fixed tines, a supporting roller is pivoted to the frame. The roller can be adjusted relative to the frame to regulate the working depth of the first row of tines. An elongated soil working member is connected to the rear tined beam by a parallelogram linkage and a drive transmission, including at least one eccentric, is connected to upwardly extending support standards to reciprocate the working member in up and down directions so that lumps of soil are crumbled and levelled. The parallelogram linkage is resiliently connected or associated with the frame by opposing springs that permit reciprocal movements of the working member relative to the rear row of tines. The eccentric can be meshed pinions in a housing that are rotated by a drive shaft and each pinion weighted to be out of phase with the other by 180.degree..

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus is a machine of the type for connection to a snow skiing course maintenance tractor. It has freely-rolling rollers for compacting the snow and a plurality of scrapers arranged side by side. The scrapers are pivoted vertically about an axis which is adjustable in height. The scrapers are arranged in front of the rollers.Also disclosed is such a machine with combinations of scrapers and rollers arranged on side by side sub-frames which are connected together by a linkage. When one of the sub-frames is tilted in one direction, the other sub-frame is caused by the linkage to tip in the opposite direction. Means are disclosed for utilizing only one of the sub-frames alone.

Abstract: A stubble eradicating implement adapted for earth traversing movement along a ridge having stubble and other debris thereon and having furrows on opposite sides of the ridge, the implement having a frame, guide wheels mounted on the frame; a pair of concavo-convex disk blades mounted on the frame in fore and aft spaced relation rearwardly of the guide wheels for free rotation about individual axes lying in vertical planes oppositely forwardly convergent with the ridge and oppositely forwardly inclined in their respective planes so that the concave faces of the disks are forwardly and upwardly disposed with the disk blades overlapping in earth engagement centrally of the ridge to discharge stubble and debris from the ridge into adjacent furrows, a first furrowing shovel mounted on the frame rearwardly of the disk blades in alignment with the ridge to discharge soil onto stubble and debris in the furrows, a compacting roller mounted on the frame rearwardly of each of the first shovels in alignment with their re

Abstract: A cultivating implement has rows of rotatable soil working cultivating members that are mounted on beams extending transverse to the direction of travel, one behind the other. The members rotate about upwardly extending axes and can be positioned along the beams to cooperate with one another and work soil between rows of plants. Assemblies of crumbler-rollers are secured to the frame and positioned to engage soil worked by the cultivating members but avoid the plant rows. Each assembly is secured by a support arm adjustably settable along the length of a beam at the rear of the frame. Each assembly is a pair or two rollers journalled on a common shaft and each roller has two supports, one of which is movable along the shaft to and from the other to adjust the width of the roller. Each support mounts bars that form the periphery of the roller.

Abstract: A cultivator implement has two rows of freely rotatable, tined soil-working members connected to leading and rear transverse frame beams by respective brackets or plates. Each rotatable member is mounted for rotation on a corresponding stub shaft that defines its axis of rotation, which is inclined to the vertical. Pairs of downwardly extending tines that are secured in respective holders around the axis of rotation, contact the ground and rotate each member. A first row of rotatable members have axes inclined to one side of the vertical and a second row of rotatable members have axes inclined to the opposite side of the vertical. A fixed cultivator tine is deflectably secured to the beams via an integral spring coil assembly. The cultivator tines are positioned non centrally between adjacent rotary members and each tine is curved so that its lower tip extends forwardly.