Abstract: There is provided soil loosening and furrower assemblies and a bed renovator therefor. The soil loosening assembly comprises a blade assembly and wherein the blade assembly is horizontally pitched such that, when drawn beneath a soil surface at a fixed depth, the horizontally pitched blade assembly severs rootstock at the level of the blade assembly while retaining the rootstock substantially in place and loosens soil above the level of the blade assembly without substantial soil inversion. The furrower assembly comprises side plates extending rearwardly from a forward prow edge, wherein the side plates are approximately 25-45° with respect to the horizontal axis; and bottom edges of the side plates are approximately 20-40° with respect to a direction-of-travel axis.

Abstract: A leveling and tillage implement for attachment to another vehicle for tilling and leveling a ground surface. The implement utilizes a row of hydraulically controlled discs to provide an angular adjustment of the discs to achieve effective tilling of the soil. Further, the implement includes a box scraper that can be raised up and lowered down to pull dirt forward to fill holes, level off high spots or build a mound.

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: The powered rolling and crimping device is used to terminate cover crops in a minimum tillage soil conservation system. The device includes a powered crimping mechanism in combination with a crop roller. Power is transferred from a tractor power takeoff to a plurality of cam mechanisms via mechanical gearbox. The cam mechanisms raise and lower a crimping bar. As an operator directs a walk-behind tractor across a field of cover crops, a crop roller first flattens the crops and the powered crimping bar crimps the crops, thereby terminating the cover crops without severing the crop stalks disturbing the soil.

Abstract: A comminution machine included in an earth working machine which can be moved over a terrestrial area to be worked in a direction of working comprises a rotating roller comminution device. A grader blade is mounted on the comminution machine down stream from the comminution device in the direction of working.

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: An agricultural tillage implement employing a series of apparatus to perform one-pass primary tillage is disclosed. A cutting disk is the first apparatus that works the field. These disks cut the residue laterally (across the machine) and mix the majority of the residue throughout the disk tillage profile. Additional conditioning occurs by knocking residue/stalks over into a prone position with large cast spools between each disk for quicker decay. Next, chisel plow units work the soil to fracture and loosen the soil, providing proper soil aggregate size and air pore space relationship throughout the shank tillage profile. The last apparatus to work the field is a set of leveling disks, or a combination of leveling disks and a rotary reel/drag harrow. The function of these will provide is to reduce clod size and leave the soil level and smooth enough to allow one-pass secondary tillage in the spring.

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: A tillage apparatus performs shallow tillage with leading tillage discs followed by chisel plows with winged points performing primary tillage in strips of untilled soil left by the forward discs. The points lift the soil and roll it laterally. Levelers follow the plows to leave a smooth surface and reduce the soil preparation needed for planting the following season.

Abstract: There is disclosed a seed drilling implement (10) which comprises a frame (11), a coupling device (12) at the forward end of the frame (11), drilling elements (13) mounted on the frame (11) at or near the rear end of the frame, coulters (14) mounted on the frame (11) forwardly of the respective drilling elements (13), forward packer elements (15) mounted on the frame (11) forwardly of the coulters (14) and arranged at least partly to support the frame (11) in order to control the operating depths of the coulters (14) and the drilling elements (13), and an associated rear packer element (16) mounted rearwardly of the respective drilling element (13), and arranged to exert a soil-packing operation over each seeded row formed by the drilling element.

Abstract: A farm implement has a rigid frame from which is supported a mechanism for breaking and loosening compacted soil. A first plurality of S-tines are supported by the frame and disposed behind the breaking and loosening mechanism. Each S-tine has a sweep disposed on a lower end thereof. A reel is supported by the frame and disposed behind the first plurality of S-tines. The reel has a plurality of blades for chopping debris and breaking soil clods. A second plurality of S-tines are supported by the frame and disposed in offset rows behind the reel. Each S-tine has a sweep disposed on a lower end thereof. A roller mechanism is rotatably supported by the frame and disposed behind the second plurality of S-tines. The roller mechanism mixes and blends the soil with a rolling action. A finished roller breaks down remaining dirt clods and seals moisture in the ground.

Abstract: A tool forms and shapes raised beds efficiently by forming and shaping a mound between the tractor tires and forming half mounds to the left and right of the tractor on one pass. The tool includes forward and rear disks mounted at different angles, so that one disk throws dirt to one side and the other disk throws dirt to the other side.

Abstract: A dual disc cultivator cutaway (10) is disclosed including a frame (30) pivotally mounted to a cultivator tool bar (14) through a bar mount (22). A spindle (38) is pivotally mounted to the opposite end of the frame (30) and slideably mounts first and second arms (40) which in turn rotatably mount the disc blades (44). An adjustment slide (46) is removably pivotally mounted to the upper arm (26) of the cultivator gang assembly and is adjustably, slideably fixed on a bar (45) extending from the spindle (38). Thus, movement of the frame (30) is in a fixed positional relationship with the gang assembly in the cutting and transport positions and pivots with the gang assembly relative to the tool bar (14). When the slide (46) is not attached to the upper arm (26), the frame (30) can be held in an inoperative position relative to the tool bar (14) by a latch (54) pivotally mounted to the tool bar ( 14) through the bar mount (22) which hooks on a pin (56) attached to the frame (30).

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 agricultural apparatus having a combination of ground engaging tools thereon. The agricultural apparatus includes a plurality of ground engaging cultivator tools mounted on a frame assembly which is specifically configured to promote accurate lateral spacing of the cultivator tools thereon. The agricultural apparatus further includes a pair of disc gang assemblies arranged on opposite lateral sides of the longitudinal centerline of the implement and a lift mechanism for conjointly elevating and positioning the disc gang assemblies relative to the frame assembly. The frame assembly is comprised of a series of interconnected frame members including laterally extending tool bars. Each cultivator tool is adjustably secured to a respective tool bar by a resiliently biased bracket assembly. To facilitate lateral adjustment of the cultivating tools, the tool bars are fixedly connected in spaced relation to other frame members.

Abstract: In combination with a wheeled first cultivator which is pulled by a prime mover and which has a frame assembly to which ground engaging members are attached, an improved implement comprising a frame, a mounting unit for attaching the frame to the rear of the first cultivator, one or more second cultivators attached to the frame, a drawbar unit pivotally connected at its front end to the implement frame and having a ground engaging caster wheel unit at its rear end, and a hydraulically operated device interconnected between the frame and the drawbar unit to transfer weight forwardly to the first cultivator rear end, such that as weight is applied downwardly on the implement frame, a positive upward pressure is applied to the rear end of the first cultivator; with attendant advantages in adjusting the down pressure and carrying height of the implement frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural machine for soil-cultivation, comprising, in the direction (F) of travel of the machine, a first row of cutting wheels arranged at right-angles to the said direction of travel and having substantially horizontal axes, in front of which is arranged a cylindrical roller with the aid of which weeds and/or the remains of past cultivation, such as stalks, stubble, and the like may be broken up. A subsequent row of ripping elements, with blades preferably running out to a point, rips up and loosens the soil, without ploughing it in, and is associated with plough-mould-boards which partially plough in the loosened soil. A transverse row of rotor-tools, with substantially horizontal axes, acts as a harrow and is used for final ploughing through 180.degree. and for crumbling the soil. The cutting wheels and the rotor-tools are arranged with their axes at an angle to the perpendiculars to the direction of travel (F) of the machines, preferably at an angle of between 5.degree.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is disclosed wherein soil packer coils are mounted directly to and between rearwardly extending harrow bars which, in turn, are connected to transversely extending frame members. The harrow tines are located behind the soil packer coils. Each coil is pivotally mounted between a respective pair of harrow arms by means of a pair of link arms which are also free to pivot about the axis of rotation of the coils so that the coils maintain uniform ground engaging contact independent of any up and down movement of the harrow arms.In one exemplary embodiment, the link arms are provided with axially shortened stub shafts which extend toward each other, generally coincident with the longitudinal axis of the coil, and generally perpendicular to the respective link arms. The stub shafts are receivable within apertures provided in support plates fixed at either end of the coil.

Abstract: An agricultural implement useful to prepare the ground before or after a seeding operation includes a number of soil packer units which are directly coupled to transversely extending tool bars or frame members ahead of respective, trailing harrow sections. The packer units are connected to the frame members by relatively short links for free up and down shifting movement during advancement of the implement across the field in substantial independence of vertical movement of the harrow sections. The frame members are pivotal about a parallel, horizontal axis to raise the harrow sections and the packer units to an upright orientation for transport, at which time a portion of the links supporting the packer units comes into firm, resting contact with a stop for precluding further movement of the packer units.

Abstract: A sod cutting apparatus which includes a generally flat slide member having an upturned frontal portion and multiple slots extending in parallel, spaced relationship from front to rear, hinge arms pivoted to upward standing fulcrums secured to the slide member, the hinge arms and fulcrums in alignment with the slots, respectively, and round blades rotatably secured to the free ends of the hinge arms and projecting through the slots, respectively, with an adjusting mechanism secured to each hinge arm and provided with springs extending to the slide member for adjusting the tension on the blades. In a preferred embodiment, a plow attachment is mounted to the slide member rearwardly of the blades to aid in cutting and breaking up of the sod.

Abstract: An improved fertilizer applicator includes a rolling coulter and a knife both mounted to a single tool bar mount but with separate spring cushions for independent clearing action and designed for improved clearance suitable for use in heavy residue.

Abstract: The system includes a pull-type frame with a forward line of disc blades widely spaced to part the trash, mix it with soil and displace most of the mixture laterally on top of previously undisturbed soil, thereby creating strips of ground which are alternately cleared and windrowed. At least a second line of disc blades, also widely spaced, is placed to the rear of the first line; and these blades are offset laterally from, and located in the windrows formed by, the discs of the first row, to part and return at least some of the previously cleared trash and previously undisturbed soil back onto the cleared strips while still leaving strips of undisturbed soil with an accumulation of cleared trash on top. Cooperating with the discs are novel plow points located in the undisturbed strips having accumulated layers of cleared trash.

Abstract: A vibrating earth ripping machine which includes a main frame and a vibrating frame which is pivotally connected to the main frame by a pair of movable thrust absorbing arms. The vibrating frame extends beyond the main frame rear end, and is secured to a transversely extending tool bar having a plurality of downwardly projecting ripper tines detachably secured thereto. A mass is rotatably mounted on the tool bar for eccentric mass distribution during rotation about a horizontal axis. A resilient vibration damping system is mounted between the main frame and vibrating frame to damp vibratory movement imparted to the vibrating frame by the rotating mass.

Abstract: A machine for burying slurry, sewage, or other soil-improving fluids has a hollow straight forward-leaning tine which carries at its bottom end an arched, forward-sloping delta-shaped shoe for lifting the soil into the form of a tunnel. The hollow interior of the tine opens through the roof of this shoe, and slurry is delivered through the tine into the cavity under the shoe. A free-running vibrator on the tine vibrates it and the shoe vertically. The tine is resiliently loaded by a spring to its working position, and the reaction of the spring is applied directly to a reaction lever separately pivoted on a subframe carrying the tine. The spring reaction biases the lever downwards, and the lever is supported at its rearward end behind the tine by a roller which closes the slit formed by the tapered leading edge of the tine.

Abstract: A row planter having an improved opening means preferably used in combination with a furrow forming shoe. The opening means includes an unitary, disc means mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis and the shoe is mounted so that a peripheral portion thereof overlaps and substantially abuts a peripheral portion of the disc means. The overlapping peripheral portion of the shoe serves to clean the peripheral portion of the disc means and will continue to do so even as the disc means wears down and its diameter begins to diminish. In the preferred embodiment, the overlapping peripheral portion of the shoe is proportioned and mounted so that its profile when viewed from ahead of the row planter falls within the profile of the disc means. In this manner, there is a smooth transition between the furrow opening disc means and the furrow forming shoe. Outwardly of the disc means are positioned depth gauge wheels which are eccentrically mounted relative to the horizontal axis of the disc means.

Abstract: The system includes a pull-type frame with a forward line of disc blades widely spaced to part the trash, mix it with soil and displace most of the mixture laterally on top of previously undisturbed soil, thereby creating strips of ground which are alternately cleared and windrowed. At least a second line of disc blades, also widely spaced, is placed to the rear of the first line; and these blades are offset laterally from, and located in the windrows formed by, the discs of the first row, to part and return at least some of the previously cleared trash and previously undisturbed soil back onto the cleared strips while still leaving strips of undisturbed soil with an accumulation of cleared trash on top. Following the discs are novel plow tips located in the undisturbed strips having accumulated layers of cleared trash.

Abstract: An implement to remove levees and the like from the earth's surface includes a frame means with longitudinal and lateral members connected to form a frame having sides, a front and a rear end. A pair of ganged disc harrows is supported on the frame and depends therefrom. Each of said pair of said ganged disc harrows extends inwardly from a side of the frame and towards the rear end of the frame to form a generally V-shape with the apex of the V-shape being disposed adjacent the center longitudinal axis of the frame. Dozer blade means comprised of a pair of dozer blades. Each of the dozer blades extend from a side of the frame and inwardly towards the front end of the frame to form a generally V-shape with the apex of the V formed by the dozer blades being disposed adjacent but rearwardly of the apex of the V formed by the ganged disc harrows. The dozer blades cooperate with the ganged disc harrows to level the earth as the implement is moved thereover.

Abstract: A support is connectable with an agricultural machine, and a plurality of agricultural tools is provided which are mounted by mounting elements on the support so that they can be adjusted relative to the support. A single arresting element is provided which arrests all of the tools in their respective positions. The tools have mounting portions extending into a passage in the support and either the passage itself or an auxiliary element in the passage has a wedge face to engage the tool mounting portions.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus for compacting snow for skiing and snowmobiling. It includes an elongated snow compacting member with means which permit its ends to move upwardly and downwardly so that when one end contacts an elevated snow surface that end automatically moves upwardly to substantially equalize the p.s.i. exerted by the snow compacting member against the snow which is being compacted. It also includes snow compacting wings which extend outwardly from and are pivotally secured to the central snow compacting section of the snow compactor and power means for rotating the wings upwardly. The outer ends of the wings are secured to the inner ends by shear bolts or pins so that when an outer end contacts a rigid object it falls away and is not damaged. Means is provided for adjusting the angle of attack of the bottom wall of the snow compacting element to the surface of the snow to vary the pressure exerted upon it.

Abstract: A cultivator apparatus attached to a draw bar hitched to a tractor and having a tool bar attached to the draw bar and movable therewith. A cultivating mechanism is attached to the tool bar and is movable between positions of engagement and disengagement with the ground when the tool bar is moved. A plurality of cultivating units comprise the cultivating mechanism and are independently movable about the tool bar. A lateral support mechanism is comprised of gauge wheels mounted intermediate the ends of each of the cultivating units. Each gauge wheel is laterally offset with respect to the cultivating unit to which it is attached.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulverizing debris in land clearing operations, or the like, including: a frame; a ground engaging drum rotatably mounted on the frame and carrying generally radial teeth, and specifically conventional sheeps feet; and a forwardly facing debris pickup and breaker assembly carried by the frame for feeding debris to the rotor teeth in response to forward movement of the frame, and cooperating with the rotor teeth to break up the debris.