Abstract: An agricultural implement is presented that includes a main tool bar supporting main agricultural tools. The agricultural implement also includes an inner wing tool bar pivotally coupled to the main tool bar and supporting inner wing agricultural tools. Moreover, the agricultural implement includes an outer wing tool bar pivotally coupled to the outer wing tool bar and supporting outer wing agricultural tools. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a folding system configured to rotate that outer wing tool bar relative to the inner wing tool bar to enable the agricultural implement to be operated in a narrower configuration.

Abstract: The control method for driving a ripper pertaining to the eight invention is a method for driving a ripper in which the movement of a ripper attached to the rear of the body of a bulldozer is controlled, said method comprising a first step in which the ripper is operated while the bulldozer is moving forward or is stopped, a second step in which the bulldozer is reversed and the ripper is raised, and a third step in which the ripper is automatically raised.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a blade control system for a machine. The blade control system includes an input device configured to actuate a first actuator associated with a first blade end in response to a manual command signal triggered by the input device. Further, a controller configured to receive the manual command signal indicative of the trigger initiated by the input device and actuate a second actuator associated with a second blade end with substantially same velocity as of the first actuator in response to the manual command signal.

Abstract: A scraper for removing accumulated soil from the wheel of a planter, the scraper comprising: a scraper arm having a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted for attachment to an axle mounted to the frame of the planter, and the second end for carrying a scraper blade, wherein the scraper arm is sized and shaped so that when the first end of the scraper arm is attached to the axle, the second end can present the scraper blade to the ground-contacting surface of the wheel so as to remove accumulated soil from the wheel.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided having a tongue, a central toolbar extending from the tongue, and first and second wings extending generally outwardly from the central toolbar. The implement may include a central hopper system to provide the material to individual row units along the central toolbar and wings, or may include individual hoppers located at each of the row units along the toolbars. A weight distribution system is used with the implement to update and adjust the amount of down force applied at the outer toolbars or wings, and the individual row units. The distribution system includes an intelligent control connected to sensors and cylinders. Therefore, the intelligent control receives information from the sensors and adjusts the cylinders accordingly to provide the appropriate amount of down force and to adjust the down force on a real time basis, and can be a closed loop or open loop system.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for a mobile excavation machine operating at a worksite. The control system may have a locating device mounted on the mobile excavation machine that is configured to generate a signal indicative of a current position of the mobile excavation machine at the worksite during completion of an excavation plan. The control system may also have a controller in communication with the locating device and the mobile excavation machine. The controller may be configured to autonomously control the mobile excavation machine based on the excavation plan, and to determine a volume of material missed during completion of a first cut of the excavation plan based on the signal. The controller may be further configured to adjust a characteristic of a second cut of the excavation plan based on the volume of material missed during completion of the first cut of the excavation plan.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a grading and/or scarifier apparatus configured to be coupled to a motor vehicle, such as a tractor. The apparatus may include a rear mounted frame supporting a blade assembly and/or a scarifier. The scarifier may include a first frame, a second frame slideably disposed through the first frame, and scarifier shanks retained by the second frame. The blade assembly may be pivotable around a substantially vertical axis extending from the blade assembly and/or around a substantially horizontal axis extending through the center of the motor vehicle. The blade assembly may include adjustable end plates at each end, which are maintained at a constant angle to the horizontal axis as the blade is pivoted around the vertical axis. The apparatus may further include trailing wheels that are pivotally attached to the frame and selectively laterally displaceable with respect to the horizontal axis.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a vertical floating row cleaner may include a mounting bracket configured to engage a row unit frame, which mounting bracket may have a receiver engaged therewith. An extension member may have first and second ends, with one end configured as an adjustor interface and the opposite end configured to pivotally engage at least one row cleaner wheel. An adjustor may engage the extension member at the adjustor interface such that the adjustor prevents the extension member from moving with respect to the receiver past a certain point in at least one direction.

Abstract: An improved turfplaner system for leveling an area to a predetermined height is described. The turfplaner system includes a device capable of being transported over an area. The device includes a rotational elongated cutter with a first side and a second side and a control mechanism capable of independently altering a height of the first side of the rotational cutter and the second side of the rotational cutter relative to a predetermined height over the area.

Abstract: An agricultural implement has front flotation wheels with a significantly increased diameter, increasing flotation and improving rolling characteristics, especially in soft soil conditions. The implement has a frame supported on front and rear wheels. Front flotation wheels are pivotally mounted to the frame about vertical axes. A hitch tongue is pivotally attached to the frame about a vertical hitch pivot axis. A wheel control mechanism connects the front flotation wheels to the hitch tongue, and is configured such that when the hitch tongue is in a neutral position the front flotation wheels roll in the operating direction, and pivoting the hitch tongue causes the front flotation wheels to pivot in the same direction.

Abstract: A support assembly that includes first and second frame components may be used to support a plow blade to a vehicle. The first frame component may have a first end defining a first pivot axis about which the plow blade pivots when it is moved side-to-side. The second frame component may have a first end that defines a second pivot axis about which the second frame component, the first frame component and the plow blade pivot when the plow blade is raised or lowered. A second end of the first frame component may be pivotally attached to a second end of the second frame component about a third pivot axis. The first frame component and the plow blade may automatically pivot together about the third pivot axis to maintain the plow blade in a level orientation even when the plow blade is both raised and moved side-to-side.

Abstract: A folding agricultural tool carrier for supporting tillage, seeding, fertilizer or other ground engaging tools. On each side of a carrier frame a boom support frame is hinged for pivoting about a fore-and-aft axis, and a wing frame or boom is pivotally connected to the boom support frame forwardly of the aft end of the carrier frame and adjacent wheel structure supporting the carrier. A rear fold cylinder pivots the boom forwardly from an extended position to a flat-fold position alongside the boom support frame, and a torque resisting and fatigue reducing diagonal brace flat-folds between boom and the support frame. Frame cylinders pivot the support frame and folded boom and brace into a narrow transport position over the carrier frame. A wheel accommodation space is defined between support frame hinges to facilitate tread adjustments.

Abstract: A forward folding implement for connecting to a tow vehicle, such as a tractor, is provided. The implement includes a telescoping tongue for connection to the tow tractor. A main frame is connected to the telescoping tongue opposite the tow tractor and is supported by a plurality of wheels. Right and left wings are pivotally connected to the main frame and include a plurality of ground engaging tools attached thereto. First and second hydraulic cylinders are connected to the wings. The first cylinder pivots the wing about a vertical axis, while the second cylinder is configured to pivot the wing about a horizontal axis. The wings are raised about the horizontal axis before being placed in a transport position after being rotated about the vertical axis.

Abstract: An assembly for facilitating steering of an agricultural implement linkable to a work vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises at least a first ground-engaging wheel to engage a ground surface below a frame of the agricultural implement to support the frame above the ground surface. The assembly further comprises a positioning system for receiving a positioning signal from a positioning source. The positioning system determines a current position of the agricultural implement from at least the positioning signal, and the positioning system generates a control signal derived from the current position of the agricultural implement. The assembly further comprises a steering cylinder connected to the first ground-engaging wheel. The steering cylinder operatively connects to the positioning system to steer the first ground-engaging wheel based on the control signal.

Abstract: System and method for providing guidance control for machines. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting an implement, by a guidance controller, coupled to a machine. The method may further include determining a characteristic of the implement which affects a control setting of the machine, configuring the control setting of the machine by the guidance controller based, at least in part, on the characteristic of the implement and controlling operation of the machine based on the control setting.

Abstract: Agricultural planter row units feature soil finishing assemblies for closing a seed groove after seed is placed in the soil. An adjustable furrow closing assembly enhances upper seed groove coverage and closure with soil resulting in sustained relative humidity levels and optimum seed-to-soil contact for faster seed germination. The furrow closing assembly includes a closing wheel assembly having at least one closing wheel and a press wheel assembly having a press wheel following behind the closing wheels. The closing wheels and press wheel are attached to the planter row unit in a manner allowing the press wheel to move vertically relative to the closing wheels. Adjustable down-force systems are provided to vary the down force applied to the closing wheels and the press wheel to maintain optimum soil contact in irregular terrain and in varying soil densities and conditions to provide optimum soil coverage and compaction of the seed bed.

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 combination is described of a tractor (10) and an implement (12) which is pulled by the tractor (10), by means of a draw bar (14) coupled to the tractor (10) so as to be pivotable about the vertical axis, is supported on the ground by wheels (28) and comprises a cultivating element (30) for cultivating a field (64). A control device (36) is used to activate a first actuator (40) with which the position of the draw bar (14) in relation to the implement (16) can be changed. The control device (36) activates the first actuator (40) in such a manner that the latter adjusts the draw bar (14) with the effect of moving the implement (16) towards an outside of a curve.

Abstract: A pivot limiting device for an agricultural implement is disclosed. The agricultural implement includes a first frame section pivotally coupled to second frame section at a pivot location. The device includes a compression structure having a spring compressed to a preset load. The compression structure is coupled to the first frame section. A plunger includes a first portion positioned adjacent the second frame section and a second portion positioned adjacent the compression structure to move relative thereto between a first position placing no additional compression on the spring when the second frame section pivots in a first direction and contacts the plunger with a first force less than or equal to the preset load, and a second position further compressing the spring when the second frame section pivots in the first direction and contacts the plunger with a second force greater than the preset load.

Abstract: A sod harvester for cutting sod strips from a ground surface while leaving an uncut strip between at least two sod strips. The sod harvester includes a mounting frame and a number of cutting heads connected to the mounting frame. The cutting heads are positioned transversely to the path of travel for cutting the sod strips. At least two cutting heads are spaced apart by the width of the uncut strip. A conveyor is located behind the cutting heads for transporting the strips upwardly and rearwardly from the cutting heads.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multi-mode steerable 3-point hitch comprising: a pivotal hitch frame having a generally vertical pivot axis, the hitch frame coupled to first and second draft arms on each side of the hitch frame; and a hitch support structure affixed to a chassis, the hitch support structure coupled to a pair of opposable steering cylinders that are coupled to the hitch frame, the hitch frame and hitch support operably connected to enable concurrent rotation about the vertical pivot axis with draft arm sway.

Abstract: A packing pressure adjustment assembly for a ground opener unit of an agricultural implement includes a spring interconnected between a rotatable pressure adjustment arm and a trailing arm to which a packer wheel is rotatably mounted. The pressure adjustment arm is centered about an axle of the ground opener unit and is movable between a set of mounting positions that are defined by a set of teeth spaced and arced from one another along a frame portion of the ground opener unit. As the pressure adjustment arm is rotated, the amount of force exerted by the spring on the trailing arm is varied. The packing pressure adjustment assembly is relatively compact and is useful in providing high packing forces, such as a packing force in excess of 100 lbs.

Abstract: A dozing blade assembly includes a dozing blade, and a cutter mounted to the dozing blade. The cutter includes a compound digging face extending between a proximal edge and a distal edge. The compound digging face has a steeply oriented center segment, and shallowly oriented outer segments, for balancing downward penetration with forward pushability during moving the dozing blade assembly through material of a substrate.

Abstract: Devices to repair divots made a golf course include embodiments mounted on a golf cart for transport, and a hand-held embodiment that can fit a golf cart cup holder. Both embodiments comprise a container with a seed/fill mixture, a rake to prepare the divot for repair, and a dispenser mechanism. The cart embodiment includes a cable-operated dispensing mechanism, one embodiment using movement of the rake, the other a cable-operated rotating nozzle to dispense seed. The hand-held embodiment comprises a canister containing the seed/fill mixture and an attached rake. To repair a divot, the hand-held device is positioned proximate the divot, the rake is used to prepare the area, and the device is rotated to cause the seed to be dispensed into the prepared area, thereby repairing the divot and providing for the growth of fresh grass.

Abstract: A self-propelled or stationary construction machine or agricultural machine is provided having a rotatable work device, in particular, a work device for processing soil surfaces or for chopping material. The machine has a drive device for the work device, the drive device having a first drive source and a switchable coupling unit between the first drive source and the work device for engaging the work device with the first drive source. The drive device is equipped with an additional drive unit, the machine being configured for controlling the drive device to accelerate the work device by means of the additional drive unit to an operating speed which would result during operation of the work device by means of the first drive source. In addition, an associated method for driving a work device of a construction or agricultural machine is disclosed.

Abstract: A tool system is provided for resisting abrasive wear of a ground-engaging tool of an agricultural implement during a crop production procedure. The tool system may include a tool for engaging an agricultural field while performing crop production procedure and that defines a main segment and a cutting segment having a working edge covered by a nanostructure coating. The cutting segment may include multiple wear zones with multiple working edges, respectively, covered by nanostructure coatings which may have different thicknesses.

Abstract: A hole digger having an anchor inserted into the ground so tines rotate in place discharging loose material from a hole being dug. The anchor includes an elongate stake carried by the transmission carrying the tines that is inserted to a depth greater than tine depth limiting tine travel to an arc about the stake. The digger can include one or more digger tines of increased axial surface area provided by an axial deflector extending radially along part of a tine facing toward the outer edge of the hole increasing the volume discharged from the hole during each tine rotation. Such a digger can be produced by modifying a garden tiller or cultivator to include an anchor mounted to its transmission and can further include one or more digger tines if desired. The anchor and deflectors can form a kit for retrofitting a tiller or cultivator into a hole digger.

Abstract: An agricultural device includes a number of row units that each includes a seed furrow opener that creates a furrow in the soil for seed placement. Each row unit is mounted to a toolbar of the device by means of a four-bar linkage which allows each row unit to move vertically to adjust to the contour of the soil independently of the other row units on the same toolbar. The four-bar linkages include one or more springs which work to transfer weight from the toolbar to the row unit. An actuator varies the tension in the spring thereby adjusting the down or up force applied to the row unit.

Abstract: A leveling control system and method for heavy equipment, in which a lower frame having a traveling unit and an upper frame are combined together by a tilting unit, includes a sensor unit, provided in the equipment, for measuring twist angles of the lower frame and the upper frame against a reference horizontal surface and a traveling speed of the equipment, and detecting working state information of working devices; a control unit for receiving the twist angles, the traveling speed, and the working state information, calculating a correction angle for the leveling control of the upper frame, and generating a control signal for instructing an operation of an actuator in accordance with the correction angle; and a driving unit for performing the leveling through the actuator in accordance with the control signal received therein.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a seeding 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, wherein the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a position of the ground engaging tool, wherein the packer wheel is positioned directly behind the ground engaging tool when the ground engaging tool is engaging a soil region. Further, the implement includes an adjustment mechanism configured to shift the packer wheel rearwardly upon the ground engaging tool encountering an obstruction and to shift the packer wheel forwardly after the obstruction has been passed by the ground engaging tool.

Abstract: A vehicle ripping mechanism and method has a support frame mountable to the vehicle and movable between raised and lowered positions. A ripping member has an engagement head that is configured for plowing the ground and is pivotally supported on the support frame about a ripping member pivot axis that is preferably positioned such that pivoting of the ripping member displaces the engagement head largely longitudinally. A vibrator mechanism is mounted to the ripping member. Activation of the vibrator mechanism causes reciprocating pivoting movement of the ripping member. A tilt adjustment cylinder is connected to the support frame that is adjustable in length to alter an orientation of the ripping member. A control system includes a pressure sensor fluidically connected to the tilt adjustment cylinder, wherein the control system is configured to deactivate the vibrator mechanism based at least in part on the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A blade system of the present invention includes: a blade angle calculating part configured to calculate sum of a forwardly tilting angle of a vehicle body with respect to a reference surface and a blade lifting angle of a lift frame with respect to a reference position; a difference angle calculating part configured to calculate a difference angle by subtracting a predetermined angle from the sum of the forwardly tilting angle and the blade lifting angle; an opening ratio setting part configured to set an opening ratio of a proportional control valve based on the difference angle; and a lift controlling part configured to control the proportional control valve in accordance with the opening ratio set by the opening ratio setting part until a predetermined period of time is elapsed after onset of dozing by a blade.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs.

Abstract: A tillage implement has gang assemblies of rotatable tillage tools that can be angle-adjusted from the seat of the towing tractor using hydraulic actuators. The tillage tools may comprise generally flat, wavy coulter blades or the like so that the machine may be set up for vertical tillage with the coulters aligned at a zero degree angle with the path of travel of the implement or for residue management operations with the coulters maintained at an oblique angle of up to ten degrees relative to the path of travel. A six degree angle is preferred for the residue management position. A master-slave hydraulic flow arrangement for the actuators assures simultaneous actuation, while mechanical synchronizing apparatus between the two front gang assemblies on the center frame section of the machine assures synchronized movement of those assemblies. Mechanical motion-transmitting mechanism transmits the hydraulically powered adjusting movement of the front gang assemblies to the rear gang assemblies.

Abstract: A method to collect soil cores from a green comprises the steps of providing a soil core collector, extracting soil cores from a green, allowing the cores to dry for at least fifteen minutes, and utilizing the core collector to gather the cores from the green.

Abstract: A supplemental down force system for a ground working implement is provided where the supplemental downforce system groups the row units into at least two groups and provides a different supplemental down force to the row units in each group. This enables the row unit to have a supplemental down force closer to the desired down force recognizing that the row units do not all operate in the same conditions. The controller periodically regroups the row units into the at least two groups and readjusts the down force.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a seeding 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, wherein the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a position of the ground engaging tool, wherein the packer wheel is positioned directly behind the ground engaging tool when the ground engaging tool is engaging a soil region. Further, the implement includes an adjustment mechanism configured to shift the packer wheel rearwardly upon the ground engaging tool encountering an obstruction and to shift the packer wheel forwardly after the obstruction has been passed by the ground engaging tool.

Abstract: A tillage coulter unit (22, 122) adapted for use with a farm implement (10) is provided which permits high speed tillage operations (e.g., field fertilization using liquid fertilizer such as ammonia, or seeding) without undue soil disruption or fertilizer vaporization. The coulter unit (22, 122) includes an upright, rotatable coulter blade (26, 130) with a gauge assembly (28, 132) operable to limit the depth of the coulter blade into soil and to minimize soil disruption. The gauge assembly (28, 132) preferably includes a pair of elongated, shiftable belt or chain loops (74, 212, 214) positioned in straddling relationship and astride the blade (26, 130). The loops (74, 212, 214) present lower runs (96, 212a, 214a) which substantially contact the soil as the unit (22, 122) traverses a field.

Abstract: An agricultural implement with ground-engaging implements tracks in a direction down slope when pulled by a traction vehicle over uneven, or sloped, terrain. The implement's path from the track of the vehicle depends upon, among other things, the slope of the terrain. To compensate for this tendency to drift down slope away from the pulling vehicle's track, the implement frame is provide with controllable forward and aft pivoting wing sections to which the ground engaging implements are attached. Using a GPS receiver, precise positioning information is used to position the wing sections so that the ground engaging members are directed up slope to move the implement's track upwardly in correcting its track, with the wing sections then automatically re-positioned when the implements are on the proper track.

Abstract: The haymaking device has a frame having a main beam which extends in a longitudinal direction and defines a longitudinal centre line, and two side arms extending on both sides of the main beam, wherein the side arms each carry at least one crop processing tool and are at an inner end hingeably connected to a slide connection which is slidable there along the main beam, wherein the side arms are movable between a transport position, in which they substantially extend along the main beam, at a first angle to the main beam, and an operative position, in which the side arms extend at a second angle, larger than the first angle, from the main beam, wherein the side arms are movable between the transport position and the operative position by a sliding movement of the slide connection along the main beam.

Abstract: An agricultural device associated with reduced tillage techniques in a field includes a frame and a separator supported by the frame. The separator is configured to form a strip of exposed soil in residual plant matter in the field. A crimping device associated with the separator is configured to at least partially crush stems of residual plant matter while maintaining the strip.

Abstract: An attachment device for a skid steer loader and a method of moving materials is provided. The attachment device can have a distal end; a proximal end; at least one side member extending from the proximal end towards the distal end; a blade member positioned at the distal end and extending generally perpendicular to a direction of travel of the skid steer loader; and at least one actuator operative to move the blade member substantially in a direction of travel of the skid steer loader. Materials can be moved by the attachment device by placing the attachment device along a ground surface so that the materials are placed in front of the blade member and, while the skid steer loader remains stationary, activating the actuator to move the blade member away from the skid steer loader to push the materials.

Abstract: A method of soil preparation simultaneously ploughs soil and tills soil ploughed in a previous pass. An apparatus for tilling soil provides tilling members mounted for deployment on either side of a tractor. The tilling members on one side of the tractor may be brought into engagement with the soil while tilling members on the other side of the tractor are lifted away from the soil. The tilling members are located to coincide with an adjacent strip of land ploughed in a previous pass of the tractor.

Abstract: Automatic height control of a dozer blade, the input from the slow absolute height sensor is combined with an input from a gyroscope that measures the instant rotation and recalculates it into a vertical height change using the length of the supporting arms. The combination obtains the accuracy of the absolute height information and an increased speed of measurement resulting in a compensated height estimate that is input to a hydraulic control system of the feedback type. This enables much more aggressive control even though the hydraulic system has an unknown linearity and delay associated with it. The gyroscopic sensor forms an IMU with one degree of freedom to compensate for drawbacks of the absolute height sensor with regard to delay, noise and update rate to obtain a frequent, time-correct height position with a reduced level of noise by means of a calculation based on both types of sensor output.

Abstract: An apparatus (30) for applying matter to a field is disclosed. The apparatus (30) comprises a macerator (54) for macerating the matter, at least one ground-engaging tool (42) for tilling the field, and an outlet (47) from which the macerated matter is able to be extruded into or onto the tilled field.

Abstract: A ground working machine having a frame, a ground engaging wheel mounted to the frame and movable between a raised position not engaging the ground and a working position engaging the ground. The ground engaging wheel, when in the working position, rotating about a wheel axis as the machine is moved over the ground. An actuator raises and lowers the ground engaging wheels. A control system includes a sensor to detect rotation of the ground engaging wheel and a controller that receives an input from the sensor. The controller commands the actuator to raise the ground engaging wheel when the sensor detects that the ground engaging wheel is not rotating.

Abstract: A conservation tillage implement having three or more rows of individual coulter wheel assemblies laterally spaced apart and removably mounted on a cultivator frame, a coulter wheel assembly in a given row being staggered with respect to the coulter wheel assemblies in a longitudinally adjacent row. The coulter wheel assemblies may be laterally adjustable and may be mounted to the cultivator frame using a mounting means that permits rotation about a vertical axis. The coulter wheel assemblies may comprise a coil spring having a horizontal spring axis to permit upward deflection in response to impact with an obstacle. Leveling attachments may optionally be mounted to the cultivator frame, along with additional field working tools. The implement is particularly resistant to plugging and can be operated at high speeds without undue damage upon impact with obstacles.

Abstract: An improved easy to use lightweight multipurpose hand operated garden tool that allows the user to accomplish the task of planting of seeds, seedlings, bulbs, transplants and remove weeds or other unwanted material efficiently with an elongated, upright T handled shaft having a tubular cutter at the lower extremity thereof. An ejector plate freely passes through the cutter by means of an elongated rod extending upwardly through a guide and attached to a lever. The cutter is positioned over the area to be prepared and twisted back and forth and pushed into the soil define a plug of soil. The tool is then lifted from the soil, carrying with it the plug of soil. The lever is pushed downward causing the ejector plate to push and eject the plug of soil. The above process can be easily done through ground cover and weed barrier due to the beveled sharpen v-grooved edge of the cutter.