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: A bulldozer includes a body, a drive unit, a ripper, an operating lever, a steering lever, and a controller. The ripper is attached to a rear part of the body and performs ripping work. The operating lever is for operating the ripper. The steering lever is for controlling a travel operation by the drive unit. The controller executes a first control of pulling the ripper up out of the ground and a second control of tilting back the ripper, when it is detected that the ripping work has been ended by operation of the operating lever and the steering lever.

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.

Abstract: A wheel attachment assembly (10) mountable to an agricultural implement (22) that is drawn by a vehicle having front steering wheels and, the assembly including: at least one ground engaging wheel (14, 14?); a lift actuator (34, 34?) for lifting the implement with respect to the wheel a mounting arrangement for mounting the assembly to the rear of the implement; and a steering mechanism (60) for steering the wheel, wherein the steering mechanism is controllable such that the at least one wheel is steered in cooperation with the vehicle front wheels when the vehicle is turning.

Abstract: A hydraulic walking beam method of a pull-type implement, the method comprising: receiving hydraulic fluid at a first hydraulic cylinder associated with a first gauge wheel assembly from a second hydraulic cylinder associated with a second gauge wheel assembly, the first and second gauge wheel assemblies coupled to a frame of a pull-type implement; extending a cylinder rod associated with the first hydraulic cylinder responsive to receiving the hydraulic fluid; and retracting a cylinder rod associated with the second hydraulic cylinder concurrently with the extending.

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: A tillage implement equipped with a finishing attachment for chopping and leveling soil. The implement includes at least one soil engaging element (e.g., a shank) operable to form a trench with mounds on either side of the trench. The finishing attachment includes at least one soil chopping and leveling assembly that is operable to chop up clods of soil and crop remnants in the mounds and to level off the mounds by pushing the mounds at least partially into the trench.

Abstract: A mount for carrying a plurality of field-conditioning implements selected from trash whipping implements, rolling baskets and coulters for connection to a planter is disclosed. A height and force adjustable mounting system is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables the force of such an implement on the soil to be modulated as desired.

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: A turf treatment trailer attachable to a ride-on lawnmower. The turf treatment trailer comprises a drawbar which is detachably attachable to the ride-on lawnmower, a frame connected to the drawbar, a first ground-bearing trailer wheel rotatably mounted on the frame, a second ground-bearing trailer wheel rotatably mounted on the frame and at least one turf treatment unit detachably attached to the frame. The turf treatment unit is positioned on the frame to trail the first ground-bearing trailer wheel so that in use when the turf treatment trailer is attached to the ride-on lawnmower which is moving forward over the ground, a substantially common area of the turf on the ground is sequentially traversed by the first ground-bearing trailer wheel and treated by the turf treatment unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for exerting a compressive force on soil around the root ball of a plant for compacting the soil. The device has a substantially planar head having a pair of arms that are configured to extend over at least a portion of the soil above the root ball of the plant for exerting a compressive force on a portion of the soil. The device also has a handle fixedly attached to the head that is configured to transfer force to the head when a user exerts a compressive force to the handle, thereby compacting soil positioned beneath the head.

Abstract: A system and method to selectably control a position of a first end of a drawbar between a locked position and a suspended position with respect to a drawbar support. The drawbar is securable to a work vehicle distal from the first end, the method includes locking a position of the first end in response to a first predetermined condition and placing the first end in a suspended position in response to a second predetermined condition. Position control of the first end is continuously maintainable.

Abstract: A tongue-hitch structure for a pull-type implement may comprise a tongue locking mechanism. A work frame for the pull-type implement may comprise a vertically adjustable rear wheel suspension comprising an actuator for moving the work frame between a lowered, working position and a raised, transport position. The tongue-hitch structure may be adapted to allow vertical movement between the tongue-hitch structure and the work frame. A leveling arrangement may be coupled between the work frame and the hitch-tongue structure operable to prevent and/or allow vertical movement between the tongue-hitch structure and the work frame.

Abstract: A manually operated hand-held implement used for cutting into and through soil and soil barriers, facilitating the loosening and cultivating of soil in preparation of planting or seeding. An embodiment of the implement is comprised of an elongated vertical shaft with transverse handle at one end, a foot-pedal further down the shaft and a cultivating head comprised of a plurality of circumferential-spaced triangular blades formed in an arrowhead shape at the other lower end of the implement, terminating in a pointed tip. The arrowhead blade shape facilitates penetration of the implement into the soil, with the blade edges simultaneously severing soil barriers during penetration of soil. The operator may use the implement in a standing, kneeling or seated position and with a downward rocking, twisting and agitation motion of the implement, causing the arrowhead to penetrate, cultivate and prepare a soil hole for planting.

Abstract: An outboard stabilizing system (OSS) includes a stabilizer bar with first and second outboard extensions each with a wheel mounted thereon; and a hand tool secured to the stabilizer bar, wherein a length of the two outboard extensions is determined based on the hand tool.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for weed elimination using a manually operable weed stomping tool that is comprised of a handle, an elongated shaft, a footrest, and a weed stomping bit that has a cutting edge. When the weed stomping bit is positioned on the ground over the centre of a weed and downward pressure is applied, either by pushing on the handle or stepping on the footrest, the weed stomping bit is forced into the ground while simultaneously the cutting edge of the weed stomping bit severs the weed's foliage from the stem and the weed stomping bit crushes the weed stalk and attendant root structure to a depth below grade.

Abstract: A digging control system for use with a machine having a work implement is disclosed. The digging control system may have a sensing system configured to generate a signal indicative of a loading of the work implement. The digging control system may also have a controller. The controller may be configured to determine the loading of the work implement based on the signal. Additionally, the controller may be configured to initiate tilting of the work implement in response to a determination that the loading of the work implement exceeds a threshold loading. The work implement may not be substantially lifted during this tilting of the work implement. The controller may also be configured to monitor a tilt angle of the work implement. Additionally, the controller may be configured to cease tilting of the work implement when the tilt angle of the work implement substantially equals a threshold tilt angle.

Abstract: It provides a device called Multicultivator for vertical cultivation which base is made of structural steel an comprising at least three rudders for field work, an important feature is that the device can change the separation between the rudder from been virtually together. The Multicultivator has the ability to perform tasks simultaneously as subsoiling an fallow.

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: An improved spreader/grader system, which includes a frame having a pair of parallel sidewalls; a plurality of spreader/grader blades positioned between the sidewalls and secured within a slot along the length of each of the sidewalls, each blade having a lower edge for spreading or grading a surface upon which the spreader/grader rests; a hydraulic cylinder attached to each end of each blade to allow each blade to be moveable along the length of the sidewall in a parallel or non-parallel relationship as desired by the operator; and a hydraulic cylinder system for attaching the frame to a vehicle, such as a tractor, for pulling the spreader/grader during the spreading/grading process. The blades of the spreader/grader may alternatively be secured in fixed positions between the sidewalls of the frame with a bolt/nut combination.

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 used in the management of crop residue as part of a minimum tillage strategy. The implement is particularly resistant to plugging and can be operated at high speeds without undue damage upon impact with obstacles.

Abstract: Biomass is devolatilized to produce both a combustible fuel (syngas) and activated carbon. The activated carbon is used as an adsorbent to capture a contaminant, such as mercury, and stored in a landfill, is impregnated with components with inherent fertilizer properties and tilled into arable land, is used along with coal in an electric power generation facility, or is used to remove mercury or other heavy metals from the flue gas of a coal fired power generation station prior to being stored so as to sequester both carbon and the heavy metal. Thus, both the carbon and the adsorbed mercury or other chemical are sequestered.

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: 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 mount for a trash whipping implement for connection to a planter is disclosed. A height and force adjustable mounting system is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables the force of such an implement on the soil to be modulated as desired.

Abstract: An earthmoving system including a bulldozer has a pair of GPS receivers mounted on the cutting blade of the bulldozer. The cutting blade is supported by a blade support extending from the frame. The blade support includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders for raising and lowering the blade in relation to the frame and a blade tilt cylinder for controlling the lateral tilt of the cutting blade. Sensors, including gyroscopic sensors and an accelerometer, sense rotation of the frame about three orthogonal axes and vertical movement of the bulldozer frame that would affect the position of the blade. A control is responsive to the pair of GPS receivers and to the gyroscopic sensors, for controlling the operation of the hydraulic cylinders and thereby the position of the cutting blade.

Abstract: An agricultural planter includes a frame and left and right wings pivotally attached to respective ends of the frame, all of which have a plurality of spaced row units. Each wing includes a forward bar pivotally coupled to the frame for forward folding for transport and an aft bar having row units attached thereto. Each aft bar is aligned parallel with and is pivotally coupled to its associated forward bar by at least one pair of first and second non-parallel coupling arms. A hydraulic cylinder coupled to the forward bar and to one of the pivoting arms raises the associated aft bar with row units above the soil to a first elevated position to facilitate turning the planter. Further extension of the hydraulic cylinder causes additional elevation, and substantial rotation of the aft bar and row unit combination to provide a low and narrow planter profile for transport and storage.

Abstract: In orchards or fields of grape vines, weeding in inter-plant spaces may be performed with a mechanical weeder. The weeder may include a frame configured to be propelled by a motorized vehicle. A rotatable weeder unit may be pivotally connected to a pivot arm attached to the frame and a spring may be connected to hold the rotatable weeder unit in a nominal pivotal position relative to the frame responsively to a force exerted by the spring. When encountering a producing plant, the weeder unit may deflect away from the plant thereby precluding damage to the plant.

Abstract: A weeding hand tool, comprising a generally longitudinal member joining a handle grip at a first end thereof and a pedal at a second opposite end thereof, a finger head comprising coiled fingers arranged in a helix and an ejector rod mobile inside the helix, and an ejector arm, wherein, when the tool is positioned generally vertically with free end tips of the coiled fingers on the ground, pushing down on the handle grip and/or on the pedal causes the coiled fingers to rotated down into the soil, entrapping a weed beneath the soil as they penetrate the soil, and wherein when, by pulling up on the longitudinal member, the coiled fingers are pulled out from the soil, with the weed entrapped in the helix they form, and the weed is ejected from the helix pulling down on the ejector arm.

Abstract: A tillage system has a first set of deep tilling tines and a second set of shallow tilling coulter tines present in a number more than twice that of the deep tilling tines. The deep tilling tines till the field to a depth of about 5 to 12 inches at row planting locations, loosening the soil for easy plant growth. This deep grooving action builds mounds of soil at both sides of the deep groove which are cleared by a second set of shallow tilling curved coulter tines followed by a third set of plurality of rows of shallow tilling toothed coulters that till the space between grooves to a depth of about 1 to 4 inches, providing a water reservoir space and clearing plant debris. A last row of shallow tilling ruffled coulters are provided to mix and incorporate into soil plant debris and plant stocks, anchoring tilled soil.

Abstract: A dirt hole closer is attached to the front of a skid steer, or to a tractor, forklift, or the like and consists of a frame, a push blade, a left arm, and a right arm. The frame is removably attached to the lifting mechanism of the vehicle. The push blade, the left arm, and the right arm are attached to the frame and have coplanar lower edges. Both the left arm and the right arm can be manipulated, by means such as hydraulic actuators. The dirt hole closer provides a novel method of planting trees or setting posts or poles and utilizes both linear and angular motion to push excavated dirt into the annulus of hole surrounding the object being planted.

Abstract: A tiller can include a frame supported by at least one wheel. An upright assembly can extend from the frame. A drive mechanism can be supported by the frame and include a motor having an output member. A tilling implement can have a drive shaft that is driven by the output member. The tilling implement can comprise at least one tine plate. A slider assembly can communicate with the wheel and be movably coupled along the upright assembly. The slider assembly can be configured to securably locate in at least a first position wherein the wheel is located at a first elevation relative to the frame and a second position wherein the wheel is located at a second elevation relative to the frame. The first and second elevations can be distinct.

Abstract: A hollow coring tine with an extension that may be used on several types of reciprocating aerifiers provides core collection and removal from turf. In one embodiment, the extension ensures that the cores are expelled in a pre-determined position with the predetermined position adjustable between about zero and about 90 degrees to the vertical plane, the cores thereby ending up in a collecting bag, a conveyor belt, a core processor, etc. Moreover, because the cores are “caught” in a device that is off the ground, the cores do not touch the turf, directly or indirectly. When the extension is a hose, it is possible to suck the cores through the hose, directly into a collecting container. The hollow coring tine with extension may therefore prevent the turf from being damaged by other core collecting devices, like core collectors.

Abstract: The present invention is a snow removal attachment device used in combination with a piece of snow removal equipment that includes a rubberized pushing tool that is disposed in front of the snow removal attachment device that pushes and moves snow while being used in combination with the snow removal equipment and a mounting and support bracket that removably mounts and secures the rubberized pushing tool to the snow removal equipment. There is also a quick release plate that attaches the mounting and support bracket to the snow removal equipment and a stabilizing chain that stabilizes said rubberized pushing tool and said mounting and support bracket. The invention can also be used to move silage and also includes a method of use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for forming a plurality of impressions (100) in a target surface (101). The method includes the steps of urging a roller element (110) arranged to rotate about a longitudinal axis (L) in a direction of advancement (A) over a target surface, an angle between the direction of advancement and the longitudinal axis is between 89° and 30°. The method also includes the step of as the roller element rotates, forming successive impressions in the target surface via at least one tooth element (113) extending outwardly at a respective region of an outer surface (112) of the roller element.

Abstract: A motor grader with an adjustable wheel base is disclosed. The motor grader may include front and rear wheels supporting a chassis and a main frame. A working blade may downwardly depend from the main frame between the front wheels and rear wheels to perform work on the ground below. The motor grader may also provide an adjustable wheel base to allow the center of gravity of the motor grader to better match the work load being addressed. The adjustable wheel base may also provide more swing clearance for the blade relative to the rear wheels, allow for an adjustable articulation angle, and minimize structural loads on the motor grader, particularly during ripping operation. The wheel base may be adjustable by providing structure through which the relative positions of the rear wheels can be altered automatically, manually, and dynamically.

Abstract: A screed assembly for attachment to the boom arm of a mechanical hoe, including a first elongated member, an elongated ground-engaging structural member extending therefrom, a hoe connection interface and a hydraulic boom connection interface on the first elongated member, and a blade-engaging assembly operationally connected to the first elongated member. An elongated blade portion is pivotably connected to the blade-engaging assembly, a first pivot actuator is operationally connected between the first generally elongated portion and to the blade-engaging assembly, and a second pivot actuator operationally connected to the blade-engaging assembly and the elongated blade portion. Energization of the first pivot actuator pivots the blade engaging assembly relative to the first elongated member and energization of the second pivot actuator pivots the blade relative to the blade-engaging assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of installing a shank onto a ripper assembly of a tractor or crawler. A rotating shank installer (RSI) is welded onto a front face of a ripper assembly of a tractor, e.g., on the outside surface of a pocket beam. A portion of the RSI is allowed to rotate with respect to the pocket beam. With the shank in a substantially horizontal position with respect to the ground, the shank is secured between two plates of the RSI using pins wherein the plates can rotate with respect to the pocket beam. The shank is locked in place by two pins placed through the plates and the shank's weight is unbalanced with respect to the RSI. The ripper assembly is elevated causing the shank to rotate within the RSI to a substantially vertical position. The crawler is moved forward while lowering the ripper assembly in order to rip a groove into the ground with the bottom portion of the shank where the shank lowers into the ground.

Abstract: A digging tool has a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has at least one beveled surface for engaging with a drill chuck. An eggbeater-shaped digging body is coupled to the shaft. The digging body is formed from a plurality of bands that intersect each other at an intersection region at the distal end of the shaft. The bands are welded to each other and to the shaft at the intersection region and form a plurality of substantially U-shaped digging surfaces. Each U-shaped digging surface has a distal arm coupled to the intersection region and a proximal arm coupled to the shaft between the intersection region and the proximal end of the shaft. A protective cover is welded to the intersection region to cover the intersection region. The protective cover preferably includes a distally extending non-puncturing tip.

Abstract: A soil-conditioning disc and variable disc assembly system is presented wherein each disc has a series of radially extending geometrically shaped protrusions with intermittent cutting edges and consolidation surfaces, all circumscribing a central hub portion. The disc can be used individually or in multiplicity in a variety of configurations as appropriate for the soil conditions and soil-conditioning task at hand. When the soil-conditioning disc is rolled across the soil surface, a series of consolidated perforations and/or geometric-shaped hollows and restricting channels (depending on the particular disc configuration utilized) are created in the soil. This soil-conditioning disc and assembly simultaneously cuts and incorporates organic material into the soil to increase soil oxygenation for improved soil health, to create depressional water storage, to enhance soil permeability, to reduce evaporation, and to improve surface water distribution by reducing runoff.

Abstract: A mobile soil aerating device including a machine frame, a drive, at least one penetration tool hingedly coupled with the machine frame, said penetration tool being adapted to be driven into the soil and to be pulled out again, said penetration tool being pivotable with respect to the machine frame during a penetration phase in which the penetration tool, prior to penetration, being in an initial position at a predetermined penetration angle, and wherein, at least after having pulled the penetration tool from the ground, at least one element engaging the penetration tool and coupled to the machine frame exerts a restoring moment on the penetration tool in order to pivot the penetration tool back to the initial position.

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 used in the management of crop residue as part of a minimum tillage strategy. The implement is particularly resistant to plugging and can be operated at high speeds without undue damage upon impact with obstacles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a surface-modifying machine, wherein information on the desired condition and on the actual condition of ground to be prepared is provided and is used to derive control statements for the machine based on a comparison of the desired and the actual condition. The information on the actual condition is represented by a point cloud as a spatial distribution of discrete surface points. In order to derive control statements, at least two surface points each from the point cloud are used for every horizontal position so that non-differentiated information can be derived that for example also allow to identify various planes.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for tilling at least a strip of soil to be planted includes a tillage device for penetrating and tilling a strip of soil and displacing soil and residue upwardly, the tillage device including at least one coulter wheel mounted for rotation about a first axis of rotation and positioned at least in part below the soil, when tilling the strip of soil, such that the coulter wheel is able to cut a slit in the soil, and a depth control device laterally offset from the centerline of the strip of soil and mounted for rotation about a second axis of rotation located rearwardly of the trailing end of the tillage device. The depth control device is positioned to intercept soil and residue displaced upwardly by the tillage device. Multiple tines made of a polymeric material are mounted on the depth control device, extending laterally away from only one side of the depth control device toward the centerline to intercept a portion of the soil and residue displaced upwardly by the tillage device.

Abstract: A folding frame for an agricultural implement such as a wheel rake. The frame includes ground engaging wheels and two toolbars foldable for operation and for transport. The folding frame is provided flexibility to conform to uneven surfaces, yet stability against the torques and forces of operation. A slidable tongue provides folding action between the transport position and the operating position. A spacing between rear ends of the two toolbars may be altered hydraulically for wider or narrower windrows. A novel caster wheel provides support for the toolbars and is located so that the implement's transport position is narrower than the prior art's.

Abstract: In lieu of rigid bars, a tillage reel utilizes a number of elongated flexible elements such as lengths of link chain that are spaced circumferentially around the reel and extend axially thereof. The flexible elements bow outwardly by centrifugal force as the reel rolls along the ground during tillage operations to impact and fracture clods encountered at the lower front extremity of the reel. When the reel is used in connection with strip till operations, the flexible elements bow upwardly and inwardly along the lower periphery of the reel as they engage and conform to the transverse cross-section of the strip till berm, thereby avoiding destruction of the berm notwithstanding the clod-pulverizing action provided by the flexible elements.

Abstract: A turf aerator (11) provided with a reciprocating drive mechanism (33, 37) to repeatedly drive a leg (35) carrying a tine (31) vertically into the ground (52) and retract it again at regularly spaced intervals, the tine leg (35) being substantially rigid and pivotally mounted at its upper end (36) to a drive assembly (33). The tine leg (35) is provided with a cam surface (160) in the forward direction and a forward guide arrangement (141) including a forward travel limiting stop, acting on the cam (160), to limit forward travel of the tine leg (35) and thereby maintain a substantially vertical travel path for the leg (35).

Abstract: An apparatus and method of installing a shank onto a ripper assembly of a tractor or crawler. A rotating shank installer (RSI) is welded onto a front face of a ripper assembly of a tractor, e.g., on the outside surface of a pocket beam. A portion of the RSI is allowed to rotate with respect to the pocket beam. With the shank in a substantially horizontal position with respect to the ground, the shank is secured between two plates of the RSI using pins wherein the plates can rotate with respect to the pocket beam. The shank is locked in place by two pins placed through the plates and the shank's weight is unbalanced with respect to the RSI. The ripper assembly is elevated causing the shank to rotate within the RSI to a substantially vertical position. The crawler is moved forward while lowering the ripper assembly in order to rip a groove into the ground with the bottom portion of the shank where the shank lowers into the ground.

Abstract: A device for trenching and a system of controlling trenching at a constant depth and at a speed of more than 12 miles per hour.

Abstract: A folding tool bar apparatus for an implement such as a rake, the toolbar having a frame with ground engaging wheels. The folding tool bar apparatus is adapted to be operatively attached to a prime mover for towing from place to place. First and second tool bars are pivotally attached to linkage members. A tongue member that sides along its longitudinal axis with respect to the frame pulls front ends of the tool bars toward the tongue member during movement to the transport position thereof and away from the tongue member during movement towards the working position thereof. The rear end of the tongue member is behind the frame in the working position thereof, making the folding tool bar apparatus shorter than conventional folding tool bars in the working position thereof.