Abstract: A control system for establishing grade and elevation control for a tool of a construction apparatus for maintaining the vertical position of the tool relative to a reference includes a first ultrasonic transducer configured to be carried by the construction apparatus, with the first transducer transmitting and receiving acoustic waves, at least one reflector, a second ultrasonic transducer configured to be carried by the construction apparatus, with the second transducer receiving acoustic waves, and a controller coupled to the first and second ultrasonic transducers which drive the transducers to produce an acoustic wave and monitors the time reflections of the acoustic wave are respectively received by the first and second transducers.

Abstract: A method the method of transferring a roll of sod while inhibiting an unwinding of the roll of sod comprising the steps of: (a) rolling a slab of sod into a first sod roll; (b) forcing the first sod roll onto a sod roll handling mechanism containing a second sod roll with the first sod roll forming pressure contact with the second sod roll on the sod roll handling mechanism; and (c) advancing the sod roll handling mechanism with the second sod roll while maintaining the first sod roll and the second sod roll in pressure contact to thereby inhibit the unwinding of the first sod roll as the first sod roll is transferred to the handling mechanism and an sod harvester guidance system for maintaining a full cut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to repair dents formed by a golf ball impacting the surface of a golf green. A restoring tool is mounted to the top of the handle of a putter, and this tool comprises a base member and a ground penetrating portion which is formed as a pair of tines and which is rotatably mounted to move from a stowed position flush against the base, to an operating position where it extends at right angles to the base. The putter is inverted so that the end of the handle can be positioned against the raised edge of the dent. The tines (outwardly extending) are moved to penetrate into the soil at a location outwardly of the raised edge of the dent, and the compression surface of the base member presses the sod layer downwardly and displaces the underlying ground layer laterally to fill into the recess portion of the dent. This also causes the displaced portion of the sod laterally over the dent.

Abstract: A method and an automatic sod harvester for on-the-go cutting, rolling and storing of sod with the sod harvester including a sod cutter for freeing a section of sod from a sod field, a sod roller for rolling the section of sod into a sod roll, a sod roll accumulator having a sod troughs therein for receiving and holding a plurality of sod rolls therein and a sod roll pickup mechanism for lifting the sod rolls on the sod roll accumulator and transferring the sod rolls to a sod carrier for delivery of the sod rolls to a remote location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to repair dents formed by a golf ball impacting the surface of a golf green. A restoring tool is mounted to the top of the handle of a putter, and this tool comprises a base member and a ground penetrating portion which is formed as a pair of tines and which is rotatably mounted to move from a stowed position flush against the base, to an operating position where it extends at right angles to the base. The putter is inverted so that the end of the handle can be positioned against the raised edge of the dent. The tines (outwardly extending) are moved to penetrate into the soil at a location outwardly of the raised edge of the dent, and the compression surface of the base member presses the sod layer downwardly and displaces the underlying ground layer laterally to fill into the recess portion of the dent. This also causes the displaced portion of the sod laterally over the dent.

Abstract: A method of harvesting sod using a sod harvester involves the formation of a series of defined slabs of sod that are positioned end-to-end, and conveyed up a conveyor that is driven at ground speed so that the slabs stay together. The slabs may be defined by respective series of spaced perforations so that the slabs remain connected by portions of the sod between the perforations. Where the slabs are completely separate, netting is introduced continuously below the series of slabs as they enter a roll-forming enclosure of the harvester. The netting keeps the slabs together and allows them to be formed into a roll in essentially the same fashion as a continuous strip of sod. Roll formation is continued until a large diameter roll has been formed comprising multiple layers of sod slabs. The large roll forms a unitary structure that can be manipulated and transported to a laying site in the same manner as a large single strip roll.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a plurality of spaced apart cultivated spots in soil. A spot cultivator (1) is moved across the soil in a direction in which the spaced apart cultivated spots are to be formed. The spot cultivator (1) includes at least one tilling shaft (7) which is mounted to roll about a horizontal axis which moves with the spot cultivator (1) and which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of at least one tilling shaft (7). At least one tilling shaft (7) is rolled about said horizontal axis in a plane which intersects the soil. The at least one tilling shaft (7) has a length sufficient to contact and penetrate the soil at a controlled spacing during each rotation about the horizontal axis.

Abstract: A method for automatically rotating a motor grader to a predetermined articulation angle. The method includes the steps of: providing an electronic controller, a displacement sensor, articulation cylinders, and an input switch; obtaining information from the displacement sensor indicating the present articulation angle of the motor grader; receiving an input signal from the input switch requesting a predetermined articulation angle; and producing a control signal for actuating the articulation cylinders to rotate the motor grader from the present articulation angle to the predetermined articulation angle.

Abstract: The mass of stockpiled materials is determined from detailed measurements of the elevation of the pile surface at many points and the measurement of the gravitational field along several profile lines across the surface of the stockpiled material. The elevation measurements allow the calculation of the pile volume. Measured gravity values are adjusted using standard gravity corrections in such a manner as to imply all gravity data are collected along the same reference datum. Variations in the corrected gravity values are assumed to be caused solely by the pile material. The gravity measurements are interpreted using analytical and statistical methods to determine the volume-average bulk density value of the pile material. The pile volume is multiplied by the volume-average bulk density to obtain the weight of the stockpiled material.

Abstract: In a tillage device having first and second plow assemblies mounted in parallel relation on a main frame to thereby cut furrows in the soil creating soil strips in so doing and depositing the soil strips on a berm between the furrows created by the plow assemblies and having a rearwardly located plow assembly for moving the soil under the berm outwardly into the first and second furrows thereby creating a middle furrow and allowing the soil on the berm to fall into the middle furrow.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for displaying information along an extended area of compliant ground, such as along a sandy beach, the method and apparatus temporarily displaying a series of repetitive messages upon the extended area by impressing the messages into the compliant ground at regularly spaced intervals along the extended area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling holes which have been made in the ground, by causing a machine which includes a rotary rake at its extreme front end to pass over the ground. In the case in which the ground area planted with grass is a racecourse or equestrian training ground, the machine is preferably driven over the course in a direction opposite to the direction in which the horses have been moving, the rotary rake being driven so as to rotate with a forward velocity tangential to the ground. The machine also includes a soil consolidating device disposed behind the rotary rake to tamp the soil which is replaced in the holes by the rake so that the soil will remain in place.

Abstract: A cylindrical bit is made from an elongated shaft with a spiral blunt pointed cutting element secured to one end by welding or molding. The upper end of the shaft is held in the chuck of a hand-held drill. The drill, battery or mains powered, rotates the shaft. The rotating shaft is repeatedly plunged into the compost mixture to add air and air holes to improve biological decomposition and conversion of organic material into a humus-like mixture (compost).

Abstract: A simple, brightly colored, plastic collar is disclosed for greatly enhancing the visibility of the golf hole for players, spectator and televised golf events. The collar has a diameter essentially the same as a regulation hole and is installed in the cup adjacent the exposed earth wall between the lip of the hole and the hole liner. Furthermore, use of the collar enhances a retention of moisture in the earth around the lip to prevent drying and crumbling of the soil which can cause an initially sharp lip to become rounded. The collar preferably has thinner upper perimeter wall to insure that the reaction of an impinging golf ball against the cup wall having the collar installed is not substantially altered from the reaction of a ball impinging an earth surface of a cup not having the collar installed.

Abstract: A simple, brightly colored, plastic collar is disclosed for greatly enhancing the visibility of the golf hole for players, spectator and televised golf events. The collar has a diameter essentially the same as a regulation hole and is installed in the cup adjacent the exposed earth wall between the lip of the hole and the hole liner. Furthermore, use of the collar enhances a retention of moisture in the earth around the lip to prevent drying and crumbling of the soil which can cause an initially sharp lip to become rounded. The collar preferably has a thinner upper perimeter wall to insure that the reaction of an impinging golf ball against the cup wall having the collar installed is not substantially altered from the reaction of a ball impinging an earth surface of a cup not having the collar installed.

Abstract: A method of killing soil pathogens to improve the agricultural production of a field comprises the steps of moving a plurality of agricultural tools through the soil and during this movement emitting microwave energy into the soil at a frequency within the range of 2GH.sub.z to 12GH.sub.z. The microwave energy heats the soil organisms to levels sufficient to kill the organisms.

Abstract: The plow apparatus has plow blades to break up the soil in the plowed field. The broken up soil is scooped up with scooper blades by the forward motion of the plow apparatus and then conveyed to rotating tillers. The tillers break up the soil into smaller clumps. The tilled soil is then exposed to acoustical energy provided by acoustical transducers. The acoustical energy is of a sufficiently high intensity so as to kill or destroy weed seeds and insect larvae in the soil. The soil is then returned to the ground.

Abstract: A process for killing soil pathogens to improve agricultural production includes the steps of treating a field with a soil conditioning agent to reduce the clods in the soil to microaggregates. Hot water is applied to the treated soil at varying depths to kill soil borne organisms. Beneficial organisms are then applied to the sterilized soil to repopulate the soil with these beneficial organisms.

Abstract: A subsoil plowing implement having winged subsoil plows that break and lift the soil thereby loosening said soil. The plows are mounted so that an upper surface of the wing of the plow may be oriented at varying degrees of incline to horizontal. Spikes are located at a leading edge of the wing and a shank so that said spikes precede the wing and shank through the soil. The spikes initially break the ground and reduce the resistance that the wing and shank experience as they progress through the soil. A bevelled and sharpened deflection strip fixed to a leading edge of the shank making said shank more knifelike and allowing it to cut through the soil with reduced friction. By varying the arrangement and orientation of the plows, areas of loosened soil with different cross-sectional shapes are created.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling agricultural pests in soil by the use of microwave energy. By using an agricultural-type implement for the controlled application of microwave energy to the topsoil prior to the planting of crops, germination of weed and other seeds is inhibited and insects are destroyed. Use of microwave energy has no residual effects, thereby practically eliminating any adverse effects on the environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling the cross slope angle cut by the blade of an articulated frame motorgrader being steered through a turn, operated in a straight frame mode, in a crabbed steering position and/or traveling in a non-horizontal plane. The blade angle is sensed and controlled such that the sensed blade angle is maintained substantially equal to a calculated blade angle. In a first embodiment, the blade angle calculation is performed using the equation: tan BS=(sin .tau.')(tan R)+(cos .tau.')(tan CS) where BS is the required blade slope angle of said blade relative to horizontal; .tau.' is a rotational angle of the blade with respect to the blade's direction of travel projected into horizontal; R is an angle between the blade's direction of travel and horizontal; and CS is the desired cross slope angle which is entered by an operator of the motorgrader. In a further embodiment, the blade angle calculation is performed using the equation: tan BS=(sin .tau.")(tan R')+(cos .tau.

Abstract: Equipment for attachment to a vehicle having a three-point hitch. The disclosure discloses a novel implement, and an interface adapted to be interposed between the implement and the hitch. The implement preferably has at least two different sets of working elements. The implement and the interface are preferably adapted to accommodate 180 degree rotation of the implement with respect to an axis extending between the implement and the interface, whereby either set of working elements can be disposed adjacent the ground or other surface to be worked. Rotation of the implement with respect to the axis is prevented while the implement is being used to work the ground.

Abstract: A method of preparing land for tree planting includes the step of ameliorating small zones of the land required for planting. These zones may be between the rows of stumps after tree felling and are of the order of one meter square and 25 to 75 cms deep. The zones are ameliorated by grabbing a volume of soil in selected zones, which disturbs the soil in those zones, and allowing it, in an ameliorated state, to re-occupy that volume.

Abstract: A moldboard plow apparatus having alternate and cooperating moldboards or so-called "scoops". The first of the moldboards digs out and lifts a first soil section from a ground surface thereby forming a first furrow or so-called "cut". The second moldboard or so-called "scoop" cuts and lifts a second soil section thereby forming a second furrow, parallel to and usually adjacent to the first furrow. The moldboards are shaped such that a rearward movement of the soil sections on the respective moldboards causes the soil sections to be inverted and thrown from the moldboards into the opposite furrow in an upside-down condition. Thus the first soil section is thrown into the section furrow and the second soil section is thrown into the first furrow.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed to perform a method of tilling the soil on a crop field that: will hold rainwater where it falls, increase the percolation rate of this water into the soil, and provide storage room above and below ground level for this water. The tillage method depends on forming a series of small, flat topped terraces with interconnecting lateral dams. These small, flat topped terraces are sized, laterally spaced, and flat topped so that row crops can easily be planted on top of them. The small, flat topped terraces are generated during a deep soil tillage operation. An apparatus is provided to generate these uniformly spaced, flat topped terraces with lateral dams in a four-step process while traveling in either direction across a sloping crop field. Small supplemental tillage means may advantageously be provided for lateral dam generation under adverse soil conditions.

Abstract: Lift arms on a gang of implements support transport wheels which are movable from a raised field-working position to a lowered endwise towing position. Several of the wheels at the forward and aft ends of the towed gang of implements are fitted with castering pivots located adjacent the wheel hubs close to the wheel centerlines to lessen side loading and tire scuffing during turns. The castering wheels include a caster control assembly having at least four functions. First, a lock feature includes a spring-biased pin selectively engageable with the control assembly to secure the wheels in an in-line position to permit easy backing of the implements in the towing configuration. Second, a contact on the implement frame which engages the caster control assembly when the wheels are raised off the ground, cams the caster wheel to a preselected field-working position and prevents rocking of the wheel. Third, a bellevue washer on the caster control assembly limits shimmying of the wheel during transport.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming weeds and grass employs a prime mover to power a rotating cutting head. Three wheels are used to support the weight of the trimmer, and the prime mover is uniquely mounted to the trimmer such that lowering the cutting head is easily accomplished by tipping the trimmer. Cutting height is adjusted by way of an adjustable height arm, and a secondary handle is provided to receive and translate an upward urging force into a tipping motion. The cutting head can be easily removed and a brush, snow blade or blower can be installed thereto for accommodating a plurality of lawn care tasks.

Abstract: By providing the work blade of a grader with a hydraulic regulation system where pressure limiting valves (14, 15, 16, 17) guide pressure reducing valves (10, 11, 12, 13) a constant pressure regulation of the work blade is achieved so that the work pressure set by the operator from his cab is maintained almost independent of the irregularities of the underlying surface.

Abstract: A height-position sensing device for use with a contol circuit for controlling the height position of a blade in the case of a motor grader includes a mechanical height-position sensor and a ultrasonic height-position sensor which are connected to a common control circuit via a switch.

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

Abstract: A foldable implement carrier is disclosed including a central support bar supporting two pivotally connected tool bar sections which are movable from a laterally extended position to a folded position to reduce the width of the foldable implement carrier for transport. The tool bar sections have pivot columns which are rotationally received within a H-shaped frame member. A main wheel set is privotally connected to a frame, which includes the H-shaped member and the central support member, and is driven vertically downwardly to raise the frame off of the ground. The first and second tool bar sections are driven to pivot within the H-shaped frame member and move from the extended position to the folded position. Each tool bar section includes a latch and a wheel to secure the tool bar section to the central support bar. When folded, the latches are received upon the top of the central support bar and the wheels are retracted and abut a lower portion of the central support bar.

Abstract: A tractor includes front wheels and rear wheels. A three-point hitch connects a yoke to the tractor. The yoke is stabilized by stabilizer arms which are connected under the rear tractor axles and to the frame of the tractor forward of the rear tractor axles. The stabilizer arms lock up the yoke so that it is rigidly fixed to the tractor when an earth working implement tilling the soil is stressing the yoke. The stabilizer arms are connected to the yoke by chain links which permit the yoke to be raised and lowered by the three-point hitch, but which prevent any lateral movement or flexibility to the yoke. This rigidity in part is by having the chain link connection of each stabilizing link straddle the connection of the three-point hitch to the yoke. In addition, the two stabilizing arms are connected by a cross brace which is bolted in place. The cross brace may be unbolted in the event a power takeoff shaft is to be used, which would otherwise be blocked by the cross brace.

Abstract: A soil cultivator has a new cultivator shank and a new plow blade which has a fixed lock structure. The plow blade is held to the shank by a movable snap action lock mechanism in a working end of the shank. A new method of quickly changing plow blades with a snap action lock in a cultivator shank is also provided.

Abstract: A method of producing a work surface by producing a reference plane 2--2 and traversing a working tool 104 in a direction generally parallel to said reference plane. So that the required work surface can be a surface other than of flat planar form, the distance of the working tool 104 from the reference plane 2--2 is varied in accordance with instructions from a computer 120 in response to a measure of distance travelled.

Abstract: A method for fracturing below ground hardpan which includes entering a sub-soil tine beneath the lower surface of a layer of hardpan, with the upper surface angle of the tine in range of orientation which provides an improved fracturing width.

Abstract: A device for determining the depth below the ground surface of a working member of an earth moving equipment, comprises a sensor for transmitting electromagnetic signal from underneath and toward the ground surface and for receiving a portion of the signal reflected from the ground surface. The sensor is positioned underneath the ground surface in fixed spatial relationship to the working member such that the sensor means is under the ground surface when at least a portion of the working member is under the ground surface. A circuit is provided for processing the received reflected signal to thereby indicate the depth under the ground surface of the working member, whereby the depth is proportional to the time of travel of the signal to the ground surface and the reflected signal to the sensor means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling the cross slope angle cut by the blade of an articulated frame motorgrader operated in the crabbed steering mode wherein the articulation angle of the motorgrader frame is sensed and used to calculate the blade angle relative to horizontal required to maintain a desired cross slope angle. The blade angle is sensed and controlled such that the sensed blade angle is maintained substantially equal to the calculated blade angle.

Abstract: An agricultural pulling machine such as a tractor or construction machine vehicle with an attachment comprises a mounting device for coupling the attachment to the agricultural machine and a device for active damping of pitch vibrations of the vehicle. The device for active damping including a power lift for moving the mounting device and a regulating device which controls movement of the mounting device in the region of its lifting position in dependence upon the vibrations of the vehicle during travel, and a force sensor producing signals to which the regulating device responds. The mounting device includes a lever, a housing of the vehicle and a side guiding member connecting the lever with the housing of the vehicle.

Abstract: A sod harvester in which sod is cut, conveyed upwardly, and then travels downwardly over a floppy conveyor and falls into a roll forming enclosure formed by a bottom conveyor and a vertical conveyor. The floppy conveyor swings downwardly at the start of roll forming, to reduce the free fall of the sod, and swings upwardly as the roll grows. When the roll is formed, the bottom conveyor is unlatched and tilts downwardly to discharge the roll, at the same time pulling into cocked position a core tube injector arm. When the roll discharges, the bottom conveyor snaps upwardly, releasing the core tube injector arm which injects a fresh core tube into the roll forming enclosure. The sod is rolled with its grass side outwardly to facilitate laying and to protect the grass roots. A tray on a cart at the end of the harvester receives the discharge roll and can convey it to either side of the cart.

Abstract: A sod laying machine having front and rear sections articulated together. A boom on the front section has arms extending forwardly, with gripper arms extending downwardly from the boom to grip a roll of sod. A control roller connected to the boom arms drives the sod roll to control its speed of unwinding. The sod roll has its grass side facing outwardly and its top unwinds rearwardly so an operator in a seat at the front of the machine, between the boom arms, has an unobstructed view of the critical area of sod extending in the air from the roll to the ground, to reduce the likelihood of buckles and tears therein. The machine passes over the sod after it is laid, to roll the sod.

Abstract: A plurality of sand fighter rotor units are attached to a folding tool bar upon a tractor. Each rotor unit operates in a furrow between rows of growing crops on top of the beds. Each rotor has four spiders with two distal spiders working on the side of the bed and two medial spiders working near the bottom of the furrow. The prongs of the medial spiders are longer than the prongs of the distal spiders. The prongs of the spiders are arranged to dig less than two divots per square foot.

Abstract: A simplified method of assembling a disk from the ground up by first assembling disk gangs and then connecting the disk gangs together to provide a self-standing front and rear main disk gang pairs. The main frame is assembled over main disk gang pairs after which wheel modules are attached. Disks of different sizes are assembled, utilizing generally identical main frame beams with the same connecting locations, by decreasing the distance between the forward and rear gang pairs and moving the main frame beams outwardly as the desired width of the disk increases.

Abstract: Reversing method, particularly for semi-reversible ploughs, where the reversing mechanism includes hydraulic reversing cylinders (10, 11). The reversing mechanism, or device (5) to be reversed, includes a lifting arm (8) which at its one end is rotatably supported at a point (9) which the reversing mechanism turns about, and which at its other end is fastened to the device (5) to be reversed. The reversing cylinders (10, 11) have approximately the same volume and approximately the same length of stroke and are affixed symmetrically to the lifting arm (8). The piston rods of the reversing cylinders (10, 11) are rotatably attached (15, 19) with one end of a pressure arm (17, 18) whose other end is rotatably fixed to the point (9) about which the reversing mechanism rotates.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing upstanding plant stalks from the ground and for mulching the stalks. The apparatus includes simplified disk mechanisms which can be adapted both to cut and mulch plant stalks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the working depth of a soil-moving (soil-working, tilling) machine carried by a tractor includes adjusting the position of the machine in relation to the tractor in dependence upon a traction signal and upon a position signal. The traction signal corresponds to the traction produced on the machine in the soil and the position signal corresponds to the position of the machine in relation to the tractor. A portion of the traction signal above a certain cut-off frequency and a portion of the position signal below the same cut-off frequency or below a lower one are utilized in the adjusting control.

Abstract: A retractable tool apparatus is adapted to be mounted on a movable vehicle for working the area around and between objects in a row. The tool apparatus includes an extendable and retractable outrigger arm attachable on one of its ends to the vehicle. A work tool is mounted on the other end of the outrigger arm. An electro-hydraulic control system controls the retraction of the outrigger arm. This control system includes sensors in the form of a pair of wands mounted on the outrigger arm to sense objects in proximity to the work tool before the work tool contacts the objects. The first wand activates the control system upon contact with an object to retract the work tool. The second wand holds the control system in its retraction mode upon contact with the object even after the first wand has cleared the object.

Abstract: To form a furrow for row guidance systems, a shank is mounted on a frame forwardly of a wheel which includes a V-shaped tire. The shank opens the ground and the tire crushes clods and packs the sides of the furrow. Depth bands on each side of the tire shape the edges of the furrow and prevent loose dirt from rolling back into the furrow. When utilized to reform a furrow, the frame is pivotally connected to the implement for rocking about an upright axis to allow the wheel to trail and average out guidance system corrections and driver steering corrections so that the reformed furrow will be more accurate for the next operation.

Abstract: For cutting the roots of weeds in agricultural fields, rolling knives in the form of flat, circular plates with sharp, peripheral edges are journaled to struts connected to a tool bar drafted in a direction of draft. The knives rotate about knife axes that are normal to knife planes containing their sharp edge. All knife axes are about 45.degree. from vertical. For bedded fields, the rolling knives are preferably connected to the tool bar in knife sets of two for each soil bed, with the knives of each set engaging opposite sides of each bed. As the rolling knives roll within the soil, their sharp edges sever the roots of weeds. In an alternate embodiment, a vertical stabilizer plate is rolled opposite each rolling knife to stabilize the soil therebetween. In another embodiment, each strut includes a hinge that has a hinge axis substantially within the knife plane. The knives swing about the hinge axes and trail in the direction of draft following the path of least resistance through the soil.

Abstract: To prevent a tractor pulling a plow (P) from digging itself in, if the plow position, with respect to soil or tractor level, is controlled by an automatic control system which causes the plow to be lowered if the pulling force of the tractor decreases, slip of the drive wheels of the tractor is sensed and an overriding command signal given to the plow positioning system (S) tending to raise the plow, or, alternatively, a visual indication is given to the operator that the plough should be raised manually; the slip condition is sensed by differentiating a signal representative of plow position, with respect to time, and comparing the so differentiated plow positioning signal (or, in other words, plow dropping speed signal) with a reference which, preferably, includes such factors as tractor engine speed, tractor and/or implement weight, ground wheel adhesion, tractor gearing, and the like.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for continuous turn-over of soil in accordance with the invention are characterized in that the turn-over of soil takes place in a system including a rotor, the direction of rotation of which is opposite to the wheels of a vehicle drawing the rotor, and symmetrically-shaped plough units cooperating with the rotor in such a way that the pikes of the bows of the rotating rotor engage the soil, which has been lifted by the plough unit, from beneath and from behind, as seen in the direction of movement of the apparatus. The flow of soil thus lifted up is divided up into transverse pieces, which are turned and deposited behind the apparatus. During this process the rotary movement of the rotor is independent of the control of the displacement movement of the apparatus. Also, the compactness of the soil material may be levelled out to the required degree through preparatory working. Reference FIG. 1.