Abstract: A work vehicle includes: a chassis; a cab comprising a frame carried by the chassis; a support structure carried by the chassis; a hitch system directly coupled to the support structure and including a pair of lift arms, each of the lift arms being pivotably coupled to the support structure; and an anti-roll system including an anti-roll bar coupled to the frame of the cab and directly coupled to the support structure such that the support structure simultaneously supports both the hitch system and the anti-roll system. A combined hitch and anti-roll system that includes the support structure, hitch system, and anti-roll system and may be removably mounted to a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for detecting ground engaging tool float for an agricultural implement may include an implement having a ground engaging tool pivotally coupled to a frame and a biasing element coupled between the frame and the ground engaging tool. The biasing element may be configured to bias the ground engaging tool to a predetermined ground engaging tool position relative to the frame. The system may also include a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a current position of the ground engaging tool relative to the frame. Additionally, the system may include a controller configured to monitor the current position of the ground engaging tool based on measurement signals received from the sensor and identify a time period across which the ground engaging tool is displaced from the predetermined ground engaging tool position.

Abstract: A method for determining a physical parameter of an adjustable upper link of a three-point hitch during a working operation thereof includes providing a lower link of the three-point hitch and an implement attachable to the upper and lower links of the three-point hitch. The method includes generating calibration data prior to the working operation of the three-point hitch, where the calibration data defines a relationship of a length of the upper link to an upper link angle defined between the upper link and a reference line. Moreover, the calibration data is used to determine a physical parameter of the adjustable upper link during the working operation.

Abstract: A hydraulic system including a supply line, an implement-based control valve, an override valve supported by the implement, and a bypass line. The control valve is fluidly coupled to the supply line and configured to regulate a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied through a downstream actuator line to a hydraulic actuator of the implement. The override valve is fluidly coupled to the actuator line downstream of the control valve and includes a supply position at which the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the control valve passes through the override valve to the hydraulic actuator. The override valve is actuatable to at least one override position at which the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the control valve is cut-off. The bypass line is fluidly coupled between the supply line and the override valve such that a portion of the pressurized hydraulic fluid flows to the hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for remotely and individually controlling a plurality of remotely positionable stabilizer wheels of a towable agricultural implement utilize an electronic control unit that receives an input signal indicative of a desired position of the stabilizer wheel, and/or a desired depth of penetration of tillage tools operatively attached to the front and rear of the implement frame, to automatically and individually control a plurality of hydraulic positioning cylinders for individually positioning and holding the plurality of stabilizer wheel at the desired position of the stabilizer wheels.

Abstract: A stall plow removably attaches to a prior art skid steer using available quick connect couplers. The stall plow has a moldboard that is configured to completely remove waste bedding from a livestock free stall from the area adjacent to the curb and deliver it to the alley, where a prior art machine can then complete removal of the waste bedding from the alley. The moldboard includes a primary scraper section and side cutter that scrapes and lifts waste bedding up and over the curb. A curb section and curb flange then shift the bedding over to the alley and drop waste bedding into the alley, where a discharge spreader levels and distributes the waste. An extensible arm and hydraulic extension cylinder adjusts the moldboard transversely relative to direction of travel. An angle and pitch adjuster sets the moldboard for a particular free stall geometry and bedding material composition.

Abstract: The present inventors have recognized that contaminants in hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic system of an off-highway implement can be efficiently filtered by a filtration system of the source of hydraulic power by conducting an operation which controls existing valves for precisely operating cylinders of the system to return the fluid to the source of hydraulic power through a connector with little or no fluid going through cylinders. Such an operation can be advantageously executed immediately following connection of the source of hydraulic power to the manifold of the implement.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes at least one row unit having a plurality of support members, each of which is pivotably coupled to an attachment frame or another of the support members to permit vertical pivoting vertical movement of the support members, and a plurality of soil-engaging tools, each of which is coupled to at least one of the support members. A plurality of hydraulic cylinders are coupled to the support members for urging the support members downwardly toward the soil. A plurality of controllable pressure control valves are coupled to the hydraulic cylinders for controlling the pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied to the cylinders. A plurality of sensors produce electrical signals corresponding to predetermined conditions, and a controller is coupled to the sensor and the controllable pressure control valves. The controller receives the electrical signals from the sensors and produces control signals for controlling the pressure control valves.

Abstract: A lift and gauge wheel lift mechanism has a hydraulic lift cylinder pivotally connected to a lift mechanism rocker link. A rear lift wheel link is pivotally connected to the lift mechanism rocker link. The rear lift wheel link is pivotally connected to either a rear lift wheel arm having at least one rear lift wheel attached. A gauge wheel link is pivotally connected to the lift mechanism rocker link. The gauge wheel link is pivotally connected to a gauge wheel parallel arm bell crank. The gauge wheel parallel arm bell crank is attached to either a gauge wheel upper parallel arm, or to a gauge wheel lower parallel arm. At least one front gauge wheel is connected to the gauge wheel upper parallel arm and to the gauge wheel lower parallel arm.

Abstract: One or more portions of an agricultural implement has components that are adjusted to adjust the height of the portions. This allows the implement to be used in a transport position or in a field use position. To better control the change in the height, an implement includes a mechanical control valve that mechanically controls an input to one or more actuators that are providing the height adjustment. The mechanical control valve is used to attempt to synchronize the actuation or more than one actuator so that the height of the implement is adjusted in a controlled manner. The mechanical control valve can be self-adjusting to maintain a synchronized change in height.

Abstract: A pressure vessel having an adjustable volume to adjust a hydraulic time delay produced by the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel can include a piston with an adjustable stroke and a rod received in a housing to limit the stroke of the piston. The piston divides the housing into a pressure cavity and a reset cavity. Spacers can be removably coupled to the rod to limit the stroke of the piston. Optionally, a brake wall can be positioned to obstruct the path of the rod to limit the stroke of the piston.

Abstract: A slipform paving machine includes a laser source for generating a laser reference plane. At least two laser receivers are mounted on the machine and intersect the laser reference plane. Inputs from the laser receivers are utilized to control distortion of the frame of the slipform paver machine.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system includes a toolbar assembly configured to support multiple row units, and multiple wheels configured to support the toolbar assembly. The wheels include a first wheel and a second wheel, and at least one row unit is configured to be disposed between the first wheel and the second wheel. The agricultural implement system also includes a wheel position control system configured to instruct first and second actuators to lower the first wheel and the second wheel to transition the agricultural implement system to a non-working position, to instruct the first and second actuators to raise the first wheel and the second wheel to transition the agricultural implement system to a working position, and to instruct the second actuator to raise the second wheel while the agricultural implement system is in the working position such that the second wheel is disengaged from a soil surface.

Abstract: An agricultural planting machine is described. In one example, the machine comprises a trench opener configured to open a trench, and a trench depth sensing system comprising a ground-engaging component and a trench depth sensor configured to generate a signal indicative a displacement of the ground-engaging component by directly sensing a surface of the ground engaging component. In one example, an agricultural planting machine comprising a trench opener configured to open a trench, and a trench depth sensing system comprising a ground-engaging component and a capacitive sensor comprising a transmitter element driven by an input signal to generate an electric field and a receiver element configured to generate an output signal based on a capacitive coupling between the transmitter and receiver elements, wherein the capacitive coupling changes based on movement of the ground-engaging component within the electric field.

Abstract: An agricultural implement has a depth control system in which a position sensor directly measures linear translation of a hydraulic cylinder that lifts and lowers a work unit on an implement frame to set and adjust the depth of the work unit without the use of a rockshaft. The position sensor may be positioned adjacent to or integrally formed with the hydraulic cylinder, and provides a voltage to a controller remote from the implement. The controller automatically adjusts the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the hydraulic cylinder to maintain the depth of each work unit at an operator-selected level and can be used to calibrate the actual position of multiple work units relative to the frame and to one another.

Abstract: An agricultural implement having agricultural implement for supporting a plurality of gangs of disk blades extending generally laterally relative to a forward travel direction. The implement has carrier frames pivotally connected to wheel assemblies for controlling the height of the carrier frames relative to the ground through hydraulic actuators acting on the wheel assemblies. The hydraulic control unit enables independent and individual control of each actuator. An electronic control unit (ECU) receives signals from a series of inclinometers where each inclinometer signal is compared to the others and the individual actuator operated to bring the actuators into in uniform synchronization.

Abstract: A draft sensing mechanism for a three point hitch includes a hitch frame attached to a frame of a vehicle. The hitch frame includes left and right link supports for coupling to left and right draft links and left and right draft bars. Each draft bar has a first portion attached to a corresponding one of the link supports, and a second portion positioned rearwardly and inwardly with respect to its first portion. Draft forces applied by the draft links to the link supports are transmitted to the second portions of the draft bars. A linkage unit sums the draft forces from the draft bars and includes a draft force transducer which generates a draft force signal in response to deflection of the draft bars.

Abstract: In an aspect of the invention a ripping mechanism for a vehicle is provided which includes a support frame, a ripping member and an impact mechanism, such as a vibrator, which is configured to reciprocate the ripping member forwardly and rearwardly about a transverse pivot axis. The ripping member is mounted within a sleeve that pivots with the ripping member about the pivot axis, while at the same time selectively permitting movement of the ripping member along the sleeve. The ripping member may thereby be raised or lowered relative to the sleeve in order to adjust the depth of the engagement head relative to the support frame.

Abstract: An earth working apparatus includes a working implement having a first end and a second end. The earth working apparatus also includes a first support supporting the working implement, where the first support also has a first end and a second end. The earth working apparatus further includes a first arm connecting the first end of the working implement to the first end of the first support, and a second arm connecting the second end of the working implement to the second end of the first support. A second support is pivotally coupled with the first support by a torsion coupler. The first arm and the second arm can be pivotally coupled with the first support by a torsion coupler. The second support can be connected to a third support and configured to articulate with respect to the third support between a generally horizontal working orientation and a transport orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a tillage implement such as a plow at a consistent working depth utilizes a spring biased quadrilateral linkage to maintain the tillage implement in a position having to float forwardly and upwardly from the working depth thereby preventing unwanted flotation of the tillage implement from the working depth until the tillage implement encounters a substantially vertical load.

Abstract: An attachment for agricultural implements which tills soil compacted by the wheels of the agricultural implement it is attached to. In one arrangement the power and force used to till the soil is gained from the torque of the machine pulling the agricultural implement it is attached to, alternatively the tilling device is independently powered. This arrangement reduces compaction caused by the wheels of row-crop planters through the use of a shank or rolling tines. The tilling device is mounted directly behind wheels of the agricultural implement. The tilling device has the ability to raise and lower into the soil with the engaging and disengaging of the implement. In addition, in its current form it can independently be disengaged from use by raising and locking it up out of the soil, even if the implement remains engaged.

Abstract: A controller is connected to a pressure sensor. The controller controls a regulator of a sub-pump in accordance with a pressure signal from the pressure sensor, detects an output of a main pump, and controls an output of an electric motor according to the output of the main pump based on a table stored beforehand.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit having a support frame, a structural support housing coupled to the support frame, and a swing arm having a leading end pivotably coupled to the structural support housing. An agricultural tool is coupled to a trailing end of the swing arm, and a hydraulic actuator is mounted to and fully enclosed within the structural support housing. The hydraulic actuator adjustably urges the agricultural tool downwardly toward a soil surface such that vertical pivoting movement is permitted in response to terrain changes in the soil surface.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit includes a linkage pivotably coupled to an attachment frame, and a row unit frame with a leading end pivotably coupled to the linkage. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the attachment frame and the linkage, for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil, and includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder. A hydraulic-fluid cavity is located within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for advancing the ram in a direction that pivots the linkage and the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil. An accumulator is positioned adjacent to the hydraulic cylinder and has a fluid chamber containing a diaphragm, with the portion of the chamber on one side of the diaphragm being connected to the hydraulic-fluid cavity in the hydraulic cylinder, and the portion of the chamber on the other side of the diaphragm containing a pressurized gas.

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 control system for an implement (10) mounted on a tractor (11) via a three point linkage (10) and which has one or more depth control wheels (13) which contact the ground and which support at least part of the weight of the implement. The three point linkage has an upper link (17) and two lower links (14, 15), the upper link including an adjusting means such as an hydraulic cylinder (18) to vary its effective length and the lower links being provided with raising means (16) to raise the implement. The control system has a control unit (23) which received signals indicative of the level of slippage of one or more wheels of the tractor and which in response to a wheel slippage level above a first level (X) operates the adjusting means (18) to shorten the effective length of the upper link (17) to transfer some of the weight of the implement (10) onto the tractor to reduce wheel slippage.

Abstract: The hitch on a vehicle is moved by a hydraulic actuator. A method for controlling the hydraulic actuator defines a draft force setpoint in response to separately averaging two forces acting on lateral sides of the hitch, while operating in a configuration mode. During regular operation, a draft load is calculated from sensing those two forces and deriving a draft force error from difference between the draft load and the draft force setpoint. The draft force error is used to control fluid flow to and from the hydraulic actuator. One aspect of the control method derates the draft force error as the hitch moves beyond a predefined threshold position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an operator-controllable system that allows the operator to make initial (and preferably optimal) field operation settings for the towed working tool (“implement”) quickly and easily when hitching the working tool to the towing vehicle, e.g., tractor. Once an initial setup is completed, in operation, the invention, which in one form is a leveling arrangement for the working tool, automatically maintains the optimal operation settings throughout the vertical operational range of the working tool. For example, if the optimal operation settings is a level implement throughout its operating range, the leveling arrangement will maintain the implement level as the implement is raised and lowered.

Abstract: A pitch plow and a method of controlling an elevation of a cutting edge of a pitch plow having a frame and a shank that is pivotally mounted to the frame, with the shank defining a cutting edge includes a control system that controls an elevation of the cutting edge. The control system includes a hydraulic control between the shank and the frame to pivotally adjust the shank and an electronic control to control the hydraulic actuator. The electronic control includes a processor and first and second sensors. The processor produces an output that adjusts the hydraulic control in a manner that controls the elevation of the cutting edge. The first sensor may measure GNS location and provides a GNS location input to the processor. The second sensor may measure orientation of said shank and provides a shank orientation input to the processor.

Abstract: An agricultural implement has a depth control system in which a position sensor directly measures linear translation of a hydraulic cylinder that lifts and lowers the implement frame to set and adjust the depth of the implement frame. The position sensor may be positioned adjacent to or integrally formed with the hydraulic cylinder, and provides a voltage to a controller remote from the implement. The controller automatically adjusts the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the hydraulic cylinder to maintain the depth of the implement frame at an operator-selected level.

Abstract: A pitch plow and a method of controlling an elevation of a cutting edge of a pitch plow having a frame and a shank that is pivotally mounted to the frame, with the shank defining a cutting edge includes a control system that controls an elevation of the cutting edge. The control system includes a hydraulic control between the shank and the frame to pivotally adjust the shank and an electronic control to control the hydraulic actuator. The electronic control includes a processor and first and second sensors. The processor produces an output that adjusts the hydraulic control in a manner that controls the elevation of the cutting edge. The first sensor may measure GNS location and provides a GNS location input to the processor. The second sensor may measure orientation of said shank and provides a shank orientation input to the processor.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a lost motion linkage, a hoe opener, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by adjusting assembly components to and compensating for changes in terrain elevation.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly features a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a ground engaging tool, and an adjustable packer wheel assembly. The design provides improved seeding accuracy by providing a variable distance between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention allow for adjustment of the distance between the ground engaging tool and wheel elements.

Abstract: A depth control system for a frame mounted to a movement system, wherein the frame is mounted such that the frame can be raised and lowered in relation to the movement system by a depth adjustment system, the depth control system comprising: a depth control support attached to the depth adjustment system and configured to move with the frame during depth adjustment; a depth control arm extending from the depth control support towards a first end of the frame; a frame guide incorporated to the first end of the frame designed to receive the depth control arm; and a locking mechanism adapted to receive and lock the depth control arm in relation to the frame guide such that the depth control support prevents the frame from moving in at least one direction.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a lost motion linkage, a hoe opener, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by adjusting assembly components to and compensating for changes in terrain elevation.

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 multisection tandem disk harrow has a frame, a first disk gang, and a second disk gang. The concave sides of the disk blades in the first disk gang face one side of the disk harrow, and the concave sides of the disk blades in the second disk gang face the other side of the disk harrow. The disk blades in the first disk gang are mounted for rotation about a common axis that extends through a center of the disk blades. The disk blades in the second disk gang are mounted for rotation about respective individual axes that are substantially parallel with and spaced apart from each other. The first and second disk gangs are arranged so that the common axis of the first disk gang is nonparallel with the individual axes of the second disk gang. Various frame, support wheels, disk gang, and hitch configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanical hitch control system for a vehicle includes a draft force sensing member, a mechanical hitch control unit, a hitch valve actuator, and a cable transmitting a draft force signal to the hitch control unit. A draft cam is coupled to the draft force sensing and setting members. A position cam is coupled to the position setting member and to a hitch position sensing member. A draft pickup cam is coupled to the draft cam and pivotally mounted on the hitch position setting member. At least one of the cams is operatively engagable with the hitch valve actuator. The cams are enclosed by housing with an opening covered by a removable side plate. The cams and levers are coupled to input members which are inserted through the side plate. The assembled cams, levers and input members are then installed into the housing through the opening.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a lost motion linkage, a biasing member, a ground engaging tool, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by compensating for changes in draft force caused by changes in terrain elevation.

Abstract: An assembly of a traction vehicle and a soil treatment machine, such as a scrub clearing-plant shredding machine, includes a connecting mechanism including at least one articulated connecting rod of the same length as two other connecting rods forming a deformable parallelogram that maintains a parallelogram configuration, on either side of a closing plane, during vertical upward and downward movements of the soil treatment machine relative to a support arm.

Abstract: A draft load control system for a primary motive power source that uses hitch cylinder pressure to provide input to the control system of the draft load on the power source caused by a hitch-connected or a towed, ground-engaging implement.

Abstract: A pitch plow and a method of controlling an elevation of a cutting edge of a pitch plow having a frame and a shank that is pivotally mounted to the frame, with the shank defining a cutting edge includes a control system that controls an elevation of the cutting edge. The control system includes a hydraulic control between the shank and the frame to pivotally adjust the shank and an electronic control to control the hydraulic actuator. The electronic control includes a processor and first and second sensors. The processor produces an output that adjusts the hydraulic control in a manner that controls the elevation of the cutting edge. The first sensor may measure GNS location and provides a GNS location input to the processor. The second sensor may measure orientation of said shank and provides a shank orientation input to the processor.

Abstract: A curb shoe assembly for street grading and curb formation is provided. The curb shoe assembly includes a channel member having a front side, a back side, a bottom side and a central trough sized for receiving the bottom edge of a construction vehicle mow blade. The curb shoe further includes a grading blade which extends downward from the bottom side of the channel member. The grading blade includes a laterally extending portion and an angled portion. The angled portion includes a vertically extending edge for confronting a curb shoulder. Preferably, the angled portion is removable for replacement due to damage. The curb shoe includes a pair of straps for affixing the curb shoe's channel member to a mow blade. In addition, the curb shoe assembly includes a shoe having a horizontally extending plate. The horizontally extending plate is positioned adjacent to the grading blade so as to rest upon a street curb during operation.

Abstract: An implement mounting device for the front of a utility vehicle such as an agricultural tractor, the device having the two transversely spaced lift arms (2,3) having coupling hooks (6) at their outer ends and being connected at their inner ends to a cross shaft (1a) which is pivotally mounted on a frame of the vehicle. The liftarms are rotatable vertically relative to the frame by a piston and cylinder assembly (4).

Abstract: A work vehicle with a tool pivotally attached to a linkage, an actuator for controllably moving the tool about its pivot, and a tilt angle sensor for sensing the absolute angle of the work tool relative to the earth. A controller is adapted to perform an auto-hold function for the tool, automatically maintaining an initial tool orientation by commanding movement of the tool actuator to hold the work tool at about the initial or set absolute angle of the tool. The controller is adapted to discontinue the tool auto-hold function when the operator manipulates a tool command input device affecting tool actuator movement, and resume the tool auto-hold function at the new orientation affected by the operator. Manipulation of an auto-hold command input device allows the operator to selectively enable and disable the tool auto-hold function.

Abstract: Different sections of an agricultural implement can be raised and lowered independently and by varying amounts by a unique hydraulic system. That system incorporates a three-position, four-way primary control valve which selectively connects a supply line and a tank return line to first and second hydraulic lines. A plurality of double acting hydraulic cylinders are provided to produce movement of lift assemblies with respect to a frame of the implement. A separate electrohydraulic lift control valve for each hydraulic cylinder couples one cylinder chamber to the first hydraulic line and the other cylinder chamber is connected directly to the second hydraulic line. Operation of the primary control valve determines the movement direction and selective activation of the lift control valves determines whether the associated section of the implement moves and the amount of such movement.

Abstract: An implement frame supported by hydraulically controlled lift wheels includes accumulator structure which is selectively connectable by valve structure to the lift cylinder circuit to control flow between the cylinder and accumulator according to implement status. For transport, the valve structure is opened for absorption of shock loads as the lift wheels move over obstructions and surface irregularities. For working in the field, the valve structure is closed to provide stable lift and precise depth control functions. The valve structure can be operated manually or automatically in response to vertical frame movement. In one embodiment, proportional valves are connected to an implement control unit for active suspension control which varies with changing transport conditions. A similar accumulator structure is provided for the hitch weight transfer system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new frame support that prevents implement frames and parts from experiencing high forces and instead, transmits the forces through the ground working tools down to the ground. The frame support can be used in conjunction with the suspension system of any implement adapted for travel over the ground and preferably, the invention is used in conjunction with an agricultural packer. The packer may be of any size, but typically is of a five-section configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the frame support is a rigid protrusion fixed to the packer frame above the packer coil. The frame support could also be a flat plate, or a rolling element. The frame support is adapted to contact the packer coil during the wing up and wing down operations of the implement. When the frame support and the packer coil contact, the high forces incurred during the wing up and wing down operations are transmitted through the frame support and packer coil down to the ground.

Abstract: An automatic depth control system is disclosed. The system includes a Console and remote Controller mounted in the tractor cab, power beyond Valving, and Depth Sensors, either ground contact or non-ground contact, mounted on the frame of the implement. The depth sensing system is provided to sense the actual penetration of an implement tool by determining the height of the implement frame above the ground. A circuit system is provided to receive the depth signal and to signal power beyond valving that will effect hydraulic corrections in order to maintain the select depth penetration. The Console includes an instrument panel having a toggle switch with AUTO, LOCK and MANUAL positions, an LED showing depth of tool penetration and a bargraph depicting variations from a desired depth and flashing lights on the bargraph to show depth corrections in process. The Console also includes a depth window in which no hydraulic correction would be made, a sensitivity switch, depth sensor switches and an UP/REPHASE switch.

Abstract: An agricultural implement has a depth control system in which a position sensor directly measures linear translation of a hydraulic cylinder that lifts and lowers the implement frame to set and adjust the depth of the implement frame. The position sensor may be positioned adjacent to or integrally formed with the hydraulic cylinder, and provides a voltage to a controller remote from the implement. The controller automatically adjusts the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the hydraulic cylinder to maintain the depth of the implement frame at an operator-selected level.