Abstract: A hitch for connecting an implement to a vehicle. The hitch comprises a first frame for attachment to the vehicle and a second frame for attachment to the implement. The hitch further comprises a mechanism for connecting the first frame to the second frame. The connection of the first frame to the second frame provides for connecting the implement to the vehicle when the first frame is attached to the vehicle and the second frame is attached to the implement.

Abstract: A lateral transport system for a harvester including a chassis, first and second ground wheels coupled to the chassis, and a lateral transport assembly operably coupled to the chassis and operable between a transport operation mode and a stowed operation mode. A tongue is pivotally coupled to the chassis, a first suspension element is rotatable about a first axis and a second axis, a second suspension element is rotatable about the second axis, and a hydraulic actuation system is operably coupled to the tongue, the first suspension element, and the second suspension element. In the transport operation mode, hydraulic fluid is allowed to flow into the hydraulic actuation system to rotate the first suspension element about the first axis, and subsequently rotate the first and second suspension elements about the second axis.

Abstract: A windrower with a frame at a front end of the windrower and a cab coupled to the frame. The cab has a plurality of controls disposed in the cab for controlling the windrower. The windrower also has a lift arm with a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally coupled to the frame, wherein the lift arm includes a transverse bend defined at a location between the first and second ends. A first coupler is coupled to the second end of the lift arm and a second coupler coupled to the lift arm between the first and second ends. The first coupler is configured to couple the frame to a rotary-style head and the second coupler is configure to couple the frame to a draper-style head.

Abstract: Two-point hitch mount systems for connecting an implement to a tow vehicle having two hitch arms are disclosed. The hitch mount systems may include a shaft configured to be attached to the two hitch arms of the tow vehicle and a yoke assembly. The yoke assembly includes a first and second shaft slots for removably receiving the shaft.

Abstract: A wheel-supported frame for an agricultural mower having a tongue, a pivotally connected frame having a pair of main wheel, and a pair of a retractable transport wheels connected to the frame. A mechanism is provided for each transport wheel to deploy the transport wheels and support the mower, the transport wheels being oriented for travel 90 degrees to the direction of travel of the main wheels. The pivoting tongue connection with the main frame provides for at least a 90 degree rotation of the frame relative to the tongue between operating and transport positions so that the mower may be pulled for transport with the mower moving in the direction of its normal lateral width. The transport wheel mechanisms also position the transport wheels where they will not interfere with mower operation, especially pivoting of the tongue.

Abstract: A planter with a two-point hitch is converted to a drawbar configuration through use of an existing through-bore in the planter's pull tongue that originally served as part of a swiveling connection between the tongue and the two-point hitch. A pinned connection to the frame of the conversion unit via this existing through-bore of the planter tongue is augmented with a clamping mechanism that secures the planter tongue in place between two spaced-apart side plates of the conversion unit to prevent relative rotation between the planter tongue and the conversion unit about the axis of the coupling pin. The side plates are shaped so as not to interfere with connection lugs on the pull tongue of the planter where diagonal braces are connected between the tongue and foldable of the planter. Installation requires no modification to the planter, and the conversion unit is entirely removable in a non-destructive manner.

Abstract: An implement hitch is disclosed for a tractor, wherein the hitch is fitted with a mechanism for stabilizing lateral movement of lifting arms of the hitch. The lifting arms are raised and lower by respective hydraulic cylinders. The stabilizing mechanism has a locking pin that is automatically retracted to an unlocked position by means of a flexible linkage when the lifting arms are in a lowered position. In the invention, the opposite end of the flexible linkage from the locking pin is connected to an anchoring point provided on the hydraulic cylinder serving to raise and lower one of the lifting arms.

Abstract: A swivel drawbar hitch has a first cradle having a first pivot mechanism located ahead of a connection between a drawbar and the swivel drawbar hitch, the swivel drawbar hitch further including an elongated second cradle coupled to the first cradle and further having a second pivot mechanism, the first cradle pivotable about a horizontal axis of the swivel drawbar hitch, the elongated second cradle pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the swivel drawbar hitch.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes front and rear wheel assemblies, a frame supported on the front and rear wheel assemblies, and an operator compartment supported on the frame and having operator controls. The frame includes a central, tubular frame member having a front end portion and a rear end portion. An engine is supported on the frame for providing power to the front and rear wheel assemblies. A cooling assembly mounted above the engine. An attachment arm is attached to the front portion of the frame and a rear interface mount is rigidly attached to the rear portion of the frame.

Abstract: An adapter to facilitate attaching non-standard implements to a tractor equipped with a proprietary quick-connect hitch system. An elongated horizontal member, equipped with cylindrical end regions adapted for securing in hook regions of a quick-connect hitch system, carries a ball hitch or other similar universal hitch attachment mechanism. The novel adapter, therefore, allows attachment of implements having a ball hitch, a universal pin type hitch or other non-standard attachment mechanism to tractors equipped with quick-connect hitch systems. The novel adapter is rotatable around its major axis to allow two diverse hitches to be accommodated. For example, a ball-type hitch as well as another type connection my be selected by rotating the adapter 180° around its major axis.

Abstract: A convertible hitch for use on an agricultural implement or the like which is convertible from a three-point hitch to a tongue-type hitch and vice versa.

Abstract: A drawbar clevis assembly includes a drawbar with a greater offset between the upper inboard member and the lower outboard member. The clevis assembly also includes a strap which is mounted to the drawbar and which has an opening in a mid portion. The strap is slid over the drawbar so that the opening receives a portion of the drawbar and so that the inner portion of the strap is attached to an underside of the inboard portion of the drawbar.

Abstract: A hitch system for attaching an agricultural implement to a towing vehicle, includes a side mount hitch having a pair of longitudinally spaced and upwardly oriented hitch balls connected to a side of the towing vehicle and a pair of longitudinally spaced hitch arms pivotally connected to an adjacent side of the implement. Each hitch arm carries a hitch coupler adapted to engage a respective one of the hitch balls proximate its distal end. The hitch arms are moveable between a raised transport position and a lowered working position wherein the couplers engage the hitch balls. The hitch system may also include a towing hitch for connecting the implement behind the towing vehicle during transport.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to an adapter assembly for a towing vehicle having a drawbar hitch for connecting a towed implement having a pull-through swivel hitch assembly to the towing vehicle. The adapter assembly includes a drawbar extension member having a horizontal cross pin, a clamp assembly to secure the drawbar extension member to the drawbar, an adapter frame having a hook to engage the cross pin, and a trunnion pin to couple the adapter frame to the swivel hitch assembly.

Abstract: A pair of implements such as hay windrow fluffers are interconnected by a hitch assembly allowing for positioning the fluffers in a side-by-side field position or trailing transport position. A tongue assembly on the second implement is connected to the tongue assembly on the first implement when the implements are in a field position. An extendable linkage interconnects the implements and extends laterally when the implements are in a field position and parallel to the line of travel when the implements are in the transport position. The linkage has vertical posts at opposite ends which connect to the tongue assemblies of the implements to allow the linkage to extend over the front first implement when in the transport position.

Abstract: A coupling device for connecting a trailer to a towing vehicle is provided. The coupling comprises a drawbar with a first drawbar eye having a first inner diameter, and at least a second drawbar eye having a second inner diameter. A coupling pin of a coupling element on a towing vehicle is adapted to be stucked through one of the two drawbar eyes for coupling the drawbar to the trailer coupling element. The drawbar is adapted to be pivoted by means of a swivel-joint and to swivel in a horizontal plane about at least 180.degree., and to be secured to said coupling. Further, the trailer coupling element comprises, at its free end, two horizontal legs arranged one upon another between which the drawbar is pivoted, and at least one releasable locking pin is provided being stucked through the two legs and through one of the two drawbar eyes located between the legs for locking the drawbar at the forked drawbar (FIG. 2 ).

Abstract: A hydraulic hitch for connecting two planters or drills in tandem for planting or in line for transport. The hitch utilizes an overhead beam and stabilizer bar interconnecting the lead and trailing drills to control and guide the drills from one position to the other. This overhead beam is combined with a unique folding tongue and floating tongue tube that are hydraulically operated to allow the operator to conduct the operations from the tractor cab after manually removing safety lock pins.

Abstract: A conversion hitch for a farm implement, such as a drill, comprising a connector which is removably secured to the forward end of the implement hitch and which has a first support member extending forwardly therefrom. A second support member is pivotally connected, about vertical and horizontal axes, to the forward end of the first support member and has connectors at the opposite ends thereof which are adapted to be secured to the rearward ends of the lift arms of the two-point hitch of the tractor.

Abstract: Presented is an apparatus that includes a unitary frame configured to present three mounting portions spacially separated from one another in a triangular pattern and lying in a common plane to be pivotally connected to and supported by the hitch members of a three-point hitch system mounted on the rear of a tractor and actuable hydraulically to alter the elevation of the three-point hitch system and therefore the unitary frame of the apparatus. The apparatus facilitates connecting different types of agricultural and other trailer-type implements to the tractor and for selectively varying the size of the apparatus to accommodate three-point hitch systems of different sizes.

Abstract: A hydraulic hitch mounted on the back of a tractor has a pair of first upright tubular members that slide into second upright tubular members fixed to the tractor frame. A pair of piston and cylinder assemblies are used to raise and lower a draw bar attached to the first tubular members. The draw bar movably supports a tongue having a connector used to connect the hitch to an implement.

Abstract: A hitch is provided for standard tractor drawbars having one or more hitch pin holes. The hitch is connected to the bar by an adaptor mounting bracket and has a pivot pin which permits the hitch to be rotated over the rear hole in proper registry to receive an implement tongue between the drawbar and the hitch. The adaptor mounting bracket provides for mounting the bracket adjustability to fit different sizes of drawbars. The hitch may be disengaged by lifting a hitch lock from locked engagement in relation to the drawbar and simply rotating the hitch to a forward position over the drawbar to clear the rear drawbar hole for conventional use. The lock is pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis on the hitch and may be lifted upwardly to permit movement of the hitch.

Abstract: An agricultural frame particularly for transporting active harrow elements and packer elements comprises a central frame section and a pair of wing frames projecting outwardly to the side of the central frame section at right angles thereto. The whole of the frame can be raised and lowered to lift the ground working implements from the ground. Each of the wing frames is rigid and is formed from a front beam and a rear beam interconnected by inclined beams carrying the active harrow elements. Each wing frame includes a steerable wheel at the outside end. Each wing frame is attached to the central frame by a rear pivot member which allows pivotal movement about a forward horizontal axis and also pivotal movement about a vertical axis for movement to the transport position. A latch is provided adjacent the front beam of the wing frame and is defined by a horizontal pin the axis of which defines the horizontal axis of pivotal movement of the wing frame.

Abstract: A large tillage implement provided with hinging wing sections is adapted for end towing rather than wing-up folding transport. The hitch which is normally centered at the front of the machine may be swung into a folded condition parallel with the longitudinal axis of the frame and overlying the front portion thereof to project the hitch coupling to the vehicle outwardly beyond the end of the frame. A front row of tillage shanks can be selectively raised or lowered as desired while leaving the rear row of shanks at their normal elevations for ground working, and a special frame design enables the rear ground wheels of the frame to be position in close fore-and-aft proximity to the rear tillage shanks to provide more uniform depth of penetration of the shanks as rises and falls in the ground terrain are encountered.

Abstract: A hitch is provided for standard tractor drawbars having two hitch pin holes. The hitch is connected in a forward hole by a pivot pin which permits the hitch to be rotated over the rear hole to receive an implement tongue between the drawbar and the hitch. The hitch may be disengaged by lifting a hitch lock fitting over the drawbar and simply rotating the hitch to a forward position over the drawbar to clear the rear drawbar hole for conventional use. The lock is pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis on the hitch and may be lifted upwardly from a drawbar engaging position in the locked position to a drawbar disengaged position to permit movement of the hitch.

Abstract: An attachment accessory for an angularly adjustable agricultural implement guidance system that allows guidance of a pull-type implement thereby. A plurality of rotatable coulters which engage the ground are attached to a rigid frame which is connected to the guidance mechanism and tows a pull-type implement.

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 auxiliary support for permitting longitudinal travel of transversely elongated agricultural implements comprises a pivoted lifting frame adapted to extend outwardly and downwardly to elevationally raise the implement framework at one side. The outer end of the lifting frame is provided with a wheel aligned in the desired longitudinal direction of travel. An adjustable and removable saddle has an extension that overlies the implement frame to permit interposition of a conventional jack to raise and lower the implement framework as required. The elevated implement framework is held in a travel position by chains extending between the outer end of the lifting frame and brackets attached to the implement framework. A foldable hitch frame can be provided at one side of the implement framework to facilitate towing of the implement in a direction perpendicular to its normal direction of field movement.

Abstract: A device for attaching a working machine to a vehicle in which a heavy weight working machine can be detachably and fixedly attached to the vehicle and a three point link type working machine can also be attached through a three points linking mechanism when the heavy working machine is not attached to the vehicle. The device includes an attachment frame at a rear portion of the vehicle body, and a working machine connecting portion for attaching the heavy weight working machine. Further, a three point link connecting portion for connecting the three point linking mechanism is provided on the attachment frame.

Abstract: A harrow assembly adapted to be towed by a towing vehicle in either a working mode or a transport mode. The harrow assembly includes front and rear offset disc harrow units pivoted at one end portion. Each offset disc harrow unit includes a transport wheel assembly, each assembly having a pair of opposed, spaced transport wheels arranged on either side of the respective harrow units.

Abstract: A support arm has an inner section connected to the three-point hitch of a tractor and an outer section positioned at the side of the tractor carrying a spreader which can spread ground over which the tractor cannot be driven. The spreader may be raised or lowered to reach ditches, side slopes or terraces. A support arm may be converted into a tongue for pulling the spreader behind the tractor when a cart is provided at the outer end, and a hitch is provided on the inner end for being connected to the draw bar of a tractor.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for joining two implements together for side-by-side field operations. Half of the hitch assembly is carried by each implement drawbar and consists of a collapsable linkages pivotally mounted to the drawbar in a cantilvered fashion. Springs floatingly suspend each linkage for ease for movement between its collapsed stored configuration and an unfolded, extended configuration assembled with the other linkage. Equalizer linkages extend between the assembled hitch assembly and the two implements to maintain fore-and-aft alignment of the two implements and bumper-cable means control the side-to-side spacing of the two implements.

Abstract: A wide agricultural implement is provided with a pivoted swing hitch permitting endwise transport of the implement when supported on transport wheels which are raised and lowered by power means. A latch holding the hitch in its field working position is automatically released when the transport wheels are lowered to support the implement for endwise transport. The implement frame is made up of two subframes pivotally interconnected by the rock shaft on which the transport wheels are mounted and one of the latch parts is mounted on the rock shaft.

Abstract: A towable support frame for supporting a pair of 12-row implements in side-by-side relation includes front and rear frame structures interconnected by longitudinal frame members. Front transport and rear wheel assemblies support the frame and implements for transport. Field wheel assemblies cooperate with the rear wheel assemblies for supporting the frame for travel during the field operation. The hitch mechanisms for the 12-row implements are mounted on the support frame at locations with respect to the transport and field wheel assemblies to provide optimum weight distribution.

Abstract: An implement supporting vehicle comprises an elongate implement support frame, along one side of which two drive units which propel the vehicle are mounted equidistance from the center of the vehicle. Two castor wheels are mounted along the other side of the frame. The drive units are moveable between a first working direction in which the vehicle can be propelled in a first direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the frame and a second transport direction in which the vehicle can be propelled in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A moveable operators cabin is mounted with the frame.

Abstract: A wide farm implement is provided with a swingable tongue which permits endwise to and from fields. A pair of transport wheels are provided for supporting the implement for endwise transport and the support wheels, on which the implement is supported during a field working operation, are raised so as not to interfere with endwise transport. In order to prevent the automatic lowering of a row marker when the support wheels are thus raised relative to the frame, a blocking valve is provided in the row marker hydraulic circuit which moves to its closed position when the tongue is moved from its field working position thereby preventing lowering of the row marker.

Abstract: A hitch adapter is attached to the tongue of an implement having components adapted for being driven by a tractor power take-off shaft and is constructed to permit the implement to be semi-integrally mounted either to a tractor having a hitch arrangement consisting only of a three-point hitch or to a tractor having a hitch arrangement wherein a quick coupler is carried by its three-point hitch without necessitating a change in the length of a drive shaft interconnecting the tractor power take-off shaft with an input shaft of a transmission assembly carried by the implement tongue.

Abstract: A convertible towing hitch which is used to tow a farm implement with a vehicle includes a U-shaped planar member. This planar member has a central connecting leg, a first extending leg, and a second extending leg. A two-way pivot alowing two degrees of rotational freedom is attached at a free end of the first extending leg and to the implement. The two-way pivot allows pivoting an axis perpendicular to the plane of the U-shaped ember and about an axis parallel to the first, extending leg. An attachment device is also provided for removabley attaching the U-shaped to a bar pulled by the vehicle. The attachment device is mounted for rotational movement about an axis parallel to the connecting leg at a free end of the second extending leg. Preferably, the attachment device is located in the open area of the U-shaped member and an extension is provded of the connected leg extendng away from the second extending leg.

Abstract: A pull-type swather or windrower which can be used either singly or in a duplex or tandem arrangement can be adjusted from a working position to a transport position by pivoting the hitch through 90.degree. and by unlocking the wheels so they turn through 90.degree. to move the swather at right angles to its working direction. The swather is mounted on two wheels inwardly of the ends of the swather and rearwardly of the drapers with the wheel remote from the hitch movable to a position forwardly of its working position so as to lie under the drapers and to balance the center of gravity so that the swather can be supported solely by the two wheels in the transport position. A rear or duplex swather can be attached to the front swather by a duplex hitch which provides steering movements of the rear swather in a direction opposite to the steering movements of the front swather so that the former properly tracks the latter in echelon relationship.

Abstract: A wheeled agricultural implement that serves as a tool bar and transporter and disburser of agricultural chemicals. The implement provides a storage reservoir, a spray type disbursement system and apparatus for attachment to other agricultural implements for injection of chemicals into the soil. Pumping and metering systems are provided to aid measured disbursement of the chemicals. The implement provides secondary wheel structure to allow it to be moved, perpendicularly to its normal course of field travel, for transport over roadways.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new hitch or drawbar assembly for use with agricultural implements towed in a train of implements behind a tractor or the like. The assembly includes a drawbar that is shorter than normal and is pivotally connected to a primary unit, such as a cultivator, for adjustable pivoting action about a horizontal axis. The drawbar is connectable to a towing or intermediate unit on or closely adjacent to the axis of the ground-engaging wheels of the intermediate unit. That connection point is also on or closely adjacent to a reaction line drawn between the connection point of the intermediate unit and the ground-engaging area of implements carried by the primary unit.

Abstract: The table knife and reel assemblies of a swather are bolted to a main mounting beam which in turn is mounted on a pair of double wheel assemblies one each adjacent each end thereof. The hitch pole from the tractor or other source of power is pivotally secured adjacent one end of said main mounting beam. In the hydraulic embodiment, piston and cylinder assemblies move the pole and the wheels between the field and transport positions and in the mechanical embodiment, linkage is provided between the pole and the wheel assemblies and the pole is moved by the tractor. In the hydraulic embodiment, a sequencing valve may be provided in conjunction with the table adjusting piston and cylinder which operates the piston and cylinder controlling the wheels when the table is raised and lowered between the field and transport positions.

Abstract: An implement hitch has a cultivator carrier mounted on a sprayer trailer by a four point linkage actuated by a hydraulic cylinder to raise and lower a standard rigidly connected to the cultivator, there being a quick attach, three point pin-hook coupling between the carrier and the standard.

Abstract: An automatic hitch device for use on a tractor with a three-point hitch is disclosed. The device allows a tractor operator to engage or disengage a tow vehicle without leaving the tractor. Two fail-safe mechanisms are disclosed which prevent inadvertent disengagement of the tow vehicle. Structure for transmitting the towing load to the tractor drawbar is described. A hydraulic cylinder is used to operate a hitch pin. An alignment spring which helps direct the hitch pin into the tow vehicle hitch also relieves lateral force on the hydraulic cylinder. Co-operation between the fail-safe mechanisms and manual disengagement of the fail-safe mechanisms are also described.

Abstract: The hitch assembly of the present invention comprises a hitch frame which is adapted to be mounted to the three point lift of a conventional tractor. The hitch assembly includes a draw bar mounted to the hitch frame, and a hydraulically operated pin mounted above the draw bar. The pin is hydraulically movable downward into the pin receiving hole in the draw bar, and is also hydraulically movable upwardly into spaced relation above the draw bar. A coil spring interconnects the hydraulic cylinder and the pin, and this coil is sufficiently flexible to permit the pin to deflect laterally in response to encountering immovable objects during its reciprocating movement. A cable interconnects the pin and the hydraulic cylinder through the center of the coil so as to prevent the coil from becoming stretched beyond a predetermined point. An overrun mechanism is provided on the hitch frame, and engages the fixed draw bar of the tractor so as to limit upward movement of the hitch frame with respect to the tractor.

Abstract: A hitching apparatus for a draft vehicle including a pressure actuated latching mechanism and a lifting guide attached to the drawbar of the draft vehicle, and a lifting device operably connected to the hydraulic power lift system of the draft vehicle. The lifting device comprises a frame attached to the power lift system and a lifting bracket pivotally mounted on and vertically adjustable with respect to the frame. The lifting bracket includes an elongated slot adapted to receive a pin secured to the draft tongue of a trailing vehicle or implement to raise and position the draft tongue for coupling with the latching mechanism.

Abstract: In its simplest form, a single unit implement such as a swather or the like, can be moved from field position to transport position by moving the rear offside wheels to the desired angle and fixing them in this position and allowing the near side rear wheel to castor freely. When used with multiple units, a tandem hitch is secured to the existing hitch of the front implement and extends to the next following implement with the rear wheel being positioned as heretofore. Adjustment may be provided between the adjacent units to set the relationship of the trailing unit relative to the leading unit.

Abstract: An improved hitch for attaching a trailer to a farm type tractor is disclosed, with a means for supporting the hitch at the distal end thereof by attachment to a support member provided on the tractor for implement support.

Abstract: A traction coupling between a tractor and an agricultural implement, capable of being easily shiftable between a towing position and a position in which the implement is mounted on the three-point-lift of the tractor. The coupling includes a traverse which is mountable between the opposed ends of the lower lift arms of the tractor lift and is provided with a rearwardly projecting towing member, which is length adjustable to alternatively permit the implement to be mounted direct behind the tractor in lift engagement with the said traverse.

Abstract: A tongue for connecting a pull type implement to a towing vehicle is provided with a front end portion adapted to be detachably connected to the rear portion of a towing vehicle and a rear portion adapted to be pivotally connected to a lower front portion of the implement for movement about a substantially horizontal lateral axis, with an abutment fixedly supported by the frame and being positioned above the rear end portion of the frame, the abutment being adapted to abuttingly engage a corresponding upper front portion of the implement for limiting pivotal upward movement of the tongue relative to the implement and for permitting the abutment to swing forwardly away from the upper front portion of the implement to accommodate pivotal movement of the tongue relative to the implement incidental to downward movement of the towing vehicle relative to the implement and to unhitching of the implement.

Abstract: A machine for spreading fertilizer and seed in which the width of the machine with respect to its working direction of travel is greater than its length with respect to the working direction of travel. The machine comprises at least two individual machine units having lateral and transverse sides which units are assembled together in a lateral relationship to each other by means of laterally located hitch elements on each unit. Each unit has a chassis borne at three support points by swivel wheels and is provided with additional hitch elements on the transverse side towards the working direction. On each unit at least one swivel wheel is lockable in both a working direction of travel and in a transport direction of travel which directions are at right angles to each other.