Abstract: In one embodiment, an agricultural system includes a tool bar configured to couple to a tow vehicle. The tool bar is configured to support at least one row unit assembly. The agricultural system also includes a lift assist assembly coupled to the tool bar such that rotation of the tool bar relative to the lift assist assembly about a vertical axis is blocked. The lift assist assembly is configured to provide lifting support to the tool bar. The lift assist assembly comprises a frame, one or more rolling elements configured to contact a surface of a field, and one or more telescoping members configured to adjust a configuration of the lift assist assembly along at least one of a lateral axis, a longitudinal axis, and the vertical axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to controls of an agricultural tractor having a rotary cultivating mode and a draft control mode for performing a plowing operation. A conventional tractor has a controller for accelerating front wheels to be faster than rear wheels when the front wheels are steered to a predetermined reference angle. Such control is effected only in the rotary cultivating mode. In the agricultural tractor according to this invention, different reference angles are automatically set for the rotary cultivating mode and draft control mode. In addition, different reference speeds are set for the rotary cultivating mode and draft control mode. When the tractor runs faster than the reference speeds, the front wheels are prevented from becoming faster than the rear wheels even if the front wheels are steered to the reference angles.

Abstract: A tiller attachment for switchable bidirectional mold board plow which is adapted to be mounted onto the tool bar of the plow. The attachment includes a pair of axially spaced apart frame members which support arms joined at a right angles at a pivot point. The frame members lie in parallel spaced apart planes perpendicular to the axis of the tool bar and are pivotable from the right to the left side thereof. Tine bars are pivotably mounted to free ends of the frame members and are rotatable into ground engaging positions. An actuator which is responsive to the position of the plow rotates the frame members so that the tines firmly engage the ground behind the plow.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided with trailing swing arms, each of which has a trailing wheel. Each swing arm is provided with a lifting device in the form of a piston operating in a cylinder. This lifting device establishes the height at which the implement is supported relative to the ground. Each swing arm is also provided with a gas spring in the form of an upper piston operating in a cylinder to control the pressure of the implement against the ground surface despite undulations in the surface upon which the wheels engage. The lifting devices and the gas springs operate in conjunction with each other to establish substantially uniform pressure of the implement against the ground over the transverse width of the implement. A control device controls the pressures prevailing in the gas springs, which pressures may be different.

Abstract: A device for protecting a fifth wheel in case the vehicle to which it is attached spins out or backs up for a considerable distance. The device comprises a pair of rods which project rearwardly and downwardly from the bracket mounted on the vehicle; when the vehicle backs up or spins out and the fifth wheel is moved through a horizontal arc toward the rear of the vehicle, its tongue rides up onto one of the rods and is lifted off the ground. When it is out of contact with the ground it can no longer be moved toward the vehicle.

Abstract: An articulated plow is provided with a laterally swingable pull bar (31) and steerable intermediate support wheels (46, 47) which are controlled by a hydraulic system providing correlated movement through parallel connected hydraulic jacks (37, 66). A latch mechanism (86) for releasably securing the pull bar (31) in its plowing position of adjustment is operated by the pull bar control jack (37) through an operating lever (41) having a lost motion connection with a spring loaded latch pin (87). A locking plate (131) is provided to automatically lock the latch pin (87) in its retracted position when the pull bar (31) is moved to its transport position.