Abstract: An agricultural machine including a chassis, an engine, a driver's cabin, a hitch, and at least two working units connected to the hitch by a hitching frame. The at least two working units are configured to be pivoted between a working position in which the working units extend substantially horizontally and transversely to a direction of travel in work and a transport position in which the working units extend substantially over the chassis. The hitch is connected to the chassis via a rigid structure, the rigid structure connected to the chassis by a transverse articulation, at least one actuator being provided between the chassis and the rigid structure to allow the rigid structure to tip about the transverse articulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with an agricultural implement assembly that includes a support frame, a wing frame and a cylinder assembly that includes a cylinder and a rod, each of the support frame, wing frame, cylinder and rod being an assembly component, the rod moving relative to the cylinder between an unlatched position and a latched position as the support and wing frames move from an operating position toward a transport position, the apparatus comprising a first coupler supported by one of the assembly components and moving along a pathway as the wing frame moves from the operating position toward the transport position, a second coupler supported at least in part within the pathway by at least another of the assembly components, the second coupler operable to couple with the first coupler when the rod is in the latched position and a latch inhibiting member that is manually moveable between a latch inhibiting position and a latch enabling position, when in the inhibiting position, the inhibiting m

Abstract: An assembly for locking a suspension arrangement operatively connected between a boom assembly and a carrying frame that are supported on a boom support implement or vehicle is provided. The implement or vehicle also includes a lift linkage operable to move the carrying frame and connected boom assembly between a lowered, operative position and a raised, inoperative position. The lock assembly includes a lock pin and a bracket assembly. The lock pin is mounted at the lift linkage. The bracket assembly includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket is mounted at the boom assembly and the second bracket is mounted at the carrying frame. In the raised, inoperative position of the boom assembly, the first and second brackets are configured to receive the lock pin in a locked position to restrain the boom assembly from swinging or rotating with respect to the lift linkage.

Abstract: A transport system for a crop header includes a first and a second wheel arrangement on the header frame adjacent a respective ends for acting as a stabilizer when the header is in the operating position and movable to a transport position for transporting the header when removed from the vehicle in a transport direction generally longitudinal of the header frame and at a right angle to the working direction with each being mounted on the header frame for rotation of a rolling direction of the first wheel arrangement between the working position and the transport position, in which the rolling direction is along the transport direction. Each of the wheel arrangements includes two parallel wheels coupled together.

Abstract: A windrow merger has a frame supporting first, second and third pickup assemblies, with the two outside pickup assemblies foldable between an extended use position and a retracted travel position. Each of the pickup assemblies includes a reversible conveyor providing multiple windrow merging configurations. The pickup assemblies are interchangeable and aligned to define an unobstructed pickup face.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for proving a flotation for the wings of a foldable wing of an agricultural seeder that are centrally suspended from the main frame such that individual wings are pivotable centrally of the longitudinal axis therefore to better follow the contours of the ground.

Abstract: A flexible rockshaft includes joint structure facilitating the adjustment of the rotational angle of rockshaft segments relative to each other. A link inserted between a rockshaft segment and the rockshaft flex member rotates on the same or a parallel pivot as adjacent rockshaft segment, and an adjustable length connecting mechanism on the link provides angular adjustment. In one embodiment, shims supported on the link are selectively clamped between a threaded stop and an internally threaded link. The number of shims may be easily varied to change the angular position of one rockshaft segment relative to the adjacent segment. In another embodiment, a simpler threaded member with positioning nuts is located on the additional link and provides inexpensive angular adjustability.

Abstract: An agricultural machine, such as a self-propelled harvester, includes an attachment that is removably mounted to the machine. A transport device is adapted to be removably mounted onto the attachment to support the attachment during road transport of the machine. A receiving assembly, mounted on the machine, receives the transport device and supports the transport device when it is removed from the attachment for harvesting operations.

Abstract: An agricultural seeding machine, includes a seed hopper, a first frame member carrying a drive shaft, a second frame member carrying a driven shaft, a coupler, and a flexible shaft. The first frame member and the second frame member are foldable relative to each other between a folded position and an unfolded operational position. The coupler includes a first coupler half associated with the drive shaft, and a second coupler half associated with the driven shaft. The second coupler half and the first coupler half are configured for automatic engagement and disengagement upon movement between the folded position and the unfolded position respectively. The flexible shaft interconnects the first coupler half with the drive shaft or the second coupler half with the driven shaft.

Abstract: The transversely extending frame of a machine has a number of hingedly interconnected frame sections that may be raised and lowered by lift cylinders to convert the machine between a wide-spread working position and a folded-up transport position. Two lift cylinders for raising and lowering inner wing frame sections relative to the central main frame section are anchored at their inner ends to a hydraulically operated holding cylinder that effectively adjusts the positions of the anchor points of the lift cylinder in a lateral sense. Thus, when the holding cylinder is fully contracted, the inner wing frame sections may be lowered by their lift cylinders until the lift cylinders are fully extended, but the outer ends of the inner wing frame sections remain tilted upwardly to a certain extent. Thus, outer wing frame sections connected to the outer ends of the inner wing frame sections also remain slightly lifted off the ground until fully unfolded from the inner wing frame sections.

Abstract: An implement has a tongue used to tow the implement that can be raised or lowered with respect to the rest of the implement. The tongue is raised or lowered by a hydraulic cylinder. The raising and lowering ports of the cylinder are connected to two hydraulic accumulators to permit the tongue to flex up or down while the implement is towed through the field. These accumulators are disconnected from the cylinder when the wings of the implement are lifted and the implement is towed over the road to prevent the implement from oscillating backwards and forward about an axis defined by its wheels.

Abstract: A folding furrow roller that facilitates planting operations and optimization of irrigation and drainage with efficient preparation, configuration, and planting of seed beds. A centrally located fixed drum roller supports a pair of hinged outboard drum roller wings that for maximum implement width are deployed in alignment with the main section during operation. The wings are hydraulically folded into a compact upright position for legal transport over public roads. The implement is constructed so as to provide strength and durability comparable to single-section furrow rollers.

Abstract: An articulating and locking mechanism of agricultural implement chassis is disclosed, intended for disc harrows and other implements with great working width, which are characterized by articulation to reduce the total width so as to facilitate transportation and storage, constituted of a main structure or chassis (1), central disc gang chassis (2), lateral and articulating disc gang chassis (3), with arrangements of vertical plates or extensions (4 and 5) welded and joined by shafts (6) for articulation by means of hydraulic cylinders (7), equipped with locking mechanism made up of hydraulic cylinders (8), locking and unlocking actuators (9, 9A), locks (12, 12A), coupling shafts (13, 13A) inserted in sleeves (14, 14A) and joined to the vertical closure plates (15) of the inner ends of the articulating chassis (3).

Abstract: A seeding machine comprising a transversely extending main frame and left and right transversely extending wing frames. The main frame and the wing frames are provided with a plurality of planting units. Left and right main seed hoppers are mounted to the main frame. The left and right main seed hoppers are transversely separated from one another by a longitudinally extending gap located along the longitudinal centerline of the seeding machine. A pneumatic seed on demand delivery system automatically directs seed from the left and right main seed hoppers to the planting units. A walkway is positioned in the gap between the left and right main seed hoppers to facilitate operator access to the lids of the main seed hoppers.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with an agricultural assembly including at least one rigid support member and a plurality of power cables that traverse along trajectories generally aligned with a cable trajectory adjacent a mounting segment on a mounting side of the support member, the apparatus comprising a substantially rigid restraining member that forms an elongated passageway that traverses between first and second ends and that defines a minimum cross sectional area that loosely accommodates all of the cables passing therethrough and a mounting member linked to the restraining member and operable to mount the restraining member to the mounting side of the support member such that the passageway is substantially aligned with the cable trajectory wherein the cables are loosely receivable through the passageway to generally retain the cables proximate the support member.

Abstract: An agricultural apparatus comprising a carrier frame including a support surface defining an arcuate track about a pivot point, a mainframe mounted to the carrier frame at the pivot point for rotation thereabout between an operating position and a transportation position and a wheel assembly including at least one wheel mounted to a mounting member, the mounting member mounted to the mainframe such that the wheel is received on the curved track for rotation there along where the wheel assembly is vertically adjustable.

Abstract: A foldable implement frame and hitch having a front end for attachment to a draft vehicle having dedicated transport wheels movable between a stored position wherein the transport wheels are out of contact with the ground and a transport position wherein the dedicated transport wheels engage the ground and support the implement frame. The dedicated transport wheels are longitudinally movable along one of the telescoping main frame members toward and away from the draft vehicle to change the center of gravity of said foldable implement frame. Additional pivots in the wings provide greater contouring following capabilities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural sprayer the chassis of which comprises a bearing structure intended to support a storage device and a connecting structure intended to support a spreading device. The sprayer is notable in that the bearing structure comprises a single stringer. The present invention advantageously reduces the cost of manufacture of the sprayer.

Abstract: A multiple section, front-folding implement has gauge wheel assemblies located on the front side of laterally extending beams of the sections during field operations. As the wing sections are folded forwardly to prepare the machine for transport, the gauge wheel assemblies are simultaneously swung around to the ends of the beams into outboard positions so that they extend generally forwardly from the beams when the beams are fully folded. Thus, instead of taking up space between the folded beams, the gauge wheel assemblies are moved into clearance positions that enable the wing sections to be folded more closely together, reducing the overall roading width of the machine when folded.

Abstract: A farm implement convertible between a work position and a transport position is disclosed. In the transport position, a compact package is formed no more than eight feet in width, no more than 14 feet in height and no more than 40 feet in length.

Abstract: A multiple section, front-folding implement has gauge wheel assemblies located on the front side of laterally extending beams of the sections during field operations. As the wing sections are folded forwardly to prepare the machine for transport, the gauge wheel assemblies are simultaneously swung around to the ends of the beams into outboard positions so that they extend generally forwardly from the beams when the beams are fully folded. Thus, instead of taking up space between the folded beams, the gauge wheel assemblies are moved into clearance positions that enable the wing sections to be folded more closely together, reducing the overall roading width of the machine when folded.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention an extension section of a frame is held down in its locked position by the same mechanism that folds and unfolds the frame extension. When the frame extension is in its locked down position, it bears against a limit stop that precludes further movement in an unfolding direction. An operating link that is pushed and pulled by a hydraulic cylinder to manipulate the frame extension is controlled in such a way by a guide member that the line of action of the link is directed transversely toward a guide surface of the guide when the frame extension is in its unfolded position. Thus, only a small amount of force is required from the hydraulic cylinder at that time to maintain the link in its locked position, since most of the load from the link is born by the guide surface at this time. In a preferred embodiment, the line of action of the link is approximately perpendicular to the guide surface.

Abstract: Attachment structure for converting an integral implement to a pull-type implement includes wheel modules which can be placed at different locations along the frame to avoid interference with tool standards or other hardware. Each module includes both a forward gauge wheel and a rearward transport wheel. The transport wheels are located behind the center of gravity of the implement for stability, and the forwardly located gauge wheels offset the moment resulting from standard draft. A hitch storage jack doubles as a gauge wheel adjustment tool. To maintain the wheels in phase and provide a transport lock-up feature, a simple parallel circuit with pilot operated check valves on the base or lift end of each cylinder is utilized.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention an extension section of a frame is held down in its locked position by the same mechanism that folds and unfolds the frame extension. When the frame extension is in its locked down position, it bears against a limit stop that precludes further movement in an unfolding direction. An operating link that is pushed and pulled by a hydraulic cylinder to manipulate the frame extension is controlled in such a way by a guide member that the line of action of the link is directed transversely toward a guide surface of the guide when the frame extension is in its unfolded position. Thus, only a small amount of force is required from the hydraulic cylinder at that time to maintain the link in its locked position, since most of the load from the link is born by the guide surface at this time. In a preferred embodiment, the line of action of the link is approximately perpendicular to the guide surface.

Abstract: A field marker attachable to an outer end of an agricultural implement comprises an arm pivotally attachable to the implement extending perpendicular to the travel direction. A marking device is attached at a distal end of the arm. An extendable hydraulic cylinder is attached to the arm and implement and moves in one direction to a stopped position where the arm is in the operating position. An active hydraulic source supplies hydraulic fluid at an operating pressure such that the cylinder remains at the stopped position until a rearward force on the arm causes the pressure in the cylinder to exceed the operating pressure and the arm moves rearward. Where the marking device scores the field, a wheel can be mounted on the arm such that its axis of rotation is removed from the center of the wheel so that the scoring device moves up and down scoring an intermittent line.

Abstract: A foldable implement frame and hitch having a front end for attachment to a draft vehicle having dedicated transport wheels movable between a stored position wherein the transport wheels are out of contact with the ground and a transport position wherein the dedicated transport wheels engage the ground and support the implement frame. The dedicated transport wheels are longitudinally movable along one of the telescoping main frame members toward and away from the draft vehicle to change the center of gravity of said foldable implement frame. Additional pivots in the wings provide greater contouring following capabilities.

Abstract: A forwardly folding tool bar comprising a center tool bar section positioned rearwardly of a pair of wing hinge tubes with wing tool bar sections being operatively pivotally secured to the outer ends of the wing hinge tubes. The tool bar includes a telescoping tongue including a latching device which prevents an inner tongue tube from sliding rearwardly with respect to an outer tongue tube. The latching device is automatically unlatched when a forwardly extending hitch is pivotally moved with respect to the tongue to a transport position. The tool bar sections are supported by vertically adjustable gauge wheel assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an agricultural implement to a hitch receiving member of a vehicle, the apparatus including at least first and second elongated tongue members where the second tongue member is slidably received in the first tongue member and forms at least first and second latch receiving slots, the apparatus also including a locking assembly having an extending end receivable in the first and second slots to lock the second tongue member with respect to the first in extended and retracted positions, respectively, the apparatus further including adjustable stops and bearing members that facilitate after manufacturing adjustment of tongue assembly and locking assembly components.

Abstract: A seeding machine comprises a main frame segment and left and right wing frame segments. In its working configuration the wing frame segments extend transversely. In its transport configuration the wing frame segments are folded forwardly. The wing frame segments are provided with a rear rank of planting units that are mounted to the wing frame segments by pivot arms that extend downwardly and rearwardly. The pivot arms are pivotally mounted to the wing frame segments by a rock shaft. The rock shaft is provided with an actuator bell crank that is coupled to a linear actuator for rotating the rock shaft relative to the wing frame segments. The pivot arms have a working position, wherein the planting units are in their working position, and a transport position, wherein the planting units have been pivoted on their noses into their substantially vertical transport position to reduce the transverse transport width of the seeding machine.

Abstract: A folding agricultural implement is disclosed having a frame including an inner section, a pair of intermediate sections, and a pair of end sections. The inner section and the end sections of the frame are equipped with lift wheel assemblies including a ground engaging wheel and a wheel cylinder connected to the ground engaging wheel for selectively raising and lowering the frame relative to the ground. The intermediate sections have no lift wheel assemblies. The joints between the end sections and the intermediate sections are held rigid when the implement is in the working position, but can be folded to move the implement into the transport position. When the implement is folded, the intermediate sections and end sections are first raised together relative to the inner section. After the intermediate sections and end sections reach a generally vertical position, the end sections are then folded downwardly over the inner section.

Abstract: An agricultural apparatus comprising a carrier frame including a support surface defining an arcuate track about a pivot point, a mainframe mounted to the carrier frame at the pivot point for rotation thereabout between an operating position and a transportation position and a wheel assembly including at least one wheel mounted to a mounting member, the mounting member mounted to the mainframe such that the wheel is received on the curved track for rotation there along where the wheel assembly is vertically adjustable.

Abstract: An agricultural apparatus comprising a carrier frame including a support surface defining an arcuate track about a pivot point, a mainframe mounted to the carrier frame at the pivot point for rotation thereabout between an operating position and a transportation position and a wheel assembly including at least one wheel mounted to a mounting member, the mounting member mounted to the mainframe such that the wheel is received on the curved track for rotation there along where the wheel assembly is vertically adjustable.

Abstract: A winged implement includes an hydraulic control circuit having two operator-controlled valves, including a work valve and a transport valve. Using only these controls, and without leaving the tractor cab, the operator can (1) fold the implement for transport; (2) unfold the wings; (3) place the implement in the field use position with substantial constant down pressure on the wings; and (4) raise the wings and center section to an intermediate position with the wings inclined upwardly for end row turns.

Abstract: A planter/fertilizer assembly that can be configured to facilitate either rapid seeding/fertilizing or transport and including an implement bar mounted on a wheel supported carrier frame for rotation between a transport position where the implement bar is parallel to a transport direction and an operating position where the implement bar is perpendicular to the transport direction, row units mounted to the implement bar on a side opposite the wheels and including central units adjacent the wheels and lateral units disposed laterally of the wheels, lateral coulter/fertilizer units mounted to the lateral row units, a coulter bar mounted to an underside of the carrier frame on a side opposite the support wheels and a separate coulter/fertilizer unit mounted to the coulter bar and aligned with each of the central row units.

Abstract: An implement combination has a self-propelled support vehicle moveable in a travel and working direction. At least one front-mounted implement is connected to a front end of the self-propelled support vehicle in the travel and working direction. At least one side-mounted implement is connected to a lateral side of the self-propelled support vehicle. A raising device transfers the front-mounted and side-mounted implements from a working and operating position near the ground into a partially raised head land position or into a completely raised transport position. The self-propelled support vehicle has a control and switching device. The front-mounted and side-mounted implements are coupled to the control and switching device such that a command for reverse travel of the control and switching device causes a mandatory raising of the front-mounted and side-mounted implements at least into the partially raised head land position.

Abstract: An planter/fertilizer assembly that can be configured to facilitate either rapid seeding/fertilizing or transport and including an implement bar mounted on a wheel supported carrier frame for rotation between a transport position where the implement bar is parallel to a transport direction and an operating position where the implement bar is perpendicular to the transport direction, row units mounted to the implement bar on a side opposite the wheels and including central units adjacent the wheels and lateral units disposed laterally of the wheels, lateral coulter/fertilizer units mounted to the lateral row units, a coulter bar mounted to an underside of the carrier frame on a side opposite the support wheels and a separate coulter/fertilizer unit mounted to the coulter bar and aligned with each of the central row units.

Abstract: An improved toolbar implement is described comprising a main support bar for attachment to a tractor, a pair of folding wings supported on a wheel assembly and connected to the main support bar, and a plurality of ground working tool assemblies attached to each of the folding wings and the main support bar. The folding wings pivot about an axis set-back rearwardly from the main support bar to allow clearance of the ground working tools as the wings are moved from a transversely extended working position to a rearwardly extended transport position.

Abstract: A farm implement convertible between a work position and a transport position is disclosed. In the transport position, a compact package is formed less than eight feet in width and less than 14 feet in height. Right and left wings connected to the main frame may be raised by pushing articulated arms a short distance to fold the wings above the main frame.

Abstract: A seeding machine comprises a main frame segment and left and right wing frame segments. In its working configuration the wing frame segments extend transversely. In its transport configuration the wing frame segments are folded forwardly. The wing frame segments are provided with a rear rank of planting units that are mounted to the wing frame segments by pivot arms that extend downwardly and rearwardly. The pivot arms are pivotally mounted to the wing frame segments by a rock shaft. The rock shaft is provided with an actuator bell crank that is coupled to a linear actuator for rotating the rock shaft relative to the wing frame segments. The pivot arms have a working position, wherein the planting units are in their working position, and a transport position, wherein the planting units have been pivoted on their noses into their substantially vertical transport position to reduce the transverse transport width of the seeding machine.

Abstract: A seeding machine comprises a main frame segment and two wing frame segments. The wing frame segments are provided with a rear rank of planting units that are mounted to the wing frame segments by pivot arms that extend downwardly and rearwardly from the wing frame segments. The pivot arms are pivotally mounted to the wing frame segments by a rock shaft having an actuator bell crank. The bell crank is coupled to a linear actuator for rotating the rock shaft relative to the wing frame segments. The pivot arms have a working position, wherein the planting units are in contact with the ground, an intermediate holding position, wherein the planting units are raised out of the ground, and a transport position, wherein the planting units have been pivoted on their noses into their substantially vertical transport position. To maintain the rear rank of planting units in the intermediate holding position, a U-shaped stop is placed over the linear actuator so that the linear actuator cannot retract.

Abstract: A seeding machine comprises a main frame segment and two wing frame segments. In its working configuration the wing frame segments extends transversely. In its transport configuration the wing frame segments are folded forwardly. The wing frame segments are provided with planting units that are mounted to the wing frame segments by pivot arms that extend downwardly and rearwardly. The pivot arms are pivotally mounted to the wing frame segments by a rock shaft. The rock shaft is provided with an actuator bell crank that is coupled to a linear actuator for rotating the rock shaft relative to the wing frame segments. The pivot arms have a working position, wherein the planting units are in their working position, and a transport position, wherein the planting units have been pivoted on their noses into their substantially vertical transport position.

Abstract: An implement is provided that includes a frame, a ground engaging roller mounted to the frame, and a suspension system that includes a spring for biasing the roller toward the ground, and a frame support member fixed to the frame above the roller. The frame support member prevents the implement from experiencing high forces when moved into the transport position or when a strong downpressure is exerted on the frame by transferring the forces through the ground working tools to the ground. The frame support member can be a rigid protrusion, a flat plate, or a rolling element. In preferred embodiments, the implement is an agricultural packer and frame support members are positioned above each roller.

Abstract: A forwardly folding tillage implement carries a number of ground engaging tools on a tool gang frame disposed to the rear of a carrier frame. A rockshaft is disposed between the carrier frame and the tool gang frame and is movable between four rotated positions about two axes of rotation. A control mechanism controls the relative angular position of the rockshaft. A support mechanism is disposed rearwardly of the axes of rotation to support the rear of the tool gang frame above the ground in the field working position. An abutment member restrains the relative rotation between the rockshaft and the tool gang frame to fully support the tool gang frame on the rockshaft upon rotation of the rockshaft.

Abstract: A towed agricultural implement frame comprises a main frame, and right and left wing frame sections that are coupled to one another by right and left pivot frames. The pivot frames are pivotally coupled to the main frame by right and left vertical pivots and to the wing frame sections by right and left horizontal pivots. The wing frame sections can be folded forwardly by right and left folding hydraulic cylinders. As the wing sections are folded forwardly towards the main frame draw bar, right and left rollers on the outermost ends of the wing frame sections engage right and left ramps mounted on the draw bar. Further retraction of the folding hydraulic cylinders lifts the outermost ends of the wing sections by moving the rollers up the ramps. Lift hydraulic cylinders located between the main frame and a wheel frame raise the main frame. The main frame also lifts the innermost ends of the right and left wing frame sections.

Abstract: An agricultural planter having left and right hinged wing sections includes seed storage tanks carried by the planter frame and feeding individual row units, mounted fore and aft of the main toolbar, by flexible conduits. The tanks are mounted to permit the wings to flex independently to follow ground contour while extending the tanks from a wing section onto the center frame section.

Abstract: A sand fighter with a lightweight, articulated frame is provided. The frame of the sand fighter comprises five frame sections with the center frame substantially shorter in length than the other sections of the frame. Each section includes a shaft with a plurality of evenly spaced tines to till up the heavier moist soil below the surface. The center section includes a hitch adapted to be attached to only two points of a standard three point hitch of the farm tractor. The center section is hydraulically actuated to lift the entire sand fighter up out of the soil. The two sections immediately outboard of the center section, i.e. the intermediate sections, are preferably joined to the center section with hydraulically actuated, hinged joints so that these sections are drawn forward alongside the towing frame for transport of the sand fighter. The outermost sections are preferably manually operated, although these sections may also be hydraulically actuated.

Abstract: A foldable implement frame and hitch for attachment to a draft vehicle with a three-point hitch, including a support frame carrying field wheels and dedicated transport wheels, motors for moving the transport support wheels between a stored position and a transport position, a main frame having two telescoping frame members, the outer one of the frame members being supported upon the support frame and the inner one of the frame members carrying on the other end thereof a hitch for connection to the three-point hitch. Two wing frames are pivotally mounted on the support frame with two wing motors connected between the support frame and the wing frames for assisting in moving the wing frames between the extended working positions. Wing wheel assemblies mounted on the outer ends of the wing frames and each including a support wheel, wing wheel lift motors mounted on the wing frame and connected to a wing support wheel for moving it between a working position and a transport position.

Abstract: An economical wheeled towable folding wheel rake of robust, largely welded construction utilizing a single hydraulic cylinder to fold two opposed wheel rake assemblies via a four bar linkage. The folding mechanism folds the opposed rake assemblies to a compact, symmetrical, easily locked, vertical orientation for shipping transit and storage. The folding mechanism is simple and utilizes few wearing pivots yet enables flotation of the opposed rake assemblies independent of one another and of the main frame of the wheel rake. The opposed wheel rake assemblies are independently adjustable in raking angle, raking width and raking down pressure.

Abstract: A hinge structure for a folding implement frame includes a reversible mounting bracket on the wing side of the hinge to accommodate positioning of the mounting around obstructions such as the tool mounting brackets for certain tool spacing arrangements on the implement frame. A wing bump stop integrated into the mounting bracket on the main or inner frame side of the hinge reduces the number of parts and eliminates another potential obstruction on the frame. The stop includes a mounting hole for the base end of the hydraulic folding cylinder to further reduce parts, obstructions and cost.

Abstract: A lift and rotate agricultural implement frame comprises a main frame having a lift tube and a carrier frame slidably mounted to the lift tube. The lift tube comprises a vertically extending main support tube having planar surfaces and a corrosion resistant exterior sleeve. The corrosion resistant exterior sleeve comprises corrosion resistant plates corresponding to the planar surfaces of the main support tube. Each of the plates has an interior surface and an exterior surface. At least one of the corrosion resistant plates adjoins another plate. One of the adjoining plates is provided with an overhang that extends past the exterior surface of the other plate of the pair. The plates are fillet welded to one another between the overhang and the other plate. The plates are also provided with oblong openings having oblong edges. The oblong edges are fillet welded to the main support tube to couple the sleeve to the main support tube.