Abstract: A header for an agricultural vehicle, and an agricultural vehicle having the header. The header includes a center section extending in a lateral direction, a wing section movably connected at a lateral end of the center section and extending in the lateral direction from the center section, a ground support attached to and extending in a downward direction from the wing section, and a resilient support operatively connected to the wing section and the ground support. The resilient support is configured to generate an adjustable predetermined force to bias the ground support in the downward direction.

Abstract: A lift assist system to assist an tool including a toolbar; a pair of casters affixed to the articulated arms to provide support on a ground surface; and articulated arms constructed to be articulated from a work position, wherein the tool is in contact with the ground surface to a transport position wherein the tool is not in contact with the ground surface. The articulated arms includes a limiter rotatably affixed to the support bars, and an adjuster that connects the limiter, wherein the limiter regulates the articulated arms and maintains the gauge wheel pivot axis in a near vertical position, and the adjuster maintains a precise positioning relationship of the articulated arms.

Abstract: A hitch on a vehicle is raised and lowered by a hydraulic actuator controlled by an electrically operated valve. A control system receives a command that indicates a designated velocity and uses the command to operate the valve. Based on a reference external force exerted on the hitch, the control system is configured with relationships for converting a plurality of command values to corresponding electric current levels for operating the valve. The control system compensates for effects due to differences between the actual force acting on the hitch and the reference external force. Velocity feedback adjusts the electric current level applied to the valve. The passive load force control provides a predictor of the hitch load force to eliminate overshoot/undershoot of hitch motion. During hitch motion, the velocity feedback also compensates for effects due to load and hitch geometry changes that occur.

Abstract: A suspension system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head using a four-bar linkage and permitting the floating head to accommodate variations in ground surface elevation in a lateral or transverse direction. By permitting the floating head to float, a more consistent cutting height is realized when ground surface elevation varies in a transverse direction. A main frame is provided to which the ground engaging wheels are attached. A sub-frame is connected to the main frame via the four-bar linkage and the linkage arms of the four-bar linkage are not parallel to one another as viewed from above. The linkage arms of the four-bar linkage are pivotally attached to the main frame and sub-frame by spherical bearings.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a first wing tool bar and a second wing tool bar on each lateral side of the implement. The first wing tool bar and the second wing tool bar are configured to rotate from a working position to a transport position. The first wing tool bar and the second wing tool bar each include a respective tool frame configured to rotate upwardly from a working position to a transport position. In addition, the second wing tool bar is configured to articulate with respect to the first wing tool bar during transport. A fold-away frame section is rotatably coupled to the first wing tool frame and configured to rotate out of a plane formed by the first and second wing tool frames to avoid contact between the tool frames during transport.

Abstract: A conservation tillage tool, including a main frame and a rear frame pivotally mounted on the main frame disposed to support a number of soil working implements in sequence. The main frame is supported by ground wheels attached to the rear section of the main frame. The wheels are movable with respect to the main frame to move the latter between a raised transport position and a number of lowered working positions. A tongue and hitch unit connect the main frame to a prime mover, and a leveling mechanism operably interconnects the main frame, ground wheels and tongue for maintaining the main frame level at any of its positions. A spring-cushioned linkage operably interconnects one of the implements at the front of the main frame with one of the implements mounted on the rear frame for simultaneously raising and lowering those two implements between transport and working positions.

Abstract: A towable road tender device for grading unpaved roadway surfaces. The tender device may be hitched to commercial vehicles but is particularly suited for use with private vehicles, such as small tractors and pickup trucks. A set of relatively lightweight frames reduce the weight to be pulled by the vehicle. The towable road tender device is sized to be operated using small-scale power take-off units commonly available in private vehicles, such as, for example, the power units of conventional front-end plows. The set of lightweight frames includes a support frame that secures the tending tool, a wheel frame that pivots the rear towing wheels either toward or away from the support frame, and an attachment frame joining the other two frames to a hitch on the towing vehicle. The attachment frame is designed to keep the support frame parallel to the plane of the underlying roadway surface as that support frame is raised or lowered.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for engaging and lifting the end of a hitch resting on the ground. The apparatus is particularly useful when attached to a yard tractor used for moving trailers or trailer dollys about a parking yard. The apparatus includes a rigid member pivotally attached to a frame attached to the yard tractor. The free end of the rigid member has a plate for scooping under the end of the hitch. A hydraulic actuator remotely rotates a pin into engagement with the end of the hitch. Another actuator pivots the rigid member upwardly to lift the end of the hitch for subsequent movement of the trailer or dolly.