Abstract: A hitch may be configured to laterally offset the longitudinal axis of a towed implement with respect to the longitudinal axis of a towing vehicle so as to shift the towed implement to either of a left side or a right side of the towing vehicle. The hitch may provide added reach to either of a left side or a right side of a towing vehicle and provide a significantly reduced turning radius. In some embodiments, the advantages of including a variable offset hitch may be achieved without adding excessive length between a towing vehicle and pulled implement.

Abstract: An implement guidance module is provided for positioning a drawn implement as the implement is pulled by a vehicle traveling along a desired path of movement, the vehicle having a connection point for receiving a hitch. The module includes a module main frame having a first end configured for connection to the vehicle connection point, and a second end configured for connection to the implement, the main frame having a longitudinal axis, and having a pivot mount connected to the second end with an implement mounting plate pivoting relative to the module main frame about a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A vehicle mounting plate defines the first end of the module main frame, and the implement mounting plate defines the second end of the module main frame.

Abstract: A small-scale land prep and maintenance equipment system includes a universal frame with a tongue element that includes an implement connection point (such as a through-hole or threaded hole) configured for receiving a saddle and bolt aspect of an implement. Advantageously, the implement connection point of the universal frame and the saddle of the implement provide for a robust and rigid connection between the universal frame and an implement while also enabling quick changeover of landscaping implements. Moreover, because the universal frame may be used on any number of implements, the cost of an integrated frame in each implement is avoided.

Abstract: A system (202) is disclosed with a frame (204) with a plurality pivotable connected frame sections (214, 216, 220, 502), the frame (204) being operable in a number of positions (206, 302) and changeable between these, and a length adjustable connection (232) between at least one of the frame sections and a dragging device (212), wherein the length adjustable connection (232) is arranged in an angle (234) and a length (244) of the length adjustable connection is controlled so as to obtain drag forces created by working the soil, and the length adjustable connection (232) is so arranged that changing the length (244) of the length adjustable connection at least partly supports and at least partly powers a change of the position (206, 302) of the frame in order e.g. to provide an improved relation between a transport width and a soil working width of the frame (204) and for supporting, controlling and changing between multiple positions (206, 302).

Abstract: A pull-type crop harvesting machine has a header carried on a frame mounted on ground wheels with a hitch arm extending from the frame over the header to a hitch coupling of a tractor. The hitch arm is mounted for pivotal movement about a generally upright axis such that in a first position the tractor tows the frame in echelon to one side and in a second position the tractor tows the frame in echelon. The movement is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder and stopped at one end of the movement by the piston with a rod coupling being adjustably mounted on the rod to adjust the end position. At the other end of the movement, the position is defined by a stop member mounted on the piston rod and adjustable relative thereto. Each end of the cylinder includes a cushion effect by using separate orifices for the fluid ports which slow fluid flow as the piston approaches the ends of the cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for covering landfill includes a deployer suspended below the bucket of a loader. A roll of film is disposed on the deployer and uncoiled to deploy a film covering on the landfill surface as the loader driven across the surface. Periodically, the bucket, containing a ballast material, is manipulated, allowing ballast material to be disposed on the film to hold the deployed film in place. In a preferred embodiment, the deployer includes a mandrel mounted between two flanges for supporting a roll of film. The deployer is preferably attached to the bucket by chains or wire rope in such a manner so as to allow full operation of bucket while the deployer is attached. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sprayer to apply a fluid.

Abstract: An improved frame for a drawn agricultural implement, such as a planter, includes a telescoping main frame. The main wheel set is mounted to a sliding carriage to support the central main frame, and may be moved between a forward and a rear position. As the main frame extends, the wing sections fold forwardly. When the wing sections in the illustrated embodiment are completely folded, hydraulic cylinders slide the main wheel set forwardly so that the down load on the hitch is reduced for road transport. Conversely, during the unfold cycle, the hydraulic cylinders return the wheel set to the rear position, and the wings are then extended (i.e., unfolded) for field use.

Abstract: A trailer mounted sprayer having an air boom supported from the trailer frame by a four-bar linkage movable by a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the elevation of the boom and with ground-engaging wheels rotatably attached to bell cranks mounted on the frame and pivotable by cylinders to control the ground clearance. Accumulators isolate the frame from shock loads created as the wheels traverse uneven ground and also isolate the boom from shock loads that would otherwise be transmitted from the frame to the boom. A draft member pinned to both the trailer and to the tractor pulling the trailer has hydraulic jacks to determine which of the pinned connections will control the pivotal movement between the tractor and the trailer.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling multiple functions of an agricultural implement such as a baler or a harvester includes first, second and third hydraulic cylinders which are operated to control first, second and third functions, respectively, of the implement. A shuttle valve is mechanically coupled to the first hydraulic cylinder by a rock shaft so that when the first hydraulic cylinder is retracted and extended, the shuttle valve selectively connects either the second or the third hydraulic cylinder to an independent source of hydraulic fluid. The first hydraulic cylinder is connected to another independent source of hydraulic fluid. In a baler having a bale case, a pickup, a tongue and a bale thrower, the first hydraulic cylinder raises and lowers the pickup, the second hydraulic cylinder moves the tongue between a transport position and an operating position, and the third hydraulic cylinder adjusts the bale thrower relative to the bale case.

Abstract: A device for picking rocks from a field includes a frame which is mounted on a pair of wheels. A hitch is pivotally attached to the frame and is adapted for engagement with a conventional tractor. The offset of the hitch is adjusted by a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the tracking of the frame behind the tractor. A reel is mounted for rotation on the frame and is powered by a chain and sprocket drive from a rotary hydraulic motor. The reel has a plurality of radially extending spokes, each terminating in a stone picking rake formed by a plurality of spaced teeth. The elevation of the reel with respect to ground level is adjusted by a pair of hydraulic cylinders connected to a pivotal reel mounting frame. A depth stop mechanism is provided to lock the reel in an adjusted elevational position. In a first embodiment, a semi-cylindrical stone collecting box is mounted within the reel frame. As each of the reel spokes rotates to a top position, collected stones fall by gravity into the open stone box.

Abstract: A coupling device for connecting a wheeled agricultural implement having driven working members to a tractor includes a towing connection and a hydraulic motive power transfer with a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump is connected to the power take-off of the tractor and to a hose connection connected at its other end with a hydraulic motor on the implement. For pivotal coupling of a drawbar connected with the implement, the towing connection includes a towing device permanently connected with the drawbar adapted to be rigidly, but releasably connected with the ordinary towing means of the tractor, e.g. the lowermost lift arms. To improve its maneuvering ability, the towing device is provided with a linkage positioned behind the rearmost point of the tractor and pivotally connected with the drawbar.

Abstract: A powered vacuum is mounted between a tractor carrying a rotary mower and a trailer carrying a receptacle for moving material from the mower discharge to the receptacle. A mounting frame carries a blower which may include either an internal combustion engine or gearbox and a fan coupled directly to the engine or gearbox. The mounting frame is mounted to the tractor by connections defining three coplanar ball joints located to permit relative pitch and roll between the tractor and trailer. The mounting frame is easily releasably secured to the tongue of the trailer. The mounting frame is articulated between its opposite ends for movement about a tight vertical axis. The mounting frame, in one form, defines a receptacle for receiving a support member of a wheeled dolly for supporting the powered vacuum when the mounting frame is disconnected from the tractor and trailer, and in another form includes retractable wheels which may be selectively placed in an operative condition for supporting the vacuum.

Abstract: A tandem disc implement is provided with a hitch assembly for interconnecting the implement in articulated, trailing relation with respect to a tractor. The hitch assembly includes a draw bar which is pivotally connected to the tractor and is shiftably connected to the hitch frame of the hitch assembly. In one embodiment, the draw bar is pivotally connected to the hitch frame and is shifted between in-line and angulated relation with respect to the implement. In another embodiment, the draw bar is translated laterally from an in-line position to a laterally offset position. Shifting of the draw bar permits the implement to be towed in trailing tandem relation or, alternatively, in offset relation with respect to the tractor.

Abstract: A pull-type mobile harvesting machine includes a header supported on a main frame and an arch-like tongue swingably connected to the main frame and extending forward over the header for pivoting connection to a tractor. A double-acting hydraulic steering cylinder controlled from the tractor is connected between the frame and tongue for swinging the tongue relative to the frame while the machine is advancing so that the machine is displaced laterally selectively between a range of operating positions, offset relative to the tractor, and transport positions, generally immediately behind the tractor.

Abstract: A variable width furrow-spacing plow system embodied in an implement having a laterally adjustable tractor hitch, an angularly adjustable plow-carrying main frame, and hydraulic means for correlating the lateral movement of the hitch and angular position of the frame, to the end that for any given furrow spacing the hitch point of the implement will fall closer to the line of pull than has heretofore been possible, and minimum pulling force will be required to motivate the implement. The system embodies a pull bar or frame which has its forward end pivoted to the adjustable tractor hitch and its rear end pivoted to a medial region of the plow-carrying frame. A hydraulic ram controls the lateral adjustment of the hitch, while a second ram controls the angularity between the pull frame and the main frame. The two rams are phased for operation in unison under the control of a valve in the cab of the tractor.

Abstract: An automatic guidance system for towed vehicles is disclosed comprising a marker, a position sensor, an electronic operational amplifier circuit, an electrical servo controlled hydraulic valve, and a hydraulically controlled swinging draw bar hitch. The position sensor comprises a follower to follow the furrow mark in the ground made by the marker on the preceding pass of the farm implement over the ground and variable resistors mounted on the followers electrically connected to the amplifier circuit. The electrical servo controlled hydraulic valve is driven by the operational amplifier circuit in response to the varying output voltages received from the variable resistors responding to the position of the follower. The position of the towed implement relative to the furrow mark is adjusted by the action of the hydraulically controlled swinging draw bar responding to the operation of the electrical servo controlled hydraulic valve.

Abstract: The rear pivot point of a swingable tongue on a towable implement can be shifted laterally with respect to the path of travel of the implement so that the latter can be offset on either side of the towing vehicle without requiring a tongue that is unduly lengthy or subjected to a severe draft angle.