Abstract: An agricultural implement system, including a center toolbar including at least one ground engaging tool, a first inner-wing toolbar rotatably coupled to the center toolbar, the first inner-wing toolbar including at least one ground engaging tool, a first outer-wing toolbar rotatably coupled to the first inner-wing toolbar, the first outer-wing toolbar including at least one ground engaging tool, a first actuating cylinder coupled to the center toolbar, a second actuating cylinder extending between the center toolbar and the first inner-wing toolbar, a third actuating cylinder extending between the first inner-wing toolbar and the first outer-wing toolbar, and a control system configured to drive the first actuating cylinder, the second actuating cylinder, and the third actuating cylinder.

Abstract: A work vehicle, such as a motor grader, comprises a frame, a ripper, a tie bar attached to the frame, and a four-bar linkage attached to and disposed between the ripper and the tie bar for transferring a load between the ripper and the frame via the four-bar linkage and the tie bar. The four-bar linkage and the tie bar are co-planar with respect to a plane within which the four-bar linkage is movable relative to the frame. A toolbar for the ripper is also disclosed.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system, including a center toolbar including at least one ground engaging tool, a first inner-wing toolbar rotatably coupled to the center toolbar, the first inner-wing toolbar including at least one ground engaging tool, a first outer-wing toolbar rotatably coupled to the first inner-wing toolbar, the first outer-wing toolbar including at least one ground engaging tool, a first actuating cylinder coupled to the center toolbar, a second actuating cylinder extending between the center toolbar and the first inner-wing toolbar, a third actuating cylinder extending between the first inner-wing toolbar and the first outer-wing toolbar, and a control system configured to drive the first actuating cylinder, the second actuating cylinder, and the third actuating cylinder.

Abstract: A mount for carrying a plurality of field-conditioning implements selected from trash whipping implements, rolling baskets and coulters for connection to a planter or other multi-row implement is disclosed. A height and force adjustable mounting system is also disclosed that enables the force of such an implement on the soil to be modulated as desired.

Abstract: The combination of a rolling basket tillage implement and a seed distribution implement is disclosed. A height-adjustable mounting system for a rolling basket soil tillage implement is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables such an implement to be raised above the soil as needed to avoid wet conditions.

Abstract: The combination of a rolling basket tillage implement and a seed distribution implement is disclosed. A height-adjustable mounting system for a rolling basket soil tillage implement is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables such an implement to be raised above the soil as needed to avoid wet conditions.

Abstract: A down pressure adjustment assembly for a disc opener of an agricultural implement includes a rockshaft to which one or more disc opener units are mounted and an actuator that rotates the rockshaft. Rotation of the rockshaft causes the disc opener units to be raised or lowered. When the disc opener units are lowered into a field engagement position, further rotation of the rockshaft will cause compression of down pressure springs for each of the disc opener units.

Abstract: A tilling implement has a front row of concave disc blades having a front right portion and a front left portion symmetrically disposed about a centerline of the implement. A rear row of concave disc blades has a rear right portion and a rear left portion symmetrically disposed about the centerline of the implement. The rear right portion follows behind the front right portion in a right path and the rear left portion follows the front left portion in a left path when the implement is displaced through a field. The implement includes no ground engaging tool in the right path between the front right portion and the rear right portion, and no ground engaging tool in the left path between the front left portion and the rear left portion. A ground engaging tool is disposed generally along the centerline of the implement between the right and left paths.

Abstract: A pair of grain drills are positional for side by side operation in the field and connected to a towing tractor by weight transfer hitch having a rear end portion connected to the grain drills and a forward tongue portion having its front end connectable to the tractor drawbar and its rearward end totally connected to the forward end of the rear hitch portion for swinging about a transverse horizontal pivot. A hydraulic cylinder has its ends respectively connected to the tongue and the rear hitch portion and pressure to the cylinder is controlled by an adjustable pressure control valve that delivers pressurized fluid from the tractor hydraulic system to the cylinder at a pre-selected pressure below the tractor system pressure, whereby the force exerted by the cylinder on the tongue transfers a portion of the weight of the machine to the tractor drawbar.

Abstract: A hitch assembly and method for connecting a vehicle to a towed apparatus and releasing the towed apparatus from connection to the underlying supporting surface has a tongue which is connected to the towed apparatus and a socket engaging device mounted on the vehicle. The socket engaging device is movable from a first position at which the tongue is free from connection to the vehicle to a second position elevationally spaced from the first position at which the tongue is connected to the socket engaging device. An actuator which is mounted on the vehicle and connected to the socket engaging device elevationally moves the socket engaging device between the first and second positions. A tongue supporting member is movable from a surface supported position to a socket engaging device supported position spaced from the underlying surface in response to movement of the socket engaging device from the first position to the second position.

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.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for interconnecting an agricultural tool with a towing vehicle to allow relative angular vertical articulation between the tool and vehicle during use and to lock rigidly with the tool for transport. The hitch includes two pivotably interconnected frames. A first wheel supported frame is adapted to be connected to the towing vehicle. The second frame is adapted to be rigidly connected to the tool. A control mechanism operates from the vehicle hydraulic system and is connected between the frames. The mechanism is operative to lock the frames together rigidly or to unlock the frames for relatively free pivotal movement. The control means includes provisions for tipping the tool forward and downward as it is being lowered to a ground-working, operative position. The effective height of the frames can also be varied to correspond with the height of the tool at its ground-working operative position.

Abstract: A soil ripping tooth assembly is pivotally mounted for vertical movement within a horizontally disposed downwardly and forwardly open box frame having a drawbar and drawn by a prime mover having a hydraulic fluid supply system. A scraping blade is connected in depending relation with the rearward wall of the box frame for collecting soil within the confines of the box frame. A pair of wheels, journalled by stub axles, connected with a weight support frame in turn pivotally connected to the rearward side of the box frame, supports the box frame and ripper tooth assembly in combination with the drawbar. A plurality of hydraulic cylinders, mounted on the box frame and respectively connected with the drawbar, ripper tooth assembly and weight supporting frame, selectively tilt the ripper tooth assembly and respective sides and ends of the box frame toward and away from the surface of the earth in a soil collecting and distributing action.