Abstract: A system that includes a wheel carrier system. The wheel carrier system includes a first wheel that couples to a first shaft. A first connector couples the first shaft to a central shaft. A second wheel couples to a second shaft. A second connector couples the second shaft to the central shaft. The first wheel and the second wheel independently rotate and move vertically. A first wheel carrier arm couples to a wheel carrier frame. A first link rotates a ground engaging tool system with respect to the wheel carrier frame to transition the ground engaging tool system from a lowered position to a raised position. An actuator simultaneously rotates the first wheel carrier arm from a first position to a second position and the ground engaging tool system from the lowered position to the raised position.

Abstract: An implement includes a hydraulic control to move rear wheels upward and downward. A hitch frame has a rear end pivotally connected to a front of the implement's frame about an upper hitch pivot axis and a front end connectable to a tractor drawbar. A tension link has a rear end pivotally connected to the front end of the implement about a lower hitch pivot axis located below and parallel to the upper hitch pivot, and a front end movably mounted to a front of the hitch frame. A front hydraulic cylinder moves the front end of the tension link forward and rearward. The hydraulic control activates the front hydraulic cylinder to move the tension link rearward as the rear hydraulic cylinder moves the rear wheels upward with respect to the implement frame, and to move the front end of the tension link forward as the rear wheels move downward.

Abstract: A control system for an agricultural implement includes a controller configured to perform the following steps in response to determining that performance of a ground engaging tool is below a threshold performance. The controller is configured to adjust a speed of the agricultural implement to an adjusted speed. The controller is configured to raise the ground engaging tool to a target raised position in response to the speed of the agricultural implement being substantially equal to a first threshold speed. The controller is configured to adjust the speed of the agricultural implement to an initial speed in response to a position of the ground engaging tool being substantially equal to the target raised position. The controller is configured to lower the ground engaging tool to a target depth in response to the speed of the agricultural implement being substantially equal to a second threshold speed.

Abstract: A trailer has a frame having frame-members configured to support a container, at least a pair of traction devices rotatably mounted on the frame, and a tongue configured to be mounted on a transportation device or an implement being towed by a transportation device. The frame-members may have a three-point mount configured to support a container. The container may be configured to be interchangeable with another container. The container may be an element of a seeding apparatus, the seeding apparatus mountable on the frame-members of the frame. The trailer may have a steering mechanism for the traction devices, and may be convertible between steerable and non-steerable modes. The steering mechanism may be guidance controlled. A transverse distance between the traction devices may be adjustable and/or height of the frame in relation to the ground may be adjustable. The trailer provides greater flexibility of operation under a greater variety of conditions.

Abstract: A system for reducing implement wheel forces on a field surface has an agricultural implement with a frame mounted on frame wheels and ground engaging tools mounted on the frame. When the ground engaging tools move down to penetrate the field surface they exert an upward tool force on the frame. Support arms are movably connected to the implement frame and a support wheel is rotatably mounted to each support arm. A support bias element exerts a support bias force on each support arm to force the support wheel against the field surface and to correspondingly force the implement frame upward, transferring a supported frame weight from the implement frame to the support wheels, such that an unsupported frame weight is carried on the frame wheels. A bias control varies the support bias forces to maintain the unsupported frame weight at a level greater than the upward tool force.

Abstract: A suspended axle for a tractor, the axle having a lower link mechanism selectively operable between a first configuration in which the lower links are in fixed relation to the suspended axle and a second configuration in which the lower links are isolated from the suspended axle.

Abstract: A pull-type crop engaging machine such as a rotary mower comprises a frame mounted on transversely spaced field ground wheels for movement with a hitch arm extending to a tractor and a transport assembly attached behind the frame for moving downwardly to a transport position so that in the transport position the hitch arm extends from one end of the frame generally in the transverse direction for towing the machine in the transverse direction. The transport includes a transport ground wheel which acts to raise the frame to pass underneath the crop engaging system to support the machine on the wheel, on a second wheel behind the frame and on the hitch. The movement of the hitch and the wheel is connected and started at a position of the hitch so that the machine remains balanced. A shield behind the frame includes a portion which moves with the transport wheel.

Abstract: A tongue-hitch structure for a pull-type implement may comprise a tongue locking mechanism. A work frame for the pull-type implement may comprise a vertically adjustable rear wheel suspension comprising an actuator for moving the work frame between a lowered, working position and a raised, transport position. The tongue-hitch structure may be adapted to allow vertical movement between the tongue-hitch structure and the work frame. A leveling arrangement may be coupled between the work frame and the hitch-tongue structure operable to prevent and/or allow vertical movement between the tongue-hitch structure and the work frame.

Abstract: A tongue-hitch structure for a pull-type implement may comprise a tongue locking mechanism. A work frame for the pull-type implement may comprise a vertically adjustable rear wheel suspension comprising an actuator for moving the work frame between a lowered, working position and a raised, transport position. The tongue-hitch structure may be adapted to allow vertical movement between the tongue-hitch structure and the work frame. A leveling arrangement may be coupled between the work frame and the hitch-tongue structure operable to prevent and/or allow vertical movement between the tongue-hitch structure and the work frame.

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 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 system for ensuring the uniform height of gauge wheels for a towed implement assembly such as a seeder. The seeder has a frame structure with a series of front gauge wheels suspended by the front of the frame structure. A greater number of rear wheels are suspended by the frame structure to the rear of the front gauge wheel. A tow hitch is pivotally connected from the front of the frame structure for coupling to a work vehicle. A front bar having a first end and a second end is coupled to the tow hitch. A center actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder is coupled to one end of the front bar. A rear bar is placed in contact with the opposite end of the hydraulic cylinder. The front gauge wheels are raised by extending the cylinder and causing force to be applied to the front and rear bars. In this manner, the weight on the front wheels is distributed to the work vehicle via the tow hitch and the rear wheels.

Abstract: An agricultural implement provides improvements in ground-working implements having both a lowered ground-working mode and a raised transport mode wherein structure is provided to offset the effects of the moment forces created in the working mode. A fluid circuit is connected to a fluid actuator for controlling forces exerted thereby between a hitch member and the implement main frame and it is operable in a working mode to exert a resilient biasing force on the hitch member thus enabling pivotal floating motion of the hitch member while simultaneously countering force moments applied to the main frame by the ground-working tool. This system is also operable in a transport mode wherein the actuator exerts sufficient force between the hitch member and the forward end of the main frame as to assist in lifting and maintaining the implement in a raised transport mode.

Abstract: A dual action leveling system for a disk or similar implement connected between the hitch and the lift wheel assembly includes a transport stop for providing a fixed hitch position for good transport leveling and stability. The system includes a fore-and-aft extending member with first and second coil springs and an adjustable spring abutment member threaded through one end of a rod for providing leveling for different ground conditions. Weight can be transferred to and from the front of the implement by simply turning a crank located at one end of the rod. For example, weight can be transferred to the front of the implement to provide compensation for added weight of a rear mounted attachment. The spring structure provides a self-compensating effect which resists changes in front-to-rear implement leveling with changes in ground conditions.

Abstract: A floating hitch for an agricultural implement has a hydraulic ram arranged for locking the implement in a raised position relative to the hitch, for transport. For transport, the ram extends into abutment with a point on the implement, and retracts out of the abutment for operation. A floating link guides the end of the ram, and the arc of movement of the floating link is such that the link lies normal to the ram axis at the point of abutment contact.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement includes a center frame portion connected to one or more hinged wing frame portions. Both the center portion and the wing portions include separate hydraulically actuated lifting and self-leveling mechanisms. In each wing portion, one or more rear support wheels are pivotally connected to the implement frame via a rear torque tube which is also connected to the hydraulic lift such that the rear wheel is selectively pivotable relative to the frame to thereby raise and lower the frame with respect to ground level. A front gauge wheel is also pivotally connected to the frame via a front torque tube which is connected to the rear torque tube via a linkage arm and a pair of rocker arms such that the gauge wheel is pivoted in synchronism with the rear wheel to level the wing portion as it is raised and lowered.

Abstract: A towed rotary cutter has a main frame defined by the cutter housing supported at its rear by ground wheels that are coupled to the frame through means of a pivotably mounted axle. A hitch is pivotally mounted at the front end of the frame and carries a clevis assembly at the forward end thereof. A pair of parallel, transversely spaced leveling rods extend between the hitch and wheel axle with the rear ends of the rods being defined by eyes that are received on respective pins formed integrally with the opposite ends of a cylindrical equalizer bar that is pivotally mounted to the axle. These pins are radially spaced in opposite directions from the pivot axis of the equalizer bar. The forward ends of the leveling rods are pivotally coupled to the hitch with one of the rods including an adjustment for changing its effective length extending between the axle and hitch.

Abstract: A hydraulic rockshaft control circuit which includes a three-way valve that normally operates the rockshaft is connected to the lift cylinder on a trailing implement. A hitch lock valve connected to the rockshaft control valve maintains the rockshaft in a preselected position regardless of changes in pressure at the valve output. The extend side of the lift cylinder is connected to the control valve output so that the tractor hitch control is used to operate the trailing implement cylinder. To overcome the inability of the three-way valve to positively retract the trailing implement cylinder, a reducing/relieving valve is connected to the retract side of the cylinder and is adjusted to provide just enough pressure to retract the cylinder and raise the implement wheels from ground contact when the extend side is connected to return pressure.A position feedback system on the implement is connected to the hitch control unit (HCU) on the tractor.

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: A conservation tillage tool including a frame disposed to support a number of soil working implements in sequence. The frame is supported by ground wheels attached to the rear section of the frame. The wheels are movable with respect to the rear section of the frame to move the frame between a raised transport position and a number of lowered working positions. A hitch attached to a tractor supports the front section of the frame, and a pivotally attached tongue interconnects the front section and the hitch. A leveling mechanism interconnects the rear section, the front section and the pivotally attached tongue. The leveling mechanism is a four-bar linkage that applies a force at the pivotal connection of the tongue to the front section as the wheels move to raise or lower the rear section thereby maintaining the frame substantially level with respect to the ground.

Abstract: A towed implement with an implement cylinder may be coupled to the hitch of a tractor which includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic sump, a rockshaft cylinder for raising and lowering the hitch, a hitch control valve for controlling fluid flow to the rockshaft cylinder, a control unit for controlling the hitch control valve as a function of a sensed parameter signal and an operator generated command signal. A two-position, four-way selector valve selectively connects the hitch control valve to the implement cylinder and operates to automatically raise the hitch to its top position when the selector valve connects the hitch control valve to the implement cylinder. A manually operated four position, four-way selective control valve is connected between the selector valve and the implement cylinder and a towed implement position sensor is connected to the electronic control unit of the tractor hitch control system.

Abstract: A level indicator for a disk harrow or the like having a motorized on-the-go leveling adjustment. A small diameter flexible cable is attached to the spring retainer which bears against one end of the coil spring on an adjustable link structure located between pivoting hitch structure and the adjustable ground wheels. The opposite end of the cable is attached to a slide which is free to move vertically in a bracket fixed to the motor mounting bracket. The weight of the slide maintains tension on the cable and as the motor is activated to move the spring retainer relative to the motor mounting bracket, the cable moves the slide vertically to provide an indication of the leveling adjustment. The consistent relationship between the spring retainer and the motor bracket at a given adjustment position provides an easy to read indication even though the entire leveling system may be moving relative to the machine frame.

Abstract: An apparatus which can cultivate rice and other crops, comprising a frame having a plurality of transversely extending spaced cultivator bars, each of the bars having a plurality of spaced elongated soil working members extending generally vertically downward of said bars. The apparatus is pulled over the planted area to remove the weed plants.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic circuit for raising and lowering a three-point hitch-mounted implement having a lift assist assembly and for selectively lowering the lower draft links of the three-point hitch to transfer implement weight to the rear wheels of the tractor without affecting the normal operation of the tractor operator control valve. A shuttle valve connects the rockshaft control valve, which otherwise would be disabled, to the rockshaft cylinder which controls the lower draft links. The ball-check valve also connects the rockshaft cylinder to the operator control valve while isolating the rockshaft control valve from the operator control valve.

Abstract: Adjustable link structure for providing on-to-go disk harrow adjustment from the cab of the towing vehicle. The mechanism for automatically maintaining the frame of a disk harrow at a level condition as the frame is raised and lowered relative to the ground includes an adjustable link member with a rotary hydraulic motor utilized to adjust a mechanical screw type mechanism to maintain a set adjustment position independently of continued fluid pressure to the motor.

Abstract: A self-leveling agricultural implement is disclosed which has been particularly configured for maintaining the frame of the implement in a level disposition as it is raised and lowered by relative movement of its hydraulically-operated supporting wheels. The construction includes a pivotal draft hitch at a forward end of the implement frame, and a leveling linkage which operatively connects the draft hitch with a rockshaft of the implement which is operatively connected with its hydraulic actuators. Thus, as the actuators operate to relatively raise and lower the implement wheels, attendant rotation of the rockshaft acts to pivot the draft hitch relative to the frame, whereby the level disposition of the frame is maintained. The construction desirably includes an adjustable link which operatively connects the pivotal draft hitch with the leveling linkage, whereby the implement is readily adjustable for use with different tractors having differing drawbar heights.

Abstract: A novel center pivot hitch assembly mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism of the present invention is preferably carried by a wheeled tool bar and a wheeled agricultural implement. The wheeled agricultural implement or cart is typically moved along a path by a tractor. The mechanism of the present invention pivotally connects the wheeled tool bar to the backside of the cart. The mechanism of the present invention comprises a center pivot hitch assembly and a stabilization assembly. The center pivot hitch assembly selectively allows the wheeled tool bar to pivot transversely and vertically in relation to the path along which the wheeled agricultural implement is being moved. The stabilization assembly includes hydraulic fluid actuator means for selectively maintaining tool bar disposition relative to the agricultural implement backside, when the wheeled tool bar is oriented substantially parallel to the backside of the wheeled agricultural implement.

Abstract: A multi-blade soil handling unit comprising a frame having rearward and forward ends with a pivotal hitch mounted on the forward end of the frame for connection to a prime mover. A transversely extending axle is mounted on the frame and is provided with a pair of ground engaging wheels on opposite ends thereof. A front blade is mounted on the frame forwardly of the wheels and a rear blade is mounted on the frame rearwardly of the ground engaging wheels. A second hydraulic cylinder is connected to the axle and the hitch to pivot the hitch with respect to the frame to permit the selective shifting of weight between the front and rear blades. The blades are normally disposed at opposing angles and are each individually angularly adjusted with respect to the frame and are each laterally adjustable with respect to the frame. The ends of each of the blades may also be raised or lowered by means of shims.

Abstract: An agricultural implement frame supported on rockshaft mounted tires and having a rigidly mounted tongue employs a hydraulic leveler arrangement to maintain the level or pitch of the frame in the raised transport position and the lowered ground working position of the frame. The leveler arrangement includes a hitch bell crank pivotally connected to the frame lift mechanism. A hitch member is pivotally connected to the hitch bell crank. The bell crank is in the form of an adjustable truss and includes a pair of lift arms and a pair of triangular hitch arms the ends of which are connected by a turnbuckle. By adjusting the length of the turnbuckle, the pitch of the frame is made adjustable. The force of the lift cylinder to lift the frame is transferred about the hitch member to the front end of the frame to lift same as the rest of the frame is lifted. The arrangement operates in the reverse direction as the frame is lowered.

Abstract: A mulch tiller or similar implement having a rigid frame supporting a plurality of forward trash-sizing gang assemblies and rearward plow tools. Spring brackets rockably support the gang asemblies for independent vertical movement with respect to the frame and maintain a generally constant down pressure of the gangs against the soil. The frame includes diagonal beam structure and a lower subframe assembly for compact shipping, good draft load distribution and underframe clearance. Common depth control, main frame and hitch components are utilized for implements of varying widths to reduce cost.

Abstract: A leveling arrangement for an agricultural implement frame having a draft tongue which is pivotally attached to a front end of the frame includes a rocker arm attached to the frame front end for pivoting about a transverse axis, a transfer link pivotally connected between a lower end of the rocker arm and a frame lift lever extending from the frame lifting rockshaft, and a leveling link pivotally connected between an upper end of the rocker arm and a front end of the tongue. Rotation of the rockshaft by the action of a hydraulic cylinder to lift or lower the frame is transferred through the leveling arrangement, by reaction against the pivoted hitch member, to the front end of the frame to respectively lift or lower the frame front end to thereby maintain a substantially constant pitch of the implement frame.

Abstract: In combination, a tractor having at its rear end an implement hitch and a lift system and an implement coupled at one end to the hitch and having at its other end a height adjusting system for controlling the working depth of the implement. The lift includes a first hydraulic cylinder and the height adjusting system includes a second or remote hydraulic cylinder. The tractor has a pump providing a source of fluid under pressure. An auxiliary services valve is in communication with the fluid source and a phasing valve, the two valves being selectively in communication with one another.The auxiliary services valve is operable to independently actuate the first hydraulic cylinder to raise the hitch or to coact with the phasing valve to serially couple the second hydraulic cylinder to the first hydraulic cylinder to provide synchronous actuation of both cylinders to raise both ends of the implement to a fully raised position.

Abstract: A tractor-drawn agricultural implement of the type that requires a floating hitch member while operating but a rigid hitch member while in transport. This is achieved according to the present invention by linkage connected between a hitch member control mechanism and the cranked axle that serves as the wheeled carrying structure for the implement main frame. The linkage is arranged so that when the main frame is in its lowered or operating mode, a stop is clear from the hitch member control so that the hitch member has a free pivotal movement about a transverse axis, but when the frame is raised to transport or raised mode, the stop engages the hitch member control and renders the hitch member rigid with the frame.

Abstract: A folding implement frame is disclosed which has wheels placed amid the tools on the frame so that variations in ground level will not alter cultivation depth. A novel method of folding is described which will enable the wheels to be used for transport. A linkage system is provided to maintain the frames horizontal position during raising and lowering.

Abstract: A tractor-drawn plow is carried at its left front end on a tractor via vertically shiftable hitch means and at its right front end on a furrow wheel linkage means providing for raising and lowering of the frame among transport, open-up plowing and normal plowing positions. The hitch means and furrow wheel linkage include separate hydraulic motors of the two-way type, and these are connected hydraulically in series, with provision for re-phasing, to insure substantial leveling of the frame during raising and lowering movement of the frame. Provision is made in the connection of the hitch motor to the hitch means for enabling limited retrograde movement of the hitch motor piston to a position covering the re-phase port after the hitch motor has extended to fully raise the frame. Further provision is made in the furrow wheel linkage enabling lowering of the frame to either open-up plowing position or normal plowing position by retraction strokes of the same length of the furrow wheel motor.

Abstract: A leveling system for a wheeled implement wherein the implement includes a frame with ground-engaging tools, a forwardly extending hitch structure, support wheels mounted to the frame, and wheel lift cylinders attached between the frame and the support wheels for raising or lowering the frame relative to the ground. The leveling system includes a fore-and-aft leveling mechanism and a controller. The fore-and-aft leveling mechanism is attached between the frame and the hitch structure for maintaining the frame substantially parallel to the ground during both transport and working operations. The controller uses a control lever which activates both the wheel lift cylinders and the fore-and-aft leveling mechanism. Movement of the control lever permits the frame and the hitch structure to move relative to the ground so that the frame can remain parallel to the ground at all times, even when the frame is being raised or lowered on the support wheels.

Abstract: A hitch locking mechanism for an implement or the like having a frame and transport wheels movable between lowered transport positions wherein the frame is raised for transport and raised positions wherein the frame is lowered for an operating mode, and having a hitch bar hinged to the frame, the hitch locking mechanism being interconnected between the transport wheels and the hitch bar and being operative to maintain the hitch bar in fixed relation to the frame when the transport wheels are in their lowered transport positions, and operative to enable hinged movement of the hitch bar relative to the frame when the transport wheels are in their raised positions.

Abstract: A tractor-drawn farm implement is carried at its front end on a tractor drawbar and at its rear end by trailing wheel means, and linkage of the so-called four-bar type is operative to selectively raise and lower the implement. The body of the implement serves as one member of the linkage and front and rear lever arms are interconnected by a leveling rod so as to coordinate the front and rear arms as force is exerted against one arm by power-operated means on the implement. During one phase of vertical movement of the implement as it is raised or lowered, the leveling rod is stressed in compression. The invention provides yieldable means in conjunction with the rod capable of yielding as to prevent or at least minimize bending of the rod in the event of over-stressing.

Abstract: A ground working implement including a frame having a plurality of rows of elements, each element holding a plurality of individual ground working tools extending downwardly. The implement comprises wheels which are used for transporting the ground working assembly which are pivotally connected to the frame and engage the ground midway between the forward and rear portions of the frame so that a tire track is never left in the ground when the implement is operating even if the wheels are touching the ground since ground working tools are positioned behind the tires as well as in front thereof. There is a tongue, adjustable in height, adaptable for connection to a tractor or other suitable motive power, and a selectively reciprocal power source, such as a hydraulic cylinder, for raising and lowering the ground working framework.

Abstract: A tandem offset disc implement comprising a frame on wheels, a tongue pivoted at the forward end of the frame for hitching the disc to a tractor, the frame being movable up and down, forward and rearward gangs of discs on opposite sides of the frame swingable between a field position extending out from the sides of the frame and a transport position extending rearward and also swingable up and down relative to the frame, swivel wheels for the gangs, and linkages between the tongue and the gangs for maintaining the gangs in field position for tilling.

Abstract: A foldable implement construction includes an implement tool carrying center frame pivotally connected to a draft frame and is provided with a pair of transversely extending outrigger tool sections connected on respective opposite sides of the center frame by a single ball and socket-like hinge which provides a single hinge for both horizontal swinging of the outrigger sections from their transversely extending working position to a longitudinally extending transport position, and further provides for radial pivotal movement of the outrigger sections in their working position to allow the latter to cant and rise and fall in accordance with uneven terrain.

Abstract: An improved two-way, multiple bottom plow is described. The plow is provided with an hydraulically actuated lift assist mechanism which works in conjunction with the tractor hitch to lift the plow out of the plowing position. A hydraulic system is provided for automatically pivoting the roll-over portion of the plow from one side of the tractor to the opposite side. Ascension of the roll-over portion of the plow to a point past the vertical is effected by powered hydraulic roll-over cylinder which is then shut off. The roll-over portion of the plow then descends under its own weight against the resistance of trapped pressure fluid which can only bleed off through a restricted orifice. The top hitch between tractor and plow is a spring biased pivotable connection which can "float" relative to the plow.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is provided for an integrally-mounted agricultural implement which permits control of the tractor three-point hitch rockshaft cylinder, upper draft link hydraulic cylinder and lift assist hydraulic cylinder through a single valve control lever. One end of the double-acting lift assist cylinder is plumbed in parallel with the single-acting rockshaft cylinder and the other end of the lift assist cylinder is plumbed in parallel with the single-acting upper link cylinder. The fluid lines are coupled with a single control valve to permit the implement to be supported by the lift assist wheel and three-point hitch during transport, permit it to rock about the lower connection with the three-point hitch during transport and float vertically at the hitch connection during field operations while operating with the lift assist wheel elevated.

Abstract: An earth working implement is disclosed for installing plastic netting under seeded earth for the growth of grass sod. The implement may be drawn by a tractor and is configured to continuously lay netting on the ground and automatically cover the netting with an appropriate layer of earth containing seed.

Abstract: A plurality of grain drills are coupled together in end-to-end relation for towing behind a tractor for operation and alternately in an endwise direction for transport. Each drill is supported in field operation by a forward caster wheel and a plurality of side-by-side gangs of press wheels disposed along the rear of the drill. The drills are coupled to the tractor for operation by duplex (or triplex) hitch structure. For endwise transport an endmost drill is provided with a hitch swingable to a transport position for coupling to the tractor. A single transport wheel is mounted on the rear of this drill for movement to a position providing endwise transport. A press wheel gang lock mechanism is arranged for movement to a position locking the gangs against downward movement in response to swinging the endwise hitch to its transport position. This leading drill is thus supported in transport by the front caster wheel, the transport wheel, and the tractor through the endwise hitch.

Abstract: A tongue drawn rotary apparatus for chopping vegetation and for churning and working the soil, including individually supported shredder reels mounted on a frame, which frame may be lowered and raised in response to a wheel retraction and extension rocker mechanism, which mechanism also provides firm and resilient support to the tongue.

Abstract: A moldboard plow that is made in two sections which are hinged together about a horizontal pivot axis, so that the rear section of the plow can pivot about this horizontal axis relative to the front section to permit the plow to follow ground contours. Such hinged plows are useful where the present day large plow assemblies are utilized. The hinge assembly also includes structure for reducing the overall width of the plow for road transport. The present hinged plow is supported at four support points controlled by hydraulic cylinders connected and controlled to insure that when the plow is lowered into the ground the shares will enter the ground at a favorable angle for penetration.

Abstract: A disc harrow has a shock absorbing and frame attitude maintaining mechanism which embodies a bell crank lever pivotally connected at its apex to the hinged hitch structure of the implement frame. One arm of the lever is operatively connected through a rigid link to the rockshaft which is axially rotated to raise and lower the transport wheels of the implement. The other arm of the lever is connected to one member of a vertically extending spring-loaded link having a second member anchored to the implement frame. This second member has a pair of stops between which a spring is confined in compression; and the first member acts on the spring against one or the other of said stops in response to both raising and lowering of the transport wheels to maintain a constant frame attitude.