Abstract: An apparatus for combining planting implements enables an operator of a tractor to use both a conventional cultivating implement and a conventional broadcasting implement simultaneously. The apparatus is rigidly affixed to a conventional cultivating implement and comprises a support frame, a pair of brackets, and a connection bar. In combination, the support frame, pair of brackets, and connection bar provide a three-point connection whereby a conventional broadcasting implement may be attached thereto, thus enabling an operator of a tractor to use both a conventional cultivating implement and a conventional broadcasting implement simultaneously. In operation, at least a portion of the conventional cultivating implement is disposed behind the conventional broadcasting implement when the conventional broadcasting implement is attached to the support frame, thereby allowing simultaneous cultivation and broadcasting of constituents.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for mounting a front three-point hitch on a tractor includes a linking part for articulated mounting of the front three-point hitch, a connecting part for coupling the linking part to a support structure of the tractor, and a first contact region defined on the linking part and a second contact region defined on the connecting part. The first contact region interacts with the second contact region for coupling the linking part to the connecting part. The first contact region and the second contact region are separably clamped to one another in a coupling position. The linking part is selectively disposable in one of a plurality of coupling positions relative to the connecting part.

Abstract: A gimbal is provided for attaching an implement to a three-point hitch. The gimbal has an implement plate comprising a first side and a second side wherein attached to the first side is an upper implement bracket for coupling to an upper implement arm and a lower bracket for coupling to a lower implement arm wherein the second side comprises a retaining cavity. A tow plate is received in the retaining cavity and is rotational relative to the implement plate. The tow plate comprises lower brackets arranged to connect to lift arms of the three point hitch and an upper bracket arranged to connect to a stabilizer arm of the three point hitch.

Abstract: A modular lifting system, including an enclosable lifting device support structure. The enclosable lifting device support structure includes a deployable top, a plurality of lateral sides, a base coupled to the plurality of lateral sides, and a plurality of extension arms. The deployable top is configured to support a lifting device on a first side of the deployable top. The plurality of extension arms are configured to extend and support the deployable top when the deployable top is deployed.

Abstract: An implement for soil preparation is moved in a direction of travel by a tractor with a three-point linkage. The implement includes an attaching mechanism, a coupling member with three coupling points, a first tool beam which is attached to the coupling member, at least one tool which is supported by the first tool beam, and three coupling elements which are each movably attached to the coupling member in the region of the respective coupling points to connect the coupling member to the attaching means. The first coupling element defines a path of movement for a guided movement of the first coupling point with respect to the attaching means. The second and the third coupling element each define a path of movement for a guided movement of their respective coupling point with respect to the attaching mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a pull type farm implement has an elongated tongue being drawn by a motor vehicle having a vehicle hitch on the rear end thereof configured for attachment to the tongue, the apparatus including a hydraulic hitch mechanism configured to have one end portion attached to the vehicle hitch and an opposite end portion configured to be attached to the tongue of the implement in a non-pivoting manner, the hitch mechanism having at least one hydraulic cylinder for selectively adjusting the lateral position of the front end of the tongue. An optional GPS is operable to detect the position of the tool bar relative to the desired path and repeatedly generate position signals and apparatus for controlling the hydraulic hitch mechanism to adjust the lateral position of the tongue so that the implement follows the desired path of movement in response to the GPS signals.

Abstract: A three-point hitch assembly is removeably attachable to a rear interface mount on a utility vehicle. The three-point hitch assembly includes a rock shaft, an actuator, an actuator arm and a float mechanism. The actuator arm is fixed to the actuator at a first end and rotatably coupled to the rock shaft at a second end. The float mechanism includes a float block fixed along the rock shaft and positioned adjacent the actuator arm.

Abstract: A three point hitch for a work vehicle is provided with one draft link of fixed length and another draft link of variable length. The variable length draft link includes a linear double action hydraulic cylinder assembly, a first attachment plate fixedly connected with one of the arm and the cylinder of the assembly and having a pivot connector configured for pivotal attachment with the vehicle, and a second attachment plate fixedly connected with a remaining one of the arm and the cylinder and having a first pivot connector configured for pivotal attachment with a tilt link and a second pivot connector configured for pivotal attachment with the implement to be supported from the vehicle. The variable length draft link permits lateral adjustment of the angle of the implement with respect to the vehicle center line.

Abstract: A pull-type crop harvesting machine has disk cutter carried on a frame mounted on ground wheels with a hitch arm extending from the frame over the header to a hitch connector 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 disks are hydraulically driven by a pump at the front end of the hitch arm and a motor at the frame with the hydraulic circuit including a sump tank defined by a hollow interior of the hitch arm and a cooling radiator defined by a tubular frame member which is preferably located at the disk drive as a support therefore as it is cooled by the air flow from the disks and contact with the crop and carries a low volume of fluid.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump drive is mounted to the tongue of an agricultural implement. Connecting components between the pump and the drawbar extender of the towing tractor aim the pump input shaft toward the tractor. A short telescoping PTO assembly connects the pump shaft to the tractor PTO shaft using conventional PTO components operating in a nominal equal angle configuration.

Abstract: Towing apparatuses suited for use with, for example, three-point hitches or quick hitches. At least some of the present towing apparatuses include a male hitch member that is positioned such that a force acting through the male hitch member (such as a force transmitted to the male hitch member through the female hitch member of the structure being towed) does not cause the particular towing apparatus to rotate about an axis along which the towing apparatus is pivotally coupled to a towing vehicle (such as through a three-point hitch or a quick hitch).

Abstract: A hydraulic pump drive is mounted to the tongue of an agricultural implement. Connecting components between the pump and the drawbar extender of the towing tractor aim the pump input shaft toward the tractor. A short telescoping PTO assembly connects the pump shaft to the tractor PTO shaft using conventional PTO components operating in a nominal equal angle configuration.

Abstract: A three point hitch for a cart-type utility vehicle wherein the utility vehicle comprises a vehicle frame that includes an axle housing and an upper frame cross member. The three point hitch comprises a pair of spaced apart lower draft links, each pivotally mounted to the axle housing and extending rearward, the lower draft links having connection features at free ends thereof for connecting to an implement. A beam extends in a lateral direction parallel to the upper frame cross member. A rockshaft extends parallel to the beam and is pivotally connected to the beam. A lift bracket is fixedly connected to the rockshaft. Two upper links are fixedly connected to the rockshaft and extend rearward, the upper links located above the lower draft links. Two vertical links connect the upper links and the lower draft links. Endplates are fixedly connected to the beam and are connected to the vehicle frame by pins that also are used to pivotally connect a cargo box or platform to the frame.

Abstract: Machine for working the soil in tree or shrub plantations, consisting of a chassis (1-2) equipped with mechanisms (4-5a, 11, 11) allowing it to be mounted on the universal three-point hitch system of a farm tractor and consisting, laterally, of mechanisms (28a, 28b) permitting the mounting of lateral tools (29A, 29B) allowing the working of the soil near the feet of the aligned trees or shrubs and mechanisms for driving these tools in rotation from the power take-off shaft of the tractor, characterized in that the chassis (1-2) is itself provided with a universal three-point hitch system (4-5b, 13, 13) allowing the mounting, on this chassis, of a second machine that customarily moves in between the rows, for the working or the treatment of the soil, or any other job related to the cultivating of the trees or shrubs.

Abstract: A pull-type implement has operating components that are driven by a mechanical drive line on the tongue of the implement. An upper gear box is fixed to the front end of the tongue and a lower gear box swivels relative to the upper gear box about an upright axis passing through the two gear boxes. A hitch that establishes a draft connection between the tongue and the draw bar of a towing tractor has a fore-and-aft receiver that extends beneath the lower gear box and has a lower pivotal connection with the tongue at that location. A mast fixed to and projecting upwardly from the receiver has an upper pivotal connection with the tongue at a location above the upper gear box. The receiver has a forwardly facing socket that loosely receives the draw bar to permit the draw bar to swing up and down to a limited extent about a transverse axis and rotate side-to-side to a limited extent about a fore-and-aft axis when the draw bar is retained within the socket by a locking pin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cultivator mounted to roll about a horizontal axis transverse to the direction of travel of the machine in combination with a hopper. The cultivator and hopper are mounted on a frame which is adapted to be connected to a three-point hitch of a tractor. The cultivator is connected to the frame under and behind the hopper and by a pivotal shaft which interconnects bearings confined fore and aft by U-profiles. The cutivator is thus tiltable within limits relative to the frame and hopper and is also turnable within limits so that the cultivator turns with the tractor. It also provides support for the hopper. A centrifugal air pump is mounted on the hopper which, via a pair of venturi-type devices, draw in granular material, such as seed, from the hopper for distributing same on the soil, the hopper having a pair of metering devices which meter granular material received by the venturi-devices.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-purpose tractor toolbar device which is designed to be attached to a conventional tractor. The toolbar includes a first frame section and a second frame section. The first frame section is slideably mounted to the second frame section via a sliding mechanism. The second frame section is removably secured to the conventional tractor. The sliding mechanism enables the first frame section to travel transversely along the tractor and optionally can be retracted so as to enable the first frame section to be situated rearwardly and centrally behind the tractor. The first frame section is designed to accept and maintain a plurality of conventional farming implements, such as toppers, sprayers or the like. The multi-purpose tractor toolbar device is also equipped with a hydraulic cylinder for enabling angular movement of the first frame section. The attachment of the toolbar device of the present invention to the conventional tractor occurs via a conventional three point hitch.

Abstract: An implement hitch is mounted to the forward end of an implement tongue for swivelling about an upright axis. The hitch includes right- and left-hand arm assemblies which each include separate inner and outer arms mounted for swinging about a horizontal transverse axis defined by a connection pin located in respective rear ends of the arms. A first embodiment of the inner and outer arms includes apertured balls universally mounted in forward ends of the arms, with the balls of each adjacent pair of inner and outer arms having a hitch pin extending therethrough which is adapted for being received in the receptacle of the hook of the corresponding side of a quick-coupler carried by the three-point hitch of a tractor. In a second embodiment, radiused apertures are provided in the forward ends of the inner and outer arms in lieu of the apertured balls.

Abstract: An implement for preparing seedbeds and lawns includes a main frame member upon which are mounted scarifying teeth to penetrate the soil and tines which work the soil and prepare the final grade after the soil has been scarified. A subframe is pivotally mounted on the main frame and carries a grading blade ahead of the scarifying teeth when the implement is move in the forward direction. The blade is allowed to float relative to the main frame on the subframe to thereby knock down vegetation, remove rocks and lightly grade the soil. The subframe can be moved relative the main frame to a position lifting the scarifying teeth and the tines off of the ground and allowing the blade to provide a deeper grading of the soil or the subframe may be moved to a position lifting the blade off of the soil so that the soil is contacted only by the scarifying teeth and the tines.

Abstract: An improved soil leveling apparatus includes a hitch (202 or 302) for connecting the frame to the loader arms and tilt cylinder(s) of a skid steer loader. The hitch (302) includes a hitch plate (304) that can selectively be made rigid with the frame or can selectively be allowed to pivot fore-and-aft relative to the frame. This allows the operator to select the rigid orientation of the frame when it is desired to have the frame be rigid relative to the loader or to select the floating, pivotal orientation depending upon ground terrain and other factors.

Abstract: An adjustable hitch having a body, the body connected to a first vehicle at a central point about which the body is rotatable. The body also includes a radially offset connecting point at which the body is rotatably connected to a second vehicle. The rotatable connections of the body to the first and second vehicles accomodates vertical offset between one or more links connecting the vehicle. The arc of rotation of the body may limited by a pair of protruding stops.

Abstract: A cultivating system including a tractor, a cultivating machine for performing a cultivating work in combination with the tractor, and a link mechanism for linking the tractor and the cultivating machine, includes a free-motion mechanism provided to at least one of the tractor, the cultivating machine and the link mechanism, and having a free motion permissible zone in which at least one of the tractor, the cultivating machine and the link mechanism is freely movable relatively to the others in accordance with variation of a cultivation attitude of the cultivating machine due to variation of a cultivation environment, a cultivation-condition control mechanism for detecting the free motion of at least one of the tractor, the cultivating machine and the link mechanism within the free motion permissible zone in accordance with the variation of the cultivation environment, and moving the cultivating machine in accordance with the free motion permissible zone so as to offset the variation of the attitude of said c

Abstract: An improved soil leveling apparatus includes a hitch (202 or 302) for connecting the frame to the loader arms and tilt cylinder(s) of a skid steer loader. The hitch (302) includes a hitch plate (304) that can selectively be made rigid with the frame or can selectively be allowed to pivot fore-and-aft relative to the frame. This allows the operator to select the rigid orientation of the frame when it is desired to have the frame be rigid relative to the loader or to select the floating, pivotal orientation depending upon ground terrain and other factors.

Abstract: A boom, particularly a spreading boom for suspension on an outer frame (1) of an agricultural tool and of the type in which the suspension device comprises spring suspension and shock absorbing devices in the form of a trapezoidal suspension with two substantially parallel beams of which one is connected to the outer frame (1). According to the invention the upper beam of the trapezoidal suspension is linked, each of the links (6, 7) being pivotally connected to the outer frame (1) and springs (12) being arranged on both sides of the linkage (20, 21), but on the other side of the center of suspension (8, 9). The individual spring (12) is arranged between one of said links (6, 7) and a separate beam fastened to the outer frame (1).

Abstract: An implement adapted for connection to a vehicle three point hitch on the front of a pushing vehicle wherein the implement is provided with at least one forward ground contacting rolling support means mounted to a forward portion of the implement frame, at least one rear ground contacting rolling support means mounted to a rear portion of the implement frame, and a rear upper implement hitch connection which provides a vertically pivotal and longitudinally floating link means. The implement and hitch connection of this invention provides an implement capable of being pushed by a vehicle over uneven terrain while providing implement treatment at a predetermined even distance above the uneven terrain.

Abstract: A compact flexible mounting system for connection of an agricultural implement to a tractor includes a load transfer member pivotally attached to the upper stabilizing link of a three-point hitch and to the implement support frame to which the lower links of the hitch are attached. A compression spring is interposed between a portion of the load transfer member and a portion of the implement support frame to yieldably resist rotation of the pivotal load transfer member away from the tractor for stress relief purposes while transmitting down-pressure forces from the hitch to the implement.

Abstract: An apparatus for extending the frame of a conventional tractor whereby an agricultural implement may be mounted between the front and rear wheels of the tractor. A tractor is converted to an extended frame tractor by dismounting the front wheels of the tractor, attaching the extension frame to the frame of the tractor and then mounting the front wheels on the front of the extension frame. Extension power lines for powering the steering mechanism and the hitch control mechanism are coupled between the tractor power lines and the remounted front wheel assembly. The extension frame is also articulated at its connection point to the frame of the tractor for improved control of the tractor assembly. A mechanism is provided for shifting the farm implement laterally with respect to the front wheels of the tractor for proper alignment of the implement with the crop rows. Spring shock absorbers are also provided for cushioning forces to the agricultural implement caused by uneven terrain.

Abstract: A pair of cultivator shanks are secured together in side-by-side relationship and pivotally connected by the upper end thereof to a three point hitch assembly of a tractor. Check chains limit the sideways swinging movement and the most important aspect of the device is that it is not the power of the tractor which is essential, but the hydraulic lift generated by the hitch which is used to roll relatively large rocks from out of the ground.

Abstract: An implement coupler hitch for a mini-tractor having a dump bed and actuating ram for conversion to an implement lift, such as a three-point lift for agricultural implements. The mini-tractor may have a power take-off on a platform for portage of a tank for crop-spraying.

Abstract: An improved soil leveling apparatus (10) includes a frame (12), connecting hitch means (14), and adjustable lost motion linkage (48) secured to the top connection point (52) of the hitch, and an optional scarifier assembly (16) which is supported on a connector (66) pivoted between the legs (36,40) of the hitch. The scraper member (18) of the frame (12) is of generally inverted J-shaped cross section, and tine subassemblies (90) can be substituted for the teeth (78) on the scarifier assembly (12).

Abstract: A two-wheeled trailer hitch supporting two three-point hitch mounted implements side-by-side for field operation. The implements are mounted on outriggers which are foldable forwardly to narrow the unit for transport. A pair of rigid diagonal drag links movable fore-and-aft by a cylinder-activated slide block is connected to the outriggers for pivoting them approximately ninety degrees between the field and transport positions. Lift frame structures selectively engage the three-point hitch linkages to raise the implements on the respective outriggers. The lift frame structure is disengaged from the linkages when the implements are lowered for greater flexibility in the field-working position.

Abstract: A clevis-shaped bracket including an A-frame is adapted for attachment to the three point hitch of a tractor. A roller supporting frame is mounted within the bracket for articulated movement about the vertical axis of a pivot located within the hitch supported bracket to provide a short turning radius for tractor and attachment. The roller equipped frame includes a walled structure which serves as a water tank. A hydraulic cylinder is disposed intermediate the tractor hitch bar and the attachment in an inclined manner to bias the attachment downwardly to increase ground pressure. An adjustable frame is provided with telescopic beam members to mount rollers of increased length or other ground bearing instrumentalities.

Abstract: The rowbucker apparatus for scraping and extending berm areas adjacent an irrigation ditch. The rowbucker comprises a frame that is towable by a tractor and supports a rotor for rotation. A tramper or trip mechanism is provided to engage the moldboard surfaces of the rotor to arrest rotation. The tramper mechanism includes at least one roller connected to a rockshaft through an arm. The rockshaft may be rotated by a hydraulic actuator to bring the roller in engagement with the moldboard surfaces in a scraping position or to disengage to deposit the scraped up material on the ground establishing a berm when the rotor is released.

Abstract: A mobile grading machine and method with a scraper structure including a grading blade supported by caster wheels trailing therebehind. A trailing connection is disposed between the scraper structure and the caster wheels in fixed lateral relation relative to the ends of the blade. A fixed towing connection is carried at a leading portion of the scraper adapted to be coupled to a towing assembly of a tractor in a manner so as to support the grading structure for terrain following movement. A laser sensor or receiver is carried by the grading machine for raising and lowering the grading blade as the receiver falls and rises in traveling across a field. The grading blade and receiver are sufficiently closely spaced longitudinally so as to cause the receiver to detect a change in the surface of the terrain substantially coincident with the arrival of the blade at the detected change.

Abstract: A traction coupling between a tractor and an agricultural implement, capable of being easily shiftable between a towing position and a position in which the implement is mounted on the three-point-lift of the tractor. The coupling includes a traverse which is mountable between the opposed ends of the lower lift arms of the tractor lift and is provided with a rearwardly projecting towing member, which is length adjustable to alternatively permit the implement to be mounted direct behind the tractor in lift engagement with the said traverse.

Abstract: A hydraulic log splitter for connection to the three-point snowplow hitch and the hydraulic pressure system of a truck so that the log supporting beam in log splitting position of the splitter is near the ground in a region close to and parallel to the front end of the truck, the beam having a transversely rearwardly and horizontally extending frame which at its rear end is pivotally connected to the lower hitch points for swinging of the beam and frame upwardly and toward the front end of the truck to a traveling position by a chain connected to the frame and to the upper hydraulically actuated hitch point. The log splitter cylinder on the beam which actuates a log pusher plate toward a wedge on the beam has flexible hoses connected to the hydraulic pressure system fluid pressure supply and return conduits which are accessible from the front end of the truck.

Abstract: A coupler unit is provided for attaching a tractor to a farm implement. The unit includes a frame pivotally attached between the farm implement and lower trailing arms extending rearwardly from the tractor. Structure is provided from the upper portion of the frame for engaging a second point on the farm implement. A coupling arm is pivotally attached at one end to the upper portion of the frame and pivotally attached at a second end to the upper trailing arm extending from the tractor.

Abstract: Rotary cultivator having resilient vibration damper acting between the cultivator's drive and a reaction member, to absorb vibration generated by varying torque reaction exerted on the drive during use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tool suspension for mounting tools upon either the front or rear of a vehicle in the form of a three-point suspension for hydraulic lifting and lowering. A hydraulic mechanism comprising two mutually independently operable cylinder assemblies each connected to respective lower suspension arms of the three-point suspension. All hinged joints of the suspension being movable in all directions.

Abstract: A cultivating implement has an elongated frame portion and a row of soil working members rotatably mounted on that portion. A coupling member is interconnected at the front of the frame portion for connection to the conventional three-point lifting links of a tractor. The lower two points are formed by spaced apart pairs of plates that have forward slots through which a rod is passed and the lower two links are connectable to the rod. Each pair of plates has offset upper and lower apertures which can be aligned with holes in respective vertical plates secured to the top of the frame portion near the front thereof. By selecting the apertures and bolting the pairs of plates to the vertical plates, the position of the soil working members can be chosen. The upper link is connectable to an upper pair of plates at the apex of the coupling member.

Abstract: A tillage implement behind a farm tractor is picked up at the center of gravity, therefore, transferring weight to the rear wheels of the tractor while not changing the setting or balance of the tillage implement.

Abstract: An implement for preparing seedbeds and lawns includes a main frame member upon which are mounted scarifying teeth to penetrate the soil and tines which work the soil and prepare the final grade after the soil has been scarified. A subframe is pivotally mounted on the main frame and carries a grading blade ahead of the scarifying teeth when the implement is move in the forward direction. The blade is allowed to float relative to the main frame on the subframe to thereby knock down vegetation, remove rocks and lightly grade the soil. The subframe can be moved relative the main frame to a position lifting the scarifying teeth and the tines off of the ground and allowing the blade to provide a deeper grading of the soil or the subframe may be moved to a position lifting the blade off of the soil so that the sold is contacted only by the scarifying teeth and the tines.

Abstract: A boom, particularly a spreading boom for suspension on an outer frame (1) of an agricultural tool and of the type in which the suspension device comprises spring suspension and shock absorbing devices in the form of a trapezoidal suspension with two substantially parallel beams of which one is connected to the outer frame (1). According to the invention the upper beam of the trapezoidal suspension is linked, each of the links (6, 7) being pivotally connected to the outer frame (1) and springs (12) being arranged on both sides of the linkage (20, 21), but on the other side of the center of suspension (8, 9). The individual spring (12) is arranged between one of said links (6, 7) and a separate beam fastened to the outer frame (1).