Abstract: A forwardly folding tillage implement carries a number of ground engaging tools on a tool gang frame disposed to the rear of a carrier frame. A rockshaft is disposed between the carrier frame and the tool gang frame and is movable between four rotated positions about two axes of rotation. A control mechanism controls the relative angular position of the rockshaft. A support mechanism is disposed rearwardly of the axes of rotation to support the rear of the tool gang frame above the ground in the field working position. An abutment member restrains the relative rotation between the rockshaft and the tool gang frame to fully support the tool gang frame on the rockshaft upon rotation of the rockshaft.

Abstract: An agricultural planter is provided with hydraulically operated devices to effect the folding and unfolding of the planter support structure between operative and transport configurations. The planter includes a telescopic hitch apparatus that lengthens as the pivoted wing members are folded forwardly to position a transport lock mechanism for engagement with vertically oriented wing latch retainer bars mounted in a latch tower on the draw bar. A hitch latch mechanism is also provided to control the movement of the telescopic draw bar. A caster lock apparatus is also provided to control the castering action of a wheel device positioned near the ends of the wing members. In operation, the laterally extending tool bar is pivoted on a transverse axis to forwardly roll the tool bar toward an intermediate transport position.

Abstract: An agricultural implement, having a tool bar that is pivoted forwardly to initiate the conversion of the implement from a working position toward a transport position, including left and right wing members extending in opposing directions to respective distal ends, is provided with a lift assist mechanism to support the distal ends of the wing members as the tool bar is pivoted forwardly to an intermediate transport position. The lift assist mechanism includes a frame pivotally mounted to each respective wing member, a lift assist wheel providing ground-engaging support for the wing member, and a lift assist actuator that controls the pivoted movement of the lift assist mechanism to maintain the lift assist wheel in supporting contact with the ground until the tool bar has been rotated approximately 60 degrees from the lowered working position toward the raised intermediate transport position.

Abstract: A grain drill is disclosed having a folding frame for parallel operation and a parallel link system that controls the tension to earth openers in order to produce relatively constant downward pressure for the openers. The grain drill includes a rotating tool bar for facilitating the adjustment of downward pressure to the openers, controlling the ground cutting depth of the openers and raising the tools to obtain the ground clearance needed for road transport. The drill has disc openers with axially collocated discs having different outer diameters and a narrow angle between the opener discs producing a "V" shaped groove for seeding. The grain drill has a common horizontal center to support seed boxes, fixed dual wheels and a hitch for connection to a pulling vehicle.

Abstract: The machine includes a frame adapted to move along spaced ridges planted with crop plants, frame support runners engaging the furrows between the ridges, a pair of transverse rows of weeding implements carried by the frame for movement along the ridges and furrows, the implements of one row disposed on one side of the plants and the implements of the other row disposed on the other side of the plants. Each row is transversely displaceable by a double acting hydraulic ram relative to the frame. The rams are controlled by an operator supported by the frame in a position to have a direct view of the weeding implements. Each implement is free to move up and down independently of the remaining implements in order to follow the ground contour. The implements of any one row can be raised together out of working position. These weeding implements can be earth working discs and/or thermal weeders.

Abstract: A cart or "caddy" is provided for operation and transport of one or more chain harrows, the cart consisting of a frame running on a pair of road wheels. Different harrow mountings can be mounted on the frame, all of which include a draw bar to which the harrow is attached for operation. All of the mountings enable the draw bar to be lifted from the ground and then the body of the harrow to be engaged by one or more spaced cross bars parallel to the draw bar and over which the harrow is draped to store it and permit it to be transported on the cart out of contact with the ground. Some of the mountings are pivoted to the cart frame about an axis that in the stored position is vertical, so that the mounting and harrow can be turned longitudinally to reduce the effective width and permit the use of harrows that would otherwise be too wide to be moved over public roads.

Abstract: An agricultural implement having a mobile mounting frame for moving across an area to be treated, and a soil working assembly co-operating with the mounting frame. The soil working assembly includes a flexible chain of interconnected links, the chain being rotatable about its axis and having blades extending from the chain. The blades are adapted to penetrate gravitationally, scoop hollows from, the soil as the implement is advanced rotating the chain over the soil. The implement reduces undesirable consequences of rapid and unimpeded run-off of rain water by upturning the soil in such a manner that run-off is impeded.

Abstract: The farm implement drawbar is provided with a transverse frame which is pivotally mounted at the rear of the drawbar for movement between a working position and a transport position. The ground engaging rollers are mounted on the frame while separate transport wheels are also fixed to the frame. When the hydraulic ram is actuated to pivot the frame between the work position and the transport position the transport wheels and the earth working wheels move with the frame as a unit.

Abstract: A grader attachment for tractors includes a support designed to be secured to the frame of the tractor intermediate the front and rear wheels and projecting laterally from the tractor. An arm is pivotally coupled intermediate its ends to the support for swinging through a vertical arc. A tiltable mounting head pivotally secures a grading blade to the outermost end of the arm and the components of the attachment are arranged so that the arm and components carried thereby can be swung to a near vertical position for clearing obstacles such as may be encountered in landscaping operations.

Abstract: A twin row seedling planter is provided with a new mechanical system for ejecting seedlings into a cut in the ground made by a dibble after the dibble has cut to a selected depth. The planter also features an improved modular lay-out of planting beams, packing beams and wheel support beams. The operators' station is located for ease of access to the planting dibbles. A simple and efficient system is used to raise and lower the packing beams and the planter frame in sequence.

Abstract: A tool bar carrier for farming implements adapted to raise the tools carried by it and mounted on fully swiveling wheels. The bar is coupled flexibly and releasably to the pulling device, and the coupled wheels are capable of being locked in a straight forward position if desired.

Abstract: An implement side shift assembly is disclosed for laterally shifting an earth-working implement relative to a tractor or the like. The side shift assembly includes a frame assembly having laterally extending upper and lower slide rails. An implement support bracket mounts the implement to the slide rails for lateral movement. A slide plate is slidably mounted between the slide rails for lateral movement, and a piston-cylinder is connected between the frame assembly and slide plate to move the slide plate laterally. A latching mechanism mounted on the implement support bracket selectively connects the slide plate to the implement support bracket at one of a plurality of connecting points on the slide plate. One of the features of the invention resides in attaching lift cylinders to the side shift frame assembly at positions as far outboard as possible on the opposite ends of the frame assembly to reduce the bending and twisting moments on the frame induced by the implement.

Abstract: A tractor having a frame supported by ground-engaging drive wheels, a tool bar carried by the tractor and on which various implements may be mounted, the tool bar being universally mounted on the frame whereby the implement may be raised above or lowered to the ground, and can follow the contour of the ground, a power unit also mounted on the tool bar so as to have a direct driving connection to the implement not affected by the universal "floating" movement of the implement and tool bar, and a driving connection between the power unit and the drive wheels, of a type not affected by the relative movability of the tool bar and tractor frame, in order that both the implement and the tractor may be driven by a single power unit. Mechanism is also provided for pivoting the tool bar to elevate the implement above the ground when desired, for supporting the tool bar while implements are changed, and for holding the implement firmly against the ground when required.