Abstract: A joint device of an agricultural machine has at least one tool-bearing beam (2a-c, 3a-c) for soil tillage tools (4, 5, 38, 39), such as seed coulters and cultivator tines, whereby a portion (10) of the beam end, at least on one side of the machine, is detachably fastened by means of a bolt/nut connection (13, 18, 23) arranged within the tool-bearing beam. A threaded body (18, 50) in the bolt/nut connection is fixed, preferably plug welded, in the main part of the beam (2a-c, 3a-c).

Abstract: A tension member arrangement is disclosed that can be mounted between a central portion of an agricultural implement and a wing. The wing is configured to be raised and lowered by an actuator. The tension member is mounted to support structures on the central portion of the implement and on the wing once the wing is raised, to maintain the wing in the raised position. Stress may then be relieved from the actuator without the wing descending from the raised position. The tension member may be completely removed from the implement or may remain attached and employed only when needed to maintain the wing in the raised position.

Abstract: The invention refers to a joint device at an agricultural machine with at least one tool-bearing beam (2a-c, 3a-c) for soil tillage tools (4, 5, 38, 39), such as seed coulters and cultivator tines, whereby a portion (10) of the beam end, at least on one side of the machine, is detachably fastened by means of a bolt/nut connection (13, 18, 23) arranged within said tool-bearing beam. A threaded body (18, 50) in the bolt/nut connection is fixed, preferably plug welded, in the main part of the beam (2a-c, 3a-c).

Abstract: A work machine has a lift arm assembly pivotably coupled to a frame assembly at a forward frame pivot. The lift arm assembly includes a pair of spaced-apart lift arms and an extensible lift cylinder. The lift cylinder is pivotably coupled to the lift arms at a lift cylinder connection pivot. The lift cylinder is pivotably coupled to the frame assembly such that extension of the lift cylinder moves the lift arms with respect to the frame assembly about the frame pivot. A boom stop is pivotably coupled to the lift cylinder connection pivot. The boom stop is movable from an inoperable position with a remote end adjacent the lift arms to an operable position wherein the boom stop engages the frame assembly and prevents lowering movement of the lift arms with respect to the frame assembly. The lift arm assembly also can include a latch assembly coupled to one of the lift arms for holding the boom stop in the inoperable position.

Abstract: A haymaking machine including a frame carrying at least one pair of rotors connected to carrying arms that may be moved from a working position, in which they are substantially horizontal, to a transport position, in which they are substantially vertical, and vice-versa. The carrying arms of at least one pair of rotors include a latching mechanism that connects them together and locks them with regard to one another in the transport position.

Abstract: A rear-mounted implement mounting system includes semi-cylindrical seats open upwardly and mounted on a lower back portion of a utility vehicle chassis that receive bar members located on a facing lower part of the rear-mounted implement. The utility vehicle chassis further includes semi-cylindrical receivers open in a rearward direction and adjacent cylinder portions open laterally. The receivers guide cylindrical bosses, located on an upper portion of the rear-mounted implement, into alignment with the cylinder portions, when the rear-mounted implement is pivoted upwardly by extending the boom cylinder of the rear-mounted implement. Connecting pins can be slipped through the cylindrical bosses and cylinder portions to lock the rear-mounted implement to the utility vehicle chassis. An operator remaining in the vehicle cab or operator station can easily operate the mounting system.

Abstract: A seeding machine comprises a main frame segment and two wing frame segments. The wing frame segments are provided with a rear rank of planting units that are mounted to the wing frame segments by pivot arms that extend downwardly and rearwardly from the wing frame segments. The pivot arms are pivotally mounted to the wing frame segments by a rock shaft having an actuator bell crank. The bell crank is coupled to a linear actuator for rotating the rock shaft relative to the wing frame segments. The pivot arms have a working position, wherein the planting units are in contact with the ground, an intermediate holding position, wherein the planting units are raised out of the ground, and a transport position, wherein the planting units have been pivoted on their noses into their substantially vertical transport position. To maintain the rear rank of planting units in the intermediate holding position, a U-shaped stop is placed over the linear actuator so that the linear actuator cannot retract.

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: An agricultural planter is provided with wing members that fold forwardly from a laterally extending operating position to a compact transport position. The wing members are supported on wheel assemblies when in both the operating and transport positions. A transport lock mechanism is operable to secure the forwardly folded wing assemblies in the transport position against the draw bar. A latch tower having vertically oriented latch retainer bars permit the wing members to move vertically relative to the draw bar without disengaging the transport lock to allow the wing member wheel assemblies to follow ground undulations in the transport position. A wheel lock is also provided to convert the wheel assemblies between a forwardly fixed position used when the wing members are in the operating position and a castering position that enables the wing members to move into the transport position.

Abstract: A forwardly-foldable agricultural implement includes a center frame supported by wheels and extending generally transverse to the direction of travel, and a pair of wing sections. Each wing section has an intermediate portion pivotally connected to the center frame by a foldable frame and being supported by a wheel. The foldable frame includes a pair of elongated wing support members having one end connected to the center frame and another end connected to the respective wing section. The foldable frame also includes a pair of hitch arms with one end connected to a two-direction pivot knuckle on a three-point tractor hitch and another end pivotally connected to the respective wing section and its wing support member. This structure provides a method of changing a foldable implement between a wide, field operating configuration and a narrower, road transport configuration without the necessity of a telescopic tongue member.

Abstract: A compact, follow-behind sod cutter employs a frame with two front wheels and two rear wheels. A motor mounted to the frame drives all four wheels for improved traction and stability. The motor also drives an oscillating blade adjacent to said rear wheels. A handle extends rearward from the frame for guiding the sod cutter. A linkage having a proximal portion adjacent to the handle allows the blade to be selectively moved between a raised position in which the blade is above the sod and a lowered position in which the blade cuts the sod.

Abstract: An agricultural drawbar adapted to be pulled by a power source and used for farming operations such as spraying or harrowing, is equipped with right and left wing booms which are adapted to be folded or unfolded from the transport to operating positions. To enable the drawbar to move more quickly and easily from one position to another, lockable inner caster wheels are attached to a tensioning/control assembly which is attached to the cart. During the folding process the inner lockable caster wheels are progressively turned as the wings move to the folded transport position, thus easing the implement quickly into the transport position without skidding or binding of the wheels. Furthermore, a semi-lockable outer caster wheel is adapted to rotate inwardly to a toe-out position to facilitate the unfolding of the drawbar when the drawbar is pushed rearwardly.

Abstract: A dual disc cultivator cutaway (10) is disclosed including a frame (30) pivotally mounted to a cultivator tool bar (14) through a bar mount (22). A spindle (38) is pivotally mounted to the opposite end of the frame (30) and slideably mounts first and second arms (40) which in turn rotatably mount the disc blades (44). An adjustment slide (46) is removably pivotally mounted to the upper arm (26) of the cultivator gang assembly and is adjustably, slideably fixed on a bar (45) extending from the spindle (38). Thus, movement of the frame (30) is in a fixed positional relationship with the gang assembly in the cutting and transport positions and pivots with the gang assembly relative to the tool bar (14). When the slide (46) is not attached to the upper arm (26), the frame (30) can be held in an inoperative position relative to the tool bar (14) by a latch (54) pivotally mounted to the tool bar ( 14) through the bar mount (22) which hooks on a pin (56) attached to the frame (30).

Abstract: A multi-section, foldable land plane is foldable between a relatively narrow, transportable position, and a wider, deployed position for leveling field irregularities. A central, wheeled frame is adapted to be drawn by a conventional tractor. The frame, constructed of a network of tubular steel members, supports a pair of lateral wings which can be selectively folded and unfolded over the central frame. Folding of the wings is controlled by a system of hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic cylinders are coupled to pivotal cam arms that control upward and outward rotation of the wings relative to the frame. A deflection compensation system insures proper wing movement during movements. An automatically actuated locking system prevents undesired deflection of the wings during operation. The locking system is activated by a second pair of hydraulic cylinders that control a master locking position that is linked to remote, slave locking positions by an elongated synchronizer.

Abstract: A backhoe loader has a rearward backhole mechanism having a swing frame pivotally connected to a tractor main frame on a pair of vertical pivots. A backhoe boom is swingable on a transverse pivot carried by the swing frame by actuation of a hydraulic cylinder, and the booom being swingable between rearward operating positions and a generally upright transport position. The boom is lockable in its transport position by a mechanism that includes a T-shaped latch member that is swingably mounted on the swing frame on a horizontal pivot, the swinging movement being controlled by a control lever and cable system actuable from the vehicle operator station.

Abstract: A tool bar is provided with rotatable tool carrying sections having a quick release lock.

Abstract: A tractor-loader-backhoe is disclosed wherein the loader mechanism is mounted on the frame of the prime mover by a tapered pivot pin having a fastener extending entirely through the axis of the pivot pin to effect a clamping load operable to seat the tapered pivoted in the conical hub affixed to the frame of the prime mover to assure a firm fastening of the loader mechanism on the prime mover. The backhoe mechanism is provided with a transport lock remotely accuatable from the operator's cab mounted on the prime mover and incorporating a locking pin having a concentric spring mounted thereon to urge the pin out of engagement with the frame whenever the transport lock is disengaged to permit operation of the backhoe mechanism. The boom and dipper members of the backhoe mechanism are constructed from a pair of opposing C-shaped channels having inwardly directed legs centrally located within the boom and dipper members.

Abstract: A wheel arrangement includes a retainer mechanism with a spring-loaded pin mounted on the walking beam of a support wheel assembly on a folding implement. A mating retainer supported on the wheel support tube is normally offset from the pin when the implement is in the lowered field-working position. As the implement is raised toward the transport position and the angle of the beam changes relative to the support tube, the pin settles in a central notch in the retainer. The retainer mechanism maintains a preselected angle between the beam and the support tube as the outrigger is moved upwardly and the outrigger wheels are raised from the ground, thereby preventing unwanted rocking of the walking beam during transport and maintaining the wheels in a noninterfering relationship with other portions of the implement.

Abstract: A mechanism for mounting a backhoe on a vehicle including a backhoe mounting subframe having a downwardly extending work position and a transport position in which it is pivoted upwardly and outwardly from the work position. The backhoe mounting subframe is pivotally mounted about an axis transverse to the frame of the vehicle. The backhoe mounting subframe is movable at the operator's option between the work position and the transport position, and means are provided for positively latching the backhoe mounting subframe to the vehicle frame either at the work position or at the transport position.

Abstract: A soil cultivating machine has a frame portion extending transversely of the intended direction of operative travel and a row of cultivating members on that portion are rotatable about upwardly extending shafts. Behind the cultivating members there is a ground-engaging support roller pivotally connected with the frame portion by means of supporting arms. A mechanism, including a screw spindle or an hydraulic ram is provided for adjusting the roller in a direction of height to vary the working level and a locking device for fixing the roller against pivotal movement relative to the frame portion is also included. The locking device includes two parts that can be clamped against one another with relatively co-operating toothings interengaged. A resilient device on a rod of the mechanism is provided to allow relative movement between the co-operating toothings at the time of clamping the parts together.

Abstract: A wheel rut closing device for use in combination with an irrigation system having an irrigation line support or supports, each support having rotatably mounted thereon a wheel or wheels. The wheel rut closing device is mounted on each irrigation line support and generally comprises an implement support frame mounted on the irrigation line support and extending generally rearwardly of the wheel, a rearwardly trailing implement holder pivotally connected to the frame, and apparatus carried by the holder for closing a wheel rut created by the wheel. A device is also provided which is connected to the frame and the holder for raising and lowering the holder to the desired height.

Abstract: A forwardly foldable agricultural planter includes a hitch shiftable as wing sectons are moved between transport and operational configurations. Rigid link tow bars pivot about centrally positioned pivots permitting the hitch to be horizontally shifted between transport and operational positions to thereby realize positive drawn implement control in both configurations. A telescoping drawbar provides further implement support and control and either manual or automatic latching mechanisms can be provided to secure the folded wing sections in position.

Abstract: A foldable multiple sectioned farm implement having a center section, side sections that fold inwardly and upwardly so that the center of gravity of the folded sections is inboard of the respective folding pivotal axis, and biasing structure which acts to unfold the side sections by forcing the respective center of gravity of each folded section outwardly of its respective pivotal axis. The biasing structure is mounted on a brace member secured to the center section to engage the side sections when folded inwardly and upwardly. Included with the biasing structure are support mounts positioned on each end of the brace member, each of which slidably supports a spring biased rod. Each rod contacts a side section to bias it outwardly by the spring bias acting thereon.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted lift assembly having latch mechanisms for latching pivoted lift arms in an uplift position whereby an implement, particularly a powered rotary mower, connected to the lift arms can be automatically latched in an elevated position while other implements are being raised or lowered by the lift assembly. The latch mechanisms each include a pivotal and an axially translatable bolt having a non-circular end portion which is slidably received in a complementary non-circular opening when in an arm latching position. The bolt is manually movable to an unlatched position with the non-circular portion moved axially out of engagement with the non-circular opening, and with the bolt then being pivoted about its axis to preclude registration of the non-circular portion with the non-circular opening.

Abstract: A farm implement tool bar includes a hollow main frame and oppositely extending wing sections pivotal between horizontal and vertical positions. A hydraulic cylinder is connected to a mounting assembly including upper and lower mounting plates interconnected at their inner ends by a vertical post. The mounting plates are secured to the top and bottom walls of the main frame and the inner end of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the vertical post. The outer end of the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected to an ear on the wing section. The lower adjacent edges of the main frame and wing section include sleeves adapted to register with each other for receiving a bolt to lock the wing section in its lowered position. A transport brace may be provided with its opposite ends movably secured to the main frame and wing section across the hinge. The transport brace includes telescopic sections which allow the wing section to be moved between the raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A rear-mounted implement mounting system includes semicylindrical seats open upwardly and mounted on a lower back portion of a utility vehicle chassis that receive bar members located on a facing lower part of the rear-mounted implement. The utility vehicle chassis further includes semicylindrical receivers open in a rearward direction and adjacent cylinder portions open laterally. The receivers guide cylindrical bosses, located on an upper portion of the rear-mounted implement, into alignment with the cylinder portions, when the rear-mounted implement is pivoted upwardly by extending the boom cylinder of the rear-mounted implement. Connecting pins can be slipped through the cylindrical bosses and cylinder portions to lock the rear-mounted implement to the utility vehicle chassis. An operator remaining in the vehicle cab or operator station can easily operate the mounting system.