Abstract: An adjustable row crop cultivator is mounted on a tool bar which is vertically movably mounted at the rear end of a tractor. The cultivator includes a plurality of spaced-apart adjustable cultivator units which are vertically movably mounted on the tool bar. A gauge wheel assembly is selectively vertically movably mounted at the forward end of each of the cultivator units. A first mounting plate is positioned at one side of the cultivator unit and has cultivator tools mounted thereon. A second mounting plate is positioned at the other side of the cultivator unit and has cultivator tools mounted thereon. The first and second mounting plates are horizontally movably mounted so that they may be moved towards one another and moved away from one another. The cultivator units may be adjusted by the operator of the tractor from the tractor while the tractor is moving.

Abstract: Tines (120) of tine assemblies (100a, 100b, 104) are secured by a single bolt (126) extending diametrically through each tine (120) located in a cavity (112) of a tine plate (110), through the tine plate (110) and through an attachment ring (130). The attachment ring (130) of an outer tine assembly (104) is connected to a sleeve (116) rotatably mounted adjacent the outer ends on each of two independently rotatable shafts (102) to which inner tine assemblies (100a, 100b) are rotatably connected adjacent the inner ends of the two independently rotatable shafts (102). The attachment rings (130) of the inner tine assemblies (100a, 100b) are welded to the two independently rotatable shafts (102).

Abstract: An implement has an implement frame, a wheel for supporting the implement frame on soil in a direction of travel, a first basket coupled to the implement frame, and a second basket coupled to the implement frame. The first basket works the soil such that any convolutions in the soil are reoriented to be substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the implement. The second basket is positioned rearward of the first basket, and works the soil such that the convolutions in the soil that are substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the implement are flattened.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement including a first frame configured to be moved in a travel direction, at least one second frame coupled with the first frame, at least one rolling basket assembly coupled to the at least one second frame, at least one actuator pivotally connected to the at least one second frame, and a pressure control system operatively connected to the at least one rolling basket assembly. The pressure control system includes at least one sensor coupled to the at least one rolling basket assembly for sensing a load exerted on the at least one rolling basket assembly by a ground surface and providing a downward pressure measurement signal. The pressure control system also includes a controller in communication with the at least one sensor and configured to control the adjustable downward force applied by the at least one actuator.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement includes a frame member and at least one rolling basket assembly coupled to the frame member. The rolling basket assembly has at least one bearing hanger, at least one rolling basket and at least one bearing assembly rotationally coupling the rolling basket to the bearing hanger. The bearing assembly has a bearing with an inner ring and a spindle holding the inner ring. The spindle is coupled to the bearing hanger. The spindle being configured to accommodate dynamic misalignment of the bearing.

Abstract: A header assembly for a harvesting machine comprising a primary cutter head for cutting the crop, and a feeder for feeding the cut crop into the mouth of a crop processing mechanism. The assembly further comprises a secondary scissor-action cutter head trailing behind the primary cutter head for cutting stalks left behind by the primary cutter head, the secondary cutter head coupled to the rear of the header and supported by ground engaging rollers. The rollers include at least one support cylinder having a circumferentially discontinuous ground engaging outer surface operative to perform a preliminary processing of at least one of the crop residue and the soil.

Abstract: A device for stubble treatment once a crop has been harvested having a frame, at least one knife rolling segment connectable to the frame through a pair of bearings to operate substantially horizontally, a vibration-absorbing arrangement for each bearing that is adapted to be mounted between a bearing and a free-end of the frame that has vibration-absorbing elements that are at least partially made of a resilient material to isolate the frame from vibrations generated at the rolling segment, a first plate to be attached to the free-end of the frame and a second plate adapted to be attached to the bearing, the plates being adapted to be fastened together. Two or more vibration-absorbing elements are positioned in-between the plates, wherein two vibration-absorbing elements are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center of the plates.

Abstract: An agricultural machine suitable for the harvesting of grain-like crops, comprising a header, the header comprising a first cutting device whose position is determined by the adjustable height of the header, and a second cutting device, comprising a knife drum that is rotatably mounted in a housing, which via rollers or equivalent supports can move over the ground at different heights of the header, and wherein the housing of the knife drum on the back of the header is connected via at least two coupling systems, each of these systems comprising a lower and an upper support arm pivotally connected to the header, and with the housing of the knife drum, whereby the position of the housing remains substantially unaltered by the different height settings of the header.

Abstract: An implement may be configured to displace ground material. For example, an implement may include roller apparatus configured to engage a ground surface and form a plurality of reservoirs in the ground surface. The roller apparatus may include a cylindrical portion and a plurality of ground displacing elements, and the plurality of ground displacing elements may form the plurality of reservoirs in the ground surface as the cylindrical portion is rolled over the ground surface.

Abstract: An implement may be configured to displace ground material. For example, an implement may include roller apparatus (e.g., a cylindrical portion and a plurality of ground displacing elements) configured to engage a ground surface and form a plurality of reservoirs in the ground surface.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to the field of agricultural machinery and relates to preplanting tillage implements generally used in combination with a seed planting device, or other multi-row implement. Specifically, the disclosure relates to row treating units incorporating a row clearance arrangement or a combination of tools that includes a row cleaning device and a soil penetrating coulter device. The units are designed to be attached to the front of a multi-row implement. The deployment of and down force exerted by the row cleaner is independently adjustable and controlled using pneumatic air bag operators.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit having a support frame, a structural support housing coupled to the support frame, and a swing arm having a leading end pivotably coupled to the structural support housing. An agricultural tool is coupled to a trailing end of the swing arm, and a hydraulic actuator is mounted to and fully enclosed within the structural support housing. The hydraulic actuator adjustably urges the agricultural tool downwardly toward a soil surface such that vertical pivoting movement is permitted in response to terrain changes in the soil surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for clearing crop residue from a field is adapted for attachment to a tool bar of an agricultural implement or to a planter unit such that the apparatus is pulled through a field by the implement. The apparatus includes a support structure extending forward of the tool bar and at least one and preferably a pair of floating arms pivotally attached to a forward portion of the support structure and extending rearwardly, with a toothed wheel rotationally attached to an aft end of the arm(s). A coulter attached to the support structure is disposed between and extends forward of the soil-engaging toothed wheel(s) and in combination with the wheel(s) severs and removes residue in the seeding pathway. An adjustable biasing arrangement urges the toothed wheels, either in unison or independently, downwardly into engagement with the soil. Upper and lower stop limits are provided to limit vertical positioning of the toothed wheel(s).

Abstract: A zone tillage tool comprises a tool frame connected by a parallel lift linkage to a tool bar. A fall tillage coulter or dual spring tillage coulters can be carried on the tool frame in advance of a pair of containment coulters. The fall tillage coulter tills soil in a zone that is approximately 7 to 9 inches deep while the spring tillage coulters till 2 to 3 inches deep. The fall tillage coulter includes a plurality of shovel bits located around the circumference thereof at a forward rake angle. The tip of each shovel bit has a generally vertical entry position into the ground due to the forward rake angle. As the fall tillage coulter rotates, the shovel bits rotate around and exit the soil in a generally horizontal position, thereby lifting and loosening the soil without compacting the soil through a series of rearwardly and upwardly directed soil scooping actions.

Abstract: A mount for a trash whipping implement for connection to a planter is disclosed. A height and force adjustable mounting system is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables the force of such an implement on the soil to be modulated as desired.

Abstract: A tilling implement has a front row of shallow concave disc blades having a front right portion and a front left portion symmetrically disposed about a centerline of the implement. A rear row of shallow concave disc blades has a rear right portion and a rear left portion symmetrically disposed about the centerline of the implement. The rear right portion following behind the front right portion in a right path and the rear left portion following the front left portion in a left path when the implement is displaced through a field. The implement includes no ground engaging tool in the right path between the front right portion and the rear right portion, and no ground engaging tool in the left path between the front left portion and the rear left portion. The shallow concave disc blades have a concavity of between approximately 1.25 and 1.69 inches over an outer diameter of approximately 20 inches.

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

Abstract: A single arm row cleaner unit mountable to a grain drill opener arm includes a row cleaner arm and a mounting saddle. The mounting saddle is generally configured for attachment to a main arm of a furrow forming assembly. A row cleaner arm may be pivotally attached to the mounting saddle about a mandrel, and a row cleaner wheel may be pivotally mounted to the row cleaner arm. A biasing member may be positioned adjacent the mandrel to engage the row cleaner arm and a biasing member retainer, which may be affixed to the mounting saddle. A deflector may be positioned adjacent the row cleaner wheel and biased there against. A connector and lever arm may be used to communicate forces from a closing wheel arm to the row cleaner wheel for adequate clearance of the row cleaner wheel during transport of the grain drill.

Abstract: An apparatus for fracturing a crust on an agricultural field includes a tool bar and a support attached to the tool bar. A plurality of discs are non-rotatably attached to an axle that is rotatably supported by the support. Each of the plurality of discs include a plurality of spaced apart teeth about the perimeter of each disc. The teeth comprise convex surfaces and concave surfaces that converge at distal ends where the plurality of discs rotate about the support such that the convex surfaces penetrate and fracture the crust and that any debris or trash picked up by the teeth is ejected by the angles of the teeth and angles of the support brackets preventing plugging and destruction of the rowed crop.

Abstract: An agricultural row-clearing unit for use with an agricultural row unit attached to a towing frame hitched to a tractor comprises an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, a support element having a leading end pivotally connected to the attachment frame for vertical pivoting movement relative to the attachment frame, at least one agricultural tool mounted on the trailing end of the support element, and a hydraulic cylinder connected between the attachment frame and the support element for pivoting the support element around the pivotal connection to the attachment frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for fracturing a crust on an agricultural field includes a tool bar and a support attached to the tool bar. A plurality of discs are non-rotatably attached to an axle that is rotatably supported by the support. Each of the plurality of discs include a plurality of spaced apart teeth about the perimeter of each disc. The teeth comprise convex surfaces and concave surfaces that converge at distal ends where the plurality of discs rotate about the support such that the convex surfaces penetrate and fracture the crust and that any debris or trash picked up by the teeth is ejected by the angles of the teeth and angles of the support brackets preventing plugging and destruction of the rowed crop.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a tool bar and at least one opener/closer arrangement carried by the tool bar for opening a trench in soil. Each opener/closer arrangement includes an opener disc positioned at an angle relative to a working direction and defining a trench profile. The opener disc has an axis of rotation, a leading edge, and a trailing edge positioned adjacent one side of the trench profile. A gauge wheel is positioned generally inline with the opener disc adjacent to the trailing edge of the opener disc. The gauge wheel has a leading edge positioned between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the opener disc. A first closing wheel is positioned on a side of the trench profile opposite to the gauge wheel. The first closing wheel has a leading edge positioned between the axis of rotation and the trailing edge of the opener disc. A second closing wheel is positioned on a same side of the trench profile as the gauge wheel.

Abstract: An agricultural ground working apparatus includes a mounting bracket adapted for attachment to an implement frame. A shank is pivotally attached to the mounting bracket about a shank pivot axis and extends downward from the mounting bracket to a lower end thereof adapted for engaging the ground. Right and left disc arms are pivotally attached at upper portions thereof to the mounting bracket such that the disc arms pivot about arm pivot axes independent of the shank. The disc arms extend rearward and downward from the mounting bracket on each side of the shank, and right and left discs are rotatably attached to lower portions of the corresponding right and left disc arms.

Abstract: An agricultural ground working implement is provided with a first ground working unit and a second ground working unit that follows the first ground working unit. A row cleaner is assigned to the portion of the soil upon which the second ground working unit acts. The row cleaner extends rearwardly from the first ground working unit.

Abstract: The planer row unit has a unit frame with a front member that is adapted to be secured to a tool bar. A sub frame is secured to the front member by parallel links. A furrow opener disk, a seed shoe and a gauge wheel are secured to the subframe.A cam plate supported by a spring to the rear of the seed shoe presses seeds into moist soil in the bottom of a seed furrow. A seed covering disc is supported by a covering disc shank to the rear and to one side of the furrow opener. The covering disc has a circular plate portion that faces downwardly and forwardly, moves loose soil from the furrow opener into the seed furrow and rotates about a central axis that extends downwardly from a horizontal plane. A flange, with notches extends radially outward and rearwardly from the outer periphery of the circular plate portion, rolls and slides along the surface and limits soil penetration by the covering disk.

Abstract: A row crop cultivator has a plurality of domed discs suspended in pairs from a suspension system in which the discs are firmly restrained against lateral movement relative to the crop row being cultivated but are free to move vertically to adjust to uneven conditions or obstacles of the ground. A generally cylindrical band is fixed to one side of each disc and has a smaller diameter than the disc diameter defining a cylindrical surface which rides on the surface of the ground and permits the disc to penetrate the soil only to a predetermined depth. The cylindrical surface if of sufficient width that it supports the disc in a floating manner over the ground and a uniform depth of cultivation is achieved, whereby damage to crops from excessive disc penetration is avoided.

Abstract: The residue wheel has a plurality of multiply bent spring-steel tines that project outwardly from their central hub at such angles that straight foot portions of the tines engage and lie flatly against the ground as the tines sweep residue rearwardly and outwardly during rotation of the wheel about an axis oblique to the path of travel of the planting machine. The tines are equally spaced about the wheel but are arranged in pairs, comprising individual legs of a generally U-shaped, integral unit having a bight at the inner ends of the the legs that joins the legs together and serves as a means by which the unit can be clamped between opposed, flat plates of the hub. Short downturned driving prongs at the outer ends of the legs provide traction for the wheel during use.

Abstract: A seed furrow closing apparatus which utilizes a pair of tine wheels having inner and outer press plates which may be selectively removed depending on the particular soil conditions and amount of debris and residue encountered. The tine wheel comprises a hub for operative engagement upon each press wheel axle and has a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially curved tines projecting therefrom. The individual press plates have a central aperture for the hub and a circumferential shoulder with a plurality of slots through which extend the tines. The press plates may be bolted together to form a press wheel with tines extending from the outer rim, or one or both plates may be removed as would be desirable in heavy gumbo soils or when encountering excessive debris. The press plates further include a slot running from the hub aperture to the shoulder to allow removal of the plate without removing the tine wheel from the axle.

Abstract: A direct drill seeding unit comprising a coulter wheel (5), a pair of depth control wheels (7) and a splitter (9) where the main components of the seeding unit are pivoted on an elongate arm (1) which is connected to a common or main frame (3). The pivotal movement of the unit allows a gang of the seeding units to follow undulating land in a very faithful manner. Furthermore the splitter (9) is capable of variable height and angle relative to the ground level according to the vertical position of the elongate arm such that as the arm moves up the splitter shall automatically compensate by lowering in order to maintain contact with the soil. The adjustment of the splitter is effected by the trapezoid configuration of the 4 pivoting points and the "L" shaped common linkages (4).

Abstract: A planter includes a pair of toothed wheels which sweep mulch away from the path followed by furrow opening discs. The sweeper wheels are carried on the trailing end of a parallel bar linkage attached to a tool bar by which the planter is pulled. As a result of the parallel bar linkage, the sweeper wheels may float upwardly and downwardly independently of the planter frame in order to conform to uneven ground. A spring acts on the parallel bar linkage and may be adjusted either to press the wheels downwardly into the ground if the mulch is hard and dense or to urge the wheels upwardly and relieve some of the weight of the wheels from the ground if the mulch is loose and the underlying soil is relatively fine.

Abstract: A no-till rotary hoe includes trash cutters for cutting field trash carried by the earthworking implements. The rotary hoe also has a walking beam mounted on a support arm with rotary hoe wheels mounted on forward and rear ends of the walking beam. The walking beam is connected to the arm about a pivot positioned to reduce the tendency of the walking beam to pivot excessively in use. A spring is used to aid in maintaining the walking beam properly oriented.

Abstract: A planter includes a pair of toothed wheels which sweep mulch away from the path followed by furrow opening discs. The sweeper wheels are carried on the trailing end of a parallel bar linkage attached to a tool bar by which the planter is pulled. As a result of the parallel bar linkage, the sweeper wheels may float upwardly and downwardly independently of the planter frame in order to conform to uneven ground and achieve more effective removal of the mulch without significantly disturbing the soil. The forward location of the sweeper wheels enables a coulter to be mounted on the planter frame and slice vertically into the ground ahead of the furrow opening discs.

Abstract: The present invention is a mounting device for individually mounting rotary hoes on the shanks of row crop cultivators. The tractor pulls shanks through the fields to cultivate the soil with rotary hoes connected to the shanks by a mounting device. The mounting device includes a portion which clamps to the shanks and a portion which is pivotally connected to the clamping portion and extends to a rotatably mounted rotary hoe. The hoe may float over irregular surfaces of the ground to penetrate and dig up the soil. The rotary hoes may be biased by a spring to maintain a relatively constant ground depth, and they may include stops to limit their forward movement, backward movement, or both.

Abstract: A rotary hoe extension and kit for extending the effective length of one set of arms of a rotary hoe to increase the separation of the axes of rotation of adjacent rows of hoe wheels to a distance greater than the diameter of the hoe wheel while maintaining lateral wheel spacing. The extension includes a body member, having an upper end or first portion including a U-shaped alignment member which surrounds the existing rotary hoe arm on three sides to provide a rigid unit and a lower end or second portion having an aperture therethrough for attachment of a hoe wheel thereto. The lower end of the arm and lower end of the extension are in alignment with each other thereby allowing for maintenance of the lateral wheel spacing. A connector arrangement is provided to secure the extension to the support arm.

Abstract: A rotary harrow blade assembly for a cultivator of the type including a drawbar for attachment to a towing vehicle, a pair of swing booms pivotally connected to the outer ends of the drawbar, and a plurality of skeletal frames extending rearwardly from the drawbar and booms for carrying packers, the assembly including tracks mounted on the packer frames, an elongated wheel frame suspended from the tracks and being movable therealong for changing the angle of inclination of the wheel frame with respect to the longitudinal axes of the drawbar and booms, and a plurality of toothed wheels mounted in the frame.

Abstract: A combination tillage and incorporating implement having widely spaced sweeps in several rows at the forward portion of the main frame with tow trailing rows of angled spider wheels supported in pairs, for ground contour following ability and ease and flexibility of manufacture, by rockable arms extending rearwardly from the frame. Spray nozzles or the like, positioned rearwardly of the sweeps and forwardly of the spider wheels, apply material to the soil loosened and leveled by the sweeps to eliminate banding and uneven application otherwise causded by sweeps parting the soil or by material being deposited on rough ground surfaces. The rotational axes of the wheels of each row are parallel and angled with respect to the transverse direction with the rear row of wheels being angled in the opposite direction to that of the leading row to provide aggressive mixing and smooth uninterrupted soil flow across the width of the implement.

Abstract: A rolling hoe apparatus having a hub, shaft, bearings and a plurality of cultivating teeth, arranged into at least one hoe wheel and suspended from a bearing structure such that the axis (15) of rotation of the hoe-body (3) encloses an angle with the normal to the ground-surface in a range of 0.degree.-75.degree.when viewed in the plane of direction of advance (19), while the lateral tilting of the hoe-wheel with respect to the plane perpendicular to the direction of advance (19) lies in the range between 3.degree. and 75.degree.

Abstract: A coulter chisel tillage tool includes a mounting apparatus for attaching a disc gang to a rockshaft. A bracket extends radially from the rockshaft and is connected to one end of a spring having its other end positioned in a retainer cup. The retainer cup is attached to one end of a rod which extends longitudinally through the spring and through an aperture formed in the mounting bracket with the other end of the rod rotatably attached to a bracket assembly. The bracket assembly includes a pair of bearing caps which rotatably engage the rockshaft and are positioned between a pair of plates which are maintained together by bolts. One of the bolts also extends through a yoke of a disc gang for rotatably mounting the disc gang for rotation about a generally vertical axis. The spring and bracket assembly permits the disc gang to rotate about the rockshaft when an obstacle is struck during normal operation.

Abstract: A spider wheel for a rotary incorporator for one pass incorporation of chemicals or small grains in previously tilled soil. The incorporator includes two rows of aggressive, large diameter spider wheels supported from a toolbar for rotation in the soil about axes offset at an acute angle to the transverse direction. The spider wheels are to provide good incorporation and a smooth seed bed without hilling or chemical banding. A smaller diameter, depth limited spider wheel on each outermost end of the implement feathers the effect of the angled wheels. The spider wheels include tines having soil working surfaces for good mixing and soil moving action and a large gullet area for good trash shedding and throwing characteristics.

Abstract: An implement for aerating and dethatching golf courses, athletic fields and other sodded fields has multiple aerator units each including a plurality of earth piercing aerator elements mounted on a shaft. Arms of each aerator unit supporting the shafts are independently swingable to move the shafts between horizontal positions and positions inclined from horizontal in accordance with the contour of the ground or encountered soil conditions as the aerator is advanced across the earth. A spring assembly urging each aerator unit toward the ground has structure for causing any upward swinging movement of the arms of each unit to be resisted by the weight of the frame whenever such arms are pivoted upwardly past a predetermined elevation, in order to provide additional force where highly compacted soil conditions are found.

Abstract: An apparatus for loosening a crust formed in the soil over planted seeds. A drum having a plurality of fingers rotatably disposed around an outer cylindrical surface thereof is biased toward the ground by spring rods which are adjustably attached to a frame. The frame is typically mounted to a prime mover such as a tractor or to a cultivator or the like attached to an agricultural tractor.

Abstract: An implement for levelling the surface of an agricultural field, a so-called furrow-smoother, comprises a plurality of rings of rotary knives to throw the surface earth laterally away from the higher areas. The rings of knives are journalled in bearings which are suspended from a carrier frame by means of arms that extend below the bearings and substantially tangentially therefrom so as not to catch plant remains (straw, stem, and root material) carried along by the two knife rings sweeping on either side of the bearing arm.

Abstract: A rotary incorporator for one pass incorporation of chemicals or small grains in previously tilled soil. The incorporator includes two rows of aggressive, large diameter spider wheels supported from a toolbar for rotation in the soil about axes offset at an acute angle to the transverse direction. The spider wheels, arranged to balance the forces transmitted to the toolbar, are angled in opposite directions on each half portion of the implement, with the wheels of the trailing row angled in opposite direction to and offset transversely with respect to the forwardly adjacent wheels in the forward row. The innermost wheels of each of the two rows are more widely spaced and smaller in diameter than most of the remaining wheels, and two additional smaller diameter spider wheels are centrally located between the innermost wheels and cooperate therewith to provide good incorporation and a smooth seed bed without hilling or chemical banding.

Abstract: Planter apparatus (10) including a plurality of pivotally mounted arms (22, 24) each having a disc unit (26) arranged on an outboard end thereof has each of the arms constructed with horizontal and angular portions (28, 30 and 32, 34) disposed at such an angle with respect to one another that the horizontal portion experiences greatly reduced side forces. The lighter construction of the arms thus afforded permits inclusion of a fine adjustment in the resilient control arrangement (58) associated with each of the arms, with this fine adjustment preferably being obtained by use of torsion springs (62) associated with each of the arms. A stop assembly (48) is provided inboard of the pivot point of each of the arms for potential abutment with an associated subframe (16) of the apparatus in order to limit downward swinging movement of an associated disc unit in the event of disengagement or other failure of the primary motion control system of the arms.

Abstract: Soil conditioning apparatus having a main frame, and means coupled to the main frame for cutting and loosening compacted soil to prepare a seed bed and rooting environment, including a subsoiler coupled to the main frame and angled to be pulled downwardly into the earth below the surface to prepare a better rooting environment and seed bed and to increase water infiltration. A slot filler wheel is coupled to the main frame for filling voids in the soil left by the forward motion of the subsoiler therethrough; the slot filler wheel is mounted adjacent to and laterally spaced from the subsoiler so that a portion of the slot filler wheel may extend forwardly of the trailing face of the subsoiler. Also, the slot filler wheel may be mounted to lie in a plane of rotation which extends downwardly toward the subsoiler and inwardly toward the slot formed behind the subsoiler.

Abstract: A rotary hoe has a tool bar mounted on a tractor and a plurality of individually pivoted arms carrying hoe wheels. Springs bias the arms in a downward direction to force the hoe wheels into the soil. A rotatable torsion tube supports the springs. An adjustable lock apparatus secured to the torsion tube is used to rotate the tube to adjust the biasing force of the springs.

Abstract: A yielding mount assembly connecting a movable arm to a support. The arm is adapted to be attached to a number of structures including an earthworking tool, a rotary hoe wheel, a belt tightener roller, and a wheel supporting a vehicle. The mount assembly has a first member clamped onto the support with a U-bolt. A second member is pivoted on the first member and connected to the arm. A split ring spring mounted on the first and second members holds the arm in a first position. The arm is movable from the first position to a second position against the biasing force of the split ring spring. Expansion of the split ring spring in response to pivotal movement of the arm decreases the spring torque arm so that the biasing force applied to the arm is maintained substantially constant during movement of the arm.

Abstract: An earthworking tool having a biased trip assembly for yieldably holding the tool in a ground working position, allowing the tool to move over an obstacle, and return the tool to its earthworking position. The trip assembly has a stationary hinge member mounted to a support and a movable hinge member pivoted to the stationary member. A split sleeve spring surrounding the stationary and movable hinge members biases the members and earthworking tool to a ground working position. A modified trip assembly has a pair of split ring springs surrounding a stationary hinge member and movable hinge member to bias the movable member and earthworking tool attached thereto to a ground working position. An arm connected to the movable member rotatably supports a rotary hoe wheel.

Abstract: A mounting/positioning apparatus for attaching an agricultural implement such as a reel unit or a rotary packer assembly to the frame of a tillage machine is disclosed. The apparatus includes two opposing end portions rigidly coupled together by means of a cross member with the agricultural implement rotationally mounted between the two opposing end portions. The two end portions are pivotally coupled to a first frame cross member to which is rigidly coupled one end of a second frame member extending rearwardly therefrom. The other end of the second frame member is flexibly coupled to the cross member by means of a longitudinally compressible spring providing for the vertical displacement of the rotating implement upon impact with an obstruction. Spring tension is adjustable for varying the downward force applied to the working implement with the second frame member incorporating shear pin protection for the implement against high impact forces applied thereto from contact with rocks and other obstructions.

Abstract: An agricultural row-clearing unit for use with an agricultural row unit attached to a towing frame hitched to a tractor comprises an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, a support element having a leading end pivotally connected to the attachment frame for vertical pivoting movement relative to the attachment frame, at least one agricultural tool mounted on the trailing end of the support element, and a hydraulic cylinder connected between the attachment frame and the support element for pivoting the support element around the pivotal connection to the attachment frame.