Abstract: A biasing apparatus attaches to an agricultural implement comprising an implement frame mounted on front and rear wheels for travel in an operating travel direction, and a floating hitch assembly pivotally attached to the implement frame. The apparatus includes a tether attached to a rearward frame member of the implement frame, and attached to the floating hitch assembly forward of the hitch pivot axis such that the tether extends under a forward frame member of the implement frame and under the hitch pivot axis. A bias element exerts a main bias force on the tether to put the tether in tension drawing the floating hitch assembly toward the rearward frame member such that a downward bias force is exerted on the floating hitch assembly and a downward bias force is exerted on the rear frame member, and such that an upward bias force is exerted at the hitch pivot axis.

Abstract: A mobile screening device for the screening of soil and other materials has a chassis (1), which is carried by at least one wheel (1.1) or a similar member, and a screen frame (2), which is carried by the chassis (1) and which includes at least one screen (5) that is supplied with material to be screened. The screen frame (2) is pivotable around a primarily vertical turning axis (7) in relation to the chassis (1).

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided with folding wing assemblies coupled to a central boom that provides a simplified arrangement for transporting the implement. The implement may include wing frames and row units that may be raised to allow the wing assemblies to fold rearwardly, into a compact, transport position. While being raised, prior to being folded rearwardly, the wing assemblies may be supported by the central boom, which is rigidly coupled to a central frame. The central boom is pivotally coupled to a hitch assembly.

Abstract: In certain embodiments a soil aerator may include a hinged frame assembly that cooperates with one or more weight transferring systems adapted to permit an aeration subassembly to lift off the ground when an aeration tine impacts a hard obstacle such as a rock in the soil. The weight transferring systems may in the preferred embodiments be calibrated so that only minimal upward force, such as that caused by impact of an aeration tine with a rock, may cause the aeration subassembly to lift thereby significantly reducing or preventing damage to the aeration tines and drive assemblies and substantially prolonging the life of the aerator.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided with folding wing assemblies coupled to a central boom that provides a simplified arrangement for transporting the implement. The implement may include wing frames and row units that may be raised to allow the wing assemblies to fold rearwardly, into a compact, transport position. While being raised, prior to being folded rearwardly, the wing assemblies may be supported by the central boom, which is rigidly coupled to a central frame. The central boom is pivotally coupled to a hitch assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to apparatus for positioning a pull type farm implement which 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 comprising 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, a GPS operable to detect the position of the tool bar relative to the desired path and repeatedly generate position signals and means 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 removable side impact load cushioning device for use on the hitch on an agricultural tractor or prime mover that allows operator selectable use of the device to dampens side impact loads on a drawbar by enabling slight lateral movement of the drawbar or to retain the drawbar in a generally laterally fixed position.

Abstract: Implement hitch height control structure to maintain a rear hitch point at a generally constant height as the implement is raised and lowered. In one embodiment, a rectangular hitch frame is pivotally connected at a forwardmost end to lever arms on the implement lift rockshaft. Linkage structure connected between the hitch frame and the implement frame help control hitch frame attitude, rear hitch point height and force transfer to the implement frame. The hitch frame is located substantially behind the implement rockshaft for minimal interference with tool placement on the frame and limited interference with trash and soil flow under the main frame. In another embodiment, linkage structure includes a second rockshaft connected generally above the aft end of the main frame.

Abstract: A golf green roller apparatus that can be hitched to a golf cart or any vehicle utilizing a clevis pin-type coupler. The roller is mounted on an articulated frame. A pair of wheels having tires thereon is also mounted on the frame. An easy-to-operate electric actuator functions to lower or raise the wheels while simultaneously lowering or raising the roller. When the wheels are lowered, the roller is raised to a storage position. Conversely, when the wheels are raised the roller is lowered to contact the surface to be rolled. The electric actuator can be powered by a twelve-volt battery. Connector cables are provided so that the roller apparatus can be easily attached to the battery of a golf cart or the like.

Abstract: An implement lift system for connection to a tractor and a farm implement, the system including a frame having a plurality of pivotal attachment devices being the sole structural connection of the implement lift system to the tractor. The pivotal attachment devices are substantially aligned about an axis and a support member is associated with the frame. The support member is movable in a plane substantially parallel with the axis. The support member being connectable to the farm implement.

Abstract: A dampening means for a tool, the dampening means controlling pivoting of the tool with respect to a support means of a support structure.

Abstract: A novel and practical track-filling apparatus for smoothing rutted soil formed by the repeated passage of wheels. This apparatus includes a frame, a system for attaching the frame to a tractor, and a soil moving blade assembly mounted to the frame. This blade assembly has laterally disposed and spaced apart left and right blades. A system for adjusting the included blade angle between these blades is also provided. This system for adjusting includes a single blade adjusting hydraulic ram that is operatively connected to the blades via a novel yet simple and reliable linkage assembly. Additionally, systems for lifting and tilting the apparatus optimizes operation of this track-filling apparatus over irregular and differing terrain.

Abstract: A farm equipment hitch comprises a hitch frame, a lift linkage, a lift cradle, a ram and a plurality of locking mechanisms.

Abstract: An improved equipment guidance system and assembly is described comprising a top plate in releasable engagement with a drawbar of a towing vehicle, a supplemental or ancillary drawbar pivotable about a forward location and movable to an offset position left or right of center by a pair of pistons, and a bottom plate for attachment to the ancillary drawbar and the top plate. The pistons are controlled by a control box that dictates in concert the extension and retraction of the left and right pistons. A signal from the control box is generated from a plurality of sources. One example of a signal source is a tilt sensor that measures inclination relative to gravity. Another example of a signal source is an automatic “whiskers” crop row sensing wand system. Yet another example of a signal source can be generated manually from an operator of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: Dampening means (14, 18) for a tool (3), the dampening means (14, 18) controlling pivoting of the tool (3) with respect to a support means of a support structure (10).

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 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 hitch mechanism includes a coupler frame supporting a plurality of coupler devices for coupling with an implement. A fixed length link and three variable length links are attached to the coupler frame, has a first end pivotally coupled to the vehicle and a second end pivotally coupled to a central part of the coupler frame. Three variable length links, each variable length link having a first end pivotally coupled to the vehicle and a second end pivotally coupled to the coupler frame. The three variable length links preferably extend generally parallel to each other and are spaced apart in a triangular array, and the fixed length link is positioned near the center of the array. The three variable length links include an upper link and left and right lower links. The three variable length links are preferably hydraulic cylinders which can be extended and retracted.

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 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 haymaking machine comprises a sub-assembly provided with two rake members, the sub-assembly being connected to a frame for pivotal movement about a pivotal axis that slopes upwardly to the rear. The center of gravity of the sub-assembly is ahead of such axis and a locking mechanism is provided for retaining the sub-assembly in a required working or transport position with respect to the frame. The disposition of the center of gravity and the pivotal axis is such that, when the locking mechanism is released, lifting machine above the ground causes the sub-assembly to swing automatically about the pivotal axis towards a transport position. If the machine is lifted more, the sub-assembly then swings automatically towards the working position.

Abstract: A plough for working between rows in a plantation comprises a chassis with pivotally-mounted, laterally-movable members having arms to carry earth-working tools. Movably connected to the chassis are curved sensors to contact the plants in two rows between which the plough is operating. There is a guide device for automatically centering the plough between the two rows, and there is a control including double-acting hydraulic rams for shifting the laterally-movable members to suit the width between the rows.

Abstract: A folding implement mountable on the three-point hitch of a tractor has a U-shaped, downwardly oriented, central member with a horizontal wing extending laterally from each side of the central member, behind the rear wheels of the tractor. Each horizontal wing has a series of downwardly extending tines spaced thereon. The tines score the earth behind each tractor wheel when the wings are horizontal. A lifting mechanism affixed to the wings and the tractor rotates the wings vertically each time the three-point hitch is raised so that the implement is folded out of the way when turning the tractor.

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: An earth working apparatus comprising a main frame having a hitch for detachably connecting the apparatus to a prime mover, a first ground working implement mounted on the main frame, a pair of support arms operatively connected at forwardly disposed ends thereof to the main frame for pivotal movement about a first transverse axis, ground engaging wheels mounted on the support arm, a lift arm operatively connected to each of the support arms for pivotal movement about a second transverse axis, a second earthworking implement mounted on the lift arms, chains interconnecting each of the lift arms and the main frame, a ground engaging wheel mounted on one of the frames and hydraulic cylinders operatively interconnecting each of the support arms and the main frame for angularly displacing the support arms relative to the main frame whereby upon actuation of the hydraulic cylinders when the ground engaging wheel is not in engagement with the ground, the working implements will be caused to move into and out of eng

Abstract: An implement attachment has a row of soil working members that are rotated about upwardly extending axes defined by shafts journalled in an elongated frame portion. One or more further implements are pivoted to respective points on the frame portion and are positioned to the rear of a supporting roller located behind the working members. The further implements can be material dispensing and each has a draw bar connected to a pivot point so that the further implements can each independently pivot about an upwardly extending axis. Delivery members on each further implement are raised automatically by a cable connection to an anchorage on the frame portion when the implement is raised by a lifting device of the prime mover for transport. The further implements are supported on ground wheels during operation and transport.

Abstract: This invention consists of a vehicle for handling multi-furrow ploughs, which are very heavy and are equipped with only one wheel in the rear, when not attached to a tractor during operation. It consists of a two wheeled cart provided with two hooks attached to the main body of the cart, by means of which the front end of the plough is picked up and held, and a central arm for pulling the cart which is swivably attached to the main body. A ratchet operated cylinder having two oppositely threaded screws, one going in or out at each end simultaneously, is swivably attached to the arm and to the main body of the cart, so that turning the ratchet in one direction expands the distance between the screw ends thus lowering the hook towards/the ground to pick up the front end of the plough, and turning it in the opposite direction reduces that distance and lifts the hooks and front end of the plough to make it mobile.