Abstract: A stack-fold implement having a central bulk fill hopper assembly is provided. The bulk fill hopper assembly is mounted to the center frame section of the stack-told implement and does not affect the narrowness of the stack-fold implement when it's in a stacked, transport position, The hopper assembly includes a pair of bulk fill hoppers or tanks supported by cradle that is in turn supported by a pair of wheels. The cradle is removably coupled to the center frame section by a plurality of rigid frame members.

Abstract: A stack-fold implement having a central bulk fill hopper assembly is provided. The bulk fill hopper assembly is mounted to the center frame section of the stack-fold implement and does not affect the narrowness of the stack-fold implement when it's in a stacked, transport position. The hopper assembly includes a pair of bulk fill hoppers or tanks supported by cradle that is in turn supported by a pair of wheels. The cradle is removably coupled to the center frame section by a plurality of rigid frame members.

Abstract: A stack-fold implement having a central bulk fill hopper assembly is provided. The bulk fill hopper assembly is mounted to the center frame section of the stack-fold implement and does not affect the narrowness of the stack-fold implement when it's in a stacked, transport position. The hopper assembly includes a pair of bulk fill hoppers or tanks supported by cradle that is in turn supported by a pair of wheels. The cradle is removably coupled to the center frame section by a plurality of rigid frame members. A retractable ladder may be stowed beneath the hopper assembly.

Abstract: A mount for carrying a plurality of field-conditioning implements selected from trash whipping implements, rolling baskets and coulters for connection to a planter or other multi-row implement is disclosed. A height and force adjustable mounting system is also disclosed that enables the force of such an implement on the soil to be modulated as desired.

Abstract: The combination of a rolling basket tillage implement and a seed distribution implement is disclosed. A height-adjustable mounting system for a rolling basket soil tillage implement is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables such an implement to be raised above the soil as needed to avoid wet conditions.

Abstract: A stack-fold implement having a central bulk fill hopper assembly is provided. The bulk fill hopper assembly is mounted to the center frame section of the stack-fold implement and does not affect the narrowness of the stack-fold implement when it's in a stacked, transport position. The hopper assembly includes a pair of bulk fill hoppers or tanks supported by cradle that is in turn supported by a pair of wheels. The cradle is removably coupled to the center frame section by a plurality of rigid frame members.

Abstract: A stack-fold implement having a central bulk fill hopper assembly is provided. The bulk fill hopper assembly is mounted to the center frame section of the stack-fold implement and does not affect the narrowness of the stack-fold implement when it's in a stacked, transport position. The hopper assembly includes a pair of bulk fill hoppers or tanks supported by cradle that is in turn supported by a pair of wheels. The cradle is removably coupled to the center frame section by a plurality of rigid frame members. A retractable ladder may be stowed beneath the hopper assembly.

Abstract: The combination of a rolling basket tillage implement and a seed distribution implement is disclosed. A height-adjustable mounting system for a rolling basket soil tillage implement is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables such an implement to be raised above the soil as needed to avoid wet conditions.

Abstract: A land roller implement has a center frame and a center roller. Wings are pivotally mounted to a wing bracket pivotally mounted to, and extending rearward from, each side of the center frame. The wings and center frame thus move independently up and down when operating. The bracket is locked and wheels mounted on the brackets move the rollers up for transport. Inner and outer rollers on each wing are aligned and separated by a roller spacing. An overlap roller rolls over theis spacing. In transport position the right and left wings extend rearward from the center frame and right and left overlap rollers are aligned with, and adjacent to, each other. During a turn, the wings pivot and move closer to each other. To avoid contact with each other the right and left overlap rollers move forward and rearward to offset positions.

Abstract: A folding furrow chopper that facilitates planting operations and optimization of irrigation and drainage with efficient preparation, configuration, and planting of seed beds. A centrally located main section that includes a stalk cutter basket and that is connected to a pair of hinged wings that include additional stalk cutter baskets that for maximum implement width are deployed in alignment with the main section during operation. The wings are hydraulically folded into a compact upright position for legal transport over public roads.

Abstract: An agricultural seeding machine, includes a seed hopper, a first frame member carrying a drive shaft, a second frame member carrying a driven shaft, a coupler, and a flexible shaft. The first frame member and the second frame member are foldable relative to each other between a folded position and an unfolded operational position. The coupler includes a first coupler half associated with the drive shaft, and a second coupler half associated with the driven shaft. The second coupler half and the first coupler half are configured for automatic engagement and disengagement upon movement between the folded position and the unfolded position respectively. The flexible shaft interconnects the first coupler half with the drive shaft or the second coupler half with the driven shaft.

Abstract: An earth grooming device for attachment to a vehicle includes a rectangular frame having a plurality of teeth secured to the front thereof to form a rake and a scraper blade secured to the rear of the frame. A side rail is attached to each side of the frame with each side rail having a bottom edge tapered forwardly and upwardly beginning from a point intermediate both ends of the side rail where a bottom edge of the scraper blade is positioned and tapered rearwardly and upwardly from the point to form a fulcrum about which the side rail pivots. A pair of rear wheels are mounted adjacent the ends of the side rail and a pair of adjustable wheels are mounted intermediate of the frame. Actuator means are also provided for adjusting a height of the pair of adjustable wheels relative to the frame.

Abstract: A folding furrow roller that facilitates planting operations and optimization of irrigation and drainage with efficient preparation, configuration, and planting of seed beds. A centrally located fixed drum roller supports a pair of hinged outboard drum roller wings that for maximum implement width are deployed in alignment with the main section during operation. The wings are hydraulically folded into a compact upright position for legal transport over public roads. The implement is constructed so as to provide strength and durability comparable to single-section furrow rollers.

Abstract: Attachment structure for converting an integral implement to a pull-type implement includes wheel modules which can be placed at different locations along the frame to avoid interference with tool standards or other hardware. Each module includes both a forward gauge wheel and a rearward transport wheel. The transport wheels are located behind the center of gravity of the implement for stability, and the forwardly located gauge wheels offset the moment resulting from standard draft. A hitch storage jack doubles as a gauge wheel adjustment tool. To maintain the wheels in phase and provide a transport lock-up feature, a simple parallel circuit with pilot operated check valves on the base or lift end of each cylinder is utilized.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for shearing a soil layer and removing it is provided. An apparatus in accord with the present invention has a frame mounting a shearing blade reciprocally movable substantially vertically into an operational position where the shearing blade will extend below the ground surface to shear the layer of soil above the shearing blade from the soil beneath it. An apparatus will also have a pushing blade mounted for use in pushing sheared soil. In a method in accord with the present invention, apparatus is provided that includes a shearing blade and a pushing blade. Each of the blades is positionable in operational and non-operational positions. The pushing blade is placed in its non-operational position and the shearing blade is placed in the operational position and is used to shear an upper layer of soil to a desired depth to produce a sheared soil layer and to create a new surface layer below the sheared soil layer.

Abstract: An overload protection apparatus for use with a planter apparatus including a coulter bar and coulter/fertilizer units mounted thereto, the coulter bar pivotally mounted to the underside of a wheel supported carrier frame designed for transport in a transport direction where a hydraulic cylinder is linked between the frame and the bar for moving the bar between a ground clearing transport position and a ground engaging position where the frame, cylinder and frame form a linkage path, the protection apparatus linked within the linkage path such that a draft force applied to the bar in a direction opposite the transport direction causes a secondary force on the apparatus and, when the secondary pressure exceeds the threshold pressure level, the protector de-links the linkage path thereby reducing the draft force.

Abstract: A folding agricultural implement is disclosed having a frame including an inner section, a pair of intermediate sections, and a pair of end sections. The inner section and the end sections of the frame are equipped with lift wheel assemblies including a ground engaging wheel and a wheel cylinder connected to the ground engaging wheel for selectively raising and lowering the frame relative to the ground. The intermediate sections have no lift wheel assemblies. The joints between the end sections and the intermediate sections are held rigid when the implement is in the working position, but can be folded to move the implement into the transport position. When the implement is folded, the intermediate sections and end sections are first raised together relative to the inner section. After the intermediate sections and end sections reach a generally vertical position, the end sections are then folded downwardly over the inner section.

Abstract: A planter/fertilizer assembly that can be configured to facilitate either rapid seeding/fertilizing or transport and including an implement bar mounted on a wheel supported carrier frame for rotation between a transport position where the implement bar is parallel to a transport direction and an operating position where the implement bar is perpendicular to the transport direction, row units mounted to the implement bar on a side opposite the wheels and including central units adjacent the wheels and lateral units disposed laterally of the wheels, lateral coulter/fertilizer units mounted to the lateral row units, a coulter bar mounted to an underside of the carrier frame on a side opposite the support wheels and a separate coulter/fertilizer unit mounted to the coulter bar and aligned with each of the central row units.

Abstract: A planting unit lockup assembly extends between upper and lower links of a parallelogram linkage. A lockup link is pivotally coupled to the upper link and extends downwardly to the lower link. The lockup link is also provided with a slot having a hook. A slide member is mounted to the lower link and engages the slot. A control link is pivotally coupled to the lockup link by a loose pivot coupling. The control link is biased towards the lower link by a spring. The control link is provided with a trapping element that engages the lockup link. The trapping element of the control link engages the lockup link in one of two positions, a normal position and a lockup position. In its normal position, the control link biases the hook away from the slide bushing member. In its lockup position, the control link biases the hook toward the slide bushing member.

Abstract: An overload protection apparatus for use with a planter apparatus including a coulter bar and coulter/fertilizer units mounted thereto, the coulter bar pivotally mounted to the underside of a wheel supported carrier frame designed for transport in a transport direction where a hydraulic cylinder is linked between the frame and the bar for moving the bar between a ground clearing transport position and a ground engaging position where the frame, cylinder and frame form a linkage path, the protection apparatus linked within the linkage path such that a draft force applied to the bar in a direction opposite the transport direction causes a secondary force on the apparatus and, when the secondary pressure exceeds the threshold pressure level, the protector de-links the linkage path thereby reducing the draft force.

Abstract: An improved toolbar implement is described comprising a main support bar for attachment to a tractor, a pair of folding wings supported on a wheel assembly and connected to the main support bar, and a plurality of ground working tool assemblies attached to each of the folding wings and the main support bar. The folding wings pivot about an axis set-back rearwardly from the main support bar to allow clearance of the ground working tools as the wings are moved from a transversely extended working position to a rearwardly extended transport position.

Abstract: A lawn aerator that is attachable to a piece of mechanized lawn care equipment, such as a self-propelled lawn mower, lawn tractor and the like, for aerating a lawn. The lawn aerator includes a frame having first and second opposite ends, with the frame including mounting structure connected thereto adjacent the first end to enable mounting of the frame to the piece of mechanized lawn care equipment. In addition, an aerator assembly is pivotally mounted on the frame so that the aerator assembly is pivotable relative to the frame between a ground engaging position and a disengaged position. The aerator assembly includes a plurality of caster assemblies each of which includes at least one tine head assembly including an aerator wheel connected to a pivot head.

Abstract: A frame for a tillage implement includes a pair of opposing frame sections pivotally connected to a central kingpost for a folding movement between a transversely extending working position and a longitudinally extending transport position. The frame sections have mounted thereto a number of tool sub-frames carrying ground engaging working tools. The tool sub-frames are pivotally movable relative to a rockshaft carried by the frame sections so as to be rotatable between a lowered operative position and a generally vertical raised non-working position. Depth control for the ground engaging tools is accomplished through the rotation of the rockshaft about its pivot lug. The frame sections are connected at the inner end to the kingpost so that the main frame members abut when placed in the working position. Each frame member is supported by a pair of wheel assemblies at the inner and distal ends respectively.

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. An automatic locking mechanism is associated with a transport latching apparatus to effect a release of the latching mechanism in response to the actuation of the hydraulic cylinders for converting the wing members from the transport configuration to the field operating configuration.

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: There is provided a disc unit for mounting a plurality of discs to an outer end of a mouldboard of a grader. The disc unit includes a mounting bracket for securing to a rear face of an outer end portion of the mouldboard. A frame is pivotally mounted on the mounting bracket and supports an axle which mounts the discs thereon. A hydraulic cylinder pivots the frame supporting the discs in relation to the mounting bracket for raising and lowering the discs to engage the ground at various depths of cut. A cushion valve releases the hydraulic cylinder in the case of an obstruction engaging the discs. The discs include a concave inner surface which are arranged to face towards the grader and partially in the direction of travel for urging particulate material away from the shoulder and towards a center of the road.

Abstract: A disc plow having a stump jump capability. The plow includes a frame and at least one trailing arm secured thereto. The trailing arm supports at least one concave disc thereon. In use, the concave disc attached to the trailing arm has a working position in which the concave side of the disc is inclined so as to be open to any approaching soil and, a release position in which the concave side of the disc is directed at right angles to a forward to rearward alignment of the plow.

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: A boom lock assembly is disclosed. The boom lock assembly locks a boom in a boom saddle and includes a lock mounting frame, a boom lock, and a boom lock actuator. The lock mounting frame is attached to the boom saddle frame. The lock mounting frame includes an actuator support member and a lock support member. The boom lock is slidably mounted on the lock support member and is moveable between a first extended position and a second retracted position. When the boom lock is in the first extended position, the boom lock captures the boom between the boom saddle and the boom lock. When the boom lock is in the second position, the boom lock permits movement of the boom out of the saddle. The boom lock actuator is mounted to the actuator support member at a first end and the boom lock at a second end. The boom lock actuator moves the boom lock to its first and second positions.

Abstract: A stacking tool bar including a wing flex structure is disclosed which includes a main tool bar section having right and left wing sections positioned at the outer ends thereof. Hydraulically operated lift arms are operatively connected to the wing sections for pivotally moving the wing sections from a field working position to a transport position. Double-acting flex cylinders are provided for dampening the upward and downward movement of the outer ends of the wing sections as the tool bar is pulled through the field. The double-acting flex cylinders also enable the wing sections to be disposed in a horizontally disposed condition when the wing sections have been pivotally moved upwardly to their folded and stacked position.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a work object relative to a primary support between first and second positions, the apparatus having a first mount adapted to be mounted on the work object; a second mount adapted to be mounted on the primary support; a linking assembly interconnecting the first and second mounts; and a control system interconnecting the work object and the linking assembly for selectively applying force to the linking assembly to move the work object between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A stack folding implement has a transverse frame that includes a center section and two opposite wing sections half as wide as the center section. Each of the wing sections is connected in a four bar linkage relationship with the center section so that as the wings are lifted by cylinders coupled with the linkages, the wing sections stay generally level and upright, causing the wing sections to come into stacked relationship with the center section directly above the latter and beside one another. In order to reduce the overall height of the stack-folded machine the linkage for each wing section is connected to the wing adjacent the inner end of the wing so that the wing is supported in a cantilever manner. The main lifting link of the linkage is designed to swing through an arc greater than 90.degree. to permit the wing sections to settle down close to the center section in their final positions of rest.

Abstract: A disk support bracket assembly including a cross tube bracket and a disk shank support bracket pivotally connected to the cross tube bracket to allow the disk support bracket to pivot between a working position wherein the bracket bottoms against the cross tube bracket, and a storage position wherein the bracket is offset vertically from the cross tube to increase clearance. The shank support bracket is pivotally connected to the cross tube bracket near an upper forward corner of the cross tube and includes a relatively wide stop portion that bottoms against a mating stop portion at the front face of the tube bracket when the shank support bracket is in the working position. A pin is selectively insertable through apertures in the brackets adjacent the stop to lock the shank in an upright working position.

Abstract: A hydraulic harrow lift including a cultivator assembly, a harrow assembly, and a pair of spaced linear harrow arms fixedly coupled at outboard ends thereof to the harrow assembly. The harrow arms further have inboard ends pivotally coupled to the cultivator. Further provided is a hydraulic harrow lift assembly including a hydraulic arm having a first orientation upon the receipt of a raise signal for raising the harrow assembly and a second orientation upon the receipt of a lower signal for lowering the harrow assembly.

Abstract: A mobile frame (10) for supporting an elongate flexible structure (11) such as a ground working tool assembly, the mobile frame (10) is foldable between a first position in which the elongate flexible structure (11) is supported in a working condition in relation to the ground, and a second position in which the elongate flexible structure (11) is supported in a stored condition in relation to the ground. The mobile frame comprises a first frame portion (31) supported for movement over the ground and a second frame portion (32) for supporting one end of the elongate flexible structure. The second frame portion is mounted on the first frame portion for folding movement with respect thereto about a pivot axis inclined to the fore-and-aft axis of the mobile frame such that the spacing between the ends of the elongate flexible structure (11) increases as the elongate flexible structure is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A planter row unit having a frame with a first unitary rigid plate and structure for attaching a soil engaging component in an operative position on the first unitary rigid plate and first structure cooperating between a towing frame that is movable in a forward towing direction and the first unitary rigid plate for attaching the first unitary rigid plate to a towing frame so that the first unitary rigid plate a) follows forward movement of the towing frame to which the first unitary rigid plate attaches and b) is movable vertically relative to a towing frame to which the first unitary rigid plate attaches to allow the first unitary rigid plate to move conformingly over uneven terrain.

Abstract: A simple, light-weight C-shank standard is mounted on a bracket which is corner clamped to a rig cross tube on a row crop cultivator. A pin inserted through apertures in the bracket maintains the shank in a preselected field-working attitude. The pin can be removed to allow the shank to be pivoted upwardly for maintenance, sweep removal, or residue removal. The shank can be supported in the raised position by the pin when the cultivator configuration is changed for cultivation in lay-by conditions, or for operation in skip row or other special crop configurations. In one embodiment of the invention, the shank is edgebent and selective placement of the pin through one of a plurality of sets of mating holes in the bracket and the upper portion of the shank permits adjustment of the working position of the shank. A mounting slot at the lower end of the one embodiment of the shank provides pitch adjustment for the earthworking tool.

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: An operable coulter frame is removably mounted on a farm implement of the type having a tool bar with foldable ends. The operable frame includes a central shaft rotatably mounted on the tool bar, and a pair of auxiliary shafts rotatably mounted on the foldable ends of the tool bar. The auxiliary shafts engage the central shaft when the tool bar and foldable ends are located in a coaxial operable position. A support bar is mounted to the central shaft, with auxiliary support bars mounted to the auxiliary shafts, for pivotal movement with the rotation of the associated shafts. Ground working tools are mounted on the support bars and movable between a lowered operable position located forwardly of the tool bar and tool bar ends, and an upper storage position raised above the tool bar and tool bar ends. A drive motor is mounted on the implement and connected to the central shaft to raise and lower the support bars.

Abstract: A trailing harrow attachment is pivotally connected to the aft end of support arms for rotation about a transverse axis between a field-working position wherein the harrow tines engage the soil, and a non-operative position wherein the harrow is rotated about the axis by approximately 180.degree. so that the tines extend away from the ground to provide better trash flow and ground clearance. The angles that attach the harrow to the trailing arms include apertures located an equal distance radially outwardly on opposite sides of the axis so that the harrow may be pinned at the same location on one of the support arms in either the field-working or the non-operative position.

Abstract: An automatic implement lock-up system with shock absorbing cushion springs for releasably raising and lowering implements mounted to a vehicle. An implement is pivotally attached to a vehicle mounting bracket via an implement support arm. A lock-up bracket is mounted to the implement support arm. A cast swivel is pivotally mounted to the lock-up bracket. A support rod is pivotally attached at a first end to the vehicle mounting brackets and extends through an opening in the cast swivel, whereby the support rod advances freely through the cast swivel when the implement support arm is raised. A support rod spring surrounding the support rod at a location between the vehicle mounting bracket and the cast swivel, whereby the support rod spring provides downward pressure on the implement support arm.

Abstract: A ground working implement includes a tool bar and a tool element which can be pulled across the ground by its attachment to the tool bar by a bracket and link system. The link comprises a U-shaped arm with a transverse portion parallel to an axis of rotation of the tool. The transverse portion is carried in a bracket depending from an underside of the tool bar. The transverse portion is formed of a tubular member which has a projecting portion extending radially from the axis of the tubular portion. The projecting portion has two side plates which rub against side plates of the channel to prevent side to side movement of the tool. The tool can raise or lower by rotation of the transverse portion of the channel or by lifting of the transverse portion in the channel within the limits defined by a base plate of the channel or a transverse restraining pin. The tool is latched in a raised position by a latch plate attached to the projecting portion which wedges underneath the base plate of the channel.

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

Abstract: A lock-up mount apparatus for an earth working tillage tool includes a bracket which is provided for attachment to a toolbar and the bracket has a first, second, third and fourth pin opening therein. A tillage tool, such as a cultivating tine, has an attachment structure at the top thereof and this attachment structure has a first and second hole disposed therethrough. A first pin is provided for selectively extending through the first pin opening in the bracket and through the first hole in the attachment structure whereby the attachment and thereby the tillage tool is pivotally attached to the bracket. A second pin is provided for selectively extending through one of the second and third pin openings in the bracket. The second pin also extends through a second hole in the attachment structure when the second pin is disposed in the second pin opening in the bracket whereby the tillage tool is held in a low operative earth working position.

Abstract: An agricultural roller has two or more pivotably connected sections arranged side by side. A central frame has a towing bar pivotably connected to the central frame. The roller has roller sections (4, 6) on either side of the central frame (8) and transport wheels (15, 16), which are settable between an inactive position above the ground in the work position of the roller and a transport position where the roller means are lifted up from the ground and swung towards each other to achieve a small transport width. The two side sections (4, 6) situated closest the central frame (8) carry the transport wheels connected to the section frames, and between the sections there are pivot joints (17, 18) implemented such that the sections can adjust themselves to irregularities in the ground in the working position of the roller. A hydraulic cylinder (21) is arranged between the towing bar (2) and central frame (8), and can swing the central frame and the roller sections (4, 5, 6) connected thereto about 90.degree.

Abstract: An agricultural implement useful to prepare the ground before or after a seeding operation includes a number of soil packer units which are directly coupled to transversely extending tool bars or frame members ahead of respective, trailing harrow sections. The packer units are connected to the frame members by relatively short links for free up and down shifting movement during advancement of the implement across the field in substantial independence of vertical movement of the harrow sections. The frame members are pivotal about a parallel, horizontal axis to raise the harrow sections and the packer units to an upright orientation for transport, at which time a portion of the links supporting the packer units comes into firm, resting contact with a stop for precluding further movement of the packer units.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding the plow blade of a railroad car-mounted cable laying device which includes support means on the railroad car for supporting the plow blade thereon and stop means on the support means for prohibiting the plow blade from sliding off the support means. When more than one plow blade is provided, tethering means is also provided between the plow blades for constraining the plow blades and prohibiting the plow blades from sliding off the support means.

Abstract: Locking structure for securing a four-bar linkage or the like on an implement in a raised position to remove an earthworking tool or row unit from ground engagement. An overcenter spring arrangement selectively biases a strap pivotally connected to one arm of the linkage toward or away from a member located on the opposite arm. When the strap is biased toward the member, raising the tool or row unit causes the strap to engage the member to prevent rocking of the linkage and thereby secure the device out of ground contact. Reversing the spring arrangement and raising the device causes the strap to move out of locking engagement with the member for normal operation. An elongated device includes pins for aiding the operator in both moving the over-center spring arrangement between positions and raising the tool or row unit.

Abstract: An agricultural planter has a main carrier frame attached to a tractor by an hydraulically actuated telescoping tongue. Individual row units are mounted on a lift frame which in the illustrated embodiment has a center section and left and right wing sections. The wing sections are mounted to the center section for independent vertical pivotal motion relative to the center section in the use position. Power locks secure the wings rigidly to the center section for road transport. The lift frame is mounted to the carrier frame by a vertical pivot post and an hydraulically powered lift linkage. The pivot post may be rotated by an hydraulic cylinder under control of the operator. In the use position, the hitch tongue is retracted and the lift frame is lowered and extends transverse of the direction of travel.