Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement includes a center frame section having a front frame member extending transverse to a travel direction, a rear frame member extending transverse to the travel direction, and a plurality of longitudinal frame members extending from and attached between the front frame member and the rear frame member. The plurality of longitudinal frame members include a pair of side frame members positioned at respective sides of the center frame section, and a pair of load distribution frame members. A plurality of tillage implements extend downwardly from the center frame section. A pull hitch is directly attached to the front frame member at two attachment locations and extends forward from the center frame section in the travel direction. Each attachment location is aligned with a respective load distribution frame member.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement includes a center frame section having a pull hitch configured to be towed, and a plurality of wing sections positioned on opposite lateral sides of the center frame section. The plurality of wing sections include an inner wing section, a middle wing section and an outer wing section. Each outer wing section is configured to fold laterally inward and over a respective middle wing section. Each middle wing section is configured to fold laterally inward and over a respective inner wing section. Each inner wing section is configured to fold laterally inward and over the center frame section, whereby each of the plurality of wing sections when in a folded state are in a transport position with an overall frontal profile having dimensions of no greater than approximately 18 feet wide by 13 feet, 6 inches high.

Abstract: A folding agricultural implement including a center frame section, a plurality of wing sections and first and second hinge systems. The plurality of wing sections are positioned on opposite lateral sides of the center frame section, and include an inner wing section, a middle wing section and an outer wing section, each outer wing section being configured to fold laterally inward and over a respective middle wing section. Each middle wing section is configured to fold laterally inward and over a respective inner wing section. The first hinge system is coupled to both the outer wing section and the middle wing section. The first hinge system having a first pivot axis. The second hinge system is coupled to the middle wing section and the inner wing section, and has a second pivot axis that is vertically higher than the first pivot axis when the implement is in an unfolded state.

Abstract: A triple-fold agricultural implement includes a center frame section, and a plurality of wing sections positioned on opposite lateral sides of the center frame section. The plurality of wing sections include an inner wing section, a middle wing section and an outer wing section. Each outer wing section may be folded approximately 180° laterally inward and over a respective middle wing section. Each middle wing section may be folded approximately 180° laterally inward and over a respective inner wing section. Each inner wing section may be folded approximately 90° laterally inward and over the center frame section, whereby each of the plurality of wing sections when in a folded state are in a transport position lying above the center frame section.

Abstract: An agricultural machine for working soil or for sowing seeds, including a trailed chassis and work elements distributed on a longitudinal bar in plural sections, the longitudinal bar including at least two primary beams extending substantially transversely to a direction of advance in a work configuration. A secondary beam is connected to each primary beam by two connection devices, the secondary beams support the work elements, and each secondary beam rests on the soil by two support wheels and is configured to move freely during work to follow a profile of the terrain.

Abstract: A drawbar apparatus for coupling an earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement. The drawbar apparatus comprises a drawbar. The drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion. A joint comprises a first bracket comprising a protrusion. The protrusion defines a first aperture. The first bracket is coupled to one of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A second bracket defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion. The channel defines a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel. The second bracket is coupled to the other of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A fastener is positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture. The protrusion is configured to move laterally in the channel.

Abstract: An agricultural caddy assembly and agricultural trailer are provided. The agricultural caddy assembly includes a wheel attachment member, a tractor-tool attachment frame, and a bolster for rotatably connecting the wheel attachment member to the tractor-tool attachment frame. The agricultural trailer includes a tractor hitch, a tool frame, a wheel attachment member, a tractor-tool attachment frame connected to the tractor hitch and the tool frame, and a bolster for rotatably connecting the wheel attachment member to the tractor-tool attachment frame.

Abstract: A cab includes a floor panel, an operator's seat, a handle post, an operating lever and a pedal. The operating lever includes a rod, a lower link member, an upper link member and a handle. The rod has a rod lower end portion, a rod upper end portion and a bent portion connected to the rod lower end portion and the rod upper end portion. The bent portion is formed in a forwardly convex shape. The pedal has a placement surface on which a foot of an operator is placed. A straight line passing along the placement surface in a side view intersecting with the bending point, when the pedal is located in any position within a pivot range.

Abstract: An agricultural implement including a coupling mechanism for coupling to a vehicle and a frame having a tool tube with a top, which is coupled to the coupling mechanism. The frame is adapted to be pulled by the vehicle. The agricultural implement includes a plurality of wheel assemblies coupled to the frame, which support the frame above a surface. The agricultural implement includes a tool tube bracket coupled to the tool tube. The agricultural implement includes a standard having a mounting portion and a tool-receiving portion. The mounting portion is coupled to the tool tube bracket for translational adjustment of a position of the standard relative to the tool tube. The agricultural implement includes a tool coupled to the tool-receiving portion of the standard.

Abstract: An implement is disclosed for smoothing grounds that include at least a compact base having a top surface and a lesser compact footing on top of the base. The implement includes a frame having a front portion, a central portion, a rear portion, and a width. Wheels are mounted for rotation directly to the frame, and tools are carried by the frame for engagement with the ground. The tools include a specially shaped cleaving blade connected to the rear portion of the frame by a tool support, which securely connects the cleaving blade at predetermined heights. The blade has a front shaving edge and a rear compressing edge. The blade extends straight across the width of the frame so as to maximize the drag displaced on the frame during use of the blade. Arrangement of the wheels directly on the frame provides optimal stabilization of the frame during operation of the blade.

Abstract: A turf treatment trailer attachable to a ride-on lawnmower. The turf treatment trailer comprises a drawbar which is detachably attachable to the ride-on lawnmower, a frame connected to the drawbar, a first ground-bearing trailer wheel rotatably mounted on the frame, a second ground-bearing trailer wheel rotatably mounted on the frame and at least one turf treatment unit detachably attached to the frame. The turf treatment unit is positioned on the frame to trail the first ground-bearing trailer wheel so that in use when the turf treatment trailer is attached to the ride-on lawnmower which is moving forward over the ground, a substantially common area of the turf on the ground is sequentially traversed by the first ground-bearing trailer wheel and treated by the turf treatment unit.

Abstract: An implement wheel assembly includes two individual wheel arms tied together by a linkage that pivots about a fore-and-aft extending axis at a location above the wheels and generally above the plane of the implement frame. The linkage constrains the wheel arms to pivot in opposite vertical directions as the implement moves over irregular ground surfaces to improve weight distribution on the wheels. Spring structure may be interposed between the ends of a pivoting linkage and the individual wheel arms to lower frame impact forces. The structure allows two wheels to be placed side-by-side with their axes generally aligned and reduces under-frame hardware to improve crop and soil and trash flow.

Abstract: An implement wheel assembly includes two individual wheel arms tied together by a linkage that pivots about a fore-and-aft extending axis at a location above the wheels and generally above the plane of the implement frame. The linkage constrains the wheel arms to pivot in opposite vertical directions as the implement moves over irregular ground surfaces to improve weight distribution on the wheels. Spring structure may be interposed between the ends of a pivoting linkage and the individual wheel arms to lower frame impact forces. The structure allows two wheels to be placed side-by-side with their axes generally aligned and reduces under-frame hardware to improve crop and soil and trash flow.

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: A seed drill planting apparatus includes an opener configured to plant a row of seeds at locations corresponding to the wing tips of the openers and a row of fertilizer at the center of the opener. The press wheels for the opener are constructed of a pair of skewed wheels that are arranged to throw soil inwardly to provide a proper cover for the rows of seeds and fertilizer placed into the ground by the opener. The skewed press wheels are connected to an adjusting mechanism that is operable to selectively vary the angle at which the press wheels are skewed with respect to the direction of travel. A one-way castering wheel is also provided to function to caster for tight turns on the side of the implement at the inside of the turn, but automatically locks into a stable position when the implement is converted into a transport position.

Abstract: A forward acting wheel arm for a drawn hitch includes a pivot point directly below the rear rank of the machine frame, and the wheels are rotated directly in front of the front rank during field operation. For transport, the wheels rotate below the front rank to minimize tongue-lightness. The need for stabilizer wheels on the rear of the machine is eliminated, and the wheel arms can be actuated with either series or parallel hydraulic cylinders. The wheel arm pivot and cylinder base end connection are both located on the same support plate, and the hydraulic cylinder force is internalized within the plate rather than being translated through the wheel module mounting hardware.

Abstract: A suspension system for a tractor-drawn mower used for crops for agricultural purposes is made up of parallel links, connected at a first end to a frame and to a mowing unit at a second end. A torsion spring assembly, similar to that used for torsion axles, is used to bear a portion of the weight of the mowing unit when the mowing unit is in a lower, mowing position. All torsional stress is removed from the torsion spring when the mowing unit is in a transport position. During mowing, the weight of the mowing unit is divided up between the torsion spring and the surface of the ground. The ratio of the weight supported by the ground to that supported by the torsion spring is adjustable by an operator.

Abstract: Device and methods for air assisted loading of soil in an earth moving apparatus are disclosed. One aspect of a device includes a source of a current of air and at least one conduit for directing the current of air towards soil moved by the earth moving apparatus. The device is configured to be operatively connected to the earth moving apparatus. An earth moving apparatus is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame having opposing sides, supported by at least two ground engaging wheels, and a bucket having a floor and a pair of upstanding side walls. A cutting blade may be attached to the bucket or disposed between the opposing sides of the frame. An air supply system for delivering a current of air to soil moved by the earth moving apparatus is also included. Methods for loading soil into an earth moving apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A towed, agricultural implement includes an undercarriage supported on ground wheels that are attached to the undercarriage by trailing support arms. An adjusting motor is coupled between the undercarriage and a transverse torsion rod having its opposite ends coupled to the wheel support arms by braces. The adjusting motor is selectively operable for raising and lowering the ground wheels relative to the undercarriage, with the torsion rod acting to absorb shocks between the undercarriage and the wheel support arms.

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 rockshaft is mounted over the front rank of the implement frame and is operated by cylinders located at opposite ends of the rockshaft connected to lift arms extending radially adjacent bearing mounts. Fore-and-aft extending links aligned with the lift arms and mounts operate lift wheel assemblies. A hitch arm connected near the center of the rockshaft is directly connected to a hitch turnbuckle for level lift operation. An aligned arrangement of cylinders, cylinder brackets, links and arms provides minimal torsional loading, particularly when the rockshaft is rotated to fully raise the implement frame for transport and is in the most susceptible shock loading condition. Moment arms are controlled to minimize rockshaft torsional loading during highest stress conditions. The front-mounted rockshaft provides simplicity and advantageous weight distribution.

Abstract: A towed implement is provided with ground support wheels mounted to its chassis by trailing wheel support arms and respective suspensions including lift cylinders with which are associated damping devices that operate in such a way as to prevent damage to a respective cylinder from rebounding forces resulting when the suspension is being returned to its operating position by the release of energy stored in spring arrangements of the suspension after being loaded by an obstacle engaging the associated wheel. In one embodiment, the spring arrangement includes a damping spring located between an end of the associated cylinder and piston, and in another embodiment, the spring arrangement includes a gas pressure reservoir which, by virtue the operation of a reversing link in the suspension, is loaded both when the wheel is caused to move in a first direction by engaging an obstacle, and when the wheel is moved in the opposite direction by the airborne wheel once past the obstacle.

Abstract: Lift wheel structure for an implement includes four bar linkage having a curved lower link connected to the frame closely adjacent a first tool-carrying rank. A caster wheel is supported at the forward end of the linkage for castering in an accommodation area defined by the curved lower link. Plates are bolted to the sides of the lower link and extend along sides of an upper link to a connection with a lift cylinder directly above the upper link. The link and the cylinder closely overlie the frame to limit interference with other components mounted above the frame and to facilitate compact folding of implement sections. Loads, including cylinder lift loads, are transmitted primarily through the lower link. A protected transducer assembly is connected between the lower link and the frame to maximize and linearize transducer response in the depth control range.

Abstract: A towed, agricultural implement includes an undercarriage supported on ground wheels that are attached to the undercarriage by trailing support arms. An adjusting motor is coupled between the undercarriage and a transverse torsion rod having its opposite ends coupled to the wheel support arms by braces. The adjusting motor is selectively operable for raising and lowering the ground wheels relative to the undercarriage, with the torsion rod acting to absorb shocks between the undercarriage and the wheel support arms.

Abstract: A folding tool bar implement converts from a transversely extending operating configuration to a longitudinally extending transport configuration. The implement includes a rotating rockshaft supported by a wheel assembly at each opposing end thereof. The wheel assembly is formed as a walking beam assembly having an L-shaped member defining perpendicular axes of movement for the wheel assembly. A castering axis is oriented vertically to permit a castering action of the wheel assembly when the rockshaft is rotated into a working configuration. The rotation of the rockshaft re-positions the castering axis to a horizontal orientation when rotated into a transport configuration. A caster lock moves by gravity to lock the wheel assembly from moving about the castering axis when the rockshaft is in the transport configuration. The caster lock includes a latch mounted to the wheel assembly and a pivoted latch tongue mounted on the L-shaped member.

Abstract: Agricultural machine are generally equipped attachments, such as pick-up drums or cutting attachments. Generally, the width of the attachment is greater than that of the main machine or tractor. Because the agricultural machines travel in road traffic, the permitted width of the attachment must not exceed the legally prescribed width of a road vehicle. These attachments usually have supporting wheels for supporting the attachment on the ground. The supporting wheels are mounted and rotate upon carrying arms. Also, the attachment's height above the ground is adjustable by an adjusting device. The attachment provides for positioning the supporting wheels such that the width of the attachment is within the limits permitted in road traffic when traveling in public road traffic, although during working use, the width of the attachment is beyond the width permitted on the road.

Abstract: A wheel arm assembly for an implement includes a common wheel arm for single wheel, straight tandem wheel, or walking beam configurations. In the straight tandem configuration, a pair of spindles are supported in corresponding bushings at the end of the wheel arm. The spindles are axially aligned, project outwardly from the arm, and support a pair of wheels in tandem. To convert to the optional walking beam configuration, the operator removes the spindles from the bushings and inserts a long pin through a selectively attachable walking beam casting and through the bushings in the arm. The same spindles that attach the wheels to the arm in the conventional tandem configuration are inserted in the offset ends of the walking beam to support the wheels from the walking beam casting.

Abstract: A clay surface scarifier includes a portable frame with a first axle and a second axle rotationally connected thereto. At least one scarifying blade, having a cutting edge orthogonal to the first axis, is attached to the first axle and rotatable therewith about the first axis. At least one scarifying blade, having a cutting edge orthogonal to the second axis, is attached to the second axle and rotatable therewith about the second axis. The axes of rotation of the first and second axles are intersecting.

Abstract: A seeding implement such as a minimum tillage drill including a pair of trailing transport wheels located inwardly of the outermost ends of the implement frame, one of the wheels being a combination transport-drive wheel mounted on a pivoting wheel frame with a portion of the implement frame extending rearwardly over the wheel frame to act as a stop member for maintaining the trailing wheels in a generally level condition during transport but permitting the combination transport-drive wheel to rock downwardly and stay in ground contact when the openers lift the machine on uneven terrain or in hard ground conditions.

Abstract: A cultivating implement include a soil working tool having an elongate substantially planar blade. The blade extends sidewardly and downwardly at an acute angle to the vertical so that its plane is substantially parallel to the direction of movement through the soil and so that soil is lifted without inversion over the blade during passage through the soil. A movable extension is mounted to the blade trailing edge and is adjustable between first and second rigid positions to adjust the lifting action on the soil and thus adapt it to a wide variety of soil types and moisture conditions. At the lower end of the blade is a shoe member with an upwardly and rearwardly inclined upper surface at a leading end thereof, and an upright and rearwardly extending side surface substantially parallel to the direction of travel to provide a bearing surface for resisting lateral forces on the tool due to lifting action of the blade. The shoe member imparts lateral stability and factilitates penetration.

Abstract: A work vehicle (10) such as, for example, a tractor (74) or loader (27) has a center of gravity (12), a body (14) and first and second continuous track assemblies ( 18,20). In the use of the tractor (74), for example, forwardly locating the center of gravity (12) can increase penetration of a bulldozer (76) on the tractor (74) during bulldozing operations. During ripping operations, penetration of a ripper (78) on the tractor (74) can be increased by rearwardly locating the center of gravity (12). Apparatus (22) is provided for controllably moving the body (14) relative to both of the track assemblies ( 18,20). Said apparatus (22) thus controllably shifts the center of gravity (12) of the tractor (74) relative to both of said track assemblies ( 18,20) for selectively increasing penetration of the ripper (78) or bulldozer (76) depending upon the operation being performed by said tractor (74).