Abstract: All-terrain vehicle systems and methods configured for attachable tools and implements are disclosed. An example embodiment includes: an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) frame configured with a void; a modular Power Take-Off (PTO) system removably installable in the ATV frame in the void; and a cargo bed removably installable at a rear portion of the ATV frame.

Abstract: A cutting attachment includes a mounting bracket and a cutting deck. The mounting bracket is configured to couple to at least one hydraulic arm of a tractor or excavator. The cutting deck is coupled to the mounting bracket. The cutting deck includes an inner surface, an outer surface, a motor coupled to the inner surface, a blade carrier coupled to the outer surface and rotatable by the motor, and at least one blade coupled to the blade carrier.

Abstract: Tractor Draft Control Testing Device has the capability of testing the draft control of hydraulic system of all types of tractors on the production line and final control of tractor-manufacturing companies.

Abstract: A trailer hitch system for improving the speed and safety of attaching the trailer to a tow vehicle. The hitch may include a shank that may be attached to the trailer through a ball hitch. A receiver may be provided on the tow vehicle such that attachment of the trailer to the tow vehicle may be accomplished by introducing the shank into the receiver when the tow vehicle is backed to the trailer. A funnel shaped guide member may be provided to facilitate aligning the shank with the receiver. Also, friction reducing rollers may be used with the shank or the receiver. Moreover, a height adjustment and visual guidance system may be included to facilitate connecting the trailer to the tow vehicle.

Abstract: An implement hitch is disclosed for a tractor having arms for attachment to an implement, wherein the arms have part-spherical sockets at their free ends for receiving coupling balls which during operation receive coupling pins on the implement to be connected by means of the hitch to the tractor. The hitch has lifting arms that are each movable by a respective hydraulic cylinder and are connected to the associated hydraulic cylinder by a linkage that incorporates at least one pivot pin. In the invention, at least one of the pivot pins has a projecting extension dimensioned to fit within the through bore of a coupling ball and a stop is provided on the extension to prevent a coupling ball supported by the pivot pin from sliding off the extension.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a pull frame extending forward from the implement. A pull hitch is attached to a front end of the pull frame and includes at least one pair of aligned openings. A clevis includes at least one pin opening. A pin extends through each pair of aligned openings in the pull hitch and a corresponding pin opening in the clevis.

Abstract: A ground groomer configured for roping simulators is disclosed. Example embodiments include: a generally horizontal main support member; an attachment pin coupled generally orthogonally to the main support member, the attachment pin being configured for attachment to a ski of a roping simulator; and a plurality of tines arranged to protrude through a lower surface of the main support member to scarify soil behind the skis of the roping simulator.

Abstract: A work vehicle, such as a motor grader, comprises a frame, a ripper, a tie bar attached to the frame, and a four-bar linkage attached to and disposed between the ripper and the tie bar for transferring a load between the ripper and the frame via the four-bar linkage and the tie bar. The four-bar linkage and the tie bar are co-planar with respect to a plane within which the four-bar linkage is movable relative to the frame. A toolbar for the ripper is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pull-type agricultural implement has a beam with drawbar hitch pivotable relative to the beam about a vertical axis and a horizontal axis extending in the travel direction. The drawbar hitch has a receptacle for a tractor drawbar. The receptacle enables pivoting of the drawbar about an axis that is horizontal and transverse to the travel direction relative to the drawbar hitch in a locked position. Guiding and adjusting plates in the receptacle allow adjustment of the receiving width of the receptacle to different drawbar dimensions. From a first position, in which the plates limit lateral play of a drawbar with large cross-section relative to the travel and working direction to a minimum, the guiding and adjusting plates are transferable and lockable in a second position, in which the plates limit lateral play of a drawbar with small cross-section relative to the travel direction to a minimum.

Abstract: A system and method to selectably control a position of a first end of a drawbar between a locked position and a suspended position with respect to a drawbar support. The drawbar is securable to a work vehicle distal from the first end, the method includes locking a position of the first end in response to a first predetermined condition and placing the first end in a suspended position in response to a second predetermined condition. Position control of the first end is continuously maintainable.

Abstract: An adjustable wear assembly for a machine mounting component having a channel is disclosed. The adjustable wear assembly may have a wear insert located within the channel, and an inclined adjustment plate located within the channel in contact with the wear insert. The adjustable wear assembly may also have at least one wedge block located within the channel in contact with the inclined adjustment plate, and a cover connectable to the mounting component to close off a side of the channel.

Abstract: A power take off (PTO) driveline shaft of an agricultural implement may be securely stowed when not in use using a PTO driveline storage device. The storage device is pivotably mounted to the frame of the agricultural implement, such as the hitch, and may be rotated from its own stowed position to a position to provide support for the PTO driveline shaft when the PTO driveline shaft is not connected to the PTO of a tractor or other machine having a PTO output. The storage device includes an arm having a first end that is mounted to the hitch and has a second end that is adapted to fit against the PTO driveline shaft when the device is being used to stow the PTO driveline shaft. When not in use, the storage device may be rotated clear of the PTO driveline shaft and pivoted to a position where it may be securely stowed.

Abstract: Provided is a hitch for towing a trailer behind a vehicle licensed to navigate public roadways. The hitch includes a base member to be coupled adjacent to a tail section of the vehicle, and a first support member portion coupled transversely to the elongated shank and extending outwardly in a direction generally away from the base member. A first arm is telescopically adjustable relative to the support member and supports a first connector provided adjacent to a distal end thereof. The first gimbal connector is cooperable with a first trailer connector to establish a linkage with first trailer connector. A second support member portion is coupled to the base member and extends outwardly in a direction generally away from the base member. A second connector is supported adjacent to a distal end of the second support member and is also cooperable with a second trailer connector to establish a linkage with the second trailer connector.

Abstract: A device providing a connection between a heavy vehicle and towed machinery which are arranged in a working position on ground forming a horizontal plane, the device allowing the movement of relative pitching between the towed machinery and the heavy vehicle. The distance between the instantaneous centre of rotation of the relative pitching movement of the towed machinery with respect to the heavy vehicle and the orthogonal projection of the instantaneous centre of rotation onto the horizontal plane is less than 1/9 of the outside diameter of the largest mounted assembly of the heavy vehicle and/or than 25 centimetres. Also disclosed is a method for towing machinery using a heavy vehicle.

Abstract: An ATV hitch attachment includes a first mounting point defined by a hitch coupling and two further mounting points defined by two brace arms inclined upwardly and outwardly to a respective connection location on the rear rack. A rigid connecting member has a pair of arms extending rearwardly for rigid connection by a sliding fit to a forward end of a pair of parallel frame members of an implement such that the rigid connection holds the implement in the operating position in a common horizontal plane with the arms. The implement can be lifted to a raised transport position by an electric actuator causing pivotal movement about a horizontal pivot axis transverse to the rear hitch. Ground wheels which are spaced from the ground in operating position which can contact the ground when the implement is raised to limit squatting movement of the ATV.

Abstract: A down pressure assembly for incorporation into an agricultural implement to be pulled by a tractor (10) has an attachment frame (21) for attachment between a portion of the agricultural implement and at least two wheels (22) of a row unit (18) for traveling along the ground, the row unit (18) also having a tool (23) disposed between the two wheels (22) for engaging the ground, the down pressure assembly also having at least one torsion element (41, 50) disposed on the frame (21), with the torsion element (41, 50) having one fixed mounting to the frame (21) and one adjustable mounting to the frame (21), and the assembly further having an adjustment mechanism (37, 60) for varying the torsion of the torsion element (41, 50) at the adjustable mounting; and at least one down pressure member (36, 56, 57) for receiving a force from the torsion element to apply a downward force to the top members (26, 27) of the frame (21).

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 drawbar clevis assembly includes a drawbar with a greater offset between the upper inboard member and the lower outboard member. The clevis assembly also includes a strap which is mounted to the drawbar and which has an opening in a mid portion. The strap is slid over the drawbar so that the opening receives a portion of the drawbar and so that the inner portion of the strap is attached to an underside of the inboard portion of the drawbar.

Abstract: A handle (10) for turning a rod- or tube-formed turning corpus (54), a lift link assembly (52) and a method for producing said handle (10) is described. The handle (10) comprises deformed portions (26, 28, 30) extending parallel to an axis (12) and forming at least partially a hollow space (42, 44, 46) around the axis (12). The hollow spaces (42, 44, 46) are used for engaging with a turning corpus (54). By means of a cut-out (48) formed on the handle (10) and a protrusion (62) formed on the turning corpus (54), a torque proof connection between handle (10) and turning corpus (54) is given by engaging said cut-out (48) with said protrusion (62). It is proposed to form the deformed portions (26, 28, 30) along the axis (12) one after another, wherein at least one deformed portion (26, 28, 30) is contrarily deformed with respect to an adjacent deformed portion (26, 28, 30). Such a handle (12) can be used for adjusting a lift link assembly (52), for example on agricultural implements.

Abstract: A coupler for a hitch such as a quick hitch for a three point hitch of a work machine such as a tractor or the like, having a latching mechanism for holding a pin of a work element such as an implement or the like, in a receptacle of the coupler, which latching mechanism is self-latching and provides a self-locking capability when latched to hold the pin in the coupler, in opposition to, and in response to, forces and movements of the pin in directions for normally opening the coupler.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for an attachment for a tractor is disclosed. The hitch has a frame having a top member and a bottom member. The top and bottom members are joined together by a pair of side members forming a structure with an orifice. Each of the top and bottom members are hollow in a cross section, as are each of the side members so that a fluid contained in the members can flow from one member to another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for coupling an implement to a working vehicle, having two lower link bars, a length-adjustable upper link bar, and two lifting elements. The end closest to the working vehicle, of each of the lower link bars and the upper link bar, is swingably mountable, and the other end closest to the implement is likewise swingably mountable. The upper link bar is essentially disposed centrally in the upper region of the coupling apparatus. The two lower link bars are disposed essentially laterally in the lower region of the coupling apparatus. One end of each of the lifting elements can be swingably mounted on a respective lower link bar. A supported load from the implement which acts on the working vehicle does not lead to diminishment of the load on a vehicle axle.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus for connection between a tractor and a trailing implement such as a cutter includes a hitch arm at one end of the apparatus extending forwardly and pivotal so as to extend either inwardly or outwardly thus offsetting the apparatus across the rear of the tractor. The apparatus includes the draw bar hitch at the rear spaced across from the hitch arm for attachment to the cutter so that the cutter is offset to one side of the tractor. Two gear boxes and a drive shaft provide connection from the PTO of the tractor to the drive input of the cutter. The offset hitch apparatus allows the cutter to run in a ditch while the tractor remains on level ground.

Abstract: Towing apparatuses suited for use with, for example, three-point hitches or quick hitches. At least some of the present towing apparatuses include a male hitch member that is positioned such that a force acting through the male hitch member (such as a force transmitted to the male hitch member through the female hitch member of the structure being towed) does not cause the particular towing apparatus to rotate about an axis along which the towing apparatus is pivotally coupled to a towing vehicle (such as through a three-point hitch or a quick hitch).

Abstract: A draft force sensor is provided for a coupling member coupled between a towing vehicle and a towed earth engaging implement, such as a scraper. The draft force sensor includes first and second bores extending through the coupling member. Each bore has a horizontal axis which extends perpendicular to a main fore-and-aft axis of the coupling member. The second bore is positioned above the first bore and spaced apart from the first bore. Each of the bores is surrounded by an outer cylindrical wall. Four electrical strain gauges are spaced apart and placed on the wall of each of the bores. A center line bisects an axis line which extends between the axes of the first and second bores. The axis of each bore is spaced apart from the center line by a distance which is less than a diameter of the bores. The strain gauges are connected electrically in a circuit which generates a draft force signal in response to draft forces applied to the coupling member.

Abstract: An implement support unit for cooperating with an implement-mounting device for an implement for mounting the implement on a trailer unit. Preferably, the support unit is a three point hitch type support unit.

Abstract: An adapter that converts a tractor hitch coupling from a ball and pin type to a hook type. The adapter is a tubular member having an opening at one end into which an end of the hitch arm is inserted and a hook extends therefrom at the opposite end. A locking dog is movably mounted on the tubular member for selectively blocking the entry or throat of the hook and a spring biases the locking dog to it's locking state. Each of a pair of spaced apart side walls have at least one set screw threaded there through. The set screws engage opposite side faces of the lift arm on which the adapter is mounted permitting variously adjusting alignment of the adapter relative to the hitch lift arm on which it is mounted.

Abstract: A system for quickly coupling a mounted implement and a towed implement to a tractor frame or chassis includes a hitching bracket with two hooks and two eyes that are fixed to the frame of the tractor and a plate that is fixed to the hooks and eyes to provide a mounting surface for the implement. The plate also includes a slot for inserting a drawbar that can be attached to a towed vehicle. The drawbar is positioned underneath the implement.

Abstract: A hitch assembly including a triangular flat portion mounted on the base plate of a guidable member for connecting an arm to the triangular flat portion and to a housing mounted above a plate on which is mounted a tube section having a reinforcing plate that is connected to a locking member which automatically closes on a locking pin being mounted to a coupler head by means of a tension spring that applies a pressure against a block being engaged on a threaded bolt with eye mounted inside the tube section, and which for disengaging the locking member from the locking pin one pulls backwards an attachment cord connected with the eye of the threaded bolt. A tube section mounted underneath the coupler head allows to receive each spring blade being held together by an attachment member. A spring blade includes a part member for enabling to apply a pressure against a squared plate portion mounted underneath each tow bar connected to the coupler head for raising the tow bars of the agricultural implement.

Abstract: A heavy gauge agricultural implement hitch is disclosed which is offset such that the implement and the tractor are not directly in line with one another, but allows the tractor to follow the previous crop rows and the implement to be offset of the previous crop rows. This offset of the hitch allows the implement to function with more ease, especially when the implement is a planter, thus making it possible to plant soybeans, for example, more easily in a field with corn stubble.

Abstract: A multi-function implement for attachment to a tractor or the like for trenching, cutting, burying cable, and similar functions. The implement has a universal frame with a tractor attachment portion and a tool attachment portion. A series of tools are individually connectable to the universal frame, with each tool having a frame attachment portion which is complementary to the tool attachment portion of the universal frame. The tools are selectively connectable to the universal frame with the frame attachment portion of the tool joining the tool attachment portion of the universal frame. Each of the tools is individually formed to perform a particular function, such as cutting a trench, burying a cable, or removing a swath of sod.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implement mounting fixture for mounting an implement to a work machine. The implement mounting fixture includes a frame having a hitch tube for mounting to a work machine. A pair of upper lift arms extend outwardly from the frame on opposite sides of a transverse beam. A cylinder extends from a lower portion of the frame to the transverse beam such that a force applied by the cylinder causes the upper lift arms to pivot with respect to the frame. A link arm is pivotally connected to the frame for linking to an implement.

Abstract: A connecting device connecting a spray boom to a chassis of an agricultural sprayer, said connecting device is noteworthy in that it consists of a single quadrilateral arranged in a plane which is substantially vertical and substantially parallel to a longitudinal plane of said sprayer.

Abstract: A transport drawbar for an agricultural tractor has an elongate forward drawbar section of substantially uniform rectangular cross section that mounts on the tractor in the conventional way. An elongate second drawbar section extends to the rear from the forward section. The second drawbar section has the same vertical thickness as the forward drawbar section and a substantially greater width. A trailing drawbar section extends to the rear from the second drawbar section, the trailing drawbar section having the same vertical thickness as the forward and second sections and a width substantially the same as the width of the forward section. Two tapering transition sections are provided between the second drawbar section and the forward and trailing drawbar sections respectively. Two angular offsets are formed in the second drawbar section such that the trailing drawbar section is parallel to and offset downwardly from the second drawbar section.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive apparatus for powering mechanical components of a pull-type implement, such as a crop harvesting unit, having an elongated extending hitching arm for pivotal attachment to a powered vehicle provided with a power take-off shaft. The drive apparatus includes a hydraulic pump for attachment to the hitching arm, a mechanical drive shaft for operation of the hydraulic pump upon attachment of the drive shaft to the power take-off shaft of the powered vehicle, and connections for hydraulic fluid lines for delivery and return of hydraulic fluid to and from a hydraulic motor for operation of the mechanical components of the pull-type crop harvester. The apparatus may include an articulation assembly to isolate the drive for the pump from movements between the hitching arm and the vehicle.

Abstract: An attachment, primarily for a tractor having a three point hitch, has a post with a seat for a gooseneck hitch ball, and mounting brackets for a fifth wheel type hitch that permit a limited amount of pitch and roll.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an agricultural implement to a hitch receiving member of a vehicle, the apparatus including at least first and second elongated tongue members where the second tongue member is slidably received in the first tongue member and forms at least first and second latch receiving slots, the apparatus also including a locking assembly having an extending end receivable in the first and second slots to lock the second tongue member with respect to the first in extended and retracted positions, respectively, the apparatus further including adjustable stops and bearing members that facilitate after manufacturing adjustment of tongue assembly and locking assembly components.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for a work machine, particularly suitable for use in a track-type tractor, is provided with a frame having a generally vertical pivot axis. A pair of draft arms are carried by the frame, with each draft arm being pivotable about a corresponding generally horizontal axis. A drawbar is carried by the frame and is pivotable about the pivot axis of the frame. The drawbar may be fixed or movable relative to the frame, and also pivots about the common pivot axis.

Abstract: A dual tractor hitch used to pull twin hay balers which have an acid tank for treating baled material.

Abstract: Hitch mount for hydraulically driven snow blades or other accessories that includes a mounting frame for mounting to the vehicle chassis and a one piece plow assembly and lift frame readily removably coupled to the mounting frame, the plow assembly preferably including a blade trip frame and a snow blade removably coupled to the trip frame. A optional power operated jack can be used to raise or lower the lift frame relative to the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A sulky for a self propelled, outdoor power equipment unit, such as a wide area mower or WAM, comprises independent left and right foot platforms to support a standing operator. A ground engaging caster wheel is carried on each foot platform to allow the foot platforms to roll over the ground during operation of the mower. The foot platforms are mounted to the mower by an axle with each foot platform being pivotally carried on the axle using a separate pivot hub. Thus, the foot platforms can pitch up and down separately from one another during operation of the mower over uneven terrain. Latches are provided for selectively holding the foot platforms in raised transport positions.

Abstract: A rotary cutter includes a hitch comprising upper and lower arm sections which define a parallel linkage extending between the deck of the rotary cutter and a ball clevis forming a forward end of the hitch. The ball clevis includes identical upper and lower halves which include block-like rear portions that are clamped together so that a ball is releasably retained between ring-like front portions of the clevis. Leveling of the deck is accomplished by a pair of adjustable leveling mechanism respectively coupled between rear parts of the separate arm sections and the deck. Provision is made for mounting a jack stand to one side of the clevis and for storing the jack stand on the deck.

Abstract: A snowplow apparatus as adapted to attach to a vehicle having a ball hitch assembly. The snowplow apparatus has a blade assembly connected to an elongated drawbar. A frictionally activated elevating mechanism is operatively connected to the drawbar and moves between a vertical and non-vertical orientation depending upon whether elevation of the blade or contact with the blade and the ground is desired, respectively. A further aspect relates to a lateral stabilization device associated with the opposite end of the drawbar, such stabilization device coming into contact with static members operatively associated with a hitch ball such that lateral movement of the drawbar is substantially precluded due to the contact between the stabilization members and the static elements.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame, a grow medium manipulation surface configured to manipulate and move a growing medium and at least one elastomeric torsion element coupled to the surface. The growing medium manipulation surface moves between a first growing medium engagement position in which the surface manipulates and moves the growing medium and a second growing medium non-engagement position. The elastomeric torsion element resiliently biases the surface towards the first growing medium engagement position. In one exemplary embodiment, the growing medium engagement surface comprises the surface of a furrow opening device on an agricultural implement. In one exemplary embodiment, the implement additionally includes an adjustment mechanism coupled to the elastomeric torsion element.

Abstract: An agricultural machine has a movable rack (10) having at least one main wheel (16, 18), a hitch (12) which is arranged on the rack (10), a reservoir container (14) which is carried by the rack (10) and/or the hitch (12), and an agricultural implement (20) which is attached to the rack (10) at the rear in the direction of travel and has a plurality of rear support wheels (28). The machine is developed to the effect that the at least one main wheel (16, 18) is positively steered as a function of the pulling direction of a traction force which is exerted on the hitch (12). Such a machine is particularly compact and maneuverable even when the reservoir container is large.

Abstract: A rotary cutter includes a hitch comprising upper and lower arm sections which define a parallel linkage extending between the deck of the rotary cutter and a ball clevis forming a forward end of the hitch. The ball clevis includes identical upper and lower halves which include block-like rear portions that are clamped together so that a ball is releasably retained between ring-like front portions of the clevis. Leveling of the deck is accomplished by a pair of adjustable leveling mechanism respectively coupled between rear parts of the separate arm sections and the deck. Provision is made for mounting a jack stand to one side of the clevis and for storing the jack stand on the deck.

Abstract: The implement has a main frame supported at the rear by ground-engaging transport wheels and at the front by ground-engaging gauge wheels. A hitch is pivotally connected to the front end of the main frame so that the hitch and frame can flex relative to one another when the towing tractor experiences different terrain than the main frame. A self-leveling mechanism is normally disengaged when the implement is in its field operating position so that the hitch is free to float relative to the frame during terrain changes. However, when engaged, the self-leveling mechanism operates to maintain the main frame level as the transport wheels are lowered to raise the main frame into its transport position. A latch, remotely actuatable from the tractor seat, determines whether the implement is in its self-leveling mode or floating hitch mode.

Abstract: Hitch mount for hydraulically driven snow blades or other accessories that includes a mounting frame for mounting to the vehicle chassis and a one piece plow assembly and lift frame readily removably coupled to the mounting frame, the plow assembly preferably including a blade trip frame and a snow blade removably coupled to the trip frame. A optional power operated jack can be used to raise or lower the lift frame relative to the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A snowplow apparatus as adapted to attach to a vehicle having a ball hitch assembly. The snowplow apparatus has a blade assembly connected to an elongated drawbar. A frictionally activated elevating mechanism is operatively connected to the drawbar and moves between a vertical and non-vertical orientation depending upon whether elevation of the blade or contact with the blade and the ground is desired, respectively. A further aspect relates to a lateral stabilization device associated with the opposite end of the drawbar, such stabilization device coming into contact with static members operatively associated with a hitch ball such that lateral movement of the drawbar is substantially precluded due to the contact between the stabilization members and the static elements.

Abstract: An agricultural planter is provided with forwardly folding wing members that allow conversion of the planter from a laterally extending operating position to a compact transport position. To increase stability for the planter, the draw bar telescopes as the wing members are folded forwardly into the transport position. Brace members interconnect a forward portion of the draw bar and the wing members. As the wing members fold forwardly, the brace members are arranged to cause a rearward portion of the draw bar to extend rearwardly from the forward portion and effect the telescopic action in the draw bar. A draw bar hitch lock linkage is provided to keep the draw bar compacted when the wing members are in the operating position. A hitch lock actuator is tied into the hydraulic system for the movement of the wing members into the transport position to permit the telescopic action of the draw bar in concert with the forward folding of the wing members.