Abstract: A tractor that can pull a wide variety of equipment such as that for tilling, seeding and fertilizing of field crops. The equipment can also include reservoirs for containing large quantities of seeds and fertilizers such as liquid manure. As tilling and fertilizing progresses these materials as dispensed changing the weight distribution on the tractor. The change can be compensated for during use by sensing weight and adjusting the position of the machine connecting structure in response thereto, such as a fifth wheel of the tractor, in real-time, to generally equalize weight distribution.

Abstract: The invention discloses an adjustable hitch for towing an air cart behind a cultivator or similar tillage device. The invention consists of a pivotable hitch which is connected to a pair of cultivator pivot arms pivotally mounted on the cultivator frame. The pivot arms are controlled by a pair of hydraulic cylinders. At the air cart end, the hitch has a pair of slides which are inserted into a pair of slots located on an offset air cart hitch. When the hydraulic cylinders move the cultivator pivot arms, the hitch pivots and allows the slides to move within the slots of the offset air cart hitch. The invention also has a pair of spring-biased, hydraulically actuated latches for securing the hitch in either the field or transport mode.

Abstract: The snowplow of the present invention is adapted to mount to the bed of a pickup truck. The snowplow includes a mounting base and a frame which is rotatably coupled to the base. The snowplow blade is coupled to the frame so that it moves with the frame. By attaching a hydraulic system to the frame and base, the blade can be raised and lowered over a very wide range. The frame and blade are adjustable so that the same snowplow can be used on trucks with differing heights or with lift kits.An alternative embodiment, the frame of the snowplow is mounted to the ends of the cross bar of the vehicle hitch. Hydraulic cylinders move the frame assembly and blade between raised and lowered positions. A conventional spreader may be mounted to the central receiver of the hitch so as to be positioned between the spaced apart arms of the frame assembly. In both embodiments, trip action springs are provided such that the blade is normally biased to an upright snow removing position but will pivot to override obstacles.

Abstract: A frame for supporting a load, the frame including a quick mount/dismount hitch for a medium sized lawn and garden tractor. The hitch includes mounting brackets on one end of the frame, the mounting brackets including spaced apart sets of engagement members that matingly engage complimentary engagement members that are fixed on the rear of the tractor. The mating of the engagement and complimentary engagement members utilize the force of the weight of the frame and any load to seat the frame to the tractor. A lock down mechanism can optionally be used to secure the frame in place. The frame can support, for example, a spraying system including spray tank, spray boom, controls, and fluid conduits. The boom can optionally have double break away arms. A pump to provide spraying pressure can be mounted under the tractor and use the power of the engine of the tractor.

Abstract: Hitch for interconnecting a tractor to a towed implement such as a sprayer, operated by a power takeoff (PTO) of the tractor. The hitch has a turning axis located close to the front of the implement, and a universal joint in the PTO shall be in vertical alignment with the turning axis. The towed implement thus more nearly tracks the tractor in turn, and the universal joint undergoes less vibration and thrust loading during turns.

Abstract: An agricultural implement provides improvements in ground-working implements having both a lowered ground-working mode and a raised transport mode wherein structure is provided to offset the effects of the moment forces created in the working mode. A fluid circuit is connected to a fluid actuator for controlling forces exerted thereby between a hitch member and the implement main frame and it is operable in a working mode to exert a resilient biasing force on the hitch member thus enabling pivotal floating motion of the hitch member while simultaneously countering force moments applied to the main frame by the ground-working tool. This system is also operable in a transport mode wherein the actuator exerts sufficient force between the hitch member and the forward end of the main frame as to assist in lifting and maintaining the implement in a raised transport mode.

Abstract: The connection aid takes the form of a spring-loaded stand that is attached to the tongue of an implement for cradling support of the driveline at or near the height of the power take-off shaft of the tractor when the implement is not connected to the tractor. The driveline and the power take-off shaft can be readily aligned and reconnected when the implement is to be hitched to the tractor by simply pushing down on the driveline against the spring-loading of the stand or by slightly lifting the driveline with the help of the spring-loading of the stand to the extent necessary. Once the driveline has been connected, the stand may be swung down out of the way and into a stowed position substantially recessed below the top surface of the tongue.

Abstract: A self-contained hydraulic three point hitch assembly including a plate; a pair of frame rail mounts, a pair of strut mounts, a pair of hydraulic actuator mounts, and a pair of lifting arm mounts on the plate; a pair of lifting arms, each pivotally attached to a lifting arm mount; a pair of hydraulic actuators each interconnected between a hydraulic actuator mount and a lifting arm; and a pair of struts, each attached on one end to a strut mount.

Abstract: A header for crop harvesting machine includes a transport arrangement towing the header in a direction at right angles to its normal working direction. The transport system includes a first wheel at one end of the header which can be steered by a hitch pole connected to the first wheel. A second wheel is located symmetrically relative to the first wheel at the opposite end of the header and is free to caster. In the normal working position of the header the first and second wheels act as gauge wheels and are left in the direction of working movement. A third wheel which is removed in the working position is attached to the cutter bar by a clamping action over the knife guard and behind the knife support plate at a respective one of the forwardly extending support arms of the header frame.

Abstract: A floating hitch for an agricultural implement has a hydraulic ram arranged for locking the implement in a raised position relative to the hitch, for transport. For transport, the ram extends into abutment with a point on the implement, and retracts out of the abutment for operation. A floating link guides the end of the ram, and the arc of movement of the floating link is such that the link lies normal to the ram axis at the point of abutment contact.

Abstract: A latch for a hitch having release mechanism including a pair of parallel oriented cylinders which are disposed to lock together two separable elements of a hitch. The locking cylinders are disposed between the confronting surfaces within portions of the separable hitch elements to receive a compression force across the both of the cylinders when the hitch elements are receiving an tensions so as to separate them. To release the hitch elements while under tension, one of the cylinders is rotated, causing the adjacent, parallel disposed cylinder to rotate in the opposite direction, rolling over the confronting surfaces in the same directions, and eventually out of and releasing the two separable hitch elements. Multiple embodiments are shown which relate to variations in hitch styles, and further embodiments relate to smaller clamping devices, such as hand tools, and to rotational couplers which are releasable while under torque.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor includes an axle body and a vehicle substructure. A generally vertical lifting structure is rigidly attached to the vehicle substructure and engages a lifting frame which is adjustable in height. The lifting frame carries coupling and/or drive arrangements for implements. A hydraulic cylinder is arranged between the lifting frame and the axle body. The cylinder is connected to a hydro-pneumatic pressure reservoir and functions as an elastic spring support. A lock can be engaged to fix the lifting structure rigidly to the axle body. A transport lock can be selectively engaged to rigidly connect the lifting structure to the lifting frame. A selector valve selective connects the pressure chamber of the hydraulic cylinder with either a hydro-pneumatic pressure reservoir or with a lifting control arrangement. Preferably the lifting structure is designed as a rollover structure.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for releasably coupling an agricultural implement to a tractor frame. The hitch assembly includes a cantilevered drawbar rearwardly extending from the tractor frame. A free end of the drawbar is suited for connection to a tongue of the implement. A force transfer assembly interconnects the free end of the drawbar to the tractor frame and includes an elongated rigid link for transferring forces imparted to the drawbar by the implement to the tractor frame thereby enhancing support for the drawbar.

Abstract: Hitch ball assemblies for implement hitches are welded directly into holes formed in sidewalls of tubing ends which have been flattened to provide direct load transfer from the tubing to the implement frame. Several different flattened end cross-sectional configurations provide strong ball joint areas with a pleasing appearance. In one embodiment, an additional plate is supported between the sidewalls prior to flattening, and the hole is formed in the two sidewalls and the plate in the same hole-forming operation. The reduced number of hitch parts and welding steps decreases cost and dimensional variations.

Abstract: A pair of grain drills are positional for side by side operation in the field and connected to a towing tractor by weight transfer hitch having a rear end portion connected to the grain drills and a forward tongue portion having its front end connectable to the tractor drawbar and its rearward end totally connected to the forward end of the rear hitch portion for swinging about a transverse horizontal pivot. A hydraulic cylinder has its ends respectively connected to the tongue and the rear hitch portion and pressure to the cylinder is controlled by an adjustable pressure control valve that delivers pressurized fluid from the tractor hydraulic system to the cylinder at a pre-selected pressure below the tractor system pressure, whereby the force exerted by the cylinder on the tongue transfers a portion of the weight of the machine to the tractor drawbar.

Abstract: An adaptor to allow a farm implement guide system to be used with a pull-type implement to keep a row-crop planter or cultivator properly in the desired row even though the pulling tractor becomes somewhat misaligned. The adaptor is inserted between the tongue of the implement which normally is elongated to allow clearance for tractor wheels when the implement is turned sharply and the machine itself so that relatively large misalignment may be corrected. The distance between the implement and the adaptor is kept as short as possible.

Abstract: Improved agricultural apparatus including a three-point hitch frame for attaching to a vehicle and to a tool bar assembly. Three-point hitch frame includes L-shaped retaining members for engaging the tool bar assembly and may be substantially U-shaped. The invention is also embodied in an agricultural apparatus with a hitch frame for attaching to a vehicle and to a tool bar assembly and including a metering hopper system attached to the upper side of the hitch frame. The invention is also embodied in an improved ground contact metering wheel assembly for maintaining contact with the ground even on uneven terrain. The present invention has particular applicability as an interseeding apparatus.

Abstract: An agricultural implement designed for distributing anhydrous ammonia by laterally spaced applicator knives includes an elongated wagon hitch frame which has a forward end pivotally mounted to a forward section of the implement frame and a rear end which carries a drawbar and hitch clevis for a trailing wagon carrying a tank of anhydrous ammonia. As the implement is raised, the rear end of the wagon hitch frame drops away from the implement frame so that the height of the wagon hitch above the ground remains substantially constant and the implement hitch section and wagon tongue remain in line. The break-away coupler for the main hose from the anhydrous tank to the implement is provided with a swing arm to facilitate disconnection of the main hose even when the anhydrous wagon is sharply angled. In the case of a larger implement, having right and left pivoting wings, the frames of the wing sections are strengthened with efficient use of upper and lower laterally spaced channel stiffeners.

Abstract: A device for connecting an agricultural implement to a tractor, towing it and driving it, via a power take-off shaft, has a double drive (8) which includes two angle drives (15, 16) which are arranged one above the other and which are pivotable relative to one another via a bearing around a first axis. The double drive (8) is associated with a holding bracket (9) and with a support (36) supported thereon via springs. The support (36) has a bearing journal via which is connected to a transverse bar (7) so as to be pivotable around an axis. The transverse bar (7) serves to connect the implement to the catching hook of the lower steering arms (3) of the tractor (1). These permit a pivot movement around the axis. The support (36) ensures improved conditions when accommodating forces in the case of impacts.

Abstract: A towable road tender device for grading unpaved roadway surfaces. The tender device may be hitched to commercial vehicles but is particularly suited for use with private vehicles, such as small tractors and pickup trucks. A set of relatively lightweight frames reduce the weight to be pulled by the vehicle. The towable road tender device is sized to be operated using small-scale power take-off units commonly available in private vehicles, such as, for example, the power units of conventional front-end plows. The set of lightweight frames includes a support frame that secures the tending tool, a wheel frame that pivots the rear towing wheels either toward or away from the support frame, and an attachment frame joining the other two frames to a hitch on the towing vehicle. The attachment frame is designed to keep the support frame parallel to the plane of the underlying roadway surface as that support frame is raised or lowered.

Abstract: A hitch is provided for standard tractor drawbars having one or more hitch pin holes. The hitch is connected to the bar by an adaptor mounting bracket and has a pivot pin which permits the hitch to be rotated over the rear hole in proper registry to receive an implement tongue between the drawbar and the hitch. The adaptor mounting bracket provides for mounting the bracket adjustability to fit different sizes of drawbars. The hitch may be disengaged by lifting a hitch lock from locked engagement in relation to the drawbar and simply rotating the hitch to a forward position over the drawbar to clear the rear drawbar hole for conventional use. The lock is pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis on the hitch and may be lifted upwardly to permit movement of the hitch.

Abstract: A hitch is provided for standard tractor drawbars having two hitch pin holes. The hitch is connected in a forward hole by a pivot pin which permits the hitch to be rotated over the rear hole to receive an implement tongue between the drawbar and the hitch. The hitch may be disengaged by lifting a hitch lock fitting over the drawbar and simply rotating the hitch to a forward position over the drawbar to clear the rear drawbar hole for conventional use. The lock is pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis on the hitch and may be lifted upwardly from a drawbar engaging position in the locked position to a drawbar disengaged position to permit movement of the hitch.

Abstract: A foldable agricultural implement for use in a towed relationship with a tractor, wherein a pair of outboardly wheeled implement frames or wings carrying around working tools are rotatably and pivotally supported at their inboard ends by a wheeled rear carrier. The implement frames are connected to the rear carrier by ball-and-socket joint assemblies and are pivotally and rotatably connected to a towing means by a twin tongue assembly, adapted so that the work performing means are capable of maneuvering and closely following the contours of a field and folding forward and elevating to provide ground clearance for transport.

Abstract: Lift arms on a gang of implements support transport wheels which are movable from a raised field-working position to a lowered endwise towing position. Several of the wheels at the forward and aft ends of the towed gang of implements are fitted with castering pivots located adjacent the wheel hubs close to the wheel centerlines to lessen side loading and tire scuffing during turns. The castering wheels include a caster control assembly having at least four functions. First, a lock feature includes a spring-biased pin selectively engageable with the control assembly to secure the wheels in an in-line position to permit easy backing of the implements in the towing configuration. Second, a contact on the implement frame which engages the caster control assembly when the wheels are raised off the ground, cams the caster wheel to a preselected field-working position and prevents rocking of the wheel. Third, a bellevue washer on the caster control assembly limits shimmying of the wheel during transport.

Abstract: A tractor includes front wheels and rear wheels. A three-point hitch connects a yoke to the tractor. The yoke is stabilized by stabilizer arms which are connected under the rear tractor axles and to the frame of the tractor forward of the rear tractor axles. The stabilizer arms lock up the yoke so that it is rigidly fixed to the tractor when an earth working implement tilling the soil is stressing the yoke. The stabilizer arms are connected to the yoke by chain links which permit the yoke to be raised and lowered by the three-point hitch, but which prevent any lateral movement or flexibility to the yoke. This rigidity in part is by having the chain link connection of each stabilizing link straddle the connection of the three-point hitch to the yoke. In addition, the two stabilizing arms are connected by a cross brace which is bolted in place. The cross brace may be unbolted in the event a power takeoff shaft is to be used, which would otherwise be blocked by the cross brace.

Abstract: A foldable agricultural implement for use in a towed relationship with a tractor, wherein a pair of outboardly wheeled implement frames or wings carrying ground working tools are rotatably and pivotally supported at their inboard ends by a wheeled rear carrier. The implement frames are connected to the rear carrier by ball and socket joint assemblies and are pivotally and rotatably connected to a towing means by a twin tongue assembly, adapted so that the work performing means are capable of maneuvering and closely following the contours of a field and folding forward and elevating to provide ground clearance for transport.

Abstract: A tractor includes front wheels and rear wheels. A three-point hitch connects a yoke to the tractor. The yoke is stabilized by stabilizer arms which are connected under the rear tractor axles and to the frame of the tractor forward of the rear tractor axles. The stabilizer arms lock up the yoke so that it is rigidly fixed to the tractor when an earth working implement tilling the soil is stressing the yoke. The stabilizer arms are connected to the yoke by chain links which permit the yoke to be raised and lowered by the three-point hitch, but which prevent any lateral movement or flexibility to the yoke. This rigidity in part is by having the chain link connection of each stabilizing link straddle the connection of the three-point hitch to the yoke. In addition, the two stabilizing arms are connected by a cross brace which is bolted in place. The cross brace may be unbolted in the event a power takeoff shaft is to be used, which would otherwise be blocked by the cross brace.

Abstract: A levee cutting and forming implement for rice farming which prevents the construction of unwanted bar ditches or ruts. A rigid, generally angularly rearwardly diverging frame supports a pair of rigid, ground engaging levee cutting blades. The elongated cutting blades form a wide mouth at the front of the frame, and converge beneath the frame to a rear levee output. A tine control system comprising a plurality of rigid downwardly projecting Danish tines is employed during the levee cutting process to smooth over the channels adjacent the levee to prevent the formation of bar ditches. The tine system comprises a pair of spaced-apart tine bars from which a plurality of resilient Danish tines project downwardly. A transverse tine control axle journaled for rotation is transversely mounted beneath the frame, and it is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder. A pair of outwardly extending, rearwardly angularly diverging tine control struts emanate from the time control axle and mount the rear tine control bars.

Abstract: A soil cultivating implement comprising a row of power-drivable, soil working members supported by a hollow frame extending substantially horizontally perpendicular to the implement's intended direct of operative travel to provide selectively upwardly or downwardly directed forces upon that row via the hollow frame. A supporting ground roller is connected behind the row, its rotary axis being contained in an imaginary vertical plane. A mobile implement provides mass to exert a downward force on the cultivating implement at a coupling point which, in turn, is translated into an upward force on the frame's forward aspect by way of arms and strong pivots, such arms being turnable about the ground roller's rotary axis. The upwardly directed force assists soil-working members automatically to elevate as needed for riding over rocks or other buried obstacles without significant damage.

Abstract: Stabilizng arms are applied to an agricultural tractor having a three point hitch with a quick hitch frame. Specifically, a belly plate is added to the frame beams about half way between the front axle and the rear axle. A horizontal frame draw bar extends from the belly plate to a pivot pin mounted by a clamp below the rear axle housing. The stabilizing arms extend from the pivot pin below the axle housing back to a quick hitch frame pin, which is an extension of the quick hitch pin and extends outboard of the quick hitch frame on each side thereof. A cross brace extends between the stabilizing arms to form a rigid stabilizing frame. Because the pivot pin below the axle is not coaxial with the pin by which the normal draft links are connected to the differential housing of the tractor, it is necessary that the stabilizing arms be pivoted so that the quick hitch frame can be mounted to have its normal motion to raise and lower the tillage implements connected to the quick hitch frame.

Abstract: A weight transfer linkage arrangement for connection between the three-point hitch of a tractor, a tool bar carrying agricultural implements and a hitch. The linkage arrangement includes a first parallel linkage connecting the tool bar and the hitch and a second parallel linkage connecting the three-point hitch of the tractor and the tool bar. The first and second linkages are both adaptable to be moved between corresponding cooperative lowered and raised positions, such that the tool bar may be raised and lowered without raising and lowering the hitch. Force applying means are connected to the first linkage to apply downpressure on the tool bar when the linkage arrangement is in a lowered position.

Abstract: A coupling device for connecting a wheeled agricultural implement having driven working members to a tractor includes a towing connection and a hydraulic motive power transfer with a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump is connected to the power take-off of the tractor and to a hose connection connected at its other end with a hydraulic motor on the implement. For pivotal coupling of a drawbar connected with the implement, the towing connection includes a towing device permanently connected with the drawbar adapted to be rigidly, but releasably connected with the ordinary towing means of the tractor, e.g. the lowermost lift arms. To improve its maneuvering ability, the towing device is provided with a linkage positioned behind the rearmost point of the tractor and pivotally connected with the drawbar.

Abstract: A hitch adapter is used to couple a PTO-driven implement to a three-point hitch arrangement of a towing tractor. The implement includes a transmission housing mounted for rotation about an upright axis that passes through a ball connection effected between a drawbar of the hitch adapter and the implement tongue. The tractor power take-off shaft is connected by a telescopic drive shaft to an input shaft supported by the transmission housing for rotation about an axis extending perpendicular to and intersecting said upright axis.

Abstract: A safety device for maintaining in place a pin connecting the drawbar of a tractor to the tow bar or tongue of a towed piece of equipment. The safety device is mounted on the drawbar and is slideable along the drawbar. An arm extends outwardly from the device, and the device is moved so that the arm is over the top of the drawbar pin when the pin is in place thereby preventing it from becoming disengaged from the drawbar and tongue. A locking pin prevents the safety device from sliding along the drawbar so as to keep it in its pin retaining position.

Abstract: A convertible towing hitch which is used to tow a farm implement with a vehicle includes a U-shaped planar member. This planar member has a central connecting leg, a first extending leg, and a second extending leg. A two-way pivot alowing two degrees of rotational freedom is attached at a free end of the first extending leg and to the implement. The two-way pivot allows pivoting an axis perpendicular to the plane of the U-shaped ember and about an axis parallel to the first, extending leg. An attachment device is also provided for removabley attaching the U-shaped to a bar pulled by the vehicle. The attachment device is mounted for rotational movement about an axis parallel to the connecting leg at a free end of the second extending leg. Preferably, the attachment device is located in the open area of the U-shaped member and an extension is provded of the connected leg extendng away from the second extending leg.

Abstract: A hitch flexing hinge included within the draft beams of an implement frame of the type that enables vertical flexing of the frame sections. The hinge includes a yoke attached to the drawbar of a draft vehicle and a body section that is received in one end of the draft beam. The body portion carries a swivel ball and attachment of the draft beam to the swivel ball allows rotational twisting of the draft beam about its longitudinal axis as the implement frame sections flex.

Abstract: A large coulter is laterally rigidly connected to a tractor. The coulter prevents lateral shifts and jerks of the tractor, thereby eliminating the tractor as a source of lateral shifts of drafted earthworking equipment. When also laterally rigidly connected to the drafted implement, the coulter practically eliminates lateral shifts of the implement as well. On a first pass, such as when plowing furrows to form beds for row crops, the coulter cuts a slot in the ground. During subsequent passes, driving the tractor over the same pairs of furrows, the coulter tracks this slot, causing the drafted earthworking implement to follow a path matching that of the implements used on the first pass. A draft member and the coulter frame also connect the drafting force exerted by the implement at a point on the tractor forward of the tractor rear axles, thus enhancing draft capabilities and fuel efficiency of the tractor while retaining the conventional rear hitch, and stabilizing the tractor as described above.

Abstract: A ground working implement consisting of a hitch, a center section pivotally secured to the hitch for rotation about a transverse axis and a two part wing section pivotally secured to each side of the center section for rotation about a longitudinal axis, with the two parts joined on a diagonal axis, a transverse member across the central region of the hitch, a member pivotally secured between the wing section and the end of a bar such that the rotational movement of the wing parts about a diagonal axis, the rotation of the complete wing about a longitudinal axis, and the rotation of the hitch about a transverse axis, is permitted during ground cultivation, and when the wing section is raised vertically for transportation purposes, the hitch becomes rigid with the center section and movement about all axis is locked.

Abstract: This two-wheeled machine for cutting and dressing road shoulders and drainage ditches is designed to be towed behind a powered tractor. A ditch cutting disc is directly connected to an offset portion of the machine frame. The ditch end of a scraper blade is structurally attached behind the cutting disc from the disc mounting structure. An offset draft bar permits the tow tractor to be operated closer to the road center and out of the road gutter as the outboard wheel of the ditching machine runs in the ditch channel.

Abstract: A coupling assembly particularly for a trailer hitch or similar device, wherein a coupling hook is to be engaged about a coupling sphere including an annular retainer plate having a radially innermost conical support region and a radially outermost conical guide region formed integrally with each other opening away from said coupling sphere with the support region having an opening angle of about 156.degree. and the conical guide region having an opening angle of less than 120.degree., the support region extending radially through about one-third of the total radial width of the annular retainer plate.

Abstract: A forwardly folding agricultural machine, such as a row crop implement (e.g., planter), including three basic sections, one of which is a rear, central section and the other two of which are respectively right and left wing sections. In operating mode, the wing sections lie at opposite sides of a central hitch and are transversely alined on a line offset forwardly of the rear section. In transport mode, the wing sections fold forwardly, one at each side of the drawbar. The wheels for the sections are arranged so that they do not intervene among the tools, thus enabling easier lateral adjustment of the tools as to row spacing, especially when it is desired to obtain extra narrow spacing.

Abstract: A spray cart which straddles a trailing implement hitch and supports a tank on two castering wheels and on the tractor hitch. The caster wheels have adjustable tread, and the caster wheel support structure provides additional strength to the tank support frame. A stabilizer bar is connected between the cart and the trailing implement to make them operate as a single unit. The cart serves to closely connect the trailing implement and the tractor and provide straight-line pull through the system.

Abstract: A generally conventional seeder is provided including a main frame supporting a plurality of laterally spaced rear seeder units and equipped with a forwardly projecting tractor attachable hitch assembly including dependingly supported ground wheel structure. The hitch assembly includes mounting frame structure intermediate the main frame and the forward extremity of the hitch assembly and a pair of elongated, generally aligned and axially spaced transversely extending opposite side tool bars are disposed on opposite sides of the ground wheel structure. A pair of laterally spaced upstanding guide and support members project upwardly from adjacent ends of the tool bars and the mounting frame structure includes guide structure from which the guide and support members are guidingly supported for vertical shifting.

Abstract: A drawbar apparatus for use in a wheeled fertilizer tank which is normally coupled between a tractor and a planter. The drawbar apparatus includes a housing integral with the chasis of the wheeled fertilizer tank and a drawbar pivotally attached at the front end of the housing adjacent the coupling to the tractor. The drawbar extends between the front and rear ends of the wheeled fertilizer tank and includes a coupling means at the rear end for coupling to the planter. The housing includes a guide means for limiting the verticle and lateral movement of the drawbar. The drawbar pivots relative to the wheeled fertilizer tank in response to relative tilting between the tractor and the wheeled fertilizer tank, thus permitting the planter to dig a furrow having a constant depth as variations in terrain are negotiated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new hitch or drawbar assembly for use with agricultural implements towed in a train of implements behind a tractor or the like. The assembly includes a drawbar that is shorter than normal and is pivotally connected to a primary unit, such as a cultivator, for adjustable pivoting action about a horizontal axis. The drawbar is connectable to a towing or intermediate unit on or closely adjacent to the axis of the ground-engaging wheels of the intermediate unit. That connection point is also on or closely adjacent to a reaction line drawn between the connection point of the intermediate unit and the ground-engaging area of implements carried by the primary unit.

Abstract: An implement carrying apparatus adapted to be drawn along a field by a tractor or like vehicle hitched to the leading end. A seed planting machine is detachably mounted to the trailing end and tillage implement suspended from an upwardly arched portion of the main frame forwardly of the planting machine. A pair of wheels at the rear of the frame apparatus forwardly of the planting machine and rearwardly of the tillage tool serve as mobile means for tillage and planting equipment when either or both are in raised position. Tillage tool's vertical movement is controlled by lifting means constructed between two main frame members at the top of the arched portion of the main frame. Planting machine's vertical movement is controlled by three point hitch means constructed at rear of apparatus. Vertical movment of tillage and planting equipment is controlled either simultaneously or independently of each other.

Abstract: A transport device for an agricultural drill is disclosed. Individually mounted, hydraulically actuated transport wheels are described. The transport wheels may be lowered in order to raise the drill to allow movement in a direction perpendicular to the ordinary operating direction of the drill. A mounting system for the wheels which absorbs shocks along three axes is described. Co-action between a coupling device and a hitch device which allows the drill to be transported over uneven ground is also disclosed.

Abstract: The tongue or drawbar of a boat trailer is severed intermediate its ends; and the cut ends are then releasably hinged together by a pair of spaced, parallel hinge pins, either of which can be withdrawn to permit the forward end of the drawbar to be swung about the remaining pin, and rearwardly into an inactive position in which it effectively shortens the overall length of the drawbar, so that the associated trailer can be readily stored in a conventional garage. The hinge mechanism comprises a pair of tubular members designed to be slid over the cut ends of the drawbar, and then to be bolted and/or welded to the associated drawbar section. Confronting ends of the hinge members have thereon two sets of cooperating hinge barrels, which releasably support the two hinge pins about spaced, vertical axes adjacent opposite sides, respectively, of the drawbar. These tubular hinge members can be manufactured in various sizes so that they can be inserted onto drawbars of the most conventional sizes, e.g. 3".times.

Abstract: To prevent personal injury and property damage by accidental displacement of a hitch tow-pin, an easily mountable unit has an arm horizontally swingable to and from a position above the upper end of the conventional tow-pin of a clevis-type hitch. The pivot pin for the swingable arm can also serve as part of the unit's mounting structure by extending through a bore in, and anchored to, a draw bar. Or the pivot pin can be fixed to a sleeve slidable over a draw bar. Each species employs a detent device to prevent accidental arm movement away from its draw-pin-retaining position.

Abstract: A towbar assembly wherein two individual towbars are arranged in a V-configuration between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle. The leading ends of the towbars have special end connectors that hook around a single towing pintle so that each towbar carries approximately the same tensile loading irrespective of changes in vehicle pitch or roll attitude. Each towbar is essentially independent of the other towbar, whereby the towbar loadings are essentially in the direction of the bar longitudinal axis; bending forces are to a great extent eliminated. The invention is designed primarily for use in towing large heavy vehicles weighing in excess of fifty tons.