Abstract: A lift link assembly of a three-point hitch. The lift link assembly includes a yoke, a shaft, and a retractor. The yoke includes a main housing and first and second side arms that extend downwardly therefrom. The shaft includes a shank and a head positioned on a lower-end thereof, and the shank is positioned in the upper-end through hole. When the lift link assembly is in a retracted mode, the retractor is positioned above the head, the retractor is configured to apply a downward force to the head, and the retractor is configured to apply an upward force to the yoke.

Abstract: A vehicle attached rake for grooming a granular surface includes a center section and two pivotal wing sections that carry rubber trowel members having a serrated lower edge that forms a plurality of downwardly extending teeth. The tips of the teeth are located on a large diameter, upwardly facing curve to better groom upwardly curved side walls in a golf course bunker. When the rake is attached to a ZRT vehicle, the wing section on the inside of a zero radius turn is automatically lifted up off the granular surface by a flexible tether that becomes taut. Another embodiment of the rake includes a rigid plate behind a rubber trowel member with a lower portion of the trowel member folding forwardly during reverse motion of the vehicle such that the plate engages the granular surface to act as a bulldozer blade.

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 process of setting the length of an upper steering arm of an attaching device of a tractor. The attaching device includes the upper steering arm with a power drive provided for length setting purposes; a length sensor to determine the actual length of the upper steering arm; two lower steering arms with a lifting mechanism to lift and lower the lower steering arm; a lift sensor to determine the actual position of lift of the steering unit; as well as a control unit. The nominal lengths of the upper steering arm (7), to be determined as a function of the directions of movement of the lifting mechanism, are stored in the control unit. Determining the actual length of the upper steering arm (7), the actual position of lift of the lifting mechanism and the direction of movement of the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: An ATV has an accessory mounted at a front end providing a working tool, such as a blade, brush or snow blower, by a frame which extends underneath the ATV from a hitch coupling at the rear to a mounting plate which is clamped up under the belly pan of the ATV by a pair of straps at the front. The plate can be adjusted in height and position along the frame and can tilt front to rear to accommodate different makes of machine. The tilting can accommodate tilting of the frame if it is carried at the rear on wheels and floating relative to the hitch. The working tool is mounted on a stub frame portion pivotal upwardly and downwardly at the front of the frame. The working accessory can be adjusted side to side to change angle by a manually operable screw which drives a gear on the tool.

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 coupler for attaching an implement to a tractor is provided. The coupler has three pivot arrangements allowing pivoting about three axes that are generally normal to one another with two axes of pivoting lying in substantially in a first plane and the third axis of pivoting intersecting that plane at a variable angle in a second plane generally perpendicular to the first plane. The three axes of pivoting substantially intersect and the implement may be attached wherein the load from the implement is directed downwardly and over the draft arms of the tractor.

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 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: 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: Machine for working the soil in tree or shrub plantations, consisting of a chassis (1-2) equipped with mechanisms (4-5a, 11, 11) allowing it to be mounted on the universal three-point hitch system of a farm tractor and consisting, laterally, of mechanisms (28a, 28b) permitting the mounting of lateral tools (29A, 29B) allowing the working of the soil near the feet of the aligned trees or shrubs and mechanisms for driving these tools in rotation from the power take-off shaft of the tractor, characterized in that the chassis (1-2) is itself provided with a universal three-point hitch system (4-5b, 13, 13) allowing the mounting, on this chassis, of a second machine that customarily moves in between the rows, for the working or the treatment of the soil, or any other job related to the cultivating of the trees or shrubs.

Abstract: The entire right, title and interest in and to this application and all subject matter disclosed and/or claimed therein, including any and all divisions, continuations, reissues, etc., thereof are, effective as of the date of execution of this application, assigned, transferred, sold and set over by the applicant(s) named herein to Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation having offices at Moline, Ill. 61265, U.S.A., together with all rights to file, and to claim priorities in connection with, corresponding patent applications in any and all foreign countries in the name of Deere & Company or otherwise.

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 motor vehicle trailer hitch adapter that mates with a motor vehicle trailer hitch receptacle and provides attachment of standard agricultural category one three point hitch implements such as scraper blades, landscaping rakes or box blades. The adapter comprises of a tube that interfaces with the motor vehicle hitch receptacle, a bracket that interfaces with the category one implement's two pivot post attachment points, and a winch that interfaces with the category one implement's upper attachment point for raising and lowering the implement. The electric winch contains a wire harness that is routed into the vehicle for power attachment and vehicle operator control of the winch. The motor vehicle battery powers the winch through an interface such as a cigarette lighter socket.

Abstract: A forwardly folding tillage implement carries a number of ground engaging tools on a tool gang frame disposed to the rear of a carrier frame. A rockshaft is disposed between the carrier frame and the tool gang frame and is movable between four rotated positions about two axes of rotation. A control mechanism controls the relative angular position of the rockshaft. A support mechanism is disposed rearwardly of the axes of rotation to support the rear of the tool gang frame above the ground in the field working position. An abutment member restrains the relative rotation between the rockshaft and the tool gang frame to fully support the tool gang frame on the rockshaft upon rotation of the rockshaft. A secondary hitch mechanism is also provide to couple a second implement behind the forwardly folding tillage implement.

Abstract: A latch for a link assembly is disclosed. The link assembly has (i) an internally threaded sleeve and (ii) an externally threaded rod positioned within the internally threaded sleeve so that the externally threaded rod is meshingly engaged with the internally threaded sleeve. The latch includes a handle portion operable between a lock mode and an unlock mode, wherein when the handle portion is (i) in the lock mode relative rotation between the internally threaded sleeve and the externally threaded rod is prevented and (ii) in the unlock mode relative rotation between the internally threaded sleeve and the externally threaded rod is allowed. The latch also includes an engagement portion secured to the handle portion.

Abstract: A hitch module for a track-type work machine in which the pivot point of a towed work implement is varied by selectively positioning a pair of links joining the work machine to a hitch frame.

Abstract: A hydraulic hitch for connecting two planters or drills in tandem for planting or in line for transport. The hitch utilizes an overhead beam and stabilizer bar interconnecting the lead and trailing drills to control and guide the drills from one position to the other. This overhead beam is combined with a unique folding tongue and floating tongue tube that are hydraulically operated to allow the operator to conduct the operations from the tractor cab after manually removing safety lock pins.

Abstract: A trailer mounted sprayer having an air boom supported from the trailer frame by a four-bar linkage movable by a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the elevation of the boom and with ground-engaging wheels rotatably attached to bell cranks mounted on the frame and pivotable by cylinders to control the ground clearance. Accumulators isolate the frame from shock loads created as the wheels traverse uneven ground and also isolate the boom from shock loads that would otherwise be transmitted from the frame to the boom. A draft member pinned to both the trailer and to the tractor pulling the trailer has hydraulic jacks to determine which of the pinned connections will control the pivotal movement between the tractor and the trailer.

Abstract: A length-adjustable upper steering arm for a three-point coupling device, including a connecting eye having a threaded shank, and a coupling hook having a threaded shank, both of which are received in threaded bores of a sleeve, and which threads extend in opposite directions. To achieve a locked position or disengaged position of the coupling hook relative to the sleeve, there are provided an actuating lever and a locking ratchet which is partially pivotable independently thereof. Because the spring-loaded locking ratchet may be pivoted from the disengaged position into the engaged position independently of the actuating lever, the thread is not subject to jamming forces.

Abstract: An articulate tow bar for use with a ride-on for pulling an independent mower unit. The tow bar has first and second members pivotally attached at adjacent ends by a lockable coupling that permits the members to be positioned alternately in a transport position or working position. The first member is pivotally attached to the tractor by a horizontal hinge and the second member is pivotally attached to the independent unit by a universal joint, the pivotal connections permit the tractor and independent unit to operate on hilly uneven terrain. Controls are located on the articulate tow bar adjacent the mower for operating the independent unit which allows the tow bar and the mower unit to be readily adaptable to conventional mowers.

Abstract: A powered vacuum is mounted between a tractor carrying a rotary mower and a trailer carrying a receptacle for moving material from the mower discharge to the receptacle. A mounting frame carries a blower which may include either an internal combustion engine or gearbox and a fan coupled directly to the engine or gearbox. The mounting frame is mounted to the tractor by connections defining three coplanar ball joints located to permit relative pitch and roll between the tractor and trailer. The mounting frame is easily releasably secured to the tongue of the trailer. The mounting frame is articulated between its opposite ends for movement about a tight vertical axis. The mounting frame, in one form, defines a receptacle for receiving a support member of a wheeled dolly for supporting the powered vacuum when the mounting frame is disconnected from the tractor and trailer, and in another form includes retractable wheels which may be selectively placed in an operative condition for supporting the vacuum.

Abstract: A seeder cart having draft apparatus and caster wheels arranged to be coupled between draft bars of an agricultural implement, the seeder cart carrying seed and/or fertilizer bins and a metering arrangement to feed the seed and/or fertilizer to distributor points on the implement characterized by a pull head on the seeder cart having withdrawable pins on the pull head allowing the implement to be detached from the draft bar of the seeder cart, the pull head having a universal coupling device between it and the draft apparatus of the seeder cart and the seeder cart having limited movement stabilizer apparatus connecting its rear portion to the draft bars of the implement.

Abstract: A dual implement hitch for pivotal connection to the drawbar of a towing vehicle whereby a pair of implements, such as rakes, tedders or the like may be selectively towed in one of several modes by a simple movement of an operator without disconnecting the implements from the hitch and reconnecting same in a different position. The hitch comprises an arched longitudinal frame having a clevis at its front end for connection to the towing vehicle. The rear of the longitudinal frame is rigidly supported upon an arched transverse from which is supported by dirigible wheels at its opposite ends. A first hitch element is provided at the front end of the longitudinal frame behind the clevis for pivotally connecting a first implement to the frame, beneath the arch. A second hitch element is provided at the rear of the longitudinal frame for pivotally connecting a second implement in trailing position behind the hitch. A tie rod maintains parallel relationship of the wheels.

Abstract: A guidance system for use with tractor-mounted row crop cultivators and similar implements includes a pair of independent furrow followers mounted one behind the other on the implement for sensing implement position relative to a preestablished guidance furrow. Series-connected switches are controlled by furrow sensor arms to activate a solenoid valve-controlled hydraulic cylinder on a laterally movable parallel linkage hitch which replaces the standard three-point hitch on the implement. When the implement is raised from the ground, V-shaped stops under the sensor arms automatically position the sensors at the null point. Switches and an actuator on the hydraulic cylinder operate in response to movement of the tractor rockshaft to return the implement to center position in preparation for alignment with the next set of rows to be cultivated.

Abstract: A hitch and pivot frame are pivotally attached to a main frame of a pull-type swather and a main or inner wheel is attached to the pivot frame. By removal or unlatching of a restraining device, the pivot frame can pivot with the wheel, through approximately 90.degree. and into a transport position without unhooking the tractor. The outer wheel is moved into the transport position by manual means in a conventional manner. The main or inner wheel can be in a cambered position or in a toed-out position depending upon field conditions.

Abstract: A tandem implement hitch apparatus including a longitudinally extending frame bridging over a first implement and having depending leg portions forming wheel supports and a tongue for connection to a towing vehicle. An elongated implement drawbar is pivotally mounted on the hitch frame and includes depending leg portions at opposite longitudinal ends thereof for connection to at least two spaced apart implements which may be towed by the hitch apparatus in left or right echelon working formations or an in-line tandem transport formation. The implement drawbar is positioned by a hydraulic cylinder actuator connected to the drawbar and the hitch frame.

Abstract: A mechanism for spring loading a transport lock on a crop harvesting machine having a pivotally movable tongue mounted to the frame of the harvesting machine, commonly referred to as a pivot-tongue windrower, is disclosed wherein first and second springs are compressible to exert a biasing force on a locking pin to urge the pin through suitable aligned apertures in the base of the tongue and in the frame of the machine to automatically extend the locking pin through the apertures when they become aligned due to manipulation of the pivotal movement of the tongue by the operator at a location remote from the locking pin. An actuating lever includes a camming surface that is selectively cooperable with either the bight portion of the housing or the base plate on the tongue to effect a compression of the first and second springs, respectively, to bias the locking pin toward either a locked or unlocked position.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for the transport lock on a crop harvesting machine having a pivotally movable tongue mounted to the frame of the harvesting machine, commonly referred to as a pivot-tongue windrower, is disclosed wherein a first spring is compressible to exert a biasing force on a locking pin to urge the pin through suitable aligned apertures in the base of the tongue and in the frame of the machine to automatically extend the locking pin through the apertures when they become aligned due to manipulation of the pivotal movement of the tongue by the operator at a location remote from the locking pin. A second spring is compressible to exert a biasing force on the locking pin to urge the locking pin into an unlocked position, withdrawn from the hole in the frame, so that the tongue is free to pivotally move relative to the frame. The second spring is operable to automatically compress the first spring when the locking pin is moved to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A transport lock actuating mechanism for a crop harvesting machine having a pivotally moveable tongue mounted to the frame of the harvesting machine, commonly referred to as a pivot-tongue windrower, is disclosed wherein a single spring is compressed to exert a biasing force on a locking pin to urge the pin through suitable aligned apertures in the base of the tongue and in the frame of the machine to automatically extend the locking pin through the apertures when they become aligned due to manipulation of the pivotal movement of the tongue by the operator at a location remote from the locking pin. The transport lock actuating mechanism is alternatively operable to exert a biasing force on the locking pin to urge the locking pin into a position withdrawn from the apertures so that the machine can be moved from a transport position to an operating position.

Abstract: A towing apparatus capable of being pulled over the ground by a single tractor and for towing multiple agricultural implements is provided with a main towing arm having at its end opposite the tractor hitch a vertically extending beam to which is pivotally attached for rotation in a horizontal plane a second towing arm which extends outwardly from opposite sides of the pivotal connection and has at its free end ground engaging wheels and towing hitches; a piston and cylinder device is mounted on the vertical beam of the main towing arm and is connected to a portion of the second towing arm to effect pivotal movement of the second towing arm in a horizontal plane to move the towed implements to an aligned on the road position and for moving the towed elements to an extended off the road position; the second towing arm is divided into a first and second portion, each of which has one end connected for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis to the pivot connection on the beam of the main towing arm.

Abstract: A frame carries two transverse digger shafts each having a plurality of diggers mounted thereon in spaced apart relationship such that the diggers form independent furrows. The frame is supported on wheels on a single axis between the two digger shafts and it tiltable on this axis substantially independently of the three point hitch by virtue of a pair of pivoted connections between the hitch and the frame. A longitudinal tilt arm extends from an elevated position over the frame and is connected near its forward end by a resilient member to the hitch or to a selected attachment point on a rigid telescoping member also extending between the tilt arm and hitch. The tilt of the frame is also biased by placement of the wheel frame axis slightly to the rear of the frame's center of gravity. The digger shafts are connected to the drive for opposite relative rotation with the rear shaft rotating rearwardly whereby its diggers apply a retarding force to the frame and stabilize the frame on the frame wheel axis.

Abstract: A generally horizontal forwardly opening U-shaped frame is provided including a pair of front to rear extending elongated opposite side members and a rear cross member extending and secured between the rear ends of the side members. The forward ends of the side members may be removably anchored to transversely spaced rear portions of a forward implement and an elongated front-to-rear extending draw bar is provided and pivot structure pivotally anchors the draw bar to the cross member for oscillation relative thereto about an upright axis disposed intermediate the opposite ends of said cross member and the front and rear ends of said draw bar.

Abstract: A vehicle to be moved in either of two mutually perpendicular directions, and including a first plurality of caster wheels, a second plurality of wheels rotatable on parallel axes to follow a common track aligned with one of the directions, apparatus for moving said second plurality of wheels into and out of contact with the ground, and coupling members for applying tractive force to the vehicle in either of said directions.

Abstract: An automatic guidance system for towed vehicles is disclosed comprising a marker, a position sensor, an electronic operational amplifier circuit, an electrical servo controlled hydraulic valve, and a hydraulically controlled swinging draw bar hitch. The position sensor comprises a follower to follow the furrow mark in the ground made by the marker on the preceding pass of the farm implement over the ground and variable resistors mounted on the followers electrically connected to the amplifier circuit. The electrical servo controlled hydraulic valve is driven by the operational amplifier circuit in response to the varying output voltages received from the variable resistors responding to the position of the follower. The position of the towed implement relative to the furrow mark is adjusted by the action of the hydraulically controlled swinging draw bar responding to the operation of the electrical servo controlled hydraulic valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is an agricultural roller useful, for example, in closing and packing furrows after they have been sowed by a seed drill. The roller includes a generally rectangular frame equipped with several roller mounting stations for mounting the desired number of pairs of rollers for a particular use in side-by-side alignment. The frame is also equipped with alternate towbar mounting stations and means for positioning the towbar appropiately for the number of roller pairs employed, and with mounting stations for outrigger frames carrying additional roller pairs when desired. The roller pairs are so mounted on the frame (and outriggers) that they are pivotable in a vertical plane transverse to the rolling direction to closely follow the land contour.

Abstract: An implement has an elongated frame that extends transverse to the direction of travel and soil-working members rotatably mounted on a portion of the frame that depends from spaced apart, forward and rear frame beams. A coupling assembly having coupling points for auxiliary implements is pivoted to the forward frame beam by two beam members that extend rearwardly and rest on top of the rear frame beam to limit the downward movement of the assembly when the implement is raised. The rear ends of the beam members are connected to a tubular beam and further beams extend rearward from the tubular beam. A transverse beam interconnects the further beams centrally thereof and coupling points such as hooks are adjustably connected to plates that depend from the further beams. A central coupling point is fastened to the transverse beam and the further beams are adjustable to vary the width of the assembly.

Abstract: The device is pulled behind conventional sod cutting apparatus and includes an angled roller that diverts the various sod rolls sequentially discharged from the apparatus, doing so to one side of the path traversed by the apparatus. The device also includes a frame having ground supports for supporting the roller at a slight elevation above the ground so that the roller is free to rotate in a direction determined by the still moving rolls of sod. Provision is made for optimumly adjusting the roller angle and once adjusted to maintain the same angle when changing the setting back and forth to divert rolls either to the left or right. The device also includes a hitch by which the device can be quickly unhitched at the end of each run to permit the sod cutting apparatus to be turned around more readily. Also, the roller supporting frame is adjustable to accept rollers of different lengths for accommodating sod rolls of different sizes.

Abstract: A cultivator section comprises an articulated frame supported by castor wheels and having both hinge connections and universal ball joint connections so that the frame can articulate when transversing uneven ground, gullies, etc. and maintaining the cultivating implements at a substantially even depth below ground surface. In other words the frame articulates so that it remains substantially parallel to the surface regardless of the uneveness of the surface. A hitch frame is connected to the cultivator frame at a plurality of the points and an even pull is thereby obtained. The cultivator section is easily adapted to transport position. A plurality of cultivator sections can be used in side by side relationship by adjusting the hitch frame so that a single section or a multiple section cultivator can be formed depending on the size of land to be cultivated and the amount of power available in the tractor or other towing means.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining an implement which is coupled to a tool bar in a controlled position behind a prime mover, having a pair of rock arm devices each including a rod coupled to the bottom lift arms of the tractor's three-point hitch, each of the rods being rotatably received by a sleeve upon which is mounted a normally upright plate. Positioned a distance above the sleeve on the plate is a second rod extending rearwardly and rotatably received by a second sleeve. The second sleeve is rigidly secured to the tool bar by a bracket device. A cylinder and piston having one end of the cylinder pivotally fastened to the tool bar and the piston pivotally fastened to the nearest plate, with a rod coupling both plates together. As the piston expands and contracts relative to the cylinder, the tops of the plates are displaced in the same direction.

Abstract: An implement frame construction includes rigid implement frame sections positioned in side-by-side relation and joined by a linkage system which permits the sections to universally flex within desired limits with respect to each other without substantial variation in lateral spacing therebetween.

Abstract: An earthworking implement mounted on a three-point hitch of a draft vehicle with a hitch assembly. The hitch assembly has members mounted in clamps secured to a main transverse beam. Two of these members include lower forward projecting portions and a third member therebetween has an upper forward projecting portion. The two lower portions are connected to a transverse bar, which is attached to the draft links of the three-point hitch. The upper portion is connected to the control link of the three-point hitch. These members are individually adjustable, whereby they may be adjusted to fit variations in structure of three-point hitches. A plurality of parallel linkages movably connect a transverse tool bar to the beam. Row guide units having guide and gauge wheels and furrowing tools are mounted with clamps to the tool bar. Earthworking tools, herbicide incorporators and seed planters can be mounted with clamps to the tool bar.