Abstract: An agricultural row unit includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to a towing frame, and a linkage assembly pivotably coupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivoting movement of the linkage assembly relative to the attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the linkage assembly for urging the linkage assembly downwardly toward the soil, and an accumulator is mounted to the hydraulic cylinder for supplying pressurized gas to the hydraulic cylinder urging the linkage assembly upwardly away from the soil. A manifold is removably mounted to the hydraulic cylinder via a mounting interface, the manifold being selected from a group of different types of modular manifolds in which each manifold is removably mountable to the hydraulic cylinder, one at a time, via the same mounting interface, the manifold having two hydraulic-fluid ports including an inlet port and an outlet port.

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: An agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, a linkage pivotably coupled to the attachment frame, and a row unit frame having a leading end pivotably coupled to the linkage to permit vertical pivoting movement of the row unit frame relative to the attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder coupled to the attachment frame and the linkage, for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil, includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for advancing the ram in a direction that pivots the linkage and the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame. A support member is pivotably coupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivoting movement of the support member relative to the attachment frame, and at least one furrow-closing device is mounted on the support member. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the support member for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil. The hydraulic cylinder includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for urging the ram in a first direction that pivots the support member in a first vertical direction. An accumulator has a fluid chamber containing a pressurized gas for urging the ram in a second direction that pivots the support member in a second vertical direction.

Abstract: A lift arm assembly is provided for a hitch having a hitch frame adapted to be mounted to a vehicle. The lift arm assembly includes a first arm pivotally coupled to the frame and having a having a pivot bore therein. A second arm is adapted for coupling to an implement and has a pivot pin which is rotatably and slidably received by the pivot bore. The second arm is slidable with respect to the first arm from an inboard position to an outboard position. When the second arm is in its outboard position, the second arm is pivotal about the pivot pin from a lowered position to a raised position.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a lost motion linkage, a hoe opener, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by adjusting assembly components to and compensating for changes in terrain elevation.

Abstract: A furrow opener device includes a disc arranged to open a primary furrow in the ground. A scraper body has a leading scraper edge supported alongside the disc to scrape the disc. A wing member is supported on a bottom portion of the scraper body in proximity to a bottom end of the disc and extends laterally outwardly away from the disc so as to be arranged to open a groove in the primary furrow projecting laterally to one side of the primary furrow, and a tube extends generally downward to an output opening located adjacent the wing member and is arranged for depositing product into the groove. A packer wheel is arranged in a first configuration where depth of disc penetration is gauged by a gauge wheel adjacent to the furrow opener and in a second configuration in which depth is gauged by the packer wheel.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump drive is mounted to the tongue of an agricultural implement. Connecting components between the pump and the drawbar extender of the towing tractor aim the pump input shaft toward the tractor. A short telescoping PTO assembly connects the pump shaft to the tractor PTO shaft using conventional PTO components operating in a nominal equal angle configuration.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for use between a prime mover having a pair of moveable arms and a trailed vehicle. The hitch assembly includes a transverse member attached by a pivot attachment to each movable arm at spaced locations on the transverse member. Each of the movable arms is pivotable about a horizontal axis defined by the transverse member. A pivot connection connects the transverse member and a frame member or draw bar of the trailed vehicle. The transverse member pivots with respect to the frame member or drawbar about a vertical axis and a horizontal axis defined by the direction of travel.

Abstract: A device for coupling two units to each other with at least five connecting elements (18,20,22,24,26) whereby the respective first end thereof can be hingeably connected to respectively one connection point (30,32,34,36,38) of one unit and whose other end can be hingeably connected to a respective connection point (40,42,44,46,48) of the other unit. One length-adjustable connecting element (18) is exclusively provided, the element being arranged in a substantially central position in the upper area of the device (12). Two connecting elements (24,26) are provided in the lower area of the device (12). Two length-adjustable connectable elements (20,22) are coupled substantially at the connection point (36;38) of a connecting element (24,26) arranged in the lower area of the device (12) on one unit, and in a lower area (42,4?) of the other unit. A length-adjustable stabilizer element (28) is also provided.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump drive is mounted to the tongue of an agricultural implement. Connecting components between the pump and the drawbar extender of the towing tractor aim the pump input shaft toward the tractor. A short telescoping PTO assembly connects the pump shaft to the tractor PTO shaft using conventional PTO components operating in a nominal equal angle configuration.

Abstract: An coupling mechanism includes a cross member, left and right side members projecting from the cross member, and a pair of attaching members which are removably attached to the side members. Each attaching member has an elongated body, a first hook fixed to a first end of the body, and a second hook fixed to a second end of the body. The first hook has at least one dimensional feature which is smaller than a corresponding dimensional feature of the second hook. Each attaching member is mountable in a corresponding one of the side members in a first orientation with the first hook in an operative position and is mountable in a second orientation with the second hook in an operative position. A longer portion of each attaching member projects from a lower end of the corresponding side member when the attaching member is mounted in the first orientation.

Abstract: An implement lift system for connection to a tractor and a farm implement, the system including a frame having a plurality of pivotal attachment devices being the sole structural connection of the implement lift system to the tractor. The pivotal attachment devices are substantially aligned about an axis and a support member is associated with the frame. The support member is movable in a plane substantially parallel with the axis. The support member being connectable to the farm 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 farm equipment hitch comprises a hitch frame, a lift linkage, a lift cradle, a ram and a plurality of locking mechanisms.

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

Abstract: A hitch for hitching a plow to a vehicle is disclosed. The hitch includes a vehicle portion and a plow portion. The vehicle portion includes a mounting member having a substantially planar face. The plow can be pivotally mounted to the plow portion of the hitch. The plow portion of the hitch can be removably mounted to the vehicle portion of the hitch. The plow portion can include a pair of clamping members with one clamping member being movable with respect to the other clamping member. The plow portion can also include a lift assembly for moving the plow between a plowing position and an elevated position.

Abstract: A planting machine having a lifting arrangement for lifting and carrying planting units, with the weight of the units uniformly and evenly distributed on the machine when the units are traveling in an inoperative mode, the planting machine including a lifting tower upwardly extending in a sloped plane for lifting the planting units up to the transportation inoperative position mode, along the sloped plane defined by the lifting tower, the center of gravity of the planting units lying in a position wherein the weight of the planting units is symmetrically distributed relative to the wheels of the rolling transportation chassis; with the spacing distance between the planting units, in the planting position, being capable of being modified as a function of the desired distance between furrows, without the wheels of the transportation chassis interfering with the hoppers of the planting units and hindering the movement of the planting units.

Abstract: A lifting device comprising: a backframe (1) equipped at its bottom with a pair of arms (4); lifting element (R) between the pair of arms (4) and the backframe (1), and two forearms (10a) mounted on each side of the pair of arms (4) on an articulation spindle (11), each forearm comprising an attachment bracket (13) and, at the opposite end, an extension (15) beyond the articulation spindle (11). The end of the extension (15) has a recess (16) which is open in the direction away from the attachment bracket. A stop connected to the pair of arms comprises a transverse spindle (20) equipped, over part of its length and of its periphery, with a radial bulge (E). When the bulge (E) is housed in the recess (16), the forearm (10a) is immobilized relative to the pair of arms (4), whereas when the bulge is out of the recess (16), a limited angular excursion of the forearm (10a) relative to the pair of arms (4) is possible.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable hitch for an agricultural tractor includes a pair of guide rails and a retainer which moves up and down on the rails. A chain has fixed ends and a central region which engages a pair of pulleys which are rotatably mounted on the retainer. As the pulleys rotate, they roll along the chain and move the retainer. A drive mechanism is coupled to rotate at least one of the pulleys. A locking mechanism is releasably engageable with the chain to prevent movement of the retainer relative to the chain.

Abstract: This invention is a simple, safe, and inexpensive beam structure for tractor forward mounting of a blade (24). A pivot plate (11) is mounted at the tractor lower mid-section. Parallel beams (12) are positioned through the pivot plate (11) and extend beyond the tractor front and rear. The aft ends of beams (12) are attached to the tractor 2 or 3 point rear hydraulic lift arms (26). The forward ends of the beams (12) are the blade primary attachment points. A counterweight (13) attached rearward will raise the blade (24) when the tractor 2 or 3 point rear hydraulic lift arms (26) are lowered. The blade (24) is lowered by raising the 2 and 3 point rear hydraulic lift arms (26), thereby, giving effective vertical control of the front mounted blade.

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 hitch for connecting the rear of a garden tractor to the rear of a garden tiller of the type having one or more tines which rotate in the direction of normal travel of said tiller comprising a beam, a bracket and an arm aligned in an adjustable triangular shape being in a substantially vertical plane for the controlled pulling of the tiller by the tractor in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the tiller tines thereof.

Abstract: An implement-mounting linkage mechanism for pivotally connecting a frame to a wheeled implement is disclosed. The mechanism is preferably used for pivotally connecting a wheeled load-bearing frame to the backside of a wheeled farm implement. The frame includes wheels adjustable relative to the frame for raising and lowering the frame relative to the ground. The frame preferably includes a plurality of soil-engaging ground-tool implements mounted thereon. The mounting-linkage mechanism of the present invention incorporates a novel non-parallel four-point design which virtually eliminates negative hitch weight when the frame is raised above the ground, in the static case. On the other hand, the novel design results in a net downward force being imposed upon the ground-tool implements when the frame is lowered for soil engagement, in the dynamic case.

Abstract: A tractor hitch assembly including clamps mounted to the lower frame portion of a tractor. Each clamp comprised of a lug having a plurality of vertically elongated seats, and a clip pivotally mounted to the lug and having a plurality of vertically aligned C-shaped recesses. Each C-shape recess is cooperatively positioned with a respective seat to capture a pin associated with an implement support assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic lift arm assembly for vehicle including parallel sidewalls between which an axle tube is fixably mounted. The lift arm assembly is rotatably mounted around the axle tube.

Abstract: A forestry cultivation instrument, particularly a scarifier, is attached to a telescoping carrier. In operation, the carrier is connected to a vehicle and, when an obstacle is encountered, the carrier may telescope outwardly thereby reducing shock loading to both the vehicle and the scarifier. The telescoping members are held contracted by fluid pressure with the telescoping occurring, after the obstacle is encountered, when the obstacle causes fluid pressure to increase beyond the pressure which would occur from normal drawing resistance of the scarifier. The fluid pressure may then be used to aid the operator in clearing the scarifier from the obstacle. Various other forms of forestry equipment may be substituted for the scarifier.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for interconnecting an agricultural tool with a towing vehicle to allow relative angular vertical articulation between the tool and vehicle during use and to lock rigidly with the tool for transport. The hitch includes two pivotably interconnected frames. A first wheel supported frame is adapted to be connected to the towing vehicle. The second frame is adapted to be rigidly connected to the tool. A control mechanism operates from the vehicle hydraulic system and is connected between the frames. The mechanism is operative to lock the frames together rigidly or to unlock the frames for relatively free pivotal movement. The control means includes provisions for tipping the tool forward and downward as it is being lowered to a ground-working, operative position. The effective height of the frames can also be varied to correspond with the height of the tool at its ground-working operative position.

Abstract: Two gang disc harrow units are pivotally joined near corresponding ends by a vertical axis hinge coupling. Near their opposite corresponding ends, the harrow units are connected by a collapsible toggle linkage which operates in a horizontal plane under influence of a power cylinder, whereby the harrow units can be positioned at a prescribed angle for working the soil and in parallel relationship for transport. Two transport wheels are pivotally attached to the rear harrow unit on transverse pivot axes which are parallel to the rear unit. Power cylinders interconnecting these wheels with the rear harrow unit are operable to lower and raise the wheels for lifting and lowering the rear unit. The front harrow unit has a pivotal connection with a drawbar which in turn is coupled through a draft tongue with the hitch of a towing or transport vehicle. Another power cylinder connected between the pivoted drawbar and front harrow unit is operable to lift and lower the front unit.

Abstract: A relatively compact and lightweight planting and fertilizing apparatus is attached to a small garden tractor by a universal hitch which restricts lateral movement between the two. The apparatus is spring biased downwardly to assure firm contact with the ground, and can be raised above the ground by a single lever. The lever carries the biasing spring, and cams lifting bearings on the lever against a lifting plate on the apparatus. The fertilizer is fed by an axially adjustable feed gear rotated by a ground engaging wheel on the apparatus. The feed gear is biased by an adjusting spring against a threaded adjusting knob which sets the axial position of the feed gear.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for folding an articulated agricultural implement such as a multisection plow in order to facilitate movement of the implement from field to field along available roadways. Stability in the folded condition and minimization of the number of hydraulic cylinders required are achieved through the use of a gravity operated lock arrangement associated with adjacent sections of the foldable wing frame units of the implement. The number of locks and hydraulic cylinders depends upon the total number of hinged sections used to form the base and wing units of the frame assembly. The inboard hydraulic cylinders are pivotally connected to respective draft beams on the base unit and each acts directly between such beam and the associated wing unit.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for use between a tractor-like vehicle and a trailer-like vehicle connected by a hitch connection means. The transfer apparatus comprises a linkage member attached between the tractor and trailer with at least a portion of the linkage member extending between the tractor and trailer at a position vertical with respect to the hitch connection means. Means in conjunction with the linkage member such as a hydraulic actuator may supply a rigid connection through the linkage member thereby preventing free hinging in a vertical plane between the tractor and trailer at the hitch connection means. The rigid connection may, for example, prevent rear-up of the tractor and shift weight to the rear driving wheels of the tractor.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable hitch for securing the drawbar of a towing vehicle to the tongue of a trailer in relative positions of vertical alignment comprises first and second interlocking members and first and second mounting means mounting the interlocking members one on the drawbar and the other on the tongue. One of the mounting means comprises a retainer receiving a plurality of pads adjustably mounted in interchangeable vertical relation. One of the pads extends outwardly from the others and mounts one of the interlocking members. A fastener releasably fastens the pads in the retainer in the selected relative positions of vertical adjustment, thereby aligning vertically the two interlocking members.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for detachably connecting an independently operable rotary ground tiller to the rear of a garden tractor or other riding vehicle for towed operation therebehind. Remote tiller clutch and tilling depth controls are mounted on the tractor within easy reach of the tractor operator.The hitch assembly includes a draw bar hitch pivotally mounted to the rear of the garden tractor, a tongue member mounted to and extending forward from the tiller, and a dual pivotal mounting universal joint releasably pivotally mounted to and between the draw bar and tongue. Removable pivot pins provide means for maintaining the universal joint in pivotally mounted relation between the tongue and draw bar.As hitched to the tractor, the rotary ground tiller, when desired, may be easily disconnected for independent walk-behind operation by removing one of the pivot pins from the hitch mounting, disconnecting the remote clutch control cable, and remounting the conventional tiller clutch control to the clutch.

Abstract: The implement includes a bucket having a lower scraping blade. A pair of laterally spaced ground-engaging wheels are pivotally supported on the rear of the bucket and may be swung upwardly and downwardly in unison to change the elevation of the bucket. One of the wheels may be shifted upwardly and downwardly relative to the other wheel to tilt the implement about a fore-and-aft extending axis and thereby enable the bucket to work at various inclinations.

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.

Abstract: Two gang disc harrow units are pivotally joined near corresponding ends by a vertical axis hinge coupling. Near their opposite corresponding ends, the harrow units are connected by a collapsible toggle linkage which operates in a horizontal plane under influence of a power cylinder, whereby the harrow units can be positioned at a prescribed angle for working the soil and in parallel relationship for transport. Two transport wheels are pivotally attached to the rear harrow unit on transverse pivot axes which are parallel to the rear unit. Power cylinders interconnecting these wheels with the rear harrow unit are operable to lower and raise the wheels for lifting and lowering the rear unit. The front harrow unit has a pivotal connection with a drawbar which in turn is coupled through a draft tongue with the hitch of a towing or transport vehicle. Another power cylinder connected between the pivoted drawbar and front harrow unit is operable to lift and lower the front unit.