Abstract: An agricultural applicator machine has a frame and at least one horizontally extending boom assembly. The boom assembly pivots to a folded position in which it is secured in a boom-cradle mechanism. The boom-cradle mechanism includes a crossmember and a boom rest at an outer end of the crossmember, the boom rest having a rigid inboard boom stop, a rigid outboard boom stop, and a saddle portion. The inboard boom stop extends from the saddle portion in an out-of-phase configuration relative the outboard boom stop. The boom-cradle mechanism has a locking assembly having an actuator assembly configured to rotate the crossmember, and thus the cradle boom rest. The actuator assembly connects to the crossmember through a linkage assembly. The actuator assembly causes the crossmember to rotate causing the boom rest to move between an open position and a locked position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for distributing particulate matter over a surface by spreading. The apparatus for distributing particulate matter over a surface is adapted to be fitted to a prime mover. The apparatus includes a mounting frame for attaching the apparatus to the prime mover, at least one grading blade carried by the mounting frame and mounted moveable laterally sideways relative to the prime mover and an actuator to controllably move the grading blade to move the grading blade substantially sideways relative to the prime mover. The lateral sideways movement of the apparatus relative to prime mover enables particulate matter to be moved independent of the direction of travel of the prime mover.

Abstract: A cultivator sweep assembly having a sweep adapted for releasable attachment to a shank of a mobile agricultural apparatus. The sweep assembly includes a sweep having a more narrow profile, and a coupling attached to a tapered end portion of the shank and disposed between the sweep and the supporting shank. The sweep includes a stem portion that defines a housing configured to frictionally receive and engage the tapered end portion of the shank. The end portion of the shank having the coupling attached thereto is slidably received within the housing until a projection of the coupling is received through a top opening of the housing. The projection received through the top opening indicating that the end portion of the shank is sufficiently received within the housing of the sweep, and that the sweep is mounted to the shank with sufficient force.

Abstract: A haymaking machine including a frame carrying at least one pair of rotors connected to carrying arms that may be moved from a working position, in which they are substantially horizontal, to a transport position, in which they are substantially vertical, and vice-versa. The carrying arms of at least one pair of rotors include a latching mechanism that connects them together and locks them with regard to one another in the transport position.

Abstract: A skid steer attachment lock for preventing the theft of a tool attached to a skid steer loader. The device comprises of an extendable hollow shaft having a first and second opposite ends, wherein the first and second opposite ends are open and adapted to respectively accommodate a first and second attachment tool locking arms when the arms are facing each other; and a locking mechanism disposed in the outer shaft of the extendable shaft for temporarily locking the extendable shaft at a desired length.

Abstract: A walk-behind working machine has a machine body and a wheel mounted on the machine body for undergoing rotation to move the walk-behind working machine along a ground surface. A cultivator device is mounted on the machine body for cultivating the ground. A working device attachment is removably connected to the machine body for working the ground. A connection mechanism removably connects the working device attachment to the machine body. The connection mechanism has a pair of link members each pivotally connected at a first end portion thereof to the working device attachment and a control unit for controlling a position of the working device attachment with respect to the ground surface so that when the working operation, the first end portions of the link members are disposed closer to the ground surface than the second end portions of the link members.

Abstract: A system for coupling excavation equipment components is provided. The system includes a retainer pin having first and second detents which are extendable axially from a surface of the retainer pin, in response to rotation of a valve seated at least partially within a cylindrical bore which extends at least partially through the retainer pin. In accordance with the particular embodiment, the valve includes at least one slotted portion configured to receive the detents at least partially therein, when the detents are in a retracted position.

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. An automatic locking mechanism is associated with a transport latching apparatus to effect a release of the latching mechanism in response to the actuation of the hydraulic cylinders for converting the wing members from the transport configuration to the field operating configuration.

Abstract: This invention provides a mounting arrangement for a ripper shank that is mounted in a channel defined in a ripper frame. A pair of piston members are mounted in the frame on opposite sides of the ripper shank. The piston members are urged into engagement with the ripper shank by a biasing mechanism that is positioned between the frame and the piston members. An actuating mechanism is mounted between the frame and the piston members to disengage the biasing mechanism to allow the adjustment of the ripper shank with respect to the frame in one of an infinite number of positions.

Abstract: A boom lock assembly is disclosed. The boom lock assembly locks a boom in a boom saddle and includes a lock mounting frame, a boom lock, and a boom lock actuator. The lock mounting frame is attached to the boom saddle frame. The lock mounting frame includes an actuator support member and a lock support member. The boom lock is slidably mounted on the lock support member and is moveable between a first extended position and a second retracted position. When the boom lock is in the first extended position, the boom lock captures the boom between the boom saddle and the boom lock. When the boom lock is in the second position, the boom lock permits movement of the boom out of the saddle. The boom lock actuator is mounted to the actuator support member at a first end and the boom lock at a second end. The boom lock actuator moves the boom lock to its first and second positions.

Abstract: A disk support bracket assembly including a cross tube bracket and a disk shank support bracket pivotally connected to the cross tube bracket to allow the disk support bracket to pivot between a working position wherein the bracket bottoms against the cross tube bracket, and a storage position wherein the bracket is offset vertically from the cross tube to increase clearance. The shank support bracket is pivotally connected to the cross tube bracket near an upper forward corner of the cross tube and includes a relatively wide stop portion that bottoms against a mating stop portion at the front face of the tube bracket when the shank support bracket is in the working position. A pin is selectively insertable through apertures in the brackets adjacent the stop to lock the shank in an upright working position.

Abstract: An implement for preparing seedbeds and lawns includes a main frame member upon which are mounted scarifying teeth to penetrate the soil and tines which work the soil and prepare the final grade after the soil has been scarified. A subframe is pivotally mounted on the main frame and carries a grading blade ahead of the scarifying teeth when the implement is move in the forward direction. The blade is allowed to float relative to the main frame on the subframe to thereby knock down vegetation, remove rocks and lightly grade the soil. The subframe can be moved relative the main frame to a position lifting the scarifying teeth and the tines off of the ground and allowing the blade to provide a deeper grading of the soil or the subframe may be moved to a position lifting the blade off of the soil so that the soil is contacted only by the scarifying teeth and the tines.

Abstract: Many openers are mounted on the lateral tool-bar of a farm implement. For crop and fertilizer change, different spacings along the tool-bar are required for the openers. Multi-position tool-mounting structures are provided, for each opener as required. Each has a pivoting arm, which may be locked in one of several positions. The locked-in position of each arm may be changed manually, and independently of the other tools, upon manually releasing a biassed locking pin. Adjustment to cater to the next application is light, quick, simple, and accurate.

Abstract: A planter row unit having a frame with a first unitary rigid plate and structure for attaching a soil engaging component in an operative position on the first unitary rigid plate and first structure cooperating between a towing frame that is movable in a forward towing direction and the first unitary rigid plate for attaching the first unitary rigid plate to a towing frame so that the first unitary rigid plate a) follows forward movement of the towing frame to which the first unitary rigid plate attaches and b) is movable vertically relative to a towing frame to which the first unitary rigid plate attaches to allow the first unitary rigid plate to move conformingly over uneven terrain.

Abstract: A plow apparatus for laying cable, pipe, tile and the like underground having a blade with an upwardly extending shank portion for support. A blade holder connects the shank to a plow-pulling crawler tractor and the holder has an opening therein to receive the shank. An arm is pivotally mounted on the blade holder on one end of the arm to press the shank against an interior surface of the holder in the opening. A blade dog pivotally mounted on the holder is also provided to lock the shank in the holder at a selected height by means of recesses formed on the rear surface of the shank at various heights. One of the recesses is engaged by the blade dog in the locked position. The invention permits one machine operator to quickly and easily adjust the cutting depth of the blade without the use of tools.

Abstract: An implement for preparing seedbeds and lawns includes a main frame member upon which are mounted scarifying teeth to penetrate the soil and tines which work the soil and prepare the final grade after the soil has been scarified. A subframe is pivotally mounted on the main frame and carries a grading blade ahead of the scarifying teeth when the implement is move in the forward direction. The blade is allowed to float relative to the main frame on the subframe to thereby knock down vegetation, remove rocks and lightly grade the soil. The subframe can be moved relative the main frame to a position lifting the scarifying teeth and the tines off of the ground and allowing the blade to provide a deeper grading of the soil or the subframe may be moved to a position lifting the blade off of the soil so that the sold is contacted only by the scarifying teeth and the tines.