Abstract: Systems for mounting a plurality of agricultural tools on a transverse support bar and a method for operating an agricultural implement having a transverse support bar are disclosed. The systems include a lateral positioning structure that can attach to the transverse support bar and a detachable base that can be releasably coupled to the lateral positioning structure.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a vertical floating row cleaner may include a mounting bracket configured to engage a row unit frame, which mounting bracket may have a receiver engaged therewith. An extension member may have first and second ends, with one end configured as an adjustor interface and the opposite end configured to pivotally engage at least one row cleaner wheel. An adjustor may engage the extension member at the adjustor interface such that the adjustor prevents the extension member from moving with respect to the receiver past a certain point in at least one direction.

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 tool mounting assembly for mounting an earth working tool to a shank or tyne, the shank or tyne having opposite side surfaces and the tool mounting assembly including a tool holder having an opening for slidably receiving the shank or tyne and the holder having means for cooperating with one or both side surfaces of the shank to prevent or minimize lateral twisting movement of the holder relative to said shank or tyne. Such means may comprise a surface which defines with a side surface of the shank a tapering space for receiving soil, dirt or other particulate material which in use becomes wedged between the holder and the side surface or surfaces of the shank or tyne. In another arrangement, a resilient wire, rod or other wedging member is received within the tapering space. In yet a further arrangement, the holder includes at least one clamping screw which can be advanced into engagement with the adjacent side surface of the shank to clamp the holder laterally to the shank.

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 packing pressure adjustment assembly for a ground opener unit of an agricultural implement includes a spring interconnected between a rotatable pressure adjustment arm and a trailing arm to which a packer wheel is rotatably mounted. The pressure adjustment arm is centered about an axle of the ground opener unit and is movable between a set of mounting positions that are defined by a set of teeth spaced and arced from one another along a frame portion of the ground opener unit. As the pressure adjustment arm is rotated, the amount of force exerted by the spring on the trailing arm is varied. The packing pressure adjustment assembly is relatively compact and is useful in providing high packing forces, such as a packing force in excess of 100 lbs.

Abstract: A packing pressure adjustment assembly for a ground opener unit of an agricultural implement includes a spring interconnected between a rotatable pressure adjustment arm and a trailing arm to which a packer wheel is rotatably mounted. The pressure adjustment arm is centered about an axle of the ground opener unit and is movable between a set of mounting positions that are defined by a set of teeth spaced and arced from one another along a frame portion of the ground opener unit. As the pressure adjustment arm is rotated, the amount of force exerted by the spring on the trailing arm is varied. The packing pressure adjustment assembly is relatively compact and is useful in providing high packing forces, such as a packing force in excess of 100 lbs.

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

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a shank including a shank holder having a passage for receiving the shank, the passage having at one end opposite tapering surfaces which define with the leading edge of the shank opposite tapering spaces for receiving wedge members. Bolts are provided between the wedging members and holder to urge the wedging members longitudinally of the passage to wedge the shank in a selected position relative to the holder.

Abstract: An agricultural apparatus comprises a main frame with ground wheels supporting the frame for movement across the ground and a plurality of ground engaging openers mounted on the frame for engaging the ground. Each opener includes a depth control wheel mounted on the opener frame member for movement in a direction for varying the height of the depth control wheel on the opener frame member to vary the depth of the opener element in the ground. A common adjustment apparatus for all the depth control wheels comprises an actuator, a common drive linkage mounted on the main frame and driven by the actuator and a plurality of individual adjustment members. A cam plate operable by the adjustment member. The depth control wheel is mounted on an arm on which is pivotally mounted on the opener frame member on a first pivot pin, the arm including a portion thereof for engaging the cam plate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dirt leveling device adapted for towing by a tractor which is characterized by one or more chisels attached to a transverse shaft on the front of the dirt leveling device having a rotatable relationship thereto, and a dirt leveling blade rotatably attached to the frame and controlled by a second hydraulically actuated ylinder. The hydraulically actuated cylinder for the chisels and the hydraulically actuated cylinder for the blade may be controlled by extensions to the vicinity of the driver of the towing vehicle.

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: Down pressure structure for providing an adjustable down force on a rig of row crop implement such as a cultivator includes an overcenter toggle connected to the rig for pivoting about a toggle axis between a first and second positions. The toggle has a protrusion that contacts the edge of a rig plate at two different locations corresponding to a light and a heavy down pressure position. A down pressure spring is tensioned between the frame and the toggle and maintains the toggle in a selected one of two overcenter positions corresponding to the two different spring tension positions. A hex projection on the toggle receives a conventional wrench for moving the toggle between the first and second positions. A second toggle and down pressure spring combination provide additional spring adjustments so that at a numerous easily determinable down pressure settings are available.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the operating position of a cultivator tool includes a tool bar with a frame secured thereto, a tool arm pivotally mounting the cultivator tool on the frame, a bracket having a plurality of holes therein mounted on the frame, and a tiltable lever arm mechanism pivotally mounted on the frame. The latter includes a lever having a first end portion constituting a handle, a second end portion, and a detent pin adapted to engage the holes in the bracket. A spring assembly yieldingly urges or tilts the bracket and lever together so the pin normally engages one of the holes. A handle extension can be installed to apply additional leverage, if needed. When the second end portion is connected to the frame by torsional spring, the downpressure exerted on an implement mounted on the frame can be varied. In another embodiment, a linkage bar pivotally connects the second end portion of the lever with the tool arm and allows the apparatus to raise and lower the tool.

Abstract: A holder for an agricultural tool. The holder has a shaft with first structure at a first location for mounting at least one agricultural tool to the shaft. The shaft has a portion that is movable guidingly in first and second opposite directions relative to a support on which the holder is mounted. A second structure is integrally formed as one piece with the shaft to limit movement of the shaft portion in one of the first and second directions relative to a support on which the holder is mounted.

Abstract: The working depth of obliquely angled disc gangs on the implement can be readily adjusted from the tractor seat with a single hydraulic cylinder through the use of mechanical linkage that couples the hydraulic cylinder with all of the disc gangs for simultaneous movement. Special pivots that join the gangs to the main frame permit the gangs to be manually angled adjusted without affecting depth, and vice-versa, while quick-release locks securely hold the gangs in their selected angular positions yet permit rapid adjustment.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed for independent adjustment of the gauge wheel, disc hillers, stabilizer disc and, if desired, the rear, central sweep for an agricultural cultivator unit. The adjusting mechanism includes a screw jack which is easily accessible from the top of the cultivator for setting the adjustment of vertically telescoping inner and outer tubular sections, and a clamp for maintaining the setting once the adjustment is made. Improvements in the disc hiller structure itself include an indicator plate located at the top of the shank on which the disc is mounted for indicating the angular adjustment of the working angle of the disc, and a forged shank having a circular cross-section at the top, and a flattened portion at the bottom to provide strength but flexibility.

Abstract: A repositioning mechanism for an agricultural implement. The mechanism has an adjusting rod with a length, a receptacle for the adjusting rod, cooperating structure on the adjusting rod and receptacle for relatively moving the adjusting rod and receptacle lengthwise of the adjusting rod as an incident of the adjusting rod being rotated about its length, structure on the receptacle for mounting an agricultural implement so that the agricultural implement moves with the receptacle, an operating handle, and structure for attaching the operating handle to the adjusting rod to facilitate rotation of the adjusting rod about its length by manipulation of the operating handle. The attaching structure, in one form, is a pin on one of the operating handle and adjusting rod and a slot on the other of the operating handle and adjusting rod, to receive the pin with the operating handle and adjusting rod in an operative position.

Abstract: The ridge preparation tool is adapted to be attached to a seed planter directly ahead of the trench-forming structure of the planter so as to skim off the crest of the ridge for the production of a clean, relatively narrow strip of prepared soil in which the trench-forming structure can operate effectively. The free-wheeling skimming disc of the tool is held at an oblique angle to the centerline of the planter and may be adjusted to increase or decrease the extent of side throw of the skimmed off materials by selectively raising or lowering an outwardly bent mounting arm that holds disc at its oblique angle. Raising or lowering the angled mounting arm causes the disc to cock inwardly or outwardly while maintaining the same oblique angle. The throw-adjusted disc can be returned to the same skimming depth by appropriate manipulation of a vertical adjustment unit associated with the tool.

Abstract: A grader especially adapted for use in association with a tractor having a three-point hitch with the grader being capable of use in cutting, moving, spreading and leveling all types of soil, aggregate and the like. The grader can also be used to carry, spread and level hot and cold asphalt, soil, aggregate and the like. The grader has blades adjustable to a predetermined depth with the specific angle of the grader blades and the speed of movement in relation to the surface being worked determining the operational characteristics of the grader. The grader includes a pair of transversely extending blades oriented at a particular angle and being vertically adjustably attached to a pair of side frame members having ground engaging slide shoes along the lower surface thereof. The ends of the blades are vertically adjustably connected to the side frame members and provided with manually operated cam structures to adjust the blades vertically.

Abstract: The invention provides automated adjustment of the height of a trenching blade. There is a blade holder having a generally vertical channel defined therein, and support means for carrying the blade holder behind a vehicle at a height above the ground. A trenching blade for dragging through the ground behind the vehicle has a shank portion extending upwardly therefrom into the channel and slidably engaging in the channel for vertical movement therewithin, whereby the depth of the blade may be varied. At least one hydraulic cylinder is connected between the blade holder and the blade shank for varying the position of the blade shank within the blade holder and thereby varying the depth of the blade. In the preferred embodiment, the support means is at the end of a boom which is pivotally connected to the vehicle for pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis, and the blade holder is pivotally mounted to the support means, for pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis.

Abstract: A trash clearing brush unit for use ahead of a planter unit including a pair of circular brushes rotatably mounted to a vertical support bar and angularly inclined toward one another. The support bar is attachable to a planter unit and vertically adjustable with respect thereto.

Abstract: An adjustment means for a cultivator disc which provides lateral, vertical and angular adjustment means. A plurality of discs are mounted in parallel on a gang frame, and may be individually adjusted in the field to exact, predetermined positions established by a positive positioning means, and then firmly held in place by a clamping means. In the presently preferred embodiment, the individual support shafts of each cultivator disc are supported by the angle adjustment brackets, which are supported by the lateral adjustment brackets, which are slidably supported in predetermined fixed positions in lateral housings attached to the main towing bar of the cultivator assembly.

Abstract: A shank mounting assembly for a soil opening point permits adjustment of the spacing between a pair of mounting bolts of the assembly for permitting attachment of the assembly to farm implement shanks having bolt holes of various spacings. The assembly includes an elongated adapter having a hidden, internal cavity to which access is gained only by an elongated slot on the backside of the adapter. The cavity and slot are so dimensioned that while the bolts may move lengthwise within the slot for positioning adjustment, the enlarged heads of the bolts remain in the cavity and cannot pass through the slot. By having the cavity accessible only from the back of the adapter and by providing the front face of the adapter with a smooth, continuous, soil-engaging surface, the heads of the bolts are protectively unexposed to abrasive contact with the soil during use.

Abstract: A row crop cultivator particularly adapted for ridge-hill and minimum tillage farming conditions. The cultivator carries a number of tools including spaced hilling disks, a coulter wheel and a sweep for effectively pitching soil and cutting crop residues and weeds between the planted rows. A gauge wheel assembly is provided for controlling the depth of penetration of the tools into the soil. The gauge wheel assembly includes a pair of elongated arms pivotally connected between a pair of parallel plates on the cultivator frame. Series of vertically spaced adjustment holes are formed in the plates and a pin member is selectively insertable in any aligned pair of holes to limit pivotal movement of the gauge wheel arms the elevation of the gauge wheel relative to the frame. The gauge wheel adjustments are easily made by hand in the field without the use of tools.

Abstract: A clamping device for exerting clamping forces in two directions to a shank between a pair of spaced clamping members having a transverse stop. The device includes an elongated bolt like body having a pair of axially spaced sections, a head at one end and external threads on an opposite end portion with a nut on the threads for applying a first clamping force to the spaced members. An eccentric section between the shaft sections applies a transverse clamping force to the shank. A pair of flat plates forming the clamping members has two spaced clamping devices and is arranged to slidably clamp to a variety of movable supports. A pair of spaced clamping plates are affixed to the end of a longitudinal frame with the option of a shim to accomodate shanks of smaller sizes.

Abstract: A shank mounting arrangement for a disk hiller or similar implement which provides simple and precise angular adjustment of the shank independently of vertical adjustment. An upright slotted tube is fixed to a support beam and an upright apertured shank is slidably received in the tube. An adjustable collar including a plurality of holes adapted for alignment with the slots in the upright tube is mounted for rotation with respect to the upright tube, and a pin is inserted through the holes, slot and an aperture in the shank for retaining the shank in a preselected one of a plurality of vertical positions relative to the support beam. The collar may be rotated independently of vertical adjustment to change the angle of the shank.

Abstract: A fertilizer knife adapted to be attached to a planter. A housing is adjustably attached to the fertilizer knife and an adjustable mechanism is provided for permitting the knife to be adjusted vertically with respect to the housing, thereby adjusting the effective depth that the fertilizer, in a liquid form, will be released. The fertilizer knife is attached to the housing whereby the fertilizer knife will accurately track in front of the line into which the seeds are being planted, and this pivoting feature will also permit fertilizer knife to be deflected to one side or the other temporarily when rocks or other potentially damaging obstructions are encountered. The fertilizer knife has a leading edge extending from a point in close proximity to a vertical pivotal axis, and tapers downwardly and rearwardly therefrom.

Abstract: An inter-row crop cultivator for use particularly in severe residue conditions such as in minimum tillage conservation applications is disclosed. A leading gauge wheel providing support and soil surface tracking is immediately trailed by two laterally displaced discs which cut away from the row. Aft of the two cutaway discs and directly to the rear of the gauge wheel is a stabilizing and cutting coulter which prevents side to side sway while cutting and reducing residue ahead of a sweep shank which directly trails the cutting coulter. By severing and dividing the residue, the cutting coulter permits the residue to flow over the sweep and around the shank. The shank is adapted to receive an anhydrous ammonia applicator and knife assembly which may be easily and securely mounted to the shank. A plurality of such inter-row crop cultivators may be mounted on a tool bar.

Abstract: A lawn working implement having rigid teeth which is towed behind a small tractor or other such apparatus to thatch, sow or work a lawn. The implement is compact and highly maneuverable, yet applies pressure to its rigid tines to work the lawn effectively and efficiently. Swivel mounted wheels allow the implement to follow the tractor directly in its path so that confined areas of yards may be reached. The height of the tines above ground may be adjusted by varying the setting at which the wheels are attached to the frame, and their pressure against the ground may be adjusted by adding bricks, cement or other heavy material to a cavity in the implement. The implement has a hitch for attaching a sweeper or lawn vacuum to be towed behind it.

Abstract: A double disc attachment for farm implements operating to present a debris-cleared area ahead of the furrow opener of the implement, has a peripherally notched disc with one of the discs spaced from and leading the other. Each disc is rotatably carried by its own independent, rearwardly-extending bracket, and each bracket has its own independent, vertically extensible support, with the supports and the brackets laterally spaced. In two embodiments the supports are disposed entirely behind the discs, and in all forms each support is adjustably secured to its own independent means for separate mounting of its disc unit on the implement. The mounts are also laterally spaced, and in one form the discs are located between the brackets.

Abstract: An adjustable Danish tine for a farm implement includes a notched vertical run for attachment to a tool bar by a U clamp.

Abstract: A skid shoe mounting arrangement detachably mounted to the side of the snow blower auger housing such that the skid shoe mounting assembly can be easily reassembled to a plurality of preset heights relative to said auger housing.

Abstract: A double disc, debris-clearing assembly has a suspension member for releasable attachment to a farm implement and on which is rigidly secured an upright standard. A guide rigid to and depending from the suspension member beneath the standard has a tiltable channel element releasably mounted thereon and provided with an upwardly-extending strap for varying its height along the guide. An adjustable connection is utilized between the strap and the standard. A pair of interconnected brackets carried by the channel element are provided with disc mounts which may, in turn, be adjusted to vary the positions of the discs relative to each other and to their brackets. Accordingly, the suspension member, the standard, the guide, the strap and the channel element are common to the bracket unit and, therefore, the discs.

Abstract: A plow-like trench cutter is carried by a slide movable vertically between spaced upright ways rigidly coupled to a tractor. The trench cutter has a passage for supplying a line, such as cable or pipe, generally to the bottom of the cutter so that when the tractor is moved to cut a trench, the line is laid in the trench cut. A jackscrew carrying the slide can adjust the elevation of the trench cutter relative to the tractor to alter the depth of the trench. The angle of attack of the leading edge of the trench cutter can be adjusted by turning a turnbuckle spindle that extends through a nut carried by the cutter and a nut carried by the slide. The leading edge of the trench cutter is composed of a plurality of bars reciprocable transversely of their lengths.

Abstract: An operating and down-pressure hydraulic control system for vehicle-mounted implements such as earth compactors and the like. The assembly of hydraulic cylinders, valving and a hydraulic accumulator provided herein operates as a hydraulic system to raise, lower and otherwise position an implement and to provide down-pressure to it. The assembly also permits the hydraulic support of the implement to flex, while maintaining down-pressure on it, when the ground surface elevation rises or falls away relative to the implement as it moves over the ground being worked.

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: A coupling for attaching a sweep shovel to a cultivator shank including an adapter block rigidly affixed to the shank with the shovel and adapter block including transverse aperture arrangements fo receiving fastening devices with selective arrangement of the fastening devices and apertures enabling the angle of attack of the sweep shovel to be adjusted depending upon the soil conditions and the requirements of individual users.

Abstract: A beam for supporting an earth working tool, such as a moldboard plow, which is made so that it will float vertically over obstacles that do not hook the earth working tool, and which also includes linkage that will trip to provide clearance over obstacles which cause a high resistance to floating. The unit utilizes tension springs placed to insure reliable operation, and yet which provide high holding forces for working conditions. Folding links are used to provide full tripping of the mechanism. The folding links are arranged in relation to the provided tension springs to keep spring expansion to a minimum during tripping and yet permit reliable tripping under high forces. The springs provide adequate pressure for resetting after clearing the obstacle.

Abstract: A cultivating machine has a row of soil working members that are driven to rotate about upwardly extending axes. Each member includes an elongated support and the opposite ends of the support each have downwardly extending arms with tine holders in which tines are secured. Each arm is hollow and receives the upper end of a holder that, in turn, receives a tine fastening portion. The arms serve to position the active portions of the tines substantially below their support and the support is thus positioned above ground debris and obstructions.

Abstract: A soil conditioner for use in combination with a cultivating implement drawn behind a tractor to break up the soil and leave a prepared seedbed in a single operation. The conditioner is mounted to a framework extending rearwardly behind the cultivator. It comprises a set of reels each mounted to the framework for free rotation about a transverse axis. Two sets of axial blade members are provided about each reel. The blades are equiangularly spaced about the axis and are arranged so that each blade of one set is angularly spaced midway between adjacent blades of the other set. The first set of blades include ground-engaging edges spaced a first radius from the axis. The corresponding edges of the remaining set of blades are spaced a second radius from the axis that is less than the first radius.