Abstract: A closing wheel frame assembly comprising a closing wheel frame, a closing wheel assembly, and a lever arm adjustment assembly. A retaining pin secures a lever arm in a desired position to set an angle or orientation of the closing wheel assembly relative to the frame, seed furrow (trench or trough), or soil surface. Operation of the lever arm changes the angle or orientation of the closing wheel assembly relative to the frame, seed furrow (trench or trough), or soil surface.

Abstract: A soil preparation apparatus having a first frame member configured to couple to a towing vehicle, wherein the first frame member comprises a blade member configured to engage soil. The apparatus can also include a second frame member pivotally secured to the first frame member, wherein the second frame member comprises an adjustable height protruding member configured to engage soil. The apparatus can also include a third frame member pivotally secured to the second frame member, wherein the third frame member comprises a plurality of bars configured to engage soil, and wherein the second frame member pivots relative to the first and third frame members.

Abstract: A self-detaching support frame system for an implement designed to self-detach from a vehicle by actuation of a release handle located within arm reach of the driver is disclosed. The self-detaching support frame system for an implement allow the user to at least partially, preferably entirely, disengages the support frame assembly by activating a control, preferably a single control such as a handle located near the vehicle steering.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement includes a carriage frame assembly having a longitudinal frame member extending in a travel direction, and a cross frame member extending transverse to the longitudinal frame member. A horizontal attachment arrangement interconnects the longitudinal frame member with the cross frame member. The horizontal attachment arrangement includes a generally vertical first plate attached to the longitudinal frame member and having a first through hole, a generally vertical second plate attached to the cross frame member and having a second through hole, and a pivot pin extending through each of the first through hole and the second through hole.

Abstract: A towable soil pulverizer having a center section and foldable wings mounted by hinges on opposite sides of the center section to fold upwardly or downwardly about substantially longitudinal hinge axes. Each hinge has a spaced ball joint and guide roller in roller slot. A wing float axis for each wing extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal hinge axis in a transverse direction, each wing also being pivotal about the float axis. The hinge design with the float axis prevents weight transfer between the center section and wing sections when the pulverizer operates over uneven soil, providing uniform soil conditioning over the width of the pulverizer. The center section rollers are positioned ahead of, behind, or co-linear with the wing rollers. Lockout kits are provided for mounting in the roller guide slots for restricting motion.

Abstract: A stack-fold implement having a central bulk fill hopper assembly is provided. The bulk fill hopper assembly is mounted to the center frame section of the stack-told implement and does not affect the narrowness of the stack-fold implement when it's in a stacked, transport position, The hopper assembly includes a pair of bulk fill hoppers or tanks supported by cradle that is in turn supported by a pair of wheels. The cradle is removably coupled to the center frame section by a plurality of rigid frame members.

Abstract: A tool supporting bar comprising an elongated tubular perimeter wall defining an interior and including first and second perimeter wall portions. Each perimeter wall portion includes a first side wall portion and sections of two other side wall portions each extending from the first side wall portion. Each perimeter wall portion may be substantially U-shaped and positioned in opposition to each other, with the two perimeter wall portions being connected together. At least one reinforcing wall may be located in the interior and attached to the first side wall portion of one of the perimeter wall portions. Embodiments with the reinforcing wall attached to the exterior of the perimeter wall are also described.

Abstract: A stack-fold implement having a central bulk fill hopper assembly is provided. The bulk fill hopper assembly is mounted to the center frame section of the stack-fold implement and does not affect the narrowness of the stack-fold implement when it's in a stacked, transport position. The hopper assembly includes a pair of bulk fill hoppers or tanks supported by cradle that is in turn supported by a pair of wheels. The cradle is removably coupled to the center frame section by a plurality of rigid frame members.

Abstract: A stack-fold implement having a central bulk fill hopper assembly is provided. The bulk fill hopper assembly is mounted to the center frame section of the stack-fold implement and does not affect the narrowness of the stack-fold implement when it's in a stacked, transport position. The hopper assembly includes a pair of bulk fill hoppers or tanks supported by cradle that is in turn supported by a pair of wheels. The cradle is removably coupled to the center frame section by a plurality of rigid frame members. A retractable ladder may be stowed beneath the hopper assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a method for mounting a device on a frame in a construction machine. The method includes forming plate holes in a beam member at respective mount-member-provision positions on the beam member; mounting a plate supporter on a back surface of the beam member at each of the mount-member-provision positions so as to border the plate hole at a lower side thereof; installing the beam member on the frame; putting the mount plate into the plate hole from above so as to make the mount plate be supported by the plate supporter and fixing the plate supporter in the plate hole after adjusting the position of the mount plate horizontally and vertically within the plate hole; and mounting the mount members to the mount plates fixed in the plate holes respectively and mounting the device on the beam member via the mount members.

Abstract: A folding frame for an agricultural implement such as a wheel rake. The frame includes ground engaging wheels and two toolbars foldable for operation and for transport. The folding frame is provided flexibility to conform to uneven surfaces, yet stability against the torques and forces of operation. A slidable tongue provides folding action between the transport position and the operating position. A spacing between rear ends of the two toolbars may be altered hydraulically for wider or narrower windrows. A novel caster wheel provides support for the toolbars and is located so that the implement's transport position is narrower than the prior art's.

Abstract: A pull bar mounting bracket assembly is provided for mounting to the weight rack on the front of a given make of tractor. The mounting assembly includes two brackets positioned on either end of a row of weights that are made for said tractor make and supported on the weight rack, the brackets also being made for the given make of tractor and supported on the weight rack like the weights. The brackets have apertures that align with corresponding apertures in the weights to allow a bolt to be extended through the weights and secured at each end to the brackets. Each bracket also supports a clamp having a fixed clamp base and a removable clamp lock that are used to removably secure a pull bar to the brackets. The pull bar mounting bracket assembly can be easily removed from one model of the given make of tractor to another model of that tractor make without requiring any modification or customization of the mounting assembly or the tractors.

Abstract: A secondary air seeder assembly for depositing seed along the tire tracks formed by an air seeder cart and system comprising the same is provided. The secondary air seeder assembly includes includes first and second elongated and parallel main frame members, each having a terminal forward end and a terminal down turned rearward end. First and second elongated and parallel transverse frame members are connected to and extend between the first and the second main frame members at a longitudinal spaced distance from one another. Two forward caster wheels, one is connected at each terminal forward end of the first and the second main frame members. Two rearward wheels, one is connected at each terminal down turned rearward end of the first and the second main frame members. First and second elongated coupling frame members, are each connected at first end thereof to the first transverse frame member at a spaced distance and connected together at a second end thereof forming a hitch point.

Abstract: A stack-fold implement having a central bulk fill hopper assembly is provided. The bulk fill hopper assembly is mounted to the center frame section of the stack-fold implement and does not affect the narrowness of the stack-fold implement when it's in a stacked, transport position. The hopper assembly includes a pair of bulk fill hoppers or tanks supported by cradle that is in turn supported by a pair of wheels. The cradle is removably coupled to the center frame section by a plurality of rigid frame members.

Abstract: A support stand for an implement such as farming equipment is provided. During use of the implement when the implement is connected to a tractor, the support stand is in a stowed position adjacent to a surface of the implement. When the implement is disconnected from the tractor, the support stand is rotatable outwards from the surface of the implement and downwards towards the ground and rests against the ground to maintain the implement in a generally upright position.

Abstract: A tool supporting bar for supporting tools on an implement is disclosed and comprises an elongated tubular perimeter wall defining an interior and including a side wall portion. The bar includes a reinforcing wall located in the interior of the perimeter wall and mounted on the perimeter wall in a manner effective to increase bending resistance of the perimeter wall to a force applied in a direction normal to a plane of one of the side wall portion. A method of forming a tool bar comprises providing an elongated tubular perimeter wall defining an interior and including a one side wall portion; positioning a reinforcing wall in the interior of the perimeter wall; and mounting the reinforcing wall on the perimeter wall in a manner effective to increase bending resistance of the perimeter wall to a force applied in a direction normal to a plane of the side wall portion.

Abstract: A stack-fold implement having a central bulk fill hopper assembly is provided. The bulk fill hopper assembly is mounted to the center frame section of the stack-fold implement and does not affect the narrowness of the stack-fold implement when it's in a stacked, transport position. The hopper assembly includes a pair of bulk fill hoppers or tanks supported by cradle that is in turn supported by a pair of wheels. The cradle is removably coupled to the center frame section by a plurality of rigid frame members. A retractable ladder may be stowed beneath the hopper assembly.

Abstract: An agricultural implement frame has a beam with a pair of tube members joined by a tube joint. The tube joint has an overlaying portion formed by overlaying ends of the first and second tube members, each overlaying end having an overlaying wall and a base wall connected by opposing side walls. The side walls have interface surfaces extending from a lip at one end of the overlaying wall to a foot in the base wall such that when the tube members are joined together, the interface surfaces contact and the lip of the first tube member abuts the foot of the second tube member and the lip of the second tube member abuts the foot of the first tube member. A fastener clamps together the overlaying ends of the tube members and interlocking load transfer teeth in the interface surfaces transfer load between the tube members.

Abstract: A ground working machine having a frame, a ground engaging wheel mounted to the frame and movable between a raised position not engaging the ground and a working position engaging the ground. The ground engaging wheel, when in the working position, rotating about a wheel axis as the machine is moved over the ground. An actuator raises and lowers the ground engaging wheels. A control system includes a sensor to detect rotation of the ground engaging wheel and a controller that receives an input from the sensor. The controller commands the actuator to raise the ground engaging wheel when the sensor detects that the ground engaging wheel is not rotating.

Abstract: A joint device of an agricultural machine has at least one tool-bearing beam (2a-c, 3a-c) for soil tillage tools (4, 5, 38, 39), such as seed coulters and cultivator tines, whereby a portion (10) of the beam end, at least on one side of the machine, is detachably fastened by means of a bolt/nut connection (13, 18, 23) arranged within the tool-bearing beam. A threaded body (18, 50) in the bolt/nut connection is fixed, preferably plug welded, in the main part of the beam (2a-c, 3a-c).

Abstract: A furrow opener apparatus attachable to an implement has a trailing arm with a packer wheel at the rear end, and a furrow opener attached forward of the packer wheel. An actuator moves the trailing arm between a lowered operating position and a raised transport position. A latch mechanism engages the implement frame and the trailing arm when the actuator is operated to move the trailing arm to the transport position, preventing the trailing arm from moving downward. A release mechanism moves the latch mechanism to an unlatched position when the actuator is operated to move the trailing arm from the raised transport position to the lowered operating position, allowing the trailing arm to move down from the transport position.

Abstract: A support stand for an implement such as a tiller is provided. During use of the implement when the implement is connected to a tractor, the support stand is in a stowed position adjacent to a side of the implement. When the implement is disconnected from the tractor, the support stand is rotatable outwards from the side of the implement and frontwards toward the front of the implement and rests against the ground to maintain the implement in a generally upright position.

Abstract: A tool supporting bar for supporting tools on an implement comprises an elongated tubular perimeter wall defining an interior and including a side wall portion. The bar includes a reinforcing wall located in the interior of the perimeter wall and mounted on the perimeter wall in a manner effective to increase bending resistance of the perimeter wall to a force applied in a direction normal to a plane of one of the side wall portion. A method of forming a tool bar comprises providing an elongated tubular perimeter wall defining an interior and including a one side wall portion; positioning a reinforcing wall in the interior of the perimeter wall; and mounting the reinforcing wall on the perimeter wall in a manner effective to increase bending resistance of the perimeter wall to a force applied in a direction normal to a plane of the side wall portion.

Abstract: A duplex hinge having two pivot points. In one embodiment, the hinge is used between sections of multi-sectional farm implements to allow flex during field operations as well as folding for road transport. One pivot point is active both when folding and during field operations. The other pivot point is active during field operations but rigid while folding for road transport.

Abstract: A towable soil pulverizer having a longitudinal center section, and foldable wings mounted by hinges on opposite sides of the center section to fold upwardly or downwardly about substantially longitudinal hinge axes. The wings and center section have ground working rollers. Each hinge has a spaced ball joint and guide roller in roller slot. A wing float axis for each wing extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal hinge axis in a transverse direction, each wing also being pivotal about the float axis. The hinge design with the float axis prevents weight transfer between the center section and wing sections when the pulverizer operates over uneven soil, to provide uniform soil conditioning over the width of the pulverizer. The center section rollers are positioned ahead of (or behind or co-linear with) the wing rollers. Components of the ball joint and roller guide in slot are fixedly and non-rotationally attached to the center section.

Abstract: A farm implement includes a chassis, a wheeled section, a tool section, and a fifth wheel coupling device for receiving and coupling with a complimentary coupling pin on a semi-trailer. A fifth wheel coupling system includes a fifth wheel coupling plate having a slot designed to receive a coupling pin of a semi-trailer, a latching mechanism designed to latch onto the coupling pin of the semi-trailer, and a coupling device interface designed to connect the fifth wheel coupling plate and latching device to a farm implement. A method of connecting a semi-trailer to a farm implement having a fifth wheel coupling device includes aligning and connecting a coupling pin of the semi-trailer with a coupling device of a farm implement. A farm implement includes a coupling device designed to connect with a complimentary coupling device of a trailer having a storage tank with a capacity greater than 1,000 gallons.

Abstract: An assembly for an earthworking machine includes a head portion, a frame secured to the head portion, a handle assembly, an enclosure which houses at least a portion of a plurality of components for driving the earthworking machine, a first plate secured to a first side of the enclosure and a second plate secured to a second side of the enclosure, and a first set of isolating members. The first and second plates extend from the enclosure along at least a portion of the length of the frame. One of the first set of isolating members is positioned between the frame and the first plate, and another one of the first set of isolating members is positioned between the frame and the second plate.

Abstract: An operating apparatus for a work vehicle with a detachable implement provided with a hydraulic actuator, comprising: a control valve and a link mechanism for operatively connecting the control valve to an operating lever, both the control valve and link mechanism being disposed beneath a driver seat of the work vehicle; and a locking lever configured to be switched between a locked position for holding the operating lever in a neutral position, and a lock-releasing position for releasing the hold on the operating lever, wherein the locking lever is disposed between the driver seat and a rear fender positioned laterally of the driver seat.

Abstract: A multisection tandem disk harrow has a frame, a first disk gang, and a second disk gang. The concave sides of the disk blades in the first disk gang face one side of the disk harrow, and the concave sides of the disk blades in the second disk gang face the other side of the disk harrow. The disk blades in the first disk gang are mounted for rotation about a common axis that extends through a center of the disk blades. The disk blades in the second disk gang are mounted for rotation about respective individual axes that are substantially parallel with and spaced apart from each other. The first and second disk gangs are arranged so that the common axis of the first disk gang is nonparallel with the individual axes of the second disk gang. Various frame, support wheels, disk gang, and hitch configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A folding tool bar apparatus for an implement such as a rake, the toolbar having a frame with ground engaging wheels. The folding tool bar apparatus is adapted to be operatively attached to a prime mover for towing from place to place. First and second tool bars are pivotally attached to linkage members. A tongue member that sides along its longitudinal axis with respect to the frame pulls front ends of the tool bars toward the tongue member during movement to the transport position thereof and away from the tongue member during movement towards the working position thereof. The rear end of the tongue member is behind the frame in the working position thereof, making the folding tool bar apparatus shorter than conventional folding tool bars in the working position thereof.

Abstract: A machine having a ground engaging element includes a first rigid metallic structure, a second metallic structure that is flexible with respect to the first rigid metallic structure, and a diffuser plate having a stress carrying region located between a first end and a second end. The first end has a rigid attachment to the first metallic structure, and the second end has a rigid attachment to the second metallic structure. The stress carrying region is flexible with respect to the attachments. A stress produced from a flexing of the second metallic structure relative to the first metallic structure is concentrated within the stress carrying region of the diffuser plate instead of at a weld location.

Abstract: A motor grader is disclosed having a coated wear insert.

Abstract: An apparatus for loosening compacted topsoil is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame, a plurality of ground-engaging wheels, and at least one disk assembly to cut and loosen a crust formed on an upper layer of the topsoil, wherein the wheels and the at least one disk assembly are adjustable to control a depth of penetration of the apparatus.

Abstract: A height and gradient adjustment system is disclosed for raising, lowering, leveling, and changing a gradient, especially the gradient of implements. The height and gradient adjustment system enables independent height adjustment of each side, right or left, of the implement.

Abstract: Mounted on a revolving frame are onboard equipments including engine and heat exchanger. These onboard equipments are accommodated in a housing cover consisted by including a front partition panel. The front partition panel is fixed to a seat screw member which is provided on the revolving frame. At this time, lower end portion of the front partition panel is hung in a floated state above the revolving frame by a stopper which is adapted rest on an upper end portion of the seat screw member. Therefore, lower end portion of the front partition panel is hung in a floated state above a upper surface of a left side frame, facilitating to align a bolt through hole in the front partition panel with a nut of the seat screw member at the time of threading and tightening a bolt into the nut.

Abstract: A transport lock joint is provided for an implement with a center section and wing sections adapted for stack folding to transport positions over the center section. The lock joint includes an insert element mounted on one of the wing sections and a retainer element mounted on the other wing section. With the implement in its stack-folded transport position, the insert element is received within the retainer element and the wing sections are mutually restrained against relative movement, particularly relative movement associated with the over-the-road travel. Unfolding the implement to a field working position disengages the lock joint by extracting the insert element from the retainer element.

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 towed implement, such as a planter, is provided with an operator platform and ladder for mounting the platform. The platform may be supported on the implement frame, and extends from a position rear of the ground-engaging row units to a position immediately adjacent to seed tanks. The platform may extend between the seed tanks to allow for loading of seeds, inspection of the tanks, removal of debris, and so forth. The ladder for accessing the platform may be fixed or stowable in a raised position. Handrails may be provided on either side of the platform, forward of the platform, and adjacent the ladder for stabilizing the operator during servicing of the implement.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for use with a front fold planter is configured to move the tool bar of the planter between a first height corresponding to a planting position, a second height corresponding to a field transport position and a third height corresponding to a road transport position. A first set of hydraulic cylinders is mounted to the tool bar for moving the frame between the first height, the second and the third height. A second set of hydraulic cylinders is mounted to the tool bar for moving the frame between the first height and the second height. The first and second set of cylinders are arranged in a master/slave relationship relative to each other and operable independent of each other.

Abstract: A towed implement, such as a planter is provided with a folding platform allowing easy access to upper regions of the implement. The platform may be provided in addition to a transverse platform or other upper walkway, such as for access to seed tanks in planters. The folding platform may be deployed, along with handrails and a ladder for accessing the platform for servicing the implement. When not in use, the folding platform may be collapsed or folded, and other ancillary structures, such as the ladder may be moved to stowed positions.

Abstract: A transport lock joint is provided for an implement with a center section and wing sections adapted for stack folding to transport positions over the center section. The lock joint includes an insert element mounted on one of the wing sections and a retainer element mounted on the other wing section. With the implement in its stack-folded transport position, the insert element is received within the retainer element and the wing sections are mutually restrained against relative movement, particularly relative movement associated with the over-the-road travel. Unfolding the implement to a field working position disengages the lock joint by extracting the insert element from the retainer element.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for the stabilization of an earth-moving apparatus, such as an earth-moving scraper. A skidplate is attached to the earth-mover by one or more inflatable airbags, such as a pneumatic suspension air-spring, which may be inflated to lower the skidplate into contact with the ground surface. The skidplate (or a skid shoe attached thereto) remains held firmly on the ground regardless of minor adjustments to the blade height, due to the “springiness” of the air bag. The skidplate can be retracted when use is not desired, by deflation of the air bags. One or more motion sensors and a control unit may be included, allowing bounce to be detected before it is visible to the operator. The control unit may cause the airbags to inflate as needed to stabilize the earth-moving apparatus.

Abstract: A self-propelled agricultural tool carrier has a lifting carriage mounted between the front and rear sets of wheels. A tool bar adapter is mounted to the lifting carriage below the frame for connection to a tool bar that supports planting and cultivating equipment. Laterally spaced-apart stabilizing legs are rigidly mounted to the frame and extend downward along opposite sides of the lifting carriage. The tool bar has a pair of braces, each of which engages a support member on a lower portion of each of the stabilizing legs to restrain the tool bar against lateral movement. Causing the carriage to lift raises the tool bar and disengages the braces from the support members.

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: Sweep retaining structure includes a spring wire retainer with a base supported in a groove on the underside of the wedge support which mates with a stem portion of the sweep. The wedge support is apertured, and a central curved portion of the retainer passes through the aperture and supports a sweep-contacting end above the surface of the wedge support. The end is biased toward a contact area on the sweep to engage the area and eliminate sweep loss problems by preventing the sweep from slipping downwardly from the mounted position. To remove the sweep, a tool is inserted through the slot to depress the retainer end, and the sweep is forced off the wedge support. A raised area on the sweep directs soil away from the retainer and contact area to reduce wear and eliminate depression of the end during operation. The underside of the raised area positions the wire end and provides bend-resisting support for the wire.

Abstract: A constraint assembly is provided to support a series of hoses associated with operation of an agricultural implement with a telescoping tongue assembly. The telescoping tongue assembly includes at least one telescoping arm configured to move between an extended and a retracted position in telescoping relation to a fixed tongue arm of the agricultural implement. The constraint assembly generally includes a first linkage and a second linkage. The first linkage includes a first end pivotally connected to the fixed tongue arm. The second linkage includes a first end pivotally connected to a second end of the first linkage. A second end of the second linkage is pivotally connected to the telescoping tongue arm of the telescoping tongue assembly. The constraint assembly is configured to take up the slack generated in flexible lines as the telescoping tongue arm moves between the extended and the retracted position.

Abstract: A holder assembly is illustrated to support at least one flexible line extending along a telescoping tongue assembly of an agricultural implement. The holder assembly includes a first pivotally coupled link in general parallel alignment with a second pivotally coupled link, and at least one post pivotally interconnected between the first pivotally coupled link and the second pivotally coupled link. The holder assembly further includes a bracket connected at the post and configured to receive the at least one flexible line between the bracket and the post. As the telescoping tongue assembly moves between a retracted position and an extended position, the holder assembly enhances support of the flexible lines.

Abstract: A mechanism for retaining a pre-selected orientation of a front-end loader bucket at all points throughout the working range of the lift arm assembly includes a linkage system designed to allow rotation of the bucket from a tilted back position to a fully dumped position throughout the range of the lift arm assembly without limiting the range of the lift arm assembly and to provide strength and mechanical integrity to its components at any orientation of the lift arm assembly or the bucket. At extreme raised position the bucket is able to be rotated from a full tilted back orientation to a dumping orientation that allows the floor of the dumped bucket to approach or achieve a position perpendicular to the plane upon which the loader vehicle is standing or assuming the vehicle is on a level plane the orientation of the bucket would be considered as straight down.

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 support assembly is configured to carry a series of flexible lines associated with operation of an agricultural implement. The agricultural implement generally includes a main frame bar pivotal about a platform. The support assembly includes a mounting bracket, a support arm and a holder assembly. The mounting bracket is pivotally coupled about a vertical axis to the agricultural implement. The support arm is pivotally connected at one end to the agricultural implement, and connected at the other end to the holder assembly. The support assembly is configured to hold the plurality of flexible lines above the platform as the main frame bar pivots about the platform of the implement.