Abstract: A hub that has universal application for use with a rotatable body, such as a packer wheel for seed planting, includes a flange which abuts a side wall of the body, a non-circular or polygonal boss that projects laterally from an inner side of the flange, and a bore that extends through the hub along the rotation axis. The non-circular shape of the boss prevents relative rotation between the hub and the body. The bore is generally cylindrical to receive a cylindrical shaft but it is also provided with generally V-shaped corners cut into the bore surface so that the bore can receive a rectangular shaft to which the hub is thereby locked for rotation therewith. The end face of the boss is provided with a projecting pin diametrically opposed from a similarly shaped recess such that the pin and recess of one hub can mate with the recess and hub respectively of another hub to achieve an aligned hub assembly for mounting a wide rotating body.

Abstract: Tube mounted bracket structure for a toolbar or similar tube with a rectangular cross section includes a bracket having a tube abutting flange with an aperture offset from an elongated slot. A rotatable insert has an inwardly directed and elongated projection conforming to the shape of the elongated slot and an aperture located at one extremity of the projection. The aperture extends through the projection and through an integral washer portion which defines an enlarged shoulder area for contacting the tube abutting flange when the insert is positioned in the slot. The elongated projection generally fills the entire slot with the exception of the aperture, thereby presenting a relatively solid bolt receiving area for mounting a U-bolt or similar bolt structure. For a toolbar or tube having relatively large cross section, the insert is positioned in the slot to provide maximum offset from the flange aperture.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle having a vertically movable blade at the forward end thereof is described wherein the vertical movement of the blade is controlled by a lift handle positioned rearwardly thereof and which is pivotally mounted on a lift handle bracket. The lift handle has a locking pin mounted thereon which is positioned rearwardly of the rearward end of the lift handle bracket when the blade is in its raised position. When it is desired to lower the blade, the lift handle is pivotally moved with respect to the lift handle bracket to disengage the locking pin with respect to the rear end of a lift handle bracket. A rub block is positioned on the outer surface of the lift handle bracket for engagement with the lift handle to prevent the locking pin from wearing or cutting a groove in the lift handle bracket.

Abstract: An agricultural machine to operate over a wide area in a single pass has a frame supported on swivelable land wheels which wheels are mounted on extensible shafts connected to the frame, the frame carrying at least two sub-frames rotatable relative to the frame in a horizontal plane and each sub-frame carrying at least two agricultural implements. The frame may be made in sections pivotally joined end to end to allow relative movement between the sections in a vertical plane.

Abstract: A row cultivator (10) includes a row following system (12) coupled to a toolbar (13) employing frame members (17) and (18) constrained to remain parallel by a cross member (21). Coulter wheels (30) and (31) secured to the frame members (17) and (18) are non-steerable and tool bar drift may be corrected. A tool (40) employs a leading blade (44) and a pair of diverging cutting blades (47) and (48) trailing behind the leading blade (44). A sheer release assembly employs a longitudinally extending bolt (70) centrally disposed and holding a shank (61) to a tool bar (65) so that when a tool on the shank (61) strikes an underground obstacle the bolt (70) is sheared longitudinally.

Abstract: Spikes are described for use in apparatus useful for aerating soil, especially grass or hay ground. The elongated spikes are secured to a cylindrical drum. As the apparatus is towed across a field, the spikes penetrate the soil and loosen it as well as providing openings in the soil to improve absorption of water. The spikes are preferably secured to bands encircling the drum, and the spacing between bands is adjustable so that the spacing between spikes can be adjusted.

Abstract: A grading attachment for loader type utility vehicles is provided. The attachment secures to the front of the loader and has an overarching beam which ends in a set of ground engaging wheels. A drawbar is secured to the front of the beam at a ball and socket joint and movably retained at the back of the beam by a vertical channel so that the drawbar can be readily exchanged for another similar drawbar. The drawbar has a sleeve into which a mounting pin may be secured so as to permit the attaching and detaching of a grading implement.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for aerating soil, especially grass or hay ground. The apparatus is intended to be towed by a farm tractor, and the apparatus includes elongated spikes on a cylindrical drum. As the apparatus is towed across a field, the spikes penetrate the soil and loosen it as well as providing openings in the soil to improve absorption of water. This reduces water run-off. The spikes are secured to bands encircling the drum, and the spacing between bands is adjustable so that the spacing between spikes can be adjusted.

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: An improved hydraulic cylinder with a hydraulic impact hammer integrated into the cylinder rodhead of the hydraulic cylinder is provided. The hydraulic hammer is positioned inside a central chamber of the cylinder rodhead such that the impact piston can deliver at least one blow along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder rod to create an additive pulse of force.

Abstract: A soil breaking apparatus for use with a bottom plow comprises a beam pivotally attached by a bolt to the bottom plow; a port arm and a starboard arm fixedly attached to the beam; and a two-way hydraulic cylinder for pivoting the arms and the beams, such that the arms are oriented substantially parallel to the soil despite the tilting of the bottom plow. The soil breaking apparatus is suitable for use with bottom plows, such as bidirectional moldboard plows. The clumps or clods of soil turned up during plowing are broken up by soil breaking rods that depend from and are spaced along the arms. An improved plow combines the features of the soil breaking apparatus with those of a reversible bottom plow.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a portable handheld edge cutter and especially an edge cutter for maintaining the edges of a lawn. The edge cutter includes a drive motor and a rotating knife as well as a drive shaft between the motor and the knife. The knife end of the drive shaft is mounted in a support which is structurally part of the housing. The housing overlaps the knife at a predetermined region. A wheel or roller supports the housing on the ground. A projection is provided on the housing which indicates to the operator the precise direction in which the rotating knife is moved and so acts as a direction device for the operator.

Abstract: Improved agricultural apparatus including a three-point hitch frame for attaching to a vehicle and to a tool bar assembly. Three-point hitch frame includes L-shaped retaining members for engaging the tool bar assembly and may be substantially U-shaped. The invention is also embodied in an agricultural apparatus with a hitch frame for attaching to a vehicle and to a tool bar assembly and including a metering hopper system attached to the upper side of the hitch frame. The invention is also embodied in an improved ground contact metering wheel assembly for maintaining contact with the ground even on uneven terrain. The present invention has particular applicability as an interseeding apparatus.

Abstract: A minimum tillage farm implement capable of being used for plowing, cultivating, planting and insecticide and herbicide and fertilizer application, which includes a tool bar frame having three parallel spaced apart laterally positioned tool bars held together by detachable interconnecting frame members. Coulters, chisel plows and discing pairs are mounted in series to the front tool bar. Variable width rototillers are attached to the middle tool bar and planters are attached to the rear tool bar, both serially alligned with the discing pairs. The coulters, chisel plows, discs and rototillers prepare a fine seed bed, even in stalks and stubble, to allow beneficial planting of row crop seeds by the planters. In a second mode the front and rear tool bars are detached leaving only the middle tool bar with rototillers, which can be adjusted for width and position to perform as cultivators of the areas between adjacent seed beds.

Abstract: In combination with a wheeled first cultivator which is pulled by a prime mover and which has a frame assembly to which ground engaging members are attached, an improved implement comprising a frame, a mounting unit for attaching the frame to the rear of the first cultivator, one or more second cultivators attached to the frame, a drawbar unit pivotally connected at its front end to the implement frame and having a ground engaging caster wheel unit at its rear end, and a hydraulically operated device interconnected between the frame and the drawbar unit to transfer weight forwardly to the first cultivator rear end, such that as weight is applied downwardly on the implement frame, a positive upward pressure is applied to the rear end of the first cultivator; with attendant advantages in adjusting the down pressure and carrying height of the implement frame.

Abstract: A folding implement frame includes a central tongue frame and a pair of elongated boom frames mounted to the tongue frame for movement about first pivot axes. The boom frames are movable about the first pivot axes between towing positions extending behind the tongue frame in a narrow roadway travel configurations, and outward operative positions extending substantially laterally of the tongue frame. Rigid boom pull bars have outward ends pivotably mounted to the boom frames on second pivots and inward ends mounted to strut linkages. The strut linkages are mounted to the tongue frame for pivotal motion thereon about third pivot axes, and to the boom pull bars for pivotal motion thereon. The strut linkages also include provisions for enabling adjustment of the length of the strut linkage to enable pivotal motion of the boom pull bars and boom frames between the operative and towing positions. The strut linkages remain connected to the boom pull bars and tongue frame during such motion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling agricultural pests in soil by the use of microwave energy. By using an agricultural-type implement for the controlled application of microwave energy to the topsoil prior to the planting of crops, germination of weed and other seeds is inhibited and insects are destroyed. Use of microwave energy has no residual effects, thereby practically eliminating any adverse effects on the environment.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for an agricultural implement, the apparatus includes first and second frame members, with the second frame member pivotally movable relative to the first member about a horizontal axis. To move the second member relative to the first member there is an actuator pivotally attached to the first member and a link pivotally attached to the second member and actuator. The second member has an abutment to engage the link to cause it to pivot with the second through a limited angle, after which the link disengages with the abutment to cause further pivoting of the second member.

Abstract: An edger having a main frame, at least one front wheel fastened in the front portion of the main frame, two rear wheels fastened in the rear portion of the main fame, a rotary blade disposed in the front portion of either side of the main frame and capable of conducting edging, an engine mounted on the main frame and a driving device for operating the rotary blade with the engine, the edger comprising: a supporting arm for supporting the rear wheel positioned opposite to the rotary blade in such a manner that the position of the rear wheel positioned opposite to the rotary blade can be vertically adjusted with respect to the main frame; and a positioning mechanism for positioning the vertical position of the rear wheel disposed between the main frame and the supporting arm.

Abstract: A conventional rotary tiller having an engine, an axle with two wheels, a set of tines, handlebars, and an attachment that facilitates turning. The attachment comprises a turntable which is mounted to the tiller opposite the tines in such a way that it remains out of contact with the ground during normal cultivation operations. Turning the tiller is accomplished by pivoting the tiller about the axle onto the turntable, and then rotating the tiller on the turntable to a new direction. The tiller is then pivoted back to resume normal operations in the new direction.

Abstract: An air cushion mount system is provided between a backhoe system and a vibrator-compactor system for tampering material in a trench which is being filled. This air cushion mount consists of a tire having a wheel rim positioned on the inside rim of a steel pipe having an annular peripheral flange. A flange plate is coupled to the annular peripheral flange of the steel pipe so that the tire can be placed in operative condition or removed from operative condition. The elements of the backhoe are coupled to flanges fixed to the wheel hub. The cushion air mount is coupled by a plate member to the vibrator, and the latter in turn is affixed to a compactor for tampering material in a trench being filled with the same.

Abstract: A lifting strut having an adjusting sleeve with an externally threaded portion and an internally threaded portion. A connecting end with a threaded journal is screwed into the internally threaded portion, with a connecting end with a threaded sleeve being screwed on to the externally threaded portion. In addition, there is provided a movable holding sleeve having grooves and stops. The holding sleeve may be moved into any position relative to a rotary cross member of the adjusting sleeve provided with teeth for the purpose of changing the length of the lifting strut. Furthermore, the holding sleeve, with its grooves, may be moved across the teeth of the rotary cross member and across the teeth provided at the threaded sleeve in a corresponding position in order to arrest the change in length.

Abstract: An improved brush attachment (10) includes a frame (12) comprising a semirigid plate (14) and rigid braces (16-24) so that the relative overall stiffness is adjustable in accordance with the contour of the underlying surface. An arrangement of end-to-end, oppositely angled brushes (46-60) is provided on the bottom of the frame (12).

Abstract: A normally rigid planar framework for mounting a large number of ground working tools is made resilient to accommodate the torsional forces exerted on the rigid structural members of the framework as it passes over uneven ground and the tools are subjected to varying forces as they move through the ground. Resilience of the framework is achieved by having the structural members which are normally rigidly fastened together, fastened together instead by resilient fastening which permits torsional flexing between the rigid members so fastened. Additionally, rigid structural members of the framework which normally are pivotally connected to permit movement only around the pin axis of the pivotal connection, are resiliently pivotally connected so that slight rotation of the structural members can occur around the other two axes which intersect the pin axis of the respective pivotal connections at mutual right angles.

Abstract: A folding mechanism for the wing section of an agricultural implement frame includes a main hinge interconnecting the wing section to the center section for pivotal motion about a horizontal axis. A hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected at the butt end to the center frame section and at the rod end to a pivot juncture between a locator link and a push link. When the hydraulic cylinder is extended, the push link forces the wing section to rotate to the folded position; and the locator link guides the movement of the pivot juncture into an over-center, locked position so that the wing section will remain in the transport position even if hydraulic pressure is lost.

Abstract: An agricultural implement having a wing frame which can be folded up relative to another portion of the frame from a working position to a transport position, and having a hinge connection between the frame which permits the wing frame to float relative to the other frame when in the working position but which readily accommodates pivoting of the wing to the transport position. The hinge connection includes pivot pins which provide a pair of parallel pivot axis so that the floating action of the wing frame is such that the wing frame can pivot about its inner end or in effect move straight up and down relative to the other frame, and thereby provide a motion by way of which the wing readily accommodates uneven terrain. While a type of universal floating action of the wing member takes place when in the working position, a simple type locking mechanism is included in the hinge so as to prevent pivoting about the axis of one of the pins when the wing frame is raised to the transport position.

Abstract: An implement has a transversely extending body and a mechanism for supporting the implement and for permitting transverse reciprocation of the body. The mechanism includes a plurality of spaced-apart support members connected to the body. Each of the support members is rigid in a direction which is vertical when the implement is positioned for use and is flexible in a transverse direction. The implement may be a harrow having tines extending downwardly from the body, the body having a plurality of hingedly connected sections so the harrow can be connected to, and folded with, a folding cultivator.

Abstract: An agricultural implement with a main frame and inner and outer wing frames that include gravity actuated latching structure securing the wing frames in a folded position. The latching structure automatically locks the wing frames together as they are pivoted upwardly in the folded position toward a transport position and unlocks the wing frames as they are pivoted downwardly toward a transport position.

Abstract: A simplified method of assembling a disk from the ground up by first assembling disk gangs and then connecting the disk gangs together to provide a self-standing front and rear main disk gang pairs. The main frame is assembled over main disk gang pairs after which wheel modules are attached. Disks of different sizes are assembled, utilizing generally identical main frame beams with the same connecting locations, by decreasing the distance between the forward and rear gang pairs and moving the main frame beams outwardly as the desired width of the disk increases.

Abstract: A height adjusting mechanism for a framework that supports a multiplicity of ground working tools of an agricultural implement operating at variable depths of ground penetration is disclosed. The variability is acheived by rotation of framework supporting rock shafts pivoting around pivot points on wheel supported wheel frames, which in turn support the rock shafts; rotation causes the lateral spacing of the wheels to vary also. Additionally, flexibility of the framework optionally is provided by having certain fastenings and pivotal attachments between framework members in the form of resilient connections. The novel flexible framework is not critical to operation of the height adjusting mechanism, the latter being operable also with rigid framework.

Abstract: A flexible tool bar apparatus including a first tool bar adapted to have earth working implements attached thereto and a second tool bar also adapted to have earth working implements attached thereto. Two tool bars are pivotally attached at the inner ends thereof. A hydraulic cylinder mechanism is operatively attached at one end thereof to the first tool bar and is operatively attached at the other end thereof to the second tool bar. A fluid device is provided for selectively supplying fluid under pressure to a hydraulic cylinder mechanism for causing the hydraulic cylinder mechanism to hold the tool bar from flexing. The tool bar can flex when the fluid pressure is released.

Abstract: A drawbar having a boom with at least two pivotally connected sections which in a field position extend generally transversely of the direction in which the draw is drawn. Each section carries at least one first soil working device and at least one other second soil working device is trailed behind said first soil working device. The sections are pivotable in unison, about a horizontal axis transverse to the direction in which the drawbar is drawn, from said field position to a non-working position. In the non-working position the soil working devices are raised in order that the sections can be pivoted relatively to each other to a folded, transport position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cultivator having a frame which includes at last one line of hinges with axes transversely disposed to the direction of draft of the cultivator. The portion of the cultivator frame ahead of the front row of hinges is known as the leading tool-carrying frame and carries a row of shanks with cultivator shovels disposed abreast along the length of the leading tool-carrying frame. One or more additional rows of hinges with axes transversely disposed to the direction of draft can be provided in the cultivator frame to the rear of the front row of hinges. The frame-work depending upon and following behind a given row of hinges is known as a following tool-carrying frame. Each following tool-carrying frame also carries a row of cultivator shanks. The provision of each of these rows of hinges with axes transversely to the direction of draft provides an additional degree of freedom for the cultivator frame to conform to knolls or depressions in an agricultural field.

Abstract: A field cultivator frame has a number of generally horizontal implement frame sections, each frame section having ground engaging wheels for movable support over the ground. First and second center frame sections are pivotally connected to a prime mover by a hinged draw bar assembly. Front ends of the center frame sections are pivotally connected by a flex link assembly including a connecting bar with ball joint connections at either end. The flex link assembly allows vertical movement of the center frame sections relative to one another, which movement is limited by a plate assembly attached to one of the center frame sections. A swivel joint assembly connects rear parts of the first and second center frame sections for allowing hinged movement of the frame sections relative to one another. A spring-loaded limit assembly connects the first and second center frame sections and includes compression springs for resilient limiting of relative movement of the center frame sections.

Abstract: An agricultural planter for row crops has conventional pull-type row units mounted to a frame at a relatively wide spacing for planting a crop such as corn. Push-type row units, each capable of planting two rows at a spacing which is one-third of the wide spacing are mounted to be pushed by the frame so that when both front and rear row units are used, a much narrower row spacing for beans or wheat, for example, can be achieved. The furrow openers on the push-type units are staggered fore-and-aft to avoid plugging of adjacent gauge wheels with field trash or clods of soil.

Abstract: A seed drill which will allow seed to be planted at a substantially constant depth regardless of contours and irregularities in the ground surface. The said drill has a tyne pivotally mounted on a frame for angular movement about a substantially horizontal axis transverse to the direction of travel. The lower end of the tyne being adapted to support a ground engaging tool with a seeding boot located rearwardly of the tool whereby the tool is arranged to form a furrow in the ground for seed discharging from the seeding boot. A spring biassing means acts between the tyne and frame for urging the tool into engagement with the ground. The spring biassing means is arranged to exert a biassing force on the tyne for counteracting the resistive force exerted on the tool as the tool traverses the soil whereby to maintain the tool at a substantially constant working depth in the soil.

Abstract: The hoe is formed from a tempered steel blade substantially, triangular when viewed in front elevation and secured at right angles to one end of the handle. The guard or sheath is formed from plastic or sheet metal, to protect the relatively sharp edges of the blade and to prevent injury to people when not in use. The guard, which is detachable, includes a pocket for receiving the sharp edges of the blade and flexible tabs detachably engaging over the edge of the blade to detachably retain the guard in position.

Abstract: An agricultural tilling implement is described which is adapted to be connected to the rear of a tractor having a three-point hitch. The implement comprises an elongated tool bar which preferably has two attachments thereon, spaced from each other, for connection to the three-point hitch of the tractor. A plurality of tilling units are carried by the tool bar. Each tilling unit comprises a downwardly depending ripper member and two rotatable wheels adjacent the ripper member. The wheels are vertically adjustable and, preferably, are also adjustable inwardly and outwardly as well as forwardly and rearwardly. The wheels are adaptable to hold the soil firmly in the rows so that the ripper member does not disturb or injure the roots of growing row crops. Preferably the tilling units are also adapted to tow a secondary tiller unit.

Abstract: A hitch flexing hinge included within the draft beams of an implement frame of the type that enables vertical flexing of the frame sections. The hinge includes a yoke attached to the drawbar of a draft vehicle and a body section that is received in one end of the draft beam. The body portion carries a swivel ball and attachment of the draft beam to the swivel ball allows rotational twisting of the draft beam about its longitudinal axis as the implement frame sections flex.

Abstract: A pull-type agricultural implement of the type comprising a central section and wing sections on either side, each of which includes inner and outer wing sections, can be folded into a transport position in which the inner wing section lies vertically and the outer wing section turns inwardly parallel to the central section. The coupling between the central section and the inner wing section is provided by a pair of levers which are pivotally mounted to the central section inboard of the ends thereof so as to extend in a straight line above a strut and then cranked downwardly to be coupled to the inner wing section by a pivot coupling providing two directions of rotation. Relative movement can therefore be obtained by pivoting of the levers about their pivot coupling on the central frame. A hitch for the implement includes a central hitch portion and wing hitch portions which are pivotally coupled to the central portion and are connected to the wing sections by chains.

Abstract: A ground working implement is disclosed, having a multiplicity of ground working tools mounted on a set of rigid bars which are maintained in substantially parallel relative position by pairs of rigid links flexibly fastened to the pairs of the rigid bars, with hydraulic cylinders attached diagonally between rigid links to control the elevation above ground of the rigid bars which are supported on normally parallel wheel axles mounted below and in front of the individual rigid bars. Operation of the hydraulic cylinders enables variation in the ground penetration of tools mounted on and beneath the rigid bars as the implement is drawn over the ground.

Abstract: An implement wing frame folding apparatus is provided for a mobile machine and includes a main frame, a wing frame pivotally connected to the main frame, and a striker pin offset from the pivot axis of the wing frame. A float bar having first and second ends is provided with the first end pivotally connected to the wing frame. An actuating device is pivotally connected to and between the main frame and the float bar second end for selectively moving the float bar to pivot the wing frame between lowered and raised positions. A latch is pivotally mounted to the main frame for engaging the striker pin in an engaging position when the wing frame is in the raised position. A biasing mechanism is provided on the main frame for biasing the latch toward the engaging position.

Abstract: A wide swath agricultural implement is provided with a plurality of frame sections arranged side by side with respect to travel direction and which are coupled together so that they can be folded into a narrower unit for non-operational transport and also can flex about coupling axes generally parallel to travel direction and pitch about axes normal to travel direction in order to follow the contours of undulating ground. The couplings include fore and aft links with one end of the fore link hinged to the one section which pulls the other for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to travel direction and with the other end connected to the adjacent pulled section for limited universal and swivelling movement. Preferably the fore link is of triangular configuration in plan view with the apex at the latter connection and the side opposite the apex arranged parallel to the hinge axis.

Abstract: An agricultural row crop planter is disclosed which includes a frame and a plurality of individual row units mounted to the frame. Some of the row units are mounted in front of the frame to be driven or pushed by it. The remaining units are mounted behind the frame and are pulled by it. Driven and pulled row units are arranged to plant alternate crop rows so the "on center" lateral spacing of row units is much greater than if all units were mounted side-by-side as is conventional. The driven row units are foreshortened and have their frames strengthened to withstand the forces encountered in use, particularly on curves. The arrangement enables the farmer to plant more than one crop with the same planter and without adjusting the spacing of row units. It also permits the manufacturer to provide a wide range of row spacing, including a very narrow one, with the same planter frame and row units while providing greater trash clearance.

Abstract: A horizontal bi-fold toolbar which has two outer sections pivotally mounted at each end of a central main section so that the two outer sections can be folded in a horizontal plane to reduce the width to approximately one-half that of the fully extended toolbar. When folded, the toolbar can be easily transported on roads and highways, but more importantly, when folded the toolbar provides a tandem arrangement which can be used for narrow row planting and other agricultural functions.

Abstract: A plow and disc combination machine which utilizes a bridge hitch type frame which is built in the same order as a highway bridge which enables the plow to have clearance so that a disc gang mounted under it and movable by hydraulics can be raised or lowered on the move. The fact that a bridge truss structure is utilized in the frame allows the discs to be movable over a wide vertical range and allows the subsoiler plow shanks to be used in the ground at maximum depth without the usage of the disc blades. The discs can also be lowered to cut material such as corn stalks as the plow is used.

Abstract: A minimum tillage farm implement capable of being used for plowing, cultivating, planting and insecticide and herbicide and fertilizer application, which includes a tool bar frame having three parallel spaced apart laterally positioned tool bars held together by detachable interconnecting frame members. Coulters, chisel plows and discing pairs are mounted in series to the front tool bar. Variable width rototillers are attached to the middle tool bar and planters are attached to the rear tool bar, both serially aligned with the discing pairs. The coulters, chisel plows, discs and rototillers prepare a fine seed bed, even in stalks and stubble, to allow beneficial planting of row crop seeds by the planters. In a second mode the front and rear tool bars are detached leaving only the middle tool bar with rototillers, which can be adjusted for width and position to perform as cultivators of the areas between adjacent seed beds.

Abstract: A system for actuating a plurality of farm implements includes a frame adapted to be connected between a tractor and a first farm implement such as a drill. A tool frame, adapted to be connected to one or more additional farm implements, is pivotally suspended beneath the frame by front and rear support linkages. The rear support linkages are also connected with a linkage which raises and lowers the grain drills on the drill. An hydraulic actuator is connected to the front support linkage to move the tool frame and the drill between a transport position and a working position. Adjustment means are provided at the connection between the rear support linkage and the linkage to the drill for determining the transport height of the drill, the spring tension on the grain drills, and the height of the rear of the tool frame with respect to the front of the tool frame.

Abstract: A five section implement uses a pair of folding mechanisms to fold primary and secondary wing sections above a central main section. The folding mechanisms are disposed mainly on the top side of the primary wing sections thereby providing adequate space on the top of the main section for mounting containers for dispensing liquid agricultural chemicals. Each folding mechanism includes a lost motion connection permitting floating of the implement sections, automatic lock-out structure for the lost motion connection which operates during fold-up of the implement and an automatic gravity operated latch which insures a proper sequence of unfolding of the wing sections. Each folding mechanism is operated by a single hydraulic actuator and a transport locking bar disposed alongside each actuator is provided with a slide pad to prevent damage to the actuator and other parts during operation of the associated folding mechanism.

Abstract: A sand fighter is drawn through an agricultural field by a tractor. The sand fighter has five sections. The outer or distal sections are folded manually. The inner or proximal sections are folded hydraulically. The center or medial section is connected to the power lift of the tractor so the entire sand fighter may be raised and lowered and drafted through the field.