Agco Corporation

Benjamin Anson Fanshier

Ross Duerksen

Monte J Rans

Douglas J Grollmes

Zane Wesley Unrau

Robert L Figger

Rex Schertz

A system includes a tractor comprising a lifting hitch, and an implement comprising an implement frame carried by the lifting hitch. The implement frame has an integrated elongate toolbar carrying at least one row unit. A sensor is configured to sense a position of the at least one row unit relative to the ground. A control system is configured to receive a signal related to the sensed position of the at least one row unit relative to the ground and cause the lifting hitch to raise or lower a portion of the implement frame connected to the lifting hitch relative to the tractor based at least in part on the signal. Control systems and related methods are also disclosed.

Systems comprising agricultural implements connected to lifting hitches and related control systems and methods

An implement includes an implement frame having an integrated elongate toolbar carrying at least one row unit, at least one wheel coupled to the implement frame and defining an axis of rotation, a sensor configured to sense a position of the at least one row unit relative to the ground, and a control system. The control system is configured to receive a signal related to the sensed position of the at least one row unit relative to the ground and cause a lift system to raise or lower a portion of the implement frame connected to the lift system to rotate the implement frame about the axis of rotation of the at least one wheel based at least in part on the signal. Control systems and related methods are also disclosed.

Agricultural implements having row unit position sensors and a rotatable implement frame, and related control systems and methods

In one embodiment, an in-line tandem axle assembly comprising: a tandem wheel arm; a pair of wheel connecting assemblies, each comprising a hub and a spindle; a pair of mounts coupled respectively to the pair of wheel connecting assemblies; a pair of wheels coupled respectively to the pair of wheel connecting assemblies, the pair of wheels separated by the tandem wheel arm and in a same fore-and-aft position; and plural pairs of parallel links of equal length pivotably mounted to the pair of mounts and pivotably mounted to the tandem wheel arm.

In-line tandem axle assembly

An agricultural machine includes a frame having a tongue hitch for attachment to a towing vehicle, the tongue hitch being oriented along a longitudinal axis inline with the direction of travel. The agricultural machine has an axle mounted to the frame and an arm mounted to the axle. A front spindle is mounted at the front end of the arm with a front tire mounted to the front spindle and a rear spindle is mounted at the rear end of the arm with a rear tire mounted to the rear spindle. The tires are positioned on a same side of the swing arm. The front tire has a different diameter than a diameter of the rear tire.

Agricultural machine having tires of different diameters, and related methods

In one embodiment, a frame member; a toolbar coupled to the frame member, the toolbar parallel to, and rearward of, the frame member; a row unit coupled to the toolbar; and an actuator coupled between the frame member and the toolbar, the actuator configured to rotate the toolbar based on a sensed position of the toolbar.

Implement contouring toolbar

In one embodiment, an in-line tandem axle assembly comprising: a tandem wheel arm (); a pair of wheel connecting assemblies (A,B), each comprising a hub (A,B) and a spindle (A,B); a pair of mounts (A,B) coupled respectively to the pair of wheel connecting assemblies; a pair of wheels (A,B) coupled respectively to the pair of wheel connecting assemblies, the pair of wheels separated by the tandem wheel arm and in a same fore-and-aft position; and plural pairs of parallel links (A,B) of equal length pivotably mounted to the pair of mounts and pivotably mounted to the tandem wheel arm.

An implement comprising a center section and a pair of wing sections, each of the sections comprising a pair of parallel frame members pivotably coupled to each other, wherein one of the frame members comprises a toolbar; and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders enabling rotational movement between the parallel frame members, wherein the hydraulic cylinders of the wing sections comprise double-rod cylinders and the hydraulic cylinders of the center section comprises single-rod cylinders.

Rotating toolbar with double rod cylinder

An agricultural machine includes a frame having a tongue hitch for attachment to a towing vehicle, the tongue hitch being oriented along a longitudinal axis inline with the direction of travel. The agricultural machine has running gear configured to support the frame. The running gear includes an axle mounted to the frame and a swing arm pivotably mounted to the axle defining a main pivot axis. A front spindle is mounted at the front end of the swing arm with a front tire mounted to the front spindle and a rear spindle is mounted at the rear end of the swing arm with a rear tire mounted to the rear spindle. The tires are positioned on a same side of the swing arm. The front tire has a smaller diameter than a diameter of the rear tire.

Planter with full tandem offset pivot

In one embodiment, an implement load balancing method comprising sensing respective loads on one or more wheels supporting a central portion and one or more wheels supporting a wing portion, the central portion and the wing portion comprising segments of an implement; and causing, via actuation of a fluid-type cylinder, pivotal movement between the central portion and the wing portion based on the sensed loads, wherein the causing comprises causing fluid flow in one direction through the fluid-type cylinder based on a load on the one or more wheels supporting the central portion being greater than a load on the one or more wheels supporting the wing portion and causing fluid flow in an opposing direction through the fluid-type cylinder based on a load on the one or more wheels supporting the central portion being less than a load on the one or more wheels supporting the wing portion.

Implement load balancing system

In one embodiment, an implement comprising a center section and a pair of wing sections, each of the sections comprising a pair of parallel frame members pivotably coupled to each other, wherein one of the frame members comprises a toolbar; and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders enabling rotational movement between the parallel frame members, wherein the hydraulic cylinders of the wing sections comprise double rod cylinders and the hydraulic cylinders of the center section comprises single rod cylinders.

Growing community of inventors

Hesston, KS, United States of America

Benjamin Anson Fanshier