Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An agricultural implement useful to prepare the ground before or after a seeding operation includes a number of soil packer units which are directly coupled to transversely extending tool bars or frame members ahead of respective, trailing harrow sections. The packer units are connected to the frame members by relatively short links for free up and down shifting movement during advancement of the implement across the field in substantial independence of vertical movement of the harrow sections. The frame members are pivotal about a parallel, horizontal axis to raise the harrow sections and the packer units to an upright orientation for transport, at which time a portion of the links supporting the packer units comes into firm, resting contact with a stop for precluding further movement of the packer units. The relatively heavy packer units are located in proximal relation to the axis of pivotal movement of the frame members, to thereby reduce stresses imposed on the structural components of the implement and reduce the size and cost of the hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly for raising or lowering the harrow sections and packer units. In use, the trailing harrow sections smooth the compacted ground and function to reduce water and wind erosion, enhance soil moisture retention and leave weeds on top of the ground to prevent further growth of the same.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim