An illustrative control system for a precision agricultural implement includes a controller having a convolutional neural network, an imaging device, a plurality of sensors, and a plurality of actuators in communication with the controller, the controller configured for detecting and tracking objects of interest in a commodity field, such a commodity plants, and the plurality of actuators including a plurality of agricultural tool actuators the controller operates based on the detection and tracking of object of interest in the commodity field.

A robotic automated broccoli plant harvesting apparatus uses a vision system implemented with an RGB depth camera that provides imaging signals. Software operating on a microcomputer processes the imaging signals to identify the height and position of a broccoli plant to sever it with dual opposed cutting blades. In a preferred embodiment, the software algorithm combines color, texture, and distance information of the broccoli plant to reliably cut the broccoli stalk with ⅛-inch (3.175-millimeter) accuracy. Broccoli stalks of consistent lengths result in uniform, commercially viable products.

An agricultural machine has a linkage system for hitching of an implement and an additional axle mounted to the linkage system. The linkage system includes at least one lift arm adjustably mounted to the chassis at an inner end and carrying a fastening device at an outer end. The additional axle is connected to at least one lift arm inboard of the fastening device. The linkage assembly may be a three-point linkage assembly having two lower lift arms, the additional axle being mounted between the lower lift arms.

An agricultural implement includes a longitudinally extending frame configured to be coupled to a tractor, a first elongate toolbar extending laterally outward from the frame and carrying a first row unit, a second elongate toolbar extending laterally outward the frame and carrying a second row unit, a first sensor configured to sense a position of the first row unit relative to ground, a second sensor configured to sense a position of the second row unit relative to the ground, a first actuator configured to rotate the first elongate toolbar relative to the frame based at least in part on the sensed position of the first row unit, and an actuator configured to rotate the second elongate toolbar relative to the frame based at least in part on the sensed position of the second row unit. Control systems and related methods are also disclosed.

A downforce control system for an agricultural ground engaging unit provides individual control of each agricultural ground engaging row unit by providing a proportional pressure control valve connected to the retracting chamber of a double acting cylinder which varies the upward force produced by the retracting chamber of the cylinder against a constant counteracting downward force produced by an extending chamber of the cylinder, the valve control based on a comparison of a sensed resultant downward force on the agricultural ground engaging row unit and a predetermined target downward force.

An apparatus for controlling weeds, which includes a tine formation adapted to remove or disrupt targeted weeds, and a tine support assembly adapted to support the tine for movement about a first control axis in a generally vertical direction between an engaged position wherein the tine formation in use contacts a ground surface for removal or disruption of targeted weeds and a disengaged position wherein the tine formation is substantially retracted from the ground surface. The tine support assembly is further adapted to support the tine for movement about a second control axis in a generally horizontal direction. The tine support assembly further includes a first actuation mechanism adapted to effect movement of the tine about the first control axis, and a second actuation mechanism adapted to effect movement of the tine about the second control axis. The apparatus also includes a sensing system for sensing aspects of an environment and generating data indicative thereof, and a classification system for identifying target weeds within the environment on the basis of the data from the sensing system. A control system is adapted to activate the first and second actuation mechanisms of the tine support assembly in accordance with a predetermined control logic thereby sequentially to position the tine for disruptive contact with the targeted weeds.

An agricultural system includes a frame, a cutter bar assembly configured to move relative to the frame during an operation of the agricultural system, a reel assembly configured to guide crops to the cutter bar assembly during the operation of the agricultural system, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive feedback indicative of a profile of the cutter bar assembly, set a position boundary of the reel assembly based on the feedback, and block movement of the reel assembly to a position beyond the position boundary of the reel assembly.

A method of controlling tilt of an agricultural implement being towed by a tow vehicle along a field includes providing a controller, a first sensor, a second sensor, and an actuator coupled to the implement. The method includes detecting a baseline level of the tow vehicle with the first sensor at a first location in the field, wherein the implement is located at a second location in the field spaced rearward of the first location. The controller determines when the implement will be at the first location in the field, and an implement level of the implement is measured with the second sensor once the implement is at the first location. The implement level is compared to the baseline level with the controller. The controller determines if the difference between the implement level and baseline level is within a tolerance range, and further controls the actuator as needed.

A system for assessing the performance of an agricultural implement may include a ground engaging tool configured to engage soil within a field as the agricultural implement is moved across the field such that the ground engaging tool creates a field material cloud aft of the ground engaging tool in a direction of travel of the agricultural implement. The system may further include a sensor configured to detect a cloud characteristic of the field material cloud and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller may be configured to monitor data received from the sensor and assess the agricultural operation being performed based at least in part on the cloud characteristic.

A wheel-mounting assembly for a utility vehicle includes a chassis and a wheel support assembly mounted to respective outboard ends of first and second telescopic axle assemblies. The first and second telescopic axle assemblies are laterally spaced from one another and are each secured to the chassis. The first and second telescopic axle assemblies each include a respective actuator arranged to control extension and retraction thereof for steering and track-width control.