The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to devices, systems and methods for on-the-go monitoring and controlled feedback in a supplemental downforce application. Certain implementations provide real-time monitoring of furrow depth via contact and non-contact approaches, some of which are combined with gauge wheel feedback to calibrate and otherwise control the application of supplemental downforce to the row unit. A combination of sensor types are employed in collecting furrow depth measurements, which can be used to adjust the supplemental downforce through a control system module. A gauge wheel load sensor may be used to modify the application of supplemental downforce.

An orientation control system for an agricultural implement includes a first sensor configured to emit a first output signal toward a soil surface and to receive a first return signal indicative of a first height of a first portion of a frame. The orientation control system also includes a second sensor configured to emit a second output signal toward the soil surface and to receive a second return signal indicative of a second height of a second portion of the frame. In addition, the orientation control system includes a first actuator, a second actuator, and a controller configured to control the first and second actuators such that a difference between the first height and a first target height is less than a first threshold value and a difference between the second height and a second target height is less than a second threshold value.

An agricultural system comprising a plough. The plough comprising: a plough body; a stone-trip-mechanism that is configured to be tripped when the plough body encounters a stone or other obstruction; and a trip-sensor configured to provide trip-data in response to the stone-trip-mechanism being tripped. The agricultural system also includes a location-determining-system associated with the plough, wherein the location-determining-system is configured to provide location-data that is representative of a location of the plough; and a controller. The controller is configured to: receive the trip-data; and store location-data provided by the location-determining-system as a trip-location based on the trip-data, wherein the trip-location is a location of the plough at the time that the stone-trip-mechanism is tripped.

An agricultural combine having a chassis, an intermediate member connected to the chassis, a first actuator connecting the chassis to the intermediate member, a first gauge configured to measure a first force generated by the first actuator, a header movably connected to the intermediate member, a second actuator connecting the header to the intermediate member, a second gauge configured to measure a second force generated by the second actuator, and a processing unit operatively connected to the first gauge and to the second gauge and comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing computer readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, are configured to evaluate the first force and the second force to determine a position of a center of gravity of the header relative to the chassis. A method for determining the position of the center of gravity and weight of the header are also provided.

An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming at least a first frame section, a second frame section, and a third frame section, where the first frame section is disposed between the second and third frame sections. A pair of elongated gang assemblies are on the first frame section, an elongated gang assembly is on the second frame section, and an elongated gang assembly is on the third frame section. Each of the gang assemblies is horizontally adjustable relative to the frame. An actuator for each gang assembly operably controls the angular adjustment of the gang assemblies, and a fluid source supplies fluid to the actuators. The actuator on the second frame section is a master actuator for one of the actuators on the first frame section, and the actuator on the third frame section is a master actuator for the other actuator on the first frame section.

An agricultural machine includes a hitching support, at least one tool or group of tools, at least one support arm which is connected to the hitching support by a first joint and to the tool or tool group, and which is mounted so as to pivot about a transfer axis between operational and raised positions, and a safety device making it possible to carry out a safety movement under the effect of pressure. The safety device includes a lift connected to the hitching support by a second joint. The second joint is offset relative to the first joint in the direction of travel. The safety movement can include a second movement phase during which the lift is able to move the tool or the group of tools away from the ground.

An agricultural implement assembly, which may comprise a support frame and a tine support structure for supporting a plurality of tine members. The assembly may comprise a clamping mechanism operable for securing the tine members to the tine support structure. The clamping mechanism comprises an upper clamping arm, a lower clamping arm and a medial connecting member which are operable to securely hold or otherwise constrain the tine members against or in close proximity to the tine support structure. The clamping mechanism may comprise a tine angled portion engaging component operable to engage an upper surface of the angled end portion of the tine member. The upper and lower clamping arms may comprise at least one upper ridge and at least one lower ridge for engaging in contact with a first portion and a second portion respectively of outward facing surface regions of the tine support structure.

A machine body side control device is configured to control an actuator based on information on a posture change of a machine body obtained from a machine body side sensor and information on a position of an implement relative to the ground surface obtained from an implement side sensor via an implement side control device.

The present invention relates to a tool carrier unit (1) for attachment to an agricultural vehicle. The tool carrier unit comprises a tool carrier (2) for carrying at least one tool for an agricultural purpose, and a height adjustment assembly (5) comprising at least one linear actuator (6, 6′) coupled to the tool carrier such that the tool carrier can be raised and lowered. The height adjustment assembly (5) comprises a linear bearing (10) comprising a guide rail and a slide element movably engaged to each other so that the guide rail and the slide element are allowed to move relative to each other in a linear movement along the length of the guide rail. The tool carrier unit (1) comprises at least one mounting bracket (12, 12′) comprising coupling means (16) for mechanically coupling the tool carrier unit to the vehicle. The linear bearing (10) is arranged between the mounting bracket (12, 12′) and the tool carrier (2) such that the tool carrier and the mounting bracket are movable relative each other, wherein the at least one linear actuator (6:6′) comprises a body and a piston linearly movable relative to the body, and the body and the piston are attached to the mounting bracket (12, 12′) and the tool carrier (2) respectively, such that the linear actuator (6, 6′) can raise and lower the tool carrier (2) with respect to the mounting bracket (12, 12′).

An agricultural tillage system including a carriage frame assembly, a plurality of tillage elements coupled to the carriage frame assembly, an actuator and a residue reactive system. The actuator is moveably coupled to the tillage elements, and is directly in control of a soil contact depth of the tillage elements. The residue reactive system is in controlling communication with the at least one actuator. The residue reactive system reduces the soil contact depth of the tillage elements when the residue mass on the soil is reduced and/or the slope of the soil is above a predetermined value.