A row unit of a seeder includes a frame configured to be coupled to a toolbar of the seeder. The row unit also includes a single opener disc rotatably coupled to the frame and a closing system. The closing system includes a closing disc arm pivotally coupled to the frame, and a closing disc rotatably coupled to the closing disc arm. The closing system also includes a closing disc actuator coupled to the closing disc arm. Furthermore, the closing system includes a packer wheel arm pivotally coupled to the frame. The packer wheel arm and the closing disc arm are configured to rotate independently of one another relative to the frame. The closing system also includes a packer wheel rotatably coupled to the packer wheel arm. Furthermore, the closing system includes a packer wheel actuator coupled to the frame and to the packer wheel arm.

An agricultural implement includes at least one row unit having a plurality of support members, each of which is pivotably coupled to an attachment frame or another of the support members to permit vertical pivoting vertical movement of the support members, and a plurality of soil-engaging tools, each of which is coupled to at least one of the support members. A plurality of hydraulic cylinders are coupled to the support members for urging the support members downwardly toward the soil. A plurality of controllable pressure control valves are coupled to the hydraulic cylinders for controlling the pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied to the cylinders. A plurality of sensors produce electrical signals corresponding to predetermined conditions, and a controller is coupled to the sensor and the controllable pressure control valves. The controller receives the electrical signals from the sensors and produces control signals for controlling the pressure control valves.

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.

An agricultural implement includes at least one row unit having a plurality of support members, each of which is pivotably coupled to an attachment frame or another of the support members to permit vertical pivoting vertical movement of the support members, and a plurality of soil-engaging tools, each of which is coupled to at least one of the support members. A plurality of hydraulic cylinders are coupled to the support members for urging the support members downwardly toward the soil. A plurality of controllable pressure control valves are coupled to the hydraulic cylinders for controlling the pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied to the cylinders. A plurality of sensors produce electrical signals corresponding to predetermined conditions, and a controller is coupled to the sensor and the controllable pressure control valves. The controller receives the electrical signals from the sensors and produces control signals for controlling the pressure control valves.

A load sensing bracket for a disk opener assembly of an agricultural implement. The load sensing bracket includes a body having a cantilevered arm, the body is configured to engage with and secure to a portion of a depth setting arm of a disc opening assembly. The cantilevered arm has an upper end with an extending projection that is receivable in any one of plurality of notches of a fan shaped member thereby setting a position of the depth setting arm relative to the fan shaped member which sets a position of the gauge wheel relative to the disk. A sensor is disposed on the cantilevered arm generating a signal relating to strain in the cantilevered arm which corresponds to a down pressure on the gauge wheel.

In one aspect, a method is disclosed for automatically controlling a position of an implement of an agricultural work vehicle relative to a ground surface. The method may include monitoring, with one or more computing devices, an implement position parameter indicative of the position of the implement relative to the ground surface. The method may also include calculating a normal output signal based on the implement position parameter. The method may also include determining when a boost condition is satisfied based on a comparison between the implement position parameter and a predetermined implement position parameter threshold. The method may also include computing a boost output signal based on the implement position parameter. The method may also include adjusting the position of the implement relative to the ground surface based on the normal output signal and the boost output signal.

The invention provides a system for sensing soil characteristics of an agricultural field, including soil variability and/or clod stability, in real time to allow rapid adjustment of an implement while traversing the field. The implement could be a planter, a fertilizer applicator or a tillage implement treating the field with ground engaging tools. The system can sense the soil characteristics, for example, by continuously transmitting acoustic energy to the field and sensing sound energy scattered back. This, in turn, can allow a continuously updated estimation of the field, such as in terms of clod size. Adjustment of the implement can include changing its speed and/or application of a seedbed attachment, such as changing a depth of the ground engaging tool.

A mobile machine includes a frame, and a set of wheels supporting the frame. The mobile machine also includes a set of ground-engaging tools mounted to the frame that are movable relative to the wheels to change a depth of engagement of the ground engaging-tools with ground over which the mobile machine travels. A first sensor senses a position of the frame relative to the ground surface over which the mobile machine is traveling. A second sensor senses a position of the frame relative to the wheels. The sensor signals from both sensors are used to control the frame height.

In one aspect, a system for monitoring the condition of seedbed within a field may include a plurality of ground-penetrating tools supported by an implement frame adjacent to its forward end. The system may also include a plurality of surface-finishing tools supported by the implement frame adjacent to its aft end. Moreover, the system may include a seedbed floor detection assembly coupled to the implement frame behind the plurality of ground-penetrating tools and in front of the plurality of surface-finishing tools. The seedbed floor detection assembly may include a seedbed tool configured to ride along the seedbed floor. Additionally, the seedbed detection assembly may include a seedbed floor sensor configured to detect a position of the seedbed tool relative to the implement frame, with such position being indicative of variations in a profile of the seedbed floor.

In one aspect, a system for monitoring seedbed floor conditions within a field may include a frame and a wheel coupled to the frame. The wheel may be configured to support the frame relative to a soil surface of the field as the frame is moved across the field. The system may also include a support arm pivotably coupled to the frame and a disc coupled to the support arm, with the disc configured to penetrate the soil surface of the field and roll relative to a seedbed floor within the field. Furthermore, the system may include a sensor configured to detect pivotable motion of the support arm relative to the frame. As such, the pivotable motion of the support arm may be indicative of variations in a profile of the seedbed floor as the ground engaging assembly is moved across the field.