A system for detecting changes in the operating condition of frame assemblies of an agricultural implement includes a main frame assembly and a sub-frame assembly coupled to the main frame assembly, with the sub-frame assembly being configured to support a plurality of ground-engaging tools. The system also includes first and second load sensors configured to provide data indicative of a load applied through respective first and second portions of the sub-frame assembly, and a computing system communicatively coupled to the first and second load sensors. The computing system is configured to monitor the loads applied through the first and second portions of the sub-frame assembly based on the data provided by the first and second load sensors, and determine that a change in an operating condition of the sub-frame assembly has occurred based on a differential between the loads applied through the first and second portions of the sub-frame assembly.

A double-shoot disc-opener row unit for use with agricultural implements includes two discs that form two separate trenches in a planting surface of a field. The mechanical connection between the two discs provides an adjustable longitudinal separation between the discs to prevent an overlap between the discs from a point view perpendicular to the direction of travel of the row unit. The longitudinal separation may reduce the interference of the flow of soil from one disc from interfering with the formations of trenches by the other disc. An adjustable lateral separation between the discs may also provide for a separation between the trenches produced by the different discs.

A tillage apparatus for selective primary tillage and seed bed preparation makes use of a selectively moveable primary tillage shank to provide seasonal, in-field and/or on-the-fly flexibility of tillage operation. The tillage apparatus has a cultivator frame, at least one secondary tillage tool mounted on the frame and a primary tillage shank mounted on the frame, the primary tillage shank selectively moveable between a lowered soil engaging position and a raised disengaged position. In a method of tilling or preparing a seed bed, the tillage apparatus is dragged around a field with the at least one secondary tillage tool engaged with the field when secondary tillage of the field is desired, and the selectively moveable primary tillage shank lowered to be engaged with the field when the field is in need of primary tillage or raised to be disengaged from the field when primary tillage is not desired.

A closing wheel assembly is provided for a seed row planter unit behind the gauge wheel assembly and furrow disks of the planter unit. The closing wheel assembly includes a coupler with a pair of closing wheels mounted thereon. A single pin removably extends through the coupler and through the gauge wheel assembly to detachably mount the closing wheel assembly to the gauge wheel assembly. Different closing wheel assemblies can be quickly mounted on the row unit, depending upon the type of seed being planted. The closing wheels are laterally adjustable via a rotatable threaded bushing so as to be centered behind the furrow disks.

A system for identifying plugging of ground engaging tools of an agricultural implement may include a ground engaging tool configured to be supported by an agricultural implement and a signal transmission device provided in operative association with the ground engaging tool, with the signal transmission device being configured to transmit wireless signals. The system may also include an antenna spaced apart from the signal transmission device and configured to receive the wireless signals transmitted from the signal transmission device, and a controller communicatively coupled to the antenna. The controller is configured to determine when the ground engaging tool is experiencing a plugged condition based at least in part on at least one of an attenuation parameter of the wireless signals received by the antenna from signal transmission device or a lack of wireless signals received by the antenna from signal transmission device.

A system measures the roughness of the ground surface over which an agricultural implement passes as measured in the direction of travel. The system includes at least one ground sensor attached to the agricultural implement that provides measurement of the distance to the ground. A controller is connected to the at least one ground sensor, and controls at least one adjustment of the agricultural implement. The at least one ground sensor provides instantaneous output based on the distance to the ground to the controller. The controller then calculates at least one statistical parameter from the instantaneous output. The at least one statistical parameter is calculated from variations in the distance to the ground in the direction of travel of the agricultural implement.

In one aspect, a system for determining field characteristics during the performance of an agricultural operation may include an imaging device configured to capture image data associated with a portion of the field within a field of view of the imaging device. The system may also include an illumination device configured to emit a light directed at the portion of the field within the field of view of the imaging device. Furthermore, a controller of the system may be configured to control an operation of the illumination device such that a light pattern is displayed on a field surface of the field. Moreover, the controller may be configured to receive image data indicative of the displayed light pattern from the imaging device. Additionally, the controller may be configured to determine a field characteristic of the field based on the displayed light pattern.

The stalk eliminator chops stalks, uproots stalks, and re-chops stalks. The apparatus includes a front stalk chopper on a rotating cylinder with angularly attached blades. A plow tool attaches to the apparatus and provides a subsoiler wing behind and under the front stalk chopper. A rear stalk chopper on a rotating cylinder with angularly attached blades follows the plow tool.

A system for monitoring soil conditions within a field includes an agricultural implement including a frame and a ganged tool assembly supported relative to the frame and including a toolbar coupled to the frame and a plurality of ground-engaging tools coupled to the toolbar. The system further includes a first sensor provided in operative association with the ganged tool assembly and configured to detect motion of the ganged tool assembly. The system further includes a second sensor separate from the first sensor configured to detect an orientation of the ganged tool assembly relative to at least one of the field or the frame. The system includes a controller communicatively coupled to the sensors and configured to determine an indication of a soil condition at a given location within the field based at least in part on the detected motion and orientation of the ganged tool assembly.

A tillage implement has a frame with a center section and first and second outer wing sections hingedly attached the center section such that the wing sections can be operably raised and lowered between a field-working position and a transport position. The sections each carry tillage tools for working the soil. Controlling a precharge in a secondary side of a hydraulic circuit enables the operator of the implement to adjust the downward pressure precharge provided by a plurality of hydraulic cylinders based on a desired stiffness of the implement. A pressure-reducing valve is configured such that flow from the hydraulic supply applies downward pressure precharge on the plurality of tillage tools. Once this desired precharge has been achieved, flow from the hydraulic supply is shut off and a check valve holds the pressure such that the plurality of hydraulic cylinders holds the tillage tools in position.