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.

An agricultural implement includes a plurality of ground-engaging tools configured to modify a surface configuration of an agricultural field and a hydraulically-controlled subsystem configured to modify an operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools. The agricultural implement also includes a sensor coupled to the hydraulically-controlled subsystem configured to generate sensor signals indicative of a current operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools. The agricultural implement also includes an implement control system configured to receive the sensor signals from the sensor to determine the current operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools, and, upon determining the current operating angle is to be changed to a new operating angle, generate control signals for the hydraulically-controlled subsystem to modify the operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools from the current operating angle to the new operating angle.

An agricultural implement includes a plurality of ground-engaging tools configured to modify a surface configuration of an agricultural field and a hydraulically-controlled subsystem configured to modify an operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools. The agricultural implement also includes a sensor coupled to the hydraulically-controlled subsystem configured to generate sensor signals indicative of a current operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools. The agricultural implement also includes an implement control system configured to receive the sensor signals from the sensor to determine the current operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools, and, upon determining the current operating angle is to be changed to a new operating angle, generate control signals for the hydraulically-controlled subsystem to modify the operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools from the current operating angle to the new operating angle.

An illustrative modular smart implement for precision agriculture includes a chassis having a hydraulic system, a control system, and articulating tool arms that are adapted to releasably receive one of a tool attachment for working a crop and/or field, including precision planting, cultivating, thinning, spraying, harvesting, and/or data collection. A toolbar fixed to the chassis receives and supports the articulating tools arms. An alignment member and side shift actuator provide movement of a portion of the tool arms along an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the toolbar, and a lift actuator provide movement along a vertical axis.

An illustrative control system for an precision agricultural implement includes a controller having a convolutional neural network, a machine vision module, a plurality of sensors, and a plurality of actuators in communication with the controller, the plurality of actuators including a plurality of agricultural tool actuators.

An illustrative control system for an precision agricultural implement includes a controller having a convolutional neural network, a machine vision module, a plurality of sensors, and a plurality of actuators in communication with the controller, the plurality of actuators including a plurality of agricultural tool actuators.

An implement operating apparatus has a U-shaped drive frame supported on drive wheels, each pivotally mounted about a vertical wheel pivot axis. A steering control selectively pivots each drive wheel. A power source is connected through a drive control to rotate the drive wheels in either direction. First and second implements are configured to perform implement operations and to rest on the ground and when the drive frame is maneuvered to an implement loading position with respect to each implement, the implement is connectable to the drive frame and movable to an operating position supported by the drive frame. When the implement is in the operating position, the steering and drive controls are operative to move and steer the drive frame and implement along a first travel path or a second travel path oriented generally perpendicular to the first travel path.

An agricultural apparatus including an agricultural vehicle and a number of work units suitable for cutting a standing crop. The work units include a front work unit and two lateral work units located behind and to the sides of the front work unit, each of the work units depositing cut crop as a swath. Each of the lateral work units is supported from a central chassis by a hydraulic system. A plurality of sensors determine a speed of the agricultural vehicle, a speed of operation of each lateral work unit and a relief pressure in the hydraulic system of each lateral work unit. A control unit is configured to receive inputs from the plurality of sensors, compare the values for a desired vehicle speed or speed of operation of the mower unit and adjust the pressure relief in the hydraulic system based on this comparison. The inertia of the hydraulic control system can accordingly be compensated for and the work units are able to follow the terrain contour, resulting in an even cut.

An agricultural machine, in particular self-propelled and/or towed agricultural machine and methods for proactively controlling an agricultural machine to maintain a positioning of a boom coupled to the machine over uneven terrain are described. The agricultural machine includes a chassis that bears components of the agricultural machine, a data processing apparatus, a sensor unit for detecting an inclination angle of the chassis relative to a reference plane, and a detection apparatus for detecting a travel speed and/or a travelled route, per time unit. Proactive control of the machine is achieved using the data processing apparatus which is configured to calculate a travelled route, in particular per time unit, using a travel speed and/or to calculate a terrain relief using a travelled route, per time unit, and using an inclination angle of the chassis which changes or remains constant along the route.

An agricultural machine, in particular self-propelled and/or towed agricultural machine and methods for proactively controlling an agricultural machine to maintain a positioning of a boom coupled to the machine over uneven terrain are described. The agricultural machine includes a chassis that bears components of the agricultural machine, a data processing apparatus, a sensor unit for detecting an inclination angle of the chassis relative to a reference plane, and a detection apparatus for detecting a travel speed and/or a travelled route, per time unit. Proactive control of the machine is achieved using the data processing apparatus which is configured to calculate a travelled route, in particular per time unit, using a travel speed and/or to calculate a terrain relief using a travelled route, per time unit, and using an inclination angle of the chassis which changes or remains constant along the route.