Patent classifications
A01B69/006
Self-propelled vehicles including a differential system
Self-propelled vehicles that include swiveling caster wheels and independent drive wheels are disclosed. The self-propelled vehicles are selectively steered in a caster wheel steering mode or a drive wheel steering mode. The vehicle includes a differential system that may include a differential valve that allows hydraulic fluid to be transferred between the left and right drive systems. The differential system may be operable during the caster wheel steering mode such as when the vehicle is driven for transport between sites.
PROPULSION ASSEMBLY FOR AN AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT
An agricultural planter is configured to be moved over a supporting surface by a vehicle. The agricultural planter includes a frame and a planter assembly coupled to the frame. A first propulsion assembly is coupled to the frame at a first position with the first propulsion assembly having a first traction member configured to engage the supporting surface. A second propulsion assembly is coupled to the frame at a second position with the second propulsion assembly having a second traction member configured to engage the supporting surface. A drive assembly is operably coupled to at least one of the first or second propulsion assemblies and configured to drive at least one of the first or second traction members during operation of the planter assembly. The first traction member is configured to be driven independently of the second traction member.
IMPLEMENT GUIDANCE MODULE
An implement guidance module is provided for positioning a drawn implement as the implement is pulled by a vehicle traveling along a desired path of movement, the vehicle having a connection point for receiving a hitch. The module includes a module main frame having a first end configured for connection to the vehicle connection point, and a second end configured for connection to the implement, the main frame having a longitudinal axis, and having a pivot mount connected to the second end with an implement mounting plate pivoting relative to the module main frame about a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A vehicle mounting plate defines the first end of the module main frame, and the implement mounting plate defines the second end of the module main frame.
Articulated Tractor Having An Improved Hitch And Control Method Thereof
An articulated tractor comprises a front frame, a rear frame articulated to the front frame by a central articulation, and a pivotable hitch carried by one of the front frame and the rear frame. The hitch is pivoted during steering. Front wheels are offset from the rear part of the tractor.
Implement operating apparatus
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.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN IMPLEMENT CONNECTED TO A VEHICLE
A system and method for controlling an implement connected to a vehicle is described, wherein the implement is adapted to perform an agricultural operation on a field, the vehicle has steerable ground engaging means for propelling the vehicle over the field, an actuator is arranged to control at least one of a yaw angle and a lateral position of the implement with respect to the vehicle, and an implement control unit is programmed to control the actuator based upon a first signal regarding a difference between a sensed lateral position of the implement and a nominal lateral position of the implement and a second signal regarding a steering movement of the vehicle.
STEERING CONTROL SYSTEM FOR HARVESTER AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME
The disclosure relates to a steering control system useful for providing stable control during high-speed operation of harvesters, such as self-propelled windrowers. The steering control system utilizes a sensor for detecting and regulating a position of a single steering cylinder associated with a first caster, a damper being free of sensing and providing passive damping to the second caster.
Improvements in or Relating to Vehicle-Trailer Combinations
A system that includes an agricultural tractor that includes a steering mechanism for steering at least one surface-engaging member so as to cause changes in a direction of movement of the agricultural tractor; and an agricultural implement that is towed behind the agricultural tractor. The system further includes at least one forward sensor for sensing one or more objects or conditions located forwardly of the agricultural tractor and at least one lateral sensor for sensing one or more objects or conditions that when sensed are located laterally of the agricultural tractor or implement. The system further includes a controller that acts in dependence on at least one output of the at least one lateral sensor to take account of a presence of the one or more objects or conditions sensed by the at least one lateral sensor.
System and method for automatic detection of implement working width
A method and system is disclosed for automatic detection of implement working width of an implement on a vehicle. The method includes tracking location of the vehicle; determining if the vehicle is making substantially parallel passes; if the vehicle is making substantially parallel passes the method also includes determining distances between consecutive passes; and calculating a calculated implement working width based on the distances between consecutive passes. A location sensor attached to the vehicle can be used for tracking the vehicle. Determining if the vehicle is making parallel passes can include grouping the location sensor readings into pass lines that each include sensor readings defining a single pass line; and determining if a current pass line is parallel to a prior pass line. Vehicle heading can be used for determining if pass lines are substantially parallel. Known implement working widths can be used to verify calculated implement working widths.
Agricultural machine, and system and method for controlling agricultural machine
An agricultural machine includes one or more tires, a detector to detect a low pressure state in which a pressure of one of the tires is lower than a reference range or a high pressure state in which the tire pressure is higher than the reference range, and a controller to control an operation of at least one of the agricultural machine and an additional agricultural machine to be linked to the agricultural machine. One of the agricultural machine and the additional agricultural machine is a work vehicle that is capable of self-driving, and the other one is an implement to be linked to the work vehicle. The controller causes, in response to detection of the low or high pressure state, at least one of the agricultural machines to perform a specific operation that is different from an operation to be performed when the pressure is in the reference range.