An agricultural machine may include a first plurality of sensors configured to measure characteristics of product stored on the machine for use during the machine's operation. The machine may also include a second plurality of sensors configured to measure characteristics associated with operation of the machine, in particular, in the form of feedback from ground engaging mechanisms of the machine, such as row units and wheel assemblies coupled to a frame of the machine. Based on the measured characteristics of the stored product and the measured characteristics associated with the machine's operation, a controller may adjust actuators coupled between adjacent sections of the frame to transfer weight of the stored product between certain sections of the frame, which in turn optimizes the machine's operational characteristics.

A U-shaped drive frame has abase beam and parallel side beams defining an open implement area. Drive wheels support the side beams, and each drive wheel rotates about a horizontal drive wheel axis perpendicular to the operating travel direction. A steering control steers the drive frame in the operating travel direction. Implements are configured to perform implement operations and to rest on the ground surface when in an idle position. The drive frame moves rearward to a loading position where each implement is movable to an operating position supported by the drive frame. Each implement provides a beam lock connection between the side beams that resists twisting movement of the side beams to maintain the drive wheels and the side beams in a substantially fixed relationship with respect to each other.

A machine for soil tillage to be arranged on a towing vehicle, wherein when the towing vehicle is travelling in a travel direction an area of soil can be tilled with a soil tillage tool in an intermediate space between at least two obstacles, wherein the machine has a control device with which the soil tillage tool is pivotable into and out of the intermediate space and/or is movable in a transverse direction towards or away from the machine into the intermediate space, wherein the control device comprises an adjusting device which causes the soil tillage tool to pivot in and out and/or to move in the transverse direction by an adjustment amount after detection of an obstacle.

An agricultural machine for arrangement on a vehicle, wherein during movement of the machine in the travel direction an area of soil at least between plants arranged parallel to the travel direction in row crops can be tilled by the machine, wherein the machine comprises a soil tillage tool, which is pivotable back, counter to the travel direction, about an axis of rotation running in a height direction of the machine out of a transverse direction arranged perpendicular to the travel direction and perpendicular to the height direction and/or is movable towards the machine in the transverse direction, an obstacle sensor by which obstacles can be detected, and comprises a control device, wherein when an obstacle is detected the control device can pivot the soil tillage tool back out of the transverse direction counter to the travel direction and/or move it in the transverse direction towards the machine.

A control system for multiple row units of an agricultural implement includes a controller configured to selectively enable automatic downforce control for at least one controllable ground-engaging tool of each row unit that is within a work zone of an agricultural field. The automatic downforce control for the at least one controllable ground-engaging tool includes controlling a downforce of the at least one controllable ground-engaging tool such that the downforce is within a threshold range of a respective target downforce. In addition, the controller is configured to selectively disable the automatic downforce control for the at least one controllable ground-engaging tool of each row unit that is within a no-work zone of the agricultural field, or selectively adjust the respective target downforce for the at least one controllable ground-engaging tool of each row unit that is within the no-work zone of the agricultural field.

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 vehicle header having a center section, a wing section, a hinge connecting the center section's lower frame to the wing section's lower frame, and a torque transfer linkage connecting the center section's upper frame to the wing section's upper frame. The torque transfer link has a first link, a second link, a first pivot connection joining the first link to the center section upper frame, and providing a respective single degree of rotational freedom between the first link and the center section upper frame, a second pivot connection joining the first link to the second link, and providing a respective single degree of rotational freedom between the first link and the second link, and a third pivot connection joining the second link to the first wing section upper frame, and providing a respective single degree of rotational freedom between the second link and the first wing section frame.

A method for planning the cultivation of an at least quadrangular area of an agricultural field is presented. The area has edge sections between its corners, including a first edge section and a second edge section. The second edge section is arranged opposite of and oblique to the first edge section. A plurality of first working paths and a plurality of second working paths are determined. A lane that runs at least partially along the first working paths and the second working paths and along which an agricultural machine is to be moved over the area is determined. A plurality of turning points along the lane at which the machine is steered is determined, such that the lane runs less along the first working paths and further along the second working paths as the distance from the first edge section increases.

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 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.