An auxiliary tool assembly for an agricultural implement is configured to support a finishing tool(s) at a location at or adjacent to the aft end of the implement. The auxiliary tool assembly includes a support arm extending lengthwise between a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end of the support arm being pivotally coupled to a portion of the implement at or adjacent to its aft end so that the tool assembly is pivotable relative to the implement between a work position and a transport position. In addition, the finishing tool(s) is configured to be coupled to or otherwise supported relative to the ground by the support arm at a location between its proximal and distal ends. Moreover, the auxiliary tool assembly includes one or more surface-engaging wheels coupled to the distal end of the support arm.

In one aspect, a system for determining soil roughness of a field across which an agricultural implement is being moved may include a tool configured to perform a tillage operation on soil within the field as the agricultural implement is moved across the field. The system may also include a sensor configured to detect a parameter associated with an acceleration of the tool. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, with the controller configured to determine a soil roughness characteristic of the soil based on measurement signals received from the sensor.

In one aspect, a system for determining soil roughness of a field across which an agricultural implement is being moved may include a tool configured to perform a tillage operation on soil within the field as the agricultural implement is moved across the field. The system may also include a sensor configured to detect a parameter associated with an acceleration of the tool. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, with the controller configured to determine a soil roughness characteristic of the soil based on measurement signals received from the sensor.

An implement load management method includes sensing respective loads on at least one wheel supporting a central portion and one or more wheels supporting a wing portion, the central portion and the wing portion comprising segments of an implement; and actuating a fluid-type cylinder to cause pivotal movement between the central portion and the wing portion based on the sensed loads, wherein the actuating comprises causing fluid flow in either of two opposing directions through the fluid-type cylinder based on evaluation of a load on the one or more wheels supporting the central portion and the one or more wheels supporting the wing portion. Related implement load management systems are also disclosed.

In one embodiment, an implement load balancing method comprising sensing respective loads on one or more wheels supporting a central portion and one or more wheels supporting a wing portion, the central portion and the wing portion comprising segments of an implement; and causing, via actuation of a fluid-type cylinder, pivotal movement between the central portion and the wing portion based on the sensed loads, wherein the causing comprises causing fluid flow in one direction through the fluid-type cylinder based on a load on the one or more wheels supporting the central portion being greater than a load on the one or more wheels supporting the wing portion and causing fluid flow in an opposing direction through the fluid-type cylinder based on a load on the one or more wheels supporting the central portion being less than a load on the one or more wheels supporting the wing portion.

Unique self-propelled soil working machines are disclosed. In certain exemplary embodiments the self propelled soil working machine includes a tool carrier which is actively adjustable to provide variable downward force on a soil working tool via a suspension element which is further passively responsive to accommodate motion of the tool in response to external force. In certain exemplary embodiments, the tool carrier is configured to adjust the working depth and pitch of the tool. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and figures.

An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming a first, a second, and a third frame section. A first actuator is coupled to the first frame section, a second actuator coupled to the second frame section, and a third actuator coupled to the third frame section. Sensors are coupled to each frame section to detect a height of the respective frame section relative to an underlying surface. A control unit is disposed in electrical communication with the sensors and operably controls the actuators to adjust the height of each frame section.

An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming a first, a second, and a third frame section. A first actuator is coupled to the first frame section, a second actuator coupled to the second frame section, and a third actuator coupled to the third frame section. Sensors are coupled to each frame section to detect a height of the respective frame section relative to an underlying surface. A control unit is disposed in electrical communication with the sensors and operably controls the actuators to adjust the height of each frame section.

In one aspect, a system for controlling the position of an agricultural implement being towed by an agricultural vehicle may include first and second wheels and first and second non-contact-based braking devices. As such, the first braking device may be configured to apply a braking force to the first wheel, and the second braking device may be configured to apply a braking force to the second wheel. Furthermore, the system may include a controller configured to control an operation of the first braking device or the second braking device when it is determined that the position of the implement differs from a predetermined position for the implement such that the braking force is applied to the corresponding wheel in a manner that adjusts the position of the implement towards the predetermined position.

In one aspect, a system for controlling the position of an agricultural implement being towed by an agricultural vehicle may include first and second wheels and first and second non-contact-based braking devices. As such, the first braking device may be configured to apply a braking force to the first wheel, and the second braking device may be configured to apply a braking force to the second wheel. Furthermore, the system may include a controller configured to control an operation of the first braking device or the second braking device when it is determined that the position of the implement differs from a predetermined position for the implement such that the braking force is applied to the corresponding wheel in a manner that adjusts the position of the implement towards the predetermined position.