A tillage implement includes at least one row unit having at least one shank assembly. The shank assembly includes a shank engaged at one end to the at least one row unit and at an opposing end to a tool. Planar members are positioned on a portion of each lateral side of the shank and the tool. The shank includes at least two mounting features and the tool includes one mounting feature. Each planar member has at least two matching mounting features for the shank and at least one matching mounting feature for the tool. A first connecting member engages at least one of the at least two matching mounting features, and a second connecting member also engages one of the at least two matching mounting features. One additional connecting member engages one mounting feature of the tool and one matching mounting feature of each planar member.

In one aspect, a system for monitoring the displacement of a ground engaging tool of an agricultural implement. A controller of the system may be configured to monitor a magnitude of a displacement defined between a current position of a ground engaging tool of the implement and a predetermined ground engaging tool position. The controller may also be configured to initiate a first control action when it is determined that the magnitude of the displacement of the ground engaging tool exceeds a first threshold displacement value. Moreover, the controller may further be configured to initiate a second control action when it is determined that the magnitude of the displacement of the ground engaging tool exceeds a second threshold displacement value, with the second threshold displacement value corresponding to a greater displacement relative to the predetermined ground engaging tool position than the first displacement threshold value.

In one aspect, a system for monitoring the displacement of a ground engaging tool of an agricultural implement. A controller of the system may be configured to monitor a magnitude of a displacement defined between a current position of a ground engaging tool of the implement and a predetermined ground engaging tool position. The controller may also be configured to initiate a first control action when it is determined that the magnitude of the displacement of the ground engaging tool exceeds a first threshold displacement value. Moreover, the controller may further be configured to initiate a second control action when it is determined that the magnitude of the displacement of the ground engaging tool exceeds a second threshold displacement value, with the second threshold displacement value corresponding to a greater displacement relative to the predetermined ground engaging tool position than the first displacement threshold value.

An agricultural implement including a frame configured to be towed behind a vehicle and a plurality of shank assemblies connected to the frame and configured for engaging a soil. Each shank assembly includes a shank mount configured to mount to the frame, a coupling arm pivotally connected to the shank mount and extending rearwardly therefrom, and a shank connected to the coupling arm at an end and extending downwardly therefrom to a tool-supporting end. Each shank assembly also includes a ground-engaging tool connected to the tool-supporting end of the shank and a variable rate spring positioned in between the shank mount and the coupling arm and configured for providing a variable ground-engaging tool load.

An agricultural implement including a frame configured to be towed behind a vehicle and a plurality of shank assemblies connected to the frame and configured for engaging a soil. Each shank assembly includes a shank mount configured to mount to the frame, a coupling arm pivotally connected to the shank mount and extending rearwardly therefrom, and a shank connected to the coupling arm at an end and extending downwardly therefrom to a tool-supporting end. Each shank assembly also includes a ground-engaging tool connected to the tool-supporting end of the shank and a variable rate spring positioned in between the shank mount and the coupling arm and configured for providing a variable ground-engaging tool load.

An apparatus, which may be a tillage apparatus, is disclosed that may have a flexible frame. The frame may be made from open members. The frame may support ground engagers and may be supported on wheel assemblies. The ground engagers may be connected to a spring trip mechanism. The ground engagers may be mounted to open members of the frame with a clamping style mechanism. The clamp mechanism may include wedge devices. The frame may be lowered and raised relative to wheels of the wheel assemblies with a lift mechanism. One row of ground engagers may be raised or lowered relative to the frame independent of another row of ground engagers. An anti-skid or skew control system may be employed in association with the independent height adjustment of one row of ground engagers. A system may be provided to maintain and control the height of a tow hitch forming part of the apparatus.

A subsoil tool for ameliorating soil compaction having a shank attached to a toolbar of a tractor, wings on forward wing links pivotally engaged to the shank, and following wings on a wing rod pivotally engaged with the forward wing link. The forward wing links are positioned near the bottom of the shank in front of the rear of the shank. The wing rod is positioned behind the shank. A drive box having a hydraulic cylinder is engaged to the toolbar and pivotally engaged with the wing rod. In use, a portion of the subsoil tool may be inserted below a surface of the soil, the height of the subsoil tool may be adjusted, the subsoil tool may be rotated, and the hydraulic cylinder may be cycled to move the forward wings and following wings.

A subsoil tool for ameliorating soil compaction having a shank attached to a toolbar of a tractor, wings on forward wing links pivotally engaged to the shank, and following wings on a wing rod pivotally engaged with the forward wing link. The forward wing links are positioned near the bottom of the shank in front of the rear of the shank. The wing rod is positioned behind the shank. A drive box having a hydraulic cylinder is engaged to the toolbar and pivotally engaged with the wing rod. In use, a portion of the subsoil tool may be inserted below a surface of the soil, the height of the subsoil tool may be adjusted, the subsoil tool may be rotated, and the hydraulic cylinder may be cycled to move the forward wings and following wings.

An agricultural enhancement method for removing or overcoming soil fragipan, hardpan, or other natural and/or artificial soil compaction barriers is disclosed. These barriers prevent root and/or water penetration, which inhibits agricultural development. Consequently, removing and overcoming these barriers is beneficial to the soil and to agricultural yields.

An agricultural enhancement method for removing or overcoming soil fragipan, hardpan, or other natural and/or artificial soil compaction barriers is disclosed. These barriers prevent root and/or water penetration, which inhibits agricultural development. Consequently, removing and overcoming these barriers is beneficial to the soil and to agricultural yields.