Patent ID: 6397953
Filing Date: 2002-06-04
Classification: A01B

Abstract:
In a farm implement, the improvement comprising:a frame; a rear transport wheel assembly disposed to support the rear of the frame in a lowered, operating position, said transport wheel assembly being vertically adjustable relative to the frame to cause raising and lowering of the frame between said lowered, operating position and a raised transport position; a front gauge wheel assembly disposed to support the front of the frame in said lowered, operating position and to be supported off the ground by the frame when the frame is in its raised, transport position; a hitch at the front of the frame for coupling the implement with a towing vehicle, said hitch being pivotally connected to the frame for vertical swinging movement relative to the frame about a transverse horizontal axis; and selectively engageable self-leveling mechanism operable when disengaged to allow the implement to flex freely about said transverse axis when the frame is in said operating position and the implement encounters changes in the terrain relative to the towing vehicle and operable when engaged to operably interconnect the transport wheel assembly and the hitch in a manner to maintain the frame substantially level as it is raised and lowered between said operating and transport positions in response to vertical adjustment of the transport wheel assembly.