REAR FOLDING AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

In one aspect, a rear folding agricultural implement allows for first and second wing sections of a toolbar assembly to be folded relative to a central toolbar section of the toolbar assembly via independently actuatable wing roll sections coupled between the central toolbar section and the respective wing sections.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to agricultural implements, such as strip tillage implements and, more particularly, to a rear folding agricultural implement and related systems and methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Rear folding agricultural implements are generally known in the art. However, conventional rear folding systems often encounter numerous issues during folding and can lead to performance issues during operation. Moreover, for implements that include row units, particularly strip tillage implements, there are no viable rear folding configurations available in the market.

Accordingly, an improved rear folding agricultural implement and related systems and methods would be welcomed in the technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a rear-folding agricultural implement that includes a chassis assembly and a toolbar assembly coupled to the chassis assembly. The toolbar assembly trails the chassis assembly in a fore-aft direction of the implement when the implement is moved in a forward travel direction. The toolbar assembly includes a central toolbar section configured to support one or more row units for performing a ground-engaging operation when the implement is in a working position relative to the ground. The toolbar assembly also includes first and second wing roll sections pivotably coupled to the central toolbar section and configured to be positioned rearward of the central toolbar section in the fore-aft direction when the implement is in the working position, with the first wing roll section being pivotably relative to the central toolbar section independently from the second wing roll section. Additionally, the toolbar assembly includes a first wing toolbar section pivotably coupled to the first wing roll section and extending outwardly from the first ring roll section in a lateral direction of the implement when the implement is in the working position. The first wing toolbar section is configured to support a first plurality of row units for performing the ground-engaging operation when the implement is in a working position relative to the ground. Moreover, the toolbar assembly includes a second wing toolbar section pivotably coupled to the second wing roll section and extending outwardly from the second ring roll section in a lateral direction of the implement when the implement is in the working position. The second wing toolbar section being configured to support a second plurality of row units for performing the ground-engaging operation when the implement is in a working position relative to the ground.

In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to an agricultural implement configured in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

In further aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a system for folding an agricultural implement in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

In yet another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a method for folding an agricultural implement in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings,FIGS.1-8illustrate several views of one embodiment of an agricultural implement100in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically,FIG.1illustrates a perspective view of the agricultural implement100, whileFIGS.2-8illustrate numerous other views of the implement100with various components removed therefrom for purposes of illustration. For example,FIG.2illustrates a rear perspective view of the implement with a storage tank and row units of the implement100removed for purposes of illustration, withFIGS.3and4illustrating zoomed-in portions of the perspective view of the implement100shown inFIG.2. Specifically,FIG.3illustrates a zoomed-in, perspective view of a central portion of a toolbar assembly of the implement100andFIG.4illustrates a zoomed-in perspective view of a more outboard portion of the toolbar assembly of the implement100. Additionally,FIG.5illustrates a front perspective view of the implement with the storage tank and row units of the implement100removed for purposes of illustration, withFIG.6illustrating a zoomed-in view of the central portion of the toolbar assembly of the implement100shown inFIG.5. Moreover,FIG.7illustrates a bottom perspective view of the central portion of the toolbar assembly shown inFIG.6, whileFIG.8illustrates a side view of an aft portion of the implement100shown inFIGS.2and5.

In general, the implement100may be configured to be towed across a field in a forward direction of travel (e.g., as indicated by arrow102inFIGS.1,2, and5) by a work vehicle (e.g., an agricultural tractor). As shown, the implement100is configured as a strip tillage implement. However, in other embodiments, the implement100may be configured as any other suitable type of implement, such as a seed-planting implement, a fertilizer-dispensing implement, and/or the like.

As generally shown inFIGS.1,2, and5, the implement100includes a chassis assembly110and a toolbar assembly120coupled to the chassis assembly110. In several embodiments, the chassis assembly110may include both a support frame112and a towbar114. As shown inFIG.6, the support frame112may extend in a fore-aft direction of the implement100(as indicated by arrow FA inFIGS.1-8) between a forward end112A and an aft end112B, with the towbar114extending outwardly from the forward end112A of the support frame112to allow the implement100to be towed by a work vehicle (not shown). As shown inFIG.1, the support frame112A may, in one embodiment, be configured to support one or more storage tanks116between its forward and aft ends112A,112B. For instance, the storage tank(s)116may correspond to a fertilizer tank or any other suitable type of storage tank configured to store an agricultural material. The chassis assembly110may also be coupled to one or more pairs of chassis support wheels118. For example, as particularly shown inFIGS.5and6, two pairs of support wheels118may be coupled to the aft end112B of the support frame112to support the implement100relative to the ground.

As shown inFIG.6, the toolbar assembly120may generally be configured to be coupled to the support frame112at its aft end112B such that the toolbar assembly120trails the chassis assembly110in the fore-aft direction FA. In general, the toolbar assembly120may be configured to support a plurality of row units122(e.g., as shown inFIG.1). Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the row units122are configured as strip tillage units. As such, each row unit122may include one or more ground-engaging tools for working the soil in narrow strips extending in the for-aft-direction FA. For instance, in one embodiment, each row unit122may include one or more row cleaner disks, coulter disks, shanks or knives, finishing or conditioning units, and/or the like for tilling narrow strips of soil during the performance of a strip tillage operation. Additionally, each row unit122may also incorporate one or more components for supplying agricultural materials to the soil, such as injectors or tubes for directing the agricultural material (e.g., fertilizer) supplied from the storage tank116into the worked soil.

As generally shown inFIGS.1,2and5, the toolbar assembly120may include a central toolbar section124, a pair of wing roll sections (e.g., a first or right wing roll section126and a second or left wing roll section128), and a corresponding pair of wing toolbar sections (e.g., a first or right wing toolbar section130and a second or left wing toolbar section132). As is generally understood, the toolbar sections124,130,132may generally be configured to support the row units122relative to the remainder of the implement10. For instance, in one embodiment, each row unit122may be coupled to its respective toolbar section124,130,132via a four-bar linkage.

As particularly shown inFIG.6, the center toolbar section124may generally be pivotally coupled to the chassis assembly110(e.g., via the support frame112) at a pair of forward toolbar pivot joints134to allow the toolbar assembly120to be pivoted vertically relative to the chassis assembly112between a working position (e.g., as shown inFIGS.1-8) and a headland position (e.g., as shown inFIGS.9and10). For instance, as shown inFIG.6, the center toolbar section124may include a central toolbar member136extending in a lateral direction of the implement100(e.g., as indicated by arrow L inFIGS.1-7) and a pair of pivot arms138extending forwardly from the central toolbar member136in the fore-aft-direction FA, with the pivot arms138being pivotably coupled to the aft end112bof the support frame112at the forward toolbar pivot joints134. As particularly shown in the bottom perspective view ofFIG.7, a pair of lift cylinders140may also be coupled between the chassis assembly110(e.g., at a location between each pair of chassis support wheels118, such as at an axle tube extending between the wheels118) and the center toolbar section124(e.g., via the central toolbar member136) to allow the toolbar assembly120to be pivoted upwards or downwards relative to the chassis assembly110about the forward toolbar pivot joints134. Additionally, as shown inFIG.7, the central toolbar member136may include or be coupled to suitable mounting brackets142for coupling any number of row units122into the central toolbar member136. For instance, referring back toFIG.1, in one embodiment, four row units122may be coupled to and supported by the central toolbar member136. However, in other embodiments, any other suitable number of row units122may be coupled to and supported by the central toolbar member136.

As indicated above, the toolbar assembly120includes a pair of wing roll sections126,128, particularly a first or right wing roll section126and a second or left wing roll section128, and a corresponding pair of wing toolbar sections130,132, namely a first or right wing toolbar section130and a second or left wing toolbar section132. In general, each wing roll section126,128may be configured to be coupled between the central toolbar section124and its respective wing toolbar section130,132in a manner that allows: (1) the wing roll section126,128and corresponding wing toolbar section130,132to be rolled or pivoted upwardly and downwardly relative to the center toolbar section124about respective wing roll pivot joints144,146(e.g., seeFIG.6); and (2) each wing toolbar section130,132to be folded relative to its respective wing roll section126,128about wing fold pivot joints148,150(e.g., seeFIGS.3,4, and6) between an extended or unfolded position (e.g., as shown inFIGS.1-8) and a rearwardly folded position (e.g., as shown inFIG.13).

To provide such an independent connection between the central toolbar section124and the respective wing toolbar sections130,132, each wing roll section126,128may generally include an assembly or plurality of support or frame members that is separate or distinct from the support or frame members of the other wing roll section126,128. For instance, as particularly shown inFIGS.3and6, each wing roll section126,128may include laterally extending forward and aft support members152,154spaced apart in the fore-to-aft direction FA of the implement10. As will be described below, in one embodiment, the aft support member154of each wing roll section130,132may have an arced profile to provide clearance for the row units122during operation, folding, and/or during transport of the implement100. Additionally, as particularly shown inFIGS.3and6, each wing roll section130,312may include a pair of fore-to-aft support members156,158extending between its respective forward and aft support members152,154. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, each wing roll section126,128includes an outer support member156extending in the fore-to-aft direction FA between the forward and aft support members152,154adjacent to the interface between the wing roll section126,128and its respective wing toolbar section130,132and an inner support member158extending in the fore-to-aft direction FA between the forward and aft support members152,154adjacent to the interface between the wing roll section126,128and the adjacent wing roll section128,130. As will be described below, a sliding interface may be provided between the inner support members158of the adjacent wing roll sections126,128to allow each wing roll section126,128to move independently of the other wing roll section126,128during operation, folding, and/or transport of the implement100. Additionally, the inner support members158of the wing roll sections126,128may be configured to compress against one another when the implement100is in the working position to provide strength to the toolbar assembly100and suitable structure to account for the rearward, inward moment applied against the wing toolbar sections130,132during operation. Specifically, the contact/compression between the inner support members158of the wing roll sections126,128may bridge the load applied against wing toolbar sections130,132across the interface defined between the wing roll sections126,128.

Referring specifically toFIG.6, each wing roll section126,128may be separately coupled to the central toolbar section124at a respective pair of wing roll pivot joints144,146. Specifically, the forward support member152of the first wing roll section126is pivotably coupled to the central toolbar section124at a pair of first wing roll pivot joints144, while the forward support member152of the second wing roll section128is pivotably coupled to the central toolbar section124at a pair of second wing roll pivot joints146. Additionally, a respective roll cylinder160,162is coupled between each wing roll section126,128and the central toolbar section124to allow the wing roll sections126,128to be independently pivoted upwards or downwards relative to the central toolbar section124about the respective wing roll pivot joints144,146. Specifically, as shown inFIG.6, a first roll cylinder160is coupled between the forward support member152of first wing roll section126and the central toolbar section124(e.g., via the adjacent pivot arm138of the central toolbar section124) and a second roll cylinder162is coupled between the forward support member152of the second wing roll section128and the central toolbar section124(e.g., via the adjacent pivot arm138of the central toolbar section124).

Moreover, as indicated above, each wing roll section126,128is configured to be pivotably coupled to its respective wing toolbar section130,132at wing fold joints148,140to allow the wing toolbar section130,132to be folded relative to the wing roll section126,128between unfolded and folded positions. For instance, as shown inFIG.3, the first wing toolbar section130is pivotably coupled to the outer support member156of the first wing roll section130at a respective pair of first wing fold pivot joints148(only one of which is visible inFIG.3, the second being shown in the bottom view ofFIG.7) while the second wing toolbar section132is pivotably coupled to the outer support member156of the second wing roll section128at a respective pair of second wing pivot joints150(only one of which is visible inFIG.3, the second being shown in the bottom view ofFIG.7). Additionally, in one embodiment, each wing roll section126,128may be further connected to its respective wing toolbar section130,132via a pair of fold cylinders164,166and a corresponding four-bar linkage168that is coupled to the outer support member156of the respective wing roll section126,128. Specifically, as shown inFIG.3, an inner fold cylinder164is coupled between the inner support member158of the first wing roll section126and an inner linkage170of the associated four-bar linkage168and an outer fold cylinder166is coupled between an outer linkage172of the four-bar linkage168and the first wing toolbar section130. Although not shown inFIG.3, a similar pair of fold cylinders and associated four-bar linkage may be used to couple the second wing roll section128to the second wing toolbar section132. As will be described below, the fold cylinders164,166may be extended/retracted as needed to permit folding and unfolding of the wing toolbar sections130,132relative to the wing roll sections126,128about the fold pivot joints148,150. In this regard, the four-bar linkage168provided between each pair of fold cylinder164,166may function to extend or increase the range of fold angles about which the wing toolbar sections130,132may be pivoted relative to the wing roll sections126,128. For instance, in one embodiment, the combination of each pair of fold cylinders164,166and the associated four-bar linkage160may allow for greater than 90 degrees of pivoting between the wing toolbar sections130,132and the wing roll sections126,128, such as greater than 110 degrees of pivoting or greater than 120 degree of pivoting or greater than 130 degrees of pivoting or greater than 140 degrees of pivoting.

In several embodiments, the wing toolbar sections130,132may have a ladder-type configuration. Specifically, as shown inFIGS.4and8, each wing toolbar section130,132may include a laterally extended forward toolbar member174, a laterally extended aft toolbar member176, and a plurality of cross-support members or rungs178extending in the fore-aft-direction FA between the forward and aft toolbar members174,176to provide the wing toolbar section130,132with a rigid, frame-like configuration. In one embodiment, the forward toolbar member174of each wing toolbar section130,132may be coupled to the adjacent wing roll section126,128at the forwardmost wing fold pivot joint148,150defined between such sections, while the aft toolbar member176of each wing toolbar section174,176may be coupled to the adjacent wing roll section126,128at the rearward most wing fold pivot joint148,150defined between such sections. The ladder-type configuration of the wing toolbar sections130,132may provide suitable strength and rigidity for the toolbar assembly100during the performance of a strip tillage operation.

It should be appreciated that each toolbar member174,176may be configured to be coupled to and support a plurality of row units122. For instance, in the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the row units122are coupled to the forward toolbar member174of each wing toolbar section130,132. However, in other embodiments, the row units122may be coupled to the aft toolbar member176of each wing toolbar section130,132or may be coupled to both toolbar members174,176(e.g., in a staggered or alternating arrangement).

In several embodiments, a rockshaft180may be pivotably coupled to a portion of each wing toolbar section130,132. For example, as shown inFIGS.4and8, a rockshaft180may be pivotably coupled to the forward toolbar member174of the first wing toolbar section130(e.g., at a plurality of pivot joints) and may extend laterally across the length of the wing toolbar section130. A similar rockshaft may also be provided in association with the second wing toolbar section132. Additionally, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, one or more rockshaft cylinders182may be coupled between the rockshaft180and the wing toolbar section130,132to allow the rockshaft180to be pivoted relative to the toolbar section130,132. As will be described below, in one embodiment, each row unit122supported by a given wing toolbar section130,132may be coupled to the rockshaft180installed on such toolbar section130,132(e.g., via chains or any other suitable coupling), thereby allowing the row units122to be pivoted relative to the toolbar section130,132when transitioning the implement100to the transport position. For instance, the rockshaft cylinders182may be actuated as part of the folding procedure to allow the row units122of each wing toolbar section130,132to be pulled or pivoted away from the row units122of the other wing toolbar section130,132when such sections are in their rearwardly oriented, folded positions.

Moreover, as shown inFIGS.1,2,4,5, and8, a wing support wheel184may be coupled to each wing toolbar section130,132(e.g., at the front of each wing toolbar section130,132) to support the toolbar section130,132relative to the ground. In one embodiment, each wing support wheel184may be pivotably coupled to its respective wing toolbar section130,132about a pivot axis186(FIG.8) that is oriented in a horizontal direction when the implement100is in the lowered, working position (e.g., as shown inFIG.8). However, as the implement100is transitioned from the working position to the transport position during execution of the folding procedure, the orientation of the pivot axis186will transition from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation, thereby allowing the wheel184to be pivoted about the vertical axis186to reposition the wheel184for rolling along the ground when the implement100is being towed in the transport position. As shown inFIGS.4and5, to permit such pivoting of the wheel184about the pivot axis186, a wheel pivot cylinder188may be coupled between the wheel184and its respective wing toolbar section130.132. As such, by retracting/extending the cylinder188, the wheel184may be pivoted about the pivot axis186when in the transport position. It should be appreciated that the wing support wheels184shown in the illustrated embodiment are non-caster wheels. As such, the wheels184do not pivot about vertical axis when the implement100is in the working position.

As particularly shown inFIG.8, in one embodiment, the rotational axes of the wing support wheels184may be configured to be spaced apart from the rotational axis of the chassis support wheels118in the fore-to-aft direction FA by a wheel spacing distance190. In several embodiments, it may be desirable to maintain this wheel spacing distance190within a given distance range when transitioning the implement100from the working position to the headland position. For instance, in several embodiments, the wheel spacing distance190may be maintained within a distance range of from greater than zero inches to less than about 30 inches as the toolbar assembly120is being pivoted relative to the chassis assembly100from the working position to the headlands position.

Additionally, as particularly shown inFIGS.5-7, the implement100may also include a pair of jack stands192coupled to a portion of the toolbar assembly120(e.g., the wing roll sections126,128) for supporting the implement100when it is disconnected from the towing vehicle. For instance, with the toolbar assembly120in the transport position, the jack stands192may be lowered to help support the weight of the wing toolbar sections130,132and eliminate any negative tongue weight on the towbar114.

The folding procedure of the agricultural implement100will now be described with reference toFIGS.2and8-14. As indicated above,FIGS.2and8illustrate perspective and partial side views, respectively, of the implement100with the toolbar assembly120in a lowered, working position.FIGS.9and10illustrate similar perspective and partial side views, respectively, of the implement100after the toolbar assembly120has transitioned from the working position to a headland position. Additionally,FIGS.11and12illustrate similar perspective and partial side views, respectively, of the implement100after the toolbar assembly120has transitioned from the headland position to a lift/fold transition position. Moreover,FIG.13illustrates a perspective view of the implement100after the transport assembly120has transitioned from the lift/fold transition position to a rearwardly folded position, whileFIG.14illustrates a perspective view of the implement100after the transport assembly120has transitioned from the rearwardly folded position to a transport position.

Folding Sequence-Working Position to Headland Position

As particularly shown inFIGS.2and8, when in the working position, the transport assembly120generally has a horizontal orientation, with the wing toolbar sections130,132being generally oriented parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the fore-aft direction FA. Additionally, when in the working position, the wing support wheels184are generally spaced apart from the chassis support wheels118by a minimum wheel spacing distance190(FIG.8). For instance, in one embodiment, the wheel spacing distance at the working position may be between zero inches and less than 12 inches, such as less than 10 inches, or less than 8 inches, or less than 6 inches or any other subranges therebetween. Moreover, when in the working position, the wing fold cylinders164,166are generally configured to be in a float mode while the remainder of the cylinders (e.g., the lift cylinders140and roll cylinders160,162) are locked out and, thus, prevented from extending or retracting. Additionally, when in the headlands position, the wing fold cylinders164,166are maintained in the float mode to allow the wing support wheels184to follow the contour of the ground as a headland turn is being executed.

To transition from the working position to the headland position, the lift cylinders140are actuated such that the entire toolbar assembly120is pivoted upwardly relative to the chassis assembly110about the forward toolbar pivot joints134. For instance, as shown in the transition betweenFIG.8andFIG.10, the toolbar assembly120has been pivoted upwardly relative to the chassis assembly110to the headland position to raise the row units122(seeFIG.1) out of the ground. In such position, as shown inFIG.10, the wing toolbar sections130,132are oriented upwardly in the fore-aft direction FA such that the aft toolbar member176of each wing toolbar section130,132is positioned higher than the forward toolbar member174of each wing toolbar section130,132. Additionally, at such position, the wing toolbar sections130,132are configured to droop downwardly or otherwise angled downwardly in the lateral direction L when the toolbar assembly120is in the headland position. For instance, as shown inFIG.10, the innermost end of each wing toolbar section130,132(i.e., the end coupled to the respective wing roll section126,128) is positioned higher than the outermost end of each wing toolbar section130,132(i.e., the end positioned furthest outboard from the respective wing roll section126,128) such that the wing toolbar section130,132is angled downwardly in the lateral direction L as it extends outwardly from the wing roll section126,128.

Moreover, as shown in the transition betweenFIG.8andFIG.10, the wing support wheels184roll backwards relative to the chassis support wheels118as the toolbar assembly120is moved between the working position and the headland position such that the wheel spacing distance190is increased. In one embodiment, the maximum wheel spacing distance190at the headland position is less than 30 inches, such as less than 28 inches or less than 26 inches or less than 24 inches. In general, as the wheel spacing distance190at the headland position is reduced, the ability for the implement100to make effective turns in the headlands is increased.

Folding Sequence—Headland Position to Lift/Fold Transition Position

Once the transport assembly120has reached the headland position, the lift cylinders140are locked out and the roll and fold cylinders160,162,164,166are actuated to initiate the transition of the toolbar assembly120towards the rearwardly folded position (e.g., as shown inFIG.13). In doing so, upon actuation of the roll and fold cylinders160,162,164,166, the roll cylinders160,162initially provide the primary motive force to cause the wing roll sections126,128(and the wing toolbar sections130,132coupled thereto) to pivot upwardly relative to the central toolbar section136about the wing roll pivot joints144,146. As the wing roll sections126,128pivot upwardly, the force of gravity pulling downwardly on the wing toolbar sections130,132(together with the fold cylinders164,164) generally causes the wing toolbar sections130,132to pivot relative to the wing roll sections126,128about the wing fold pivot joints148,150. Once the wing roll sections126,128have been pivoted upwardly relative to the central toolbar section124to the lift/fold position shown inFIGS.11and12, the fold cylinders164,166generally take over to fold the wing toolbar sections130,132rearwardly relative to the wing roll sections126,128about the wing fold pivot joints148,150.

It should be appreciated that, when transitioning the toolbar assembly120from the headland position to the lift/fold transition position, the wing support wheels184are moved rearwardly from a position forward of the wing roll pivot joints144,146to a position aft of such pivot joints144,146. In this regard, a vertical clearance distance195(FIG.10) between the wing roll pivot joints144,146and the wing support wheels184must be carefully selected to allow the wing support wheels184to be rolled backwards past the location of the wing roll pivot joints144,146without lifting the entire toolbar assembly120. Such distance can be impacted by the vertical positioning of the wing roll pivot joints144,146relative to the ground and/or a bracket length196(FIG.10) of wing wheel brackets197(FIG.10) used to couple the wing support wheels184to the respective wing toolbar sections130,132.

Folding Sequence—Lift/Fold Transition Position to Rearwardly Folded Position

As shown in the transition betweenFIG.11andFIG.13, the fold cylinders164,166generally function to fold the wing toolbar sections130,132rearwardly relative to the wing roll sections126,128to the rearwardly folded position at which the wing toolbar sections130,132are generally oriented perpendicular to the wing roll sections126,128(and generally parallel to the fore-aft direction FA). At such position, a lateral wing spacing distance198is generally defined between the first and second wing toolbar sections130,132. In one embodiment, a tie rod or other connecting member (not shown) may be coupled between the first and wing toolbar sections130,132to fix this wing spacing distance198. For instance, a rigid tie rod may be coupled between the outermost ends of the wing toolbar sections130,132to set the wing spacing distance198at such location. Additionally, when at the rearwardly folded position (and prior to transition to the final transport position), the row units122may have a minimal lateral spacing distance199defined therebetween.

Folding Sequence—Rearwardly Folded Position to Transport Position

To transition the toolbar assembly120from the rearwardly folded position to the transport position, the wing wheel cylinders188may be actuated to rotate or pivot the wing support wheels184about their now vertical pivot axes to reorient the wheels184in the fore-aft direction FA. For instance, as shown in the transition between theFIGS.13and14, the wing support wheels184have been actuated to allow the wheels184to roll in the fore-aft-direction FA during transport of the implement100. It should also be appreciated that the wing support wheels184roll backward continuously relative to the chassis assembly110during the entire transition from the working position to the rearwardly folded position. Once at the rearwardly folded position, the wing support wheels184have reached their rearwardmost fore-aft position, at which point the wheels184may be reoriented via actuation of the wing wheel cylinders188.

It should also be appreciated that, in one embodiment, each toolbar assembly120may include an adjustable wheel stop assembly220(FIG.18) associated with the wing support wheel184to provide a mechanical stop for the wheel184as it is being reoriented in the transport position. For instance, as shown in the perspective view ofFIG.18, an adjustable stop assembly220is provided that includes a stop member222(e.g., a stop bracket or tab coupled to the pivot joint for the wheel184) and an adjustment member224(e.g., a bolt or other suitable adjustment member coupled to the toolbar assembly130). In such an embodiment, the position of the adjustment member224can be varied, as desired, to adjust the stop position for the wheel184(i.e., where the stop member222contracts the adjustment member224) in the transport position.

Additionally, to provide clearance between the row units122during transport (e.g., during the execution of turns), the rockshaft cylinders182may be actuated to cause the rockshafts180to pivot outwardly relative to the wing toolbar sections130,132(e.g., in the direction shown by arrows201inFIG.14). As indicated above, each row unit122supported by one of the wing toolbar sections130,132may be coupled to the rockshaft180via a chain or other suitable coupling. As a result, when the rockshafts180are pivoted outwardly relative to the wing toolbar sections130,132, the row units122of each wing toolbar section1130,132may be pulled laterally away from the row units122of the other wing toolbar section130,132. This causes the lateral spacing distance199defined between the row units122of each wing toolbar section to be increased, thereby providing additional clearance for executing turns during transport.

As an example,FIG.15illustrates a top view of the implement100in the transport position when executing a narrow turn. As the towing vehicle is making a turn, the wing toolbar sections130,132pivot relative to the wing roll sections126,128about their wing fold pivot joints144,146from the for-aft orientation shown inFIG.14to the skewed orientation shown inFIG.15. For instance, each wing toolbar section130,132may, in one embodiment, be configured to pivot relative to its respective wing roll section126,128from the fore-aft orientation shown inFIG.15an additional amount of up to or exceeding 50 degrees. In such an embodiment, a fold range of the wing toolbar sections130,132relative to the wing roll sections126,128from the working position to the position shown inFIG.15may be equal to or exceed 140 degrees. To allow for such folding, the wing fold cylinders164,166may be maintained in a float mode during transport.

It should be appreciated that, when the wing toolbar sections130,132are oriented in the manner shown inFIG.15, an interior wing-to-wing spacing distance203extending perpendicular to the wing toolbar sections130,132may be significantly smaller than the lateral wing spacing distance198defined between the wing tool bar sections130,132. However, when the wing toolbar sections130,132are oriented in the manner shown inFIG.14, the interior wing-to-wing spacing distance203is the same as the lateral wing spacing distance198. Accordingly, the ability to increase the lateral spacing between the row units122by actuating the rockshafts180(and, thus, pulling the separate sets of row units122away from one another in the lateral direction L) allow for the maximum turning radius of the implement100to be increased without causing the row units122to contact one another as the implement100is being turned. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the arced shape of the aft support member154of each wing roll section126,128may allow for the innermost row unit122on each wing toolbar section126,128to fold with its toolbar section130,132to the position shown inFIG.15without the row unit122contacting the adjacent wing roll section126,128.

It should also be appreciated that, due to the ability of the wing roll sections126,128to pivot independently about their respective wing roll pivot joints144,146, the wing roll sections144,146may move relative to one another during transport of the implement100(e.g., by maintaining both roll cylinders160,162in a float mode during transport). Thus, when only one of the wing toolbar sections130,132encounters a lowered area (e.g., a depression or ditch) or raised area (e.g., a bump or hill) during transport, the wing roll section126,128associated with such wing toolbar section130,132can move independently of the other wing roll section130,132to accommodate raised or lowering of the wing toolbar section130,132as its corresponding wing support wheel184encounters such raised/lowered areas.

For example,FIGS.16and17illustrate the toolbar assembly120in the transport position while one of the wing toolbar sections (i.e., the second wing toolbar section132) is raised relative to the other wing toolbar section (i.e., the first wing toolbar section130). Specifically,FIG.16illustrates a side view of the implement100with the toolbar assembly120in the transport position and the second wing toolbar section132raised relative to the first wing toolbar section130andFIG.17illustrates a zoomed-in perspective view of the wing roll sections126,128of the implement100with the wing toolbar sections130,132being offset vertically in the manner shown inFIG.16. As shown inFIG.16, the wing support wheel184of the second wing toolbar section132is offset vertically from the wing support wheel184of the first wing toolbar section130by a given vertical distance207. This may occur, for example, if the second wing toolbar section132encounters a hill, upwardly slopped surface or other raised area while the first wing toolbar section130remains on relatively flat or planar ground. In such instance, as shown inFIG.17, the second wing roll section128may pivot relative to the first wing roll section128to accommodate such upward travel of the second wing toolbar section132relative to the remainder of the implement100.

It should be appreciated that, in several embodiments, it may be desirable for the separate wing roll sections126,128to remain in general contact with one another at the interface defined between the inner support members158of the wing roll sections126,128. In such embodiments, a sliding interface may be provided directly between the wing roll sections126,128to accommodate relative movement therebetween. For instance, a low-friction coating or component may be provided at the interface defined between the inner support members158of the wing roll sections126,128. Specifically, in one embodiment, a low-friction plate or guard210(e.g., formed from a plastic or other suitable polymer material) may be coupled to the inner end of each inner support member158(or to one of such inner support members158) to provide a low-friction sliding interface between the wing roll sections126,128that permits relative sliding movement therebetween without binding or the like.