Abstract:
An agricultural tillage implement constructed to condition crop residue and cultivate the conditioned crop residue. The tillage implement includes a first residue conditioner and a second residue conditioner pivotably attached to a frame of the tillage implement. The first and second conditioners are movable independent of each other and of the frame such that an operator may raise and lower the first and second conditioners relative to the frame to change the depths of the conditioners.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to agricultural implements, and in particular, to an implement configured to condition field crop residue in crossing directions, to incorporate the bi-directional conditioned crop residue with supporting soil, and to level the mixture of soil and conditioned crop residue. 
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Agricultural economies depend upon efficient utilization of equipment, personnel, time, and money resources. Allocation of these resources is an important consideration in field and crop management. The duration of time that equipment and personnel spend on any given field dramatically affects the efficiency of crop production. Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to reduce the resources expended during field management. 
     Once a crop has been harvested, residual crop materials frequently remain on the field surface. Typically, these residual crop materials are incorporated within the soil profile of the field in an effort to maintain soil nutrient integrity. In particular, management of corn cropped fields commonly includes the incorporation of the residual corn stalks with field soil once the corn, and occasionally a portion of the stalk, has been harvested. Whereas some growers harvest a majority of the kernel, cob, and stalk material, others harvest only the kernel and discharge a majority of the chaff or cob and stalk materials onto the field. Regardless of the quantity of stalk material that is harvested, the subsequent preparation of a field requires incorporation of the stalk or crop residue with the field soil. It is generally understood that the size of the crop residue particles, as well as, the surface area of the crop residue exposed to the soil, affects crop residue decomposition. Specifically, reduced crop residue particle size and increased surface contact of the crop residue with adjoining soil improves crop residue decomposition. 
     Frequently, a crop residue conditioner, such as a stalk chopper, is pulled across the previously harvested field. The stalk chopper cuts the remaining stalks into smaller, more easily workable and degradable sized pieces. Frequently, one pass over relatively rigid crop residue such as corn stalks with the stalk chopper is insufficient to achieve the desired crop residue sizing. Additionally, the single pass of the stalk chopper inadequately conditions the crop residue that is generally aligned with the blades of the cutter. That is, crop residue that lies relatively perpendicular to the direction of travel passes through the stalk chopper with inadequate or no conditioning. This residue can lead to plow and other implement plugging or clogging during subsequent working of the field. Accordingly, many operators cross a field in a second working direction that is generally perpendicular to a first working direction to further condition the crop residue. 
     Such a process of conditioning crop residue increases an operator&#39;s time spent on any particular field, increases equipment wear and fuel consumption associated with any single working of the field, and detrimentally affects soil aeration due to the increased cultivation traffic on the field. Furthermore, insufficient single pass crop residue conditioning prevents subsequent operations, such as primary tillage, from being conducted contemporaneously with the initial crop residue-conditioning pass. 
     Commonly, after a field or a number of fields have been worked in crisscrossing directions with the residue conditioning implements, the operator must change implements to a primary tillage implement constructed to aerate a tillage profile and mix and/or bury the conditioned crop residue with the soil of the tillage profile. Once the crop residue has been mixed with the soil profile by the primary tillage implement, the operator again changes implements exchanging the primary tillage implement for another tillage implement constructed to level the cultivated tillage profile. Accordingly, traditional incorporation of crop residue with a tillage profile and preparation for subsequent field conditioning requires extensive field working with variable implements. Furthermore, each of the crop residue conditioner, the primary tillage implement, and the leveling implement are operated across the fields at different elevations. That is, where the crop residue-conditioning implement generally operates at an upper surface level of the field, the primary tillage implement is generally operated at an elevation of approximately 8 to 14 inches below the soil surface. Similarly, the leveling implement is generally operated in a range of approximately 3 to 6 inches below an upper surface of the primary tillage profile. Accordingly, simple gang connection of a plurality of individual devices is impractical to achieve efficient single pass field working. 
     Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a primary tillage system capable of conditioning crop residue in crossing directions, incorporating the conditioned crop residue into a tillage profile, and leveling the tillage profile for subsequent field weathering, planting or other conditioning. 
     In accordance with the present invention, a crop residue conditioning and incorporation implement is provided. The implement includes a frame extending along a longitudinal axis and supported above a supporting surface. The frame has a forward end connectable to a tow vehicle and a rearward end. A first conditioner is pivotably connected to the frame for conditioning a crop residue. The first conditioner is movable between a first retracted position and a second extended position independent of the frame. A second conditioner is pivotably connected to the frame at a location longitudinally spaced from the first conditioner for conditioning the crop residue. The second conditioner is movable between a first retracted position and a second extended position independent of the frame 
     The implement may also include a first tillage implement attached to the frame at a location between the first and second conditioners. The first tillage implement is biased toward the supporting surface. A second tillage implement is attached to the frame at a location rearward of the second conditioner. The second tillage implement is engageable with the supporting surface for leveling the supporting surface. It is contemplated that the first and second conditioners are independently movable relative to each other. 
     The first conditioner may be a stalk chopper that includes a plurality of blades oriented generally transverse to a pulled direction. The second conditioner includes first and second cutting disks positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis. Each cutting disk includes a radially outer edge lying in plane that intersects the longitudinal axis at an acute angle. The frame is movable in a first direction and the radially outer edges of first and second cutting disks are oriented in a crossing direction with respect to the first direction. The cutting disks can be either individually mounted or mounted in a gang configuration, can be straight or concave in shape, and can be run at an acute angle intersecting or parallel to the longitudinal axis. 
     The implement may further include a wheel system pivotably connected to the frame for supporting the frame above the supporting surface. The wheel system includes a wheel and an actuator interconnecting the wheel system to the frame. The actuator is movable between a retracted position wherein the first conditioner engages the supporting surface and an extended position wherein the first conditioner is spaced from the supporting surface. 
     A leveling assembly is operatively connected to the frame. The leveling assembly pivots the frame on the wheel between a first level position wherein the frame is level with the supporting surface and a second level position. The implement may also include at least one wing pivotably supported by the frame. The wing is movable between a transport position and a non-transport position. 
     In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a primary tillage system is provided. The system includes a frame extending along a longitudinal axis and being supportable above a supporting surface. A stalk chopper is pivotably attached to the frame. The stalk chopper includes a central hub and a plurality of circumferentially spaced blades projecting radially from the hub. A cutting disk is pivotably attached to the frame aft of the stalk chopper. The cutting disk is positionable independent of the frame. A plurality of tillage shanks are attached to the frame aft the cutting disk. Each tillage shank is indexed relative to the cutting disk. A harrow is also pivotably attached to the frame aft the plurality of tillage shanks. The harrow is positionable independent of the frame and is indexed relative to the plurality of tillage shanks. 
     Each of the plurality of tillage shanks are offset from an axis of travel of the cutting disk to prevent soil clogging between adjacent tillage shanks. The harrow includes a plurality of soil manipulators. Each soil manipulator is offset from an axis of travel of each of the plurality of tillage shanks. The stalk chopper is positionable independent of the frame. A wheel assembly is pivotably connected to the frame and includes a wheel. The wheel assembly is movable between a first position wherein the plurality of tillage shanks engages the supporting surface and a second position wherein the plurality of tillage shanks are disengaged from the supporting surface. The harrow is selected from a group including a plurality of disks, a plurality of tines, at least one rolling basket, and a plurality of coulters. The cutting disk includes a radially outer edge free of serrations. 
     In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, an agricultural implement is provided. The implement includes a frame extending along a longitudinal axis and being supportable above a supporting surface. A stalk chopper is pivotably connected to the frame and has a plurality of blades for cutting a crop residue in a first direction. First and second sets of cutting disks are pivotably connected to the frame. Each set of cutting disks include a plurality of individual disks. A cutting disk actuator moves at least one set of the cutting disks between a first raised position and a second lowered position. The cutting disk actuator moves the at least one set of the cutting disks independent of the frame. A leveling tool is pivotably connected to the frame aft of the first and second sets of cutting disks. A leveling tool actuator moves the leveling tool between a first raised position and a second lowered position. The leveling tool actuator moves the leveling tool independent of the frame. 
     The first and second sets of cutting disks are positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis. Each cutting disk of the first and second sets of cutting disks include a radially outer edge lying in plane that intersects the longitudinal axis at an acute angle. The frame is movable in a first direction and the radially outer edges of first and second cutting disks are oriented in a crossing direction with respect to the first direction. 
     A wheel system is pivotably connected to the frame for supporting the frame above the supporting surface. The wheel system including a wheel and an actuator interconnecting the wheel system to the frame. The actuator is movable between a retracted position wherein the first and second sets of cutting disks engage the supporting surface and an extended position wherein the first and second sets of cutting disks are spaced from the supporting surface. A leveling assembly is operatively connected to the frame. The leveling assembly pivots the frame on the wheel between a first level position for operation wherein the frame is level with the supporting surface and a second level position for transport. At least one wing may be pivotably supported by the frame. The wing is movable between a transport position and a non-transport position. 
     Other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a primary tillage system according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the primary tillage system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side-elevational view of the primary tillage system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a primary tillage system according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a top-plan view of the primary tillage system shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of the primary tillage system shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  schematically illustrates a control system for the primary tillage systems shown in  FIGS. 1-6 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , a crop residue conditioning and incorporation implement, a primary tillage system, or a tillage device in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . Tillage device  10  includes frame  12  extending along central axis  42  and has a first end incorporating hitch  14  that is adapted to operatively connect tillage device  10  with a drawbar of tow vehicle  128 ,  FIG. 7 . 
     Frame  12  includes a plurality of spaced longitudinally frame elements  13   a - 13   d  that are generally parallel to central axis  42  and that are interconnected by a plurality of cross frame members  15   a - 15   c , transverse thereto. The rearward ends of frame elements  13   b  and  13   c  are interconnected by rear cross frame member  15   d  and the forward ends of frame elements  13   b  and  13   c  are interconnected by cross frame member  15   e . As shown, hitch  14  is connected to forward cross frame member  15   e  by first and second hitch frame members  17  and  19 , respectively. More specifically, the first ends of first and second hitch frame members  17  and  19 , respectively, are operatively connected to hitch  14 . The second ends of first and second hitch frame members  17  and  19 , respectively, diverge from each other and are operatively connected to cross frame member  15   e.    
     Hitch  14  is further connected to frame  12  by a leveling assembly, generally designated by the reference numeral  23 . Leveling assembly  23  includes first and second support arms  25  and  27 , respectively, interconnect to corresponding frame element  13   b  and  13   c , respectively. Leading ends  25   a  and  27   a  of support arms  25  and  27 , respectively, are pivotably connected to pivot mechanism  29  which is pivotably supported on first and second hitch frame members  17  and  19 , respectively. Turnbuckle  31  has a first end  31   a  pivotably connected to pivot mechanism  29  and a second end  31   b  pivotably connected to the leading ends of first and second hitch frame members  17  and  19 , respectively, through mounting bracket  33 . Hydraulic cylinders  9   a  and  9   b  are operatively connected to an actuator switch (not shown) provided in the cab of tow vehicle  128 ,  FIG. 7 , that controls movement of hydraulic cylinders  9   a  and  9   b  between extended and retracted positions. 
     It is intended for leveling assembly  23  to maintain the levelness of frame  12  with respect to a supporting surface, such as field surface  11 . More specifically, under operator control, leveling assembly  23  raises and lowers the leading end of frame  12  relative to field surface  11  about wheel assemblies  38  and  40 . The position of the leading end of frame  12  is adjusted by extending or retracting hydraulic cylinders  9   a  and  9   b  under operator control. 
     As is conventional, frame  12  is supported above field surface  11 , by first and second sets of wheel assemblies  38  and  40 , respectively. As best seen in  FIG. 2 , wheel assemblies  38  and  40  include corresponding sets of offset wheels  39  and  41 , respectively. First wheel assembly  38  of tiller device  10  is offset from a first side of central axis  42 . Likewise, second wheel assembly  40  of tiller device  10  is offset from a second side of central axis  42 . It can be appreciated that tillage device  10  is constructed to move along field surface  11  in a working or travel direction, indicated by arrow  16 , to cultivate the field being traversed. 
     Wheels  39  and  41  of each wheel assembly  38  and  40  are mounted on arms  43  that are pivotable with respect to frame  12 . More specifically, arms  43  are coupled to frame  12  through hydraulic cylinder  45  and by any suitable linkage  47  that raises and lowers arms  43  upon cylinder actuation and retraction. It is contemplated to operatively connect hydraulic cylinder  45  to an actuator switch (not shown) provided in the cab of the tow vehicle that controls movement of hydraulic cylinder  45  between an extended position and a retracted position. Wheels  39  and  41  can be raised between a 1) lowermost position; 2) a partially raised position to reduce the penetration of shank assemblies  28  and  34 , hereinafter described, or 3) a fully raised position for transport. The typical working depth will vary from machine to machine and most often will be between 7 and 8 inches. A depth indicator (not shown) may be provided for a quick reference on the operating depth of the implements. 
     A first crop residue conditioner, preferably stalk chopper  18 , is pivotably coupled to frame member  15   a  of frame  15  proximate to hitch  14 . Stalk chopper  18  includes central hub  21  extending along and being rotatable about a first axis, indicated by axis  22 . Axis  22  is generally transverse to device travel direction  16 . A plurality of blades  20  are circumferentially spaced about and project radially from central hub  21 . Stalk chopper  18  includes arms extending from opposite ends thereof that are operatively connected to stalk chopper subframe  60  which, in turn, are pivotably connected frame member  15   a  of frame  12  A plurality of blades  20  are circumferentially spaced about and project radially from central hub  21   
     In addition, it is contemplated to operatively connect stalk chopper  18  to fame  12  via a spring system and/or a hydraulic cylinder arrangement, such as hydraulic cylinder  129 ,  FIG. 7 . The spring system and/or hydraulic cylinder arrangement provide dynamic stability to stalk chopper  18  during operation. As a result, the downward pressure on stalk chopper  18  is optimized without restricting upward movement of stalk chopper  18  when in engagement with an obstruction. Further, a hydraulic cylinder arrangement would allow stalk chopper  18  to be raised when not in use or when adverse conditions warrant. It is contemplated to operatively connect the hydraulic cylinder of the hydraulic cylinder arrangement to an actuator switch (not shown) provided in the cab of tow vehicle  128  that controls movement of hydraulic cylinder between an extended position and a retracted position, and hence, movement of the stalk chopper between its raised and lowered positions. 
     A second crop residue conditioner, such as first and second sets of cutting disks  35  and  37 , is pivotably connected to cutting disk subframe  64  aft or rearward of stalk chopper  18 . Cutting disk actuator  66  and impact arrestor system  68  also interconnect cutting disk subframe  64  and cross frame member  15   a  of frame  12 . Cutting disk actuator  66  permits cutting disk subframe  64 , and hence first and second sets of cutting disks  35  and  37 , respectively, to be raised and lowered relative to frame  12  to change the cutting depth for a particular cutting depth setting. The cutting depth is adjusted by extending or retracting the hydraulic cylinder of cutting disk actuator  66 . It is contemplated to operatively connect hydraulic cylinder of the cutting disk actuator  66  to an actuator switch (not shown) provided in the cab of the tow vehicle that controls movement of hydraulic cylinder of the cutting disk actuator  66  between its extended and retracted positions. 
     Impact arrestor system  68  includes carrier springs  49  that assert a yieldable downward pressure on cutting disk subframe  64 , and hence, on first and second sets of cutting disks  35  and  37 , respectively. As such, carrier springs  49  permit limited movement of first and second sets of cutting disks  35  and  37 , respectively, relative to frame  12  to accommodate variations in ground topology or to deflect about immovable obstructions, such as large stones, which may be lying in the travel path of tillage device  10 . 
     Each set of cutting disks  35  and  37 , respectively, are provided on opposite sides of central axis  42  of frame  12 . Each set of cutting disks  35  and  37  includes a plurality of disks  26  rotatably support on corresponding arms  45  which, in turn, are interconnected to cutting disk subframe  64 . It is intend that the plurality of disks  26  include radially outer edges that ride on field surface  11  during a tillage operation. Each disk  26  has a concave surface that is directed away from central axis  42  of frame  12  and may be individually mounted or as part of a gang assembly. 
     The radially outer edges of disks  26  of first set of cutting disks  35  lie in corresponding planes that are generally parallel to each other and are at a predetermined acute angle to central axis  42  of frame  12 . Similarly, the radially outer edges of disks  26  of second set of cutting disks  37  lie in corresponding planes that are generally parallel to each other and are at a predetermined acute angle to central axis  42  of frame  12 . As best seen in  FIG. 2 , disks  26  of first set of cutting disks  35  and disks  26  of second set of cutting disks  37  are in a crossing direction relative to travel direction  16 . It is noted that disks  26  of the first and second sets of cutting disks  35  and  37 , respectively, may be individually mounted or in a gang configuration, and may be replaced with coulter disks when desired or when field conditions so dictate. 
     A first plurality of shank assemblies  28  are spaced along and depend from frame member  15   b  of frame  12  at a location rearward first and second sets of cutting disks  35  and  37 , respectively, relative to travel direction  16 . Each shank assembly  28  includes parabolic shank  53  having a first end mounted to a longitudinally extending beam  55 . Ripper point  57  is mounted to the second, bottom end of shank  53 . Beam  55  is pivotably mounted to frame member  15   b  of frame  12  and biased downwardly by springs  59 . 
     A second plurality of shank assemblies  34  are spaced along and depend from frame member  15   c  at a location rearward of frame member  15   c  of frame  12  relative to travel direction  16 . Each shank assembly  34  includes parabolic shank  61  having a first end mounted on a longitudinally extending beam  63 . Ripper point  65  is mounted to the second, bottom end of shank  61 . Beam  63  is pivotably mounted to frame member  15   c  of frame  12  and biased downwardly by springs  67 . 
     The second plurality of shank assemblies  34  are indexed relative to the lines of travel of ripper points  57  of the first plurality of shank assemblies  28  to effect a so-called “split the middle” ripper point pattern, which provides for uniform ridges to be formed as tillage device  10  travels over field surface  11 . The first plurality of shank assemblies takes a full cut of the soil and leaves alternating strips of untilled soil. The second plurality of shank assemblies  34  till the untilled strips left by the first plurality of shank assemblies  28 . As described, by laterally offsetting the first and second pluralities of shank assemblies  28  and  34 , respectively, a greater path of soil may be tilled with each pass of tillage device  10 . It is noted that the first and second pluralities of shank assemblies  28  and  34 , respectively, may have a number of different constructions and configurations without deviating from the scope of the present invention. 
     Harrow section  44  is pivotably attached frame elements  13   b  and  13   c  at location rearwardly of and adjacent to cross frame member  15   c  of frame  12 . Harrow section  44  includes a harrow subframe  69  supporting a plurality of leveling tools  48 . Harrow subframe  69  includes a pair of support beams  71  transverse to central axis  42  of tillage device  10 . Each leveling tool  48  includes a generally C-shaped arm  73  suspended from an associated support beam  71 . Leveling shank  75  is mounted to the second, bottom end of arm  73 . It is intended for leveling shanks  75  to be indexed to the first and second pluralities of shank assemblies  28  and  34 , respectively, in order to provide proper leveling of field surface  11 . 
     Harrow subframe  69  is also interconnected to frame element  13   b  of frame  12  by harrow actuator  76 . Harrow actuator  76  may be used to position harrow subframe  69 , and hence leveling tools  48 , relative to frame  12 . More specifically, harrow actuator  76  permits harrow subframe  69 , and hence leveling tools  48 , to be raised and lowered relative to frame  12  to change the positions of leveling tools  48  with respect to field surface  11 . The positions of leveling tools  48  are adjusted by extending or retracting the hydraulic cylinder of harrow actuator  76 . It is contemplated to operatively connect the hydraulic cylinder of harrow actuator  76  to an actuator switch (not shown) provided in the cab of the tow vehicle that controls movement of the hydraulic cylinder of harrow actuator  76  between its extended and retracted positions. 
     It is contemplated to provide wing mounting flanges at terminal ends of cross frame member  15   b  of frame  12  in order to connect optional wing sections to tillage device  10 . Understandably, the optional wing sections may be equipped with implements similar to those of tillage device  10 . As a result, the optional wing sections allow tillage device  10  to provide a wider worked area per pass over field surface  11 . 
     In operation, hitch  14  of tillage device  10  is interconnected in a conventional manner to a tow vehicle. Wheels  39  and  41  of wheel assemblies  38  and  40  are positioned by an operator to a desired position, namely, 1) its lowermost position; 2) the partially raised position to reduce the penetration of shank assemblies  28  and  34  or 3) a fully raised position for transport. Under operator control, leveling assembly  23  raises and lowers the leading end of frame  12  relative to field surface  11  about wheel assemblies  38  and  40  so as to level frame  12 . 
     In order to position stalk chopper  18  to frame  12 , an operator engages the actuator switch in the cab of the tow vehicle so as to move the hydraulic cylinder of the hydraulic cylinder arrangement (if present) to a desired position, as heretofore described. Similarly, the operator engages the corresponding actuator switch in the cab of the tow vehicle so as to actuate the cutting disk actuator  66  and move the first and second sets of cutting disks  35  and  37 , respectively, to a desired cutting depth. Finally, the operator engages the corresponding actuator switch in the cab of the tow vehicle so as to actuate the harrow actuator  76  and change the positions of leveling tools  48  with respect to field surface  11 , as heretofore described. 
     The independent positioning of stalk chopper  18 , the first and second sets of cutting disks  35  and  37 , respectively, and harrow section  44  allows an operator to configure tillage device  10  for a plurality of working conditions. That is, the independent positioning of each of the stalk chopper, cutting disk, and harrow section relative to a field surface, allows the operator to control the operating or penetration depth of each individual implement of tillage device  10 . 
     Once frame  12  and the implements of tillage device  10  are properly positioned by an operator, it is contemplated for the tow vehicle to tow tillage device  10  over field surface  10  in travel direction  16 . As tillage device  10  traverses a field in travel direction  16 , stalk chopper  18  rotates thereby severing crop residue passed thereunder. Accordingly, stalk chopper  18  provides a first conditioning of residual crop materials. As tillage device  10  continues to travel in direction  16 , disks  26  of the first and second sets of cutting disks  35  and  37 , respectively, provide a second conditioning, or cutting of the crop residue. Disks  26  of the first and second sets of cutting disks  35  and  37 , respectively, condition the crop residue in a crossing direction, indicated by arrows  51  and  77 , respectively, at corresponding predetermined acute angles  50  and  79 , respectively, to central axis  42  of frame  12 . As heretofore described, the first and second sets of cutting disks  35  and  37 , respectively, include equal numbers of disks  26  facing in opposite directions to reduce the transverse travel direction forces associated with movement in tillage device along travel direction  16 . 
     As tillage device  10  continues to move in travel direction  16 , the twice-conditioned crop residue is mixed with a desired depth of the soil profile by a first plurality of shank assemblies  28 . Ripper points  57  of the first plurality of shank assemblies  28  fracture and upturn a desired depth of the soil profile and mix the two-direction conditioned crop residue with the upturned soil materials. Incorporation of the soil residue with the material of the soil profile beneficially aerates the soil for subsequent planting or field conditioning and enhances soil to crop residue contact, thereby encouraging crop residue decomposition. 
     Similarly, as tillage device  10  continues to move in travel direction  16 , the second plurality of shank assemblies  34  till the untilled strips left by the first plurality of shank assemblies  28 . As heretofore described, by laterally offsetting the first and second pluralities of shank assemblies  28  and  34 , respectively, a greater path of soil is tilled with each pass of tillage device  10 . In addition, it can be appreciated that the construction of tillage device  10  allows for the generally uniform soil tillage and crop residue incorporation across the width thereof. 
     After the conditioned crop residue has been incorporated with the material of the soil profile, leveling shanks  75  of the first and second pluralities of shank assemblies  28  and  34 , respectively, of harrow section  44  further fractures the upturned soil materials and levels the soil materials for subsequent field operations such as planting or other conditioning, such as fertilizing. As heretofore described, leveling shanks  75  are indexed to the first and second pluralities of shank assemblies  28  and  34 , respectively, in order to provide proper leveling of field surface  11 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , an alternate embodiment of a tillage device in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral  100 . It can be appreciated that tillage device  100  is substantially identical in structure to tillage device  10 , heretofore described. As such, the prior description of tillage device  10  is understood to describe tillage device  10  except as hereinafter provided. 
     Tillage device  100  includes leveling implement  102  unlike harrow section  44  of tillage device  10 . Leveling implement  102  is pivotably attached frame elements  13   b  and  13   c  at location rearwardly of and adjacent to cross frame member  15   d  of frame  12 . Leveling implement  102  includes a leveling subframe  104  supporting first and second sets of leveling disks  106  and  108 , respectively. Leveling subframe  104  includes a support beam  110  transverse to central axis  42  of tillage device  100 . 
     Each set of leveling disks  106  and  108  is provided on opposite sides of central axis  42  of frame  12  and includes a plurality of leveling disks  112  rotatably support on corresponding arms  114  which, in turn, are interconnected to leveling subframe  104 . It is intended that the plurality of leveling disks  112  include serrated radially outer edges that ride on field surface  11  during a tillage operation. Each leveling disk  112  has a concave surface that is directed away towards central axis  42  of frame  12 . 
     It is noted that the radially outer edges of leveling disks  112  of first set of leveling disks  106  lie in corresponding planes that are generally parallel to each other at a predetermined acute angle to central axis  42  of frame  12 . Similarly, the radially outer edges of leveling disks  112  of second set of leveling disks  108  lie in corresponding planes that are generally parallel to each other at a predetermined acute angle to central axis  42  of frame  12 . As best seen in  FIG. 5 , leveling disks  112  of first set of leveling disks  106  and leveling disks  112  of second set of leveling disks  108  are in a non-crossing direction relative to travel direction  16 . 
     Leveling subframe  104  is also interconnected to frame element  13   b  of frame  12  by leveling actuator  115 . Leveling actuator  115  may be used to position leveling subframe  104 , and hence leveling disks  112 , relative to frame  12 . More specifically, leveling actuator  115  permits leveling subframe  104 , and hence leveling disks  112 , to be raised and lowered relative to frame  12  to change the positions of leveling disks  112  with respect to field surface  11 . The positions of leveling disks  112  are adjusted by extending or retracting the hydraulic cylinder of leveling actuator  115 . It is contemplated to operatively connect the hydraulic cylinder of leveling actuator  115  to an actuator switch (not shown) provided in the cab of the tow vehicle that controls movement of the hydraulic cylinder of leveling actuator  115  between its extended and retracted positions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , it is contemplated to provide wing mounting flanges  118  at terminal ends of cross frame member  15   b  of frame  12  in order to connect optional wing sections  119  to tillage device  100 . Understandably, optional wing sections  119  may be equipped with implements similar to those of tillage device  100 . As a result, tillage device  100  would provide a wider worked area per pass over field surface  11 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a schematic representation of an exemplary control system  121  for tillage devices  10  and  100  is generally designated by the reference numeral  121 . Control system  121  includes a plurality of actuator switches housed in tow vehicle  128  that control communication of corresponding implement actuators with a hydraulic fluid source within tow vehicle  128 . By way of example, input line  120  is operatively connected to hydraulic cylinder  129  that operatively connects the stalk chopper  18  to frame  12 ; input line  122  is operatively connected to hydraulic cylinders  45  of wheel assemblies  38  and  40  which, in turn, are operatively connected to hydraulic cylinders  9   a  and  9   b  of leveling assembly  23 ; input line  124  is operatively connected to hydraulic cylinder of the cutting disk actuator  66 ; and input line  126  is operatively connected to hydraulic cylinder of harrow actuator  76  (or the hydraulic cylinder of leveling actuator  115  for tillage device  100 ). In addition, hydraulic cylinders  9   a  and  9   b  of leveling assembly  23 , and hence hydraulic cylinders  45  of wheel assemblies  38  and  40 , are operatively connected to the fluid source within tow vehicle  128  through return lines  130  and  131 , respectively; the hydraulic cylinder of cutting disk actuator  66  is operatively connected to the fluid source with tow vehicle  128  through return line  134 ; the hydraulic cylinder of harrow actuator  76  (or the hydraulic cylinder of leveling actuator  115  for tillage device  100 ) is operatively connected to the fluid source with tow vehicle  128  through return line  136 ; and hydraulic cylinder  129  of stalk chopper  18  is operatively connected to the fluid source within tow vehicle  128  through return line  137 . As heretofore described, it can be appreciated that actuation of an operator selected actuator switch housed in tow vehicle  128  controls the fluid flow to and from corresponding hydraulic cylinders through the input and return lines, and hence, movement of a corresponding hydraulic cylinder between its retracted and extended positions. 
     In those applications where tillage devices  10  and  100  include foldable wing sections  119 , control system  121  may include an actuator switch housed in tow vehicle  128  that controls communication of corresponding wing section actuators  140  and  142  with the hydraulic fluid source within tow vehicle  128 . More specifically, input line  138  and return line  144  are operatively connected to the hydraulic cylinders of wing section actuators  140  and  142 . It is contemplated that actuation of an operator selected actuator switch housed in tow vehicle  128  controls the fluid flow to and from corresponding hydraulic cylinders of wing section actuators  140  and  142  through the input and return lines  138  and  144 , respectively, and hence, movement of the hydraulic cylinders between their retracted and extended positions. It can be appreciated that the hydraulic cylinders of wing actuators  140  and  142  extend and/or retract the wing sections  119 . 
     It can be appreciated control system  121  may utilize mechanical, pneumatic, or electrical controls, instead of the hydraulic system disclosed herein, without deviating from the scope of the present invention. For example, the hydraulic cylinder heretofore described may be replaced by electrical devices, such as motors; pneumatic devices, such as pneumatic rams; or other mechanical means, such as manually adjustable linkages or assemblies. 
     Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as the invention.