Patent Publication Number: US-10327373-B2

Title: Harrow downforce adjustment

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 62/222,564, filed Sep. 23, 2015. 
    
    
     STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates to tillage implements, and in particular to an adjustable harrow attachment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Agricultural implements and machines, such as various plows, tillers, rippers, seeders, nutrient applicators, etc., are used to work soil of crop fields. Tillage and other agricultural implements can perform a variety of tasks, such as breaking up tough ground, injecting nutrients into the ground, and leveling the ground. Such implements are commonly towed behind work vehicles, such as tractors, and can be outfitted with a variety of ground-engaging tools, such as shanks, disks, harrowing tools and finishing tools, depending on the ground preparation operation being carried out. 
     The ability to efficiently and effectively conduct ground preparation operations is highly affected by the ground conditions, such as the wetness, the amount of crop residue, and the general composition of the ground. One issue is establishing and maintaining the desired engagement of the tools with the ground. This could be in terms of the proper orientation and alignment with the direction of travel of the implement, the proper ground following and penetration to achieve the desired ground preparation, or achieving a consistent orientation, following and penetration with respect to the ground across the width of the implement transverse to the travel direction of the implement. 
     Modern tillage implements may have a central main frame and one or more wings supporting the tools in a prescribed pattern to achieve good ground working and residue flow over an extended swathe of field as the implement traverses the field. Some tillage implements, for example, have outer wings hinged to inner wings, which, in turn, are hinged at opposite sides of the main frame. The hinges permit the wings to fold inward for transport of the implement on roadways. Arranging the various tools and attachments as needed for ground-working without interfering with folding of the implement may be challenging and may require operator intervention in the event any of the various components become entangled. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The disclosure generally provides a tillage implement, and a harrow attachment therefor, with improved downforce adjustment of the harrowing tools. 
     In one aspect the disclosure provides a harrow attachment for a tillage implement. The harrow attachment includes a harrow drawbar configured to mount to a frame member of the tillage implement. At least one harrow rank has a rank bar supporting a plurality of harrowing tools. A pivot link pivotally couples the at least one harrow rank to the drawbar to allow the at least one harrow rank to trip by pivoting upward toward the drawbar from a home position in which the at least one harrow rank is farthest away from the drawbar. A downforce spring is coupled to the drawbar and configured to be in a fixed length state when the at least one harrow rank is in the home position and in a variable length state when the at least one harrow rank is tripped. When in the variable length state, the downforce spring applies a biasing force to the at least one harrow rank away from the drawbar. When in the fixed length state, the biasing force is removed. An adjustment mechanism couples the downforce spring to the at least one harrow rank or the pivot link in one of a plurality of adjustment locations. In each adjustment location the at least one harrow rank is in the home position, and the downforce spring is in the fixed length state. 
     In another aspect the disclosure provides a tillage implement having an implement frame and a harrow attachment supported by the implement frame. The harrow attachment includes a harrow drawbar configured to mount to a frame member of the tillage implement. At least one harrow rank has a rank bar supporting a plurality of harrowing tools. A pivot link pivotally couples the at least one harrow rank to the drawbar to allow the at least one harrow rank to trip by pivoting upward toward the drawbar from a home position in which the at least one harrow rank is farthest away from the drawbar. A downforce spring is coupled to the drawbar and configured to be in a fixed length state when the at least one harrow rank is in the home position and in a variable length state when the at least one harrow rank is tripped. When in the variable length state, the downforce spring applies a biasing force to the at least one harrow rank away from the drawbar. When in the fixed length state, the biasing force is removed. An adjustment mechanism couples the downforce spring to the at least one harrow rank or the pivot link in one of a plurality of adjustment locations. In each adjustment location the at least one harrow rank is in the home position, and the downforce spring is in the fixed length state. 
     The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1 and 1A  are perspective views of example tillage implements in the form of a mulch finisher and a field cultivator, respectively, in which this disclosure may be incorporated; 
         FIGS. 2 and 2A  are top views of the respective tillage implements of  FIGS. 1 and 1A ; 
         FIGS. 3 and 3A  are respective side views of thereof; 
         FIGS. 4 and 4A  are respective rear views thereof; 
         FIGS. 5 and 5A  are respective rear views thereof, each shown in a partially folded orientation; 
         FIGS. 6 and 6A  are respective rear views thereof, each shown in a fully folded orientation; 
         FIGS. 7 and 7A  are respective front perspective views thereof; 
         FIGS. 8 and 8A  are enlarged rear views showing areas  8 - 8  and  8 A- 8 A of  FIGS. 6 and 6A , respectively; 
         FIGS. 9 and 9A  are enlarged partial perspective views showing areas  9 - 9  and  9 A- 9 A of  FIGS. 1 and 1A , respectively; 
         FIGS. 10 and 10A  are respective enlarged partial rear perspective views thereof; 
         FIGS. 11 and 11A  are respective enlarged partial rear perspective views thereof, showing finishing attachments exploded from the wing frame; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial top view showing an example offset disk gang arrangement of the mulch finisher of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged partial top view showing area  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIGS. 14 and 15  are enlarged partial perspective views thereof; 
         FIG. 16  is a side sectional view taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIGS. 17-19  are partial side views showing an example spike harrow assembly of the mulch finisher of  FIG. 1  in various positions; 
         FIG. 20  is an enlarged partial sectional view thereof, shown in the  FIG. 17  position; 
         FIG. 21  is an enlarged partial sectional view showing area  21 - 21  of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 22  is detail view showing area  22 - 22  of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a partial perspective view showing one anti-tangle bracket of the example spike harrow attachment of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a partial side view thereof; 
         FIG. 24A  is a partial end view thereof shown in an orientation corresponding to when the implement is folded; 
         FIG. 25  is a partial side view of example tine harrow and finishing basket attachments of the field cultivator of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 26  is an enlarged partial side view thereof, showing a downforce pressure adjustment mechanism of the example tine harrow attachment of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a partial side view similar to  FIG. 26  showing in phantom the example tine harrow attachment in one of various positions; 
         FIG. 28  is an enlarged partial exploded sectional side view showing certain components of the example tine harrow attachment; 
         FIG. 29-31  are enlarged partial side sectional views thereof as assembled and in various tine angle positions; 
         FIG. 32  is a partial perspective view of an example knockdown tine harrow attachment; 
         FIGS. 33 and 34  are partial rear views thereof, showing knockdown and smoothing tines, respectively; 
         FIG. 35  is a partial top view showing a three-rank knockdown tine harrow attachment of  FIG. 32  incorporated in the mulch finisher of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a partial top view similar to  FIG. 35  of another example knockdown tine harrow attachment having five harrow ranks; 
         FIG. 37  is a partial side view of the example tine harrow and finishing basket attachments as shown in  FIG. 25 , showing a roller basket in a raised position; 
         FIG. 38  is an enlarged partial perspective view showing area  38 - 38  of  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 39  is a partial rear view of  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 40  is a partial rear view similar to  FIG. 39 , showing the roller basket pivoted laterally; and 
         FIG. 41  is a partial rear view showing area  41 - 41  of  FIG. 39 . 
     
    
    
     Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following describes one or more example embodiments of the disclosed tillage implement, as shown in the accompanying figures of the drawings described briefly above. Various modifications to the example embodiments may be contemplated by one of skill in the art. 
     As used herein, unless otherwise limited or modified, lists with elements that are separated by conjunctive terms (e.g., “and”) and that are also preceded by the phrase “one or more of” or “at least one of” indicate configurations or arrangements that potentially include individual elements of the list, or any combination thereof. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” or “one or more of A, B, and C” indicates the possibilities of only A, only B, only C, or any combination of two or more of A, B, and C (e.g., A and B; B and C; A and C; or A, B, and C). 
     The disclosure is presented and discussed at times with respect to specific tillage implements, including the example mulch finisher and field cultivator tillage implements shown in the drawings. It should be understood that, as applicable, the principles of the disclosure may apply to either of the illustrated examples as well as to other tillage implements (e.g., other compact and conventional primary and second tillage implements) and other agricultural implements. Thus, the disclosure should not be limited to the specific examples described below and shown in the accompanying figures of the drawings. 
     Also, terms of direction and orientation will be used herein with respect to one or more of a direction of travel and the ground. For example, the terms “forward” and “fore” (and variants) refer to a direction corresponding to the direction of travel of the implement, while the terms “rearward” and “aft” (and variants) refer to a direction opposite the direction of travel. The terms “fore-aft” and “fore-aft axis” are also utilized in reference to a direction or an axis extending in the fore and aft directions. By comparison, the terms “lateral” or “lateral axis” refer to a direction or an axis that is perpendicular to the fore-aft axis and extends in a horizontal plane. Also, the terms “vertical” or “vertical axis” refer to a direction or an axis that is orthogonal to a horizontal plane. The terms “up” and “down” (and variants) refer to a vertical relation to the ground. The terms “inner” or “inside” and “outer” or “outside” (and variants) are terms of relative relation to a fore-aft centerline of the implement in which an “inner” object is nearer the centerline than an “outer” object. 
     Various agricultural machines (e.g., seeders, sprayers, primary and secondary tillage implements, and so on) have very wide platforms for mounting various tools or material dispensing components for working crop fields. To allow for transport on roadways, the implements may be formed in sections, one or more of which are able to fold inward alongside or above a main fame of the implement, which has a controlled (e.g., regulated) width or lateral dimension. The sections may be hinged together and pivot with respect to one another between an operational position, in which the “wing” frame sections are generally parallel with the main frame section, and a transport position, in which the wing sections are folded up and/or over the main frame section. An implement may have as few as one main frame section and one wing section, or it may have several wing sections, such as multiple (e.g., inner and outer) wing sections on each side of the main frame section. 
     The effective transport and operational dimensions of the implement may be governed by various factors. As noted, the transport dimensions may be governed by roadway regulations for the width and height of vehicles. This, in turn, may affect the operational dimensions of the implement by limiting the width (i.e., the lateral dimension perpendicular to the direction of travel) of the sections that may be folded onto or above the main frame within the regulated width and height envelope. The dimensions of the implement during operation may be governed by other factors. For example, the operational length (i.e., the longitudinal fore-aft direction of travel) and width of the implement may be limited by certain practical considerations, such as supportable weight of the implement, power of the towing vehicle and cost. The length and width of the implement may be limited by certain functional aspects, such as the stability of the implement and consistent position of the implement with respect to the ground during operation 
     It is important that the implements be able to fold (and unfold) in an unimpeded manner. In certain implements the various tools and material dispensing components that may be supported by the sections may project upwardly in various directions and to various extents such that they may interfere with another part of the implement (e.g., another tool, material dispensing component, section frame member, wheels, etc.). Moreover, given the large length and width of the implement, and the often numerous frame, tool and other components of the implement, a potential obstruction may be difficult to identify before commencing a fold or unfold operation. In the event of an obstruction, the operator may be required to reverse the folding operation, exit the vehicle cabin and clear the obstruction before re-commencing folding. Worse yet, in some cases, the obstructions may cause binding or interlocking of the obstructing components in a way that prevents the corresponding sections from being separated (i.e., unfolded) readily. 
     Various aspects of this disclosure address these (and other) concerns with conventional agricultural machines, and particularly tillage implements. In particular, the disclosure affords various improvements to the compact foldability and ground-following capability of multi-section tillage implements. The fold and ground-working capabilities will be referenced throughout the following discussion numerous times, and for brevity, will be referred to as “FGW” capabilities. This term will be understood to represent improvements to either foldability or ground-working, or both collectively. In other words, a particular aspect of the disclosure may pertain to both the fold and ground-working capabilities of the implement, or only the foldability, or only the ground-working capabilities. Yet, any of these aspects of the disclosure will be considered to contribute to the FGW capabilities of the implement. 
     In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides an improved offset gang arrangement for multi-section agricultural implements. In various embodiments, the agricultural implement may be a tillage implement having a main frame centered on a centerline in the direction of travel of the implement. The implement may have one or more wing sections hinged to one or more sides of the main frame. The wing section(s) and the main frame may each have multiple gangs of tools. The main frame gangs may be mounted to the main frame such that an inner end of a first main frame gang to a first side of the centerline is forward with respect to the direction of travel of an outer end of the first main frame gang, and an inner end of a second main frame gang to a second side of the centerline opposite the first side is forward with respect to the direction of travel of an outer end of the second main frame gang. The wing section gangs may be mounted to the associated wing section offset from each other such that an inner end of an inside wing gang is forward with respect to the direction of travel of an outer end of the inside wing gang and an inner end of an outside wing gang is forward with respect to the direction of travel of an outer end of the outside wing gang. 
     Unlike some large multi-section tillage implements in which each section has a single elongated gang of tools, this disclosure reduces the effective space occupied in the fore-aft direction of travel dimension by having multiple offset disk gangs in each section. Desired tool spacing patterns may be maintained while reducing the longitudinal dimension of the implement (sometimes referred to as “frame depth”). Improved “ground-following,” as it is sometimes called, of the implement may in turn be achieved by decreasing the frame depth. Proper lateral and longitudinal placement of the disks on the implement, and thereby, good working performance may be achieved. For example, sufficient fore-aft and lateral spacing may be achieved and maintained to allow proper flow of crop residue and debris through the implement (e.g., to prevent plugging of the tools), and proper lateral spacing may be achieved and maintained for consistent ground working across the entire implement (e.g., to prevent areas of unprocessed or uneven ground). 
     The angle of each disk with respect to a lateral vertical plane (sometimes referred to as the “steer” angle) and the angle of each disk with respect to a horizontal plane (sometimes referred to as the “tilt” angle) may be set as needed for good ground preparation. By offsetting the ends of the gang longitudinally in the fore-aft direction of travel, the steer angle (and also possibly the tilt angle) of the tools may be changed. The disclosed tillage implement places the tools, such as cultivator disks, at the proper steering angles and at the desired spacing pattern to achieve proper ground-working and residue flow through the implement. Further, the intra-wing offset of the gangs (either forward or rearward) reduces the fore-aft distance occupied by the gangs in each section. When the aggregate offset for the set of the gangs across all sections of the implement is considered, the reduction in fore-aft distance occupied by the gangs may be significant. The space reduction may, in turn, allow for a significant reduction in frame depth, thus saving weight and cost and improving ground-following of the implement. Moreover, in various embodiments, each gang may be adjusted separately, or adjacent pairs or sets of gangs on a given section may be adjusted together. The latter may help with consistent ground engagement of tools of different gangs and reduce the number of actuating assemblies needed. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure that improves upon the FGW capabilities of the implement pertains to improvements to the mounting location and arrangement of various attachments to the implement. Unlike some conventional implements, in which various finishing attachments are mounted along laterally-extending frame members via a U-bolt or similar tube clamp-type mounting hardware generally at any open area at the rear of the implement, in certain embodiments, the tillage implement may have drawbars (e.g., for finishing attachments such as harrows, finishing baskets, etc.) with mounting location fixing features. The mounting location fixing features may be configured mechanically to limit the potential locations, (or define a single location, or one of a selected few locations) at which the drawbars may be mounted on the implement and still perform the dedicated functions. In this way, placement of the drawbars, and thereby the finishing attachments, may be effectively selected by the implement manufacturer rather than the end user or operator to better insure that implement folding operations may be carried out without obstruction and/or to achieve a tight fold configuration. 
     In certain embodiments, the drawbars may be configured to mount directly or indirectly to the longitudinal, fore-aft frame members. The drawbars may extend in a fore-aft direction offset from, or aligned with, the frame members. Either way, the drawbars, and thereby the finishing attachments, may be located in a generally pre-defined, known space envelope at the rear of the implement. In the design and manufacture of the implement then, the frame and other components of the implement may be located to accommodate the components of the finishing attachments within the pre-defined space envelopes at the prescribed locations. 
     In certain embodiments, the drawbars may have a body, or a mounting portion of the body, that is generally saddle-shaped, or otherwise has a generally inverted “U” configuration that defines an open channel sized to accommodate a fore-aft frame member of the implement. The saddle may overlap the fore-aft frame member along some or all of the drawbars length. Bolts or other fasteners may be used to connect the drawbars to the fore-aft frame members. The bolts or other fasteners may be arranged in in the lateral direction of the implement, transverse to the direction of travel, in which case the bolts or other fasteners may experience shear force loading from the attachments, rather than bending loads. The saddle may define, or join with, an extension arm that extends beyond the fore-aft frame members to mount the attachments. The projecting portion of the saddle and/or extension arm may align with the fore-aft frame member in the direction of travel. Other longitudinally extending mounting features or components of the attachments (e.g., pivotal support arms of finishing attachments) may also align with the fore-aft frame members and/or the saddle or extension arm so that the elevated features of the drawbar and the attachments may generally fall along a common line for which space may be made available during folding and when in the folded configuration. 
     Various aspects of the attachments in this disclosure themselves may also benefit the FGW capabilities of the implement. For example, in certain embodiments, the finishing attachments may have anti-tangle features or characteristics that limit the free-range of movement of their components when in a non-operational state. In this way, the finishing attachments may function as intended during operation, exhibiting all range of movement necessary to perform its dedicated ground-working function, but have constrained movement in one or more directions, especially in one or more folding directions, that aid in maintaining the attachment in a pre-defined space envelope. When mounted to the implement via the drawbars with the generally fixed mounting location features, as previously described, not only may the space envelope be pre-defined, so may its location with respect to the frame. The implement may then be designed and manufactured to accommodate the finishing attachments fitting within the pre-defined space envelope at the prescribed location. 
     In certain embodiments, the tillage implement may have a spike harrow attachment with anti-tangle brackets coupling the spike harrow assembly to associated mounting structure (e.g., the aforementioned drawbars) of the implement. In certain embodiments, the anti-tangle brackets may be sets of rigid links that are pivotally connected to the spike harrow ranks and/or the drawbar to allow movement primarily in one plane (e.g., parallel to the direction of travel) and resist movement in one or more other planes (e.g., in the lateral dimension perpendicular to the direction of travel). The anti-tangle brackets may have pivot joints between the links to provide essentially no compressive forces that would otherwise prevent the spike harrow ranks from tripping, while allowing the full weight of the spike harrow ranks from acting on the ground. The anti-tangle brackets provide tensile forces to carry the spike harrow ranks when not in a ground-engaging state, such as when tripped by a rigid ground object or during transport. The anti-tangle brackets may also provide limited secondary (e.g., lateral) movement to permit enhanced operation the spike harrow attachment (e.g., to improve flow and reduce plugging). The limited lateral movement causes only minor positional change during the folding process so that the spike harrow attachment is generally constrained in its pre-defined space envelope so as not to obstruct folding. 
     In certain embodiments, the FGW capabilities of the tillage implement may be enhanced by making the downforce acting on the harrow ranks or other finishing attachment simpler and easier to adjust. The tilt angle adjustment may also be made simpler and easier. These adjustments may be made under power (e.g., hydraulic control), or if manual, may have adjustment mechanisms that reduce the forces on the assembly essentially to zero during the adjustment procedure. Moreover, the adjustment mechanisms may essentially eliminate adjustment loads while remaining in a generally operational orientation. Facilitating proper adjustment of the harrow ranks may better ensure that the attachment establishes and maintains the proper ground contact necessary to achieve good ground-working performance. 
     The FGW capabilities of the tillage implement may also be enhanced by a knockdown tine assembly and associated tine spacing pattern improvements. For example, in certain embodiments, the harrow tine attachment may have one or more “knockdown” tines having a wider tooth spacing and/or heavier gauge teeth. One or a row of knockdown tines may be mounted to a forward rank of the attachment to more aggressively work the ground. The knockdown tines may each be positioned to straddle a reference line extending in the fore-aft direction from a forward-mounted tillage tool (e.g., shank or standard) so that the knockdown tines are first to hit the raised mounds of ground left behind from the tool. The larger, stronger teeth thus better withstand the heavier loads, and the wider spacing allows for more soil and residue flow with less plugging. The tines in the ranks of the remainder of the harrow assembly may then be spaced in a prescribed pattern (e.g., such as a “split the middle” pattern or variants thereof) based off the positions of the knockdown tines, and their positions with respect to other tillage tools. This arrangement improves ground-finishing performance, which improves FGW capabilities by better ensuring unimpeded flow through the harrow attachment. 
     In certain embodiments, the FGW capabilities of the tillage implement may be enhanced by an improved configuration of a finishing basket attachment. In fact, the disclosed finishing basket attachment may have several features that improve FGW capabilities. For example, when combined with the drawbar of this disclosure, the finishing basket attachment has roller basket support arms that mount to the drawbars to align in the fore-aft direction of travel with the fore-aft frame members. The support arms may be manually adjustable or positioned under power (e.g., hydraulic control) to raise and lower. By aligning with the drawbars, the pre-defined space envelope of the support arms and the rest of the finishing basket attachment (in any adjusted position) may be accommodated for in the design and manufacture of the implement so as to better ensure uninhibited folding and unfolding of the frame sections. Also, the pivot point of each support arm may be lowered to approximately the height of the drawbar, and the cross-bar to which the roller basket is mounted may be positioned forward of the roller basket (rather than above it) to reduce the overall space envelope of the finishing basket attachment. The finishing basket attachment may also improve FGW capabilities through its provision of pivot connections between the support arms and the cross-bar and the use of materials and dimensions for the support arms that allow the support arms to flex laterally. The pivot connections and lateral flex of the support arms allow the roller basket to tilt laterally with respect to a horizontal plane as needed to follow side-hills and the like. 
     Moreover, when actuated under power (e.g., hydraulic control), open- or close-loop feedback control of one or more finishing attachments may also improve the FGW capabilities of the tillage implement. For example, position adjustments of the tools (e.g., ground penetration depth) during operation of the finishing attachments, from predetermined or real-time inputs, may allow the finishing attachments to perform better as ground conditions (e.g., soil type, residue percentage, etc.) change. 
     Referring now to the drawings, one or more example embodiments and implementations of the disclosed FGW capability improvements will be described with respect to one or both of the example tillage implements shown in  FIGS. 1 and 1A . It will be understood that these tillage implements are only examples, and that the various aspects of the disclosure may be incorporated into other tillage implements of the same or different type, as well as into other agricultural machines. As such, the disclosure should not be limited by the illustrated examples described below. 
     As noted above,  FIGS. 1 and 1A  show two example tillage implements in which various aspects of the disclosure may be incorporated usefully. By way of example, a tillage implement in the form of a 56-foot mulch finisher is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and a tillage implement in the form of a 50-foot field cultivator is illustrated in  FIG. 1A . Both of the example tillage implements are multi-section implements with a main frame mounting at each side folding inner and outer wing sections. The mulch finisher of  FIG. 1  differs from the field cultivator primary by the inclusion of forward gangs of cultivating disks and the type of harrow attachment at the rear of the implement. Otherwise, many of the features of the mulch finisher of  FIG. 1  are the same or similar to the features of the field cultivator of  FIG. 1A . Like reference numerals will be used in the drawings and the discussion below to refer to those features that are common to both example tillage implements. Specifically, both example tillage implements will be referred to as “TI  100 ” although for clarity the field cultivator of  FIG. 1A  will include a 0 prime symbol (i.e., “TI  100 ”). Similarly, other features of the field cultivator that are the same or similar to the mulch finisher will be referred to using like reference numbers containing a prime symbol. For clarity, the following discussion will describe the features and functionalities of the disclosure with reference to either TI  100  or TI  100 ′, but not both. It will be understood, however, that the features and functionality may apply to both example implements, and that reference to one implement (e.g., TI  100 ) is a proxy or short-hand for reference to the other implement (e.g., TI  100 ′), unless otherwise noted. Generally, any reference to  FIGS. 1-11  below should also be understood as a reference to  FIGS. 1A-11A , and vice versa, unless noted otherwise. Moreover, the direction of travel “D” is the direction that the TI  100  is towed or otherwise moves during operation, and the centerline “C” of the TI  100  extends in the direction of travel D to define left and right lateral sides. 
     In the example embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7 , the TI  100  has five frame sections, which are hinged in a foldable configuration. Progressing from left to right in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , these frame sections include: (i) a first outer wing section  110 , (ii) a first inner wing section  112 , (iii) a main frame section  114 , (iv) a second inner wing section  116 , and (v) a second outer wing section  118 . The inner wing sections  112 ,  116  are hinged at opposing lateral sides of the main frame section  114  and may pivot with respect thereto about first and second inner hinge lines  120 . The outer wing sections  110 ,  118  are hinged at the laterally outer sides of the inner wing sections  112 ,  116 , respectively, and can pivot relative thereto about first and second outer hinge lines  122 . In embodiments wherein the hinge lines  120 ,  122  extend substantially parallel to the fore-aft axis, as is the case in the illustrated examples, the hinge lines  120 ,  122  may alternatively be referred to as “fore-aft hinge axes.” Such a multi-section hinged design enables the TI  100  to transition from the unfolded operational state, shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , to a partially folded state, shown in  FIG. 5 , to a laterally compact, folded state to facilitate transport on roadways, shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The width of the TI  100  when in the folded transport state is generally determined by the spacing between the inner hinge lines  120 . In further embodiments, the TI  100  may include a greater or lesser number of wing sections, which may be hinged in various other foldable configurations. 
     The frame sections  110 - 118  each have a number of frame members, such as hollow metal or non-metal tubes or beams (e.g., 2×6 or 2×8 beams, or pairs of 2×2 beams). The frame members may be interconnected to provide a lattice-like framework to which an array of tillage tools and other components may be mounted. In the examples, the frame sections  110 - 118  include both laterally-spaced fore-aft frame members  130  and fore-aft spaced lateral frame members  132  (only a few of which are labeled in  FIGS. 1 and 2  for clarity), which are bolted, welded or otherwise interconnected in the manner illustrated. The frame sections  110 - 118  may assume various other forms and may have other constructions in other embodiments, provided that the frame sections  110 - 118  enable the below-described tillage tools and attachments to be mounted at selected locations across the TI  100 . The TI  100  may also include various other components mounted to the frame sections  110 - 118  at selected locations to facilitate towing of the TI  100 , to automate movement of the TI  100  between folded and unfolded states, or to provide other functions. Such components may include a tow hitch  140  projecting from the main frame section  114  in a forward direction, a number of ground-engaging wheels  142  (only a few of which are labeled in  FIGS. 1 and 2  for clarity), and an actuation system  144  (e.g., controllers, hydraulic cylinders, and associated plumbing) for transitioning the TI  100  between its unfolded operational state ( FIGS. 1-4 ) and its folded transport state ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ). 
     The TI  100  is equipped with a plurality of ground-engaging tillage tools  150 , such as “standards” (only a few of which are labeled in  FIGS. 1 and 2  for clarity). The tillage tools  150  may be mounted to the frame sections  110 - 118  in a strategically-chosen spatial formation or array, with each tool mounted at a particular location dictated by a prescribed tool placement pattern. Such a prescribed tool placement pattern may be determined based upon any number of design parameters and other factors, such as a desired furrow row spacing. In the illustrated example, the tillage tools  150  are positioned in a so-called “staggered split the middle pattern;” however, in other embodiments, the tillage tools  150  may be positioned in accordance with various other tool placement patterns or spatial arrays, as tailored to suit different applications and implement designs. 
     Adherence to the prescribed tool placement pattern may directly affect the performance of the TI  100  (e.g., residue flow and ground smoothing). Adherence to the prescribed tool placement pattern may be disrupted, however, when various components of the implement (e.g., wheels, frame joints, other tools) coincide with one or more of the prescribed tool-mount locations. In such instances, the TI  100  may be designed with larger frame sections, particularly in the fore-aft dimension, to maintain the tool pattern while accommodating the other components, or to relocate certain of the tools, thereby disrupting the tool pattern. As noted, disrupting the tool pattern may have an adverse effect on performance, and the ability to change section dimensions may be limited, (e.g., upper transport width limit), or even if not, changing section dimensions may impact FGW capabilities. Aspects of the disclosure may be incorporated into the TI  100  to permit strict adherence to the prescribed tool placement pattern, while maintaining the lateral width (or “hinge-to-hinge” dimension) of the main frame section  114 . In this manner, the TI  100  may be imparted with a relatively broad wingspan when in an unfolded operational state and with a sufficiently narrow width in the folded transport state as well as a reduced fore-aft dimension (“frame depth”) for better ground-following during operation, all without deviation from the prescribed tool placement configuration. 
     First, with reference to  FIGS. 1, 2, and 12-16 , an intra-wing offset tool mounting configuration will now be described. The example TI  100  has a forward tool arrangement mounted in gangs at the leading sides of the frame sections  110 - 118 . The principles of the intra-wing offset mounting arrangement aspect of the disclosure are generally applicable to gang mounting any type of tools, for example, in the illustrated embodiment the TI  100  has gangs of rotating cultivator disks. Moreover, the principles of the intra-wing offset mounting arrangement may apply to implements in which the gangs are mounted either in a forwardly or rearwardly angled orientation with respect to the direction of travel D, such as the rearwardly angled orientation illustrated with respect to the TI  100 . Further, it should be noted that adjacent ends of adjacent gangs, intra-wing and/or inter-wing, may be spaced apart in the lateral direction, or they may overlap in the lateral direction, such that the outer end of an inner gang may be in front of or behind the inner end of an outer gang. Thus, whether angled forward or rearward, overlapping or spaced apart, each frame section  110 - 118 , in particular the wing sections  110 ,  112 ,  116 ,  118 , has multiple gangs of shorter length than the lateral dimension of the associated frame section and are arranged so that, at least within a given frame, their lengths are offset from one another in the direction of travel D. 
     Specifically, the main frame section  114  has two disk gangs  200  and  202 , the inner wing sections  112 ,  116  each have two disk gangs  204 ,  206  and  208 ,  210 , respectively, and the outer wing sections  110 ,  118  each have disk gangs  212 ,  214  and  216 ,  218 , respectively. Each disk gang may have a rockshaft  220  (only a few of which are labeled) mounted to one of the frame members  130 ,  132  of the associated frame section  110 - 118 . The rockshafts  220  are mounted, as described below, to pivot with respect to the frame sections  110 - 118  to raise and lower the disks  230 . Each disk  230  (only a few of which are labeled) of the disk gangs is mounted to rotate with respect to the rockshaft  220  (e.g., view a shank-mounted bearing assembly) when engaged with the ground and the TI  100  is moving in the direction of travel D. 
     As can be seen in the top views of  FIGS. 2 and 12 , the disk gangs are mounted in an angularly offset arrangement in which ends of each disk gang are at different positions in the fore-aft direction, and each disk gang is at a different mounting location on a given side of the fore-aft centerline C. In the illustrated example, the disk gangs are arranged across the TI  100  in a mirrored orientation with respect to the centerline C to cascade rearward in the same or a similar manner at the same or similar fore-aft and lateral positions on each lateral side of the TI  100 . 
     In particular, in the illustrated example, the disk gangs  200 ,  202  are mounted to the main frame section  114  in mirrored orientations so that the inner ends of the disk gangs  200 ,  202  are forward of their outer ends. The disk gangs  200 ,  202  (and the others) are shorter than the lateral dimension of the associated frame section. Apart from the space savings detailed below, using shorter disk gangs allows for certain components to be smaller (e.g., the lengthwise bolts securing the disks laterally), and thus less costly. The disk gangs  200 ,  202  each may be of the same or similar length, which may be a length sufficient to extend in a lateral distance from the centerline C to the outer edges of the main frame section  114 . In other words, in the illustrated example in which there are two gangs per section, each gang may have a length or extend in the lateral direction roughly equivalent to one half of the lateral dimension of its associated frame section. When the frame sections  110 - 118  have the same or similar lateral dimensions, such as in the illustrated example, the gangs may all be the same length and oriented at the same or similar offset angles. It should be understood that more than two gangs may be included in each section and that one or more of the gangs may be of a different length, or at a different angular orientation, than the others. 
     Continuing, the disk gangs  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210  of the two inner wing sections  112 ,  116  may be mounted so that the inner end of each disk gang is forward of its outer end. In particular, the inner wing inner disk gangs  204 ,  208  are mounted to the associated inner wing section  112 ,  116  so that the inner ends are outside, and slightly forward, of the outer ends of the main frame disk gangs  200 ,  202 , respectively. The inner wing outer disk gangs  204 ,  210  are mounted to the associated inner wing section  112 ,  116  so that their inner ends are slightly outside, and slightly forward, of the outer ends of the inner wing inner disk gangs  206 ,  208 , respectively. In a similar manner, the disk gangs  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218  of the two outer wing sections  110 ,  118  may be mounted so that the inner end of each disk gang is forward of its outer end. In particular, the outer wing inner disk gangs  214 ,  216  are mounted to the associated outer wing section  110 ,  118  so that the inner ends are slightly outside, and slightly forward, of the outer ends of the inner wing outer disk gangs  204 ,  210 , respectively. The outer wing outer disk gangs  212 ,  218  are mounted to the associated outer wing section  110 ,  118  so that their inner ends are slightly outside, and slightly forward, of the outer ends of the outer wing inner disk gangs  214 ,  216 , respectively. 
     By way of example, the 56-foot mulch finisher example of the TI  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  has five sections, and as shown in  FIG. 12 , the disk gangs are oriented angularly offset from the lateral direction by an angle θ of about eight degrees to provide a steer angle γ suitable for ground-working of about eight degrees. In the example embodiment, shortening and offsetting the gangs within each frame section may reduce the fore-aft distance occupied by the gangs by approximately seven inches per offset, or about 28 inches overall in the twin gang, five section implement shown. This represents a reduction in frame depth, and the fore-aft frame members  130 , of about 14 inches compared to implements with a single gang per frame section. The frame depth reduction improves the FGW capabilities of the implement, while maintaining the prescribed tool placement pattern. 
     Further, the noted gain in FGW capability may be achieved without extra space requirements, complexity, weight or cost being added to the implement. For example, each pair of disk gangs on the frame sections  110 - 118  may be actuated using a single actuator. The TI  100  may have an actuator assembly  250  mounted to each frame section  110 - 118  to raise and lower both of the associated disk gangs simultaneously. This not only reduces part-count, cost and weight, but it also ensures that both disk gangs in each pair are positioned uniformly with respect to the frame, and thereby the ground (i.e., the same penetration depth), or in other words are “leveled” with respect to one another. It should be noted that, if desired, the disk gangs may be clocked differently so that the actuator assembly  250  may position the associated disk gangs at different heights (or penetration depths). Moreover, separate actuators for each disk gang could be provided if space, cost and weight are not of concern. 
     In particular, each actuator assembly  250  may include an actuator  252  operatively coupled to the actuation system  144 , which in this case may be a dual-acting hydraulic cylinder. As will be understood, the hydraulic cylinder may be coupled, via various hydraulic fluid carrying plumbing lines, to a hydraulic pump on board the towing vehicle. Also on board the towing vehicle may be one or more controllers having processers and memory architecture for controlling the position of various electro-hydraulic valves, which may be connected to the controller(s) directly or by a suitable bus and which control the extension and/or the retraction of the cylinder piston. As noted, the hydraulic cylinder may be a dual-acting cylinder that may be driven to extend and retract. 
     The actuator  252  may be mounted to the associated frame section at the same or a similar angle as the steer angle γ of the disk gangs by a cylinder anchor  254 . The cylinder anchor  254  may have a slot  256  or other opening through which pivot arms  260  may extend. The pivot arms  260  may each be coupled to an end of one of the rockshafts  220  of the pair of disk gangs, the rockshafts  220  being suitably mounted (e.g., via bearings, pillow blocks, etc.) to the disk gangs so as to rotate with respect to the frame section. Extending and retracting a piston  266  of the actuator  252  will pivot the pivot arms  260  to pivot the rockshafts  220 , and thereby raise and lower the disks  230  of the disk gangs. The ends of the rockshafts  220  may extend far enough laterally so that the pivot arms  260  may fall along the stroke axis of the actuator  252 . The upper ends of the pivot arms  260  may have suitable connections, such as clevises  270 , for coupling to the actuator  252 . Specifically, the clevis  270  of one of the pivot arms  260  may connect directly to the piston  266  of the actuator  252  and to a tie rod  272  coupling the devises  270  together. The tie rod  272  may be adjustable, such as in the form of a turn-buckle threaded at each end, so that the relative angular orientation of the pivot arms  260  may be varied. The turn-buckle tie rod  272  provides a simple and quick mechanism for adjusting the level of the disks in the gang-pair relative to the frame (and the ground), and thus to the disks  230  of gang-pairs of other frame sections. This mechanism also allows the gang-pairs to be clocked differently, if desired, so that the disks  230  of one disk gang in the pair may have a different height (or penetration depth) than the disks  230  of the other disk gang in the pair. 
     Other aspects of the disclosure facilitate the TI  100  to assume a tight, compact folded configuration with reduced or no incidents of binding or obstructing while folding and unfolding the wing sections. Referring now to  FIGS. 1-2 and 9-11 , the TI  100  may have an improved configuration for mounting various attachments at the rear of the implement, including finishing attachments such as various harrow assemblies and roller baskets. More specifically, the TI  100  may have dedicated locations at which the finishing attachments are to be mounted to the frame sections  110 - 118  so that the finishing attachments fall within the pre-defined space envelopment intended during design and manufacturing. Unlike conventional systems that allow the finishing attachments to be mounted anywhere along the rear lateral frame member using a U-bolt or other tube clamp fastener, the TI  100  has the finishing attachment mounted to the fore-aft frame members  130 , such that their lateral position is fixed. This keeps the gross positioning of the finishing attachments in predetermined locations so as to allow folding in a tight fold configuration without binding. As shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , the TI  100  may fold so that the outer wing sections  110 , 118  may fold inward about hinge lines  122  on top of the inner wing sections  112 ,  116 , respectively, approximately 180 degrees ( FIG. 5 ). The inner wing sections  112 ,  116 , and the folded outer wing sections  110 ,  118 , then may fold inward about hinge lines  120  approximately 90 degrees ( FIG. 6 ) so that the inner and outer wing sections are near perpendicular to the main frame section  114 . 
     In the illustrated examples, this location fixing functionality is achieved in part due to the mounting technique employed and the unique configuration of the mounting interface. In particular, the finishing attachments attach using drawbars  300  (only some of which are labeled) mounted to the rearward ends of one or more (or all) of the fore-aft frame members  130 . The drawbars  300  may thus become an integral part, or extension of, the fore-aft frame members  130 . The drawbars  300  may be the same, and each drawbar  300  may form a channel portion, or include a saddle  310  generally having an inverted U-shaped configuration defining a channel  312  opening at a lower side of the drawbar  300  sized to receive the thickness (i.e., lateral) dimension of the associated fore-aft frame member  130 . The channel  312  may be located at a forward end of the drawbar  300  or may run the full length of the drawbar  300 , as shown. The saddle  310  has long sides  314  that fit along the transverse (i.e., vertical width) dimension of the fore-aft frame member  130  so that the saddle  310  overlaps the top and sides of the frame member. The sides  314  may be over-sized for certain frame members so that they may be used with other wider frame members. Thus, as shown, an upper wall  316  of the saddle  310 , and in certain embodiments the entire drawbar  300 , may be spaced from (above) the upper wall of the frame member. Alternatively, or when the drawbars  300  are used with larger frame members (e.g., 8-inch rather than 6-inch frame members), the upper wall  316  of the saddle  310  may rest on the top of the frame member. 
     The drawbars  300  are mounted in cantilever fashion to the ends of the fore-aft members  130  so that an elongated support arm  320  extends rearward beyond the rearward ends of the frame members  130 . In this way, the various components of the attachments may depend down from the drawbars  300  without interfering with the frame members  130 ,  132  or other components of the TI  100 , as will be described below. The drawbars  300  may be mounted to the fore-aft frame members  130  by any suitable mechanical connection (e.g., welds, rivets, bolts, or other fasteners). For example, bolts  330  may be inserted into one or more sets of aligned openings in the sides  314  of the saddle  310  and the fore-aft frame member  130 . In the examples, the long dimensions of the bolts  330  will extend in the lateral dimension transverse to the direction of travel D, which will subject the bolts  330  to shear forces rather than bending or other loading during operation of the TI  100 . Shear loading provides an effectively stronger connection in that it will not tend to bend the bolts  330  from use. 
     As explained, the drawbars  300 , including the saddle  310  and support arm  320  portions thereof, may be mounted to the TI  100  only at predetermined positions, including fore-aft and lateral locations at the rear of the implement. The drawbars  300  may be mounted so that their long dimensions extend in precise or close alignment with the fore-aft frame members  130 . It should be understood that in other embodiments the drawbars may be configured so that extending portions thereof (e.g., the support arms) extend in a fore-aft direction that is parallel to, but offset from, the fore-aft frame members  130 . Alternatively or additionally, the drawbars may be configured so that one or more extending portions (e.g., the support arms) are at an oblique or perpendicular angle to the fore-aft direction. 
     Various aspects of the disclosed finishing attachments will now be discussed. First, aspects of a spike harrow attachment  400  will be addressed with regard to the example configuration shown in  FIGS. 9-11  (but not  FIGS. 9A-11A ) and  FIGS. 17-24 . A spike harrow attachment  400  may be attached to one or more (or all) of the drawbars  300  in all or a subset of the frame sections  110 - 118 . In the example embodiment of  FIG. 1  (but not  FIG. 1A ), the TI  100  has spike harrow attachments with anti-tangle brackets (as will be described) only at the main frame  114  and outer wing  110 ,  118  sections (the inner wing sections  112 ,  116  have chains). The anti-tangle features are particularly useful for the outer wing sections  110 ,  118 , which pivot about the hinge lines  122  approximately 180 degrees to a generally inverted orientation (see  FIG. 5 ) during folding and unfolding, and which end up on at the center of the implement (between the inner wing sections) when in the folded configuration (see  FIG. 7 ). 
     The example spike harrow attachment  400  has a set of ranks of spikes, including four rank bars  410  (e.g., L-channel bar stock) to which are mounted individual spikes  420  (only some of which are labeled) disposed in openings in the rank bars  410  and mounted (e.g., via U-bolts) to be at rearward tilt angle α from an enlarged upper end to a pointed tip. The rank bars  410  are joined together by one or more crossbars, such as crossbar  430 , which is connected by mounting brackets  432 . The rank bars  410  may be spaced apart the same or different distances in the fore-aft direction, and they may be the same or different lengths and laterally aligned or offset from one another to provide the desired lateral coverage and lateral and fore-aft spike spacing. For example, the spikes  420  may be arranged in a pattern with a generally consistent fore-aft spacing between ranks and a generally consistent lateral spacing within each rank. However, the rank bars  410  may be laterally offset so that the spikes  420  in an immediate rearward rank evenly straddle, and center on, fore-aft reference lines through the spikes  420  of the immediately forward rank. Moreover, the forward-most rank may be arranged a predetermined fore-aft spacing from the rear row of tillage tools  150 , which may be the same as, or differ from, the spacing between ranks, and may be positioned to evenly straddle, and center on, a fore-aft reference line through the associated tillage tool  150 . 
     As mentioned, the ranks of spikes may be mounted to one or more of the drawbars  300 . In the example embodiment, the ranks may be mounted to two drawbars  300  each by one or more anti-tangle bracket assemblies  440 , such as the four shown in the example embodiment. The anti-tangle bracket assemblies  440  are configured to permit the freedom of movement necessary for the spike harrow attachment  400  to perform as intended during operation, including to allow the full weight of the ranks (and the rest of the assembly) to act upon the ground so that the spikes  420  penetrate the ground, but also to allow the ranks to trip so that the spikes  420  move out of engagement with the ground in the event excessively hard ground or an immovable object is encountered. The anti-tangle bracket assemblies  440  may also permit lateral movement of the ranks relative to the drawbar  300  to aid in residue flow between the spikes  420  and to reduce plugging. However, the lateral movement of the ranks is constrained (e.g., to a few inches toward each lateral side of the TI  100 ). This constrained lateral movement limits shifting of the spike harrow attachment  400  during folding and unfolding. When the drawbars  300  are mounted to the TI  100  at the predetermined locations, as described above, each spike harrow attachment  400  is located in its pre-defined position and maintained there with little, or possibly even no, shifting during folding and unfolding. By way of example, the example embodiment may allow a lateral movement of 3-6 inches, such that during the folding process and/or when the TI  100  is in the folded transport position, the spike harrow attachment  400  may shift a corresponding distance (e.g., dropping under gravity when the section is oriented near vertical) (see  FIG. 24A ). This limited shifting is a considerable reduction from the approximately twenty inches or so of shifting possible with conventional hang chain harrow attachments. In this way, the anti-tangle bracket assemblies enhance both aspects of the FGW capabilities of the TI  100 . 
     In particular, each of the example anti-tangle bracket assemblies  440  may have a scissor linkage arrangement with two pivot links  450  and  452 . The lower end of the lower pivot link  452  is connected to a pivot pin  454  of the associated mounting bracket  432 . The lower pivot link  452  could be coupled directly to the associated mounting bracket  432 , or to the crossbar  430  of the associated rank bar  410 . The upper end of the upper pivot link  450  is pivotally connected to the drawbar  300 . In the example configuration, the upper pivot link  450  has a clevis configuration in which legs of the clevis mount to each side of the drawbar  300  by a pivot pin  456  (e.g., a bolt). The pivot links  450 ,  452  are pivotally coupled together by a central pivot pin  458 . The long dimensions of the pivot pins  454 ,  456 ,  458  may be arranged to extend in the lateral direction, and thus realize shear, rather than bending, loads during operation. The four anti-tangle bracket assemblies  440 , one for each rank bar  410 , may be connected to the drawbar  300  in the same or similar fore-aft spacing at the ranks. Openings for the pivot pins  456  may be formed in integral lobes  460  formed by the short sides of the support arm  320  portion of the drawbar  300 . The anti-tangle bracket assemblies  440  thus form a four-bar linkage arrangement with the drawbar  300  and the crossbar  430  so that the spike harrow attachment  400  remains level or otherwise maintains the same pitch and roll orientation during pivotal movement (e.g., tripping) during operation. 
     The anti-tangle bracket assemblies  440  may further be configured to facilitate fully trip movement of the spike harrow attachment  400 . In particular, one link in each pair of pivot links  450 ,  452  may be longer than the other. In the example embodiment, the upper pivot link  450  is longer than the lower pivot link  452 , such as by a ratio of approximately 2-3:1. In the example embodiment, the pivot links  450 ,  452  are curved with the concavities being in opposite fore-aft orientations (e.g., the upper pivot link is concave rearward and the lower pivot link is concave forward). The presence and shape of the concave surfaces may be configured to avoid interference of the links pivoting from other components or features of the attachment, drawbar or other parts of the TI  100  (e.g., to accommodate an actuator mechanism for a finishing basket attachment). As can be seen from  FIGS. 17-19 , the pivot links  450 ,  452  pivot in opposite clock orientations. For example, from the perspective of  FIGS. 17-19 , the upper pivot link  450  pivots counter-clockwise about pivot pin  456 , and the lower pivot link pivots clockwise about the pivot pin  454 . The configuration and relative lengths of the pivot links  450 ,  452  in the example embodiment permit the anti-tangle bracket assemblies  440  to pivot in the fore-aft direction sufficient to pivot rearward from the fully ground-engaging position of  FIG. 17 , which is at approximately 65 degrees down from horizontal, to the fully tripped position of  FIG. 19 , which is at approximately 10 degrees down from horizontal. Pivot links of the same length could be used in cases where a lower trip height is acceptable. 
     The anti-tangle bracket assemblies  440  may have features, such as stop pins  470  in lobes  472  near the upper end of each upper pivot link  450 , that cooperate and interfere with features, such as the lobes  460 , formed in the sides of the drawbar  300 , as shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 . A conventional drag chain  480  may be coupled to the drawbar  300  and the spike harrow attachment  400  so that the spikes  420  operate at their desired angle with the weight of the spike harrow attachment  400  on the spikes  420 . When drag is set correctly, the anti-tangle bracket assemblies  440  will run partially tripped so that the spikes  420  move up and down to follow the ground. 
     Aspects of a tine harrow attachment  500  will be now addressed with regard to the example TI  100 ′ shown in  FIGS. 9A-11A  and  FIGS. 25-31 . Like the spike harrow attachment, the tine harrow attachment  500  may mount to one or more of the drawbars  300 ′, such as a pair of drawbars of each of the frame sections  110 - 118 . The example tine harrow attachment  500  has a set of ranks of tines, including three rank bars  510  (e.g., C-channel bar stock) to which are mounted tines  520  (only some of which are labeled). Each of the tines  520  may have two elongated rod portions or “teeth”  522  that are spaced apart and connected by a center portion or “staple”  524 . Each tine  520  may be an assembly of parts or a monolithic member with coiled areas for flexing at each end of the staple  524 . Also, one or more of the tines  520  may have a single tooth. The tines  520  may be mounted to the rank bars  510  using suitable brackets and fasteners to clamp the staples  524  to the rank bars  510 . The tines  520  may be mounted to the rank bars  510  to be at a rearward tilt angle α. The rank bars  510  may be joined together by one or more crossbars, such as crossbar  530 , which is connected by mounting brackets  532 . The rank bars  510  may be spaced apart the same or different distances in the fore-aft direction, and they may be the same or different lengths and laterally aligned or offset from one another to provide the desired lateral coverage and lateral and fore-aft tine spacing. For example, the tines  520  may be the same size (e.g., gauge thickness and/or teeth spacing and length) and may be arranged in a pattern with a generally consistent fore-aft spacing between ranks and a generally consistent lateral spacing within each rank. The rank bars  510  may be laterally offset so that the teeth  522  of the tines  520  in an immediate rearward rank evenly straddle, and center on, fore-aft reference lines through the teeth  522  of the tines  520  of the immediately forward rank. Moreover, the forward-most rank may be arranged a predetermined fore-aft spacing from the rear row of tillage tools  150 ′, which may be the same as, or differ from, the spacing between ranks, and may be positioned to evenly straddle, and center on, a fore-aft reference line through the associated tillage tool  150 ′. 
     As mentioned, the ranks of tines may be mounted to one or more of the drawbars  300 ′. In the example embodiment, the ranks may be mounted to two drawbars  300 ′ each by one or more pivot links, such as pivot links  540  and  542  shown in the example embodiment. The pivot links  540 ,  542  permit the freedom of movement necessary for the tine harrow attachment  500  to perform as intended during operation so that the tines  520  penetrate the ground, but also to allow the ranks to trip so the tines  520  move out of engagement with the ground in the event excessively hard ground or an immovable object is encountered. The pivot links  540 ,  542  (e.g., by proper pivot connections) may also permit lateral movement of the ranks relative to the drawbar  300 ′ to aid in residue flow between the tines  520  and to reduce plugging. However, the lateral movement of the ranks is constrained (e.g., to a few inches toward each lateral side of the TI  100 ′). The rigid pivot links  540 ,  542  constrained lateral movement limits shifting of the tine harrow attachment  500  during folding and unfolding. When the drawbars  300 ′ are mounted to the TI  100 ′ at the predetermined locations, as described above, each tine harrow attachment  500  is located in its pre-defined position and maintained there with little, or possibly even no, shifting during folding and unfolding. By way of providing one specific example only, the example embodiment may allow a lateral movement of 1-6 inches, such that during the folding process and/or when the TI  100 ′ is in the folded transport position, the tine harrow attachment  500  may shift a corresponding distance (e.g., dropping under gravity when the section is oriented near vertical). This limited shifting is a significant reduction from the approximately twenty inches or so of shifting possible with conventional hang chain harrow attachments. In this way, the tine harrow attachment  500  enhances both aspects of the FGW capabilities of the TI  100 ′. 
     In particular, in the example embodiment, pivot links  540 ,  542  are assemblies of link members  544  and  546 , respectively, that are coupled together and spaced apart in the lateral direction. The lower ends of the pivot links  540 ,  542  are connected by pivot pins  550  to the associated mounting brackets  532 , the crossbar  530  and/or the associated rank bar  510 . The upper ends of the pivot links  540 ,  542  are pivotally connected to the drawbar  300 ′ by pivot pins  552  (e.g., bolts). The long dimensions of the pivot pins  550 ,  552  may be arranged to extend in the lateral direction, and thus realize shear, rather than bending, loads during operation. Openings for the pivot pins  552  may be formed in the short sides of the support arm  320 ′ portion of the drawbar  300 ′. The pivot links  540 ,  542  thus form a four-bar linkage arrangement with the drawbar  300 ′ and the crossbar  530  so that the tine harrow attachment  500  remains level or otherwise maintains the same pitch and roll orientation during pivotal movement (e.g., tripping) in operation. The pivot links  540 ,  542  may further be configured to facilitate full tripping movement of the tine harrow attachment  500 . In the example embodiment, the pivot links  540 ,  542  are angled or curved (or “dog-legged”) to provide the desired range of motion and trip height without interference by other features (e.g., to accommodate an actuator mechanism for a finishing basket attachment). 
     Unlike the aforementioned example spike harrow attachment  400 , which uses the weight of the assembly to engage the spikes  420  with the ground, the tine harrow attachment  500  may be biased in engagement with the ground by a downforce member, such as downforce spring  560 . While the example embodiment includes downforce spring  560 , other biasing components could be used, including any of various other spring configurations or piston-cylinder arrangements (e.g., pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders). Thus, the term “spring” as used herein will be understood to include conventional coiled metal wire springs and piston-cylinder actuators. As will be understood, the downforce spring  560  applies a biasing force to the pivot links  540 ,  542  in the clockwise direction (from the perspective of  FIG. 25 ) to bias the ranks downward toward the ground to engage the teeth  522  of the tines  520  with the ground during operation. The pivot links  540 ,  542  pivot counter-clockwise (from the perspective of  FIG. 25 ) to allow the ranks to trip rearward against the biasing force of the downforce spring  560  when an obstruction is encountered, after which the downforce spring  560  (and gravity) return the ranks to engage the tines  520  with the ground. The range of pivoting and the trip height, for example, may be the same or similar to that of the spike harrow attachment  400 . 
     It may be desirable to adjust the amount of downforce applied to the harrow ranks, such as to preferentially load the tine harrow attachment  500  for different ground conditions (e.g., soil type, hardness and residue coverage, etc.). With particular reference to  FIGS. 25-27 , the downforce spring  560  may be pivotally coupled at one end to the drawbar  300 ′ or one of the pivot links  540 ,  542 , and adjustably coupled to the other component at its other end. For example, in the example embodiment, the downforce spring  560  may have a loop or hook end  562  that fits about a fixed pin  564  extending laterally between, and mounted in openings in, the sides of the drawbar  300 ′. The downforce spring  560  may have another loop or hook end  566  that fits about a pull pin  568  (e.g., an L-shaped pin, the short leg of which acts as a handle). The long leg of the pull pin  568  extends in the lateral direction and fits into aligned pairs of openings, such as the three sets of adjustment openings  570 A- 570 C, in the links  546  of the rear pivot link  542 . Positioning the pull pin  568  in a different set of the adjustment openings  570 A- 570 C changes the amount of biasing force applied to the harrow ranks by the downforce spring  560 . Specifically, the perpendicular distance of the adjustment opening  570 A is closer to the fulcrum (e.g., pivot pin  552 ) of the pivot link  542 , and thus provides a shorter lever arm for the moment providing the biasing force, which decreases the moment and thereby the downforce, compared to that provided by the other adjustment openings  570 B-C. It will thus be understood that when the pull pin  568  is in the adjustment openings  570 A, the downforce spring  560  provides a lesser biasing moment and corresponding effective downforce, than when in the adjustment opening  570 B, which provides a lesser biasing moment and corresponding effective downforce than when in the adjustment opening  570 C. 
     In certain embodiments, an adjustment mechanism may be included so that the downforce may be adjusted with generally unfettered access from the rear of the implement and without fighting the downforce spring  560 , in other words while the downforce spring  560  is at a zero-force, or fixed-length, state, neither in compression or tension. Further, such zero downforce adjustment may be carried out without repositioning the harrow ranks, in other words while the harrow ranks are maintained in the same (e.g., operational) orientation. This may be accomplished by positioning the adjustment openings  570 A-C so that their centers fall along an arc “A” defined by a fixed-length radius line “R” ( FIG. 26 ) originating from the fulcrum (e.g., the lateral axis of the fixed pin  564 ), in which the radius R is equal to the fixed-length of the downforce spring  560 . Thus, provided the adjustment openings are centered of the arc defined by the radius R, the number and angular spacing between the sets of adjustment openings could be increased or decreased, and the angular spacing could be the same or different between consecutive sets of adjustment openings. In this way, without needing to stretch or compress the downforce spring  560 , the downforce acting on the harrow ranks during operation may be changed by simply removing the pull pin  568  from one set of adjustment openings (and the hook end  566  of the downforce spring  560 ) and reinserting it into another set of adjustment openings (and the hook end  566 ). 
     The tine harrow attachment  500  may have mechanical stop features to limit the forward and/or rearward movement of the harrow ranks. In the illustrated example, forward and rearward stop pins  572  may be mounted to the drawbar  300 ′ at suitable forward and rearward locations with respect to the forward pivot pin  552  for the forward pivot link  540 . Protruding ends of the stop pins  572  cooperate, and are engaged by, opposite forward and rearward edges of the forward pivot link  540  to limit the pivot angle of the pivot links  540 ,  542 , and thereby the harrow ranks. If desired, the forward stop pin  572  may be located to set the operating position (i.e., the non-tripped position) of the harrow ranks. 
     It may also be desirable to set and adjust the angle of attack (i.e., fore-aft tilt angle α) of the tines  520  based on the ground conditions (e.g., soil type, hardness and residue coverage, etc.). In example embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 25 and 28-31 , the rank bars  510  may be pivotally connected to the crossbar  530  to pivot either forward or rearward from a vertical or perpendicular orientation of the tines  520 . Moreover, the crossbar  530  may have slots  580  in its upper wall through which extend vanes  582  of an adjustment plate  584  that have fore-aft slots sized to receive the thickness of the upper wall of the crossbar  530  so that the fore-aft position of the adjustment plate  584  may be changed. The lower side of the adjustment plate  584  may have angled bumps  586  spaced apart in the fore-aft direction so that one bump  586  is positioned behind each rank bar  510  to limit the rearward pivot angle β of the rank bars  510 . For example, the front edge of each bump  586  may be angled downward and rearward as needed to engage the associated rank bar  510  after pivoting through a prescribed angle. Alternatively or additionally, the bumps  586  may be positioned and configured so that the front edges engage the rank bars  510  to set the tilt angle α of the tines  520  without allowing rearward pivoting. 
     In either case, by changing the fore-aft position of the adjustment plate  584  in the crossbar  530 , the tines  520  may pivot rearward to a different angle at which the rank bars  510  engage the bumps  586  of the adjustment plate  584 , as shown in  FIGS. 29 and 30 , or the adjustment plate  584  may engage the rank bars  510  to set the tines  520  at a different tilt angle, as shown in  FIG. 31 . An adjustment mechanism may be included to control the position of the adjustment plate  584  relative to the crossbar  530 , and thus the pivot or tilt angle of the tines  520 . In the example embodiment, the adjustment mechanism is a pin and slot arrangement, including a pull pin  588  that fits into an aligned set of adjustment openings  590  in sides of the crossbar  530  and the adjustment plate  584 . Each adjustment opening  590  may at any suitable fore-aft and vertical location to position the adjustment plate  584  as needed to achieve the desired tilt angle α and/or pivot angle β of the tines  520 . By way of example, the tines  520  may be positioned at an aggressive tilt angle α of about 70 degrees (from a horizontal plane) to a less aggressive 50 degrees, or allow the tines  520  a pivot angle β of about 20 degrees rearward. 
     Alternatively or additionally, the tilt angle of the tines may be adjusted by using multiple adjustment plates, such as one for each rank. The adjustment plates may be mounted within separate crossbars pivotally connecting the rank bars, or they may be stacked together side-by-side within a single crossbar. Each adjustment plate may have its own vane and bump features that are used, respectively, for adjustably connecting the adjustment plate to the crossbar and to set the angle to which the associated rank bar may pivot. Whether separately mounted or mounted in a stacked configuration, the multiple adjustment plates may be used to set different tilt angles for the tines in different ranks. In the stacked configuration, one or more slots may be provided in the adjustment plates so that they may move independently from each other, while being secured to the crossbar with one or more fasteners (e.g., one or more bolts). 
     In certain embodiments, the tine harrow attachment  500  may have tines that are of the same or different size and shape, for example, including one or more “smoothing” tines  520  and one or more “knockdown” tines  620 , which, comparatively, have a thicker gauge thickness and/or wider tooth spacing, as shown in  FIGS. 33 and 34 . In the example shown in  FIG. 33 , the knockdown tine  620  may have both a thicker gauge and a wider tooth spacing. The larger gauge and wide spaced teeth of the knockdown tines  620  may be useful for more aggressive ground working, such as for initially addressing, or knocking down, the large hills or mounds following ground-working by a preceding tillage tool before being smoothed by subsequent tines. 
     Like the smoothing tines  520 , the knockdown tines  620  may have two elongated rod portions or “teeth”  622  that are spaced apart and connected by a center portion or “staple”  624 . Each knockdown tine  620  may be an assembly of parts or a monolithic member with coiled areas for flexing at each end of the staple. Also, one or more of the knockdown tines  620  may have a single tooth. The knockdown tines  620  may be mounted to the same rank bars as smoothing tines  520 , or they may be mounted to one or more dedicated knockdown rank bars  610 , in the same manner as the smoothing tines using suitable brackets and fasteners clamping the staples  624  to the rank bars  610 . In certain embodiments, the spacing between the teeth  622  of the knockdown tines  620  is at least fifty percent wider than the spacing between the teeth  522  of the smoothing tines  520 . For example, the teeth  522  of the smoothing tines  520  may be spaced apart about nine inches, and the teeth  622  of the knockdown tines  620  may be spaced apart about eighteen inches. In certain embodiments, the teeth  622  of the knockdown tines  620  are at least fifty percent thicker than the teeth  522  of the smoothing tines  520 . For example, the teeth  622  of the knockdown tines  620  may have a generally circular cross-section and be about 7/16 inches in diameter. 
       FIG. 32  depicts the three-rank tine harrow attachment  500  as described above, except with the forward rank having a rank bar  610  with knockdown tines  620 . As with the other embodiments, the ranks may be arranged in a pattern with a generally consistent fore-aft spacing between ranks and a generally consistent lateral spacing within each rank. Specifically, referring now also to  FIG. 35 , in the three-rank tine harrow attachment example shown, the tines  520 ,  620  may be arranged in a special form of a staggered split the middle configuration. For example, the knockdown tines  620  in the forward rank are positioned to straddle, and be centered on, parallel fore-aft reference lines “K” extending in the direction of travel D through the rearward-most tillage tools  150 ′ so that the knockdown tines  620  are laterally positioned knockdown hills or mounds left behind from the ground-working done by the tillage tools  150 ′. The fore-aft spacing from the rearward-most tillage tools  150 ′ may be same or different spacing between the harrow ranks. The smoothing tines  520  of the rear harrow rank are arranged so that the smoothing tines  520  straddle, and are centered on, parallel fore-aft reference lines “S” extending in the direction of travel D from the teeth  622  of the knockdown tines  620  of the forward harrow rank. An intermediate harrow rank, positioned between the forward and rearward ranks in the direction of travel D, has a plurality of smoothing tines  520  aligned across the rank bar  510  so that the alternating teeth  522  of the smoothing tines  520  are aligned with the reference lines K and S. 
     Additional (or fewer) ranks may be included in the tine harrow attachment, and the tines  520 ,  620  may be arranged in a special staggered split the middle configuration. For example,  FIG. 36  shows an example five-rank tine harrow attachment in which the forward-most rank has knockdown tines  620  located in relation to the rearward-most tillage tools  150 ′ in the same manner as the three-rank example described above. The rearward four ranks contain all smoothing tines  520 , and the second rearward rank and rearward-most rank are arranged laterally in the same manner as the three-rank example described above. This example includes two additional intermediate ranks of smoothing tines  520 . The smoothing tines  520  of the third rearward rank straddle, and are centered on, another set of parallel reference lines S extending in the direction of travel D from the teeth  522  of the smoothing tines  520  of the fourth rearward rank. The third and fourth rearward ranks are offset from the forward-most rank in the lateral direction by an amount equal to one fourth of the spacing between the smoothing tines  520 , or in the case of nine inch smoothing tines, about 2.25 inches. 
     The knockdown tines  620 , and the spacing pattern, thus provide better ground-working performance by putting more robust tines where they are needed to aggressively address larger areas of ground and provide better residue flow to reduce the likelihood of plugging. The constrained lateral movement and the readily adjustable downforce and tine angles of the tine harrow attachment  500 , especially with the knockdown tines and the corresponding tine spacing pattern, thus serve to improve the FGW capabilities of the TI  100 ′. 
     Aspects of a finishing basket attachment  700  will be now addressed with regard to the example configuration shown in the figures. The finishing basket attachment  700  may include various features that enhance the FGW capabilities of the TI  100 ′. With regarding to folding and unfolding, the finishing basket attachment  700  may be mounted to the TI  100 ′ by one or more of the drawbars  300 ′, such as by a pair of drawbars  300 ′ of any of the frame sections  110 ′- 118 ′. As such, the lateral positioning of the finishing basket attachment  700  will be mounted at the expected location and pre-defined space envelopment. Moreover, certain aspects of the configuration of components in the finishing basket attachment  700  further contribute to avoiding obstructions during folding and to achieving a tight fold. For example, the finishing basket attachment  700  may mount to the drawbars  300 ′ by basket arms  710  that align with the drawbars in the fore-aft direction and are attached approximately level with the drawbar  300 ′ so that they occupy little or no vertical space above the drawbars  300 ′. The basket arms  710  interface with a roller basket  720  (or multiple laterally aligned roller baskets) at a lower, forward position with respect to the roller basket  720 , which provides additional space-saving characteristics to improve the compactness of the fold, and avoid obstructing whether the finishing basket attachment  700  is in the lowered position ( FIG. 25 ) or the raised position ( FIG. 37 ) as the TI  100 ′ is folded and unfolded. 
     More specifically now, and with reference to  FIGS. 9-10, 25 and 37-41 , in the example embodiments, the basket arms  710  mount to the drawbars  300 ′ by the two mounting brackets  712  that are attached (e.g., by bolts, welding, etc.) to the rearward end of the drawbar  300 ′. The mounting brackets  712  provide a pivot connection, via pivot pin  714 , that is at, or very near, the rearward end of the drawbar  300 ′ and located generally at the same height, or very near the height of, the upper surface of the drawbar  300 ′. The pivot point does not project up far above the drawbar  300 ′ where it may require significantly more space in the folded orientation of the TI  100 ′. 
     The rearward ends of the basket arms  710  mount to a crossbar  730  by pivot brackets  740 . The pivot brackets  740  include a pivot pin  742  and mounting hardware (e.g., bolts) to secure the pivot brackets  740  to the crossbar  730 . The crossbar  730  connects to the ends of the roller basket  720  by short mounting arms  750 . The mounting arms  750  permit rotation of the roller basket  720  relative to the crossbar  730  (e.g., via suitable bearings) and connect to the crossbar  730  via tube clamps  752 . As can be seen from  FIGS. 25 and 27 , the basket arms  710  are angled so that a rearward portion of each basket arm  710  extends downwardly and forwardly in the operational position shown in  FIG. 25 , such that the crossbar  730  is located forward of the roller basket  720  with respect to the direction of travel D. Due to the forward positioning of the crossbar  730 , the crossbar  730  may also be set lower with respect to the roller basket  720 , such that a lower portion of the crossbar  730  may be no higher, or even lower, than the top of the roller basket  720 . As noted, and illustrated in  FIG. 8 , this provides additional space-saving characteristics to improve the compactness of the fold, and avoid obstructing whether the finishing basket attachment  700  is in the lowered position ( FIG. 25 ) or the raised position ( FIG. 37 ) when the TI  100 ′ is folded and unfolded, since the basket arms  710 , which are in fore-aft alignment with the drawbars  300 ′, are staggered vertically when in the folded orientation. 
     The finishing basket attachment  700  also improves ground-working performance with enhanced lateral (or side hill) ground-following. For example, in the example embodiments, since the basket arms  710  are connected to the crossbar  730  by pivot brackets  740 , the roller basket  720  is able to pivot about a reference axis extending generally in the fore-aft direction. In the example embodiments, the roller baskets  720 , and thus the crossbars  730 , are approximately as wide in the lateral direction as the associated frame sections  110 ′- 118 ′. As such, to ensure that the roller baskets  720  are mounted securely and so that they are supported in a well-balanced manner for even ground contact across the length of the roller basket  720  during operation, and thus consistent, even finishing treatment, the roller baskets  720  are mounted to the TI  100 ′ by two basket arms  710  at laterally spaced locations that may align in the fore-aft direction with two associated drawbars  300 ′. To permit the roller baskets  720  to pivot with multiple basket arms  710 , in addition to the pivot brackets  740 , in certain embodiments, the basket arms  710  may be made of a material (e.g., a suitable spring steel alloy), and have a sufficiently small lateral cross-section, to permit the basket arms  710  to flex laterally, as shown in  FIG. 41 . The arrangement thus provides lateral pivoting of the roller basket  720  by not only pivoting about the pivot pins  742  of the pivot brackets  740 , but also by rotating the pivot pins  742  relative to one another. This relative rotation of the pivot pints  742  may be accomplished by pivoting of the basket arms  710  with respect to the drawbars  300 ′ about pivot pins  714  in opposite, raise/lower directions and/or by the flexing of the basket arms  710  in opposite, inward clock directions. This arrangement thus allows multiple basket arms  710  to couple the roller basket  720  to the TI  100 ′ so that it is well-balanced in the lateral direction, while also allowing the roller basket  720  to pivot laterally. This further promotes the FGW capabilities of the TI  100 ′. 
     Further, in certain embodiments, the basket arms  710  may be raised and lowered (i.e., pivoted about pivot pins  714 ) under power, such as by using an actuator  760 , which, for example, may be a pneumatic or hydraulic dual-acting piston cylinder arrangement operatively coupled to a pneumatic or hydraulic system of the towing vehicle or the TI  100 ′. In this case, lateral pivoting may be accomplished actively (i.e., under power) or passively by the actuators  760  moving in response to movement of the roller basket  720 . Further, various open- and closed-feedback control schemes may be used to control the finishing basket attachment  700 . For example, various sensors and imaging devices may be used to input to one or more on-board controllers information about the environment and field conditions (e.g., soil type, hardness, residue coverage, etc.) in which the implement is operating. The controller may then provide the information to the towing vehicle operator via a user interface (e.g., display) for manual adjustments in position and/or downforce of the finishing attachments or other tools of the implement. Alternatively or additionally, the controller may use the input information to automate adjustments in position and/or downforce of the finishing attachments or other tools of the implement. It should be noted that similar powered control devices and schemes may be utilized to control the position and/or downforce of other components of the implement, including the various disc gangs and harrow attachments discussed above. 
     The examples used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Explicitly referenced embodiments herein were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and their practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure and recognize many alternatives, modifications, and variations on the described example(s). Accordingly, various embodiments and implementations other than those explicitly described are within the scope of the following claims.