Inventors:
Richard F. Uppiano - Hagerman ID
Assignee:
Acme Manufacturing Company, Inc. - Filer ID
International Classification:
A01B 1514
Abstract:
A machine for planting agricultural crops, particular seed potatoes, has multiple chassis frames that each constitute a multi-row module so as to facilitate manufacture of various models, later conversions of one model to another, and assembly, shipping, and maintenance of the machine. The chassis frames are hinged to accommodate multiple planting devices to the varying contour of the farmland being planted. A central chassis frame is flanked at opposite sides by chassis frames supported by ground-engaging wheels, some of which serve to drive the mechanisms of the planting devices carried by the frames. Hinging of the frames at the front is accomplished by respective pairs of elongate and upstanding hinge plates arranged face-to-face and pivotally interconnected at their lower ends (located as close to ground level as practical considering operating requirements). The flanking frames are linked to the upper ends of corresponding plates of respectively adjacent sets of hinge plates by stabilizer bars having lost motion connections with such plates to limit the oscillation thereof and to both accommodate and limit the extent of rise and fall of such flanking frames. The lower ends of these stabilizer bars are pivotally attached to the respective frames so as to be length adjustable.