DOWN AND/OR UP FORCE ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM

摘要

An agricultural device includes a number of row units that each includes a seed furrow opener that creates a furrow in the soil for seed placement. Each row unit is mounted to a toolbar of the device by means of a four-bar linkage which allows each row unit to move vertically to adjust to the contour of the soil independently of the other row units on the same toolbar. The four-bar linkages include one or more springs which work to transfer weight from the toolbar to the row unit. An actuator varies the tension in the spring thereby adjusting the down or up force applied to the row unit.

主权项

1. An agricultural device comprising:
a toolbar; a row unit; a linkage coupling the row unit to the toolbar, wherein the linkage includes a first arm and a second arm, and wherein each of the first arm and the second arm includes a first end coupled to the toolbar and a second end coupled to the row unit; an actuator coupled to the toolbar; a biasing member coupled to the linkage and the actuator, wherein the actuator is adapted to move the biasing member to vary an amount of force applied to the row unit; and an adjustment system for determining the force applied to the row unit and a characteristic of an at least a portion of soil upon which the row unit travels.