Central bulk fill system having stowable ladder for stack-fold farm implement

摘要

A stack-fold implement having a central bulk fill hopper assembly is provided. The bulk fill hopper assembly is mounted to the center frame section of the stack-fold implement and does not affect the narrowness of the stack-fold implement when it's in a stacked, transport position. The hopper assembly includes a pair of bulk fill hoppers or tanks supported by cradle that is in turn supported by a pair of wheels. The cradle is removably coupled to the center frame section by a plurality of rigid frame members. A retractable ladder may be stowed beneath the hopper assembly.

主权项

1. An agricultural implement comprising:
a tool bar adapted to be coupled to a prime mover, the tool bar having an inner section and at least one outer section, wherein the at least one outer section is coupled to the inner section in a manner that allows the at least one outer section to be raised to a position generally above the inner section; a plurality of row units coupled to the tool bar, and configured to deposit particulate matter in trenches formed in a planting surface; a bulk fill hopper configured to supply particulate matter to the plurality of row units; a pair of frame members coupled to and extending rearward from the inner section of the tool bar; a cradle configured to hold the bulk fill hopper; a pair of hydraulic cylinders configured to raise and lower the cradle to move the at least one bulk fill hopper to a raised position from a lowered position for transport and from the raised position to the lowered position for in-field use; and a ladder for enabling access to the bulk filler hopper, the ladder movable between a stowed position wherein at least a portion of the ladder is beneath the bulk fill hopper and an extended, working position wherein the ladder is rearward of the bulk fill hopper.