GROUND ENGAGING AGRICULTURAL TINE AND ASSOCIATED MOUNTING AND INDEXING SYSTEM

摘要

An agricultural implement has gangs of soil aerator tools. Each gang includes a set of integral multi-tine units mounted on a frame for rotation in unison. Each tine unit has a hub with tines. The hub has a first surface defining a first set of indexing receivers and a second surface defining a second set of indexing receivers. At least one indexing spacer separates each tine unit from the next tine unit. Keys of the indexing spacers assemble with selected ones of the first set of indexing receivers or the second set of indexing receivers to establish and maintain a predetermined pattern of rotational index positions among tine units in a group and groups in a gang. A method of rotationally indexing agricultural tools in an assembly. One method includes providing a shaft, tine units, and indexing spacers. Assembly involves sliding a tine unit and an indexing spacer onto the shaft, and assembling in series the tine unit and the indexing spacer on the shaft, such that the indexing spacer orients the tine unit to form an assembly.