AU2020273285A1

AU2020273285A1 - Agricultural cultivator assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2020273285A1
Application number: AU2020273285A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Peter Moerman
Original assignee: Border Cad Service Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Border Cad Service Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-27
Filing date: 2020-11-18
Publication date: 2021-06-10

Abstract

An agricultural cultivator assembly comprising: a main support frame assembly securable to a towing vehicle and extending rearwardly therefrom; a first plurality of subsoiling tines structured to extend downwardly from the main support frame into the subsoil; a second plurality of product delivery tines extending downwardly from the support frame and being adapted for delivering one or more products into the subsoil, and a depth variation arrangement for adjusting working depth of the subsoiling tines independently of the product delivery tines. 140 115 119 100 1142 120 138 110 1 4 116 7 15 106 1 49d FIGURE 1 140 -100 12120 13 13110 11416 127/ 16 105 106 --14914 14-8 122 112 112 117 FIGURE 2

Description

140 115 119 100 1142 120 138 110 1 4 116

7 15 106

149d

FIGURE 1 140 -100 12120 13 13110 11416 127/ 16 105 106

--14914 14-8 122 112 112 117

FIGURE 2

AGRICULTURAL CULTIVATOR ASSEMBLY TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention relates to an agricultural cultivator assembly.

BACKGROUND

[002] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to

be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of

the common general knowledge.

[003] Soil compaction is one of the main problems for crop production and is closely

linked to the intensification of production. It is also known that soil compaction may

decrease yields, inhibit soil drainage and increase the risk of crop diseases and

nutrient deficiencies. It is therefore desirable to implement strategies to prevent soil

compaction. One of the ways of addressing the problem of compaction is to focus on

the remediation of compaction through subsoiling. When properly done, subsoiling

loosens the soil allowing roots to penetrate deeper into the profile, increasing water

infiltration, and improving conditions conducive to biological activity. It is therefore the

starting point for the alleviation of compacted soils. However, subsoiling is a complex

and expensive operation which must be well planned and executed in order to achieve

the desired results. Problems caused by improperly executed subsoiling may outweigh

the benefits.

[004] Soils can become deeply compacted in areas tracked by heavy equipment

during the course of carrying out routine agricultural practices. Layers of compacted

soil restrict the movement of water, air, and roots, reducing the survival and growth

of trees and other plants. Compacted layers typically develop 200 to 600 mm below

the surface where conventional cultivators can't reach. These layers require special

equipment called subsoilers, sometimes known as rippers to fracture them.

[005] On most farms where no-till or minimum tillage management is practiced the

subsoil tends to be compacted, that is, at depths deeper than 200mm (from ground

level, where no-till or minimum till machines do not work the soil), the soil generally is

compacted to a degree where it obstructs plant root growth, which hampers plant

development and resilience. In the last couple of years there is an uptake in the use

of deep ripping, in which practice the soil is broken up at depths from 200mm up to

700mm deep, to improve soil structure. This practice is also called soil amelioration.

[006] Another development that is in its early stages is adding lime or fertiliser (in

different forms) while deep ripping. The lime and/or fertiliser helps to improve the soil

structure and adds nutrients to the soil where the roots of the plants can use it, among

a couple more benefits. In some trials, it has been found that adding fertiliser in this

manner can increase yields of 30% up to 50%. This practice of adding fertiliser into

the subsoil also works on irrigated farm plots, where water logging can be an issue.

Basically on each site where soil compaction is a problem this practice can be helpful.

[007] In view of the above, it is desirable to provide an agricultural implement or

cultivator assembly that not only allows fertiliser to be easily added into the subsoil but

also addresses the issue of compaction.

[008] Deep rippers which also place fertiliser in the subsoil are known in the art.

However, the prior art rippers break up and disturb the topsoil so much that after this

treatment yields in the first year stay the same or even drop, and these machines are

very complicated and require a lot of maintenance. As a result, the applicant has found

that there are is no commercially available equipment that can address subsoil

manuring and compaction simultaneously in an effective manner.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[009] In an aspect, the invention provides an agricultural cultivator assembly

comprising:

a main support frame assembly securable to a towing vehicle and extending

rearwardly therefrom;

a first plurality of subsoiling tines structured to extend downwardly from the

main support frame into the subsoil;

a second plurality of product delivery tines extending downwardly from the

support frame and being adapted for delivering one or more products into the subsoil,

and

a depth variation arrangement for adjusting working depth of the subsoiling

tines independently of the product delivery tines.

[010] In an embodiment, said subsoiling tines are linked to a first sub-frame and

wherein the second plurality of delivery tines are linked to a second sub-frame.

[011] In an embodiment, during use the first sub-frame is not positioned at the same

height relative to the second sub-frame.

[012] In an embodiment, in-use height of the first sub-frame is greater than or equal

to the in-use height of the second sub-frame.

[013] In an embodiment, the first sub-frame is movably linked relative to the second

sub-frame to allow the first sub-frame to be lowered or raised relative to the second

sub-frame.

[014] In an embodiment, the first sub-frame is movable along a vertical plane relative

to a direction of motion of the second sub-frame.

[015] In an embodiment, the first sub-frame is linked to the second sub-frame by a

three-point hitch arrangement comprising at least three movable linking arms such that

respective first ends of the linking arms are coupled to the first sub-frame and

respective second ends of the linking arms are coupled to the second sub-frame

thereby linking the first and second sub-frames to allow upward and downward

movement of the first sub-frame relate to the second sub-frame.

[016] In an embodiment, a first of the linking arms movably links the first and second

sub-frames on elevated couplings located at either end of the first linking arm to

position the first arm at an elevated position relative to one or more of the other linking

arms coupled to the first and second sub-frames.

[017] In an embodiment, the first end of the first linking arm is located at a rearwardly

coupling location relative to coupling locations of the first end of the other linking arms.

[018] In an embodiment, the second end of the first linking arm is located at a

rearwardly coupling location relative to coupling locations of the second end of the

other linking arms.

[019] In an embodiment, in a fully lowered position of the first sub-frame the first,

second and third linking arms are substantially parallel to each other.

[020] In an embodiment, each of the linking arms extend rearwardly from a frontal

end of the support frame assembly to the rear end of the support frame assembly.

[021] In an embodiment, the first linking arm is positioned in between the other two

linking arms, the other two linking arms being spaced apart in a transverse direction

relative to a direction of motion of the frame assembly.

[022] In an embodiment, the second plurality of the product delivery tines are

positioned rearwardly relative to the forwardly located subsoiling tines.

[023] In an embodiment, each of said plurality of subsoiling tines is attached to the

first sub-frame by a subsoil tine attachment assembly comprising: an in-use lower

bracket positioned below the first sub-frame; an in-use upper bracket positioned above

the first sub-frame; a mounting plate for mounting the subsoiling tine to the lower

bracket to allow the subsoiling tine to extend downwardly relative to the mounting

plate; and a strut member connecting the mounting plate and the upper bracket.

[024] In an embodiment, the agricultural cultivator assembly further comprises an

adjustable depth gauge wheel for allowing the support frame to be supported on a

surface being tilled at a pre-determined working depth of the subsoiling tines.

[025] In an embodiment, the agricultural cultivator assembly in accordance with any

one of the preceding claims further comprises: a dolly frame being interconnected to

a rear end of the support frame assembly; a product storage container for storing a

granular product, a conveyor arrangement to convey the granular product from the

container to a distributor for distributing the granular product into an opening located

at an upper portion of the plurality of product delivery tines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[026] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be

discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information

for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to

be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any

way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

Figure 1 is a first side view of the agricultural cultivator assembly 100 in which the first

sub-frame 110 is shown in a raised position.

Figure 2 is a second side view of the agricultural cultivator assembly 100 in which the

first sub-frame 110 is shown in a lowered position.

Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the frontal portion agricultural cultivator assembly

100.

Figure 4 is a top perspective view of the agricultural cultivator assembly 100.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[027] Figures 1 to 4 illustrate an agricultural cultivator assembly 100. The cultivator

assembly includes a main support frame assembly 105 which is structured to be

secured to a towing vehicle such as but not limited to a tractor. The main support frame

assembly 105 includes a hitch 106 which is of the conventional A-frame construction

consisting of two horizontal converging frame members 107 (best shown in Figures 3

and 4) which join together at their forward juncture with appropriate couplings and

connectors for fitting onto a towing hitch arrangement of the tractor. The main support

frame assembly 105 also includes a first sub-frame 110 located immediately behind

the hitch portion 106 at a substantially forward end of the support frame assembly 105.

The main support frame assembly 105 also includes a second sub-frame 120 which

extends from a forward end of the support frame assembly to a rear end of the support

frame assembly 105.

[028] A first plurality of subsoiling tines 112 are located at a forwardly part of the main

support frame assembly 105 and mounted on the first sub-frame 110 in two parallel

rows, each row extending transversely relative to the direction of motion of the support

frame assembly 105 when it is drawn by the tractor in a forwardly direction. Each of

the subsoiling tines 112 comprises a downwardly extending upright shank designed

for forward movement through compacted subsoil. As shown in the figures, the lower

part of the suboiling tines 112 may be slightly angled in forwardly direction for aiding

the forwardly movement of the subsoiling tines 112. The tines 112 also include a tilling

structure located at the lower end of the shank comprising a leading nose with a front

surface which extends upwardly and rearwardly from a nose leading edge for initiating

fracture of the compacted layer. The tines 112 also include wings that extend outwardly and laterally relative to the direction of motion of the tines 112. Each of the subsoiling tines 112 is attached to the first sub-frame 110 by a subsoil tine attachment assembly 130. The subsoil tine attachment assembly 130 comprises an in-use lower bracket 132 positioned below the first sub-frame 110; an in-use upper bracket 134 positioned above the first sub-frame 105. A mounting plate 136 is also provided for mounting the subsoiling tine 112 to the lower bracket 132 to allow the subsoiling tine

112 to extend downwardly relative to the mounting plate 136. An extendable break out

ram member 138 connects the mounting plate 136 and the upper bracket 134 and

may provide additional adjustment for positioning the subsoiling tines 112 especially

when the subsoiling tines 112 hit a rock or any other obstruction. It is important to note

that the specific structure of the subsoiling tines 112 shown in Figures 1 to 4 is not

limiting and other subsoiling tine designs may be used without departing from the spirit

and scope of the invention.

[029] Coulter wheels 117 may also be provided at a forwardly location relative to the

subsoiling tines 112. In other words, the subsoiling tines 112 are in a trailing

relationship relative to the coulter 117. The coulter 117 is provided for cutting through

trash during field operations and facilitating entry of the subsoiling tines 112 into the

soil. The coulter wheels also serves to protect subsoiling tines 112 from obstacles

such as rocks and the like in the field because, when coulter 117 encounters such an

obstacle, coulter 117 rides up and over the obstacle, lifting the entire frame of the

cultivator assembly 100 over the obstacle as well.

[030] A second plurality of product delivery tines 122 are located at a trailing portion

of the support frame assembly 105 and mounted on the second sub-frame 120 in three parallel rows extending transversely relative to the direction of motion of the support frame assembly 105. Each of the product delivery tines 122 comprises a substantially hollow rectangular configuration with an overall length of 350mm and an overall width of 60mm thereby allowing granular flowable solids such as but not limited to lime to flow at relatively high flow rates of up to 10 tonnes per hectare. The product delivery tines 122 are also provided with laterally and outwardly extending wings that have a similar structure to the wings of the subsoiling tines 112 and assist with spreading the fertiliser as it flows through the hollow rectangular product delivery tines 122. Once again, it is important to note that the specific structure of the product delivery tines 122 shown in Figures 1 to 4 is not limiting and other product delivery tine designs may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[031] A product carrying hopper 140 is mounted on a separate frame and granular

solid fertilizer is stored in the hopper 140. A bottom portion of the hopper may funnel

the granular solid material onto a conveyor assembly 142 which in turn conveys the

material into an auger feeder 144 that supplies the solid granular material to individual

product supply tines 122 via individual hoses. Additionally the hopper 140, the

conveyor assembly 142 and the auger feeder 144 are mounted on a separate dolly

frame 148 having a pair of substantially parallel axels, each axel having ground

engaging wheels 149 to ensure that the hopper 140, the conveyor assembly 142 and

the auger feeder 144 are on level ground even when the cultivator assembly 100 is

used on undulating surfaces. The arrangement of two axels for supporting the dolly

frame 148 results in the wheels 149 (all four wheels) remaining in contact with the

surface. This arrangement also allows the weight of the frame 148, the hopper 140

and its contents to be evenly distributed thereby reducing the possibility of compaction.

[032] The novel configuration of the supporting frame assembly 105, as will be

discussed in the foregoing sections, allows the working depth of the subsoiling tines

112 to be independently adjusted without varying the working depth of the product

delivery tines 122. Through vigorous trials and experimentation, the inventor has found

that it is desirable to supply the fertiliser at a subsoil depth in the range of 300 to

400mm whilst it may be important to break up compacted layers of subsoil at slightly

greater depths say in the range of 400mm to 700mm. The exact choice of the working

depth for the subsoiling tines 112 may depend on the specific condition of the subsoil

being worked on. The objective of the cultivator assembly 100 is to allow the working

depth of the subsoiling tines 112 to be independently adjusted whilst keeping the

working depth of the product supply tines 122 constant without disturbing the top soil

since the structure of the topsoil has been conditioned over the years with minimum

tillage to get the right structure and composition for growing crops.

[033] As shown clearly in Figures 1 to 4, the first sub-frame 110 is positioned at a

greater height relative to the second sub-frame 120. Moreover, the first sub-frame 110

is movably linked to the second sub-frame 120 by a first primary linkage arm 114 and

two secondary linkage arms 116 that allows the first sub-frame 110 to move up and

down relative to the second sub-frame 120 along a vertical plane relative to the

direction of motion of the frame assembly 105. Referring to Figure 1, the first sub

frame 110 is shown in a slightly raised position which results in a lower overall working

depth ds for the subsoiling tines 112. Referring to Figure 2, the first sub-frame 110 is

shown in a lowered position which results in increasing the working depth ds of the

subsoiling tines 112.

[034] The linkage arrangement between the first sub-frame 110 and the second sub

frame 120 comprises a three point hitch arrangement comprising three movable linking

arms. A first linking arm 114 movably links the first and second sub-frames 110 and

120 on elevated couplings 115 and 119 located at either end of the first linking arm

114 to position the first linking arm 114 at an elevated position relative to the two other

spaced apart linking arms 116 coupled to the first and second sub-frames. Importantly,

respective first ends of the linking arms 114 and 116 are coupled to the first sub-frame

110 and respective second ends of the linking arms 114 and 116 are coupled to the

second sub-frame 120 thereby linking the first and second sub-frames 110 and 120 to

allow upward and downward movement of the first sub-frame 110 relative to the

second sub-frame 120. The first end of the first linking arm 114 is located at a

rearwardly coupling location relative to coupling locations of the first end of the two

other linking arms 116. Similarly, the second end of the first linking arm 114 is also

located at a rearwardly coupling location relative to coupling locations of the second

end of the other two linking arms 116. As is clearly visible in Figure2, inafullylowered

position of the first sub-frame 110, the first linking arm 114 is substantially parallel to

the two other linking arms 116.When the first sub-frame 110 is in a raised position as

shown in Figure 1, the linking arms 114 and 116 are in a substantially non-parallel

position. Each of the linking arms 114 and 116 extend in a generally rearwardly

direction from a frontal portion of the frame assembly 105 towards a rear portion of the

frame assembly 105. The first linking arm 114 is also positioned in between the other

two linking arms 116, the other two linking arms 116 being spaced apart in a transverse

direction relative to a direction of motion of the frame assembly 105. A significant

advantage of using the three point hitch arrangement for connecting the first sub-frame

110 and the second sub-frame 120 is that the three linking arms 114 and 116 convert

the drag from the frame assembly 105 and the tines 112 and 122 into a downward

force. This implies that traction is maximised when pulling is most difficult.

[035] Once the desired working depth of the subsoiling tines 112 and the product

supply tines 122 has been achieved, the depth gauge wheels 127 provide additional

support for the frame assembly 105. It is important to note that the working depth of

the product supply tines 122 can be set by the adjustment of the depth gauge wheels

127 once the working depth of the subsoiling tines 112 has been adjusted

independently relative to the product supply tines 122.

[036] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language

more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term "comprises" and

its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of' is used throughout in an

inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[037] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown

or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting

the invention into effect.

[038] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within

the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in

the art.

Claims

1. An agricultural cultivator assembly comprising:

a main support frame assembly securable to a towing vehicle and extending

rearwardly therefrom;

a first plurality of subsoiling tines structured to extend downwardly from the

main support frame into the subsoil;

a second plurality of product delivery tines extending downwardly from the

and

a depth variation arrangement for adjusting working depth of the subsoiling

tines independently of the product delivery tines.

2. An agricultural cultivator assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said

subsoiling tines are linked to a first sub-frame and wherein the second plurality of

delivery tines are linked to a second sub-frame.

3. An agricultural cultivator assembly in accordance with claim 2 wherein during

use the first sub-frame is not positioned at the same height relative to the second sub

frame.

4. An agricultural cultivator assembly in accordance with claim 2 or claim 3

wherein in-use height of the first sub-frame is greater than or equal to the in-use height

of the second sub-frame.

5. An agricultural cultivator assembly in accordance with any one of claims 2 to 4

wherein the first sub-frame is movably linked relative to the second sub-frame to allow

the first sub-frame to be lowered or raised relative to the second sub-frame.

6. An agricultural cultivator assembly in accordance with any one of claims 2 to 5

wherein the first sub-frame is movable along a vertical plane relative to a direction of

motion of the second sub-frame.

7. An agricultural cultivator assembly in accordance with any one of claims 2 to 6

wherein the first sub-frame is linked to the second sub-frame by a three-point hitch

arrangement comprising at least three movable linking arms such that respective first

ends of the linking arms are coupled to the first sub-frame and respective second ends

of the linking arms are coupled to the second sub-frame thereby linking the first and

second sub-frames to allow upward and downward movement of the first sub-frame

relate to the second sub-frame.

8. An agricultural cultivator assembly in accordance with claim 7 wherein a first of

the linking arms movably links the first and second sub-frames on elevated couplings

located at either end of the first linking arm to position the first arm at an elevated

position relative to one or more of the other linking arms coupled to the first and second

sub-frames.

9. An agricultural cultivator assembly in accordance with claim 7 or claim 8

wherein the first end of the first linking arm is located at a rearwardly coupling location

relative to coupling locations of the first end of the other linking arms.

10. An agricultural cultivator assembly in accordance with any one of claims 7 to 9

wherein the second end of the first linking arm is located at a rearwardly coupling

location relative to coupling locations of the second end of the other linking arms.

11. An agricultural cultivator assembly in accordance with any one of claims 7 to

wherein in a fully lowered position of the first sub-frame the first, second and third

linking arms are substantially parallel to each other.

12. An agricultural cultivator assembly in accordance with any one of preceding

claims 7 to 11 wherein each of the linking arms extend rearwardly from a frontal end

of the support frame assembly to the rear end of the support frame assembly.

13. An agricultural cultivator in accordance with any one of claims 7 to 12 wherein

the first linking arm is positioned in between the other two linking arms, the other two

linking arms being spaced apart in a transverse direction relative to a direction of

motion of the frame assembly.

14. An agricultural cultivator assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding

claims wherein the second plurality of the product delivery tines are positioned

rearwardly relative to the forwardly located subsoiling tines.

15. An agricultural cultivator assembly in accordance with any one of claims 2 to 5

wherein each of said plurality of subsoiling tines is attached to the first sub-frame by a

subsoil tine attachment assembly comprising: an in-use lower bracket positioned

below the first sub-frame; an in-use upper bracket positioned above the first sub

frame; a mounting plate for mounting the subsoiling tine to the lower bracket to allow

the subsoiling tine to extend downwardly relative to the mounting plate; and a strut

member connecting the mounting plate and the upper bracket.

16. An agricultural cultivator assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding

claims further comprising an adjustable depth gauge wheel for allowing the support

frame to be supported on a surface being tilled at a pre-determined working depth of

the subsoiling tines.

17. An agricultural cultivator assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding

claims further comprising: a dolly frame being interconnected to a rear end of the

support frame assembly; a product storage container for storing a granular product, a

conveyor arrangement to convey the granular product from the container to a

distributor for distributing the granular product into an opening located at an upper part

of the plurality of product delivery tines.

140 115 119 100 2020273285

144 110 T 142 120 138 114 116 127 105 106

dp ds 149 149 148 122 112 112 117

FIGURE 1 140 100 144 T 142 120 130 134110 114 127 116 105 106

136 132 dp ds 149 149 148 122 112 112 117

FIGURE 2

110 100 105 114 120 116 107106

116 107 2020273285

122 117 112

FIGURE 3

140 100 120 110 106

FIGURE 4