GB563607A - Improvements in and relating to potato planting machines - Google Patents

Abstract

563,607. Potato - planting machines. GREENWOOD, L. P. April 23, 1943, No. 6547. [Class 6 (i)] A potato-planting machine comprises a wheeled main frame supporting a hopper having an inclined base in which is fitted one or more distributers controlling discharge to delivery shoots 18. The front part 8 of the hopper is hinged to the main portion 7 and resiliently supported on rods 12 by springs 13. Each distributer consists of concentric rings, the outer 22 fixed to the hopper base and the inner carried by'radial plates 19 projecting from a hub 20, the spindle of which is driven from the land wheels at varying speeds depending on the change-wheels used. The potatoes are assisted through the discharge openings 17 by pendulous plates 25 supported on a radial spindle 26. One end of the spindle engages loosely the stub end 27 of the central spindle and the other enters one of a series of openings in the fixed member 28. Soil-replacing shares 50 are adjustably carried on an auxiliary frame 45; They may be lifted from operative position jointly or independently. The frame 45 is resiliently supported at the rear from the main frame 1. Manure distributers may also be provided. Seats 61 are associated with each distributer. According to the Provisional Specification radial arms on a wheel driven from the main axle pass through slots in the shoots and feed the potatoes one by one. A joggling action may be imparted to the hopper which may also have, inclined guides or baffles.