GB2121266A - An apparatus for mounting a tool to a tractor - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for mounting a tool to a tractor comprises a support framework (62) for attachment to a tractor three point linkage and a tool bar (95) mounted on the framework through a boom (90) and counter balance arrangement (110). At least the side portions (95) of the tool bar are pivotal in a vertical plane in the direction of the arrow A relative the tractor. A guide means having a ground engaging skid (106) is mounted on the tool bar and the skid follows the contours of the ground and maintains the tool bar at a preset level. The tool bar carries a plurality of wick applicators for applying a herbicide to weeds in crops. In one arrangement at least portion (95) of the tool bar is pivotal in a horizontal plane from an operating position transverse of the tractor to a transporting position in which the tool bar extends longitudinally relative the longitudinal axis of the tractor. Retaining or stay bars (101, 102) maintain the tool bar in its operating and transporting positions. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION An apparatus for mounting a tool to a tractor The present invention relates to an apparatus for mounting a tool to a tractor. One such tool is an applicator for applying a treatment solution to crops and in particular for applying a herbicide to weeds and crops, for example, wild oats in cereal crops.

The term "tractor" as used in this specification refers not only to conventional agricultural tractors but also to any vehicle or towing apparatus which'may include a two or three point linkage mechanism.

The term "tool bar" as used in this specification refers to a carrier for any soil or crop working implement such as a rake, plough, harvester and in particular an applicator for fertiliser or herbicide in either powder, granule or liquid form.

It is important when applying chemical solution to crops and in particular herbicide solution that the applicator should determine between the crop and undesired vegetation so that the herbicide is only applied to the undesired vegetation.

In many applications similar comments also apply to other tools.

One object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for mounting a tool to a tractor which -will overcome this difficulty.

Another problem which is particularly associated with elongate tools is that they are generally unwieldy and particularly difficult to transport especially along roadways.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for mounting a tool which will overcome this difficulty.

According to the invention there is provided apparatus for mounting a tool to a tractor comprising a framework for mounting to the tractor, mounting means for receiving the tool, the mounting means being connected to the framework and at least portion of the mounting means being movable in a vertical plane relative the tractor, ground engaging guide means extending from the mounting means to maintain the mounting means at a preset level above the ground.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the mounting means comprises a tool bar.

In one embodiment of the invention mounting means is pivotally connected to the framework and is movable in a vertical plane relative the tractor.

Preferably the support framework includes a sidewardly extending boom for supporting at least the pivotally movable portion of the mounting means.

Typically the tool bar is pivotally suspended from the boom by a counter balance mechanism.

Preferably the tool bar comprises at least two pivotally interconnected support members for carrying a tool, one tool being independently movable relative an adjacent tool to follow the contours of the ground.

In one arrangement the tool bar comprises a plurality of in-line support members.

In another arrangement the tool bar comprises a centre portion flanked by a pair of side portions, the side support members being independently movable relative the centre portion to follow the transverse contour of the ground.

In another embodiment of the invention the guide means is height adjustable relative the tool bar.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the tool is an applicator means for applying a treatment solution to crops.

Preferably the applicator means comprises a wick applicator having a treatment solution reservoir formed from an elongate hollow body member and a plurality of wick members extending substantially longitudinally on the outside of the body member, the ends of the wick members communicating with the interior of the body members.

Typically the applicator means comprises a plurality of wick applicators spaced-apart along the tool bar.

Advantageously the apparatus includes alignment means to retain the applicator means in a fixed orientation relative to the crop.

Usually the alignment means comprises a parallel linkage mechanism interconnecting the support framework and mounting bracket.

In a preferred aspect the mounting means is pivotal from operating position with the mounting means substantially transverse of the tractor to a transporting position with the mounting means disposed substantially longitudinally relative the longitudinal axis of the tractor.

In another aspect the invention provides an apparatus for mounting an elongate tool to a tractor comprising a mounting means for receiving the tool at least portion of the mounting means being pivotal from an operating position with the tool substantially transverse of the tractor to a transporting position with the tool disposed substantially longitudinally relative the longitudinal axis of the tractor.

Preferably the mounting means comprises a tool bar.

In one embodiment of this aspect of the invention in the transporting position at least portion of the tool bar is disposed adjacent the side of the tractor.

Preferably the tool bar comprises a centre portion and a side portion flanking the centre portion, the side portion being pivotal in a horizontal plane from an operating position with its longitudinal axis lying substantially in line with the longitudinal axis of the centre portion, to a transporting position with the axes substantially perpendicular.

Typically the centre portion is carried on a main support framework for attachment to a tractor and the side portion is carried on a boom flanking the main support framework, the boom being pivotal in a horizontal plane to follow the pivotal movement of the side portion.

Ideally the centre portion is flanked by a pair of side portions.

In another arrangement the mounting means includes a mounting bracket, one end of which is pivotally connected to a support bracket at the rear of the tractor, and the other end of the mounting bracket being mounted to the tool bar, the mounting bracket extending longitudinally of the tractor and being pivotal in a horizontal plane to lie substantially transversely of the tractor in the transporting position.

In another embodiment the apparatus includes retaining means to retain the mounting means in both the transporting and operating positions.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the tool is an applicator means for applying a treatment solution to crops.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for mounting a tool member to a tractor according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is an elevational view of a detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is an elevational view of a further detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1, and Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a still further detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 6 is a perspective view of another apparatus according to the invention, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a detail of the apparatus of Fig. 6, Fig. 8 is a perspective view of another detail of the apparatus of Fig. 6, Fig. 9 is a schematic plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 6, Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the apparatus according to another aspect of the invention, Fig. 11 is a perspective view of portion of the apparatus of Fig. 10 in a different position, Fig. 12 is a perspective view of portion of the apparatus of Fig. 10, Fig. 13 is a perspective view of another portion of the apparatus of Fig. 10, Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a still further portion of the apparatus of Fig. 10, Fig. 1 5 is a perspective view of a further portion of the apparatus of Fig. 10, and Fig. 1 6 is a perspective view of another portion of the apparatus of Fig. 10.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 5 there is illustrated apparatus according to the invention for mounting a tool to a tractor. In this case the tool used is for applying a treatment solution to crops, particularly herbicide to destroy wild oats in cereal crops. The apparatus comprises a main support framework indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 formed by a pair of cranked members 2 of box section steel joined by cross-members 3 also of box section steel. Struts 5 strengthen the cranked members 2. A boom 7 also of box section material extends on both sides of each cranked member 2 and is secured to one of the cross-members 3 by bolts (not shown). Strengthening members 8 are joined by struts 9 to each boom 7 for additional strength.

Applicator means for storing and applying the herbicide are provided by a plurality of wick applicators 10 which are described in more detail below. The applicators 10 are mounted on a tool bar 14 formed by a plurality of support members 15 pivotally connected to each other-by pivots 1B.

This permits the support members 1 5 to pivot relative to each other to accommodate unevenness in the ground. Counter balance mechanisms 1 8 are provided to suspend the support members 15 from the boom 7. Each counter balance mechanism 1 8 comprises a lever 20 with a counter balance weight 23 pivotally connected at 21 to the boom 7. A chain 22 connected to the end of the lever 20 suspends the support member 1 5. The level of the tool bar 14 above the ground may be adjusted by altering the iength of the chains 22. A further counter balance mechanism 17 is also provided to support the tool bar 14. The mechanism 17 comprises a chain 25 connected to the support member 15, passing over pulleys 26 and connected to a counter balance weight 27.

Guide means to maintain the applicator means at a predetermined level above the ground comprises six guide members 30 connected to the support members 1 5 adjacent the pivots 16 and at each end of the tool bar 1 4. Each guide member 30 comprises a ground engaging skid 31 mounted on a bar 32 of box section material. The bars 32 are slidable in sections 33 also of box section welded to the support members 1 5 as may be seen from Fig. 5. It will be appreciated that the level of the tool bar 14 above the ground may be adjusted by sliding the support members 1 5 up or down on the bars 32, the variation in level being taken up by altering the lengths of the chains 22 and 25. Locking screws (not shown) are provided to secure the bars 32 in the section 33 at the desired height.A birds foot mechanism 34 mounted on the end of each bar 32 projects forwardly of each skid 31 to part the crop prior to engagement with the skid to prevent damage being caused by the skid.

Each applicator 10 comprises a reservoir 40 formed by a pipe of plastics material closed at each end by end caps 41 as shown particularly in Fig. 4. A filler opening is closed by a cap 43. P plurality of wick members 44 extend longitudinally over the reservoir 40. The ends of each wick member 44 extend into the reservoir 40 through compression joints 46 to communicate with the herbicide in the reservoir 40. The herbicide is absorbed into the wick members 44 and on brushing against the wild oats, herbicide is deposited on the wild oats.

Birds feet mechanisms 58 proiect from the support members 1 5 where the ends of the wick applicator 10 abut each other. It will be appreciated, that this ensures that any wild oats which may lie beneath the abutting ends are moved to either side of the ends of the applicator 10 to engage a wick 44.

A parallel pivoting linkage connects each cranked member 2 with the tool bar 14 to maintain the relative orientation of the applicators 10 with the crop as the applicators 10 rise up and down relative to the boom 7 to accommodate unevenness in the ground. Each parallel linkage comprises a pair of parallel members 48 pivotally connected at one end to the crank members 2 at 49, and at the other end to a pair of upstanding members 50 connected to the support members 1 5.

Mounting brackets 55 at the end of each cranked member 2 are provided to engage the lower two linkages of a three point linkage of a tractor. Connecting members 56 extend forwardly from the cranked member 2 to engage the upper linkage of the three point linkage of the tractor. A pair of support struts 57 extend from the support members 1 5 of the intermediate boom 14 to pivotally engage the top linkage of the three point iinkage of the tractor. It will be appreciated that these two support struts 57 provide additional rigidity to the structure, and prevent the extremities of the mounting bracket 14 bending backwardly as a result of any resistance which may be offered by the ground to the skids 31.

In use, the apparatus is mounted on a three point linkage of a tractor, although it could be mounted to any other suitable vehicle. The reservoirs 40 are filled with herbicide and the height of the intermediate boom above the ground is adjusted by adjusting the support members 1 5 on the bars 32, so that the wick members strike the wild oats, and at the same time clear the crop.

The apparatus is then moved forward by the tractor and the skids act as a guide means to maintain the tool bar 14 and thus the wick applicator 10 at a fixed height above the ground. It will be appreciated that the skids 32 will follow the contour of the ground, thereby raising and lowering the mounting bracket 14 as required. It will also be appreciated that because the mounting bracket 14 is formed by four support members 1 5 which are pivotally joined, the support members 1 5 can pivot relative to each other thereby further accommodating changes in the contours of the ground.

It will be appreciated that although the apparatus has been described as having a particular form of main framework, any other suitable framework could have been used. Indeed, it is envisaged that in certain cases particularly, for smaller modeis, the framework and boom could be dispensed with, in which case the tool bar could be pivotally connected to the tractor and the guide means would follow the contour of the ground, thereby raising and lowering the tool bar as desired.

Referring to Figs. 6 to 9 of the drawings there is illustrated another apparatus indicated generally by the reference numeral 60 for mounting a tool to a tractor 61. In this case the tool comprises a plurality of wick applicators (not shown in these drawings) similar to the applicator means described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 5 and which will be described in more detail below.with reference to Fig. 1 6. The apparatus 60 comprises a main support framework formed from a central framework indicated generally by the reference numeral 62 and a pair of side support frameworks 59 flanking the central framework 62.

The central support framework 62- comprises a rear portion of rectangular shape formed from a top horizontal member 64, a pair of side members 65 and a central member 66 depending downwardly from the horizontal member 64: A central tool bar 67 is welded to the central member 66 and attached to the side members 65 through support arms 68. Diagonal struts 69 extend between the arms 68 and the members 64, 66 to strengthen the framework. The rear support framework is connected to the three point linkage of a tractor through a front framework 70 connected to the rear framework by side frameworks 80. The front framework 70 comprises a top boom 71 having two depending central legs 73 interconnected by a cross member 74 of side support arms 75 depending downwardly from the boom 71.Reinforcing struts 76 extend diagonally between the arms 75 and the legs 73 and top boom 71 to reinforce the framework. Linkage mountings 77 are mounted on each leg 73 and each mounting is telescopicaily height adjustable relative its leg through a locating pin and hole mechanism (not shown). Each linkage mounting 77 is for attachment to a bottom link of the three point linkage of a tractor. Two spaced-apart mounting plates 78 extend between the top boom 71 and cross member 74. Each plate 78 is formed with a plurality, and in this case three in-holes 79 to which the upper link of a tractor three point linkage is pinned. It will be noted that the point of attachment to the upper link of the three point linkage may be varied by moving from one locating hole 79 to another.

The side framework 80 extends between each support leg 73 of the front framework 70 and the depending side members 65 of the rear portion of the central framework 63. Each side framework 80 is generally of rectangular shape and comprises a pair of horizontal members 81 and vertical members 82 extending between the horizontal members 81. A reinforcing strut 83 extends diagonally between the members 81, 82.

As may be best seen in Fig. 7 each side framework 80 is hingedly mounted to a side member 65 of the rear portion of the central framework 62 and a depending leg 73 of the front framework 70 through bolt hinges 85. A cross member 86 is attached by mounting plates 87 to the lower horizontal member 81 of each side frame 80 to reinforce the framework and also provide a mounting for a guide means for the central framework as will be described in more detail below.

Each side support framework 59 comprise a sidewardly extending boom 90, hingedly mounted on hinges 92 to the side member 65 of the rear central framework 62. The hinges 92 are mounted on a support leg 91 depending downwardly-from the boom 90. A strengthening member 93 extends between the lowermost extremity of the leg 91 and the boom 90 and the structure is further reinforced by reinforcing struts 93.

Each of the framework members are generally of box section material. It will however, be appreciated that they may be of any suitable section.

Tools, in this case applicator means for storing and applying herbicide to destroy wild oats in cereal crops are mounted on the central portion 67 of the tool bar and also on a pair of side portions 95 flanking the centre portion 67 of the tool bar. The portions 67, 95 are pivotally interconnected through a jointing means indicated generally by the reference numeral 96 which is shown particularly in Fig. 7. The jointing means 96 includes a first pivot joint 97 having a horizontal pivot axis defined by a pivot pin 98 to facilitate relative movement between the centre portion of the tool bar 67 and the side portions 95 in a vertical plane in the direction of the arrows A.The jointing means 96 also includes a second pivot joint 99 having a vertical pivot axis defined by a pivot pin 100 to facilitate pivotal movement in a horizontal plane between the portions 67, 95-of the tool bar in the direction of the arrow B. A retaining means formed from a lower stay bar 101 extending between the leg 75 of the rear support framework 70 and the side portion 95, and upper stay bar 102 extending between the leg 75 and the boom 90 retain the portions 95 and booms 90 in the operating position shown in Figs. 6 and 9.

The lower stay bar 101 is pivotally connected to the arm 75 to facilitate relative movement in a vertical plane to follow the side portion 95 whereas the upper boom 102 is hingedly mounted to the arm 75. Each stay bar 101,102 engages its respective boom 90 or side portion 95 through a mounting pin and hole (not shown).

Two counter balance mechanisms 110 are provided to suspend the side portions 95 of the tool bar from the booms 90. The counter balance mechanism 110 is similar to that described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 5 and comprises a lever 111 having a counter balance weight 112 slidably movable along the lever 111 and lockable in position by a locking screw 113. The lever 111 is pivotally connected at 114 to the boom 90. A chain 114 connected to the end of the lever 111 suspends the side portions 95. The lever 111 extends through a slot 11 5 in a guide 11 6 which is height adjustable relative the boom 90 by locating holes 11 7 and locking bolt (not shown).

The guide 11 6 confines the lateral movement of the lever 111 as it moves to follow the vertical movement of the side portions 95 of the tool bar.

Guide means to maintain the tool bar at a predetermined level above the ground comprises four guide members 105 one of which is connected to the side portion 95 adjacent their free ends and two of which are connected to the cross member 86 of the central support framework. The guide members 105 are similar to those described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 5 and each guide member 105 comprises a ground engaging skid 106 mounted on a bar 107 of box section material. The bars 107 are slidable in sleeves 108 also a box section welded to the side portions 95 and cross member 86 respectively. It will be appreciated that the level of the tool bar 67, 95 above the ground may be adjusted by sliding the bars 107 up or down in the sleeves 108. Variation in level of the side portions 95 may be taken up by altering the lengths of the chains 114.In this case the central support framework 62 is carried on the tractor three point linkage and the guide members 105 attached to the cross member 86 essentialiy act as guides in initially setting up the height of the central portion 67 of the tool bar above the ground.

A birds foot mechanism 120 mounted on the end of each bar 107 projects forwardly of each skid 106 to part the crop prior to engagement with the skid to prevent damage being caused to the crop.

In use, the apparatus is mounted on a three point linkage of a tractor although it could be mounted on any other suitable vehicle. The tools are mounted on the tool bar 67, 95 and the desired height of the tool is adjusted by adjusting the bars 107 in their sleeves 108. In the particular case where the tool is a wick applicator the reservoirs are filled with herbicide and the height adjusted, the wick member applying herbicide to the wild oats and at the same time clear the crop.

The apparatus is then moved forward by the tractor and the skids 106 act as a guide means to maintain the tool bar 95, 67 and hence the tools at a fixed height above the ground. The skids 106 follow the contour of the ground thereby raising and lowering the tool bars 95 relative the centre portion 67 of the tool bar as required.

When in use it is desired to transport the apparatus along a narrow path such as a roadway the stay bars 101, 102 are released from the side portions 95 and boom 90 respectively and the booms 90 and tool bars 95 are pivoted forwardly in the direction of the arrow C to lie longitudinally along the side of the tractor relative the longitudinal axis of the tractor as illustrated by'the interrupted lines 125 in Fig. 9. Alternatively the booms 90 and side portions 95 may be pivoted rearwardly in the direction of the arrow D to lie in the position illustrated by the interrupted lines 126 in Fig. 9 substantially longitudinally of the longitudinal axis of the tractor. In either position the apparatus is then ready for transportation on a roadway.

When it is desired to move the apparatus into an operating position the procedure is reversed and the booms 90 and side portions 95 pivoted into a position transverse of the tractor in line with the central tool bar 67. The stay bars 101,102 are then re-located to retain the booms 90 and tool bar 67, 95 in the operating position illustrated in Fig. 9.

Referring now to Figs. 1 0 to 1 6 there is illustrated apparatus for applying a herbicide to crops indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 30. The apparatus carries a tool in this case a plurality of wick applicators 131 similar to the applicator means described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 5 and these will be described in more detail below. The applicators 1 31 are mounted on a tool bar 132 which is connected to the three point linkage of a tractor (not shown) by a mounting bracket 13if.

The mounting bracket 1 34 is pivotally connected at one end to a support bracket 135 and at the other end to the tool bar 132.

Mountings 136 are provided on the support bracket 135 to engage the three point linkage of a tractor. A sleeve 1 37 welded to the bracket 1 34 pivotally engages a pin 138 mounted on the support bracket 1 35. A reinforcing strut 1 39 extends from the mounting bracket 1 34 and is welded to the lower end of the sleeve 137.A retaining means provided by a retaining member 140 is pivotally connected to the support bracket 135 and extends to releasably engage the strut 1 39. The retaining bracket 1 40 when engaged on the strut 1 39 retains the mounting bracket 1 34 in a substantially longitudinal position relative to the tractor, thereby retaining the tool bar 1 32 in an operative position substantially transversely of the tractor. On release of the retaining member 140 the mounting bracket 1 34 may be pivoted to lie substantially transversely of the tractor, with the tool bar 132 lying along one side of the tractor for transportation.A pin 142 through brackets 1 43 engages the strut 139 to retain the mounting bracket in the transporting position.

A sleeve 145 welded to the other end of the mounting bracket 1 34 engages a pivot pin 1 44 extending between the tool bar 1 32 and a reinforcing bracket 146. The reinforcing bracket 146 is of box section material and is joined to the tool bar 132 by a pair of uprights 147 also of box section material. A telescopic strut 1 48 having inner and outer members 149 and 1 50 extending between the mounting bracket 1 34 and the reinforcing bracket 1 46 retain the tool bar 1 32 substantially transversely of the mounting bracket 134.However, if it is desired to alter the angle between the mounting bracket 134 and the tool bar 1 32 this can readily easily be achieved by adjusting the telescopic members 149 and 1 50 relative to each other. A pin 151 is provided to engage holes 1 52 in the members in the desired position.

The tool bar 132 comprises three members 1 55 joined together by fishplates 1 56. Tie bars 1 57 extend between the uprights 147 and the members 1 55 to strengthen the tool bar 132.

Wheels 1 58 mounted to the boom 132 on adjustable brackets support the tool bar and retain it at a substantially fixed distance above the ground. The wheels 1 58 are mounted on pins 1 59 slidable in sleeves 1 60. The sleeves 1 60 are secured to the tool bar 132 by brackets 161 welded to the sleeves and members 1 55. The height of the tool bar 1 32 may be varied by raising or lowering the pins 159 in the sleeves 160. Pins 1 62 engage holes 163 in the pin 1 59 and sleeve 1 60 to retain the boom and wheei relative to each other at the desired height.

The wick applicators 131 are illustrated in detail in Fig. 1 6. It can be seen that each applicator comprises a reservoir 1 70 formed by lengths of pipe of plastics material. Plug type end caps 1 71 seal the ends of each length of pipe.

Wicks 1 72 extend at each of their ends into the pipe through compression joints 1 73 mounted on the reservoir 1 70. It can be seen from Fig. 1 6 that the wicks 1 72 are inclined relative to the axis of the reservoir and each wick overlaps portion of an adjacent wick. Bands 174 secure the wick applicators to the tool bar 132.

In use, the support bracket 1 35 is mounted to the three point linkage of a tractor by means of the mounting 1 36. The retaining member 140 is secured to the strut 139 and the tool bar 132 is set at the desired height above the crops by adjusting the wheels 1 58 relative to the tool bar.

The angle of the tool bar is then set relative to the mounting bracket 1 34 by securing the inner and outer telescopic members of the strut 148.

Normally, this will be set so that the tool bar 132 is transverse of the mounting bracket 1 34. The tool bar 1 32 is then in the operating position and the apparatus is ready to apply the herbicide.

When it is desired to transport the apparatus along a road, the retaining member 140 is released from the strut 1 39 and the mounting bracket 1 34 is pivoted to lie transversely of the tractor. The retaining pin 142 secured the strut 139 and in turn the mounting bracket in the transverse position. In this position, the tool bar 1 32 lies longitudinally relative to the tractor along one side thereof, and the apparatus is ready for transportation on a roadway.

It will also be appreciated that although the apparatus has been described as being of particular construction, any other suitable construction could have been used, for example, it is envisaged that in certain cases the support strut will not be required. Similarly, it will be appreciated that the connection between the mounting bracket and the tool bar need not be pivotal, it could be a rigid connection.

It will be appreciated that although the apparatus has been described for mounting a wick applicator to the back of a tractor, it could be used for mounting any other tool such as a soil working implement, for example, a rake or plough or a crop working implement such as an applicator for fertilizer or any form of implement.

It will also be appreciated that the guide means may have other ground engaging members besides skids, for example, it is envisaged that the guide means could be provided with ground engaging wheels.

It will also be appreciated that while three embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to the drawings the features incorporated in any or all of these embodiments of the invention may be incorporated in the other embodiments. For example, in the case of the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 6 to 9 the applicator means described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5 and Fig. 1 6 may be incorporated.

It will be appreciated, particularly in the case of the apparatus described with reference to Figs. 6 to 10 that the connection to the top link of the tractor may be by a flexible connection. This will ensure that no damage to the tractor or apparatus occurs if the skids of the guide means of the central portion of the tool bar receive an impulse blow, for example, from a rock or bump in the ground.

It will also be appreciated again particularly in relation to the apparatus described in Figs. 6 to 10 that the various eiements, particularly of the framework may be readily assembled and disassembled. Thus, the side frameworks 80 may be readily dismounted from the front and rear portions of the central support framework.

Claims (27)

1. Apparatus for mounting a tool to a tractor comprising a framework for mounting to the tractor, mounting means for receiving the tool, the mounting means being connected to the framework and at least portion of the mounting means being movable in a vertical plane relative the tractor, ground engaging guide means extending from the mounting means to maintain the mounting means at a preset level above the ground.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the mounting means comprises a tool bar.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the mounting means is pivotally connected to the framework and is movable in a vertical plane relative the tractor.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 in which the framework includes a sidewardly extending boom for supporting at least the pivotally movable portion of the mounting means.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which the tool bar is pivotally suspended from the boom by a counter balance mechanism.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5 in which the tool bar comprises at least two pivotally interconnected support members for carrying a tool one tool being independently movable relative an adjacent tool to follow the contours of the ground.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which the tool bar comprises a plurality of in-line support members.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which the tool bar comprises a centre portion flanked by a pair of side portions, the side portions being independently movable relative the centre portion to follow the transverse contour of the ground.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 2 to 8 in which the guide means is height adjustable relative the tool bar.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the tool is an applicator means for applying a treatment solution to crops.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 in which the applicator means comprises a wick applicator having a treatment solution reservoir formed from an elongate hollow body member and a plurality of wick members extending substantially longitudinally on the outside of the body member, the ends of the wick members communicating with the interior of the body members.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 in which the applicator means comprises a plurality of wick applicators spaced-apart along the tool bar.

13. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 10 to 1 2 including alignment means to retain the applicator means in a fixed orientation relative to the crop.

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13 in which the alignment means comprises a parallel linkage mechanism interconnecting the support framework and tool bar.

1 5. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the mounting means is pivotal from an operating position with the mounting means substantially transverse of the tractor to a transporting position with the mounting means disposed substantially longitudinally relative the longitudinal axis of the tractor.

1 6. Apparatus for mounting an elongate tool to a tractor comprising a mounting means for receiving the tool at least portion of the mounting means being pivotal from an operating position with the tool substantially transverse of the tractor to a transporting position with the tool disposed substantially longitudinally relative the longitudinal axis of the tractor.

1 7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16 in which the mounting means comprises a tool bar.

1 8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17 in which in the transporting position at least portion of the tool bar is disposed adjacent the side of the tractor.

19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17 or 18 in which the tool bar comprises a centre portion and a side portion flanking the centre portion, the side portion being pivotal in a horizontal plane from an operating position with its longitudinal axis lying substantially in line with the longitudinal axis of the centre portion, to a transporting position with the axes substantially perpendicular.

20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 in which the centre portion is carried on a main support frameworks for attachment to a tractor and the side portion is carried on a boom flanking the main support framework, the boom being pivotal in a horizontal plane to follow the pivotal movement of the side portion.

21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 or 20 in which the centre portion is flanked by a pair of side portions.

22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 6 in which the apparatus includes a mounting bracket, one end of which is pivotally connected to a support bracket at the rear of the tractor, and the other end of the mounting bracket being mounted to the tool bar, the mounting bracket extending longitudinally of the tractor and being pivotal in a horizontal plane to lie substantially transversely of the tractor in the transporting position.

23. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 6 to 22 in which the apparatus includes retaining means to retain the mounting means in both the transporting and operating positions.

24. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 16 to 23 in which the tool is an applicator means for applying a treatment solution to crops.

25. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.

26. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 6 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.

27. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1 0 to 1 6 of the accompanying drawings.