US 12,029,146 B2
Implement having weight transfer system and method of operating the same
Colter W. Kinney, Lohrville, IA (US); Grant J. Wonderlich, Milan, IL (US); and Michael C. Steele, Orion, IL (US)
Assigned to Deere & Company, Moline, IL (US)
Filed by Deere & Company, Moline, IL (US)
Filed on Jul. 1, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/918,152.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/928,111, filed on Oct. 30, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2021/0127549 A1, May 6, 2021
Int. Cl. A01B 63/32 (2006.01); A01C 7/20 (2006.01)
CPC A01B 63/32 (2013.01) [A01C 7/203 (2013.01); A01C 7/205 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An implement comprising:
a frame having a main section and a wing section pivotally coupled to the main section;
a main wheel assembly coupled to the frame main section to support the frame main section for movement over a ground surface;
a wing wheel assembly coupled to the frame wing section to support the frame wing section for movement over the ground surface;
a row unit mounted to the frame wing section to dispense a product to the ground surface;
a weight transfer system coupled to the frame main and wing sections and adapted to transfer weight from the frame main section to the frame wing section to reduce the load carried by the main wheel assembly;
a row unit downforce system coupled to the frame wing section and adapted to apply a force on the row unit relative to the frame wing section;
a pressure transducer configured to measure the force applied by the row unit downforce system and generate a signal indicative of an insufficient applied force; and
a control system adapted to operate the weight transfer system in response to the signal of insufficient applied force from the pressure transducer to assist the row unit downforce system, the control system programmed to actuate the weight transfer system to apply an additional force on the frame wing section in response to the signal.