Variable payload tractor vehicle with coordinated crop input management system
First Claim
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1. An agricultural system for application of crop inputs to a field, the system comprising:
- a variable payload towing vehicle comprising a plurality of primary crop input storage containers and low impact ground engaging mean;
a crop input applicator implement coupled to the towing vehicle, the implement comprising a plurality of secondary crop input storage containers, wherein a capacity of the primary storage containers on the towing vehicle is greater than a capacity of the secondary containers on the implement;
a control system associated with the towing vehicle and applicator implement that controls a flow of crop inputs from the primary storage containers on the towing vehicle to the secondary storage containers on the implement, controls a rate of release of crop inputs from the crop input applicator implement, and coordinates an application of multiple crop inputs so that the crop inputs are applied at a prescriptive rate; and
a delivery system configured to move crop inputs from the primary storage containers on the vehicle to the secondary storage containers on the applicator implement.
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Abstract
A variable payload towing vehicle with several storage containers for carrying bulk crop inputs. The storage containers are releasably attached to the vehicle and can be changed based on the type of crop inputs applied and any implements towed by the vehicle. The vehicle is also equipped with high flotation tires or tracks to minimize soil compaction. A delivery system in combination with a control system coordinates the movement of the crop inputs from the vehicle to places located off the vehicle. The vehicle may be equipped with articulated steering and all wheel steering to increase maneuverability.
60 Citations
13 Claims
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1. An agricultural system for application of crop inputs to a field, the system comprising:
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a variable payload towing vehicle comprising a plurality of primary crop input storage containers and low impact ground engaging mean;
a crop input applicator implement coupled to the towing vehicle, the implement comprising a plurality of secondary crop input storage containers, wherein a capacity of the primary storage containers on the towing vehicle is greater than a capacity of the secondary containers on the implement;
a control system associated with the towing vehicle and applicator implement that controls a flow of crop inputs from the primary storage containers on the towing vehicle to the secondary storage containers on the implement, controls a rate of release of crop inputs from the crop input applicator implement, and coordinates an application of multiple crop inputs so that the crop inputs are applied at a prescriptive rate; and
a delivery system configured to move crop inputs from the primary storage containers on the vehicle to the secondary storage containers on the applicator implement. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A variable payload towing vehicle, the vehicle comprising:
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a plurality of storage containers for holding bulk crop inputs on a chassis;
low impact ground engaging means;
a delivery system for moving the crop inputs from the storage containers to a towed implement;
a control system configured to control an application of multiple bulk crop inputs from the towed implement as a function of the position of the vehicle in a field and site specific data so that a prescription of desired crop inputs is applied at a desired positioned in the field; and
a hitch on the chassis for towing an implement.
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Specification