Hydraulic top link
A device for configuring a plough between a use configuration and a transport configuration is provided, the device comprising an elongated support and an actuator connected with the elongated support, wherein the elongated support is for sliding connection with the plough, and the actuator is for actuating connection with the plough, and wherein when the elongated support and the actuator are connected with the plough, actuation of the actuator can slide the plough relative to the elongated support to configure the plough between the use configuration and the transport configuration. Related systems and methods are also provided.
1 . A device for configuring a plough between a use configuration and a transport configuration, the device comprising:
an elongated support; and
an actuator connected with the elongated support, wherein
the elongated support is for substantially translational sliding connection with the plough, and the actuator is for actuating connection with the plough, and wherein when the elongated support and the actuator are connected with the plough:
(i) actuation of the actuator can substantially translationally slide the plough relative to the elongated support to configure the plough between the use configuration and the transport configuration, and
(ii) when the plough is in the use configuration, actuation of the actuator can substantially translationally slide the plough relative to the elongated support to adjust a ploughing angle of the plough.
2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the elongated support comprises a body support portion, a head support portion, and a linking support portion, wherein the head support portion is longitudinally offset with the body support portion and the linking support portion extends between the body support portion and the head support portion.
3 . The device of claim 2 wherein the head support portion of the elongated support comprises one or more slide connectors for substantially translational sliding connection with the plough.
4 . The device of claim 3 , wherein the slide connectors comprise protruding edges of a slide plate of or attached with the head support portion of the elongated support.
5 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the elongated support is for substantially translational sliding connection with the plough via a guide plate.
6 . The device of claim 5 , wherein the guide plate comprises a channel or slot for sliding connection with slide connectors of the elongated support.
7 . The device of claim 1 , wherein a body of the actuator is pivotally connected with the elongated support.
8 . The device of claim 1 , wherein a shaft of the actuator is for pivotal connection with the plough.
9 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the actuator is a linear actuator.
10 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the actuator is a hydraulic actuator.
11 . The device of claim 1 , wherein a second end of the elongated support is for multiaxial connection with a towing vehicle, such as a tractor.
12 . The device of claim 11 , wherein the second end of the elongated support is connected with a first end of a towing brace, such as an A-frame towing brace, wherein a second end of the towing brace is for connection with the plough.
13 . The device of claim 12 , wherein the second end of the towing brace is for pivotal connection with the plough.
14 . A system comprising a plough; and a device for configuring the plough between a use configuration and a transport configuration, the device comprising:
an elongated support; and
an actuator connected with the elongated support, wherein
the elongated support is in substantially translational sliding connection with the plough, and the actuator is in actuating connection with the plough, and wherein:
(i) actuation of the actuator substantially translationally slides the plough relative to the elongated support to thereby configure the plough between the use configuration and the transport configuration, and
(ii) when the plough is in the use configuration, actuation of the actuator can substantially translationally slide the plough relative to the elongated support to adjust a ploughing angle of the plough.
15 . The system of claim 14 wherein the plough is relatively lowered in the use configuration, and relatively raised in the transport configuration.
16 . A method of configuring a plough between a use configuration and a transport configuration, the method including steps of:
(i) actuating an actuator connected to the plough, wherein the actuator is connected with an elongated support and the elongated support is connected with the plough, and wherein actuation of the actuator substantially translationally slides the plough relative to the elongated support, to thereby configure the plough between the use configuration and the transport configuration, and
(ii) actuating the actuator when the plough is in the use configuration, wherein the actuation of the actuator substantially translationally slides the plough relative to the elongated support to adjust a ploughing angle of the plough.
17 . The method of claim 16 wherein the plough is relatively lowered in the use configuration, and relatively raised in the transport configuration.