Weight transfer hitch for plows

Claim 1

In a tractor-implement combination in which the tractor has a hydraulically controlled hitch linkage including a pair of draft links with a pressure control system for maintaining a constant lifting force on the hitch linkage while at the same time permitting movement of the hitch linkage relative to the tractor and in which the implement has a frame with a plurality of earth working tools mounted thereon; at least one wheel to support the rear portion of the frame; at least one wheel mounted on the forward portion of the implement frame; coupling means connecting the implement frame with the tractor hitch linkage including a hitch member on the implement, a spindle mounted on said hitch member for rotation relative to said hitch member about an upright axis, a rigid member attached to the lower end of said spindle and rotatably connected to the tractor draft links for pivotal movement about a horizontal transverse axis to permit vertical movement of the implement relative to the tractor hitch linkage about the horizontal transverse axis and side to side swinging movement of the implement relative to the tractor about the upright axis, and a hydraulic ram in communication with the pressure control system of the tractor having one end pivotally connected to the spindle at a point above the horizontal transverse axis and the other end pivotally connected to the chassis of the tractor for exerting upon being contracted, a force on the implement tending to rotate the implement about said horizontal transverse axis and thereby transfer weight from the rear of the implement to the tractor draft links as determined by the pressure in the pressure control system.