Earth working implement

Claim 1

In an apparatus for installing netting beneath a layer of seeded topsoil for producing net-reinforced grass sod, said apparatus adapted to be trailed behind a tractor and including means for transferring power from said tractor to said apparatus, and further comprising a net roller for dispensing a layer of netting along the ground as the apparatus is trailed, earth moving blades moveable about an apron for lifting soil from the earth and transporting it rearwardly along said apron to deposit it on the netting, and a compacting roller to compact said soil after deposit onto said netting, the improvement comprising: a pair of wheels rotatably mounted to said apparatus and moveable between a first operating position wherein said net roller, said earth moving blades and said compacting roller are all at least in part contact with the ground; and a second traveling position wherein said net roller, said earth moving blades and said compacting roller are raised above the ground and said apparatus may be freely trailed behind said tractor; and a first lever arm operably connected to a support frame for said pair of wheels, said first lever arm having a hydraulic cylinder connected thereto on a first side of its rotational axis and a chain connected thereto on a second side of its rotational axis, said chain being further connected to a second lever arm, said second lever arm being operably connected to a support frame for said apron, actuation of said cylinder causing said first arm to rotate and to in turn rotate said second arm by tension on said chain, whereby actuation of said cylinder simultaneously causes said wheels to move to said traveling position and said net roller, earth moving blades, and compacting roller to be raised.