BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a wheel assembly of an agricultural implement.

Generally, planting implements (e.g., planters) are towed behind a tractor or other work vehicle via a mounting bracket secured to a rigid frame of the implement. Planting implements typically include multiple row units distributed across a width of the implement. Each row unit is configured to deposit seeds at a desired depth beneath the soil surface of a field, thereby establishing rows of planted seeds. For example, each row unit typically includes a ground engaging tool or opener that forms a seeding path (e.g., trench) for seed deposition into the soil. An agricultural product conveying system (e.g., seed tube or powered agricultural product conveyor) is configured to deposit seeds and/or other agricultural products (e.g., fertilizer) into the trench. The opener/agricultural product conveying system may be followed by closing discs that move displaced soil back into the trench and/or a packer wheel that packs the soil on top of the deposited seeds/other agricultural products.

Planting implements typically include a toolbar configured to support the row units. In certain planting implements, the toolbar is support by multiple wheel assemblies (e.g., one wheel assembly positioned proximate to each distal end of the toolbar). Each wheel assembly may include one or more wheels and a wheel frame configured to support the wheel(s). In addition, each wheel assembly may include an actuator configured to rotate the wheel frame between a raised position and a lowered position. The wheel frame is configured to position the toolbar closer to a ground surface while the wheel frame is in the raised position, and the wheel frame is configured to position the toolbar farther from the ground surface while the wheel frame is in the lowered position. The wheel frame may be positioned in the raised position for planting operations, thereby enabling the row units to engage the soil. And, the wheel frame may be positioned in the lowered position for transportation and/or storage, thereby raising the row units above the soil/ground surface. Unfortunately, during transportation and/or storage, the toolbar may slowly lower toward the ground surface due to leakage of fluid supplied to the actuator. As a result, the row units may undesirably reengage the soil.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In certain embodiments, a wheel assembly of an agricultural implement includes a wheel and a wheel frame supporting the wheel. The wheel frame is configured to pivotally couple to a toolbar of the agricultural implement, the wheel frame is configured to rotate between a lowered position and a raised position, the wheel frame is configured to position the toolbar closer to a ground surface while the wheel frame is in the raised position and the wheel is in contact with the ground surface, and the wheel frame is configured to position the toolbar farther from the ground surface while the wheel frame is in the lowered position and the wheel is in contact with the ground surface. The wheel assembly also includes a mount configured to fixedly couple to the toolbar. In addition, the wheel assembly includes a linkage assembly configured to control rotation of the wheel frame between the raised position and the lowered position. The wheel assembly also includes an actuator coupled to the linkage assembly and configured to couple to the toolbar, in which the actuator is configured to drive the linkage assembly to rotate the wheel frame between the raised position and the lowered position. Furthermore, the wheel assembly includes a fastener configured to selectively engage the mount and the linkage assembly while the wheel frame is in the lowered position to block rotation of the wheel frame.

