1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a seeding machine and in particular to a lifting mechanism for a row cleaner that lifts the row cleaner upon lifting of an associated furrow opener.
2. Description of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,754 discloses a grain drill assembly with several grain drills spaced along a transverse support. Each grain drill contains a furrow opener that forms a furrow for the deposit of seed. Each furrow opener is attached to the transverse support to pivot vertically. A row cleaner is located ahead of the furrow opener and is mounted to the transverse support through a parallelogram linkage to pivot vertically. The row cleaner is forced against the ground by means of a spring.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,678 discloses that the row cleaner be attached to the furrow opener so that the latter carries the row cleaner when it is raised. While it is advantageous to lift the row cleaner when the furrow opener is raised, with the arrangement shown in the '678 patent, the row cleaner is not raised to the same degree as the furrow opener. This is particularly disadvantageous during operation on the road. In addition, the row cleaner always engages the ground when the furrow opener is in the lowered position. There is no ability to operate the furrow opener without using the row cleaner. When seeding in a prepared seedbed, the row cleaner is not needed.