Manually Adjustable Packer Wheel Seeding System and Method

Abstract

An implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a linkage coupled to the frame, and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, wherein the shank is coupled to the linkage. The implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a position of the ground engaging tool, wherein the packer wheel is positioned behind the ground engaging tool when the ground engaging tool is engaging the soil. Further, the implement includes an adjustment mechanism configured to allow for adjustment of the distance between the packer wheel and the ground engaging tool.

1 . A method for seeding, comprising:
 opening a valley in a field with a ground engaging tool, the ground engaging tool being configured to be automatically displaced upon encountering an obstruction;   controlling the depth of a valley opened by the ground engaging tool by a packer wheel behind the ground engaging tool; and   packing soil via the packer wheel, wherein the packer wheel is positioned a manually adjustable distance behind the ground engaging tool.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the manually adjustable distance is fixed based upon an anticipated speed of movement of the implement in a field. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the position of the packer wheel is adjustable between a plurality of discrete positions. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the packer wheel is positioned behind the ground engaging tool by mounting an axle of the packer wheel in one of a plurality of holes in a mounting bracket. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising permitting the ground engaging tool to move rearwardly and upwardly via a movable structure upon encountering an obstruction. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein a forward-most position permitted for the packer wheel is sufficiently rearward to permit the ground engaging tool to clear the packer wheel when displaced rearwardly and upwardly upon encountering an obstruction. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , comprising maintaining contact between the packer wheel and the ground as the obstruction passes beneath the implement.