Agricultural implements and methods of folding agricultural implements

Abstract

An agricultural implement comprises a main frame section, at least one side frame section carrying a plurality of soil working tools, wherein the side frame section is pivotably connected to the main frame section, such that the side frame section is foldable between a working state and a transport state, wherein the side frame section is connected to the main frame section by a first pivot joint, providing a first pivot axis (Ap1), which is vertical, wherein the side frame section is connected to the main frame section by a second pivot joint providing a second pivot axis (Ap2, Ap2'), which is horizontal, wherein the second pivot axis (Ap2), in the working state, extends transversely of a working direction (Dw), and wherein the second pivot axis (Ap2'), in a transport state, extends parallel with the working direction (Dw), wherein a guide member connects a first fixing point on the main frame section, which is spaced from the first pivot axis (Ap1) along the working direction (Dw) with a second fixing point on the side frame section, which is spaced from the first pivot axis along the second pivot axis (Ap2), and wherein a length of the main frame section along the working direction, between the first pivot axis (Ap1) and the fixing point, is variable.

Description

[0001] AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS AND METHODS OF FOLDING AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to agricultural implements carrying tools for working soil, in particular implements for seeding or planting, such as seeders or planters, but also tillage implements, in particular harrows or cultivators. The disclosure is also applicable to combination machines, i.e. machines having tools both for working soil and for seeding / planting, as well as to other types of agricultural implements for distributing a product to ground over which the agricultural implement travels.

[0004] Background

[0005] Agricultural implements are known and widely used, having various toolcarrying frame sections that are foldable between e.g. a working state and a transport state.

[0006] WO2023187066A1 introduces a folding concept, wherein side frame sections are folded from a working state to a transport state by first pivoting the side frame sections about a vertical axis, such that the side frame sections become horizontally oriented and received between front and rear ground supports of the agricultural implement, followed by a folding about a horizontal axis, which is parallel with a working direction of the agricultural implement, such that the side frame sections become vertically oriented.

[0007] While this folding concept appears promising, there is a need for further development, which may allow for even wider agricultural implements and / or which may facilitate maneuvering of the agricultural implement, in particular while in the working state.

[0008] Summary

[0009] It is an objective of the present disclosure to provide improvements to the folding concept disclosed in WO2023187066A1, in particular with regard to providing implements having greater capacity while remaining maneuverable in the working state. The invention is defined by the appended independent claims, with embodiments set forth in the appended dependent claims, in the following description and in the attached drawings.

[0010] According to a first aspect, there is provided an agricultural implement, comprising a main frame section, at least one side frame section carrying a plurality of soil working tools, wherein the side frame section is pivotably connected to the main frame section, such that the side frame section is foldable between a working state and a transport state, wherein the side frame section is connected to the main frame section by a first pivot joint, providing a first pivot axis, which is vertical, wherein the side frame section is connected to the main frame section by a second pivot joint providing a second pivot axis, which is horizontal, wherein the second pivot axis, in the working state, extends transversely of a working direction, and wherein the second pivot axis, in a transport state, extends parallel with the working direction, wherein a guide member connects a first fixing point on the main frame section, which is spaced from the first pivot axis along the working direction with a second fixing point on the side frame section, which is spaced from the first pivot axis along the second pivot axis, and wherein a length of the main frame section along the working direction, between the first pivot axis and the fixing point, is variable. Thus, a length of the main frame section along the working direction, between the first pivot axis and the first fixing point, is variable.

[0011] A frame section may be formed from a single beam or from a 2D assembly (lattice) of beams extending e.g. generally longitudinally and generally transversely relative to the working direction.

[0012] The terms "horizontal" and "vertical" are used based on the assumption that the agricultural implement is positioned on a horizontal surface. Moreover, some deviations from absolutely horizontal and vertical directions may be tolerated, in particular a deviation of less than + / - 10 degs, + / - 5 degs or + / - 1 deg.

[0013] In the present context, it is noted that a horizontal orientation of a tool carrying frame section, such as a side frame section, will be the orientation of the frame section when the agricultural implement is in a working state.

[0014] By providing a main frame section having variable length, it is possible to shorten the length of the agricultural implement in the working state, such that maneuvering in the field is facilitated. Meanwhile, extending the length in the transport state facilitates accommodation of side wider frame sections (i.e. that are longer in the transport state).

[0015] The side frame section may be connected to the main frame section via a carriage which is slidable relative to the main frame section along the working direction.

[0016] According to a second aspect, there is provided an agricultural implement, comprising a main frame section, at least one side frame section carrying a plurality of soil working tools, wherein the side frame section is pivotably connected to the main frame section, such that the side frame section is foldable between a working state and a transport state, wherein the side frame section is connected to the main frame section by a first pivot joint, providing a first pivot axis, which is vertical, wherein a guide member connects a first fixing point on the main frame section which is spaced from the first pivot axis along the working direction with a second fixing point on the side frame section, which is spaced from the first pivot axis along a lateral direction of the agricultural implement, and wherein a length of the main frame section along the working direction, between the first pivot axis and the portion at which the guide member connects to the main frame section, is variable, and wherein the side frame section is connected to the main frame section via a carriage which is slidable relative to the main frame section along the working direction.

[0017] The side frame section may be connected to the main frame section by a second pivot joint providing a second pivot axis, which is horizontal, wherein the second pivot axis, in the working state, extends transversely of a working direction, and wherein the second pivot axis, in a transport state, extends parallel with the working direction.

[0018] The side frame section may have a front edge, which provides a leading edge of the side frame section when the side frame section is in the working state, and wherein the first pivot axis is provided at said front edge, preferably within a forwardmost 25 % of a length of the side frame section, more preferably within a forwardmost 10 % of the length of the side frame section.

[0019] The side frame section may have a width extending in a direction perpendicular to the working direction when the side frame section is in the working state, and wherein the first pivot axis is provided at a laterally innermost portion of said side frame section, preferably within an innermost 25 % of said width, more preferably within an innermost 10 % of said width.

[0020] The side frame section may have a front edge, which provides a leading edge of the side frame section when the side frame section is in the working state, and wherein the second pivot axis is provided at said front edge, preferably within a forwardmost 25 % of a length of the side frame section, more preferably within a forwardmost 10 % of the length of the side frame section.

[0021] A pivot device may be provided between the main frame section and the side frame section, whereby one of the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint connects the pivot device to the main frame section and another one of the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint connects the side frame section to the pivot device.

[0022] The pivot device may be connected to the carriage.

[0023] The agricultural implement may have at least one rear ground support, positioned on the main frame section, rearwardly of the first pivot axis, such that the first pivot axis is positioned closer to the rear ground support in the transport state that in the working state.

[0024] The agricultural implement may have a width in the transport state and wherein the first pivot axis is positioned closer to the center line than to a laterally outermost portion of the agricultural implement, when the agricultural implement is in the transport state.

[0025] The agricultural implement may further comprise a docking device, configured for docking a portion of the side frame section which is spaced from the first pivot joint, such that a pivot connection is established which presents a pivot axis which is coaxial with the second pivot axis.

[0026] The portion of the side frame section which is spaced from the first pivot joint may be provided at a distal portion of the side frame section relative to the first pivot joint, or at one or more points therebetween.

[0027] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of folding an agricultural implement from a working state to a transport state, wherein the agricultural implement comprises a main frame section, at least one side frame section carrying a plurality of soil working tools, wherein the side frame section is pivotably connected to the main frame section, such that the side frame section is foldable between a working state and a transport state, wherein, in the working state, the side frame section presents a front edge which extends generally transversely of a working direction of the agricultural implement. The method comprises while the side frame section is generally horizontally oriented, pivoting the side frame section relative to the main frame section about a first pivot axis, which is vertical, such that the front edge of the side frame section becomes parallel with a working direction of the agricultural implement, subsequently, pivoting the side frame section relative to the main frame section about a second pivot axis, which is horizontal and which extends parallel with the working direction, such that the side frame section becomes generally vertically oriented, while pivoting the side frame section about the first pivot axis, maintaining a fixed distance between a first fixing point on the main frame section which is spaced from the first pivot axis and a second fixing point on the side frame section, which is spaced from the first pivot axis in a direction along the second pivot axis, and while pivoting the side frame section about the first pivot axis, extending a length of the main frame section between the first pivot axis and the first fixing point, along the working direction.

[0028] The method may further comprise moving the first pivot axis along the working direction while pivoting the side frame section about the first pivot axis.

[0029] In particular, the first pivot axis may be moved in a direction opposite the extension direction of the main frame section.

[0030] The first axis may be moved by being provided on a carriage which is slidable along the main frame section.

[0031] The length of the main frame section may be extended by being designed with a telescoping function.

[0032] In the method, said moving the first pivot axis may comprise causing the first pivot axis to approach a rear ground support of the agricultural implement.

[0033] Figs la-lb schematically illustrate an agricultural implement in a working state, as seen in a perspective view and in a top view, respectively.

[0034] Figs 2a-2b schematically illustrate the agricultural implement in a first intermediate folding state, as seen in a perspective view and in a top view, respectively. Figs 3a-3b schematically illustrate the agricultural implement in a second intermediate folding state, as seen in a perspective view and in a top view, respectively.

[0035] Figs 4a-4b schematically illustrate an agricultural implement in a transport state, as seen in a perspective view and in a top view, respectively.

[0036] Detailed description

[0037] The inventive concept will be described with reference to an agricultural implement 1 adapted for seeding. However it is understood that the inventive concept may be used for other types of seeders or planters, as well as for other agricultural implements designed for distributing a product, in particular a granular product, such as seeds, fertilizer, pesticide, or the like, to ground over which the agricultural implement travels. The inventive concept may also be used for agricultural implements designed for tillage, such as harrows or cultivators, as well as for combination implements, such as combination tillage / seeding implements.

[0038] The agricultural implement 1 comprises a main frame section 10, which may have a tow bar 11, a carriage 12, which is slidably connected to the main frame section 10, a product container 13, which may be supported by the carriage, front ground supports 14, rear ground supports 15, and a pair of side frame sections 16a, 16b.

[0039] The tow bar 11 may be adapted for connecting the agricultural implement to a tow hook of a traction vehicle (not shown), such as a tractor, for advancing the agricultural implement 1 along a working direction Dw. Alternatively, a different traction vehicle connector may be provided, such as a hitch connector for allowing the agricultural implement to be partially carried by the traction vehicle, in which case the front ground supports 14 may be dispensed with.

[0040] The carriage 12 may be provided in accordance with the disclosure of WO2023 / 187066A1. Hence, the carriage may be slidably connected to the main frame section 10, such that it can move between a forward position, which corresponds to a working state of the agricultural implement 1 and a rearward position, which corresponds to a transport state of the agricultural implement 1.

[0041] A carriage actuator, in particular a hydraulic actuator, may be provided to control the position of the carriage 12 along the working direction Dw. One or more product containers 13 may be supported by the carriage 12. Hence, the product container(s) 13 may be movable between a first position associated with the working state, where the product container 13 may be positioned with its center of gravity within an area covered by the side frame sections 16a, 16b, and a second position, which may be associated with a transport state, where the product container may be positioned with its center of gravity spaced from the first position. A pneumatic material distribution system may be provided on the agricultural implement 1, e.g., as illustrated, comprising a fan 122, which may also be provided on the carriage 12.

[0042] The front ground support 14 may be provided by one or more wheels. The wheels may be provided on a front support frame 141, which may include spindles or the like, which may render the front ground support 14 steerable.

[0043] The rear ground support 15 may be fixedly connected to the main frame section 10.

[0044] Alternatively, the rear ground supports 15 may be connected via a rear support frame (not shown), such that they can be made height adjustable relative to the main frame section 10.

[0045] Each of the side frame sections 16a, 16b may support a plurality of soil working tools 161, which may comprise at least one sort of soil working tool. In the illustrated example, the soil working tools are in the form of output units for a seeder.

[0046] However, depending on the type of agricultural implement provided, the soil working tools may comprise other types of output units, such as row units, seed knives, tillage tools, row cleaning (weeding) tools, levelling tools, reconsolidation tools, or the like.

[0047] The agricultural implement may comprise a combination of two or more different types of soil working tools, e.g. a set of levelling tools, a set of output units and a set of reconsolidation tools (rollers, or the like).

[0048] Each of the side frame sections 16a, 16b has a predetermined orientation when the agricultural implement 1 is in the working state. Based on this predetermined orientation, a front edge of the side frame section 16a, 16b may be defined, as may a width of the side frame section 16a, 16b. the front edge provides a leading edge of the side frame section 16a, 16b when the agricultural implement 1 is in its working state, while the width extends transversely of the working direction Dw.

[0049] A first pivot joint is provided relative to the main frame section 10 (or relative to the carriage 12), such that a first pivot axis Apl is provided between each of the side frame sections 16a, 16b and the main frame section 10. This first pivot axis Apl is vertical when the agricultural implement is positioned on a horizontal surface.

[0050] The first pivot axis Apl may be provided close to one of the front and rear edges of the side frame section 16a, 16b. in the illustrated example, the first pivot axis Apl is provided at the front edge of the respective side frame section 16a, 16b.

[0051] The first pivot axis Apl may be provided closer to a center line of the agricultural implement 1, than to a laterally outermost portion thereof when the agricultural implement is in the transport state.

[0052] A second pivot axis Ap2 may be provided close to one of the front and rear edges of the side frame section 16a, 16b, in particular close to the front or rear edge at which the first pivot axis Apl is provided. This second pivot axis Ap2 is always horizontal when the agricultural implement is positioned on a horizontal surface.

[0053] The second pivot axis Ap2 is horizontal and transverse to the working direction Dw when the agricultural implement is in its working state. In this orientation, the second pivot axis Ap2 may also be used as a field lift axis, e.g. when one or more soil working tools need to be lifted out of the ground, e.g. when turning on a headland.

[0054] When one or both of the side frame sections 16a, 16b have been pivoted about the first pivot axis Apl towards the transport state, the second pivot axis Ap2' will extend approximately parallel with the working direction. In this orientation, the second pivot axis Ap2' is used as a folding axis for folding the side frame section 16a, 16b from its horizontally oriented state to an essentially vertical state.

[0055] In order to provide for the pivot axes Apl, Ap2, Ap2', a pivot device 121 may be provided. The pivot device may, as a non-limiting example, be pivotably mounted to the main frame section 10 or to the carriage 12, as the case may be, to provide the first pivot joint 1211. Moreover, the second pivot joint 1212 may be provided between the pivot device and the respective side frame section 16a, 16b

[0056] In order to allow for the pivoting about the second pivot axis Ap2' when this second pivot axis is oriented parallel with the working direction Dw, a docking device 1011 may be provided for receiving portion of side frame section when this reaches an end of its pivoting movement about the first pivot axis Apl.

[0057] The docking device 1011 may comprise a cradle provided on one of the main frame section and the side frame section 16a, 16b and an inner part provided on the other one of the main frame section and the side frame section, so as to form a open pivot joint, which is coaxial with the second pivot axis Ap2' and which provides support for the side frame section 16a, 16b during the pivoting between its horizontal orientation and its vertical orientation.

[0058] Guide members 17a, 17b, such as struts, may be provided for providing a fixed distance between a fixing point 171 on the main frame section 10, which is spaced from the first pivot axis as seen in the working direction and a fixing point 172 on the side frame section 16a, 16b, which is spaced from the first pivot axis Apl, as seen in the width direction.

[0059] The guide members 17a, 17b may be provided in the form of elongate bars, which may be pivotably connected to the main frame section and to the respective side frame section 16a, 16b.

[0060] The main frame section 10 may be formed of a front section 101 and a rear section 102, with a telescoping connection 103 being provided between the front section 101 and the rear section 102. This telescoping connection may be provided longitudinally between the first pivot axis Apl and the first fixing point 171 on the main frame section.

[0061] The telescoping connection 103 may be provided with an actuator (not shown), for controlling the telescoping movement along the working direction Dw.

[0062] Alternatively, the telescoping connection 103 may be controlled by the traction vehicle, e.g. by allowing the telescoping connection to move freely when the traction vehicle is caused to move relative to the agricultural implement. For example, the telescoping connection 103 may be extendable when the traction vehicle moves forward relative to the agricultural implement and retractable when the traction vehicle reverses relative to the agricultural implement. To this end, the telescoping connection may be lockable in its extended and / or its retracted state.

[0063] Telescoping connections for heavy duty applications are known as such, and need not further description herein. The description will now focus on the method of folding the agricultural implement 1 from its working state (figs la-lb) to its transport state (figs 4a-4b).

[0064] The folding method is reversible, in the sense that the same steps are performed, albeit in reverse order, for folding the agricultural implement 1 from its transport state to its working state.

[0065] In figs la-lb, the agricultural implement is illustrated in its working state, with the side frame sections 16a, 16b oriented with their front edges forwardly in the working direction Dw.

[0066] The folding operation comprises a first step, which is illustrated in figs la-lb and 2a-2b, and which transforms the agricultural implement to the state illustrated in figs 3a-3b. During, or in anticipation of, this first step, tools carried by the side frame sections 16a, 16b may be lifted out of engagement with the ground.

[0067] While the side frame section is generally horizontally oriented, of pivoting the side frame section relative to the main frame section about the first pivot axis Apl, such that the side frame sections are caused to extend with their front edges parallel with the working direction. Hence, this step is performed with the side frame sections 16a, 16b horizontally oriented. In this orientation, one or more wheels or rollers provided on the side frame section 16a, 16b may carry a substantial part of the side frame section's 16a, 16b weight.

[0068] During this pivoting about the first pivot axis Apl (figs la-lb; 2a-2b), the telescoping connection 103 of the main frame section is operated, such that the main frame section 10 is extended along the working direction Dw by the front section 101 of the main frame section 10 being slid forwardly relative to the rear section 102. Consequently, a length Lt between the first fixing point 171 and the aft of the main frame section 10 is increased by dLl from Lt to Lt'=Lt+dLl. This increase is also reflected in that the distance LI, LI' between the first fixing point 171 and the first pivot axis Apl is also increased by the distance dLl.

[0069] Figs 2a-2b illustrate a state during the pivoting about the first pivot axis Apl, in which the telescoping connection 103 has been fully extended, such that the distance LI' between the first fixing point 171 and the first pivot axis Apl has increased by the distance dLl.

[0070] In the event a carriage 12 is provided, as illustrated, this carriage 12 may be arranged on the rear section 102 and be moved (slid - figs 2a-2b; 3a-3b) in a direction opposite that in which the front section 101 is moved. Hence, in the illustrated embodiment, the carriage 12 is slid rearwardly along the rear section 102 of the main frame section 10 by a distance dL2.

[0071] All in all, with a movement of both the front section 101 and the carriage 12, the distance between the first fixing point 171 and the first pivot point Apl has increased to Ll"=Ll+dLl+dL2.

[0072] The total length from between the first fixing point 171 and the aft of the main frame section 10 is increased by dLl+DL2 from Lt to Lt"=Lt+dLl+d L2.

[0073] Figs 2a-2b illustrates an intermediate state of this folding step and figs 3a-3b illustrate the end state of this folding step.

[0074] During this first folding step, a fixed distance between the first fixing point 171 on the main frame section and a second fixing point 172 on the side frame section 16a, 16b, which is spaced from the first pivot axis Apl in a direction along the second pivot axis Ap2, Ap2', may be maintained by the guide members 17a, 17b.

[0075] At the end of this first folding step, the side frame sections 16a, 16b will be horizontally oriented and oriented with the second pivot axes Ap2' extending horizontally and parallel with the working direction Dw. Moreover, the side frame sections 16a, 16b will have engaged the cradle(s) of the docking device(s) 1011. In this first folding step, the side frame sections may be folded about the first pivot axis Apl through about 80-100 degs, in particular about 90 degs.

[0076] From here, a second folding step is performed, comprising pivoting the side frame section(s) 16a, 16b relative to the main frame section about the second pivot axis Ap2', such that the side frame sections 16a, 16b become generally vertically oriented. In this second folding step, the side frame sections may be folded about the second pivot axis Ap2' through about 80-100 degs, in particular about 90 degs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An agricultural implement (1), comprising: a main frame section (10), at least one side frame section (16a, 16b) carrying a plurality of soil working tools (161), wherein the side frame section (16a, 16b) is pivotably connected to the main frame section (10), such that the side frame section (16a, 16b) is foldable between a working state and a transport state, wherein the side frame section (16a, 16b) is connected to the main frame section (10) by a first pivot joint (1211), providing a first pivot axis (Apl), which is vertical, wherein the side frame section (16a, 16b) is connected to the main frame (10) section by a second pivot joint (1212) providing a second pivot axis (Ap2, Ap2'), which is horizontal, wherein the second pivot axis (Ap2), in the working state, extends transversely of a working direction (Dw), and wherein the second pivot axis (Ap2'), in a transport state, extends parallel with the working direction (Dw), wherein a guide member (17) connects a first fixing point (171) on the main frame section, which is spaced from the first pivot axis (Apl) along the working direction (Dw) with a second fixing point (172) on the side frame section (16a, 16b), which is spaced from the first pivot axis (Apl) along the second pivot axis (Ap2), and wherein a length of the main frame section (10) along the working direction (Dw), between the first pivot axis (Apl) and the fixing point, is variable.

2. The agricultural implement (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side frame section (16a, 16b) is connected to the main frame section (10) via a carriage (12) which is slidable relative to the main frame section (10) along the working direction (Dw).

3. An agricultural implement (1), comprising: a main frame section (10),at least one side frame section (16a, 16b) carrying a plurality of soil working tools (161), wherein the side frame section (16a, 16b) is pivotably connected to the main frame section (10), such that the side frame section (16a, 16b) is foldable between a working state and a transport state, wherein the side frame section (16a, 16b) is connected to the main frame section (10) by a first pivot joint (1211), providing a first pivot axis (Apl), which is vertical, wherein a guide member (17) connects a first fixing point (171) on the main frame section (10) which is spaced from the first pivot axis (Apl) along the working direction (Dw) with a second fixing point (172) on the side frame section (16a, 16b), which is spaced from the first pivot axis (Apl) along a lateral direction of the agricultural implement (1), and wherein a length of the main frame section (10) along the working direction (Dw), between the first pivot axis (Apl) and the portion at which the guide member (17) connects to the main frame section (10), is variable, and wherein the side frame section (16a, 16b) is connected to the main frame section (10) via a carriage (12) which is slidable relative to the main frame section (10) along the working direction (Dw).

4. The agricultural implement (1) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the side frame section (16a, 16b) is connected to the main frame section (10) by a second pivot joint (1212) providing a second pivot axis (Ap2, Ap2'), which is horizontal, wherein the second pivot axis (Ap2), in the working state, extends transversely of a working direction (Dw), and wherein the second pivot axis (Ap2'), in a transport state, extends parallel with the working direction (Dw).

5. The agricultural implement (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side frame section (16a, 16b) has a front edge, which provides a leading edge of the side frame section (16a, 16b) when the side frame section (16a, 16b) is in the working state, and wherein the first pivot axis (Apl) is provided at saidfront edge, preferably within a forwardmost 25 % of a length of the side frame section (16a, 16b), more preferably within a forwardmost 10 % of the length of the side frame section (16a, 16b).

6. The agricultural implement (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side frame section (16a, 16b) has a width extending in a direction perpendicular to the working direction (Dw) when the side frame section (16a, 16b) is in the working state, and wherein the first pivot axis (Apl) is provided at a laterally innermost portion of said side frame section (16a, 16b), preferably within an innermost 25 % of said width, more preferably within an innermost 10 % of said width.

7. The agricultural implement (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side frame section (16a, 16b) has a front edge, which provides a leading edge of the side frame section (16a, 16b) when the side frame section (16a, 16b) is in the working state, and wherein the second pivot axis (Ap2) is provided at said front edge, preferably within a forwardmost 25 % of a length of the side frame section (16a, 16b), more preferably within a forwardmost 10 % of the length of the side frame section (16a, 16b).

8. The agricultural implement (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein a pivot device (121) is provided between the main frame section (10) and the side frame section (16a, 16b), whereby one of the first pivot joint (1211) and the second pivot joint (1212) connects the pivot device (121) to the main frame section (10) and another one of the first pivot joint (1211) and the second pivot joint (1212) connects the side frame section (16a, 16b) to the pivot device (121).

9. The agricultural implement (1) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pivot device is connected to the carriage (12).

10. The agricultural implement (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the agricultural implement (1) has at least one rear ground support (15), positioned on the main frame section (10), rearwardly of the first pivotaxis (Apl), such that the first pivot axis (Apl) is positioned closer to the rear ground support (15) in the transport state that in the working state.

11. The agricultural implement (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the agricultural implement (1) has a width in the transport state and wherein the first pivot axis (Apl) is positioned closer to a center line than to a laterally outermost portion of the agricultural implement (1), when the agricultural implement (1) is in the transport state.

12. The agricultural implement (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a docking device (1011), configured for docking a portion of the side frame section (16a, 16b) which is spaced from the first pivot joint (Apl), such that a pivot connection is established which presents a pivot axis which is coaxial with the second pivot axis (Ap2, Ap2').

13. A method of folding an agricultural implement (1) from a working state to a transport state, wherein the agricultural implement (1) comprises: a main frame section (10), at least one side frame section (16a, 16b) carrying a plurality of soil working tools (161), wherein the side frame section (16a, 16b) is pivotably connected to the main frame section (10), such that the side frame section (16a, 16b) is foldable between a working state and a transport state, wherein, in the working state, the side frame section (16a, 16b) presents a front edge which extends generally transversely of a working direction (Dw) of the agricultural implement (1), the method comprising: while the side frame section (16a, 16b) is generally horizontally oriented, pivoting the side frame section (16a, 16b) relative to the main frame section (10) about a first pivot axis (Apl), which is vertical, such that the front edge of the side frame section (16a, 16b) becomes parallel with a working direction (Dw) of the agricultural implement (1),subsequently, pivoting the side frame section (16a, 16b) relative to the main frame section (10) about a second pivot axis (Ap2), which is horizontal and which extends parallel with the working direction (Dw), such that the side frame section (16a, 16b) becomes generally vertically oriented, while pivoting the side frame section (16a, 16b) about the first pivot axis (Apl), maintaining a fixed distance between a first fixing point (171) on the main frame section (10) which is spaced from the first pivot axis (Apl) and a second fixing point (172) on the side frame section (16a, 16b), which is spaced from the first pivot axis (Apl) in a direction along the second pivot axis (Ap2), and while pivoting the side frame section (16a, 16b) about the first pivot axis (Apl), extending a length of the main frame section (10) between the first pivot axis (Apl) and the first fixing point (171), along the working direction (Dw).

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising moving the first pivot axis (Apl) along the working direction (Dw) while pivoting the side frame section (16a, 16b) about the first pivot axis (Apl).

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said moving the first pivot axis (Apl) comprises causing the first pivot axis (Apl) to approach a rear ground support (15) of the agricultural implement (1).

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