In-crop weed clipping implement

A foldable agricultural implement for in-crop weed clipping, the implement comprising:

• a frame comprising at least first and second frame members, the first and second frame members hingedly connected for relative rotation at a hinge line between a first weed-clipping position wherein the first and second frame members are generally horizontal and a second transport position wherein the second frame member is rotated upwardly and out of horizontal;
• at least one rotatable blade mounted on each of the frame members for clipping weeds;
• a foldable drive system for rotating the rotatable blades;
• and
• a plurality of ground-engaging wheels connected to the frame by at least one actuator, the at least one actuator configured to selectively raise or lower the frame relative to the plurality of wheels to position the rotatable blades at a height sufficient to clip the weeds above an average crop height;
• wherein the foldable drive system comprises:
• a drive shaft extending across the hinge line;
• and
• the drive shaft bisected at the hinge line by a universal joint;
• wherein the drive shaft comprises alignment means to allow rotation of the drive shaft and the universal joint to align the universal joint in a predetermined orientation when the second frame member is in the first position, and to allow folding of the drive shaft at the hinge line when the second frame member is rotated to the second position.