Transport load spreading device

A main lift wheel assembly of an agricultural or industrial implement having a main frame including at least two longitudinal frame members, at least one fore cross frame member, and at least one aft cross frame member, and a pull hitch extending forward from the main frame, comprising:

• at least one rear main lift wheel connected to at least one rear lift wheel arm, each said at least one rear lift wheel arm being pivotally connected to the main frame and being actuated between a raised position and a lowered position by a hydraulic lift cylinder;
• each said hydraulic lift cylinder being connected to a center pivot of a lug, each said lug having a lower connection point being connected to a lug anchor, each said lug anchor being connected to the at least one aft cross frame member, each said lug having an upper connection point being connected to at least two connecting load members;
• one of said at least two connecting load members extending diagonally forward from said upper connection point of each said lug and connecting to one of the at least two longitudinal frame members located to the left of said lug;
• and
• another of said at least two connecting load members extending diagonally forward from said upper connection point of each said lug and connecting to one of the at least two longitudinal frame members located to the right of said lug.

A method of providing an agricultural or industrial implement that is reconfigurable between an operating configuration and a transport configuration, comprising the steps of:

• providing a main frame including at least two longitudinal frame members, at least one fore cross frame member, and at least one aft cross frame member;
• providing at least one rear main lift wheel connected to at least one rear lift wheel arm, pivotally connecting each said at least one rear lift wheel arm to said main frame and actuating each said at least one rear lift wheel arm between a raised position when in said transport configuration and a lowered position when in said operating configuration using a hydraulic lift cylinder;
• connecting each said hydraulic lift cylinder to a center pivot of a lug, connecting a lower connection point of each said lug to a lug anchor, connecting each said lug anchor to said at least one aft cross frame member, and connecting an upper connection point of each said lug to at least two connecting load members;
• extending one of said at least two connecting load members diagonally forward from said upper connection point of each said lug and connecting it to one of said at least two longitudinal frame members located to the left of said lug;
• and
• extending another of said at least two connecting load members diagonally forward from said upper connection point of each said lug and connecting it to one of said at least two longitudinal frame members located to the right of said lug.