Ground-driven top dresser utilizing easily actuated clutch mechanism

Top dresser adapted to be pulled across the ground comprising, in combination:

• a frame;
• wheel means beneath the frame for supporting the frame for movement across the ground;
• a hopper surmounting the frame having an open bottom;
• conveyor means disposed beneath the open bottom of the hopper;
• a shaft rotatable by said wheel means;
• a clutch mechanism for connecting the shaft to the conveyor means, with the clutch mechanism having an engaged condition and a disengaged condition;
• a pivotal arm for changing the clutch mechanism between the engaged and disengaged condition;
• and a clutch actuation device comprising, in combination:
• a cam having first and second portions extending at an obtuse angle to each other;
• means for pivotally mounting the cam about a cam axis between a first position and a second position, with the first portion engaging the pivotal arm in the first position and the second portion engaging the pivotal arm in the second position, with the second portion being radially spaced from the cam axis a greater distance than the first portion is radially spaced from the cam axis;
• and means for rotating the cam to move from the first position to the second position in a first direction and then back to the first position in the opposite direction.