CPC Definition - Subclass A01B

Last Updated Version: 2026.01
SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL (making or covering furrows or holes for sowing, planting or manuring A01C 5/00; mowers convertible to soil working apparatus or capable of soil working A01D 42/04; mowers combined with soil working implements A01D 43/12; soil working for engineering purposes E01, E02, E21)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Making or covering furrows or holes for sowing, planting or manuring

A01C 5/00

Mowers convertible to soil working apparatus or capable of soil working

A01D 42/04

Mowers combined with soil working implements

A01D 43/12

Soil working for engineering purposes

E01, E02, E21

Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Machines for harvesting root crops

A01D 13/00 - A01D 33/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Seat constructions

A47C

Wheels

B60B

Shelters for drivers

B60J

Seats specially adapted for vehicles, arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles

B60N 2/00

Wheel scrapers

B60S 1/68

Measuring areas for agricultural purposes

G01B

Special rules of classification

In subclass A01B all relevant details of tools, methods, implements or parts of agricultural machinery which are used for an action that will result in furrowing, ploughing, tilling, moving, opening or smoothing the soil should be classified here. Some of these parts, tools or methods may not refer directly to a blade for working the soil, but will be, however, directly related to the soil working action, like guiding the machine to work the soil according to a planned path or at a constant depth which are related to the steering of, to the connection or hitch to the tractor. Double classification in other subclasses, like in subclass A01C, is allowed depending on the details. For instance, a coulter for a seeder which has a seed pipe attached, the coulter having no detail relevant for the soil working classification scheme, will only be classified in group A01C 5/00. However, a coulter for a seeder, even if it includes a seed pipe, whose action in the soil is described in detail or has some special feature for working the soil, e.g. opening the furrow, may be relevant for subclass A01B.

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

plant

any of a kingdom (Plantae) of multicellular eukaryotic mostly photosynthetic organisms typically lacking locomotive movement or obvious nervous or sensory organs and possessing cellulose cell walls

Hand tools (edge trimmers for lawns A01G 3/06)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Hand tools for gardening or for agricultural purposes.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Edge trimmers for lawns

A01G 3/06

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Machines for working soil

A01B 35/00

Making hand tools

B21D

Spades; Shovels
Definition statement

This place covers:

Hand shovels for gardening or agricultural purposes.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Shovels for snow

E01H 5/02

Hand held dredgers or shovels

E02F 3/02

Hoes; Hand cultivators
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Rakes

A01D 7/00

Forks

A01D 9/00

Percussive tools

B25D

Attaching the blades or the like to handles; Interchangeable or adjustable blades
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Handles for tools, or their attachment, in general

B25G

Use of electric power for propelling ploughs
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Electric current collectors

B60L 5/00

Ploughs with rolling non-driven tools, e.g. discs
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Ploughs with rotary driven tools

A01B 9/00

Ploughs with rotary driven tools (tilling implements with rotary driven tools A01B 33/00)
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Tilling implements with rotary driven tools

A01B 33/00

Ploughs or like machines for special purposes (for drainage E02B 11/02)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Specially designed ploughs that perform, for example, a sidewards oscillating movement in addition to its linear displacement or ploughs containing tools or blades which perform some kind of additional discontinuous work on the soil. Further examples include ditch diggers, trench ploughs, forestry ploughs and ploughs for land or marsh reclamation.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Drainage device-laying apparatus

E02B 11/02

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Machines for aerating meadows

A01B 45/02

Making furrows

A01C 5/00

for making or working ridges, e.g. with symmetrically arranged mouldboards
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Machines for planting potatoes or tubers

A01C 9/00

Machines for transplanting seedlings

A01C 11/00

Arrangements for preventing damage to the vines, or the like
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Machines specially adapted for working soil in vineyards, orchards or the like on which crops are growing

A01B 39/16

for working subsoil
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Details about the subsoiler's or mouldboard's blades

A01B 15/08

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "Subsoiler" and "mouldboard"
Shares
Definition statement

This place covers:

Details about the subsoiler's or mouldboard's blades

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Making ploughshares by rolling

B21H

Mouldboards
Definition statement

This place covers:

Details about the subsoiler's or mouldboard's blades

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Subsoiler, machines for working subsoil

A01B 13/08

Beams; Handles
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Handles for tools or their attachment, in general

B25G

Frames (means or arrangements to facilitate transportation A01B 73/00)
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Means or arrangements to facilitate transportation

A01B 73/00

Discs; Scrapers for cleaning discs; Sharpening attachments
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Bearings of rotating parts, e.g. for soil-working discs

A01B 71/04

Ploughs with special additional arrangements, e.g. means for putting manure under the soil, clod-crushers
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Ploughs for working subsoil

A01B 13/08

Combined machines

A01B 49/00

{Means for putting manure, debris, straw or the like under the soil (to plough-in weeds A01B 39/18)}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

To plough-in weeds

A01B 39/18

Liquid manure or sludge injectors

A01C 23/02

Harrows with non-rotating tools
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Machines specially adapted for working soil in vineyards, orchards or the like on which crops are growing

A01B 39/16

Harrows with rotary non-driven tools
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Tilling implements with rotary driven tools

A01B 33/00

Frames (means or arrangements to facilitate transportation A01B 73/00); Drawing-arrangements
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Means or arrangements to facilitate transportation

A01B 73/00

Discs; Scrapers for cleaning discs; Sharpening attachments
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Discs for ploughs

A01B 15/16

Bearings of rotating parts, e.g. for soil-working discs

A01B 71/04

Harrows with special additional arrangements, e.g. means for distributing fertilisers; Harrows for special purposes (A01B 39/00 takes precedence)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Machines specially adapted for working soil on which crops are growing

A01B 39/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Fertiliser distributors

A01C 15/00

Clod-crushers
Special rules of classification

There is no clear technical distinction between a harrow and a clod crusher. Here we classify, in order to make a distinction, harrows which are explicitly used for clod crushing and/or stone crushers for agricultural purposes (note that stone crusher is different from stone gatherer/remover, A01B 43/00). Double classification is possible for other details of the harrow. Clod crushing rollers can be also classified in A01B 29/00 attending to specific features covered there.

{of the walk-behind type (walk-type tractors B62D 51/04)}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Walk-type tractors

B62D 51/04

with special additional arrangements
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Combined machines

A01B 49/00

Tilling implements with rotary driven tools for sowing or fertilising

A01B 49/06

Other machines for working soil (A01B 37/00, A01B 39/00, A01B 77/00 take precedence)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Devices for loosening soil compacted by wheels or the like

A01B 37/00

Other machines specially adapted for working soil on which crops are growing

A01B 39/00

Machines for lifting and treating soil

A01B 77/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Hand tools

A01B 1/00

Undercarriages
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Frames; Drawing-arrangements

A01B 23/04

for working ridges {, e.g. for rows of plants and/or furrows}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Making ridges on soil were plants are not growing

A01B 13/02

for working in vineyards, orchards, or the like
Definition statement

This place covers:

Also arrangements for preventing damage to vines.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Ploughs adapted for working in vineyards

A01B 13/06

for weeding
Definition statement

This place covers:

Details about mechanical weeding in-between rows of plants are classified, e.g. involving a tool penetrating the soil.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Mechanical weeding or uprooting of weeds with manual (hand held) means

A01B 1/16

Mechanical or chemical weeding

A01M

Gatherers for removing stones, undesirable roots or the like from the soil, e.g. tractor-drawn rakes
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

For harvesting root crops

A01D

Combined machines
Relationships with other classification places

The combination of machines in group A01B 49/00, e.g. for one-pass soil working, is not considered a special additional arrangement in view of groups A01B 17/00, A01B 25/00, A01B 29/06, A01B 33/16, A01B 35/32 and A01B 39/28.

Combinations of soil-working tools with non-soil-working tools, e.g. planting tools
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Seeding machines

A01C 7/00

Harvesters combined with soil-working implements

A01D 43/12

Undercarriages specially adapted for mounting on various kinds of agricultural tools or apparatus
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

General vehicle aspects

B60, B62

Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements
Definition statement

This place covers:

Specific details of tractor-implement hitches.

Details relating to electrical connectors for supplying electrical power to implements.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Vehicle connections in general

B60D

Connection of supply lines

B60D 1/62

Draught assemblies for animal drawn vehicles, in general

B62C 5/00

Devices for, or parts of, agricultural machines or implements for preventing overstrain
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Preventing overstrain in vehicle connections in general

B60D

Preventing overstrain in couplings per se

F16D

Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements (lifting mechanisms for the cutter-bar of a mower A01D 34/24; adjusting devices for the cutter-bar of a mower A01D 34/28)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Details concerning the implement or the connection between tractor and implement.

Relationships with other classification places

Details related to the tractor or vehicle are covered in subclass B62D.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Lifting mechanisms for the cutter-bar of a mower

A01D 34/24

Adjusting devices for the cutter-bar of a mower

A01D 34/28

Mounting implements on power-lift linkages (preventing or limiting side-play of implements A01B 59/041)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Preventing or limiting side-play of implements

A01B 59/041

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Preventing overstrain

A01B 61/00

Devices for controlling the tractor motor by resistance of tools
Special rules of classification

When pulling soil working elements, like ploughs or subsoilers, the tractor must provide a certain tractive force while maintaining constant speed. This may be important for some soil working actions in which soil working tools rotate at a speed which is dependent on the forward speed of the tractor. Also for achieving a homogeneous soil working with certain tools when soil compaction or resistance conditions change from one area of the field to the next. Here the resistance of the soil to penetration of the tools is measured, and the motor is adjusted to maintain constant speed or power.

Steering of agricultural machines or implements; Guiding agricultural machines or implements on a desired track
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Precision agriculture

A01B 79/005

Methods for planting or sowing in patterns

A01C 21/00

Control of position or course in two dimensions

G05D 1/43

{Steering by means of optical assistance, e.g. television cameras (steering devices for road marking vehicles E01C 23/163)}
Special rules of classification

The steering referred to here is normally either automatic or semiautomatic (assisted guiding), so that the soil working follows a more precise path (following marks, or trenches created beforehand, so that soil working takes place in precisely parallel tracks, or follows a desired pattern).

Construction or arrangement of setting or adjusting mechanisms, of implement or tool drive or of power take-off; Means for protecting parts against dust, or the like; Adapting machine elements to or for agricultural purposes
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Adjusting mechanisms in general

G05G

Bearings of rotating parts, e.g. for soil-working discs
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Discs

A01B 15/16, A01B 23/06

Bearings in general

F16C

Special adaptations of coupling means between power take-off and transmission shaft to the implement or machine
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Couplings for transmitting rotation

F16D

Means for protecting against dust or the like, or for cleaning agricultural implements (discs for ploughs A01B 15/16; lifting or cleaning apparatus for harrows A01B 19/10; discs for harrows A01B 23/06; screening of rotary driven tilling tools A01B 33/12)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Discs for ploughs

A01B 15/16

Lifting or cleaning apparatus for harrows

A01B 19/10

Discs for harrows

A01B 23/06

Screening of rotary driven tilling tools

A01B 33/12

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Screening of rotary parts in general

F16P 1/00

Means or arrangements to facilitate transportation of agricultural machines or implements, e.g. folding frames to reduce overall width (arrangements of lifting devices for soil working implements A01B 63/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

For example, telescopic frames or special details about implement's wheels for transportation.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Arrangements of lifting devices for soil working implements

A01B 63/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Carriers for harvesters or mowers

A01D 75/002

Arrangements to facilitate transportation specially adapted for haymakers with tine-carrying rotary heads or wheels and the tines rotating about a substantially vertical axis

A01D 78/1007

Carriers for the transport of haymakers

A01D 80/005

Vehicles adapted for load transportation or to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects

B60P

Motor vehicles or trailers

B62D

Machines for lifting and treating soil
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Biocides, pest repellents or attractants or plant growth regulators

A01N 25/00 - A01N 65/00

Fertilisers

C05

Soil-conditioning or soil-stabilising materials

C09K 17/00

{Precision agriculture}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Methods for working soil that involve more complexity and precision than a simple tilling.

Examples are:

  • Methods which mention that under certain climatic conditions the soil should be tilled in a particular manner or with a particular schedule.
  • Methods for working a specific type of soil in a specific manner.
  • Smart farming techniques or methods which cover parts of the agricultural cycle related to soil working.
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Guiding agricultural machines or implements

A01B 69/00

Methods for calculating the fertilizer's needs or for sowing in patterns

A01C 21/00