Abstract: A material reduction apparatus for reducing materials having an admixture that resists reduction. The mechanism incorporated into the apparatus to provide a bypass of such admixture while avoiding shut down interruption of the materials reduction operation.

Abstract: A machine for reducing materials such as logs, limbs, stumps and the like into small particles. A hold down and infeed roller in combination with a conveyor feeds the materials into a rotating rotor. The rotor has cutters mounted on its periphery and is rotated in a direction to produce an upward cutting action. The rotor partially reduces the materials into smaller particles. An anvil in combination with the rotor further reduces the particles into the desired size. A grate dictates the size of the materials to be discharged from the machine.

Abstract: A combination debarking/delimbing and chipping machine for processing logs is mounted on a single chassis. The debarking/delimbing apparatus of the machine has a lower flail positioned below a material feed path and two adjustable flails positioned above the material feed path. The upper flails will adjust to the size of a log fed into the machine. The provisions of two upper flails assures total removal of bark/limbs from the log and aids in discharging loosened bark. The upper flails may be driven at variable rates and may be reversibly driven. The provisions of two upper flails enables a reduced rotational speed of the flails which enhances flail life.

Abstract: An attachment configured and arranged for mounting onto the end of an articulated boom. The attachment preferably includes a grapple for handling and positioning whole logs under the articulated boom. A splitter blade extending from the structure is manipulated to engage and split the logs as the boom of the machine is retracted toward the machine through articulation.

Abstract: A debarking/delimbing apparatus and method wherein the apparatus is provided with a side loading entry into the debarking/delimbing flails. A pivotal ramp guides tree stems into and through the side entry. With the ramp in a lowered position a skidder-type stem hauler directs the tree stem bundle to be ramped upwardly into the side entry. With the ramp in a raised position a boom mounted grapple directs the tree stem bundle to be ramped downwardly into the side entry.

Abstract: A debarking/delimbing apparatus and method wherein logs are continuously handled by a stem hauling skidder continuously throughout the debarking/delimbing operation. The debarking/delimbing apparatus is provided with a side loading entry into the debarking/delimbing flails including a ramp or feed rollers for lateral ramping or feeding of tree stems up and through the side entry. A skidder-type stem hauler skids the tree stems toward the infeed entry, then tightly swings around the apparatus. The tree stems are swung out to the side of the apparatus and then back into the ramp to be ramped laterally into the flails. The skidder turns back to the infeed direction of travel to pull the tree stems in the conventional direction through the flails.