Abstract: A stump cutter controller and operator presence system includes one or more capacitive sensors in each of the three control levers that control movement of the cutter wheel. A sensor circuit measures changes in the capacitance of the sensors. The controller automatically disengages a drive clutch and applies a brake to the cutter wheel when the controller senses that an operator has left the operating station—which is assumed when the operator has not touched any one of the three control levers of the operator station for a predetermined time. The controller logic is set to allow the clutch to remain engaged during a delay period, of predetermined duration, to permit the operator to move a hand off of one control lever to another control lever. Also, a grace period, of varying duration based on the speed of the cutter wheel, may be provided during which the clutch is reengaged if an operator returns to the controls.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method that enable the efficient reduction of stumps. In one embodiment the stump removal methods and devices according to the present disclosure allow the operator to have a clear view of the work area during operation, and the ability to move the reduction device through a wide range of motion during operation. In one embodiment, the material reduction tool pivots relative to the chassis in the vertical plane about multiple pivot points. In some embodiments the device includes a retractable auxiliary control panel located at the end of the device opposite the material reduction tool. The control panel enables the operator to direct the movement of the device from the end of the device and thereby enable the device to maneuver through narrow spaces.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a material reduction machine including a clutch configured and arranged to engage and disengage a material reduction tool with an engine based in response to a control unit. The control unit is configured to decelerate the material reduction tool by maintaining the clutch engaged with the engine during an engine speed reduction period. Another embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a method of decelerating a material reduction tool of a material reduction machine. The method includes the steps of maintaining engagement between the material reduction tool and an engine after the engine enters an engine speed reduction mode, and disengaging the material reduction device from the engine before the engine rpm drops below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A stump cutter controller and operator presence system includes one or more capacitive sensors in each of the three control levers that control movement of the cutter wheel. A sensor circuit measures changes in the capacitance of the sensors. The controller automatically disengages a drive clutch and applies a brake to the cutter wheel when the controller senses that an operator has left the operating station—which is assumed when the operator has not touched any one of the three control levers of the operator station for a predetermined time. The controller logic is set to allow the clutch to remain engaged during a delay period, of predetermined duration, to permit the operator to move a hand off of one control lever to another control lever. Also, a grace period, of varying duration based on the speed of the cutter wheel, may be provided during which the clutch is reengaged if an operator returns to the controls.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a material reduction machine including a clutch configured and arranged to engage and disengage a material reduction tool with an engine based in response to a control unit. The control unit is configured to decelerate the material reduction tool by maintaining the clutch engaged with the engine during an engine speed reduction period. Another embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a method of decelerating a material reduction tool of a material reduction machine. The method includes the steps of maintaining engagement between the material reduction tool and an engine after the engine enters an engine speed reduction mode, and disengaging the material reduction device from the engine before the engine rpm drops below a predetermined level.