Abstract: A sod harvester cuts several side-by-side strips of sod, preferably of total width equal to the width of a pallet, and directs the strips up three sets of conveyors arranged in sequence. The first conveyor set runs at or near ground speed; the second conveyor set runs at about double ground speed, and the third conveyor set runs at about triple ground speed. This creates a spatial and time gap between the trailing edges of a set of sod strips on the third conveyor and the leading edges of the next set of sod strips behind them on the second conveyor. The time gap is sufficient to stop the sod strips on the third conveyor and then pick them up and stack them on a pallet.

Abstract: A machine to facilitate sod laying, having a pair of tracks spaced apart to define an open-ended space between them, with a low platform over each track and a forklift supporting a pallet load of sod or other materials located in the space between the tracks. Persons laying sod can stand on the platforms and can without obstruction place sod or other materials from the pallet on the forklift onto the ground. The forklift carriage has wheels which are guided by a pair of channels having downwardly and rearwardly extending lower portions, so that when the wheels enter the lower portions, the fork tines will be tilted downwardly and forwardly without needing a costly tilt cylinder.

Abstract: A temporary sod roll storage device for a sod harvester. The storage device has a conveyor which can have two laterally spaced belts joined by cross members to define pockets through which the bottoms of the sod rolls can protrude. Alternatively, the conveyor can have a central belt between the two side belts, preventing the bottom of the sod roll from extending below the conveyor. Support members extending partly or fully across the side belts or across all three belts then form built-up pockets on the upper surface of the conveyor to retain stably the sod rolls.

Abstract: A sod pick-up mechanism for a sod harvester has in one embodiment a set of hooks mounted on rotatable shafts. The hooks can be rotated through a grid into sod rolls or sod slabs located below the grid, to penetrate the sod rolls or slabs and pin them to the underside of the grid, after which the set of rolls or slabs thus retained can be moved to an appropriate stacking location such as a pallet. In another embodiment arms press against the ends of the sod rolls exerting pressure on them to retain them for pick up. If desired, the sod rolls can be arranged e.g., in sets of three, end-to-end, in the form of an arch to prevent the middle roll from dropping out. Pins which penetrate the sod rolls can be used to help retain the sod rolls while they are being moved.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for lifting sod, in which grass blades of the sod are inserted between one or more clamps. The clamps are closed to grip the grass blades and the clamps are then moved, with the sod suspended therefrom, to a desired location. The clamps can if desired also grip the thatch, and/or a portion of the soil, of the sod slab.