Abstract: A timber-working head is configured to hold a felled tree and to feed the felled tree. The timber-working head comprises a frame and a delimb knife module mounted to the frame and configured to delimb the felled tree when the felled tree is fed past the delimb knife module. The delimb knife module has a central blade, a pivotable first side blade, and a pivotable second side blade.

Abstract: The track tension of a tracked vehicle is actively controlled by a track tensioner system that is positioned behind or within an idler wheel of a tracked vehicle. The system employs no exposed hydraulic line and is operable to default to a passive tensioning mode in the event of a system failure. The hydraulic circuit of the track tensioner system is powered by the rotation of the idler wheel inside which the system resides.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for trimming pine trees. The device comprises an enclosure having a pair of cutter heads mounted thereon each cutter head a pair of jaws having cutting blades thereon which jaws surround the trunk of the pine tree and then delimb the pine tree as the enclosure is moved up and down the pine tree by being placed on the front of a motorized skid steer loader/lift. The enclosure contains an air compressor driven by an internal combustion engine which supplies air for conveyance to air cylinders operated by a solenoid which cause the cutter head blades to operate. The enclosure can be moved about easily and conveniently by being mounted on the front of the motorized lift such as a caterpillar or forklift-type device.

Abstract: A harvester apparatus (100) equipped in a work vehicle and capable of at least cutting down, pruning, and cross-cutting wood, the harvester apparatus being configured to include a gripping claw (116) that can hold the wood by opening and closing in the thickness direction of the wood, a chain saw (120) capable of cutting the wood held with the gripping claw (116), a pruner (110) for pruning the wood arranged at a different position in the lengthwise direction of the gripped wood relative to the gripping claw (116), a slide frame (105) that can change the lengthwise distance between the pruner (110) and the gripping claw (116), and a sensor (130) for detecting the slide amount of the slide frame (105).

Abstract: A pruning assembly (10) including an elongate supporting body (not shown), right (11) and left (12) jaw members hinged together and movable along the supporting body and each having three sets of blade members (31) mounted on actuator means (16) and alternatively displaced above and below a plane to form two staggered rows of three bores each, the actuator means (16) adapted to maintain the clearance between the trunk and each set of blade members (31).

Abstract: A tree harvesting apparatus and method is particularly adapted for use in crowded housing and industrial areas where there is concern for relatively heavy cut tree portions causing damage when allowed to free fall to the ground. The tree harvesting apparatus and method enables a cut portion of a tree such as a tree top to be weighed after being cut but before it is lowered or allowed to free fall to the ground dependent on its weight. A camera mounted on the harvesting apparatus enables the cutting and weighing operation to be observed by an operator on the ground. The tree harvesting apparatus mounts on the outer end of a boom which in turn mounts on a turntable which can rotate 360°, thus making the apparatus and method useful for harvesting a plurality of trees from one location of the apparatus.

Abstract: A log delimbing processor includes two pairs of grapples for holding workpieces for translation along their length so as to engage delimbing knives. The workpieces are urged by a pair of driven wheels on opposite sides of the workpieces, by a driven upper roller mounted to a backbone of the processor, and by a driven lower roller mounted on the end of an articulated arm which is actuated to tuck up under the workpieces held in the grapples so that the workpieces are engaged and driven from all sides. A swing out saw on one end of the processor provides for delimbing large forked branches.

Abstract: In a method, when using a single-grip harvester head for felling and processing trees, of controlling the press power which, by means of a limbing knife assembly (6), is exerted on a stem (3) which is horizontally fed through th head with its butt end first, the diameter of the stem is measured and the press power is reduced in accordance with a control diagram as the diameter decreases during the feeding. The measured diameter values are registered, and each measured diameter value is compared with a predetermined diameter value which is selected from the diameter values of the stem (3) which are previously registered during the feeding of the stem. If a measured diameter value is found to equal or be greater than this predetermined diameter value, the press power is increased to a corrective power value, which is maintained until a later measured diameter value falls below a reference value.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a grapple harvester which is equipped with a felling and cutting device (14), a feeder (12) and delimbing devices (9, 10, 11, 13). The grapple harvester according to the invention is equipped with a bulk handling device (4) which is arranged to grip together several trees, which are usually gathered one by one and, preferably, whilst in the vertical position, for cutting by the grapple harvester.

Abstract: The innovation concerns a wood harvesting method and a harvester head. The method is used to harvest all sizes of trees without to take the harvester to the site more than once. The method consists of placing the harvester head against the first tree, closing all grapples around the tree, cutting the tree with the cutting device, lifting the cut tree a little by holding it with the grapples fastened to the telescopic boom and using the stroke cylinder to move the telescopic boom in relation to the main body, moving to the next tree, opening the rigid grapples and holding the first tree in an upright position with the articulated grapples, closing the rigid grapples around the tree, opening the articulated grapples, so that their turning tips slide away from between the trees, closing the articulated grapples around all the trees, cutting the tree with the cutting device, and continuing the work in the above described order by collecting more trees and cutting them, until the grapples are full.

Abstract: The invention relates to a delimbing apparatus for processing elongated pieces, particular tree trunks (S), which apparatus (1) comprises a frame structure (2) to be suspended at the end of a boom assembly in a working machine, at least one means, articulated in relation to said frame structure, for processing the trunk (S), and actuators (31a, 31c, 51a, 51b) for controlling the position and force effect (F) of said means. In the invention, said actuators comprise at least one joint (100) driven by a pressurized medium and comprising a joint frame (101), a joint arm (103) swivelled in said joint frame, and a blade structure (105, 106) fitted in said joint, by means of which blade structure the pressure effect of the pressurized medium produces said swivelling.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of processing logs. The apparatus includes a linkage having a boom and a stick. The boom is adapted for attachment to a support platform. A delimbing assembly is connected to the boom, and a loading assembly is connected to the stick. The method includes the steps of picking up a log, delimbing the log, and placing the log into a desired position.

Abstract: A boom assembly for a delimber having an operator boom with first and second ends and a connector boom having first and second ends. Pivot means pivotably connect the second end of the operator boom to the first end of the connector boom, the connector boom aligned with the operator boom. A delimber boom, having a delimbing head at one end, is mounted near the one end to the connector boom at its second end. The delimber boom extends rearwardly from the connector boom and at a slight angle, when the boom assembly is viewed from above, to the connector boom. The delimbing head is mounted on the bottom of the delimber boom and the boom assembly includes at least two butt plates, each movably mounted on the bottom of the delimber boom. The butt plates are spaced apart longitudinally and spaced from the delimbing head toward the other end of the delimber boom.

Abstract: A push-through delimber device having a frame, a blade lattice, a trough, a throat and a saw so that trees can be topped and delimbed in the throat and pushed through the delimbing blade lattice to further delimb the trees. The delimber device can also include pivoting arcuate blades for delimbing trees.

Abstract: A push-through delimber device having a frame, a blade lattice, a trough, a throat and a saw so that trees can be topped and delimbed in the throat and pushed through the delimbing blade lattice to further delimb the trees.

Abstract: A tree delimber including a track, a gripping assembly for gripping the butt end of a tree, and a delimbing assembly movably coupled to the track and includes a delimbing blade and a guide for funneling the tree into the delimbing blade.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) having special application for gripping and cutting tree limbs around utility lines includes a tubular insert (18) slideably received in the free end of a tubular boom (12). A plate (28) is pivoted about a first pivot axis relative to the insert (18) by a linearly extendable actuator (36) mounted within the insert (18) and mounts a first rotary actuator (38). A second rotary actuator (58) is mounted to a U-shaped mount (48) which is pivoted about a second pivot axis to the first rotary actuator (38) and rotates a working head (96) 360° about a third pivot axis. Gripping arms (78) are fixed to shafts (74) rotatably mounted in the working head (96) about axes perpendicular to the third axis, with the shafts (74) being rotated by a single linearly extendable actuator (82) extending between crank arms (80) fixed to the shafts (74). The crank arms (80) abut with an abutment (84) to prevent only one set of gripping arms (78) from moving.

Abstract: A push-through delimber device having a frame, a blade lattice, a trough, a throat and a saw so that trees can be topped and delimbed in the throat and pushed through the delimbing blade lattice to further delimb the trees. The delimber device can also include pivoting arcuate blades for delimbing trees.

Abstract: In the operation of wood cutting machines such as delimbing machines which use chain saw cutting devices, it is common to either position the lubricating oil reservoir above the chain saw cutting device to create a gravity-fed system or couple a pump apparatus to the chain saw cutting device. Both arrangements may limit the flexibility of placement of the components comprising the lubrication system. The present invention provides a lubrication system for a wood cutting machine in which a receptacle receives lubricating fluid from the reservoir by use of a source of supply pressure within the receptacle. A source of discharge pressure operates on the receptacle to transport the lubrication fluid to the cutting chain device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in a delimbing device (1), which delimbing device (1) comprises a frame structure (2), at least one supporting means (3a, 3b, 3c) attached in the frame structure (2) in a movable (5a, 5b, 5c) manner to support the tree-truck (S) and to exert a first force effect (F0) on the tree-trunk (S), actuator means (9) to control the position of the supporting means (3a, 3b, 3c) to maintain the first force effect (F0) exerted by the supporting means (3a, 3b, 3c) on the tree-trunk (S). In the method the second force effect (F) exerted by the tree-trunk (S) to the frame structure (2) is measured with sensor means (12) arranged in connection with the frame structure (2) and to change the second force effect (F), the first force effect (F0) is adjusted by utilizing the information obtained from the measurement.

Abstract: In a control method of a tree harvesting machine, the tree harvesting machine comprises a tree-supporting part (1) with a feeding means (2) for feeding the tree in its longitudinal direction and a cross-cutting saw (5) for cutting the tree at selected locations. The part (1) is supported by a boom assembly (6) or the like. At the moment of action of the cross-cutting saw (5), the tree-supporting part (1) is moved by means of the control automatics of the tree harvesting machine in such a way that the force caused by the weight of the tree, tending to bend the tree at the cutting point and thereby tending to cleave the tree, is compensated at least partly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a timber harvester (10), which includes two opposing jointed feed devices (14), stripping blades (15), and a cutting device (16). The frame (21) of the feed device (14) is set on articulated arms (13), and in which the feed device (14) in a roller chain (17) of one or more rows of links, set to rotate round a drive cog (24), a turning member (25), and slightly curved slide guides (22, 23).

Abstract: A delimber having a standard carriage and a delimbing boom, the delimbing boom slidably mounted through the carriage. A drive module is detachably connected to the carriage for use in moving the boom relative to the carriage. Two different types of booms and up to three different drive modules, each with a different drive, can be provided. The boom and module selected to give the operating characteristics desired by the operator are connected to the carriage. Drive transfer members, in the form of cable or chain drives, are connected between the selected drive module and the selected boom. The module carries a variable displacement hydraulic motor. The motor is connected by a gear box to the drive transfer member. The variable displacement motor can be used on a delimber that does not employ a detachable drive module. On delimbers using cable drives, at least one end of each cable is connected to the delimber with a hydraulic tensioner.

Abstract: A harvester is provided including a saw situated on a trailer for cutting purposes. A drive assembly is adapted for guiding logs past the saw for cutting the same.

Abstract: A tree processing machine having a boom, a tree processor head carrying tree processing elements, and a rotator rotatably connecting the tree processing head to the end of the boom. The rotator has a casing, that is non-rotatably mounted from the end of the boom, and a support shaft hat is mounted in the casing for rotation about its longitudinal axis relative to the casing and that supports the processor head at its lower end. Rotating means are provided on the rotator for rotating the support shaft relative to the casing. A first set of hydraulic lines extend from the boom to the casing and a second set of hydraulic lines extend from the support shaft to the processor head. Hydraulic flow paths extend through the rotator between the first and second sets of hydraulic lines.

Abstract: A head for harvesting and processing a tree is disclosed with drive rollers which can be pivoted away from the grapple arms to enable the head to select a tree from a group of felled trees for processing when the rollers are pivoted back into place.

Abstract: A combined tree feller processor has a head mounted to a boom with a three-axis coupling. The coupling allows an operator to control the orientation of the head. The head has tree processing means and a continuously rotating high speed saw for cutting trees. While trees are being cut the head is held firmly with respect to rotation about a third generally vertical axis. After a tree has fallen the third axis is in a horizontal position and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head. The head is allowed to float with respect to the third axis as the tree is processed.

Abstract: A tree delimbing device having a self-aligning cutter head for delimbing a tree stem which is mounted on a frame by a rotational and pivotal support. A substantially inelastic flexible member connects the cutter head to the frame to limit movement of the cutter head. A medial portion of the flexible member is connected to a fluid cylinder so as to urge the cutter head toward a centered position. An accumulator may be provided for regulating the pressure of the fluid in the cylinder. The positioning of the fluid cylinder may be adjustable. A tree stem diameter measuring device having a sliding position indicator may also be provided. A tree stem detector may also be included to sense the presence of a tree stem placed within the cutter head for automatically closing and opening the blades around the stem. A removable mount for the cutter head is also included.

Abstract: A side saw assembly for a tree processing apparatus. The side saw assembly is rotatably and pivotally attached to a mounting platform on a trailer such that the side saw assembly is selectively movable between a transport position, resting on top of the trailer, and ground positions, resting on the ground adjacent either side of the trailer. A connecting arm is pivotally attached at one end to a swivel mount, which is affixed to a side saw assembly. At its other end, the connecting arm is pivotally attached to a swivel mount affixed to the mounting platform. A lift handle is attached to the side saw assembly such that it may be grasped by the grapple of a knuckle boom loader to move the side saw assembly from the transport position to the ground position on one side of the trailer or the other.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a tree processor attachment for optionally mounting transversely on a forward section of the log carrying portion of a log porter, so that a log porter may advantageously be used to process felled trees, and to carry logs therefrom to a forest road. The tree processor attachment comprises a tree trunk holding and severing portion and a tree trunk advancing and delimbing portion having a pair of tree trunk delimbing jaws. The tree trunk advancing and delimbing portion is telescopically mounted in the tree trunk holding and severing portion, and is movable back and forth a pair of tree trunk holding jaws. The tree trunk advancing and delimbing portion is timely operable in association with the tree trunk holding jaws for moving a tree trunk in successive unidirectional movements toward a tree trunk severing saw. The tree holding and severing portion of the tree processor attachment is rotatable within a sway angle about a swivel member on a mounting base thereof.

Abstract: A method of growing mushrooms in which at least one live tree is cut to form a living bottom tree portion having a mushroom growing surface. The live bottom tree portion is inoculated with mushroom spawn and watered to promote decay of the live bottom tree portion at the mushroom growing surface and promote the growing of mushrooms from the mushroom spawn at the mushroom growing surface.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit for uniform controlled movement of stripping and guiding arms in a tree delimbing apparatus. The piston rods of said cylinders are mechanically coupled to rotate tubular sleeve members with affixed stripping and guide arms between outward and inward positions. The stripping levers and guide arms open and close about a felled tree in a uniform manner for delimbing operations. A valve is provided for actuation to permit the guiding arms to be held in an open position, while the stripping arms are closed about a tree to accommodate a bent trunk.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for delimbing tree limbs of a felled tree including housing structure constructed and arranged to be movable to a tree processing location. Support and feeding structure is constructed and arranged with respect to the housing structure to support a stem portion of the tree while a limb thereof is severed and to move the stem portion progressively through the housing structure. Blade structure is mounted on the housing structure and is constructed and arranged to move into engagement with a limb. Impact hammer structure is operatively coupled to the blade structure such that successive impacts generated by the impact hammer structure on the blade structure move the blade structure progressively thorough a limb.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting and pruning trees is attachable to the end of the outermost boom arm of a vehicle mounted boom assembly. The apparatus includes a grapple and saw assembly comprising a grapple and saw assembly frame having a grapple is mounted thereon. A first positioning hydraulic motor is interconnected with the grapple and saw assembly to the outermost boom arm for pivoting the grapple and saw assembly about a first axis. A second positioning hydraulic motor is disposed between and interconnected with the grapple and saw assembly and first positioning motor for pivoting the grapple and saw assembly through an arc of 360.degree. about an axis disposed substantially normal to said first pivotal axis. A saw assembly is mounted on the grapple and saw assembly frame by a third positioning hydraulic motor for pivoting the saw assembly through an arc of 360.degree. about an axis disposed substantially normal to said first and second pivotal axes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement in a felling and delimbing apparatus having a head for felling and delimbing trees; a frame, at least two grasping jaws and, delimbing knives mounted on said frame and/or on said grasping jaws, and first/and second cutters for cutting the trunk of a tree, a platform which is pivotally mounted on a frame of the vehicule for movement around a vertical pivoting axis; a first and second booms pivotally connected together by a first pivot defining a substantially horizontal pivoting axis, the first boom being also pivotally connected with the platform by a second pivot defining a substantially horizontal pivoting axis, the second boom being also pivotally connected with a first supporting member by a third, pivot defining a substantially horizontal pivoting axis; the frame of the head and the first supporting member are pivotally connected together by a fourth pivot defining a pivoting axis that is substantially not parallel with aforesaid horizontal axis, that means are pro

Abstract: A continuous chain saw lubricating system employed in a tree delimbing and topping machine having a plurality of lubricant conduits connected to a piston cylinder which is divided into co-functioning and alternating receiving and discharge chambers by a piston. The designation of the chambers is dependent upon the direction of axial movement of the piston. The discharge chamber is defined by a pressure increase and the receiving chamber is defined by a pressure decrease. The pressure variations are such as to allow lubricant to be either drawn into the receiving chamber or discharged from the discharge chamber through a series of check valves connected to the piston cylinder. The piston is reciprocated by the tree delimbing and topping machine causing lubricant to be continuously supplied to the reciprocating chain saw during its cutting and retraction strokes.

Abstract: A timber harvester disclosed includes a frame (1), two feed tracks (5) jointed opposite one another, a front stripping blade (20), and a rear stripping blade (16). A frame (4) of the feed track (5) is carried on jointed trapezoid arms (2,3). A rear stripping blade (16) is located on the frame (4) of one of the feed tracks (5) and is jointed essentially on the line of the compressive force between the feed track (5) and a tree (7), when seen from the direction of the timber feed.

Abstract: A fluid spraying saw bar, and a chain sawing apparatus, such as a tree harvester, having such a saw bar are provided for selectively applying a predetermined fluid pattern of urea on a tree stump during felling, and of paint on a log end during bucking. A bar member supports an endless saw chain and has an elongate chamber therein to receive pressurized fluid from a harvester reservoir. Plural fluid emitting holes extend from the chamber to at least one side surface of the bar member. A tubular or a dual valve plate flow controller is slidably received in the chamber operatively engaged by a harvester actuator to control flow through the fluid emitting holes. For a rot-preventing urea spray, the pattern is adjusted for logs of varying diameter. For a marking spray, a striping spray pattern is selected in response to a harvester computer generated signal to indicate log length, diameter, mill designators, and the like.

Abstract: A boom mountable tree processing head that incorporates a number of improvements, one of which is the ability to process more than one tree at a time. To do this, there is an accumulator type grapple arrangement and/or the trees are longitudinally offset for processing so that their diameters are essentially the same where they are gripped by the tree feed means. The accumulator grapple disclosed has two sets of grapples spaced apart from one another longitudinally along the processor with the arms of one grapple set being longer than that of the other. The grapple with the shorter arms also serves to press the tree against an improved endless conveyor type drive that propels the trees endwise for processing. Another improvement is the endless drive that includes two spaced apart driven endless chains located respectively on opposite sides of the feed path and interconnected by a plurality of somewhat resiliently flexible shoes. The processing head is hydraulically operated.

Abstract: Tree processing apparatus having a knuckle boom mounted at one end on a vehicle. A stick boom is pivotally mounted at one end onto the knuckle boom near its other end. The other end of the stick boom projects past the other end of the knuckle boom and a tree processing head is suspended from the other end of the stick boom. The stick boom can be pivoted up from the knuckle boom raising the processing head above the other end of the knuckle boom and thereby permitting the other end of the knuckle boom to be planted on the ground to allow the knuckle boom to act as a lever to help free the vehicle if it becomes stuck.The vehicle carries a tubular member for passively supporting the butt end portion of a tree to be processed by the processing head.

Abstract: The invention concerns a forest harvester suspended pivotally at the end of a crane jib (1) and rotatable around its shaft of suspension for felling of a tree trunk and for trimming and possible cutting-off of the tree trunk in the horizontal position. The harvester comprises a suspension arm (3) shaped substantially as an inverted L and a processor unit (4) mounted pivotally at the lower end of the arm, the side of the processor unit (4) placed facing away from the suspension arm (3) being provided with a cross-cutting member (6), with two groups of trimming members (7,8) placed at a distance from one another, and with at least two drive rolls (9, 10) jointly operative with each other, with variable mutual spacing, and mounted between said groups of trimming members.

Abstract: An apparatus for cross-cutting a treetrunk comprises gripping members which embrace the treetrunk, a feeding mechanism for moving the treetrunk in its longitudinal direction, and a saw which moves transversely to the longitudinal direction and cuts the treetrunk into predetermined lengths. One of the gripping members includes a rotatable guide roller having peripherally spaced apart teeth which engage the treetrunk. The apparatus also comprises a displacement pickup unit which ensures that the treetrunk is cut to a predetermined length. The displacement pickup unit is connected to the guide roller and detects the number of rotations of the guide roller, thereby detecting the longitudinal displacement of the treetrunk. The displacement pickup unit is located within the gripping member so that it is shielded from outside influences.

Abstract: An assembly for use with tree logging or cutting machines of the loader, forwarder type, etc., which are provided with a crane. The assembly is intended to be mounted on the boom or jib of the crane and includes a gripper (10;76) for gripping around a tree trunk during tree felling, delimbing and loading operation. A saw (24;78) is provided for felling the tree and slashing the trunk to length. Delimbing tool (40;80) having knives (44;46;50) which embrace the tree and delimb the same. The delimbing tool and the gripper (10;76) are movable relative to each other so as to delimb the tree and to move the trunk.

Abstract: The stacker comprises a receiving bin adapted to position bolts close to the ground in an orientation that is perpendicular to the direction of advance of the stacker. The bin has side walls that closely confine the two ends of the bolts. A reciprocating plunger at the base of the bin biases the bolts rearwardly through an aperture into a stacking bin that trails the receiving bin. The stacking bin is open at the rear and at the bottom. Its parallel side walls closely confine the ends of the bolts collecting therein. The bolts biased rearwardly by the plunger are forced into the base of the stack in the stacking bin. The combination of the resistance of the ground-engaging stack, the confinement by the side walls, and the forced introduction of bolts into the base of the stack, induces a "boiling up" action of the bolts at the front end of the stack whereby they self-align themselves into a parallel state. When the bins are moved ahead, they leave behind an elongated stack of bolts.

Abstract: The apparatus for removing branches from and for crosscutting treetrunks comprises a frame, which is adapted to be suspended from a lifting tackle and is provided with grippers for engaging the treetrunk from below, with a longitudinal feeding device for moving the treetrunk in its longitudinal direction, with branch-removing tools, which are spaced around the treetrunk, and with a crosscutting tool, which is movable transversely to the direction of the longitudinal feed movement and preferably consists of a circular saw. In order to increase in a simple manner the field of application of the crosscutting tool, the frame is provided not only with the longitudinal feeding device but also with a rotating device for a rotary feeding of the treetrunk.

Abstract: A wheeled trailer provides carriage for a delimbing member having associated means to move a log therethrough and a cutoff member to cut delimbed logs to merchandizable lengths. The vehicle is propelled by a separate tractor and logs are presented to and removed from the mechanism by separate log handling devices. The vehicle is of small simple, rugged, durable nature to accommodate Western logging on rough and rugged terrain. The delimbing and cutoff members are pivotally mounted on the vehicle, and pivotally interconnected to each other to require parallel orientation so that delimbed logs are cut to length substantially perpendicularly to their axis. Log cutting is accomplished by a chain-type saw.

Abstract: A wood processor for felling, delimbing and cutting tree-trunks includes a system of arms containing at least two beams (10, 12) mutually movable in the longitudinal direction, one in the other. The wood processor also includes a unit composed of a delimbing head (13) and a felling head (14) attached to one end of the arm system. At its other end, the arm system is attached to a vehicle, for example a wood tractor, and is arranged substantially horizontally. The whole unit (13, 14) is pivotable about a turning point (25) at one end of the arm system. The delimbing head (13) is attached to the inner beam of the beams (12) in the arm system and the felling head (14) is attached to the outer beam of the beams (10) in the arm system, so that the delimbing head (13) is movably arranged in the longitudinal direction of the beams (10, 12) in relation to the felling head (14).

Abstract: A tree harvester (3) is mounted on the front end of a steerable self-propelled vehicle (2) in line with the vehicle's longitudinal axis (8). The harvester frame (11) is pivotable about a longitudinal axis (13). A telescoping boom (15) having a plurality of grab jaws (24, 25) at one end is mounted on the frame for pivoting between a vertical and horizontal transverse position. Delimbing jaws (30, 31) are fixedly mounted to the frame. When the boom is vertical and retracted, the jaws are in line and form a pocket (36) which faces transversely so that the harvester can be steered sideways into the tree for grabbing and cutting off ahead of the vehicle. The harvester is then pivoted so that the boom and cut tree are disposed horizontally transversely and above the ground ahead of one side of the device. The boom is then extended so that the grab jaws thereon pull the cut tree trunk through the delimbing jaws.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method of tree harvesting which in its simplest form provides for a method of delimbing the branches of a standing tree, which delimbed tree may be sheared off from its base and positioned in a stack for collection.There is provided an apparatus for attachment to a prime mover vehicle including a support means, and a head member. The head member may be positioned about an upper portion of a standing tree, and in one preferred embodiment, the top may be sheared off by shearing means. The head member may provide delimbing means, the arrangement being such that the support for the support member is releasable so that the head member may move down the tree to its base, during which movement it delimbs the tree, and wherein the delimbed tree may then be clamped by said head member, sheared off and then positioned where required.

Abstract: A pulpwood harvesting system for cutting and transporting trees upon a fragile terrain so as to have a dispersed and minimal impact on the terrain. A rail network is supported above the surface of the terrain upon spaced vertical pilings. Trees are cut and reduced to bulk by a mobile tree harvester and transported to the rail network by a mobile forwarder. The tree harvester and forwarder move upon tracks or other means to disperse their weight. The rail network is progressively installed by a mobile rail layer supported upon previously installed rails. Automated lorries receive the bulk pulpwood and transport it upon the rail network to a distant unloading site.