Abstract: A working machine includes an attachment device, and an attachment device carrying equipment enabling detachment and attachment of the attachment device. The working machine further includes a system for monitoring attachment status of the attachment device, the system including: a sensor configuration arranged and configured to indicate the attachment status of the attachment device, and a control unit configured to monitor the sensor configuration to establish the attachment status of the attachment device, and configured to store location data of the attachment device based on the attachment status of the attachment device. An indication that the attachment device is de-attached from the attachment device carrying equipment determines that the location data of the attachment device is stored.

Abstract: A stalk puller to be used with or without a mower/shredder utilizes a pair of independently mounted discs converging along their lower edge to grasp and pull stalks from the ground as the stalk puller is moved down the row by a prime mover. At least one of the discs is urged against the other by a spring such that the associated disc may allow rocks and debris to pass between the discs without damage. The spring mounting reduces adjustments due to normal wear as well as damage from debris.

Abstract: A digging tool is disclosed. Said digging tool comprising a blade and a frame. Said frame attaches to a two arms of an articulating arm utility vehicle. Said blade comprises a top side, a bottom side, a first side edge, a second side edge, a back side having a point, a front side having a v-cut portion.

Abstract: A tree stump excavation tool for use mounted for rotation from an excavation machine arm has first and second side plates extending from a body and a unitary plate mounted to lower ends of the side plates. The unitary plate has a generally helical profile and defines a blade with multiple, pointed teeth integrally formed along its forward edge. The teeth, disposed for cutting engagement with a substrate of soil and stump roots, are laterally spaced apart along the axis of rotation of the tool and angularly spaced in a direction of substrate ripping motion, wherein the teeth are engaged separately and in sequence for cutting the substrate. An excavation machine with a tree stump excavation tool is also described.

Abstract: A skidsteer loader grubbing attachment capable of removing vegetation by engaging the vegetation below and above ground. The grubbing attachment may include a frame, a pincer mounted to the frame, and a blade attached to the frame below the pincer.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated attachment for a skid loader or the like provides for the easy removal of large trees and the lifting of other heavy objects. The lift attachment includes a frame, a base portion extending forward from the bottom of the frame, a lifter portion hingedly attached to the top of the frame, and a hydraulic cylinder for moving the lifter portion from a down position to a raised position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for removal of root stumps with an excavator, the welding adapter of which has a hook (2,3), that tapers on one side to a sharp edge (4) over the length of said hook. The hook is used for slicing the material of the root stump.

Abstract: A plant transplanting apparatus includes a pair of hand spade assemblies each having a post with a top end and a bottom end and a blade that has a top edge and a bottom edge. The top edge is attached to the bottom end of the post and a grip is attached to the top end of the post. A coupling assembly releasably couples the hand spade assemblies together. The coupling assembly engages the posts to allow the first sides of the blades to be pivoted toward or away from each other. The coupling assembly is adjustable to allow a space between the spade assemblies to be selectively adjusted. The blades are extended into soil on either side of a plant and the blades are pivoted toward each other to lift the plant from the soil to allow the plant to be transplanted.

Abstract: Disclosed are an optical system and method for centering a tree within a tree spade apparatus that is mounted to a vehicle. Typically, the center point of the tree spade is difficult to align with the axis of the trunk of the tree. The present embodiments describe a projected pattern of light incident upon the tree trunk that assists the operator of the tree spade in centering the spade around the tree without additional assistance.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting plant species of varying heights and varying diameters adapted to be mounted on a conventional land vehicle includes a frame and an extracting member rigidly attached to and extends outwardly from a bottom edge of the frame. The extracting member includes a first elongated extracting portion having a knife-like free end, a pair of second extracting portions each positioned adjacent a respective edge of the first elongated extracting portion and having a cutting edge formed generally perpendicular to the respective edge of the first elongated extracting portion, and a pair of third extracting portions each connecting an end of the cutting edge of the second extracting portion with a respective end of the bottom edge of the frame. A pair of elongated member are attached to the rear surface of the frame for attaching it to the land vehicle.

Abstract: The invention comprises a radio controlled tree planter. The planter has four hydraulically controlled tree spades mounted on vehicle, with hydraulic cylinders to position the spades in a storage, position, a vertical digging position, and a actual digging action. A tv size radio transmitter has button controls for transmitting radio signals to a radio receiver mounted on the planter, which receiver in turn transmits signals to solenoids operating the hydraulic cylinders to thereby control the movement of the spades in the three positions of its operation to thereby control the digging operations of the spades within the range of the receiver from a remote location.

Abstract: A tree spade (40) that is mounted on an all terrain vehicle (12) is disclosed. The tree spade (40) includes a support frame (48) that is able to pivot relative to the all terrain vehicle (12) between a transport position and an operational position. A blade frame (70) is mounted on and movable relative to the support frame (48). At least two blade assemblies (85) are mounted to the blade frame (70) for digging holes, lifting a tree and a corresponding dirt core, and supporting the same during transport. A pulley system (110) is interconnected with each of the all terrain vehicle (12), the support frame (48), and the blade frame (70) such that operation of a single actuator (74) moves the blade frame (70) along a column (54) of the support frame (48) and also pivots the support frame (48) relative to the all terrain vehicle (12).

Abstract: An excavator stump shearing device which is characterized by a blade assembly carried by various mount devices for attachment to an excavator bucket or to an excavator boom or bucket arm. In a first preferred embodiment the blade assembly is fixed to a blade mount drum which is removably gripped by the bucket and thumb of an excavator bucket to position the blade elements of the blade assembly for shearing a stump. In other embodiments the blade assembly mount devices are characterized by mount blocks, various blade mount boxes, a bucket tooth and tooth mount assembly and a bucket-engaging pad apparatus. The blade elements of the blade assembly include a bevelled shearing blade and a companion transverse wedge or stinger blade for engaging, splitting and shearing a stump responsive to operation of the excavator boom or arm and in some embodiments, the excavator bucket.

Abstract: A wood splitting grappler is provided which may grab debris, split debris and move the debris to a desired location such as a materials reducing machine for further processing or disposition.

Abstract: A stump cutter configured for improved stability includes a frame structure, an engine, a boom with a proximal end and distal end, and a grinding wheel rotatably mounted to the distal end of the boom. The boom is pivotally mounted to the frame structure at its proximal end typically by means of a turntable, hydraulic actuators and ears. Preferably, the engine is pivotally mounted between the ears about a generally horizontal axis so that the engine is generally weight-balanced during pivoting. The horizontal axis preferably passes through or adjacent the engine's center of mass.

Abstract: A tree and stump remover, suitable for use on skid-steer or similar vehicles, has a coupling operative with standard bucket mounts. Forward and generally centrally protruding from the coupling is a knife with teeth, serrations, or hooks. In alternative embodiments, the teeth, serrations, or hooks may move relative to each other, or be fixedly mounted. Knife support plates extend the width of the apparatus, and are provided for engagement with the base of a tree. In one preferred embodiment, additional smaller spikes extend adjacent to and spaced from the knife, which further facilitate cutting roots and toppling a tree in a single movement. A process of removing trees and stumps using the preferred apparatus includes cutting the roots extending away from the stump or tree from at least a first side, lifting or toppling the remaining root bundle, and shaking or piercing the root bundle to release dirt retained therein.

Abstract: A novel lifting tool for lifting rooted trees and the like from the ground. There is: at least one main boom; at least one outrigger coupled to a first end of the main boom; at least one mounting member coupled to a second end of the main boom, the mounting member adapted to couple the main boom to a lifting force machine; and at least one set of tongs coupled to the main boom, the tongs adapted to clamp a tree or the like to be lifted around at least a portion of the periphery of the tree or the like, and lift the tree or the like when the main boom is lifted. The tongs are located along the main boom at a position to multiply the force input by the lifting force machine. In the preferred embodiment, the lifting force machine is subsumed by a skid loader.

Abstract: The digging attachment for skid loaders is a digging device for removing trees, bushes, and other plants. The universal digging attachment may also be used for other purposes, such as making trenches, digging post holes, and the like. The device comprises a spade blade at the end of an elongate boom. A frame, which has a rear face and a front face, has an attachment plate attached to the front face. The boom is rigidly to a lower central region of the attachment plate so that the spade extends away from the attachment plate. When the digging attachment is attached to the skid loader, an operator of the skid loader can manipulate the digging attachment to dig into soil and remove a plant from the soil in the vicinity of the plant with a minimal amount of disruption to the soil.

Abstract: A cutting machine and a method of using the cutting machine includes a cutting apparatus having a cutting device, a jackshaft sheave, an endless belt and an engine sheave. The cutting machine may have a jackshaft sheave, which is rotatably connected to the cutting instrument with the endless belt disposed about the jackshaft and engine sheaves. An engine includes a flywheel with an interface, which are configured for powering the cutting apparatus. A shaft assembly transfers energy from the flywheel of the engine to the engine sheave. The shaft assembly includes a shaft plate, a stub shaft and a coupling plate. The shaft plate is connected to the coupling plate and defines a shaft aperture with the stub shaft disposed in the shaft aperture. The stub shaft depends from the shaft aperture and is rotatably connected to the engine sheave. The coupling plate includes a coupling rotatably connected to the interface.

Abstract: An automated device for centering a mechanical tree spade provides a sighting device on each blade thereof with a readout adjacent to the operator to determine proper blade placement in order to provide an acceptable root ball for transplanting a tree.

Abstract: A reversing automatic feed assembly for a stump grinder includes at least one sensor adapted to sense excessive load placed on the stump grinder and output a signal thereof. The reversing automatic feed assembly also includes a control system operatively connected to the least one sensor to automatically reverse feed movement of the cutting assembly in response to the signal from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A vertical underground stump grinding apparatus having an elongated stump grinding tool rotatable about a vertical axis with cutting blades on the surface and a drilling end rotatably mounted on a vehicle such as a hydraulic excavator, skid steer loader, self propelled vehicle, or tow behind trailer which provide adequate power to rotate the tool and directional support to provide vertical movement into the ground adjacent the stump, transverse movement underground toward and in grinding engagement with the sides of the stump and removal by lifting out of the ground after the stump is ground away.

Abstract: A device serves for transplanting trees or shrubs. The device comprises a carrier that is capable of encircling the tree or the shrub. Circularly arced slideways are supported on the carrier, and spades are adjustably supported along the slideways. The spades can be adjusted from a digging position, in which they encircle the tree or shrub, to a transport position, in which they substantially complement each other to form a bowl. So that the spades can be easily adjusted, the slideways are accommodated in guide boxes. The guide boxes are supported on the carrier so that they can be adjusted independently of each other.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for keeping root-balled trees and soil bonded together while transporting the like within a tree spade, by encompassing in a retainer shell (11) the complete ground digging portion of the blades of a tree spade, further including a removable bottom lid (13) as means to seal the remaining bottom opening (20) which coincides with the open bottom digging portion of a tree spades extended blades (32). A plurality of couplers (17) are mounted for pivotal movement on lift tabs (12) which allow for coupling and uncoupling the entire apparatus (10) to a tree spade (30).

Abstract: A vertical underground stump grinding apparatus having an elongated stump grinding tool rotatable about a vertical axis with cutting blades on the surface and a drilling end rotatably mounted on a vehicle such as a hydraulic excavator, skid steer loader, self propelled vehicle, or tow behind trailer which provide adequate power to rotate the tool and directional support to provide vertical movement into the ground adjacent the stump, transverse movement underground toward and in grinding engagement with the sides of the stump and removal by lifting out of the ground after the stump is ground away.

Abstract: A rock and root puller connected to a three point hitch assembly and used for extracting rocks, stumps roots and other impediments at or below ground level having a fixed frame assembly and an articualted frame assembly both bivotally connected together and the articulated frame assembly moving along a vertical plane relative to the fixed frame assembly when actuated by a hydraulic piston; a set of braces bracing both ends of the piston and forming a piston frame assembly; a three point hitch brace securing the three point hitch assembly; a straight edge situated underneath the articulated frame assembly.

Abstract: A vertical underground stump grinding apparatus having an elongated stump grinding tool rotatable about a vertical axis with cutting blades on the surface and a drilling end rotatably mounted on a vehicle such as a hydraulic excavator or skid steer loader which provide adequate power to rotate the tool and directional support to provide vertical movement into the ground adjacent the stump, transverse movement underground toward and in grinding engaged with the sides of the stump and removal by lifting out of the ground after the stump is ground away.

Abstract: A vertical underground stump grinding apparatus having an elongated stump grinding tool rotatable about a vertical axis with cutting blades on the surface and a drilling end rotatably mounted on a vehicle such as a hydraulic excavator or skid steer loader which provide adequate power to rotate the tool and directional support to provide vertical movement into the ground adjacent the stump, transverse movement underground toward and in grinding engaged with the sides of the stump and removal by lifting out of the ground after the stump is ground away.

Abstract: A tree spade system for providing a vehicle-mounted system capable of excavating large and heavy plants and transporting them while locking the system into place to prevent damage to the vehicle and plant The tree spade system includes a vehicle with a tilting mechanism, lifting mechanism and digging apparatus. The digging apparatus utilizes dual hydraulic cylinders to draw the digging blades into the soil surrounding the plant to be removed and transported. The digging apparatus is designed with the lowest profile possible to minimize the removal of lower branches from the plant to be transported. When the digging apparatus is lifted and tilted back upon the vehicle the system has a unique locking mechanism for holding the digging apparatus into place.

Abstract: A mobile silvicultural apparatus for use in a land of trees comprising mature trees and immature trees. The apparatus includes a steerable wheeled support frame, an articulated boom, a motor system, and a control system. The steerable wheeled support frame has a horizontally extending ground-clearing section, and first and second opposite vertical side sections. The ground-clearing and side sections define a tunnel-shaped passage through which the immature trees are allowed to pass as the support frame travels thereover. The articulated boom is mounted to the support frame for selectively manipulating the mature trees. The motor system is used for imparting motion to the support frame and the control system is used for controlling the steerable support frame, the motor system, and the articulated boom.

Abstract: A rotary tree cutter attachment for a tractor includes a cutting assembly having a circular blade with a serrated outer edge, and a motor for rotatably driving the blade. A frame assembly for the tree cutter includes a first portion attached to the tractor frame, and a second portion extending perpendicular to the first portion and providing an offset mounting location outside a wheel path of the tractor. A pivot arm is pivotally connected to the offset mounting location for rotation about an axis transverse to the tractor's direction of travel. The pivot arm supports the cutting assembly and is movable about the transverse axis between a lowered position in which the cutting edge of the circular blade is generally horizontal and at ground level for cutting, and a raised position in which the cutting edge of the circular blade is elevated above ground level for traveling.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device which is useful in removing trees, stumps, and the like from various landscapes. A device according to the invention may be attached to existing earthmoving equipment, preferably in the place of a conventional bucket used on a track driven or tractor mounted backhoe attachment or other functional portion of a hydraulic excavator that is adapted to receive a bucket. A device according to the present invention may be caused to be operated beneath the surface of the ground, as in cases where it is desired to remove root masses and whole trees, such as mesquite and other species. In an alternate embodiment, a device according to the invention is useful above-ground for grasping small cedar trees and the like by grasping sabres affixed to the device. Methods for the use of such devices are provided.

Abstract: A stump grinding apparatus of the type adapted to be mounted in a frame on the end of a boom is described. The apparatus comprises a grinding wheel mounted between hubs keyed to a shaft that is connected though belts and gears to a source of motive power, such as a diesel engine. A pair of non-adjustable roller bearings are used to provide relative movement of the shaft and grinding wheel in the frame. The apparatus includes means for providing lubrication between relatively moving parts so that the life of the bearings and other component parts can exceed 5000 hours of use without failure. The shaft assembly includes dimensional tolerances that protect the moving parts from the ingress of dirt and other debris. The materials of construction are selected to also enhance trouble-free operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus that lifts, secures, splits and/or crushes tree stumps or other materials, particularly wooden materials and other materials that may be present at an excavation site. The apparatus is characterized in part by a two pivot point design. A first pivot point allows for the pivotable operation of an engaging unit which grabs and lifts the tree stump. The engaging unit further acts a durable and secure support member for the tree stump during the splitting and crushing process. The second pivot point allows for the pivotable operation of a cutting device which facilitates splitting and crushing of the stumps.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical tree transplanting attachment that replaces the bucket of a loader-motor vehicle. The attachment is capable of excavating and planting a tree and root ball using a single hemispherical scoop with a fixture nestled within. The scoop rotates under the tree to excavate the tree and root ball. The fixture stops the root ball from rotating until the root ball is encompassed by the scoop and fixture. The loader-motor vehicle manipulates the attachment and tree from a ground contacting position to a transporting position. In this transporting position a tree is nearly horizontal with its root ball encompassed by the scoop and the fixture. When planting, the root ball is placed within a hole. The scoop passes from under the root ball while the fixture stops the root ball from rotating. The root ball is released from the scoop and fixture, planting the tree.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a stump grinding wheel that provides a user of a stump grinder with visual access through the wheel. The wheel comprises first and second opposing surfaces joined by a common edge. The edge is shaped in the form of a polygon and includes several intermittently spaced apart gaps positioned between successively positioned extensions that protrude radially outwardly from the first and second surfaces. The wheel further comprises a first, conventional, centrally positioned hole formed through the first and second surfaces for coupling the wheel to a motor; a second set of holes for permitting cutting teeth to be mounted to the wheel; and a third set of holes formed through the first and second surfaces and positioned between the first hole and second set of holes. The third set of holes provides an additional window through which a user may visually inspect a stump while it is being machined.

Abstract: A land clearing tractor and process are provided for selectively clearing a land of brush and trees. The tractor has a traction unit for moving the tractor along a direction of travel. A supporting frame is connected to the traction unit. The frame has first and second sides, and a raised section between the first and second sides. A first shredder head is operatively connected to the first side of the frame and oriented parallel to the direction of travel. The first shredder head is movable between elevated and lowered positions for clearing brush and trees in a first band. A second shredder head is operatively connected to the second side of the frame. The second shredder head is parallel to the first shredder head and is spaced apart therefrom. The second shredder head is movable between elevated and lowered positions for clearing brush and trees in a second band spaced apart from the first band. Thereby, the tractor leaves between the first and second bands a residual band of brush and trees.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 and method for excavating, transporting, and transplanting a live tree. The invention relates more specifically to equipment, which utilizes curved ground piercing excavation blades 42 moveably supported on a ring assembly 50 that is pivotally supported in a support frame 20. The ring assembly and the support frame may be positioned around the tree and the blades forced into the ground to excavate a root ball which can thereafter be lifted and transported for subsequent transplantation. The ring assembly 50 may be tilted rearward to permit transporting the tree in a rearward inclined or tilted position, such that wind an obstacle damage to the branches and limbs may be reduced as compared to forward tilting movers. In addition, the rearward tilt may accommodate tilting relatively tall trees at angles of up to 90 degrees from vertical, in order to transport the tree under relatively low over-head clearance obstacles, such as bridges, other trees, and porta cocheres.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device which is useful in removing trees, stumps, and the like from various landscapes. A device according to the invention may be attached to existing earthmoving equipment, preferably in the place of a conventional bucket used on a track driven or tractor mounted backhoe attachment or other functional portion of a hydraulic excavator that is adapted to receive a bucket. A device according to the present invention may be caused to be operated beneath the surface of the ground, as in cases where it is desired to remove root masses and whole trees, such as mesquite and other species. In an alternate embodiment, a device according to the invention is useful above-ground for grasping small cedar trees and the like by means of grasping sabres affixed to the device. Methods for the use of such devices are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical tree transplanting attachment that replaces the bucket of a loader-motor vehicle. The attachment is capable of excavating and planting a tree and root ball using a single hemispherical scoop with a fixture nestled within. The scoop rotates under the tree to excavate the tree and root ball. The fixture stops the root hall from rotating until the root ball is encompassed by the scoop and fixture. The loader-motor vehicle manipulates the attachment and tree from a ground contacting position to a transporting position. In this transporting position a tree is nearly horizontal with its root ball encompassed by the scoop and the fixture. When planting, the root ball is placed within a hole. The scoop passes from under the root ball while the fixture stops the root ball from rotating. The root ball is released from the scoop and fixture, planting the tree.

Abstract: A stump grinding wheel includes a wheel member having a plurality of receiving brackets. Each receiving bracket includes a cutting tool channel. A cutting tool is received in each of cutting tool channel. Each cutting tool includes an elongated shaft having a base end and a distal end, and a cutting tip at the distal end. A stop is defined on the elongated shaft between the base end and the distal end and is configured so that it permits gauging of the distance between each receiving bracket and a respective cutting tip.

Abstract: A disc cutter is rotatably mounted on a self-contained power unit which is detachably mounted on lift arms of a hydraulic excavator for locating the disc cutter at a position on the opposite side of a stump from the excavator and providing curling movement of the rotating disc cutter through the stump towards the excavator in the line of sight of the operator for discharging the debris away from the operator.

Abstract: The stump grinder has a rotating cutting wheel that is mounted onto an arm for raising and lowering movement and is driven by a hydraulic motor. The arm is capable of being moved about a generally upright axis to control the rate of laterally feed of the cutting wheel. The actuator movement is controlled as a function of the pressure to the hydraulic motor driving the cutting wheel so that as the pressure increases, the rate of feeding movement laterally of the cutting wheel is reduced. The rate of movement is controlled in both directions of swinging of the post about an upright axis, by utilizing variable opening or proportional flow pilot operated valves on the lines to the actuator for controlling the swing. As pressure to the motor increases the variable outlet or proportional pilot operated valve connected to the pressurized end of the swing actuator opens a greater amount diverts a portion of the hydraulic fluid flow to drain to slow movement of the swing actuator.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device which is useful in removing trees, stumps, and the like from various landscapes. A device according to the invention may be attached to existing earthmoving equipment, preferably in the place of a conventional bucket used on a track driven or tractor mounted backhoe attachment or other functional portion of a hydraulic excavator that is adapted to receive a bucket. A device according to the present invention may be caused to be operated beneath the surface of the ground, as in cases where it is desired to remove root masses and whole trees, such as mesquite and other species. In an alternate embodiment, a device according to the invention is useful above-ground for grasping small cedar trees and the like by means of grasping sabres affixed to the device. Methods for the use of such devices are provided.

Abstract: A tool, for mounting on a powering vehicle for transport, vertical motion and pivotal motion about a horizontal axis, provides a frame having connecting structure to interconnect with the powering vehicle. The frame carries extracting structure having plural laterally spaced extracting tines extending forwardly from the lower frame portion. At least one extracting tine has at least one depending vertical fin to increase tine strength and direct tine motion in a horizontal plane upon insertion through the earth; at least one extracting tine has at least one laterally extending horizontal fin to increase tine strength and direct tine motion in a vertical plane upon insertion through the earth; and at least one extracting tine has at least one soil retaining plate to aid support of material thereabove. The fins and plates tend to separate earth above and below the course of their insertion.

Abstract: A grubbing tool is provided for attachment to an excavator or other earth working machine, of the type having extensions from the boom such as a dipper stick and dipper stick linkage. The tool is moved arcuately and vertically to pull rooted brush having substantially sized taproots. The excavator's power is optimized at the cutting blade by the attachment of the dipper stick and dipper stick linkage near the top of the tool, as well as, the sizing and the configuration of the two primary side members. The cutting blade and both side members have both front and rear cutting edges, allowing a fore and aft pattern of approaching brush which optimizes tool effectiveness. The side members have substantially straight front and rear edges, which can be positioned flush with the disturbed surface following brush removal, providing a leveling function as the tool is moved laterally.

Abstract: A device for transplanting trees or bushes having at least two spades that can be adjusted against each other. These spades can be set between an open and closed position by means of a pair of attached servo-drives. When in the open position, the spades are removed from each other by a space corresponding at least with a diameter of the tree or the bush to be transplanted. When the spades are in their closed position, they complement each other, forming a partial spherical cup. To reduce the resistance of the spades as they penetrate the soil, the cutting blade of the spade has the shape of a corrugated ground edging. These corrugated ground edges have alternating elevations and recesses, whereby the elevations of the cutting blade provide sufficient stability and safety against breakage. The ground surfaces that oppose each other on these spades are disposed on alternating sides to allow the cutting blades to overlap.

Abstract: A mini shrub spader for unearthing and transporting trees and shrubs. The mini shrub spader has a basketed U-blade which allows it to unearth, shape the root ball and transport a tree or shrub utilizing the same device. The mini shrub spader is preferably mounted to the rear of a small tractor.

Abstract: An excavation attachment for a powered loader, e. g., skid steer loader, front end loader, etc., provides considerably greater leverage for removal of stumps, large imbedded concrete blocks and stones, etc., from the underlying surface. The attachment includes a transverse cylinder or drum with one or more tines extending generally radially therefrom. The attachment is secured to a conventional front end loader, skid steer loader, etc., and the tines inserted beneath the object to be moved. The drum is lowered, and the attachment is rotated using conventional load bucket tilt hydraulics. The drum serves as a fulcrum immediately adjacent the prying tines, thereby providing a considerable increase in available force and precluding lifting of the opposite end of the machine if the load is too great. A second embodiment includes one or more hydraulically actuated tines opposed to the fixed tines, for use as a grappler device.

Abstract: An improved stump grinding machine includes a frame structure having an engine mounted thereon. A boom has a proximal end and distal end and is pivotally mounted to the frame structure at its proximal end. A grinding wheel is rotatably mounted to the distal end of the boom. A power train arrangement transmits power from the engine to the grinding wheel. The power train arrangement includes an idler shaft rotatably mounted on the frame structure. The boom is pivotally mounted to the frame structure independently of the idler shaft.