Abstract: System for hedge pruning and method for making and using the same. An exemplary system for hedge pruning includes a mounting assembly for connecting to a mobile platform, the mounting assembly defining a pivot point region thereon, a cutting arm rotatably coupled to the mounting assembly at the pivot point region. And a blade assembly connected to an end region of the cutting arm such that the blade assembly prunes a hedge along an arc defined based upon rotation of the cutting arm about the pivot point region. Advantageously, the system provides an ability to discriminate selected plants in a hedge to improve grove health and exploit alternate bearing nature of certain groves, resulting in a more consistent production each year. Differentiated treatment can be provided within a row of the plants while pruning the hedges in an automated manner that is more efficient than manual pruning.

Abstract: A method of real-time plant selection and removal from a plant field including capturing a first image of a first section of the plant field, segmenting the first image into regions indicative of individual plants within the first section, selecting the optimal plants for retention from the first image based on the first image and the previously thinned plant field sections, sending instructions to the plant removal mechanism for removal of the plants corresponding to the unselected regions of the first image from the second section before the machine passes the unselected regions, and repeating the aforementioned steps for a second section of the plant field adjacent the first section in the direction of machine travel.

Abstract: A device for a motor driven tool such as a pole hedge trimmer, a pole saw or the like. The tool includes a drive unit that via a shaft tube is connected to a cutting unit. The cutting unit is turnably secured at the shaft tube by the device which is a turnable connection, wherein the cutting unit is movable between a range of at least two working positions and a transport position. The cutting unit is provided with one or several movable cutting elements and the tool is provided with locking structure for locking the movement of the cutting elements when the cutting unit is in the transport position.

Abstract: A robotic tree trimmer has a hydraulic system adapted to be mounted to a tractor and comprising an extendible vertical mast. A first hydraulic motor attached to the vertical mast and adapted to linearly extend and rotate the vertical mast 180 degrees around a first vertical axis. An extendible horizontal boom attached to a distal top end of the vertical mast and having an extension member on an end opposite the distal top end of the vertical mast; a second hydraulic motor attached to the extension member and used to rotate a trimming apparatus 360 degrees around a second vertical axis variably spaced from the first vertical axis by the extendible horizontal boom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (100) for stripping irregular material (2) from a line (1) during relative movement between the apparatus (100) and line (1). The apparatus (100) includes a line guide (200), material guide (210) and stripping mechanism (101). The line (1) passes through the line guide (200). The material guide (210) is configured to guide, constrict, compact and/or re-orientate the irregular material (2) into engagement with the stripping mechanism (101). The stripping mechanism (101) has stripping elements (102) movable with respect to the line guide (200) and line (1) to strip the material (2) from the line (1). The method includes stripping material (2) from a line (1) extending between two end supports (4) and being releasably attached to intermediate supports (3). The material (2) is stripped by causing relative movement between a guide (100) and the line (1) after the line (1) is detached and moved away from the intermediate supports (3).

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for trimming plants, in particular, buds and flowers, to remove unwanted plant material. A typical application would be to process a plant to leave only trimmed buds and flowers for use in potpourri, fragrant sashes, or as a prelude to further processing of essential oils. The invention enables faster and safer production of plant material than prior plant processing machines. The apparatus employs an original combination of a slotted metal drum and a lawn mower type cutting reel that are rotated in the same direction, but at different speeds, to create a cutting interface that shears the unwanted plant material off and then collect this debris though a novel vacuum manifold into a waste collection device. The cutting interface between the slotted drum and the cutting reel is adjustable to keep the distance between the two between 0.002 and 0.006 inches for a very sharp and clean cut.

Abstract: This invention is a dual function tree pruner and fruit harvester that use the same equipment for pruning and for harvesting. The Fruit Tree Pruner and Harvesting Machine features: a Self-Propelled-Vehicle (SPV), computer controlled robotic arms, a Digital Imaging System (DIS), a Radar Ranger System (RRS), Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) Guidance System, Geographic Information System (GIS), a Power Pruner or Power Stem Cutter as appropriate, a fruit vacuum system, a fruit catcher, a fruit handling system, and a fruit bin loader. The operation is automated and the operator monitors and sets parameters. The Fruit Tree Pruner and Harvesting Machine can prune a tree to a predetermined profile. The tree can be shaped per the orchard's requirements. The invention utilizes data obtained during the pruning process to find the fruit, and to remove the fruit while maintaining the fruit quality suitable for the fresh market.

Abstract: A mobile hedging machine includes a hedger frame having an elevated platform supported by a plurality of spaced apart legs to form a passage under which hedges are traversable in a travel direction. A plurality of motor-driven wheels are mounted to lower ends of the legs allowing the machine to be driven and steered. First and second cutter arms extend from generally opposite sides of the elevated platform generally perpendicular to the travel direction. Each cutter arm includes an upper arm positionable generally perpendicular to the travel direction, a lower arm pivotable about an axis generally parallel to the travel direction, and a cutter head attached to a lower end of the lower arm. The cutter arms are preferably offset in the travel direction. A topper assembly is secured to a forward edge of the platform and vertically positionable relative thereto.

Abstract: A motorized trimming apparatus having two blades placed side-by-side, has triangularly or trapezoidally cut teeth spaced apart from each other, at least one of said blades being movable to enable the cutting by shearing of wood inserted between said teeth, and connected to a drive device. The apparatus is characterized in that it comprises a means for controlling the drive device, said control means being constructed or configured so as to detect stops in movement of the movable blade(s) and to instantaneously and automatically control the reversal of the rotational direction of said drive device and thus control the reversal of the direction of movement of said movable blade(s).

Abstract: An electric hedge trimmer comprises a flat motor that is provided inside a housing and includes a rotor having a disk shaped coil disk on which a plurality of substantially ring-shaped coils are formed and arranged in the circumferential direction a motor output shaft as seen in the direction of the axis line of the motor output shaft, a magnet that generates a magnetic flux that passes through the coil disk in the direction of the axis line of the motor output shaft, a gear section that reduces the speed of rotation of the motor output shaft and has a gear section output shaft that outputs the reduced rotation, a cam that is connected to the gear section output shaft, converts the rotating motion of the gear section output shaft to reciprocating motion, and a blade section that is connected to the cam and has reciprocating motion.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically pruning vines grown in a row in a cordon-leading manner has a chassis, a pre-pruning module, a clear-cutting module and a position sensor. The clear-cutting module is positioned behind the pre-pruning module and has cutters thereon. The position sensor is forward of the clear-cutting module so as to locate the cordon and to position the cutter so as to achieve a clear cut from a periphery of the cordon. The clear-cutting module has upper cutters, lower cutters and lateral cutters.

Abstract: An extendable tree trimming saw is made easy to handle by providing a foot plate on which to rest the weight of the pole and a winch for raising and lowering the saw. The extendable pole is pivotally connected to the foot plate, preferably through a coil spring or elastomeric mass that aides in holding the pole upright and restoring it to an upright position after a cutting operation.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a hand-guided working machine for agriculture, forestry and horticulture applications. The drive arrangement comprises an electric motor, a DC power source for electrical energy, and a control apparatus for the electric motor which is fed from the DC power source. The electric motor has a specific, in particular linear, characteristic curve between the electric current which is consumed by the electric motor and the rotational speed of an output shaft of the electric motor. The control apparatus has current-limiter which limits the current which flows through the electric motor to a maximum value in order to protect the electric motor against overloading. The control apparatus limits the current consumption of the electric motor in a range of low rotational speeds to values which are considerably smaller than the characteristic curve values which are given for these rotational speeds by the characteristic curve of the electric motor, as a function of the rotational speed.

Abstract: The method for analyzing the structure of cultured hedges, equally applicable by day or by night, for a mobile, continuously-moving machine in tied or staked plantations such as vineyards, includes a system using an artificial vision system, working by transmission, which permits a detection of the shadowing of the light between one or more transmitters and one or more detectors to one side and the other of the hedge. The information generated by said shadows of light are processed by an electronic analysis system, programmed or embodied to examine the elements of the structure of the hedge.

Abstract: A modular pruning machine used in agriculture, viticulture, fruit growing, tree growing or for brush clearing has at least one cutter bar. The cutter bar has cutting modules affixed thereto. Each of the cutting modules has a rotary cutting tool and a three-phase asynchronous electric motor such that the three-phase asynchronous electric motor individually rotatably drives the rotary cutting tool.

Abstract: A gearbox is provided for a handheld power tool. The gearbox includes a housing including a recess having a wall section, a main gear disposed within the recess and including a plurality of gear teeth, and a drive gear engaged with the main gear for driving the main gear. The gearbox also includes means for retaining lubricant within the housing for improved retention of the lubricant on the main gear. The means for retaining is configured to create a localized pressure reduction within the housing during operation of the power tool. In one example, a portion of the wall section curves towards the main gear, and a localized pressure reduction is formed proximate the minimum distance between the curving wall section and the main gear during operation of the power tool.

Abstract: A gearbox for a handheld power tool is provided, including a housing, a main gear disposed within the housing and including a plurality of cams attached thereto. A drive gear is engaged with the main gear for driving the main gear. The gearbox also includes a plurality of cutting members configured to engage the plurality of cams. Rotation of the main gear causes rotation of the cams to thereby cause the cutting members to move in a reciprocal manner. The gearbox also includes a separator plate attached to the housing. A portion of the separator plate is disposed between the plurality of cutting members to inhibit contact between the cutting members. In one example, the separator plate includes a leg section configured to be secured to a portion of the power tool.

Abstract: The cotton harvester includes a cotton picker housing having at least one plant lifter defining a plant row channel extending back into the housing to a plant compressor sheet. A picker rotor is mounted in the cotton picker housing adjacent to the plant row channel and traverse to the plant compressor sheet. A doffer in the housing near the picker rotor removes picked cotton from the picker rotor and moves the picked cotton to an outlet at the rear of the cotton picker housing. A power unit includes an internal combustion engine mounted on the housing including a rotatable output selectably connectable in rotatably driving relation to the picker rotor and the doffer for imparting rotation thereto. The power unit can also selectably drive at least one wheel of the harvester for moving it over the ground at a speed corresponding to a rotational speed of the picker rotor.

Abstract: A mechanical pruner has a hinged trimming head that allows the trimming of grape vines growing on sloped ground. The trimming head has hedgers with forward facing cutting teeth and rotating combers that open up the grape vine canopy and pull the vines into the cutting path. By also allowing for multiple adjustments in the height of the pruner, lateral position of the trimming head, lateral position of the hedger relative to the trimming head, and both the lateral and vertical positions of the combers relative to the trimming head, the mechanical pruner provides a user with significant control over the trimming of grapevines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mechanically thinning crops, particularly those planted in rows. One or more crop thinning units are connected to the back of a tractor or other vehicle. Each of the units has the ability to sense plants and activate an arm which has a blade disposed thereon. An electronic control system enables data from several sensors to be evaluated such that plants may be selectively removed based on pre-established criteria. Sensors differentiate between weeds and plants, and maintain the cutting units above the crop rows.

Abstract: A self propelled, steerable, vertically adjustable, hydraulicly driven, ganged mowing machine for trimming nursery products. The machine generally includes a horizontal platform that supports a staggered array of mower decks. Each mower deck is driven by a hydraulic motor operatively connected to a mower blade for trimming the nursery products. The platform is slideably connected to right and left vertically stationary frames such that the platform is vertically adjustable with respect to the ground, via a hydraulic cylinder interconnecting the platform and each frame. Each vertical frame includes an independently controllable hydraulically driven traction drive motor operably connected to a drive wheel for propelling the machine. The mowing machine also includes a prime mover. The prime mover drives a number of hydraulic pumps. At least one of the hydraulic pumps drives the hydraulic motors which drive the mower blades.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a cutting cylinder unit and to a cutting device for shaping a plant, such as a boxwood bush. The cutting device comprises at least one cutting cylinder unit. The cutting cylinder unit comprises a cutting cylinder with a surface of revolution which is rotationally symmetrical with respect to a cylinder centre axis and with cutting members provided along the said surface of revolution; a cylinder drive for driving the cutting cylinder in rotation about the cylinder centre axis; and a cutting edge which is provided along the outside of the surface of revolution for interacting in a cutting manner with the cutting members. The surface of revolution and the cutting edge, as seen in the direction of the cylinder centre axis, have corresponding curvatures. This curvature is substantially matched to a predetermined desired shape of the plant.

Abstract: An assembly for holding a self-powered hedge cutter at a selected height and orientation so that a hedgerow can be more readily and consistently trimmed. The assembly includes a wheeled base that is filled with a weighted material. A vertical support extends upwardly from the base. A support bracket is provided that is free to move up and down along the length of the vertical support. A push handle also extends from the base. The push handle enables a person to readily push the wheeled base to a desired location. Controls are attached to the push handle. One control adjusts the height of the support bracket on the vertical support. The other control is a throttle control that can be selectively attached to the hedge cutter. A self-powered commercial hedge cutter is temporarily mounted to the support bracket. The hedge cutter can be mounted to the support bracket in a plurality of orientations. The hedge cutter can then be rolled along a hedgerow to trim that hedgerow.

Abstract: An assembly for holding a self-powered hedge cutter at a selected height and orientation so that a hedgerow can be more readily and consistently trimmed. The assembly includes a wheeled base that is filled with a weighted material. A vertical support extends upwardly from the base. A support bracket is provided that is free to move up and down along the length of the vertical support. A push handle also extends from the base. The push handle enables a person to readily push the wheeled base to a desired location. Controls are attached to the push handle. One control adjusts the height of the support bracket on the vertical support. The other control is a throttle control that can be selectively attached to the hedge cutter. A self-powered commercial hedge cutter is temporarily mounted to the support bracket. The hedge cutter can be mounted to the support bracket in a plurality of orientations. The hedge cutter can then be rolled along a hedgerow to trim that hedgerow.

Abstract: A self propelled, steerable, vertically adjustable, hydraulicly driven, ganged mowing machine for trimming nursery products. The machine generally includes a horizontal platform that supports a staggered array of mower decks. Each mower deck is driven by a hydraulic motor operatively connected to a mower blade for trimming the nursery products. The platform is slideably connected to right and left vertically stationary frames such that the platform is vertically adjustable with respect to the ground, via a hydraulic cylinder interconnecting the platform and each frame. Each vertical frame includes an independently controllable hydraulically driven traction drive motor operably connected to a drive wheel for propelling the machine. The mowing machine also includes a prime mover. The prime mover drives a number of hydraulic pumps. At least one of the hydraulic pumps drives the hydraulic motors which drive the mower blades.

Abstract: A vegetation trimming and edging device has an adjustable head that permits selective positioning between trimming and edging orientations. A shaft extends between the head and a handle. The head receives one end of the shaft. A coupling mechanism couples the head and shaft, and locks the head against rotational movement about the shaft. In particular, the coupling mechanism includes a locking structure and a bias mechanism. The bias mechanism urges the locking structure into engagement to prevent rotational movement of the head. Downward pressure applied to the head overcomes the bias, however, and disengages the locking mechanism for rotation of the head between trimming and edging modes. When the downward pressure is released, the locking mechanism is again engaged to lock the head in position for the desired operational mode.

Abstract: A hedge trimmer has a tool that is driven by a drive unit. At least one vibration-dampened handle is secured to the drive unit. The handle comprises a one-piece component having a grip portion and a mounting portion for mounting on the drive unit. To simplify mounting of the handle, the grip portion and the mounting portion are interconnected by a vibration-dampening intermediate portion. The mounting portion along with the intermediate portion and the grip portion form the one-piece or monolithic component.

Abstract: A vegetation trimming and edging device has an adjustable head that permits selective positioning between trimming and edging orientations. A shaft extends between the head and a handle. The head receives one end of the shaft. A coupling mechanism couples the head and shaft, and locks the head against rotational movement about the shaft. In particular, the coupling mechanism includes a locking structure and a bias mechanism. The bias mechanism urges the locking structure into engagement to prevent rotational movement of the head. Downward pressure applied to the head overcomes the bias, however, and disengages the locking mechanism for rotation of the head between trimming and edging modes. When the downward pressure is released, the locking mechanism is again engaged to lock the head in position for the desired operational mode.

Abstract: A gearhead assembly between a drive shaft and an output shaft of a trimmer arranged parallel but staggered to one another, includes a bearing shaft extending perpendicularly between the drive shaft and the output shaft. The bearing shaft has a first end supported in the first housing part and a second end supported in the second housing. A central gear is mounted on the bearing shaft. A clamping device has a clamping shaft that has a first and a second opposed ends engaging the first and second housing parts. The second housing part together with the output shaft is pivotable about the bearing shaft relative to the first housing part in a plane parallel to the axial direction of the drive shaft. The bearing shaft is a hub, and the clamping shaft penetrates the hub.

Abstract: A mowing machine for cutting plants with radially protruding blades of upper and lower blade disks which are coaxially disposed and rotated under the hood that is disposed at the end of a handle. The upper blade disk has a ring gear, the lower blade disk has a sun gear, and a transmission gear is provided between the ring gear and the sun gear and meshes these gears so as to rotate the ring and sun gears in the opposite directions, thus rotating the upper and lower blade disks in the opposite directions for producing a shearing force that cuts the plants.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes a frame, a motive device mounted on the frame, a platform mounted on the frame adjacent to the motive device, a main boom member associated with an industrial implement, the main boom member being coupled to the platform, and at least one secondary boom member attached to the main boom member. The industrial vehicle may comprise in one embodiment tilting structure that tilts the platform about an axis substantially perpendicular to a driving direction of the vehicle, or at least one pivot defining at least one axis about which the main boom member and/or the secondary boom member pivot, the at least one axis being substantially perpendicular to a driving direction of the vehicle. A linkage may be provided that pivots at least one of the main boom member and the at least one secondary boom member about an axis substantially perpendicular to a driving direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A guard assembly (2) is used to protect the cutter blades (20, 21) of a cane cutter (10). The guard assembly includes a guard body (4) which is mounted to the cane cutter. A series of guard blades (6) are pivotally mounted to the guard body. The guard blades are shaped, sized and positioned to permit smaller diameter objects, such as a cane (18) of a grapevine to pass between the guard blades so to be severed by the cutter blades while preventing larger diameter objects, such as posts (26), stakes and the trunks of the grapevines, from passing between the guard blades, thereby protecting both the cutter blades and the larger diameter objects from damage.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a cutting tool for use in the garden and workshops having a body (A) which houses a screw impeller (9) that can be driven by a motor (23). The screw impeller (9) being arranged to move waste along a flow path extending through the body (A) from an inlet (11) to an outlet (13), the outlet (13) being connectable to a receptacle which can then entrap any material so moved. A rotating cutting blade (35,41) controlled by the screw impeller (9) being located adjacent to the inlet (11) to act with a fixed cutting blade (31,37) to cut material projecting therebetween, which cut material is entrained through the body (A) by the screw impeller (9) to the receptacle.

Abstract: A dual action tree cutting apparatus includes a single generally planar blade mounted on a shaft at the forward end of a support frame, with the blade projecting forwardly therefrom. The blade has a cutting edge extending around the entire perimeter, and has two mirror image halves divided by a centerline passing through the shaft. Each blade half cutting edge increases in the distance between the cutting edge and the shaft along the perimeter from a rearward end of the centerline to a forward end of the centerline. A set of cutting teeth are formed on one blade half and oriented to cut a tree when the blade is rotated clockwise, while a second set of cutting teeth are oriented on the second blade half perimeter to cut a tree when the blade is rotated counterclockwise. A sprocket on the shaft is engaged by a pair of drive chains connected to operable cylinders, the cylinders operable to retract and pull one drive train to rotate the blade in each direction.

Abstract: A hedge trimmer aid including a reference indicator similar to a bubble level wherein an included air bubble is replaced by a small sphere of lower density than a surrounding fluid provides a true horizontal reference, an adjustable pointer with magnifier which is manually set to a particular angular disposition substantially equivalent to the desired angle of the finished trim, and a frame which couples the pointer and the horizontal reference indicators and furthermore affixes the hedge trimmer aid to the static housing portion of a hedge trimmer in clear view of an operator. In use, the angular disposition desired for the hedge is selected and set by rotating the adjustable pointer to a fixed marking disposed upon the surface of a hemispherical bubble level. The hedge trimmer is then manually rotated about a horizontally disposed axis until the colored sphere within the level and a magnifying sight disposed upon the adjustable pointer are in alignment.

Abstract: A monofilament line for a rotating string trimmer has a main body portion of a generally circular configuration. One or more sharp longitudinal cutting edges are integrally formed with the main body portion and protrude from the main body portion at an angle selected to cause controlled flex and asymmetrical drag on the cutting element, as it is rotated by a rotating string trimmer. This causes a torsional rotation of the free end of the line as it is rotated; so that the main body portion of the cutting element first strikes the object to be cut, followed by contact with the sharp cutting edge. This configuration is selected to cause cleaner cuts of grass and the like, with less shredding of the cut ends of the grass blades. In addition, larger vegetation such as weeds and small stalky shrubs may be efficiently cut without abnormally high wear of the cutting line.

Abstract: A tool-supporting attachment to be mounted on a vehicle for use in suspending motorized tools which must be carried on long distances is disclosed. This attachment comprises levelling means to permit to its upper frame portion to always be in a substantially horizontal position with respect to the ground on which the vehicle is moved such that the tools are always kept at a constant height above the ground.

Abstract: A tree shaping apparatus includes a mobile transport (10) with a cutter carriage (12) disposed in thereof. The transport (10) straddles the trees and the cutter carriage (12) has the height thereof adjusted to that of the tree. A cutter bar (90) is rotated about the tree with blades (92) providing the shaping therefor. The cutter bar (90) can be reciprocated laterally to provide an additional height adjustment.

Abstract: A mobile brush cutter including a vehicle; a boom having one end pivotally supported by the vehicle; a hydraulic power system mounted on the vehicle and having controls operable by an operator thereof; a cutter supported by an opposite end of the boom and operatively coupled to the hydraulic power system, the cutter comprising an elongated bed knife having one end connected to the opposite end of the boom and having bed teeth that define longitudinally spaced apart slots for receiving stalks and a moving knife juxtaposed to the bed knife and mounted for longitudinal reciprocating movement relative thereto, the moving knife having moving teeth that define a plurality of cutting edges each shaped and arranged to reciprocate through a cutting zone transversely adjacent to a different one of the slots; and a retainer assembly fixed to said bed knife and shaped and arranged for sliding engagement with outer end portions of the moving teeth so as to prevent transverse separation thereof from the bed knife.

Abstract: A cutter bar assembly is suspended from an overhead arm carried by an operator mounted back pack structure. A flexible coupling carries the cutter bar assembly in a manner causing the assembly to assume a position inclined from the vertical for the trimming of Christmas trees. An engine and transmission are mounted on the cutter bar assembly with motion being imparted to the cutter blades by angular connector plates. A handlebar is attached to the cutter bar assembly in a manner offsetting the latter to one side of the operator for minimal operator contact with the vegetation being trimmed. A modified form includes an engine on the back pack with a flexible drive line to a transmission in place on the cutter bar assembly. Engine controls are in place on a drive shaft coupling.

Abstract: Tree trimming apparatus adapted to be manually controlled by an operator including a support frame with ground engaging wheel and manually engageable handle means for the operator to guide the apparatus while trimming trees, mast means mounted on the support frame and extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom and mounting cutter means adapted to trim a tree as the operator guides the apparatus around a tree, and drive means for rotating the cutter means and propelling the apparatus. A riding attachment may be provided for the operator to ride.

Abstract: A tree-trimming apparatus mounted on a mobile support vehicle. The apparatus includes a telescoping boom pivotally mounted on a pedestal. The pedestal is pivotally mounted to a turntable which is rotatably mounted on the support vehicle. An operator's station is mounted on the pedestal to provide control of the apparatus. A large diameter circular saw is mounted at the end of the boom and is powered by a high speed hydraulic motor to provide high cutting efficiency. A fiberglass boom and electrically non-conductive hoses provide maximum safety for the operator.

Abstract: A brushing machine for grapevines is disclosed made up of rotating brushes supported on a frame that is supported on a tractor. Each brushing mechanism has several brushes with radially extending bristles rotatably supported on a vertically and horizontally adjustable frame. The brushes are individually driven and pass along both sides of a grape trellis. The frame supporting the axles of the brushes may be swung to adjust the angle of the brushes to the ground for any particular tractor speed, so that as the tractor moves forward and the brushes rotate, the resultant motion relative to the trellis of the tips of the brush straws is in a vertical direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tractor drawn device for harvesting fruits such as berries and coffee. A harvesting device is mounted on a frame structure supporting a vertically disposed tined shaker unit and a power pack, preferably a hydraulic pump driven by a diesel engine, that imparts rotation to unbalanced weights by a hydraulic motor. The towed frame mounting the shaker unit includes levelling devices for maintaining the central axis of the shaker unit substantially vertical.

Abstract: A grapevine suckering tool uses a rotor 10 having sucker flails 11 to remove suckers from the bases of a row of grapevines 12. The axis of rotor 10 is arranged within acute vertical and horizontal angles from the direction of the grapevine row. Sucker flails 11 are flexible straps each mounted on rotor 10 to have an outward extending length and a width oriented axially of rotor 10. As rotor 10 spins near the base of the grapevine row, flail straps 11 slap downward toward the vine base and drag over the ground knocking down, damaging, and breaking the suckers at the base of vine 12. Cylindrical sweeper brushes 32 can also be mounted on rotor 10 in place of flails 11 to sweep debris on the vineyard floor.

Abstract: An implement for mounting on a tractor to remove suckers and buds from the stems of vines arranged in rows and for trimming during the advance of the tractor along the ground in a direction essentially parallel to, adjacent and between the row of vines, including, a frame supported on a tractor, opposing side arms on the frame arranged on opposite sides of said tractor, removable interchangeable brush treating devices mounted on the outer end of each of the side arms, a drive on the side arms for moving the brush treating device for independent operation on both sides of said tractor, a linkage for mounting the side arms for lateral pivotal movement and for extending the side arms outwardly to a selected distance so as to be able to approach the rows of vines to be treated either on one side or other of the tractor and at the desired height. A hydraulic control system for raising and lowering the frame with respect to the tractor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combination of a frame, a mount, and a boom, wherein the boom retains a workpiece, such as a mower, about its free end and is rotationally attached to a pivotal mount at its other end. The pivotal mount or rocker arm is attached to the frame and permits the boom and workpiece to be centered over the frame for transport. The entire assembly preferably is mounted on the back bed area of a truck or tractor.

Abstract: The work-head of a tractor-mounted machine for cutting hedges, grass and other arboreal growth is pivotally mounted on the outer end of an angularly movable boom and contains a balanced rotary cutting device which is driven from the power take-off shaft of the tractor by a belt drive. Both the work-head and the boom are movable about horizontal axes parallel with the longitudinal axis of the tractor, under the control of the tractor driver.

Abstract: This invention is for a lawn edger. The edger has a strong unitary base mounted on a middle row of wheels and may be tilted backwards onto a rear roller. A motor is mounted on top of the base and a handle connects to the rear of the base. A cutter extends forward of the base and is held into position by a pair of forwardly extending rods. The cutter, which turns in a direction to throw any debris forward of the edger, is driven by a belt from the motor. A spring operating against one of the rods keeps a constant tension on the drive belt. A shield surrounds the cutter and has a guide with a lower rear position extending below the cutting blade. The edger may be run on a flat solid surface without the blade striking the surface. The edger is balanced with the middle row of wheels being the approximate center of gravity. The edger can tilt forward to the cutting position or rearward against the rear roller.