Abstract: A tree processing machine for felling and processing standing trees into predetermined lengths which includes generally a prime mover capable of turning in a short radius with a relatively short support frame as compared to the prior art mounted on the prime mover, a carriage frame pivotally mounted on the support frame about a roll axis generally vertically aligned with and parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the prime mover, a main support bed pivotally mounted at its upper end to the forward end of the carriage frame for pivoting from a vertical position in which the lower end thereof is near the ground to a horizontal position above the prime mover, a set of traversing drive assemblies mounted on the support bed for holding a tree against the bed and for moving the tree longitudinally with respect to the bed, a cutting assembly mounted on that end of the bed opposite its pivoted end and movable with the bed as well as with respect to the bed for selectively felling trees and cutting them into selec

Abstract: A vehicle base subassembly with a base frame comprising a pair of spaced apart side rails joined by spaced apart torque tubes with the torque tubes centered about the drive axes of the subassembly. A prime mover module is slidably mounted in the base frame with an internal combustion engine driving a pair of hydraulic pumps. A hydraulic drive motor is carried by opposite ends of each of the torque tubes with the motors on one side of the subassembly operated in tandum and independently from the motors on the other side. A wheel and tire assembly is carried by each drive motor and the output of the hydraulic pumps is controlled to operate the subassembly according to the skid-steer principle. A mounting platform for accessory equipment is provided on the base subassembly to accept different pieces of accessory equipment.

Abstract: A tree processing machine for felling and processing standing trees into predetermined lengths which includes generally a prime mover capable of turning in a short radius with a relatively short support frame as compared to the prior art mounted on the prime mover, a carriage frame pivotally mounted on the support frame about a roll axis generally vertically aligned with and parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the prime mover, a main support bed pivotally mounted at its upper end to the forward end of the carriage frame for pivoting from a vertical position in which the lower end thereof is near the ground to a horizontal position above the prime mover, a set of traversing drive assemblies mounted on the support bed for holding a tree against the bed and for moving the tree longitudinally with respect to the bed, a cutting assembly mounted on that end of the bed opposite its pivoted end and movable with the bed as well as with respect to the bed for selectively felling trees and cutting them into selec

Abstract: A hub construction for connecting a wheel and tire assembly to each of the drive shafts of a vehicle subassembly including a hub carrying the wheel and tire assembly adapted to be slidably received on the drive shaft, and a nut threadedly engaging the drive shaft to hold the hub in place, the hub and nut interconnected so that the nut withdraws the hub as it is removed.

Abstract: A tree transporting vehicle with a base subassembly for propelling the vehicle, a catch bed assembly for receiving felled trees to transport them with an integral unloading mechanism, and a positioning linkage operatively connecting the base subassembly and catch bed assembly for selectively positioning the catch bed assembly with respect to the base subassembly. The operation of the vehicle is controlled from a side mounted cab where the operator is in a standing-sitting position.