Abstract: A method for optimizing log harvesting from a model of a delimbered tree trunk which comprises selecting an optimization mode and obtaining an optimized log cutting solution, whereby the optimized log cutting solution indicates optimized localizations along the delimbed tree trunk.

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. On delimbers using cable drives, at least one end of each cable is connected to the delimber with a hydraulic tensioner.

Abstract: A tree harvester provided with a rotatable worktable assembly is disclosed herein. The tree harvester includes a movable frame, a worktable assembly rotatably mounted to the movable frame and an upper frame rotatably mounted to the worktable assembly. The upper frame is provided with an articulated boom that includes a feller/grapple head. The worktable assembly includes a tree delimbing mechanism, a tree cutting mechanism and a log stacker. The operation of the worktable is advantageously automated so that the operator can use the boom while the worktable is processing a tree. The position of the worktable between the movable frame and the upper frame makes the tree harvester more compact than conventional tree harvester, while the independent rotation of the worktable assembly and of the upper frame with respect to the movable frame increases the flexibility of operation of the tree harvester.

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 tree harvesting machine having a fixed length boom slidable through a tubular support on the machine. Tree harvesting elements are on one end of the boom. A pair of boom tensioning cables, above the boom, extend between the ends of the boom. Flexible power supply lines extend between the tubular support and the tree harvesting elements, the lines supported in zig-zag fashion between the cables on power line carrying means slidable on the cables. A flexible strap extends between the the ends of the boom, located between the cables, to support the power lines passing between the cables.

Abstract: A measuring roller system for a tree processing machine having a measuring roller and roller mounting means for mounting the roller on the frame of the machine for swinging movement toward or away from the frame. The roller is rotatably mounted on the roller mounting means for rotation caused by axial movement of a tree past the roller while in contact with the roller and while being processed by the machine. A sensor is positioned to measure the amount of rotation of the roller to provide a measure of length of tree fed axially past the roller. The roller system has sensor moving means to rotate the sensor in unison with the roller when the roller is rotated by transaxial movement of the tree during axial movement.

Abstract: A toothed roller having a cylindrical body with circumferential rows of teeth fixed on the outer surface of the body. The rows of teeth are longitudinally spaced apart on the body. A cleaning ring is loosely mounted on the body between each adjacent pair of rows of teeth. Each cleaning ring has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the body and an outer diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of a row of teeth whereby when one portion of the cleaning ring abuts the body, the diametrically opposed portion of the ring is nearly level with the ends of the teeth so as to be able to push out material and debris caught between, and on, the rows of teeth.