Abstract: A tree harvester head having a mounting bracket at the back of the type allowing the head to be tilted. The bracket is used to mount the head on the boom of a mobile vehicle. Cooperating mounting members are provided on the head and bracket for rotatably mounting the head on the bracket. Rotating members are provided on the head and bracket for rotating the head relative to the bracket. Hydraulic drive elements are provided on the head for operating the rotating member on the head to rotate the head. A method for cutting trees using the harvester head involves the steps of cutting trees in three adjacent rows or swaths and laying all the cut trees in or adjacent the central swath, with their butt ends all facing in the same direction, for pickup by a forwarder.

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.