Abstract: A multi-axis controlled self-climbing tree trimmer used for shaping and severing peripheral growth from a tree is provided herein. The trimmer typically includes a structural segment hinged together to form a rigid chassis that surrounds a tree trunk climbing segment and a trimming portion. The climbing portion is retained within the structural segment in the form of a number of inward-extending carriages containing one or more rollers for gripping the tree trunk during climbing, and the trimming portion may include a rotatable split ring gear containing centrifugally rotating trimming blade members and/or a cutting tool on a positionable arm. When rotated, the blade members unlatch and pivot, into the trunk of the tree to effect controlled trimming. The system may utilize a multi-axis control system that uses linear interpolation, circular interpolation and coordination of all axes to enable the trimmer to follow an XYZ contour selected by a user.

Abstract: A multi-axis controlled self-climbing tree trimmer used for shaping and severing peripheral growth from a tree is provided herein. The trimmer typically includes a structural segment hinged together to form a rigid chassis that surrounds a tree trunk climbing segment and a trimming portion. The climbing portion is retained within the structural segment in the form of a number of inward-extending carriages containing one or more rollers for gripping the tree trunk during climbing, and the trimming portion may include a rotatable split ring gear containing centrifugally rotating trimming blade members and/or a cutting tool on a positionable arm. When rotated, the blade members unlatch and pivot, into the trunk of the tree to effect controlled trimming. The system may utilize a multi-axis control system that uses linear interpolation, circular interpolation and coordination of all axes to enable the trimmer to follow an XYZ contour selected by a user.

Abstract: A multi-axis controlled self-climbing tree trimmer used for shaping and severing peripheral growth from a tree is provided herein. The trimmer typically includes a structural segment hinged together to form a rigid chassis that surrounds a tree trunk climbing segment and a trimming portion. The climbing portion is retained within the structural segment in the form of a number of inward-extending carriages containing one or more rollers for gripping the tree trunk during climbing, and the trimming portion may include a rotatable split ring gear containing centrifugally rotating trimming blade members and/or a cutting tool on a positionable arm. When rotated, the blade members unlatch and pivot, into the trunk of the tree to effect controlled trimming. The system may utilize a multi-axis control system that uses linear interpolation, circular interpolation and coordination of all axes to enable the trimmer to follow an XYZ contour selected by a user.