Abstract: A sod harvesting apparatus (10) is disclosed including a cut-off device (14), a cutting unit (16) and a roll-up and core carrying device (18) mounted to a tractor (12). The cut-off device (14) includes an H-shaped slide (20) including a blade (26) pivotably attached thereto, slideably movable in tubes (30) from a cutting position to a raised position against the bias of springs (32) in the tubes (30) by a hydraulic cylinder (36), and latched in the raised position by a mechanism (38). The cutting unit (16) includes a blade assembly (66) pivotably mounted to a frame (52) and vibrated at a high frequency and low amplitude by vibrating devices (84) mounted on the frame (70) of the blade assembly (66). A roller drum (90) extends between first and second lever arms (92) pivotably mounted to the frame (52) and pivoted by electric actuators (96). The roll-up device (18) includes first and second arms (110,112) carrying cone-shaped spindles (120) pivotably mounted to the opposite ends of a bar (114).

Abstract: A sod harvesting apparatus (10) is disclosed including a cut-off device (14), a cutting unit (16) and a roll-up and core carrying device (18) mounted to a tractor (12). The cut-off device (14) includes an H-shaped slide (20) including a blade (26) pivotably attached thereto, slideably movable in tubes (30) from a cutting position to a raised position against the bias of springs (32) in the tubes (30) by a hydraulic cylinder (36), and latched in the raised position by a mechanism (38). The cutting unit (16) includes a blade assembly (66) pivotably mounted to a frame (52) and vibrated at a high frequency and low amplitude by vibrating devices (84) mounted on the frame (70) of the blade assembly (66). A roller drum (90) extends between first and second lever arms (92) pivotably mounted to the frame (52) and pivoted by electric actuators (96). The roll-up device (18) includes first and second arms (110,112) carrying cone-shaped spindles (120) pivotably mounted to the opposite ends of a bar (114).

Abstract: A method for cleaning sod being transported on a perforate conveyor belt which includes at least one vibratory position and a powered brush position for removing the earth from the sod. This method and apparatus may be attached to a farm vehicle at the sod harvesting site or free-standing at a remote location. This present invention removes the earth in a substantially dry condition so that the earth may be returned directly to the harvest site or conveyed to another location, A subsequent water bath stage is disclosed for the removal of unwanted dust on the sod.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning sod being transported on a perforate conveyor belt which includes at least one vibratory position and a powered brush position for removing the earth from the sod. This method and apparatus may be attached to a farm vehicle at the sod harvesting site or free-standing at a remote location. This present invention removes the earth in a substantially dry condition so that the earth may be returned directly to the harvest site or conveyed to another location. A subsequent water bath stage is disclosed for the removal of unwanted dust on the sod.