Abstract: A guardrail for a walkway of a machine includes a vertical channel post having an end wall and side walls forming an open channel. The vertical channel post may taper in the side-to-side and fore-aft directions as the post extends bottom to top. The vertical channel post may also transition from a generally rectangular cross-section near the bottom to a more rounded cross-section at the top. Curved top notches at the top of the vertical channel post allow a top rail of the guardrail to rest on top of the post and be attached. Intermediate notches along vertical edges of the side walls receive an intermediate rail of the guardrail. The top notches and the intermediate notches are arranged so that the top rail and the intermediate rail may be vertically aligned and parallel to each other and to the walkway enclosed by the guardrail.

Abstract: A guardrail for a walkway of a machine includes a vertical channel post having an end wall and side walls forming an open channel. The vertical channel post may taper in the side-to-side and fore-aft directions as the post extends bottom to top. The vertical channel post may also transition from a generally rectangular cross-section near the bottom to a more rounded cross-section at the top. Curved top notches at the top of the vertical channel post allow a top rail of the guardrail to rest on top of the post and be attached. Intermediate notches along vertical edges of the side walls receive an intermediate rail of the guardrail. The top notches and the intermediate notches are arranged so that the top rail and the intermediate rail may be vertically aligned and parallel to each other and to the walkway enclosed by the guardrail.

Abstract: A platform system for an articulated machine is disclosed. The platform system can include a first platform which can be pivotally supported by a front frame of an articulated machine. The front frame of the articulated machine can be pivotally coupled to a rear frame of the articulated machine at an articulation joint. A second platform can be pivotally supported by the rear frame of the articulated machine. The second platform can include a first edge which can be positioned adjacent to a first edge of the first platform. Each of the first edge of the first platform and the first edge of the second frame platform can have a radial profile which can be aligned with a path of pivotal movement between the first platform and the second frame platform.

Abstract: A platform system for an articulated machine is disclosed. The platform system can include a first platform which can be pivotally supported by a front frame of an articulated machine. The front frame of the articulated machine can be pivotally coupled to a rear frame of the articulated machine at an articulation joint. A second platform can be pivotally supported by the rear frame of the articulated machine. The second platform can include a first edge which can be positioned adjacent to a first edge of the first platform. Each of the first edge of the first platform and the first edge of the second frame platform can have a radial profile which can be aligned with a path of pivotal movement between the first platform and the second frame platform.

Abstract: Personnel safety apparatus is provided on a machine to prevent users from falling while moving between access points on the machine. The apparatus includes a rail having a first end positioned adjacent a first user access point and a second end positioned adjacent a second user access point to define a rail path that spans a vertical elevation. A carrier is movably coupled to the rail and has a first mode, in which the carrier engages a fixed position on the rail, and a second mode, in which the carrier is permitted to move relative to the rail. A tether extends between a harness on the user and the carrier to secure the user to the machine.

Abstract: A system for removing objects from a surface is disclosed. The system may include at least one sensor, a controller, and at least one vibration motor. The sensor is configured to detect an object on the surface and to generate a signal indicative of the object characteristics. The controller may be operatively coupled to the sensor. The controller can receive the generated signal indicative of the object characteristics, and then determine a desired frequency and amplitude of vibration to apply to the surface based on the object characteristics. At least one vibration motor may be in communication with the controller and configured to apply the desired frequency and amplitude of vibration to the surface.

Abstract: Personnel safety apparatus is provided on a machine to prevent users from falling while moving between access points on the machine. The apparatus includes a rail having a first end positioned adjacent a first user access point and a second end positioned adjacent a second user access point to define a rail path that spans a vertical elevation. A carrier is movably coupled to the rail and has a first mode, in which the carrier engages a fixed position on the rail, and a second mode, in which the carrier is permitted to move relative to the rail. A tether extends between a harness on the user and the carrier to secure the user to the machine.

Abstract: A method for indicating traction slip is disclosed. The method includes sensing traction slip of at least one driven traction device of a machine and selectively activating at least one indicator in a repeating pattern indicative of the sensed traction slip of the at least one driven traction device. The at least one indicator includes at least one of a visual indicator, an audible indicator, or a vibratory indicator.

Abstract: A tree harvesting apparatus is provided. The harvesting apparatus comprises a frame member, a cutting device mounted to the frame member, and at least one cutting member attached to the cutting device. A tree accumulation member is also provided and overlays at least a portion of the cutting device. Also provided is a tree securing device for securing at least one tree on the tree accumulation member, and an adjustment device for automatically adjusting the position of the tree securing device relative to the frame member.

Abstract: A joint for a work machine having a body and a base is provided. A first member is connected to one of the body and the base and a second member is connected to the other of the body and the base. The second member is engaged with the first member to allow the body to swivel relative to the base. A transmitter is connected to one of the body and the base and is operable to transmit an informational signal. A receiver is connected to the other of the body and the base and is operable to receive the informational signal.

Abstract: In a forestry operation, it is desirable to associate certain information, such as size, species, owner, or the like, with individual logs. Logs are normally stored for a time before processing, and an operator must be able to select certain logs meeting predetermined characteristics from the plurality of stored logs. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for labeling logs in such a way that the information associated with each log may be read from a remote location and the operator need not travel to each log to determine the characteristics of that log.

Abstract: A tree harvesting apparatus is provided. The harvesting apparatus comprises a frame member, a cutting device mounted to the frame member, and at least one cutting member attached to the cutting device. A tree accumulation member is also provided and overlays at least a portion of the cutting device. Also provided is a tree securing device for securing at least one tree on the tree accumulation member, and an adjustment device for automatically adjusting the position of the tree securing device relative to the frame member.

Abstract: A joint for a work machine having a body and a base is provided. A first member is connected to one of the body and the base and a second member is connected to the other of the body and the base. The second member is engaged with the first member to allow the body to swivel relative to the base. A transmitter is connected to one of the body and the base and is operable to transmit an informational signal. A receiver is connected to the other of the body and the base and is operable to receive the informational signal.