Abstract: A tree cutter mechanism adapted for mounting on a suitable vehicle includes a frame defining a U-shaped opening for embracing a standing tree, a rotating auger cutter slidably mounted on the frame for selective linear movement across the U-shaped opening to sever trees disposed therein, and a tree drive mechanism mounted on said frame for holding a standing tree for cutting by the auger cutter. A ribbed plate is provided behind the rotatable auger for sliding movement in concert therewith to prevent binding of the auger as it moves through the tree.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pair of corrugated blades, each defining parallel elongated ridges running from the cutting edges thereof substantially the full length thereof. The apparatus may be positioned so that the cutting edges of the blades may be brought into contact with a tree on either side of the tree.

Abstract: A delimber assembly suitable for use in a tree harvesting machine wherein the delimber assembly has a flexible blade structure for removing limbs from a tree, springs connected to oppositely disposed end portions of the blade for urging the end portions outwardly from the machine, and a movable support member for movably mounting an intermediate portion of the blade means so that the intermediate portion is permitted to float along the tree surface to accommodate crooked trees. A stop is preferably included to limit movement of the support member and thus the blade.

Abstract: A shear assembly suitable for use with a tree harvesting machine including a shear support frame, a pair of blade arm assemblies, each carrying a shear blade, a hydraulic motor connected between the shear frame and each of the blade arm assemblies for opening and closing the shear assembly, and hydraulic lines leading to the hydraulic motors routed internally within the shear assembly to protect the hydraulic lines from possible damage.

Abstract: A dual shear blade assembly for cutting through an article includes a frame having an outwardly opening article receiving slot therein, a first shear blade arrangement pivotally mounted on the frame and movable between an open position outwardly adjacent one side of the slot to a closed position within the slot, a second shear blade arrangement pivotally mounted on the frame and movable between an open position outwardly adjacent the opposite side of the slot to a closed position within the slot, a linkage apparatus which pivotally interconnectably couples the first and second shear blade arrangements for coordinated closing movement and separating opening movement thereof, and a motoring device pivotally connected to the frame and one of the first and second shear blade arrangements for powerably closing it, and thereby also the other one of said first and second shear blade arrangements for cleanly severing the article disposed in the slot.

Abstract: A debarking assembly as part of a tree harvester or tree processing machine also including a drive mechanism for gripping and axially moving trees along a processing path, the debarking assembly including a plurality of generally L-shaped debarking blades having their respective cutting edges resiliently urged into intimate debarking engagement with the tree, the debarking blades preferably being supported by movable mounting means for selectively moving the debarking blades into encircling engagement with the tree.