Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a tree feeding system for use with tree handling equipment, the tree feeding system including: a housing having a frame and at least one arm; a plurality of tree feeding wheels arranged with at least one wheel on the frame and at least one wheel on the at least one arm; and a hydraulic circuit for driving the tree feeding wheels, wherein the hydraulic circuit is configured such that wheels on the frame are driven in series and wheels on the arm are driven in series. In another embodiment, the hydraulic circuit is configured such that wheels on one side (e.g. left hand side) of the housing are driven in series and wheels on an opposite side (e.g. right hand side) of the housing are driven in series but wheels on the frame are mechanically connected by a universal joint.

Abstract: In a tree handling device, where the tree is fed longitudinally through at least three drive wheels driven by a fixed-displacement hydraulic pump, feeding commences with all drive wheels simultaneously propelling the tree longitudinally through the knife arms and frame. During feeding, once the approximate maximum feeding speed of the drive wheels is achieved, one of the drive wheels is shifted to a free-wheeling condition, allowing the maximum feed speed to increase.

Abstract: The disc saw blade has a plurality of arcuate teeth detachably mounted in complementary-shaped arcuate sockets provided in a rim portion around the circumference thereof. Each tooth has a portion butting against a stop, such as a transverse tail stop surface defined by an inward projection of the socket. The configuration provides a small throw entry gap to reduce the likelihood of sticks being thrown. The teeth preferably are detachably mounted by virtue of a tight fit within the sockets, with no use of fasteners to absorb cutting forces. Keying elements such as a male portion of generally rectangular cross-section extending from the socket into a corresponding female portion in the tooth preferably are used to ensure proper alignment of each tooth relative to the plane of the disc saw blade. Preferably, the teeth and sockets are parts of concentric circles, the diameter of the teeth preferably being slightly larger than the diameter of the sockets, thereby producing a press fit.