Abstract: A crawler track support system is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment in a material handling implement, such as a crawler excavator. The support system permits selective alteration of the length of the ground-engaging portion of a crawler track, thus permitting maximum ground contact which is necessary for traction and support, and also permitting reduced track ground contact for improved mobility. Significantly, the present support system is very straightforward in construction for economical manufacture and reliable operation. If desired, the present support system can be adapted to provide shock absorption for the implement, which can be particularly desirable when traveling at relatively high speeds.

Abstract: A tree harvesting apparatus includes a vehicle driven by an engine with first and second arm members pivotally supported on the vehicle and normally biased to a first position defining an open pocket for receiving a standing tree. Cutter means associated with the arm members sever the standing tree as the vehicle is being moved along the ground. The tree harvesting apparatus also has an accumulator means for accumulating the severed trees which in one embodiment includes a pair of cradles pivoted on the vehicle frame so that the trees can be dumped to either side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A cylinder assembly with split ring retainer having a hollow cylinder and a piston slidable therein and a rod extending from the cylinder. A cylinder head is attached to one end of the cylinder and surrounds the rod for supporting the rod. A split ring is disposed adjacent the piston and the cylinder head for respectively holding the piston onto the rod and for holding the cylinder head at its location with the end of the cylinder. The split ring and its cooperating adjacent part have inter-engaged tongue and groove inter-engagements for holding them together, and there is a member, such as a snap ring, for holding the split ring radially inwardly and against the part to which it is attached.

Abstract: A control system for operating a plurality of controlled devices forming part of a vehicle that has an operator's seat which includes an arm rest which is pivotally supported on the frame and is movable in the fore-and-aft direction to operate at least one of the controlled devices. The arm rest pivotally supports a control lever which is movable about a fixed axis on the arm rest for actuating a second controlled device and the control lever is positioned so that the forearm of the operator can remain resting on the arm rest during operation of all of the controlled devices. The system is also designed so that the upper portion of the arm rest which has the control lever supported thereon can be pivoted with respect to a lower portion without effecting operation of any of the controlled devices.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a tree harvesting implement having a cutter mounted on a movable frame with a hydraulic ram moving the frame and a hydraulic motor driving the cutter is disclosed herein. The hydraulic circuit includes two separate pressurized fluid sources with one source connected to one end of the fluid ram and the second source connected to the hydraulic motor as well as the opposite end of the fluid ram with both conduit means having pressure relief valves that are settable so that the frame is moved as a function of the resistance encountered by the cutter and/or the movable frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for harvesting, delimbing and cutting trees into sections is disclosed herein. The harvesting apparatus includes grapple means and cutter means on a mast which is supported on a boom of a vehicle. The delimbing and cutting into sections is accomplished with a separate frame that may be in the form of a trailer processor attached to the vehicle and positioned so that the mast and boom may be utilized for forcing the tree into engagement with a tree advancing mechanism on the trailer and the cutter means on the mast may be utilized to cut the delimbed tree into sectons. The system is also designed so that the hydraulic circuitry for driving the vehicle may be used as the power source for the processor.

Abstract: A grappling apparatus for gripping full length trees is disclosed herein. The grappling apparatus includes upper and lower frames that are rotated relative to each other and the lower head has transversely spaced fixed grapple heels located on opposite sides of the pivot axis between the frames. The lower frame has a pair of grapple arms pivoted thereon and the arms are interconnected by a link so that a single fluid ram can be used to pivot the arms between open and closed positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for harvesting, delimbing and cutting trees into sections is disclosed herein. The harvesting apparatus includes grapple means and cutter means on a mast which is supported on a boom of a vehicle. The delimbing and cutting into sections is accomplished with a separate frame that may be in the form of a trailer processor attached to the vehicle and positioned so that the mast and boom may be utilized for forcing the tree into engagement with a tree advancing mechanism on the trailer and the cutter means on the mast may be utilized to cut the delimbed tree into sections. The system is also designed so that the hydraulic circuitry for driving the vehicle may be used as the power source for the processor.