Abstract: A cutter assembly has a crossbar, at least one cutter blade, and at least one blade pin. The crossbar defines at least one pin protector recess, at least one bar opening, and at least one bar key surface. The at least one cutter blade defines at least one blade ring, at least one blade edge, a blade bolt opening, and at least one blade recess. The at least one blade pin defines a head portion and at least one bolt key surface. The at least one pin protector recess receives the at least one blade ring. The at least one blade pin is inserted through the blade bolt opening and the at least one bar opening such that the head portion is within the at least one blade recess and the bolt key surface engages the at least one bar key surface.

Abstract: Multi-part improvements to brush cutting technology including a breakaway system. A single horizontal pin attaches the cutter head of a brush cutting machine to the boom and a swing tower, so that a single vertical pin can attach the tractor to the boom, the vertical pin and swing tower allowing the cutter head to have a forward and aft movement for flexibility around immovable objects. A breakaway cylinder holds the cutter head at a ninety degree angle relative to the tractor of a brush cutting machine. A control, in the form of a joystick, remotely raises and lowers the cutter head portion using a single control within the cab. A first relief valve bypasses when higher than normal hydraulic pressure is created in the breakaway cylinder and a second relief valve removes excess oil from the breakaway cylinder. A switch, in the form of a toggle switch, remotely operates the breakaway cylinder and moves the cutter head from within the cab.

Abstract: A flotation control system for controlling the boom of a tractor or brush cutting machine. Three hydraulic valves operate together and work in conjunction with the existing main valve of the tractor or brush cutting machine to provide flotation control or automatic movement up and down of the boom in response to ground surface variations. The system also allows the amount of weight that the cutter or other attachment exerts against the ground to be increased or decreased. The first valve is a flow control valve or a flow restricting or dividing valve that divides hydraulic flow from the pump of the tractor to the flotation control system. The second valve is a pressure reducing valve that provides the general operation of the flotation control system. The third valve is a directional valve and functions as an on/off for the flotation control system.

Abstract: A blade for a flail type brush cutting machine. The blade is torch cut or cast from thick metal in a generally L shape to have any desired angle between its stem and floor, in the preferred embodiment the angle is ninety degrees to insure a close cut of brush. The thicker metal will cut thicker brush. A resharpenable cutting edge is also torch cut or cast on the floor of the blade making the cutting edge of the blade resharpenable and renewable by repeat torch cutting. An elliptically shaped attaching hole is also torch cut or cast in the stem of the blade for attaching the blade to a hanger to then be attached to the shaft of the flail cutter. This attaching hole can also be torch cut or cast into any desired shape. A method of providing a blade for a flail type brush cutting machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A blade for a flail type brush cutting machine. The blade is torch cut or cast from thick metal in a generally L shape to have any desired angle between its stem and floor, in the preferred embodiment the angle is ninety degrees to insure a close cut of brush. The thicker metal will cut thicker brush. A resharpenable cutting edge is also torch cut or cast on the floor of the blade making the cutting edge of the blade resharpenable and renewable by repeat torch cutting. An elliptically shaped attaching hole is also torch cut or cast in the stem of the blade for attaching the blade to a hanger to then be attached to the shaft of the flail cutter. This attaching hole can also be torch cut or cast into any desired shape. A method of providing a blade for a flail type brush cutting machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: In the first preferred embodiment a flail cutter for a brush cutting machine comprises generally a shaft having a plurality of holes therethrough and a locking sheath also with a plurality of holes therethrough. The holes in the shaft and the holes in the locking sheath each receive a hanger, each hanger in turn holding a ring. Each ring holds a pair of flail blades. All blades are thus quickly attached to or removed from the shaft. After all blades have been attached to the shaft, the locking sheath is slid in one horizontal direction over the shaft to thereby lock the blades in attached engagement to the shaft. To remove all the blades, the locking sheath is slid in the opposite horizontal direction to release the blades from the shaft. In the second preferred embodiment, the hangers are attached directly to the shaft and the locking sheath is eliminated. Each hanger still holds the ring and the ring holds a pair of flail blades. The flail cutter is powered by a chain drive system.

Abstract: A blade assembly for a brush cutting machine. The blade assembly comprises two blades, each blade having a two sided cutting edge on both a first and second ends. The four sided cutting edge blades are rotatable from the first end to the second end and invertible from the upper surface to the lower surface to take advantage of all four cutting edges on each blade. A first blade is attached to the bottom surface of a first end of the crossbar. A second blade is attached to the bottom surface of a second end of the crossbar. The blades are attached to the bottom surface of the crossbar with counter-bored holes in the blades that correspond to counter-bored holes in the crossbar. Counter-bored holes in the bottom surface of the blades recess the head of the attaching bolt so that the top of the head of the attaching bolt is flush with the bottom surface of the blades.