Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for compensating for small variations in balance and alignment when supporting and rotating a massive cylindrical drum. The apparatus comprises a self-aligning flange having projections spaced 90° apart about the circumference, or rim, of the flange. The projections are inserted into sliding relationship with elongate slots within a fixed supporting frame so that the plane of the self-aligning flange is allowed to dynamically adjust to small oscillations or movements of the centerline of the rotating drum as it rotates.

Abstract: A ground breaking apparatus has a vehicle with a cutter assembly attached thereto. The cutter assembly has a rotating cutter mounted to a cutter housing which is attached to and movable with the vehicle. The cutter housing has a forward door that moves between open and closed positions. A pusher bar is movable between an operating and a raised position is also included. When the door is open and the pusher bar is in the operating position, the vehicle moving forward will cause the pusher bar to engage trees which will also be engaged and cut, or ripped by the rotating cutter. The door may be closed in the direction the vehicle reversed. The cutter may be lowered so that as the vehicle moves in reverse, the rotating cutter head mulches trees into the soil and also breaks up ground fragments to prepare the soil for the desired use.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for compensating for small variations in balance and alignment when supporting and rotating a massive cylindrical drum. The apparatus comprises a self-aligning flange having projections spaced 90° apart about the circumference, or rim, of the flange. The projections are inserted into sliding relationship with elongate slots within a fixed supporting frame so that the plane of the self-aligning flange is allowed to dynamically adjust to small oscillations or movements of the centerline of the rotating drum as it rotates.