Abstract: A method for operating a disc-type log chipping machine includes controlling the proper position of a log with respect the chipping mechanism of the machine as the log is being reduced by the chipping mechanism. The method includes moving the upper feed assembly with respect to the frame between an engagement position in which the upper feed assembly contacts the log to advance it towards the chipping mechanism and a raised position in which the upper feed assembly is above and out of contact with the log. The method operates to move the upper feed assembly from the engagement position to the raised position intermittently in order to orient the log axis in a generally parallel relationship with the long axis of the frame as the log is being reduced.

Abstract: A debarking machine for removing the bark from a log includes a flail assembly having a flail shaft that is mounted for rotation about a flail shaft axis. A plurality of flail chains are provided, each of which has a fixed end that is attached to the flail shaft and a free end. The debarking machine is adapted to move a log to be debarked in a processing direction that is generally perpendicular to the flail shaft axis. A flail housing encloses a portion of the flail assembly and is configured and arranged to locate the flail shaft at any of a plurality of alternative vertical positions with respect to the log being moved in the processing direction.

Abstract: A log chipping machine includes a frame having a long axis and a rotating chipping mechanism having an axis of rotation that is oblique to the long axis of the frame of the machine. The machine also includes a log advance system that is adapted to advance a log to the chipping mechanism, in a processing direction that is generally parallel to the long axis of the frame. The log advance system includes an upper feed assembly. A control system includes a lifting assembly and a controller assembly. The lifting assembly is adapted to move the upper feed assembly with respect to the frame between an engagement position in which the upper feed assembly contacts the log to advance it towards the chipping mechanism and a raised position in which the upper feed assembly is above and out of contact with the log.

Abstract: A debarking machine for removing the bark from a log includes a flail assembly having a flail shaft that is mounted for rotation about a flail shaft axis. A plurality of flail chains are provided, each of which has a fixed end that is attached to the flail shaft and a free end. The debarking machine is adapted to move a log to be debarked in a processing direction that is generally perpendicular to the flail shaft axis. A flail housing encloses a portion of the flail assembly and is configured and arranged to locate the flail shaft at any of a plurality of alternative vertical positions with respect to the log being moved in the processing direction.