Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an agitator (10) positioned near the screen (4) of a hogger to increase turbulence in that region. The induced turbulence from the driven blades (15) of the agitator (10) reorients material contained within the hogger (1), thereby representing the material to the screen (4) and grinding disc (5) with potential improvements in both screening and comminuting efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disk section (1) for use in the construction of a grinding disk (10) such as may be used in wood hogging, chipping, or grinding apparatus. The disk section (1) is associated with a substantially wedge shaped retaining segment (30) which is positioned near the circumference of the assembled grinding disk(10), and preferentially overlaps at least part of two adjacent disk sections (1) thereon. The arrangement is such that tangential type impacts acting on a disk section (1) results in at least partial energy transmission to the retaining segment (30) and its connection (38, 39) to a hub (9).

Abstract: The present invention relates to modification to a grapple (1) to allow lengthwise movement of a load such as a log (12). When a cut-off saw (30) is attached, a load contacting portion (6) can be used to fine adjust the longitudinal position of the log (12) relative to the grapple (1), and hence cut-off saw (30). This provides for finer control and more accurate positioning of the cut-off saw than is generally achievable by movement of the grapple (1) relative to the log (12) by an excavator arm, thus enabling logs to be more precisely trimmed by a grapple with cut-off saw arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grapple (1) with cut-off saw (30) in which the motor (20) for driving the saw (30) is mounted inboard, and within the head portion (2) of the grapple. In a preferred embodiment drive from the motor (20) passes through a hollow pin (10) which also supports one of the jaws (4). The head portion (2) thereby acts as a housing for the motor (20) protecting it from impact.