Abstract: A tree skidder transport machine and method wherein the machine has a hydraulically operated boom assembly extending rearwardly of a chassis. The boom assembly includes a main boom and a stick boom which cooperate hydraulically to lift the bottom end of a tree, or tree bunch, near the butt, and drag it forwardly over a bogied pair of chassis support wheels. With the further cooperation of a hydraulically actuated heel boom, the tree or tree bunch is then rotated vertically in a counterclockwise direction to lift its top end off the ground and move the tree or tree bunch forwardly a sufficient distance to bring some of the weight of the tree or tree bunch onto the front wheels of the machine.

Abstract: A timber harvesting machine including a chassis supported by endless tracks. A platform is mounted on the chassis. A platform is rotatable on the turntable in an annular bearing race on the turntable. A boom is mounted on the platform and includes a main boom mounting pin which is pivoted on one side of the axis of rotation of the platform. A boom actuating cylinder has a mounting pin which is mounted on the other side of the axis of rotation and directly over the annular bearing race regardless of the rotational position of said platform relative to said turntable.

Abstract: A grapple saw is provided with positive pressure grapple arms to securely hold trees during felling. The grapple saw has a frame for receiving a tree to be felled. A grapple arm mounted on the frame pivots to hold the tree against the frame as it is severed by a saw. Positive pressure is provided to the clamping arm during the severing operation to prevent movement of the tree.

Abstract: A cutting tooth for a tree felling saw having a concave front surface and a convex rear surface can be removably fixed to a saw by a fastening device The front surface and the rear surface are uniformly spaced and have a plurality of side surfaces extending therebetween. The intersection of each side section with the front surface forms a cutting edge. An aperture is formed in the cutting tooth for receiving the mounting element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to fell a tree is disclosed. A vehicle mountable felling head includes a circular saw mounted to the felling head. A guard overlays the circular saw as a safety measure. The guard has a first portion which is fixed. The fixed portion of the guard has an opening exposing a first arcuate portion of the saw. The guard also has a second, movable portion which overlays a second arcuate portion of the circular saw. The second portion of the guard may be raised to expose a second arcuate portion of the circular saw to cut a slot in one side of a tree with the cut being completed by the first arcuate portion thereby allowing a tree greater in diameter than the radius of the circular saw to be severed.

Abstract: A tree felling apparatus mountable to a vehicle includes a frame defining an opening for receiving a tree and a chain saw mounted for linear movement across the opening for felling the tree. One side of the opening is defined by an anvil having a sharpened edge for increasingly engaging the tree as the frame is advanced to receive the tree within the opening. The sharpened edge also extends sufficiently so that it overlaps the leading edge of the chain saw as the saw completes its cut. The anvil thus serves as a stationary, stable pivot point for the falling tree and protects the underlying chain from the force of the falling tree. Wedges are spaced across the saw bar of the chain saw for directionally felling the tree.