Abstract: A system for a high-efficiency planting operation for a work machine for planting saplings. The system comprises a conveying unit to store at least one tray of saplings and to transport the tray of saplings towards a gripping unit. The gripping unit retrieves at least one sapling from the tray and to release at least one sapling towards an indexing unit. The indexing unit is coupled to the gripping unit and individually releases a sapling for planting. A planting unit receives the sapling from the indexing unit and delivers the sapling into a ground. A sensing module is coupled to a plurality of sensors to detect a set of parameters and generates data input signals based on the parameters. A controller receives the data input signals and provides feedback to the conveying unit, the indexing unit or the planting unit to adjust actuators in response to the data input signals.

Abstract: A system for a high-efficiency planting operation for a work machine for planting saplings. The system comprises a conveying unit to store at least one tray of saplings and to transport the tray of saplings towards a gripping unit. The gripping unit retrieves at least one sapling from the tray and to release at least one sapling towards an indexing unit. The indexing unit is coupled to the gripping unit and individually releases a sapling for planting. A planting unit receives the sapling from the indexing unit and delivers the sapling into a ground. A sensing module is coupled to a plurality of sensors to detect a set of parameters and generates data input signals based on the parameters. A controller receives the data input signals and provides feedback to the conveying unit, the indexing unit or the planting unit to adjust actuators in response to the data input signals.

Abstract: A hitch mechanism for a work vehicle configured for operation on slopes. The hitch mechanism couplable to a tether fixed in position up the slope. An arm extends outwardly and upwardly from the work vehicle frame and supports a tether engaging structure couplable to the tether. The arm is mounted to the frame structure beneath the body portion of the work vehicle and extends rearwardly from the frame to support the tether engaging structure rearwardly of the body portion and rearwardly of the ground engaging drive mechanism. The hitch includes a pivot structure coupling the arm to the frame that allows the arm to pivot about a horizontal axis such that the arm is shiftable vertically. A controller receives inputs corresponding to at least one vehicle parameter and is operatively coupled to an actuator for causing the arm to shift in response to changes in the vehicle parameter.

Abstract: A system for a high-efficiency planting operation for a work machine for planting saplings. The system comprises a conveying unit stores at least one tray of saplings and transports the tray of saplings towards a gripping unit. The gripping unit retrieves at least one sapling from the tray and release at least one sapling towards the indexing unit. The indexing unit is coupled to the gripping unit and individually releases a sapling for planting. A planting unit receives the sapling from the indexing unit and delivers the sapling into a ground. A sensing module is coupled to a plurality of sensors to detect a set of parameters and generates data input signals based on the parameters. A controller receives the data input signals and provides feedback to the conveying unit, the indexing unit or the planting unit to adjust one or more actuators in response to the data input signals.

Abstract: A sapling retrieval apparatus coupled to a chassis, which extends in a fore-aft direction, includes ground-engaging supports to facilitate propelling the chassis. The sapling retrieval apparatus comprises a gripping unit for retrieving a linear row of saplings from a tray and releasing the row of saplings, a transfer unit, and an indexing unit. The transfer unit moves the released linear row of saplings to the indexing unit for individual delivery of a sapling for planting as the chassis is propelled.

Abstract: A sapling planting apparatus coupled to a chassis wherein the chassis includes a ground-engaging supports to facilitate propelling the chassis. The sapling planting apparatus comprises a screw; a nut in threaded engagement with the outer surface of the screw; a motor operatively coupled to the screw to rotatably drive the screw wherein rotation of the screw translates the nut; a tube for delivering the sapling towards the ground; and a spade for penetrating the ground for planting the sapling. The tube may be coupled to the nut and is telescopically extendable in a downward direction from a rest position wherein translating the nut in a first direction coincides with extending the tube in a downward direction.

Abstract: A method of operating a sapling hydrating system for a planting apparatus. The method comprising determining a release pressure of hydrating fluid for a release valve to hydrate a sapling based on a target distribution rate of the hydrating fluid, wherein the target distribution rate is received via an input signal. The method further comprising controlling a supply pressure of the hydrating fluid from a pump to be greater than or equal to the release pressure, and controlling an unloading valve fluidly disposed between the pump and a hydrating fluid storage tank. The unloading valve regulating a maximum supply pressure. The method further includes controlling the release valve to provide a first portion of the hydraulic fluid to the release valve at an unloading pressure greater than or equal to the release pressure, and directing the remainder of the hydrating fluid back to the storage tank.

Abstract: A hitch mechanism for a work vehicle configured for operation on slopes. The hitch mechanism couplable to a tether fixed in position up the slope. An arm extends outwardly and upwardly from the work vehicle frame and supports a tether engaging structure couplable to the tether. The arm is mounted to the frame structure beneath the body portion of the work vehicle and extends rearwardly from the frame to support the tether engaging structure rearwardly of the body portion and rearwardly of the ground engaging drive mechanism. The hitch includes a pivot structure coupling the arm to the frame that allows the arm to pivot about a horizontal axis such that the arm is shiftable vertically. A controller receives inputs corresponding to at least one vehicle parameter and is operatively coupled to an actuator for causing the arm to shift in response to changes in the vehicle parameter.