Abstract: A tooth (2) for use in a grinding wheel (4), the tooth (2) including a spigot (8) for cooperating with a corresponding structure within a slot (10) of the grinding wheel (4) and a bolt (14) for locking the tooth (2) in the slot (10) of the wheel (4), and a grinding wheel (4) comprising the tooth (2).

Abstract: A material reduction machine includes a frame, an arm assembly coupled to the frame, and a bearing assembly coupled to the arm assembly adjacent a distal end. A shaft is rotatably coupled to the bearing assembly and has an axis. A comminution wheel is coupled to the shaft for rotation therewith. The comminution wheel is configured to be driven by a drive system and extends outward from the shaft in a radial direction that is perpendicular to the axis. A gap is defined between a portion of the shaft, the bearing assembly, and the comminution wheel, and a guard plate is attached to the bearing assembly or the arm assembly. The guard plate has an axial extent extending along the axis and a radial extent extending radially relative to the axis to at least partially fill the gap. The axial extent and the radial extent lie in a plane.

Abstract: Animal bedding is disclosed. The animal bedding comprises a juniper tree cut at ground level, the juniper tree having needles and a trunk. The juniper tree is naturally dried until the needles are brown, then ground using a screen that is 3 inches or less. The ground juniper tree is hammer milled and dust of 20 mesh minus is extracted from the hammer milled tree, which is then placed in a bagging machine and dust is vacuumed from the juniper tree. The juniper tree is then bagged.

Abstract: A stump cutter includes an engine and a cutting wheel. A drive assembly is disposed between the engine and the cutting wheel. The drive assembly comprises at least one pulley. The at least one pulley defines a cylindrical recess therein. A drum brake assembly is configured to engage the cylindrical recess of the at least one pulley.

Abstract: A method for producing animal bedding is provided. A juniper tree is cut at ground level, the juniper tree having needles and a trunk. The tree is naturally dried until the needles are brown, then ground using a screen less than 3 inches. The ground juniper is hammer milled and dust of 20 mesh minus is extracted from the hammer milled tree, which is then placed in a bagging machine and dust is vacuumed from the juniper tree. The juniper tree is then bagged.

Abstract: A stump grinder has a grinding arm that durably mounts a rotatable grinding wheel by securing the drive shaft of a motor to the grinding wheel such that a pair of bearings within the motor support one side of the grinding wheel and by supporting the other side of the grinding wheel with a stub shaft received within a third bearing. The grinding arm is laterally offset on the frame of the stump grinder to have a swing angle that is not symmetrical relative to the width of the frame, but with the swing angle starting at one side of the frame and then traversing across substantially the entire width of the frame to improve the ability of the operator to see the grinding wheel. A single joystick is movable in orthogonal directions corresponding to desired up and down and side-to-side pivoting motions of the grinding arm. The joystick includes a depressible trigger for starting and stopping the operation of the grinding wheel.

Abstract: A cutter wheel includes a drive plate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A wear plate is coupled to the first side of the drive plate for rotation with the drive plate. First and second cutters are coupled to the wear plate such that the wear plate is at least partially between the first side of the drive plate and the first and second cutters. Each cutter includes a cutter tip and a fastener-mounting aperture. A first fastener extends through the fastener-mounting aperture of the first cutter, through a first fastener-receiving aperture in the wear plate, and into a first aperture in the drive plate. A second fastener extends through the fastener-mounting aperture of the second cutter, through a respective fastener-receiving aperture in the wear plate, and into a respective aperture in the drive plate.

Abstract: An excavation tool for making ground excavations for panels and diaphragms includes at least one rotary excavation drum. At least one frame is adapted to support the excavation drum. At least one pump is adapted for suction of an excavation fluid. A brushless electric motor is adapted to put in rotation the at least one excavation drum. At least one mechanical reducer is operationally connected to the electric motor and the at least one excavation drum. The electric motor is installed in the frame and coaxial to the at least one excavation drum. The at least one mechanical reducer is coaxial to the electric motor and the at least one excavation drum. The at least one mechanical reducer is adapted to transfer rotary motion from the electric motor to the at least one excavation drum.

Abstract: A post handling tool is adaptable for mounting on a skid steer device. It utilizes a pair of hydraulic clamps secured to a base having a vertical stabilizing pole perpendicularly secured to the base.

Abstract: A stump grinder has a grinding arm that durably mounts a rotatable grinding wheel by securing the drive shaft of a motor to the grinding wheel such that a pair of bearings within the motor support one side of the grinding wheel and by supporting the other side of the grinding wheel with a stub shaft received within a third bearing. The grinding arm is laterally offset on the frame of the stump grinder to have a swing angle that is not symmetrical relative to the width of the frame, but with the swing angle starting at one side of the frame and then traversing across substantially the entire width of the frame to improve the ability of the operator to see the grinding wheel. A single joystick is movable in orthogonal directions corresponding to desired up and down and side-to-side pivoting motions of the grinding arm. The joystick includes a depressible trigger for starting and stopping the operation of the grinding wheel.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus for reducing plant material are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame, a boom coupled to and extending from the frame, a drive assembly at least partially coupled to the boom and having a drive shaft rotatable relative to the boom, a hub interconnected to and rotatable with the drive shaft, a cutting wheel interconnected to and rotatable with the hub, and a shearing device coupled to the boom and having a working surface adjacent the hub. The working surface at least partially defines a shearing feature for shearing material wrapped around the hub as the hub rotates.

Abstract: A machine for debranching living trees can move up and down the tree autonomously via a drive mechanism and has an upper cutting unit including three blades and below it a lower cutting unit including two blades. The in total five blades are arranged so that they cover the full girth of the tree. The two blades in the lower cutting unit are horizontally offset so that their end portions can overlap. To move the machine along the tree trunk there are two belt drives which press against the tree and are both driven by a single hydraulic motor. The upper cutting unit with its three blades can move horizontally as a whole, so that when the machine is moved and encounters thicker or slightly bent parts of the tree trunk it can give way in order to prevent the bark from being damaged by the blades.

Abstract: A mobile cutting tool is for cutting a subsea tubular structure and has i) a tool body for receiving the subsea tubular structure in an enclosure thereof; ii) an actuator mounted on the tool body at one side of the enclosure; iii) a non-rotatable cutting element provided on the actuator, the actuator with the cutting element for carrying out a translational cutting movement through the enclosure including the subsea tubular structure, and iv) a reaction member mounted at an opposite side of the enclosure of the tool body opposite to the cutting element for applying a reaction force on the subsea tubular structure during cutting. A method is for cutting a subsea tubular structure, wherein a non-rotating translation cutting movement is used for cutting.

Abstract: A stump grinder is configured to mount to a portable machine that operably supports the stump grinder during a stump grinding procedure. The stump grinder includes a cutting wheel that is rotatably driven during the stump grinding procedure. The cutting wheel has a cutting surface to grind the stump by moving the rotating cutting wheel across the stump. A wheel stabilizing assembly is disposed between the portable machine and the drive system for supporting the drive system and cutting wheel. The cutting wheel is held in a generally vertical orientation and movement of the cutting wheel is biased relative to the portable machine. Accordingly, forces applied against the cutting surface of the cutting wheel during the grinding procedure are limited by the biased movement.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method that enable the efficient reduction of stumps. In one embodiment the stump removal methods and devices according to the present disclosure allow the operator to have a clear view of the work area during operation, and the ability to move the reduction device through a wide range of motion during operation. In one embodiment, the material reduction tool pivots relative to the chassis in the vertical plane about multiple pivot points. In some embodiments the device includes a retractable auxiliary control panel located at the end of the device opposite the material reduction tool. The control panel enables the operator to direct the movement of the device from the end of the device and thereby enable the device to maneuver through narrow spaces.

Abstract: An improved snow blower apparatus is a snow blower that is able to be remotely controlled by a user located at a remote location. At least one video camera located on the snow blower allows the user to view the environment around the snow blower for safety purposes and to control the direction of travel and speed of the apparatus.

Abstract: A cutting tool for clearing plant growth. The clearing tool includes a power transmission apparatus. An elongated part is coupled to the transmission to rotate around a longitudinal axis of the elongated part and having at least one thread that rises toward the transmission and the diameter of which decreases from an end of the elongated part coupled to the transmission to the end of the elongated part that is at a distance from the transmission. Guide parts are arranged around the elongated part to extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the elongated part. A blade part is arranged at the end of the elongated part coupled to the transmission. The elongated part, which, while targeted in a longitudinal direction toward the plant growth, is arranged to cut the plant growth when being rotated, wherein the threads transport the plant growth toward the blade part guided by the guide parts and cut the plant growth with the blade part.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a material reducing apparatus adapted to be coupled to a vehicle by a pivot arm or other structure. The material reducing apparatus includes a reducing head with rotary reducing component. The reducing head can be titled about a tilt axis relative to the vehicle and can be raised and lowered relative to a vehicle. The reducing head has a thrown object deflector that automatically moves relative to the rotary reducing component when the reducing head is tilted relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A stump cutter controller and operator presence system includes one or more capacitive sensors in each of the three control levers that control movement of the cutter wheel. A sensor circuit measures changes in the capacitance of the sensors. The controller automatically disengages a drive clutch and applies a brake to the cutter wheel when the controller senses that an operator has left the operating station—which is assumed when the operator has not touched any one of the three control levers of the operator station for a predetermined time. The controller logic is set to allow the clutch to remain engaged during a delay period, of predetermined duration, to permit the operator to move a hand off of one control lever to another control lever. Also, a grace period, of varying duration based on the speed of the cutter wheel, may be provided during which the clutch is reengaged if an operator returns to the controls.

Abstract: A direct drive system is provided for supporting and driving a rotor. The drive system includes a support body and a drive hub assembly, which are modularized respectively and assembled together to produce the drive system. The support body has a body wall extending between opposite ends. One of the ends has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The drive hub assembly is mounted onto the exterior surface of the end of the support body. The motor mounts so as to be position primarily in an interior of the support body.

Abstract: A tree stump removal device is disclosed. The device includes an annular housing having cutters attached thereto. A method of removing a tree stump is disclosed that includes lowering a tree stump removal device into the ground surrounding the tree stump to severe some or all of the horizontal roots extending from the tree stump.

Abstract: A multi-position landing gear for an aircraft may include a first landing skid disposed on a bottom side of the aircraft, and a second landing skid disposed on one of a top side or the bottom side of the aircraft, wherein the first landing skid and the second landing skid are rotatable relative to the aircraft.

Abstract: A drivetrain assembly includes a transmission and a driveshaft that are joined together by a transmission flange and a driveshaft flange that has a plurality of pre-assembled bolts. The driveshaft flange defines a plurality of holes and countersink recesses and the bolts are secured to the driveshaft flange by a bolt retainer disposed in each of the countersink recesses between the transmission flange and the driveshaft flange. A method is disclosed for assembling a transmission flange and a driveshaft flange that defines a plurality of holes and countersink recesses. A bolt is assembled into each of the holes and countersink recesses and a bolt retainer is attached to each of the bolts and nested inside the countersink recesses to retain the bolts on the driveshaft flange. The bolts on the driveshaft flange are then installed into the threaded holes of the transmission flange.

Abstract: A stump cutter comprising a cutting head that rotates about a generally vertical axis is provided. The cutting head comprises a plurality of cutting blades that are angled with respect to a backing plate of the cutting head. At least two of the plurality of cutting blades are further angled radially with respect to a center of the cutting head, such that the centermost edges of the cutting blades extend further into a stump than the outermost edges of the cutting blades. The stump cutter is powered solely by the PTO of a tractor.

Abstract: A boom arm cutting disk device for using a full area of a boom arm mounted cutting disk to cut materials facilitating vertical cutting and mulching of trees, brush, or the like. The device includes a disk configured for mounting on a boom arm such that the disk is rotatable relative to the boom arm. Each of a pair of cutters is coupled to and extends from the disk. Each of the cutters has a respective interior side edge aligned with a center of the disk and a respective blade edge extending outwardly from the interior side edge. Each blade edge defines a leading edge of the cutter as the disk is rotated wherein the cutters are configured to cut material by contact with the leading edges as a central area of the disk is urged towards the material while the disk is rotated.

Abstract: A cutting tool for use with a stump cutting apparatus of the type utilizing a cutting wheel or drum rotating about a rotational axis wherein the cutting tool is removably attached to the cutting wheel or drum. The cutting tool includes a tool holder removably secured to the cutting wheel typically through a plurality of fasteners extending through a plurality of apertures located in the base portion of the tool holder. The tool holder includes a tool portion having a boss and a neck extending from the base portion of the tool holder to the boss. The boss being a generally annular member having an aperture extending between first and second ends wherein a cutting tool is secured within the aperture. The cutting tool generally includes a head portion, a shank and a cutting tip.

Abstract: A cutting wheel for use with a stump cutting apparatus; wherein the cutting wheel includes first and second sections. The first and second sections including a support member, with a tool holder attached to the support member. Each of the first and second sections having a notch therein, the respective notches cooperating to form a joint between the first and second sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stump grinder that rotates about a vertical axis and includes an improved cutting shaft. The improved cutting shaft includes a base portion attached to a drive source, and a grinding shaft attached to and extending downwardly from the base portion. The grinding shaft includes replaceable cutting teeth and a replaceable grinding tip.

Abstract: A tree stump removal device is disclosed. The device includes an annular housing having cutters attached thereto. A method of removing a tree stump is disclosed that includes lowering a tree stump removal device into the ground surrounding the tree stump to severe some or all of the horizontal roots extending from the tree stump.

Abstract: The present concept a stump auger is used for removing tree stumps. The stump auger includes a main shaft connected at a top end to a drive mechanism for turning the shaft about a vertical axis. The main shaft is connected at a bottom end to a cone top wherein the cone including a thread extending about the outer surface of the cone. The stump auger further includes at least two boring bars, each boring bar includes third blades mounted in stepped offset side by side fashion wherein the inner face of one third blade abuts the outer face of the adjacent third blade. The third blades oriented parallel to a bar axis which defines a boring bar angle theta relative the horizontal, and the third blades also include a blade edge for shaving, grinding and chipping the tree stump as the stump auger is rotated about the vertical axis.

Abstract: A stump grinder for a powered cutting wheel attached to a boom is disclosed, wherein the improvement relates to a cutting wheel confinement system which includes a cutting wheel further comprising a coaxially disposed spindle extending from an unsupported side, and a boom which further comprises an opening which is centrally disposed with the spindle and sized so as to allow the spindle to freely rotate therein without contact when the cutting wheel is not rotating, and to allow for a predetermined amount of eccentric motion of the spindle before the spindle makes contact with the first opening, and which prevents more than a predetermined amount of eccentric motion of the spindle by confining the eccentric motion of the spindle via contact with the first opening.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method that enable the efficient reduction of stumps. In one embodiment the stump removal methods and devices according to the present disclosure allow the operator to have a clear view of the work area during operation, and the ability to move the reduction device through a wide range of motion during operation. In one embodiment, the material reduction tool pivots relative to the chassis in the vertical plane about multiple pivot points. In some embodiments the device includes a retractable auxiliary control panel located at the end of the device opposite the material reduction tool. The control panel enables the operator to direct the movement of the device from the end of the device and thereby enable the device to maneuver through narrow spaces.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a primary body that has a support for supporting a person, and a secondary body. A releasable coupling provides selective coupling between the primary and secondary bodies. The lifting apparatus has (a) a first condition in which the primary body is coupled to the secondary body, and (b) a second condition in which the primary body is not coupled to the secondary body, and is configured to be releasably coupled to a vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method that enable the efficient reduction of stumps. In one embodiment the stump removal methods and devices according to the present disclosure allow the operator to have a clear view of the work area during operation, and the ability to move the reduction device through a wide range of motion during operation. In one embodiment, the material reduction tool pivots relative to the chassis in the vertical plane about multiple pivot points. In some embodiments the device includes a retractable auxiliary control panel located at the end of the device opposite the material reduction tool. The control panel enables the operator to direct the movement of the device from the end of the device and thereby enable the device to maneuver through narrow spaces.

Abstract: The device may be coupled to a tractor and comprises a housing comprising vertical walls and a sliding arrangement, and a shaft, base plate, stabilizing portion, motor, and bit assembly. A coupling plate may be coupled to a cooperative coupling plate of the tractor. The shaft extends vertically from the motor to the base plate. The bit assembly is coupled to the lower end of the shaft. The stabilizing portion comprises a tubular member extending from the baseplate. The method of removing a tree comprising a trunk and roots, the roots being below ground, comprises the steps of engaging the trunk with a stabilizer; bending said trunk with the stabilizer; securing the trunk with said stabilizer; inserting a rotating bit into the ground; driving the rotating bit into an area occupied by said roots; and engaging said roots with the rotating bit assembly.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a primary body that has a support for supporting a person, and a secondary body. A releasable coupling provides selective coupling between the primary and secondary bodies. The lifting apparatus has (a) a first condition in which the primary body is coupled to the secondary body, and (b) a second condition in which the primary body is not coupled to the secondary body, and is configured to be releasably coupled to a vehicle.

Abstract: A carbide cutting tip including a rear surface and a bottom surface for mounting the tip to a cutting tool tooth, a top surface having a pair of peaks separated by a trough, the top surface including a frontward facet and a rearward facet sloped downwardly and rearwardly at a non-zero angle ? with respect to the frontward facet, and a front surface having a substantially flat lower portion and a concave upper portion having a shape defined by a segment of an ellipse, the lower portion being disposed substantially perpendicularly to the frontward facet of the top surface, the lower portion and the upper portion joining at a break point located at the apex of the major axis of the ellipse, the major axis of the ellipse being canted frontwardly from the break point at a non-zero angle ? with respect to the lower portion of the front surface.

Abstract: A wheeled chassis to which a stump grinding unit is securely attached that includes a chip collector attached to either the stump grinder or the wheeled chassis and positioned adjacent the trailing edge of the stump grinding wheel. The wheeled chassis includes a duct in fluid communication with the chip collector, and a collection bin positioned adjacent the trailing end and in spaced relation below the duct. The wheeled chassis is adapted for hitched connection to a vehicle. A blower can be positioned within the duct to produce a rearwardly directed air flow to assist in the chip movement towards the collection bin. The collection bin can be positioned on the wheeled chassis or on a vehicle to which the wheeled chassis is attached.

Abstract: A stump grinding wheel tooth assembly having a mounting block positioned around the periphery of the wheel and a cutting bit attached to the mounting block by a pin passing through a hole in the cutting bit and a corresponding hole in the mounting block and capped by a nut. The mounting block may support multiple cutting bits arranged into a predetermined patterns based on the location of the holes, such as pairs of cutting bits or even a quad formation. The cutting bits may be provided in various geometric configurations, such as round, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal or decagonal.

Abstract: A stump cutting assembly mounted to a stump cutting wheel. Stump cutting assembly is a stump cutting tooth interconnected to the wheel by a holder or block that is fixed to wheel by welding or other equivalent process, an optional debris deflector and a fastener that interconnects tooth and deflector to holder. As wheel rotates about its axis of rotation, the tooth cuts away at wood or other debris in which it comes into contact through the side to side and/or longitudinal movement of a stump grinder unit.

Abstract: An automatic depth controlled cutting assembly for a stump grinder includes a cutting assembly operatively attached to a stump grinder for engaging and grinding a stump, an actuating assembly to actuate movement of the cutting assembly relative to the stump, and an automatic depth control system cooperating with the actuating assembly to automatically control a depth of the cutting assembly relative to the stump.

Abstract: A bi-directional pocket member that retains a stump cutter tooth. The pocket affixes to a selected wheel side surface of a driven wheel, which has a first wheel side surface and a second wheel side surface. The pocket member has a pocket body, which has a first pocket edge, a second pocket edge, a first pocket side surface, a second pocket side surface, a radial inward pocket portion and an integral radial outward pocket portion. The radial inward pocket portion contains attachment bores used to operatively attach the pocket member to the driven wheel. The radial outward portion contains a retention bore used to retain the stump cutter tooth.

Abstract: A stump cutting assembly mounted to a stump cutting wheel. Stump cutting assembly is a stump cutting tooth interconnected to the wheel by a holder or block that is fixed to wheel by welding or other equivalent process, an optional debris deflector and a fastener that interconnects tooth and deflector to holder. As wheel rotates about its axis of rotation, the tooth cuts away at wood or other debris in which it comes into contact through the side to side and/or longitudinal movement of a stump grinder unit.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a primary body that has a support for supporting a person, and a secondary body. A releasable coupling provides selective coupling between the primary and secondary bodies. The lifting apparatus has (a) a first condition in which the primary body is coupled to the secondary body, and (b) a second condition in which the primary body is not coupled to the secondary body, and is configured to be releasably coupled to a vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a frame supporting a motor and a gearbox, wherein the motor and the gearbox are connected to one another via coupling and further wherein the gearbox is oriented ninety (90) degrees from its normal operating orientation; and a bit assembly, the bit assembly comprising a shaft, having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the gearbox via a gearbox output flange, a main bit assembly further comprising an upper cutting blade and a lower cutting blade attached to the shaft, wherein the lower cutting blade is located closer to the second end of the shaft than the upper cutting blade, an adjustable depth cutting guide attached to a bottom portion of the upper cutting blade, and a lateral cutting blade attached at the far end of the upper cutting blade; and a guide bit assembly wherein the apparatus is attachable to a self-propelled vehicle.

Abstract: A device and method for cutting and mulching material such as trees, bushes, roots, stumps, vegetation, and other debris. The device includes a frame adapted to be combined with a prime mover vehicle. The frame supports a rotating cutting element having a plurality of rotating cutters. The cutting element is actuated by a motor to spin at a speed and with a force suitable for cutting trees and other material. The frame further includes a supporting surface that helps to support the material and guide it toward the cutting element as the device is moved downward to cut and mulch the material.

Abstract: A stump grinder has a grinding arm that durably mounts a rotatable grinding wheel by securing the drive shaft of a motor to the grinding wheel such that a pair of bearings within the motor support one side of the grinding wheel and by supporting the other side of the grinding wheel with a stub shaft received within a third bearing. The grinding arm is laterally offset on the frame of the stump grinder to have a swing angle that is not symmetrical relative to the width of the frame, but with the swing angle starting at one side of the frame and then traversing across substantially the entire width of the frame to improve the ability of the operator to see the grinding wheel. A single joystick is movable in orthogonal directions corresponding to desired up and down and side-to-side pivoting motions of the grinding arm. The joystick includes a depressible trigger for starting and stopping the operation of the grinding wheel.

Abstract: A cutting tool for use with a stump cutting apparatus of the type utilizing a cutting wheel or drum rotating about a rotational axis wherein the cutting tool is removably attached to the cutting wheel or drum. The cutting tool includes a tool holder removably secured to the cutting wheel typically through a plurality of fasteners extending through a plurality of apertures located in the base portion of the tool holder. The tool holder includes a tool portion having a boss and a neck extending from the base portion of the tool holder to the boss. The boss being a generally annular member having an aperture extending between first and second ends wherein a cutting tool is secured within the aperture. The cutting tool generally includes a head portion, a shank and a cutting tip.

Abstract: A stump grinder having a grinding member with a plurality of stacked plates. The stacked plates are joined by at least three bolts that extend the entire length of the plate stack and are secured by nuts at each end thereof. Adjacent plates are held apart from each other via spacers. Each spacer has a aperture through which one of the bolts passes. Each plate has three cutting elements secured thereon. The three cutting elements are spaced at approximately one hundred-twenty degrees apart from an adjacent cutting element. The three cutting blades are each mounted to have a different cutting path. To this end one of the blades is mounted on a first surface of the plate. The second blade is mounted on a second opposed surface of the plate and the third blade is mounted intermediate the first and second blades. The cutting paths may slightly overlap to ensure that now material is left uncut. The plates are mounted on a driven shaft.

Abstract: An automatic depth controlled cutting assembly for a stump grinder includes a cutting assembly operatively attached to a stump grinder for engaging and grinding a stump, an actuating assembly to actuate movement of the cutting assembly relative to the stump, and an automatic depth control system cooperating with the actuating assembly to automatically control a depth of the cutting assembly relative to the stump.