Abstract: A forestry machine includes a ground propulsion apparatus, a vehicle body supported by the ground propulsion apparatus, an operator seat disposed on the vehicle body, a first control lever operable by an operator sitting in the operator seat, a work implement including a saw, and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a first user input disposed on the first control lever. The first user input is operatively coupled to the work implement. Power to the saw is engaged upon the first user input being operated in combination with another operation. A method of operating a forestry machine includes operating a first user input disposed on the first control lever. Power is engaged to the saw in response to the first user input being operated in combination with another operation.

Abstract: A safety system (2) for a working vehicle (4) comprising a working equipment (6), e.g. a crane or a working tool, the safety system (2) comprises a control unit (8), a controller (10), e.g. a remote controller, configured to control said working equipment (6), and a display unit (12).

Abstract: A forestry device, for example, a bunching and felling head configured to group trees, includes a support frame and an accumulation area located proximate to the support frame. The device includes at least a first arm rotatable relative to the support frame, to gather trees, and at least one accumulating arm rotatable relative to the support frame, to secure one or more gathered trees in the accumulation area and to retract from the accumulation area to allow a newly gathered tree to be added in the accumulation area. The one or more accumulating arm(s) include(s) an inner arm pivotable relative to the support frame and an outer arm pivotable relative to the inner arm. The outer arm has at least one articulation dividing the outer arm into at least a proximate member and a distal member.

Abstract: A grinding system including a pilot bit and a base having teeth extending from the base. The pilot may have a tapered cross-section, threads to control the rate at which it engages an object and a flute to facilitate the removal of material of an object. A method of using the device may include allowing the bit and the base to work together in a manner that the portions of the system engage an object at a similar rate.

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 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 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: 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: 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 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 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 tree stump coring apparatus and method of coring a tree stump using the same is provide. The tree stump coring apparatus includes an elongated cylindrical cutting blade of a hollow tubular body rotatable about a vertical axis with cutting blades on an open lower end of the cutting blade for mounting on a vehicle such as a skid steer loader which provides a means to rotate the cutting blade and a means to move the cutting blade in a generally vertical direction downwardly to core a tree stump and upwardly to remove the tree stump core from the ground.

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 apparatus for extracting plant species of varying heights and varying diameters adapted to be mounted on a conventional land vehicle includes a frame and an extracting member rigidly attached to and extends outwardly from a bottom edge of the frame. The extracting member includes a first elongated extracting portion having a knife-like free end, a pair of second extracting portions each positioned adjacent a respective edge of the first elongated extracting portion and having a cutting edge formed generally perpendicular to the respective edge of the first elongated extracting portion, and a pair of third extracting portions each connecting an end of the cutting edge of the second extracting portion with a respective end of the bottom edge of the frame. A pair of elongated member are attached to the rear surface of the frame for attaching it to the land vehicle.

Abstract: A tree and stump remover, suitable for use on skid-steer or similar vehicles, has a coupling operative with standard bucket mounts. Forward and generally centrally protruding from the coupling is a knife with teeth, serrations, or hooks. In alternative embodiments, the teeth, serrations, or hooks may move relative to each other, or be fixedly mounted. Knife support plates extend the width of the apparatus, and are provided for engagement with the base of a tree. In one preferred embodiment, additional smaller spikes extend adjacent to and spaced from the knife, which further facilitate cutting roots and toppling a tree in a single movement. A process of removing trees and stumps using the preferred apparatus includes cutting the roots extending away from the stump or tree from at least a first side, lifting or toppling the remaining root bundle, and shaking or piercing the root bundle to release dirt retained therein.

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 cultivating tool for breaking up and spreading plant material over and into the ground has opposed ends and upper, lower and intermediate portions extending longitudinally between the ends. The lower portion includes a cutting edge. The intermediate portion includes a forward outer surface extending concavely upwardly and forwardly from the lower portion to the upper portion and a rearward outer surface extending concavely upwardly and rearwardly from the lower portion to the upper portion. Cultivating apparatus includes the tool coupled to the end of a support arm. The arm may be an articulated arm and the coupling may be a pivotal coupling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stump grinding apparatus. The apparatus includes a rotatable wheel, a plurality of blocks each having an inner side attached to a side of the rotatable wheel, and a plurality of teeth each individually received within a groove formed on an outer side of the block. Fasteners pass through a base portion of the teeth and thereby hold the teeth to the blocks and the blocks to the wheel.

Abstract: A stump grinding disk includes a metallic wheel defining an axis of rotation and including a pair of side surfaces and a circumferential outer edge surface. The outer edge surface includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced recesses. Each recess extends axially completely through the disk. A plurality of side cutting elements are mounted on each side surface. A plurality of outer peripheral cutters are spaced circumferentially apart around the outer edge surface. Wear strips are mounted in respective recesses. Each wear strip includes a metal matrix in which hard particles are disposed. Each wear strip defines a radially inner surface affixed to the wheel, and a radially outer surface arranged substantially flush with adjacent portions of the outer edge surface.

Abstract: A cutting machine and a method of using the cutting machine includes a cutting apparatus having a cutting device, a jackshaft sheave, an endless belt and an engine sheave. The cutting machine may have a jackshaft sheave, which is rotatably connected to the cutting instrument with the endless belt disposed about the jackshaft and engine sheaves. An engine includes a flywheel with an interface, which are configured for powering the cutting apparatus. A shaft assembly transfers energy from the flywheel of the engine to the engine sheave. The shaft assembly includes a shaft plate, a stub shaft and a coupling plate. The shaft plate is connected to the coupling plate and defines a shaft aperture with the stub shaft disposed in the shaft aperture. The stub shaft depends from the shaft aperture and is rotatably connected to the engine sheave. The coupling plate includes a coupling rotatably connected to the interface.

Abstract: A reversing automatic feed assembly for a stump grinder includes at least one sensor adapted to sense excessive load placed on the stump grinder and output a signal thereof. The reversing automatic feed assembly also includes a control system operatively connected to the least one sensor to automatically reverse feed movement of the cutting assembly in response to the signal from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A stump grinding mechanism includes a disc having recesses formed in an outer peripheral surface thereof. Peripheral cutting assemblies are mounted in respective recesses. Each cutting assembly includes a holder fixed in the recess, and a cutter tooth mounted in the holder. The cutter tooth includes a shank extending through the holder and secured thereto by a nut. The nut is disposed within a pocket of the holder to be shielded during a cutting operation. The holder includes gauge marks to facilitate a proper angular orienting of the cutting assembly within the recess. Some of the cutter teeth have flat cutter faces optimized for cutting wood fiber, whereas others of the cutter teeth have cutter faces defined by converging surface portions to be optimized for cutting/displacing rocks.

Abstract: A stump-grinding apparatus includes a block having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is adjacent to a side of the wheel between the center of wheel and the peripheral edge. The outer surface defines both a groove and a first aperture in the groove. A tooth is received into the groove. The tooth has a first end and a second end spaced from the first end. The second end defines a second aperture that can align with the first aperture. A fastener extends through the first and second aperture to fasten the tooth to the block.

Abstract: A stump grinding apparatus of the type adapted to be mounted in a frame on the end of a boom is described. The apparatus comprises a grinding wheel mounted between hubs keyed to a shaft that is connected though belts and gears to a source of motive power, such as a diesel engine. A pair of non-adjustable roller bearings are used to provide relative movement of the shaft and grinding wheel in the frame. The apparatus includes means for providing lubrication between relatively moving parts so that the life of the bearings and other component parts can exceed 5000 hours of use without failure. The shaft assembly includes dimensional tolerances that protect the moving parts from the ingress of dirt and other debris. The materials of construction are selected to also enhance trouble-free operation.

Abstract: A stump cutter includes a rotary drum, holders mounted on the drum, and cutting bits mounted in respective bores of each holder for rotation relative thereto. Each cutting bit includes a shank having a pocket formed in a front end thereof in which the cutting tip is brazed, wherein an outer lip of the shank tightly grips an outer side surface of the cutting tip with a thermal shrink fit. The cutting tip includes a circular cutting edge formed by the intersection between portions of the front surface and side surface of the cutting tip, which surface portions intersect at a ninety degree angle. The front surface of the cutting tip includes raised radial ribs spaced circumferentially therearound for inducing rotation of the cutting bit during a cutting operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus that lifts, secures, splits and/or crushes tree stumps or other materials, particularly wooden materials and other materials that may be present at an excavation site. The apparatus is characterized in part by a two pivot point design. A first pivot point allows for the pivotable operation of an engaging unit which grabs and lifts the tree stump. The engaging unit further acts a durable and secure support member for the tree stump during the splitting and crushing process. The second pivot point allows for the pivotable operation of a cutting device which facilitates splitting and crushing of the stumps.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a stump grinding wheel that provides a user of a stump grinder with visual access through the wheel. The wheel comprises first and second opposing surfaces joined by a common edge. The edge is shaped in the form of a polygon and includes several intermittently spaced apart gaps positioned between successively positioned extensions that protrude radially outwardly from the first and second surfaces. The wheel further comprises a first, conventional, centrally positioned hole formed through the first and second surfaces for coupling the wheel to a motor; a second set of holes for permitting cutting teeth to be mounted to the wheel; and a third set of holes formed through the first and second surfaces and positioned between the first hole and second set of holes. The third set of holes provides an additional window through which a user may visually inspect a stump while it is being machined.

Abstract: A stump grinding wheel includes a wheel member having a plurality of receiving brackets. Each receiving bracket includes a cutting tool channel. A cutting tool is received in each of cutting tool channel. Each cutting tool includes an elongated shaft having a base end and a distal end, and a cutting tip at the distal end. A stop is defined on the elongated shaft between the base end and the distal end and is configured so that it permits gauging of the distance between each receiving bracket and a respective cutting tip.

Abstract: A disc cutter is rotatably mounted on a self-contained power unit which is detachably mounted on lift arms of a hydraulic excavator for locating the disc cutter at a position on the opposite side of a stump from the excavator and providing curling movement of the rotating disc cutter through the stump towards the excavator in the line of sight of the operator for discharging the debris away from the operator.

Abstract: The stump grinder has a rotating cutting wheel that is mounted onto an arm for raising and lowering movement and is driven by a hydraulic motor. The arm is capable of being moved about a generally upright axis to control the rate of laterally feed of the cutting wheel. The actuator movement is controlled as a function of the pressure to the hydraulic motor driving the cutting wheel so that as the pressure increases, the rate of feeding movement laterally of the cutting wheel is reduced. The rate of movement is controlled in both directions of swinging of the post about an upright axis, by utilizing variable opening or proportional flow pilot operated valves on the lines to the actuator for controlling the swing. As pressure to the motor increases the variable outlet or proportional pilot operated valve connected to the pressurized end of the swing actuator opens a greater amount diverts a portion of the hydraulic fluid flow to drain to slow movement of the swing actuator.

Abstract: A stump grinding tool includes a rotary cutting wheel having a pair of side surfaces and an outer peripheral surface. Cutting assemblies are mounted on the cutting wheel, each cutting assembly including first and second pockets disposed on respective side surfaces of the wheel. Each pocket includes a leading through-hole and a trailing through-hole aligned with respective leading end trailing through-holes of the other pocket for receiving a pair of cutting teeth. Each tooth extends through aligned through-holes of the pocket and cutting wheel in mutually opposite directions, wherein cutting elements of the teeth are disposed adjacent respective ones of the side surfaces. Each tooth is fixed by a nut threaded thereon such that each tooth and associated nut functions to clamp both of the first and second pockets against the respective side-surfaces of the cutting wheel.

Abstract: An improved stump grinding machine includes a frame structure having an engine mounted thereon. A boom has a proximal end and distal end and is pivotally mounted to the frame structure at its proximal end. A grinding wheel is rotatably mounted to the distal end of the boom. A power train arrangement transmits power from the engine to the grinding wheel. The power train arrangement includes an idler shaft rotatably mounted on the frame structure. The boom is pivotally mounted to the frame structure independently of the idler shaft.

Abstract: A stump grinder including a frame, a drive shaft, a gearbox, a rotatable shaft, a grinding drum, and a shroud cover. The frame extends longitudinally and supports at its free end a transversely mounted rotatable shaft upon which is mounted a grinding drum. One end of the rotatable shaft is rotatably mounted in the frame, and the other end of the rotatable shaft is rotatably connected to a gearbox. The gearbox is driven by the drive shaft which is configured for coupling to the power take off shaft of a conventional tractor. The opposite end of the frame includes a plurality of fastening means for securely fastening the frame to the tractor. The grinding drum is designed so that its upper circumference rotates away from the tractor and thus away from the operator so that any loose debris is thrust outwardly from the operator. Grinding drum power is achieved through the tractor itself. The shroud covering covers the upper portion of the grinding drum in the interests of operator safety.

Abstract: A stump chipper for at least partially removing a stump and the like from the ground, by means of chipping, comprises a subframe that can be positioned on the ground and that supports a movable arm at the end of which a chipping wheel is mounted such that it is rotatable about its axis. The chipping wheel is also rotatable with respect to the arm about an axis of rotation oriented transversely to the axis of the chipping wheel.

Abstract: A grinding apparatus for grinding a stump or the like includes a frame, a rotating member supported by the frame, and a plurality of grinding members mounted to the rotating member. The grinding apparatus further includes a first driver which selectively rotates the rotating member about a drive axis, and a second driver which selectively pivots the rotating member about a vertical pivot axis whereby the rotating member pans between at least a first lateral position and a second lateral position. The grinding apparatus preferably further includes a third driver which selectively pivots the rotating member about a horizontal pivot axis whereby the rotating member moves between at least a first vertical position and a second vertical position.

Abstract: A safety system for a stump cutter machine which comprises a swing out operator's control console equipped with an interlock to prevent rotation of the stump cutter wheel when not locked into the operating configuration, and a restraint means to hinder and prevent full use of the controls when the stump cutter is not in the operating configuration.

Abstract: A stump cutting apparatus for connection to an excavator or other prime mover for conveyance in any ground breaking or farm industry. The stump cutter apparatus comprises a chassis for supporting for supporting stump cutter, a cutting assembly, an engine for providing power to the cutting assembly, an attachment member for releasably attaching the stump cutter to an excavator or other prime movers. The chassis may include one or more support legs or in the alternative one or more wheels to allow for support and easy movement of the apparatus. The cutting assembly comprises of support legs which comprises one or more spikes extending downward to be able to be received by the surface to enable the apparatus to be secure during stump cutting operation. The stump cutting apparatus also has several hydraulic cylinders for supporting the stump cutter by retracting and extending the members of the apparatus and enable to cutter wheel to move to meet the objective of user for cutting stumps and roots.

Abstract: An apparatus to maintain optimum engine speed and cutter wheel speed to maintain peak power output of the engine and peak flywheel effect of the stump cutter wheel and method for maintaining optimum engine speed. The stump cutter has a rotating cutting wheel powered by an engine, and the cutter is mounted to be moved laterally. The mounting includes a boom and at least a first hydraulic cylinder for urging the boom to move along the path of travel over the surface of a stump. The hydraulic cylinder is activated by a hydraulic circuit which includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid. A pressure hydraulic line connects the source of hydraulic fluid to a first port of the hydraulic cylinder and a return line is connected to a second port of the hydraulic cylinder. A valve diverts a portion of flow from the pressure line to the return line or to a sump. The valve is shiftable between at least a first and a second position.

Abstract: An improved stump grinding machine includes a turntable assembly on which the engine is mounted for rotation in a horizontal plane. Preferably, the turntable assembly includes a flat plate element on which the engine is carried. One rotatable ring of a turntable bearing is connected to the plate element for rotation therewith. The other ring of the turntable bearing is fixedly connected to the machine frame. A grinding wheel is located at the distal end of an arm structure pivotally connected to the plate element. The grinding wheel is driven from the engine by a pair of successive belt stages. Power between the belt stages is transferred at an idler shaft about which the arm structure pivots. The stump grinding machine includes a hydraulic system to effect horizontal and vertical movement of the grinding wheel as necessary during a cutting operation. The stump grinding machine may be a self-propelled machine, or may be configured for towing behind a vehicle.

Abstract: A stump cutter having a rotatable disk having a plurality of cutting tool holders with a cutting tool cantilevered therefrom to engage a stump brought into contact with the cutting tool with a protector having a massive leading non-cutting edge that extends sufficiently far outward from the rotatable disk to protect the cutting tool shank and holder from breakage and wear and also reduce whole carbide loss from large rocks to fractional carbide loss.

Abstract: A tree grinder movable from tree to tree. The tree grinder includes a frame movable from tree to tree, a drum and a drum support rotatably mounting the drum to the frame. The drum support rotates or swivels relative to the frame via a swivel motor. A hydraulic motor is attached to the drum support with a first drive pulley attached to the hydraulic motor and a second drive pulley connected to the drum. A plurality of drive belts connects said first drive pulley to said second drive pulley so the hydraulic motor may rotate the drum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removal of tree stumps, by first splitting the upper part of the stump with a splitting plate, and then utilizing a digging member to sever and/or dislodge roots of the stump from the ground strata. This apparatus is desirably provided as a splitting attachment to be connected to a bucket of a backhoe or trackhoe. Also, there is a saw plate mounted to the lower side of a splitting plate. First, the bucket is manipulated to have the saw plate cut a kerf in the upper part of the stump, and then the splitting member is moved through the kerf to split the stump. The stump sections that are removed have comparatively little dirt and rocks attached thereto, and these can be more easily burned, cut into chips, or transported.

Abstract: A rotary cutting device suitable for stump grinding comprises a power shaft having a fixed annular flange, a segmented tool carrier removably mounted to the flange and constituted by plural segments which together form a disc. Each of the segments of the tool carrier have a hub portion and a unitary arm that extends out radially from the hub. Cutting tools are mounted to each arm and together provide a cutting tool array about the periphery of the cutting device.

Abstract: A tractor driven stump grinder for a wheeled tractor frame having a drive motor operating the wheels to move the tractor forwardly and rearwardly, the tractor having a support member movable vertically on the tractor frame and rotatably carrying a generally vertically disposed broadsidely oriented grinder disc. A series of circumferentially spaced generally radial stump grinding tools project peripherally from each vertical face of the grinder disc, and a drive mechanism is provided for rotating the grinder disc in a plane transverse to the longitudinal tractor frame as it cuts a horizontal swath and then a subjacent swath in a pass across the upper end of a stump in both forward and rearward directions of movement of the tractor.

Abstract: A depth-of-cut bushing is mounted above a cutter-arm array to provide a cutting head mounted on a rotary lawn mower or mower/trimmer. The bushing is shaped so that it acts together with the cutter-arm array to accomplish control of the cutting action. This control enables chipping of stumps or roots at the low horsepowers available with lawn mowers or mower/trimmers.

Abstract: An apparatus to maintain optimum engine speed and cutter wheel speed to maintain peak power output of the engine and peak flywheel effect of the stump cutter wheel and method for maintaining optimum engine speed. The stump cutter has a rotating cutting wheel powered by an engine, and the cutter is mounted to be moved laterally. The mounting includes a boom and at least a first hydraulic cylinder for urging the boom to move along the path of travel over the surface of a stump. The hydraulic cylinder is activated by a hydraulic circuit which includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid. A pressure hydraulic line connects the source of hydraulic fluid to a first port of the hydraulic cylinder and a return line is connected to a second port of the hydraulic cylinder. A valve diverts a portion of flow from the pressure line to the return line or to a sump. The valve is shiftable between at least a first and a second position.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a tree grinder movable from tree to tree. The invention includes a frame movable from tree to tree, a drum and a drum support rotatably mounting the drum to the frame. A hydraulic motor is attached to the drum support with a first drive pulley attached to the motor and a second drive pulley connected to the drum. A plurality of drive belts connects said first drive pulley to said second drive pulley so the motor may rotate the drum. A shredding plate is attached to the drum support and is operable to be moved toward and away from the drum thereby decreasing or increasing the size of shredded particles during grinder operation.

Abstract: A cutting head (20) is mounted on the outer end of a boom structure of a self-propelled machine, such as an excavator. The cutting head housing has a vertically oriented rotary cutter wheel (48) mounted on a side portion thereof. Side and top portions of the wheel (48) are protected by a shroud (56), which has generally conical side members (72, 80). The members (72, 80) strengthen the shroud (56), provide cutting depth control, and assist the operator in positioning the cutter wheel (48) on a stump. The wheel (48) and shroud (56) are laterally offset from a rearward projection (88) of the housing. A double heel rack (92, 94) is formed on the free outer end of the projection (88). The upper leg (92) of the rack cooperates with a thumb (28) to grip objects. The lower leg is used for stabilizing the vehicle. The rack (92, 94) also functions as a rake.