Abstract: A method for optimizing log harvesting from a model of a delimbered tree trunk which comprises selecting an optimization mode and obtaining an optimized log cutting solution, whereby the optimized log cutting solution indicates optimized localizations along the delimbed tree trunk.

Abstract: A method of harvesting standing trees in a jungle comprising bringing a crawler crane, preferably a hydraulic crawler crane, with a boom (14) to a block of jungle, securing the tree to be harvested to a sling in the boom, cutting the base of the tree, removing the cut tree using the boom, laying the cut tree on the ground, and cutting the crown of the cut tree. In another aspect the crown of the tree is cut first and removed by means of a sling on the boom of the crane. The crane is used to remove the crownless tree, or the crownless tree is cut at the base and allowed to fall. Main roads, spur roads, and snig tracks are constructed in the logging area.

Abstract: In a method of large scale afforestation two types of firebreak (5, 7) are employed. Firebreaks (5) of a first type are placed in a regular grid pattern and with a ground configuration which in terms of color is adapted to the surroundings, whereas firebreaks (7) of a second type are laid out with an irregular development, which furthermore contrast in color and are provided with a different width. Further, fencing in in parcels is expedient.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enzymatic composition and also to a method for seasoning wood, intended in particular for applications in the food industry. The method consists in immersing green wood in an aqueous solution comprising an enzymatic composition. The wood can subsequently be dried very rapidly in a drying facility. The invention makes it possible to improve the aromatic characteristics of the wood by eliminating certain substances judged to be undesirable due to their astringent nature or bitter nature, and transforming them into neutrally-tasting molecules.

Abstract: A boom assembly for a delimber having an operator boom with first and second ends and a connector boom having first and second ends. Pivot means pivotably connect the second end of the operator boom to the first end of the connector boom, the connector boom aligned with the operator boom. A delimber boom, having a delimbing head at one end, is mounted near the one end to the connector boom at its second end. The delimber boom extends rearwardly from the connector boom and at a slight angle, when the boom assembly is viewed from above, to the connector boom. The delimbing head is mounted on the bottom of the delimber boom and the boom assembly includes at least two butt plates, each movably mounted on the bottom of the delimber boom. The butt plates are spaced apart longitudinally and spaced from the delimbing head toward the other end of the delimber boom.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for cutting submerged trees at an underwater logging site and for retrieving the cut trees. Once cut, each tree is retrieved to the water surface by an inflatable bag deployed from and inflated by the apparatus. The apparatus includes a control unit positioned on a surface vessel, such as a barge or large boat, and an underwater vessel connected together by an umbilical. Preferably the underwater vessel is a remotely controllable submersible including a grapple for releasably holding each tree to be cut, a saw, a gas supply connectable to a gas source located on the surface vessel, and an air bag deployment and inflation assembly for inflating the air bag and securely attaching it to the tree. The underwater vessel is initially loaded with a plurality of air bags which are stored in a magazine located in the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: A method of harvesting standing trees in a jungle comprising bringing a crawler crane, preferably a hydraulic crawler crane, with a boom (14) to a block of jungle, securing the tree to be harvested to a sling in the boom, cutting the base of the tree, removing the cut tree using the boom, laying the cut tree on the ground, and cutting the crown of the cut tree. In another aspect the crown of the tree is cut first and removed by means of a sling on the boom of the crane. The crane is used to remove the crownless tree, or the crownless tree is cut at the base and allowed to fall. Main roads, spur roads, and snig tracks are constructed in the logging area.

Abstract: The two boom members and hydraulic cylinders of a knuckle boom tree harvesting machine are so arranged and proportioned that with a single control movement during reaching and retracting actions the working tool head is made to travel in an approximately horizontal path. The cylinders and control valve are so connected that during horizontal reaching action load-supporting pressurized oil from a collapsing cylinder is not required to be dumped to the reservoir in the conventional heat generating manner, but is rather shunted directly to an extending cylinder where it continues to do useful load support work. Energy waste to hydraulic oil heat and fuel consumption is significantly reduced. Although these advances have been particularly developed for disc saw felling and stroke delimbing of trees they can also be applied to other knuckle boom applications where horizontal reaching is a major function.

Abstract: A sawing device and a chain for it, comprising at least two adjacent sequences of connecting links, of which at least some are cutting teeth; and a sequence of drive links fitted between two adjacent connecting link sequences, wherein an opening at the rear end of the drive link is centered at an opening in the front end of the connecting links, wherein an opening in the front end of the drive link is centered at an opening of the rear end of the connecting links, and wherein a binding pin extending through the whole width of the chain is fitted in the openings. To increase the sawing width, a bush ring is fitted between two adjacent connecting link sequences, around the pin, and placed in the opening of the drive link, and on at least one side of said drive link, a collar is fitted whose diameter is formed greater than the opening in said drive link.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting dovetail joints comprises one or more trapezoidal mortising chisels mountable on a drill press, each trapezoidal mortising chisel having a trapezoidal cross sectional shape with a particular slope or “pitch” on its non-parallel sides. The trapezoidal mortising chisels are used to cut sockets in the tail board of a dovetail joints, where the sockets have a trapezoidal shape with sloped sides. A given slope can be selected for the sides of the sockets by selecting a trapezoidal mortising chisel having the given slope. A washer is also provided which is mountable about the tilt axis of a tiltable work table of the drill press. The washer has a set of holes located at an angle about the washer on either side of a reference radius, where the angle correspond to the slopes of the non-parallel sides of the trapezoidal mortising chisels.

Abstract: A method for cutting trees (18) in the vicinity of a power line (10) using a topping saw (17) suspended from a helicopter (15) in such a way that the helicopter is flown in the direction of the power line (10) so close to the electricity wires (12) that the topping saw suspended from the helicopter cuts the desired tops of the trees. The cutting line (14) of the topping saw (17) is determined in such a way that the helicopter is flown with the help of a video camera (21) attached to the suspension bar (16) for the topping saw at an angle of 45° and a monitor (22) placed in connection with the helicopter's cockpit so that the video camera is kept directed towards the electricity wire (12) of the power line (10). The distance (a, b) of the point where trees are to be cut from the electricity wire (12) is determined by adjusting the distance (h) of the video camera from the cutting blade (20) of the topping saw (17).

Abstract: A bar saw felling head clamps a tree between harvesting and reaction arms during cutting and after the cut sweeps the tree rearwardly with the harvesting arm into an accumulation pocket where an accumulating arm holds it and any already cut trees. The bar saw cuts from a cocked position normal to the machine direction to a home position which is perpendicular to the cocked position, where the bar saw is housed in a protective box.

Abstract: A method and a system for forestry, in particular harvesting by means of a harvesting machine comprising a vehicle and a harvesting arrangement mounted thereon, is based on the fact that at least one position determining device (5), capable of determining the positioning of the harvesting machine by means of external wirelessly receivable signals, is arranged on the harvesting machine (1). A marking device adapted to apply a marking on pieces of timber obtained from trees is arranged on the harvesting machine. A control unit (8), suitably a computer, is arranged on the harvesting machine to control the marking device to mark the piece of timber with position information or a code corresponding thereto by means of position information received from the position determining device (5).

Abstract: A circular saw head for use as a boom mounted head attachment is disclosed for agricultural trimming. The blades can cut as much as four inches of material. An adjustable head piece is provided that is also reversible allowing for exposure of more or less of the blades. Safety aprons are provided to deflect cut material away from the operator.

Abstract: The subject basic method and its modifications are used to provide logs reconstituted from smaller diameter trees up to 12 inches diameter at their bases. The basic method is practiced using the following steps: 1. Cutting felled trees at cutting points into a plurality of segments which, naturally, are tapered, each segment having a length, a larger diameter end and a smaller diameter end, the length being in a range of random lengths such that the larger end diameter is in a range of 0.2 to 2.0 inches larger than the smaller end diameter, with 0.2 inch preferred; 2. selecting from the plurality of segments cut from one or more trees, a plurality of groups of segments which have smaller end diameters no more than ½ inch different; 3. joining segments from each group end-to-end to form reconstituted logs of optimum lengths for processing into wooden structural units. In one modification of the basic method, flawed portions are removed from the logs prior to cutting them into segments.

Abstract: A single-grip harvester head comprises a frame (1, 2), which defines a tree feeding path, and two feeding roller arms (5), which are pivotable in relation to the frame (1, 2) about a pivot axis (A1) each defined by a pivot pin (6) and which support a rotatable feeding roller (7) each. Each feeding roller arm (5) is formed as an angular lever with two lever legs (5a, 5b), the feeding roller (7) being supported at the free end of one of the legs (5a) and the pivot pin (6) of the feeding roller arm (5) being positioned in the angular area between the legs. The two pivot axes (A1) are located in a common plane perpendicular to the tree feeding path. Each pivot pin (6) is articulated to the frame (1, 2) at one of its ends by means of a ball joint (13) and controlled at its other end, in such a way that the pivot axis (A1) is movable in said plane but fixed in a direction perpendicular to this plane.

Abstract: A method and system for forestry, in particular harvesting by means of a harvesting machine comprising a vehicle and a harvesting arrangement mounted thereon, is based on the fact that at least one position determining device (5) capable of determining the positioning of the harvesting machine by means of external wirelessly receiveable signals is arranged on the harvesting machine (1). A marking device computer, is arranged on the harvesting machine to control the marking device to mark the piece of timber with position information by means of position information received from the position determining device (5).

Abstract: A delimbing device includes a cutting head assembly having (i) a cutting blade configured to cut branches off of a tree and (ii) a bar saw configured to cut through the tree. The device also includes a first support member supporting the cutting head assembly. The device further includes a second support member supporting the cutting head assembly. The device also includes a bearing assembly secured to the first support member and the second support member so that (i) the bearing assembly is interposed between the first support member and the second support member and (ii) the cutting head assembly can rotate relative to the second support member around an axis of rotation such that when a rotational force is applied to the cutting head assembly the cutting head assembly rotates from a first orientation to a second orientation.

Abstract: A method of logging a tree includes the steps of cutting the tree part way through the trunk with a cut near the bottom thereof, leaving a connecting portion of the trunk connecting an upper portion of the trunk above the cut to a lower portion of the trunk below the cut. A helicopter above the tree is connected to a point near the top of the trunk. The helicopter is moved away from the tree, thereby breaking the connecting portion and allowing the upper portion of the tree to be carried away by the helicopter. The method utilizes a helicopter logging tool comprising a body having a connection for a lifting device. There is a hook on the body guide connected to the body by a hinge. The guide extends vertically downwards away from the body when the tool is connected only to the lifting device. There is a hook on the body to one side of the guide for engaging an object.

Abstract: Described herein is a tree felling head for restraining, cutting and manipulating trees. The felling head comprises a holder connected to the manipulator arm of a tree cutting carrier, a motor at least partially housed in either the frame of the felling head or the holder, and a bearing-like member or transmission connecting the motor to the frame of the felling head. The frame further comprises arms for gripping trees and a saw for cutting same. The felling head preferably comprises a gear assembly for augmenting the torque produced by the motor. The gear assembly is preferably a planetary gear train and is at least partially housed in either the frame or the holder of the felling head.

Abstract: A device for delimbing trees includes two pairs of opposing curved limb-stripping levers including curved cutting blades for engaging and encircling the trunk of a tree to remove limbs therefrom, and a bottom cutting blade positioned to remove limbs from a lower portion of the tree. The bottom cutting blade is movably mounted so as to move in response to forces imposed on the bottom cutting blade by a tree being pulled through the device. In one embodiment, the bottom cutting blade is vertically movable and is biased upward by a spring device. In another embodiment, the bottom cutting blade is pivotally mounted so as to be pivotable forward and rearward, and an impact tool is arranged to periodically transmit impact forces to the bottom cutting blade in a forward direction so as to drive the blade through a limb.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tree harvesting head assembly which provides an improved cutting means for permitting movement of a saw chain linearly outwardly from a first position behind a tree to be cut to a second position transversely forwardly of a tree to be cut. The cutting means in combination with the grapple means and engagement arms of the head assembly facilitates the harvesting of trees on rough terrain in an expedited and safe manner.

Abstract: A tree harvester head having a mounting bracket at the back of the type allowing the head to be tilted. The bracket is used to mount the head on the boom of a mobile vehicle. Cooperating mounting members are provided on the head and bracket for rotatably mounting the head on the bracket. Rotating members are provided on the head and bracket for rotating the head relative to the bracket. Hydraulic drive elements are provided on the head for operating the rotating member on the head to rotate the head. A method for cutting trees using the harvester head involves the steps of cutting trees in three adjacent rows or swaths and laying all the cut trees in or adjacent the central swath, with their butt ends all facing in the same direction, for pickup by a forwarder.

Abstract: A free-swinging cutter for use on a machine adapted to cut and clear brush and trees, including a generally stirrup-shaped member having two opposing sidewalls, a leading face with a cutting edge for cutting, and a rearward face opposite the leading face. The cutter is adapted to be swingably mounted at a point offset from its center of mass so that the cutting edge is disposed below the rearward face to form a relief heel. The invention also includes a method of creating a relief area on a cutter swingably mounted on the rotating drum to improve chip flow, which includes the steps of providing a cutter as described above and swingably mounting the cutter to a drum about an axis offset from the cutter's center of mass so that the cutting edge is disposed below the rearward face when the cutter extends radially from the drum following the rotation of the drum.

Abstract: A treelength processor which tops and delimbs trees by processing from the top of the tree toward the bottom. The treelength processor operates from fellerbuncher piles and processes close to the stumps so that residual material is relatively easily distributed in the forest away from the loading area and substantial reduction in skidder use and chain saw activity is achieved.

Abstract: An aerial chain saw suspended from a helicopter by a non-rigid suspension system. A continuous chain extends around a chain saw bar, driven by a sprocket. Hydraulic lines to and from the helicopter provide hydraulic power to a hydraulic motor mounted at the upper end of the bar. In addition to the motor, a landing foot is mounted to the upper end of the bar. When the saw is landed, the helicopter slowly lowers the saw to the ground, a lower chain guard protects the lower of the saw, and the landing foot, positioned at right angles to the bar, protects the upper end of the saw. The non-rigid suspension system is made of non-twist material for keeping the cutting direction aligned with the nose of the aircraft. The suspension system is also non-conductive to electrically insulate the aircraft from the chain saw. The non-rigid nature of the suspension system aids landing and dampens vibrational forces transmitted from the chain saw.

Abstract: There is disclosed a workhead for timber processing, the workhead having a main body and a jaw assembly for grappling timber. The jaw assembly includes first and second cooperating pairs of jaw arms that are pivotally mounted to the main body. The first of the cooperating pairs of jaw arms provides cutting blades for delimbing. The workhead further includes a feed roller assembly for translating a felled tree through the cutting blades. First and second feed rollers of the feed roller assembly are associated with the jaw arms of the second cooperating pair of arms of the jaw assembly. A third feed roller is provided on the main body for pivotal movement relative to the main body. The feed rollers also effect compression debarking of the felled tree as it is translated through the cutting blades. Each roller has projecting engaging bars which extend in a generally helical configuration along the outer surface of the roller and between its opposed terminal ends.

Abstract: A forester harvester has a house frame mounted on a base assembly and rotatable relative thereto about an axis of rotation. A boom is mounted on the house frame at a location radially offset from the axis of rotation. A cab is mounted on the house frame adjacent the boom and as forward as possible without protruding beyond the tail swing circumference of the house frame. A motor is mounted on the house frame rearward of the boom and the cab.

Abstract: A cutter head assembly for delimbing trees includes two pairs of opposing curved limb-stripping levers including curved cutting blades. The limb-stripping levers of each pair are pivotably movable toward and away from each other for engaging and encircling the trunk of a tree. One pair of levers is positioned and configured for engaging and removing limbs from opposite side and lower portions of a tree trunk being drawn longitudinally through the cutter head assembly. The other pair of levers is positioned and configured for engaging and removing limbs from opposite side and upper portions of a tree trunk. The limb-stripping levers include angled deflecting members attached to the cutting blades for deflecting cut pieces of a tree outwardly away from the cutting blades.

Abstract: The underwater logging device of the present invention is selectively remotely maneuverable to engage submerged free standing timber with sawing and dogging apparatus for selectively sawing and dogging the timber. The device includes a buoyancy tank mounted on a frame; a selectively remotely actuable steering mechanism mounted to the frame; independently steerable motivating traction wheels or the like, rotatably mounted to the frame and cooperating with, so as to be steerable by, the steering mechanism for translating the underwater logging device over a lakebed and between the free standing timber; a remotely monitorable vision system is mounted to the frame; selectively remotely actuable saws are mounted to the frame so as to be disposable outwardly of the fine for cutting engagement with the free standing timber once the underwater logging device has been translated into proximity with the free standing timber by the motivating traction wheels.

Abstract: A forestry cutting, mulching and clearing attachment for a hydraulic excavator that is used for clearing sloped grounds, ditches, and culverts. The device includes two mating jaws which are substantially rectangular in shape and include a plurality of mating cutting surfaces. The clearing apparatus is designed to cut standing trees and brush using both longitudinally and laterally oriented cutting surfaces. In the preferred embodiment, the first jaw includes a curved blade and a pair of cutting blocks, while the second jaw includes a pair of curved blades and a cutting block. Each jaw has a pair of fixedly attached brackets which are used to pivotally mount the jaws to the boom structure of the hydraulic excavator. The jaws have a mutual pivoting point attached to the central boom of the excavator, and peripheral pivoting points movably attached to the control rams of the hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic cylinders may be actuated to open and close the jaws in order to cut the debris into mulch.

Abstract: A disc saw felling head has a window in a sidewall of the head through which chips are discharged in a tangent plane and a discharge chute over the window. The chute has a top wall and inner and outer sidewalls shaped so that chips exiting the head through the window are directed along a chip path which is generally parallel to the tangent plane and first turns further rearward and then turns outward through a lateral discharge opening in the chute.

Abstract: A combined harvesting and transporting forestry machine includes a multi-directional pivotable and extensible boom assembly (1) having a crosswise jib (2) fitted at its outermost end. A clamp harvester (4) is carried by one end of the crosswise jib (2). A loading gripper (3) is carried by the other end of the crosswise jib (2). The crosswise jib (2) is adapted to pivot about an axle (8) such that either tool (3,4) may be moved to a working position.

Abstract: A side saw assembly for a tree processing apparatus. The side saw assembly is rotatably and pivotally attached to a mounting platform on a trailer such that the side saw assembly is selectively movable between a transport position, resting on top of the trailer, and ground positions, resting on the ground adjacent either side of the trailer. A connecting arm is pivotally attached at one end to a swivel mount, which is affixed to a side saw assembly. At its other end, the connecting arm is pivotally attached to a swivel mount affixed to the mounting platform. A lift handle is attached to the side saw assembly such that it may be grasped by the grapple of a knuckle boom loader to move the side saw assembly from the transport position to the ground position on one side of the trailer or the other.

Abstract: Timber harvesting apparatus and methods for use in swampland utilizing an amphibious feller-buncher, an amphibious de-limber, an amphibious log carrier, and an amphibious service vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for cutting trees and grinding and mulching tree stumps. The apparatus includes a semi-spherical arcuate shield with a control mount and a foot mount attached to the arcuate shield. A cylindrical drum having cutting teeth mounted on the periphery of the drum is mounted below the arcuate shield such that the arcuate shield covers the upper forward and rearward surfaces of the drum. The drum is preferably mounted a constant radial distance from the arcuate shield. Debris limiting rings are mounted below the arcuate shield on each end of the drum. A belt guard is mounted on each debris limiting ring. An end plate is mounted on each belt guard, enclosing the space between the debris limiting ring, the belt guard, and the end plate. An output shaft extends through the drum and debris limiting rings, rotatably mounted in an end cap on one end of the apparatus and having a pulley mounted on the other end. The pulley engages a belt which engages a shaft above the arcuate shield.

Abstract: The mechanism is used for rotating a tree-felling implement rotatably mounted with a pivot to the distal end of the boom of a logging vehicle. The mechanism, the tree-felling implement, the boom and the logging vehicle form a tree-felling machine controlled by an operator and used on logging sites. The mechanism has a pinion coaxial with the implement pivot and fixed in rotation with reference to the distal end of the boom. An arc-shaped rack is rotatably mounted on the frame of the implement by a rack pivot in spaced relationship with the pinion. The rack is in mesh with the pinion and hydraulic actuators are provided on the frame of the implement for swaying the rack and thereby rotating the implement with reference to the boom. Such mechanism is capable of rotating the tree-felling implement with reference to the boom plane in both directions and according to a much wider range angle than the prior art mechanisms.

Abstract: There is provided a tree delimbing cutter head assembly with improved self-aligning cutter head including a rectangular support frame, pivotally mounted cutting and limb stripping levers and guide means, frame support means that provide rotational and pivotal movement and an improved resilient assembly for returning the rectangular support frame to a centered position after completion of a delimbing operation. There is also provided a tree bole diameter measuring assembly used in connection with the delimber.

Abstract: A free-swinging cutter element for a timber thinning machine includes a generally stirrup-shaped member having an outer wall and integral side walls. Each half of the member is formed as the frustrum of a triangle so that bevels on the upper and lower surfaces form sharp cutting edges that incline to respective upper and lower points in the center of the outer wall. This construction moves the center of mass further outward toward the outer wall to increase chipping and cutting efficiency, which is further increased by the form of the cutting edges. A single edged cutter having similar overall shape also is provided.

Abstract: A tree trimming apparatus connectable to an operating arm generally including a first housing connectable to the operating arm, a first shaft journaled in the first housing and rotatable about a first axis, means mounted on the first housing and operatively connected to the first shaft for rotating the first shaft about the first axis, a second housing mounted on the first shaft, a second shaft journaled in the second housing and rotatable about a second axis disposed at an angle relative to the first axis, means mounted on the second housing and operatively connected to the second shaft for rotating the second shaft about the second axis, a third housing mounted on the second shaft, at least a third shaft journaled in the third housing and rotatable about a third axis disposed parallel to the second axis, the third shaft having severing means disposed thereon and rotatable therewith and means mounted on the third housing and operatively connected to the third shaft for rotating the third shaft about the thir

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for cutting trees and grinding and mulching tree stumps. The apparatus includes a semi-spherical arcuate shield with a control mount and a foot mount attached to the arcuate shield. A cylindrical drum having cutting teeth mounted on the periphery of the drum is mounted below the arcuate shield such that the arcuate shield covers the upper forward and rearward surfaces of the drum. The drum is preferably mounted a constant radial distance from the arcuate shield. Debris limiting rings are mounted below the arcuate shield on each end of the drum. A belt guard is mounted on each debris limiting ring. An end plate is mounted on each belt guard, enclosing the space between the debris limiting ring, the belt guard, and the end plate. An output shaft extends through the drum and debris limiting rings, rotatably mounted in an end cap on one end of the apparatus and having a pulley mounted on the other end. The pulley engages a belt which engages a shaft above the arcuate shield.

Abstract: Methods for preventing non-fungal discoloration of logs, wood and wood products that are free of non-fungal discolorations are provided. The wood is treated with a phytotoxic agent in order to prevent enzyme-mediated discoloration of the wood. The wood subsequently may be monitored to determine viability of parenchyma cells. This invention also relates to unmilled wood that is substantially free of non-fungal discolorations and has nonviable parenchyma cells.

Abstract: Reforestation of cut forest regions is effected by broadcasting comminuted slash or cone-bearing roadside logging residue from delimbing of freshly-cut trees over the region from which the trees are cut. By comminuting the slash live seeds are released from cones contained in the slash and are returned to the forested area. In this way, an inexpensive reforestation procedure is provided and biodiversity is retained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aiming a tree to be felled including a tool for precisely marking a face notch to be cut into a tree trunk, said tool comprising a main body, an aiming rod on the main body, and two pivoting tree-engaging marking arms mounted pivotably together on the main body for partially encircling the tree trunk and identifying the upper and lower cuts of a generally horizontal portion of a hinging notch when the aiming rod is aimed in the direction of fall. The tool includes angular adjustments to allow marking an aiming notch which compensates for the lean of a tree and/or for trees with trunks of irregular cross section.

Abstract: A load stabilizing means for elongated objects grasped at one end and held vertically comprising gravity induced signals to hydraulic power and control means to correct deviations of the axis of the longitudinal object from the vertical. The preferred embodiment applies the invention to felling heads on light carriers.

Abstract: Tree and/or brush clearing and/or trimming equipment mounted on a tractor includes a rotary cutter provided with blades pivotally mounted on a rotating shaft and enclosed in a cutter housing open towards the plants to be cut. The cutter is mounted at the end of a multi-section arm, which arm is mounted on the tractor by a joint permitting both angular and rotational disposition of the cutter and the cutter housing, permitting both clearing of undergrowth around the tractor and cutting of low-growing branches or the like.

Abstract: A stump lifting and crushing device for mounting to an end of a bucket arm of a digging machine includes stump lifting hooks and a bit pivotally closable with a counter bit for crushing stumps therebetween. The bit has an elongate narrow cutting surface which cooperates with an aligned counter surface provided by the counter bit. The counter surface extends transversely across the width of the cutting surface of the bit. The closing movement of the bits is limited by the cam-like engagement of a following member of the bit with a stop member of the counter bit.

Abstract: An apparatus for single-handed operation in skidding logs, stumps, poles and the like. An A-frame with rearwardly-extending beam is attached to the three-point hitch of a tractor. A fluid-operated grapple, which will inherently adjust to various shapes and sizes of objects, is suspended from the rearward end of the beam. A chain, having a small amount of slack, is connected by its ends to the grapple tongs, and is rove around sleeved bolts near the draft arm attachment points. When the object to be skidded is grappled and lifted, the operator moves the tractor in the desired direction, and the chain immediately takes the towing load.

Abstract: An apparatus for cross-cutting a treetrunk comprises gripping members which embrace the treetrunk, a feeding mechanism for moving the treetrunk in its longitudinal direction, and a saw which moves transversely to the longitudinal direction and cuts the treetrunk into predetermined lengths. One of the gripping members includes a rotatable guide roller having peripherally spaced apart teeth which engage the treetrunk. The apparatus also comprises a displacement pickup unit which ensures that the treetrunk is cut to a predetermined length. The displacement pickup unit is connected to the guide roller and detects the number of rotations of the guide roller, thereby detecting the longitudinal displacement of the treetrunk. The displacement pickup unit is located within the gripping member so that it is shielded from outside influences.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for handling and transporting logs from felling site to consumer, the logs being loaded at the felling site on a cross-country vehicle (1) which carries the logs to a landing where they are unloaded and loaded anew, viz. on a road vehicle which tranports the logs to the consumer. The logs loaded on the road vehicle (1) are bundled, preferably already at the felling site, by means of chains (17) to form a bundle of logs which is maintained intact or unbroken during reloading from the cross-country vehicle (1) to the road vehicle.