Abstract: A tree saw attachment (10) for use with a loader vehicle includes a base frame (11), a generally V-shaped blade assembly (12), a brush guard (13), and a tweezer arm assembly (14). A swingable tweezer arm (29) of the tweezer arm assembly is movable using a hydraulic cylinder (33) to grasp objects against an upper surface of the base frame or the blade assembly. The brush guard and tweezer arm assembly are removable from the base frame as a single unit to facilitate shipping and assembly. A sprayer assembly (90) is positioned within the base frame for applying a herbicide to tree stumps cut by the V-shaped blade assembly. The blade assembly can be a single integral blade (42), or can be formed of right and left blades (70, 71) with intermeshing projections (73, 74) secured to a rib member (36) along a centerline of the blade assembly.

Abstract: A tree harvester head structure is connected to a mounting structure on a mobile tree harvester by a compact coupling which provides lateral pivotal movement of the harvester head structure. An antifriction bearing and a fluid powered rotary actuator have a concentric relationship and are in substantial radial alignment, thus creating a compact design and avoiding additional side loading of the bearing. A brake prevents rotational movement of the tree harvester head structure except when the rotary actuator is operated.

Abstract: A method of standing-stem log harvesting including the steps of preparing a tree for harvesting and then harvesting the same directly from the stump. A tree is prepared for harvesting by topping the tree, cutting the tree part way through the trunk near ground level with two cuts lying in generally the same plane to leave holding wood between the resulting two generally parallel cut edges, and driving support wedges or the like into both said cuts to stabilize the tree trunk. The holding wood and the wedges maintain the trunk stable and upright until it is harvested, but the holding wood is readily frangible in response to a generally horizontal pivoting force applied to the trunk near the top thereof in a direction generally perpendicular to the cut edges. For harvesting, the prepared tree is gripped near the top thereof, and a generally horizontal force is applied to the trunk at the point of gripping in a direction generally perpendicular to the cut edges, thereby breaking the holding wood.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) having special application for gripping and cutting tree limbs around utility lines includes a tubular insert (18) slideably received in the free end of a tubular boom (12). A plate (28) is pivoted about a first pivot axis relative to the insert (18) by a linearly extendable actuator (36) mounted within the insert (18) and mounts a first rotary actuator (38). A second rotary actuator (58) is mounted to a U-shaped mount (48) which is pivoted about a second pivot axis to the first rotary actuator (38) and rotates a working head (96) 360° about a third pivot axis. Gripping arms (78) are fixed to shafts (74) rotatably mounted in the working head (96) about axes perpendicular to the third axis, with the shafts (74) being rotated by a single linearly extendable actuator (82) extending between crank arms (80) fixed to the shafts (74). The crank arms (80) abut with an abutment (84) to prevent only one set of gripping arms (78) from moving.

Abstract: A tree harvesting head is disclosed. An embodiment includes an elongate frame, a first support device, a second grapple arm, a second support device, and a base portion. The first support device includes a first grapple arm. The second support device includes a collector mechanism. The base portion includes a cutting device and a guard assembly.

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 feller-buncher includes a first axle having a number of first wheels attached thereto and a second axle having a number of second wheels attached thereto. The feller-buncher also includes a first hydraulic motor operable to rotate the first axle and a second hydraulic motor operable to rotate the second axle. The feller-buncher also includes a first hydraulic pump operable to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid. Yet further, the feller-buncher includes a first flow sharing valve fluidly coupled to each of the first hydraulic pump, the first hydraulic motor, and the second hydraulic motor. The first flow sharing valve is configured to distribute the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic pump evenly between the first hydraulic motor and the second hydraulic motor, whereby the first axle and the second axle are driven at a substantially equal speed relative to one another. A method of operating a feller-buncher is also disclosed.

Abstract: A feller-buncher includes a work tool having a hydraulically powered blade. The feller-buncher also includes a first axle having a number of first wheels attached thereto and a first hydraulic motor operable to rotate the first axle. The feller-buncher also includes a first hydraulic pump operable to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic motor and a second hydraulic pump operable to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to both the work tool and the first hydraulic motor. Yet further, the feller-buncher includes a load sensing circuit for sensing a load on the work tool when the work tool is contacting a tree. The first hydraulic pump is configured to adjust hydraulic fluid flow to the first hydraulic motor based on the load on the work tool sensed by the load sensing circuit. A method for operating a feller-buncher is also disclosed.

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 disc saw felling head has the cutting pocket positioned relative to the tooth entry opening into the housing such that chips being thrown out of the kerf by the teeth are thrown radially outwardly of the entry opening. The chips are thrown against a deflector plate which redirects them back toward the center but away from the disc to dissipate energy in the chips, reduce the directions in which chips are thrown, and reduce clogging of the housing.

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: A tree harvester for continuously cutting and accumulating trees and a method for using such a harvester is disclosed. The harvester has a frame with a cutting area and a large elongate accumulation area. A tree severing device is secured to one end of the frame and a continuous rail having accumulating arms secured to it extends from the cutting area to the rear portion of the accumulation area. The arms are equally spaced apart from each other along the rail, with each arm traveling in a continuous circuit along the rail such that it moves from the cutting area to the accumulation area. During use, the harvester is aligned with a row of trees to be cut. As the first tree is cut by the severing device, an accumulating arm is positioned behind the tree and moves it to the rear most available portion of the accumulation area. As the harvester travels down the row of trees, each tree in the row is cut and moved to the rear most available portion of the accumulation area.

Abstract: The felling and accumulating head has a large accumulation or storage area for severed trees, separate from the severance area at the front of the head, obtained by elevating the accumulation area to extend preferably at least over the rim of the saw disc, and preferably outwardly and rearwardly over the teeth of the saw. Trees are swept from the severance area, up a small ramp into the accumulation area, by arms, at least one of which preferably sweeps at least partially over the saw motor so as to be able to sweep trees a substantial distance rearwardly, i.e. at least beyond an imaginary lateral line through the saw axis.

Abstract: A tree harvester provided with a rotatable worktable assembly is disclosed herein. The tree harvester includes a movable frame, a worktable assembly rotatably mounted to the movable frame and an upper frame rotatably mounted to the worktable assembly. The upper frame is provided with an articulated boom that includes a feller/grapple head. The worktable assembly includes a tree delimbing mechanism, a tree cutting mechanism and a log stacker. The operation of the worktable is advantageously automated so that the operator can use the boom while the worktable is processing a tree. The position of the worktable between the movable frame and the upper frame makes the tree harvester more compact than conventional tree harvester, while the independent rotation of the worktable assembly and of the upper frame with respect to the movable frame increases the flexibility of operation of the tree harvester.

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 tree harvesting machine having a fixed length boom slidable through a tubular support on the machine. Tree harvesting elements are on one end of the boom. A pair of boom tensioning cables, above the boom, extend between the ends of the boom. Flexible power supply lines extend between the tubular support and the tree harvesting elements, the lines supported in zig-zag fashion between the cables on power line carrying means slidable on the cables. A flexible strap extends between the the ends of the boom, located between the cables, to support the power lines passing between the cables.

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

Abstract: A disc saw felling head has the cutting pocket positioned relative to the tooth entry opening into the housing such that chips being thrown out of the kerf by the teeth are thrown radially outwardly of the entry opening. The chips are thrown against a deflector plate which redirects them back toward the center but away from the disc to dissipate energy in the chips, reduce the directions in which chips are thrown, and reduce clogging of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for felling and bunching trees is disclosed. The apparatus includes a front frame and a front axle supported by the front frame. The apparatus further includes a number of front wheels mounted on the front axle and a work tool supported by the front frame. The work tool has a blade for felling trees and a number of work arms which are movable to secure the trees within the work tool. The apparatus further includes a front hydraulic motor operable to rotate the front axle. The front hydraulic motor is supported by the front frame. The apparatus yet further includes a first hydraulic pump operable to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the front motor. The apparatus still further includes a rear frame which is pivotably coupled to the front frame, a rear axle supported by the rear frame, and a number of rear wheels mounted on the rear axle. The apparatus still further includes a rear hydraulic motor operable to rotate the rear axle. The rear hydraulic motor being supported by the rear frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for felling and bunching trees is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame and a yoke pivotably connected to the frame. The apparatus further includes a tool support pivotably connected to the yoke at a pivot axis and a cutting tool supported by the tool support. The cutting tool has a leading edge LE which is advanced toward the trees during a felling operation. The cutting tool further has a trailing edge TE which lags behind the leading edge LE when the leading edge LE is advanced toward the trees during the felling operation. The apparatus yet further includes a tilt cylinder positioned between the frame and the tool support. The tilt cylinder is movable between an extended tilt position and a retracted tilt position. The leading edge LE is moved closer to the ground when the tilt cylinder is moved from the retracted tilt position to the extended tilt position.

Abstract: The articulated boom and utility head for manipulating objects underwater of the present invention includes an articulated arm mounted at a first end thereof to a free floating platform, and a remotely operable utility head mountable at a second end of the arm. At least one sensor for relaying sensed information from the sensor to a remote operator or processor is mounted to the articulated arm. The sensed information is transmitted in real time as the arm remotely operated under water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a feed roller (1) by means of which a felled tree (2) trunk is fed into a timber harvester for delimbing. The apparatus comprises a drive wheel (4) and at least one transmission means (5) arranged at the outer circumference of and controlled by the drive wheel, the transmission means having engagement plates (3) provided with gripping means (14). The apparatus efficiently equalizes surface pressure exerted on the tree (2) trunk, even though the drive wheel is without cushioning rubber material. The transmission means (5) arranged on the drive wheel (4) is longer than the wheel perimeter. Consequently, the transmission means is arranged to form a plane surface between the drive wheel and the tree trunk, whereby a continuous surface pressing evenly against the tree trunk is formed on the wood side in the apparatus.

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 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: 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 land clearing apparatus comprises a brush saw which is removably attachable to a brush rake which is in turn removably attachable to a vehicle such as a front end loader or a bulldozer. The brush saw comprises a wedge shaped blade with a clamping assembly mounted on a rear end thereof and extending thereabove. The clamping assembly includes opposed clamping members adapted to engage portions of the brush rake from opposite directions for removably securing the brush saw to the brush rake.

Abstract: The device for the disbranching and felling of trees is provided with a chain saw (110) and possesses a seizing means (15,16,17) swivelling relative to the blade (22) of the chain saw with a plurality of grabbing arms that are swivellable about a common axis (13), in which case the device (100) with the grabbing arms (15,16,17), whose bearing brackets and the chain saw (110), with the aid of a slewing means, which swivels the device in each case through 180.degree. to the right or to the left, is connected with a lifting means, while the chain saw (110) with its driving motor, with the aid of a swivel motor to which the chain saw (110) is secured, is swivellable through the cutting area (FIG.1).

Abstract: The felling and accumulating head has a large accumulation or storage area for severed trees, separate from the severance area at the front of the head, obtained by elevating the accumulation area to extend preferably at least over the rim of the saw disc, and preferably outwardly and rearwardly over the teeth of the saw. Trees are swept from the severance area, up a small ramp into the accumulation area, by arms which preferably sweep over the saw motor so as to be able to sweep trees a substantial distance rearwardly, i.e. at least beyond an imaginary lateral line through the saw axis.

Abstract: A tree processing machine having a boom, a tree processor head carrying tree processing elements, and a rotator rotatably connecting the tree processing head to the end of the boom. The rotator has a casing, that is non-rotatably mounted from the end of the boom, and a support shaft hat is mounted in the casing for rotation about its longitudinal axis relative to the casing and that supports the processor head at its lower end. Rotating means are provided on the rotator for rotating the support shaft relative to the casing. A first set of hydraulic lines extend from the boom to the casing and a second set of hydraulic lines extend from the support shaft to the processor head. Hydraulic flow paths extend through the rotator between the first and second sets of hydraulic lines.

Abstract: A tree harvester for felling, limbing and cross-cutting tree trunks, comprising a limbing head (15) and felling head (16) assembly which is carried by a boom system. The limbing head (15) and the felling head (16) are detachably connectable to one another and are commonly pivotal about a point (21) on the boom system in conjunction with a tree felling operation. The limbing head (15) and the felling head (16) can be moved away from one another along the boom system (10, 18) in conjunction with a tree-trunk limbing and cross-cutting operation, and also in different directions away from the location on the boom system at which they are commonly pivotal.

Abstract: A rator for a land clearing device or forestry shredder which comprises a plurality of anchors spaced apart, offset, and arranged on a horizontal cylinder. Cutting elements are mounted between adjacent anchors, the anchors arranged such that there are no gaps between the effective areas of the cutting elements as the rotator spins. The anchors can also be arranged so that at least one cutting element is located at or near the cutting element area at all times.

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: The felling and accumulating head has a large accumulation area for trees, obtained by elevating the accumulation area to extend outwardly and rearwardly over the teeth of the saw. Trees are swept from the front severance area, up a small ramp into the accumulation area, by a taker arm, and are retained there by a tucker arm. The taker and tucker arms pivot preferably on the same axis, on the opposite side of the head from the accumulation area, and sweep over the saw motor, to sweep trees a substantial distance rearwardly, i.e. at least beyond an imaginary lateral line through the saw axis. The butt plate is recessed beneath the top of the saw kerf, which permits the head to be angled forward slightly for continuous advancement from one tree to the next.

Abstract: The tree cutter device has a quick release mechanism for the gripping of the tree to be cut and for the quick release after cutting. The gripping mechanism is actuated upon contact of the tree cutter device with a tree with the gripping force with a tree at a maximum when the tree cutter device is fully against the tree. After cutting the tree, the gripping mechanism is released by the moving of the tree cutter away from the tree or by releasing the hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder driving the tree clamp in the non-mechanical modes. In the mechanical mode a combination of levers and tensioning springs comprise the tree gripping mechanism that is actuated by a trigger arm that is actuated by the contact of the tree cutter device with the tree.

Abstract: A combined tree feller processor has a head mounted to a boom with a three-axis coupling. The coupling allows an operator to control the orientation of the head. The head has tree processing means and a continuously rotating high speed saw for cutting trees. While trees are being cut the head is held firmly with respect to rotation about a third generally vertical axis. After a tree has fallen the third axis is in a horizontal position and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head. The head is allowed to float with respect to the third axis as the tree is processed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tree harvesting apparatus which provides a helical spline for permitting movement of a harvesting head about a central vertical axis thereof. This provides enhanced manoeuverability of the head to prevent damage to saplings or other immature timber. A chain saw chain detensioning system is also disclosed. The system permits a quick removal of a saw chain from the chain saw without the use of tools therefore is more easily changed in an expedited manner.

Abstract: The felling and bunching head for severing and grouping trees has a shear or saw or the like for severing trees, and an accumulation area for accumulating severed trees, extending rearwardly from the shear or saw, substantially outwardly and away from a centerline of said head. Taker and tucker arms are pivotally mounted to pivot towards and away from the accumulation area. The taker and tucker arms are mounted via pivotal connections located substantially outwardly from the shear or saw on the opposite side of the centerline from the accumulation area, on substantially the same axis. The taker and tucker arms have generally similar geometries facing the accumulation area, as viewed from above, thereby presenting generally similar geometries to trees in the accumulation area, thereby minimizing jostling of the trees when they are alternately held in the accumulation area by the taker arm and by the tucker arm.

Abstract: A rotor for a land clearing device or forestry shredder which comprises a plurality of anchors spaced apart, offset, and arranged on a horizontal cylinder. Cutting elements are mounted between adjacent anchors, the anchors arranged such that there are no gaps between the effective areas of the cutting elements as the rotator spins. The anchors can also be arranged so that at least one cutting element is located at or near the cutting element area at all times.

Abstract: The mechanism is used for rotating a tree-felling implement rotatably connected to a distal end of a boom of a logging vehicle by an implement pivot. The mechanism comprises a pinion coaxial with the implement pivot and fixed in rotation with reference to the distal end of the boom. Two longitudinally extending actuators are mounted on the frame. Both actuators are lying in the pinion plane. Each actuator is adjacent to the pinion on a respective side thereof, namely right and left, and bears a corresponding sprocket coplanar with the pinion plane and rotatably connected to their free end. To link the elements together, there is provided a chain in mesh with the sprockets and the pinion. The chain has ends rigidly attached to the frame of the implement. In use, the implement is rotated as the actuators are operated in opposite directions.

Abstract: The mechanism is used for rotating a tree-felling implement rotatably connected to a distal end of a boom of a logging vehicle by an implement pivot. The mechanism comprises a first arc-shaped member that extends in a plane perpendicular to the boom plane and is convex with reference to the implement pivot. The first member has a first end rotatably connected to the frame of the implement at a given distance from the implement pivot. A second arc-shaped member, coplanar with the first member, is also convex with reference to the implement pivot. The second member has a first end rotatably connected to the second end of the first member for defining an intermediary junction, and a second end rotatably connected to the distal end of the boom. A hydraulic actuator is mounted on the frame of the implement and has an end rotatably connected to or adjacent to the intermediary junction for rotating the implement during operation of the actuator.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a colour-marking arrangement in the cutting flange of timber harvester. The arrangement includes a flange (1) with a carrier (6, 7), an adapted pipework (4), a series of channels (12) formed to the carrier (6, 7) and connected to the pipework (4), which ends opposite to the connector connections (11). The pipework (4) is formed from a separate component (4, 9, 10) from the flange (1), and is adapted to be set into the flange (1) in a space (3) reserved for it in the same way as the flange (1) is set into the carrier (6, 7) by means of a longitudinal movement.

Abstract: A balancing skid for a tree harvesting machine, which balancing skid is designed to mount adjacent to the cutting assembly beneath the cutting frame of the tree harvesting machine and spaced from the existing blade skid to balance the cutting assembly horizontally and facilitate more accurate and cleaner horizontal cuts of the trees being harvested, with minimum blade warp and tooth damage. The balancing skid includes a steel skid plate characterized by a substantially horizontal plate base and a plate skid extending upwardly from one end of the base plate in angular relationship and terminating in a skid nose. The plate base and plate skid are welded to a base connector and a skid connector, respectively, and the base connector and skid connectors are, in turn, welded to the cutting frame or undercarriage of the tree harvesting machine to securely mount the skid plate on the tree harvesting machine.

Abstract: A method of growing mushrooms in which at least one live tree is cut to form a living bottom tree portion having a mushroom growing surface. The live bottom tree portion is inoculated with mushroom spawn and watered to promote decay of the live bottom tree portion at the mushroom growing surface and promote the growing of mushrooms from the mushroom spawn at the mushroom growing surface.

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: Apparatus for severing trees, brush, and other forestry at or below ground level in one passage of the apparatus through the forestry includes a plurality of rotatable shafts; a shaft housing for rotatably supporting the shafts with the rotational axes of the shafts juxtaposed and the first ends of the shafts about transversely aligned; a cutting bit connected at the first end of each shaft, each bit having cutting blades which overlap with the blades of the adjacent bits so that the bits cut a continuous, unbroken swath; a rotary power source connected to the shafts for rotating the shafts; a frame for supporting the shaft support; and a vertical actuator, connected between the frame and the shaft housing, for selectably adjusting the elevation of the shaft housing between an elevation at or below ground level to an elevation above ground level.

Abstract: A dual action tree cutting apparatus includes a single generally planar blade mounted on a shaft at the forward end of a support frame, with the blade projecting forwardly therefrom. The blade has a cutting edge extending around the entire perimeter, and has two mirror image halves divided by a centerline passing through the shaft. Each blade half cutting edge increases in the distance between the cutting edge and the shaft along the perimeter from a rearward end of the centerline to a forward end of the centerline. A set of cutting teeth are formed on one blade half and oriented to cut a tree when the blade is rotated clockwise, while a second set of cutting teeth are oriented on the second blade half perimeter to cut a tree when the blade is rotated counterclockwise. A sprocket on the shaft is engaged by a pair of drive chains connected to operable cylinders, the cylinders operable to retract and pull one drive train to rotate the blade in each direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for severing a standing tree at a trunk portion thereof includes a housing constructed and arranged to be movable to a tree harvesting location. Holding structure is constructed and arranged with respect to the housing to hold a portion of the stem of the tree while the trunk portion thereof is severed. A cutting blade mounted so as to be movable between retracted and extended position with respect to the tree. Impact hammer structure is operatively coupled to the cutting blade such that successive impacts generated by the impact hammer structure on the cutting blade move the cutting blade progressively through the trunk portion of the tree.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement in a tree-processing assembly of the type comprising a frame base (2) which is connectible to the tip of a crane via a rotator (3) and with which a pivotable carrier (5) is hingedly connected, said carrier comprising at least one set of grapples (6, 6', 6") for gripping and holding a log, and a cutting tool, such as a chain-saw guide bar (12), attached to the lower part (11) of the carrier. On the lower part (11) of the carrier (5) there is mounted a rotary saw blade (15) which is pivotably movable between an inactive position in which it is swung in towards the carrier, and an active position in which it is swung out from the carrier and in which it can cut, by means of an outer half, a shrub layer and/or small trees.