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: A harvester is provided including a saw situated on a trailer for cutting purposes. A drive assembly is adapted for guiding logs past the saw for cutting the same.

Abstract: In the grapple of a tree harvesting machine, the feeding means (14, 15) and/or delimbing means (1, 2) are pairwise coupled in a way that the movement of the actuator (6) is transmitted to one swinging arm (5) of the pair directly and to the other one by means of a drive arm (7) and a torsion spring (18).

Abstract: An improvement to a delimber system having a delimbing unit including cutting elements, for cutting limbs extending from a tree trunk, and a tree trunk loader mechanism, for pulling the tree trunk of a tree to be delimbed through the delimbing unit such that the limbs extending from the tree trunk are severed from the tree trunk by the cutting elements. The improvement includes adding a base frame; a slide carriage mounted between the base frame and the delimbing unit such that the delimbing unit is slidable with respect to the base frame between a forward delimber position toward the tree trunk loader mechanism and a rearward delimber position away from the tree trunk loader mechanism; and an impact assembly mounted functionally between the base frame and the delimbing unit, the impact assembly including a force generating mechanism for generating a force transmitted between the base frame and the delimber unit to force the delimber unit into the rearward delimber position.

Abstract: A self-propelled tree pruning apparatus having a cutting tool with helical edges, such as a milling head. The pruning apparatus is comprised of a frame, at least one pair of driven wheels rotatably attached to the frame, a pair of hugger wheels rotatably held by support means, the support means being adjustably attached to the frame to permit the hugger wheels to be positioned a distance from the driven wheels sufficient to allow the trunk of a tree to be pruned to fit between the driven wheel and the hugger wheels, pneumatic means, such as air bags, for urging the hugger wheels toward the driven wheels, the cutting tool being attached to a drive shaft that is attached to the frame in a manner to allow the cutting tool to move along three axes, and a self-powered motor for driving the driven wheels and cutting tool. In operation, the pruning apparatus is mounted on the trunk of a tree to be pruned, with driven wheels on one side thereof and a pair of hugger wheels located on the other side of the trunk.

Abstract: A trimming device and method maintains a first trimming member of a tree harvester head at a preselected transverse position relative to a tree trunk during relative longitudinal movement of the tree trunk. A first control device having a tree trunk engaging portion movably connected to the first trimming member selectively establishes the relative transverse position of the first trimming member and the tree trunk. An actuator urges the tree trunk engaging portion into engagement with the tree trunk and the first trimming member at the preselected transverse position.

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: 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: A tree limb removing apparatus and method featuring a tree delimbing device having a horizontal member with a plurality of vertical members perpendicular thereto and depending therefrom, which vertical members are preferably discs which are rotatable about said horizontal member, and the method of using such a delimbing apparatus to remove limbs from felled timber by orienting said horizontal member so that it is perpendicular to a felled tree to be delimbed and propelling said tree delimber along and over the length of said felled tree.

Abstract: A delimber suitable for mounting on a logging skidder. The delimber comprises a series of delimbing/clamping elements and hydraulic actuators for moving the delimbing/clamping elements between an open and a closed position. Each of the delimbing elements comprises a clamping surface and a cutting edge. In the closed position, the delimbing elements hold a bunch of trees and the cutting edges penetrate the trees. Moving the delimber along the trees causes the cutting edges to cut the limbs off the trunks. In another aspect, the delimber includes a tilt feature for topping the trees.

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: 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 feed arm (10) for use with a debarking and delimbing machine (100). The arm is constructed of a first section (12) and a second section (14) which are slidably connected together using an insert (16). The first section is securely mounted on the lower frame (114) of the machine adjacent the end opening (108) at the infeed side opening (110). The feed arm acts to move and guide the trees (150) to be debarked and delimbed into the flailing station (102) of the machine.

Abstract: A tree delimbing device having a self-aligning cutter head for delimbing a tree stem which is mounted on a frame by a rotational and pivotal support. A substantially inelastic flexible member connects the cutter head to the frame to limit movement of the cutter head. A medial portion of the flexible member is connected to a fluid cylinder so as to urge the cutter head toward a centered position. An accumulator may be provided for regulating the pressure of the fluid in the cylinder. The positioning of the fluid cylinder may be adjustable. A tree stem diameter measuring device having a sliding position indicator may also be provided. A tree stem detector may also be included to sense the presence of a tree stem placed within the cutter head for automatically closing and opening the blades around the stem. A removable mount for the cutter head is also included.

Abstract: A head for harvesting and processing a tree is disclosed with drive rollers which can be pivoted away from the grapple arms to enable the head to select a tree from a group of felled trees for processing when the rollers are pivoted back into place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelling branch remover with the aid of which relatively large branches on trees, but even whole trees, can be gripped and capped.For this purpose, either so-called felling saws have previously been used, which were attached to the front end of a hydraulic crane and gripped the trunk with claws and sawed it off using a pivotable capping saw. The other solution was that of a worker who was lifted in a lifting basket up to the relevant place and carried out the work there manually using a saw. In both cases, the sawn-off parts dropped down in an uncontrolled manner since even the felling saws did indeed hold the piece tight, but could not hold it in the original position since they could not be used to transmit a torque to the crane arm. The attachment was effected by means of two universal joints.In the present case, this is prevented in that a connection between the felling saw unit and the machine frame is selected, which can absorb both bending forces and torques.

Abstract: A timber harvester includes a scissors-like frame component including opposing segments with a common joint, a fork-shaped tilting device, a saw device installed at the rear end of the harvester, opposing tree feed devices installed on both of the aforementioned segments, articulated lower delimbing blades driven by an operating device, and at least one upper delimbing blade supported by at least one segment. The upper delimbing blade is secured, with the aid of the first and second sliding members from both segments so that the first sliding members include, in both segments, a linear guide that lies generally in the direction of the segment itself, and slides adapted to the linear guide in the upper delimbing blade. The second sliding members including at least one joint in the upper delimbing blade of the nearest slide, and at least one curved guide in one segment, the second sliding members being arranged to prevent the twisting of the upper delimbing blade.

Abstract: A tree delimbing device having a self-aligning cutter head for delimbing a tree stem which is mounted on a frame by a rotational and pivotal support. A substantially inelastic flexible member connects the cutter head to the frame to limit movement of the cutter head. A medial portion of the flexible member is connected to a fluid cylinder so as to urge the cutter head toward a centered position. An accumulator may be provided for regulating the pressure of the fluid in the cylinder. The positioning of the fluid cylinder may be adjustable. A tree stem diameter measuring device having a sliding position indicator may also be provided. A tree stem detector may also be included to sense the presence of a tree stem placed within the cutter head for automatically closing and opening the blades around the stem. A removable mount for the cutter head is also included.

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: Flail apparatus for debarking/delimbing wood products traveling through a debarking station wherein at least one of the flails comprises an axially extending member having axially rotatable chain supporting elements with an array of flexible flailing chains. At least one of the flailing chains incorporates a first, radially extending link, received on one of the elements, which is not radially removable from the element. The flailing chain further incorporates a link structure configured to be radially non-removably attached to the first link. The first link and link structure are configured to permit the link structure to be removable from the first link and a replacement to be received thereon when the link structure is positioned angularly to the said radial direction of extent of the first link.

Abstract: An improved boom (24) for a sliding boom delimber (10) is disclosed formed from a prestressed, conventional I beam (28). A first segment of a cable bundle (70) extends from the grapple head (36) and is secured adjacent the lower flange (32) of the I beam (28). The second segment of the cable bundle (70) is inside and carried by an energy chain (74) and includes first and second, inversely related, linear portions interconnected by a third, C-shaped portion. A sag plate (60) is coextensive with the first segment and located on the opposite side of the first segment than the lower flange (32) for preventing the first portion from sagging and engaging the first segment. Sides (50, 52) extend from the outer edges of the I beam flanges (30, 32) for partially enclosing the energy chain (74).

Abstract: A flail chain connector is provided which may be applied to an existing wood debarking apparatus or machinery for cutting vegetation. The connector is provided with integral fasteners for removable attachment of a length of flail chain to a powered rotary shaft, The connector may be removably engaged with the flail chain by moving a rink in the flail chain and one integral fastener to a first relative position and thereafter moving the link and fastener into a second relative position. The connector may be disengaged from the flail chain by relative movement of the link and fastener from the second position to the first position, and finally to the disengaged position. The connector may be removably engaged to the shaft by a second fastener through relative movements to a first and second relative positions.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit for uniform controlled movement of stripping and guiding arms in a tree delimbing apparatus. The piston rods of said cylinders are mechanically coupled to rotate tubular sleeve members with affixed stripping and guide arms between outward and inward positions. The stripping levers and guide arms open and close about a felled tree in a uniform manner for delimbing operations. A valve is provided for actuation to permit the guiding arms to be held in an open position, while the stripping arms are closed about a tree to accommodate a bent trunk.

Abstract: Debarking/delimbing apparatus, especially for softwood, comprises at least one spool device mountable so as to be rotatably driven about an axis and capable of removing bark from tree parts moved lengthwise relative to said device across its axis, with each spool device comprising a rotor carrying one or more pairs of elongated debarking elements each having debarking teeth. At least in operation of the apparatus, each of the debarking elements is in the form of a helix or near helix expanding from a minimum diameter at a central region of the rotor to a maximum diameter away from the central region, these elements protruding from the rotor so that, in most angular positions of the rotor, a tree part is cradled between two debarking elements and contacts the spool only on one area of each debarking element of a pair. The debarking elements may be in fixed helical form, or may be flexibly mounted and capable of assuming a near helical form.

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 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: A frame apparatus is constructed to be mounted on and conformed to the trunk of a tree for use by arborists in handling loads involved in an arbor rigging procedure. The frame apparatus engages a curved surface of the trunk of the tree at three triangularly disposed locations. In one embodiment an angled spike structure at one lower end of the frame structure penetrates the trunk at an angle which utilizes circumferential shifting and inward pulling of the frame apparatus on the tree to secure the frame apparatus to the tree. In another embodiment resilient pads are mounted at each of the three triangularly disposed locations for resiliently gripping the opposed portion of the trunk to minimize damage to the tree.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for delimbing tree limbs of a felled tree including housing structure constructed and arranged to be movable to a tree processing location. Support and feeding structure is constructed and arranged with respect to the housing structure to support a stem portion of the tree while a limb thereof is severed and to move the stem portion progressively through the housing structure. Blade structure is mounted on the housing structure and is constructed and arranged to move into engagement with a limb. Impact hammer structure is operatively coupled to the blade structure such that successive impacts generated by the impact hammer structure on the blade structure move the blade structure progressively thorough a limb.

Abstract: A portable support structure defines a generally horizontal path along which an elongated log may be longitudinally shifted and mounts an upwardly opening tree trunk supporting and guiding crotch structure therefrom as well as a pair of curvilinear limb stripping blades mounted for movement toward and away from each other and defining a tree trunk encircling cutting opening therebetween generally coaxial with the aforementioned path. Log presence sensing structure is spaced along the path from the blades and mounted from the support structure for movement between upper and lower limit positions and resiliently yieldable motion transmitting structure is operatively connected between the log pressure sensing structure and the blades for swinging the latter toward and away from each other responsive to down and up movement, respectively, of the log pressure sensing structure.

Abstract: A debarking chain including a closed chain link attached to an open link by a series of translational and rotational movements. A second chain added in a similar fashion with the first chain locking the second chain in place.

Abstract: A mechanical pull-through delimber for delimbing a felled tree comprises a delimber section having first and second trunk supports for receiving and supporting a portion of a tree trunk, and a delimber assembly mounted between the first and second trunk supports. The delimber assembly comprises delimber arms mounted to pivot inward to a tree trunk delimbing position and to pivot outward to a tree trunk loading position, and a delimber arm actuator. The delimber arm actuator connects the delimber arms with the second trunk support, so that the weight of a tree trunk supported by the second trunk support will cause the delimber arms to pivot inward to a tree trunk delimbing position.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting and pruning trees is attachable to the end of the outermost boom arm of a vehicle mounted boom assembly. The apparatus includes a grapple and saw assembly comprising a grapple and saw assembly frame having a grapple is mounted thereon. A first positioning hydraulic motor is interconnected with the grapple and saw assembly to the outermost boom arm for pivoting the grapple and saw assembly about a first axis. A second positioning hydraulic motor is disposed between and interconnected with the grapple and saw assembly and first positioning motor for pivoting the grapple and saw assembly through an arc of 360.degree. about an axis disposed substantially normal to said first pivotal axis. A saw assembly is mounted on the grapple and saw assembly frame by a third positioning hydraulic motor for pivoting the saw assembly through an arc of 360.degree. about an axis disposed substantially normal to said first and second pivotal axes.

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: The invention relates to an improvement in a felling and delimbing apparatus having a head for felling and delimbing trees; a frame, at least two grasping jaws and, delimbing knives mounted on said frame and/or on said grasping jaws, and first/and second cutters for cutting the trunk of a tree, a platform which is pivotally mounted on a frame of the vehicule for movement around a vertical pivoting axis; a first and second booms pivotally connected together by a first pivot defining a substantially horizontal pivoting axis, the first boom being also pivotally connected with the platform by a second pivot defining a substantially horizontal pivoting axis, the second boom being also pivotally connected with a first supporting member by a third, pivot defining a substantially horizontal pivoting axis; the frame of the head and the first supporting member are pivotally connected together by a fourth pivot defining a pivoting axis that is substantially not parallel with aforesaid horizontal axis, that means are pro

Abstract: A pruning device having a chain saw with a flexible chainbar and a double-articulated cutting chain. The chainbar has a relaxed shape of a helix for encircling a tree trunk. The double-articulated cutting chain can curve about two lateral axes so that it may follow the perimeter of the helical chainbar and cut branches from the tree. A remotely located power supply is provided on a wheeled cart for powering the chain saw and supporting and operating a support wand that supports the chain saw and raises and lowers it along the tree trunk.

Abstract: A continuous chain saw lubricating system employed in a tree delimbing and topping machine having a plurality of lubricant conduits connected to a piston cylinder which is divided into co-functioning and alternating receiving and discharge chambers by a piston. The designation of the chambers is dependent upon the direction of axial movement of the piston. The discharge chamber is defined by a pressure increase and the receiving chamber is defined by a pressure decrease. The pressure variations are such as to allow lubricant to be either drawn into the receiving chamber or discharged from the discharge chamber through a series of check valves connected to the piston cylinder. The piston is reciprocated by the tree delimbing and topping machine causing lubricant to be continuously supplied to the reciprocating chain saw during its cutting and retraction strokes.

Abstract: A flail drum system has an upper rotary chain flail drum and a lower rotary chain flail drum longitudinally downstream from the upper drum. Wood product advancing mechanism on the machine frame moves the logs forwardly while spreading them and creates a downward pressure on the products at a first pinch point. The upper and lower flail drums are each driven in rotation about a generally horizontal axis transverse to the path of the log. There is a vertically fixed log support member longitudinally between the upper and lower flail drums and driven means for engaging and advancing the logs is provided on a vertically movable subframe which mounts the upper flail drum, longitudinally between the flail drums, for creating a downward pressure on the logs passing between the upper and lower flail drums and preventing raising and diving movement of the logs passing between the drums.

Abstract: Objective of the invention is a pruning device for upright pruning of trees, to which pruning device belongs a shaft (1), an at the end (2) of the shaft through an articulated joint fastened support (3), an at the support fastened, rotatable cutting blade (4), an at the support fixed, with the cutting blade parallel running cutting support device (5) for leaning of the upright pruning device against the tree when cutting the branches as well as a with the cutting blade connected power source (6, 7) for the rotating of the cutting blade. When operating the present pruning devices the problem is the fact, that when using them the trunk of the tree is easily damaged, because the cutting is performed too close to the trunk of the tree.

Abstract: A high reach self centering hydraulic tree trimmer which consists of first a carriage assembly. The carriage assembly consisting of a top plate and a bottom plate. The plates are separated by spacers and secured together with a plurality of fasteners. A pair of cutting blades are contained between the top plate and the bottom plate. The blades are reciprocal of each other and each have a front end, center region, back end, outer edge, inner edge and a cutting edge extending along the inside edge. The blades are self centering about an object to be cut by pivoting independently from each other They pivot about separate pivot points in the center region of the blades. A pivot pin or bolt is used as a pivot device extending from the top plate to the bottom plate. A hydraulic cylinder is used to operate the blades. The hydraulic cylinder is pivotally attached to the back ends of the blades.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit for uniform controlled movement of stripping and guiding arms in a tree delimbing apparatus. A pair of flow divider combiner valves allow equal amounts of pressurized fluid to communicate with and actuate said cylinders. The piston rods of said cylinders are mechanically coupled to rotate tubular sleeve members with affixed stripping and guide arms between outward and inward positions. The flow divider combiner valves provide equal rates of said fluid to flow to said cylinders to insure said piston rods and mechanically affixed stripping arms and guide arms are moved at equal rates of speed. Thus the stripping levers and guide arms open and close about a felled tree in a uniform manner for delimbing operations.

Abstract: A debarking/delimbing apparatus having upper and lower flail drums mounted diagonally relative to a feed line of the apparatus and the upper and lower flail drums being mounted transverse to one another. The upper flail drum moves towards and away from the feed line to accommodate various size logs. The diagonal mounting of the flail drums utilizes a greater amount of the flail surface area of each drum thereby allowing the flails to wear more evenly and prolonging their life.

Abstract: A device for feeding tree trunks comprises a body structure (1) and support members (2) arranged on the body structure and supporting members (3) for feeding a tree trunk located between the feed members. The support members with associated feed members are moveable towards and away from each other by means of power members (4) to adjust the distance between the feed members located on either sides of the tree trunk to the coarseness of the trunk. The device comprises members (5), which by abutment against the trunk locates the same so that longitudinal center lines of the trunk will obtain different positions generally transversely to the direction (R) of the relative mobility of the feed members towards and away from each other in dependence of the trunk coarseness.

Abstract: A circular cutter wheel (34) is mounted on a work head housing (24) to rotate about a vertical axis (Y). A chain saw (76) is mounted on the housing (24) above the wheel (34). The saw (76) is mounted by a swivel device (42) which continuously rotates the saw (76) about a vertical axis (X) between a nonuse position in which the saw (76) extends over the housing (24) and a plurality of use positions in which it projects forwardly and/or laterally therefrom. The device (42) includes coaxial cylindrical housings (44, 48). The saw (76) is secured to an outer circumferential surface (82) of the outer housing (48). A motor (50) carried by the inner housing (44) rotates the outer housing (48) and saw (76).

Abstract: A driving device comprises at least one chain (16) in the form of a closed loop. The chain is connected to at least one driving member arranged to cause the chain to orbit. Furthermore, the chain is laid over diverting members which in combination with the driving member determine the form of the loop. A rubber element (17) is arranged on the face of the chain located outermost in the loop and forms a configuration generally enclosing the chain loop. The rubber element (17) is in a driving force transmitting engagement with the chain (16) to be caused to orbit thereby. The rubber element (17) serves for engagement with for instance tree trunks over a large surface.

Abstract: A method of cutting frond stubs of a date palm tree to produce a palm bark surface free of pockets where water can collect and which reduces the possibility of pathogen intrusion and proliferation is described using a cutting tool with a sharp straight edge to produce a geometric shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for cutting off the trunk of a tree by detonation of an explosive charge in contact with the trunk. The invention solves the problem of providing a safe and convenient way of cutting off the trunk of a tree which has fallen to an inclined position where it rests against another tree or against an electric overhead line. To the trunk there is, at the desired level above ground, attached a holder which carries an explosive charge and can from the ground be mounted on the trunk, whereupon the charge is detonated and the trunk section above the cut-off level severed from the section below. In this way the top section is either directly released from its support or can conveniently be so released.

Abstract: A flail drum system for delimbing and/or debarking small trees and logs has an upper rotary chain flail drum disposed above the path of travel of the wood product and a lower rotary chain flail drum disposed below the path of the product adjacent to the upper drum. Both drums rotate about a generally horizontal axis transverse to the path of travel of the tree or log. Each flail drum assembly includes a central drive shaft and axially spaced apart end rod support members releasably fixed to the shaft. A series of rod support rings have circumferentially spaced openings through which the rods releasably extend to be also releasably received by the end support members. Circumferentially scalloped spacers between the rings, and between the endmost rings and end members, provide radially inwardly extending openings through which the rods pass.

Abstract: A tree delimber having a boom assembly with a sleeve, and a boom slidable through the sleeve. Tree gripping means are mounted on the front end of the boom and the tree delimbing means are mounted on the sleeve. Tree feed means are also mounted on the sleeve.The tree feed means of the tree delimber comprise feed rollers for moving a tree past the delimbing means. Three feed rollers are provided with one roller fixed on the sleeves and the other two rollers movable toward each other and the one roller to hold a tree between all three rollers so as to feed the tree. The other two rollers are movable away from each other and the one roller to load or unload a tree to or from the rollers.A method of operating the delimbing machine, particularly when tree feeding during delimbing is interrupted, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tree delimbing structure is arranged to include a plurality of biased gates arranged in a first position in a parallel relationship relative to one another to a second position to receive a tree therethrough. The gates are hingedly mounted at opposed ends of the gate relative to confronting edges, wherein the confronting edges include aligned slots to receive a tree trunk therethrough to guide the tree trunk when the tree is directed rearwardly into the gate once the tree is passed through the gates. Biasing structure is provided to bias the gates to the first position from a second displaced position.