Abstract: A method for handling logs, wherein the method comprises the following steps: —retrieving or generating a unique code at a first moment; —establishing, by means of a position determining device, position information as to the geographical position of a portable, hand-held log marking tool (1) at said first moment; —applying the code as a corresponding code marking on a log by means of the log marking tool at a second moment and automatically establishing a time value representing the time elapsed between said first moment and said second moment; —comparing said time value with a predetermined time threshold value; and—storing the code as an authenticated code in a database associated to the position information when said time value is smaller than the time threshold value. The invention also relates to a log marking tool (1) for use in such a method.

Abstract: A system for unmanned aerial vegetation trimming includes an aerial vehicle configured for selectively controlled unmanned flight over and about the vegetation to be trimmed. The system also includes a cutting assembly having an adjustable cutting head selectively actuated for trimming the vegetation. The cutting head is adjustable on the cutting assembly for optimal positioning relative to the vegetation to be trimmed. A support assembly is coupled to the aerial vehicle and cutting assembly, the support assembly being retractably extended to suspend the cutting assembly from the aerial vehicle. The support assembly is configured to maintain consistent positioning of the cutting assembly relative to the aerial vehicle during actuation thereof to trim the vegetation.

Abstract: A tree processing system may include a tree processing head and a controller. The tree processing head may include a header frame, a motor, a saw, an arm, and a sensor. The saw is used to cut a tree when the saw is driven by the motor. The saw engages with the tree from a first position and to a second position. The first position and the second position define a cutting zone therebetween. The sensor is used to detect a saw operation speed or current. The controller is coupled to the sensor and configured to determine whether the second position is reached based upon an increase of the saw operation speed or current detected by the sensor. When the second position is reached, the controller transmits a resting signal to the tree processing head to perform a resting operation.

Abstract: End-of-arm tools to be coupled to a robotic arm and configured to handle structural lumber objects are disclosed as are methods of use for such. The end-of-arm tools comprise opposing jaws to grip the lumber objects. The opposing jaws are coupled to a rigid frame via a four-bar linkage providing mechanical advantage and over-center functionality. An actuated extractor extends between the opposing jaws to engage the lumber object upon release. Assemblies of multiple end-of-arm tools coupled together are also disclosed.

Abstract: A logging system includes a plurality of support posts, cables supported by the support posts, a winding device operable to wind the cables, a lifting and lowering device that is connected to the cables, and is movable in the air when the cables are wound by the winding device, and a logging device hung by the lifting and lowering device. The logging device has a gripping portion configured to grip a tree, and a cutting portion configured to cut the tree gripped by the gripping portion.

Abstract: A platform for mounting of an autonomous powering engine onto a firewood splitting apparatus includes a rigid bearing frame on which a powering engine is mounted. The engine is connected to a transmission, which is mechanically connected with a cardan coupling of a firewood splitting apparatus. The frame is arranged a distance apart from the ground and in a plane parallel to a plane defined by resting surfaces on supporting legs of a firewood splitting machine. The frame is furnished with two parallel and pivotal linear bearing beams that are pivotal around the axis that extends perpendicularly with respect to the plane of the frame and is pivotally connected with each corresponding connecting seat to establish a detachable interconnection with each disposable bottom connecting seat on a firewood splitting apparatus.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a feeding device may comprise a support having feed cylinders arranged in a free end of a respective supporting arm and driven in rotation, wherein the supporting arms in a supported end are journalled in the support on shafts extending in parallel with each other and are pivotable about the shafts between a home position and a pivoted work position, and wherein the supporting arms are mutually connected to each other via a system of articulated links and by means of the links are forced to pivot jointly about their respective shafts, and a movement damping element, which is separate from the support, is integrated in the system of links and independently from the support configured to brake the return movement of the supporting arms from the pivoted position.

Abstract: A vegetation clearing device relating to the clearing of small-caliper vegetation, the vegetation clearing device having a grapple configured to releasably grapple the small-caliper vegetation, a cutter configured to cut the small-caliper vegetation engaged within the grapple, a support frame configured to support the grapple and the cutter, a coupler configured to removably couple the support frame to a working arm of a tractor, the coupler having a first pivot enabling pivoting of the support frame about a first rotational axis and a second pivot enabling pivoting of the support frame about a second rotational axis, the second rotational axis being non-parallel with the first rotational axis, a power-driven grapple actuator configured to actuate the releasable grappling by the grapple, and a power-driven rotator configured to rotate the support frame about the second rotational axis.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as for tree trimming, includes a mobile carriage having a frame and a pedestal supported by the frame. The apparatus further includes a boom, such as a telescoping boom that is secured to the pedestal through a boom support. The pedestal is pivotable with respect to the carriage frame so that the boom may be selectively operated in a variety of orientations. The mobile carriage of the apparatus is sufficiently compact to fit though tight openings, while also being capable of stably supporting boom extension for operation of a distal end of the boom at elevated heights.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement in an actuator of a forest machine comprising a frame of the actuator, which frame defines a first opening. The bearing arrangement also comprises a bushing, at least part of the bushing arranged in the first opening, the bushing defining a second opening, at least part of an axle and/or a bearing being arranged in the second opening, the axle or bearing being arranged stationary or movable in relation to the bushing, and the bushing being removable from the frame of the actuator. Further, a method for maintaining an actuator of a forest machine, the actuator comprising a bearing arrangement of the described type. In the method, a second, corresponding bushing is provided, which is fitted for said first opening; said bushing is removed from the frame of the actuator, wherein said first opening is exposed; and said second bushing is installed in said first opening.

Abstract: An improved four roller tree harvester head preferably includes a tower frame, a saw box, a delimb box, a four roller assembly, a slewing ring and a boom bracket. The saw box is mounted to a bottom of the tower frame and the delimb box is mounted to a top of the tower frame. Hydraulic hoses and electrical lines are routed through the boom bracket, slewing ring and tower frame to a hydraulic valve block. Hydraulic hoses may be attached to a rotary union. An actuation cylinder of the four roller assembly includes a linear positioning sensor, which provides an output to an electronic controller, which calculates a diameter of a tree. The four roller assembly includes at least one rotation encoder, which provides an output to the electronic controller about the length of a tree. An independent measurement wheel measures a length of the tree through the electronic controller.

Abstract: A gear assembly for a tree felling head having a frame securable to a manipulator arm of a tree cutting carrier, the gear assembly includes a final gear securable to the frame and rotatably engageable over a bearing-like member mounted to the manipulator arm for pivotally mounting the frame to the manipulator arm; and a driving gear generating a torque, the torque of the driving gear being applied to at least two intermediate gears drivingly connected with the final gear.

Abstract: A two-piece grab arm housing for a grapple mechanism useable on a grapple attachment is described. The grab arm housing includes a lower arm housing with grab arms mounted to the lower arm housing, and an upper arm housing mounted to the lower arm housing. The upper arm housing and the lower arm housing are movable relative to one another in an x-direction and are moveable together in a y-direction perpendicular to the x-direction. In addition, the upper arm housing includes an opening through which a main beam of the grapple attachment can extend.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a disk saw felling head has a fore-aft dimension, a lateral dimension, and a vertical dimension such that the fore-aft dimension, the lateral dimension, and the vertical dimension are perpendicular to one another. The disk saw felling head comprises a frame comprising a first mounting post, a second mounting post, a motor housing, and a horn section, The first and second mounting posts are configured for attaching the disk saw felling head to a base machine and spaced laterally apart from one another relative to the lateral dimension and extending vertically relative to the vertical dimension. The horn section is mounted to a top portion of the first mounting post and a top portion of the second mounting post relative to the vertical dimension.

Abstract: A tree harvester includes a body and a harvesting system coupled to the body. The tree harvester further includes a control system coupled to the body. The control system is configured to receive data from the harvesting system regarding a characteristic of a harvested tree and control operation of the harvesting system based on the data. The harvesting system is configured to remove an intermediate portion of the harvested tree below a tree crown and graft the tree crown to a tree stump.

Abstract: A forestry vehicle including a frame, a pivoting boom, a first structure, a second structure, and a debris guard. The pivoting boom is carried by the frame. The first structure is carried by the frame and is positioned on a first side of the pivoting boom. The second structure is also carried by the frame and is positioned on a second side of the pivoting boom. A channel exists between the first structure and the second structure. The pivoting boom travels in the channel as the boom pivots about its pivotal axis. The debris guard is pivotally and slidingly coupled to the boom.

Abstract: A harvester head, comprising a measuring wheel apparatus with a measuring wheel configured to roll along a tree trunk when the trunk is fed through the harvester head, and a power device configured to swivel the measuring wheel apparatus and to keep the measuring wheel pressed against the tree trunk. The measuring wheel is configured to remain in an elevated position in relation to the frame structure of the harvester head, wherein the measuring wheel also has a supporting position to support the trunk and to provide a supporting force that does not let the trunk fall against the frame structure. A measuring wheel apparatus which is applicable in a harvester head, comprising a measuring wheel with a supporting position to support a tree trunk, and which comprises a stopping member configured to stop the swinging motion of the measuring wheel apparatus when the measuring wheel assumes said supporting position.

Abstract: A tree processing head for processing a tree element. The tree processing head includes: a body; a scissor assembly mounted to the body and a chainsaw assembly also mounted to the body. The scissor and chainsaw assemblies are selectively usable individually or cooperatively to process the tree element.

Abstract: A cutting device for cutting a material grappled by a grapple member of a grapple device is mounted on one side wall portion of a bucket which is pivotable vertically with respect to an arm swung vertically and is rotatable on an axis in an extension direction of the arm. The cutting device includes a cutting blade which is positioned outside or inside a side wall of the bucket and is pivotally supported on a base end portion of the open mouth portion of the bucket to be pivoted in a direction along the side wall from a position separated from an opening edge of the bucket to a position along the side wall of the bucket. A hydraulic cylinder is provided on a rear surface portion of the bucket and is connected to a pivoting base portion of the blade.

Abstract: An improved harvester head assembly is provided. The harvester head includes a housing which is rotatable between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation. The harvester head further includes feeding system with a central feed roller and a pair of outer feed rollers that are moveable relative to the housing. The harvester head also includes top and bottom saws. A pair of delimbing knives are pivotable relative to the housing. A manifold and valve assembly is disposed in the housing and includes a plurality of solenoid valves which are configured to channel hydraulic fluid to motors and actuators to power and/or move a plurality of the components. The manifold and valve assembly includes a manifold with a rectangular shape and which is oriented with its long dimension extending in a longitudinal direction. The solenoid valves are spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A grappling and severing head for gripping and severing a tree stem, having a grapple assembly and a severing assembly. Grapple arms are attached to a grapple body and extend forward beyond a front face of the grapple body. A severing assembly body is attached to the grapple body and is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. A severing device is attached to the severing assembly body and is moveable between a stowed position and a range of deployed positions. When the severing device is in the stowed position and the severing assembly body is in the retracted position, the severing device and the severing assembly body lie substantially behind the front face of the grapple. body and/or behind the gripping face of at least one of the grapple arms.

Abstract: A timber-working head and method of operation are provided. The head has a frame to which first and second arms are pivotally connected. Respective linear drive actuators pivot the respective arms relative to the frame to open and close them. At least one processor controls application of pressure by the linear drive actuators such that the arms grasp timber to be processed by the head. The position of the linear actuators is used to determine whether the timber is offset from a feed axis of the frame beyond a predetermined distance, and the application of pressure by one of the linear actuators to reduce the offset to be within the predetermined distance.

Abstract: Jaw-type devices are disclosed which are designed to be utilized by heavy equipment, such as tractors, front-loader machines, skid steers, mini track loaders, fork lifts, etc., to grasp, cut, move, lift or otherwise manipulate a variety of objects, such as trees, rocks, hay bales, paper bales, potted plants, etc. The jaw-type devices are configured to be removably attached to a piece of heavy equipment, e.g. through a standard mount such as a three-point hookup or front-loader universal quick attachment plate such as are typically provided on heavy equipment, and to receive a variety of interchangeable attachments.

Abstract: A system for modifying a boundary of operation of a machine has a change in terrain sensor system. A controller determines a change in terrain based at least in part upon a change in terrain signal. If the change in terrain exceeds a threshold, the controller modifies the boundary of operation of the machine. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A harvester is provided for felling and processing a tree, the harvester including traction devices and a harvester head. The harvester includes an integrated hydraulic system for operating the traction devices and the harvester head. More particularly, the harvester includes an integrated load sense system for operating the traction devices and the harvester head.

Abstract: A disk saw felling head comprises a motor housing positioned between a disk saw and harvesting and bunching cylinders so as to provide a visibility window laterally between the motor housing and a mounting post promoting visibility through the visibility window toward a cutting zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a harvesting arrangement (1) for tree harvesting comprising gripping members (2) for holding a tree trunk, a cutting device (3) for crosscutting a tree trunk held by the gripping members and a marking device (10) for applying an identification marking on the end surface of a crosscut end of a tree trunk held by the gripping members. The marking device comprises a striking arm (11) provided with a striking head (12) at its outer free end, and an actuating member (30) for actuating the striking arm (11). The striking arm is pivotable about an axis of rotation (14) under the effect of the actuating member from a resting position to a striking position so as to thereby allow the striking head to hit against the end surface of a crosscut end of a tree trunk in order to apply an identification marking on said end surface.

Abstract: A wheeled forestry tractors design, such as that for a wheel feller-buncher or a site prep tractor, is disclosed. The disclosed design includes a front axle connected to a rear axle by an articulated chassis. A cab is supported between and above the front and rear axles by the chassis. An engine and a hydraulic system are mounted opposite the rear axle from the cab and in a side-by-side relationship with the engine being aligned transversely with respect to the chassis and parallel to the rear axle. The engine is mounted transversely or parallel with respect to the rear axle and slightly behind the rear axle to improve the weight distribution between the front and rear axles or between the front and rear frames.

Abstract: A machine for processing trees includes a trailer; a loader and a tree processing unit mounted on the trailer. The tree processing unit is configured to independently process loaded trees.

Abstract: A working apparatus comprises a working machine, a tool, a boom construction, and a control system. A first end of the boom construction is connected to the working machine. The tool is connected to an opposite second end of the boom construction. The boom construction comprises a first boom and a first actuator controlling the first boom, a second boom articulated to the first boom and a second actuator controlling the second boom, and a third actuator controlling the position of the tool. The control system has a link mode, a parallel mode, and a tool-levelling mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a marking device (10) for applying a marking on an object. The marking device comprises a striking arm (11), which is provided with a striking head (12) at its outer free end, and actuating means (30) for actuating the striking arm (11). The striking arm is movably connected to a base (7) through a link arrangement (30). The striking arm is pivotable about a pivot axis (V1) under the effect of the actuating means and the link arrangement from a resting position to a striking position so as to thereby allow the striking head to hit against an object in order to apply a marking on the object. The link arrangement is arranged to move the pivot axis of the striking arm outwards so that the distance between this pivot axis and the base increases when the striking arm is pivoted from the resting position to the striking position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remotely operated cutting apparatus for cutting trees into logs. The cutting apparatus comprises a lift assembly, a chain saw assembly comprising a platform that is pivotally mounted to the lift assembly, and at least one force absorbing device fixedly attached to both the lift assembly and to the chain saw assembly.

Abstract: A wood chipper comprises a frame, an infeed system, a rotatable cutting system, and at least one feed wheel disposed between the infeed system and the cutting system to feed wood material to the cutting system. The wood chipper also includes a winch comprising a winch line having a first end, and a collar disposed adjacent the first end of the winch line. The wood chipper further includes a detector adapted to detect a first and a second position of the winch line, wherein the detector is adapted to allow operation of the at least one feed wheel and prohibit operation of the winch when the first position of the winch line is detected, and to allow operation of the winch and allow operation of the at least one feed wheel in a predefined manner when the second position is detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to wood chippers and baling machines and methods of operation therefor, and more specifically, to an apparatus and a method for chipping tree branches and the like and baling wood chips formed from such chipping activities. The apparatus includes a chipper assembly having a chipping mechanism operable to reduce the trimmed branches to wood chips. Also provided is a bale forming assembly operatively connected to the chipper assembly. The bale forming assembly has a housing and a baling mechanism contained within an interior space of the housing. The housing has an opening defined therein for receiving wood chips from the chipper assembly. The opening provides access to the interior space of the housing. The baling mechanism is operable to form a bale from the wood chips produced by the chipper assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic biasing assembly is provided. The hydraulic bunching assembly may include a hydraulic circuit and a hydraulic biasing member configured to provide bias to a bunching finger of a tree felling head. The hydraulic biasing assembly may also include a valve configured to alternately allow hydraulic fluid to transfer from the hydraulic circuit to the hydraulic biasing member and to allow hydraulic fluid to transfer from the hydraulic biasing member to a collector.

Abstract: A forestry vehicle including a frame, a pivoting boom, a first structure, a second structure, and a debris guard. The pivoting boom is carried by the frame. The first structure is carried by the frame and is positioned on a first side of the pivoting boom. The second structure is also carried by the frame and is positioned on a second side of the pivoting boom. A channel exists between the first structure and the second structure. The pivoting boom travels in the channel as the boom pivots about its pivotal axis. The debris guard is pivotally and slidingly coupled to the boom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a marking device for applying acode marking on a piece of wood. The marking device comprises several adjustable marking members, each of which comprising a marking element which is capable of applying a mark on a piece of wood and which is shiftable between different positions or states so as to allow a variation of the code marking to be applied by the marking device. At least one of said marking members (170) comprises a rotatable marking element (171), which is arranged to apply a rotationally unsymmetrical mark on a piece of wood and which is settable in different rotational positions in relation to the marking elements of the other marking members. The invention also relates to a harvesting arrangement for tree harvesting comprising such a marking device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus preferably coupled to a boom on a truck, the apparatus capable of a plurality of configurations for a variety of uses. In one configuration, the apparatus can perform rapid semi-precise cutting of vegetation. In another configuration, the apparatus can perform more precise trimming of one or more areas (e.g., limbs) and optionally use an aerial tank mounted at the far end of a boom assembly. Typically the aerial tank will be mounted just beneath the attachment of the cutter head assembly to the boom and above one or more insulation couplings. In some disclosed embodiments, the aerial tank that can be remotely controlled. The aerial tank can be used as a liquid chemical supply or cleaning liquid supply as needed for various tree trimming tasks.

Abstract: A friction brake which is suitable for applying friction to one or more load-bearing ropes in the implementation of arbor rigging or other procedures in some embodiments includes a tree engaging frame, a frame attachment mechanism carried by the tree engaging frame, a shaft receptacle carried by the tree engaging frame, an assembly mount shaft releasably inserted in the shaft receptacle and a rope engaging frame carried by the assembly mount shaft.

Abstract: A tree harvester is disclosed that includes first and second hydraulic pumps for powering a harvesting head of the tree harvester.

Abstract: The tree harvesting apparatus and method of this invention are particularly useful in congested areas where the range of equipment movement is limited and where unrestrained heavy tree bolts would cause damage to surrounding property if allowed to free fall to the ground. The subject apparatus is adapted to engage and sever large tree limbs, tree tops and tree bolts from free standing trees by means of tree gripping and severing means which is operable to form a kerf without becoming bound within the same. Further, the subject apparatus is adapted to weigh a tree bolt or tree top immediately upon its formation and while in juxtaposition with the free standing tree.

Abstract: A shear type tree cutter assembly is adapted to be mounted on a four wheel field vehicle. The assembly includes an anvil with a concave section for supporting the trunk of a tree. The blade portion has a convex portion that cooperates with the concave section of the anvil to shear the tree. The blade and anvil section also may include a straight portion useful for pruning brush and small limbs.

Abstract: A tree harvester, suitable for harvesting small trees in row(s) as a source of biomass, has a harvesting head with a chipper drum and complementary anvil. A pick-up front has at least one spiral and guide member, such as a guide rail or counter-rotating spiral, to maintain a tree in a substantially vertical position when, and after, its stem is cut by a base cutter. The pick-up front has a support plate or conveyor, which co-operates with the at least one spiral or guide member pair, to convey the tree to a location about the chipper drum, for engagement by at least one pair of nip rollers above the chipper drum, while maintaining the tree in the substantially vertical position. The, or each, pair of nip rollers feeds the tree downwardly (and rearwardly) to the chipper drum, while still maintaining the tree in the substantially vertical position, for conversion to biomass, such as woodchips.

Abstract: A ground engaging work vehicle including a frame, a plurality of tractive elements, a movable extension, a hydraulic fluid using attachment, a hydraulic fluid pump and an accumulator. The plurality of tractive elements are coupled to the frame. The tractive elements engage the ground. The movable extension is connected to the frame. The hydraulic fluid using attachment is coupled to the movable extension. The hydraulic fluid pump is selectively fluidly coupled to the attachment. The accumulator is selectively fluidly coupled to the attachment dependent upon at least one fluid flow requirement of the attachment.

Abstract: A rotation system for a felling head mounted to a boom, the rotation system including: an adapter which is pivotally mounted to the boom; a housing fixed to the adapter; a gear system enclosed between the housing and the felling head and operable to allow the felling head to rotate with respect to the housing about an axis of rotation; and a plurality of actuators mounted to the housing and engaging the gear system, the plurality of actuators being operable to drive the rotation of the felling head, the plurality of actuators engaging the gearing system at positions below the axis of rotation so as to provide a vertical support therefor.

Abstract: A device and methods for harvesting submersed wood are provided. The device comprises, a machine operatively associated with a movable boom member rotatably attached. A telescoping stick having a first and second end is pivotally attached to the movable boom in a mid portion of the stick. The second end of the telescoping stick is attached to a wood gripping-cutting head. The telescoping stick is moveable to an operative position so that the second end extends below a plane defined by a surface the machine is located upon. When in use, the second end may extend into water located below the plane defined by the surface the machine is located upon. The device may be used on land, a dock, and a wharf adjacent a water edge, or the device may be located on a floating platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for measuring a timber piece (4) in a wood handling machine (1). Such a wood handling machine comprises booms (2) arranged in a base machine and a wood handling device (3) operating therein. In such a wood handling machine (1), a wood handling device (3) grips the timber piece (4) to be handled, after which one end of the timber piece is guided into a measuring carriage (5) in the wood handling machine by the wood handling device. The timber piece arranged in the measuring carriage is subjected to one or more observation measures by observation means provided in the measuring carriage.

Abstract: A feller buncher is provided including a felling head having a gathering arm and an accumulation arm.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a combination forest biomass and tree harvester, a harvesting head assembly, and methods for harvesting trees and forest biomass. In some embodiments, the combination forest biomass and tree harvester includes a self-propelled vehicle base, a moveable arm, and a harvesting head assembly. The harvesting head assembly may include a frame member, a grabbing assembly, and a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly may include a primary cutting mechanism and a secondary cutting mechanism. As the combination forest biomass and tree harvester moves through a forest area, the cutting assembly may be used to cut trees and mow biomass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-process machine for the felling and further processing of trees, which is arranged to be suspended on the boom of a loader device with the aid of a pivot. The suspension device of the multi-process machine includes a rotator attached to the arm of the suspension device as well as a transverse frame pivot in its lower part, for supporting the frame of the operating unit, and an operating device. The suspension device further includes a wide-angle mechanism between the operating device and the said frame, for enlarging the rotation created by the length of stroke of the operating device.