Abstract: Apparatus and method for shearing a soil layer and removing it is provided. An apparatus in accord with the present invention has a frame mounting a shearing blade reciprocally movable substantially vertically into an operational position where the shearing blade will extend below the ground surface to shear the layer of soil above the shearing blade from the soil beneath it. An apparatus will also have a pushing blade mounted for use in pushing sheared soil. In a method in accord with the present invention, apparatus is provided that includes a shearing blade and a pushing blade. Each of the blades is positionable in operational and non-operational positions. The pushing blade is placed in its non-operational position and the shearing blade is placed in the operational position and is used to shear an upper layer of soil to a desired depth to produce a sheared soil layer and to create a new surface layer below the sheared soil layer.

Abstract: A weeding apparatus includes a body having a bottom and a blade angularly positioned within the body. The blade is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position the blade protrudes at an angle past the bottom of the body. A plunger is used to move the blade from the retracted to the extended position.

Abstract: A device for the harvesting of cultivated turfs (3) comprising a mobile chassis (1) with a first kiffe (21) that is capable of cutting a cultivated turf from a field, and via a second knife (22) is capable of chopping the cultivated turf in a direction that is transverse to the direction of travel. The second knife is equipped with electronically controlled mechanisms (41, 42, 45) that allow the second knife to work into the cultivated turf when a desired turf length bas been reached. An electronic sensor (80, 81, 82) is installed near to a conveyor track (60) for the cultivated turf and is at least capable of recording a size for a length of passing cultivated turf and producing this as an electronic signal. The sensor is linked by electronic means to the electronically controlled mechanisms for the second knife in order to release the second knife upon reaching a predetermined cultivated turf length.

Abstract: A sod cutting device containing aspects of the present invention contains an angled blade having a vertical cutting edge and a horizontal cutting edge. The angled blade is secured to a body member that in turn is movably affixed to a vehicle. Such a device may be used for cutting and trimming of grass sod around trees, hedges, gardens and elsewhere where it is desired to obtain a well-defined grass lawn edge.

Abstract: A multi-function implement for attachment to a tractor or the like for trenching, cutting, burying cable, and similar functions. The implement has a universal frame with a tractor attachment portion and a tool attachment portion. A series of tools are individually connectable to the universal frame, with each tool having a frame attachment portion which is complementary to the tool attachment portion of the universal frame. The tools are selectively connectable to the universal frame with the frame attachment portion of the tool joining the tool attachment portion of the universal frame. Each of the tools is individually formed to perform a particular function, such as cutting a trench, burying a cable, or removing a swath of sod.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to facilitate sod destruction and decomposition by cutting and crushing primarily horizontal roots and rhizomes while leaving vertical roots uncut. Multiple gangs of colters are attached to a frame, the colter gangs are arranged in staggered relation with respect to each other. The staggered relationship of the colter gangs allows the apparatus to cut relatively narrow strips of sod. A method of operating the apparatus is provided in which the apparatus is operated across a sod field in a first direction to cut the field into long, narrow strips of sod. The apparatus is then operated across the same field in a direction relatively perpendicular to the first direction, cutting the strips of sod into small pieces.

Abstract: An improved method of mounting the cutting head of a sod harvester with respect to the conveyor employs a single ball joint between the cutting head and the conveyor, and a pair of side links spaced outwardly of the conveyor and arranged to constrain the cutting head against lateral displacement with respect to the conveyor. Preferably, the links are adjustable in length to permit vertical and lateral adjustment of the cutting head with respect to the conveyor, e.g. “tracking” of the cutting head.

Abstract: A sod roll installation device for mounting to a mini skid steer utility loader, wherein a steel frame, having extended, braced arms with integrally defined locking wells therein, secures an elongated rod having a large roll of sod mounted thereon, thereby enabling one individual to quickly move, unload and install large rolls of sod.

Abstract: A sod-collecting apparatus, comprising a collecting platform for supporting juxtaposed rows of coiled sods, a feed conveyor for feeding coiled sods, and a conveyor belt downstream of the feed conveyor, the conveyor belt extending along the collecting platform, wherein the feed conveyor and the conveyor belt are arranged for displacing the coiled sods on the conveyor belt along the collecting platform in a direction parallel to an axial body axis of coiled sods located on the conveyor belt, with a positioning structure for stopping each individual sod on the conveyor belt in at least one predetermined position along the collecting platform.

Abstract: A sod cutter (10) is disclosed including a frame (12) formed by welding the free edges of mount, frame and end plates (46a, 46b 46c) bent relative to one of two side plates (46) to the corresponding edges of the other side plate (48). An axle assembly (160) is pivotal relative to the frame (12) by a depth adjustment lever (198) between a working position where wheels (16) carried by the axle assembly (160) engage tubular members (168) slideably and nonrotatably received on a drive shaft (166) and a transport position where the wheels (16) are spaced from the tubular members (168). A U-shaped handlebar (210) is positionable between an operating position for grasping during operation and a storage position for lifting and handling. A U-shaped control (212) is pivotably mounted in front of and above the U-shaped handlebar (210) for actuating the throttle of the engine (18).

Abstract: An improved method of mounting the cutting head of a sod harvester with respect to the conveyor employs a single ball joint between the cutting head and the conveyor, and a pair of side links spaced outwardly of the conveyor and arranged to constrain the cutting head against lateral displacement with respect to the conveyor. Preferably, the links are adjustable in length to permit vertical and lateral adjustment of the cutting head with respect to the conveyor, e.g. “tracking” of the cutting head.

Abstract: A sod roll installation device for mounting to a mini skid steer utility loader, wherein a steel frame, having extended, braced arms with integrally defined locking wells therein, secures an elongated rod having a large roll of sod mounted thereon, thereby enabling one individual to quickly move, unload and install large rolls of sod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-welded sod cutter blade prepared from one unit comprising a central blade and two sided blades, and to a process for preparing a sod cutter blade as described above generally comprising the steps of forming an appropriate one-piece planar shape comprising a central blade and two sided blades; heating each of the areas between the two sided blades and the central blade; and bending each of the two sided blades out of the plane of the central blade; said two sided blades being bent in the direction of one facing the other. the product is optionally further hardened, and is optionally further tempered.

Abstract: A method the method of transferring a roll of sod while inhibiting an unwinding of the roll of sod comprising the steps of: (a) rolling a slab of sod into a first sod roll; (b) forcing the first sod roll onto a sod roll handling mechanism containing a second sod roll with the first sod roll forming pressure contact with the second sod roll on the sod roll handling mechanism; and (c) advancing the sod roll handling mechanism with the second sod roll while maintaining the first sod roll and the second sod roll in pressure contact to thereby inhibit the unwinding of the first sod roll as the first sod roll is transferred to the handling mechanism and an sod harvester guidance system for maintaining a full cut.

Abstract: A method and an automatic sod harvester for on-the-go cutting, rolling and storing of sod with the sod harvester including a sod cutter for freeing a section of sod from a sod field, a sod roller for rolling the section of sod into a sod roll, a sod roll accumulator having a sod troughs therein for receiving and holding a plurality of sod rolls therein and a sod roll pickup mechanism for lifting the sod rolls on the sod roll accumulator and transferring the sod rolls to a sod carrier for delivery of the sod rolls to a remote location.

Abstract: A sod cutting attachment for a skid-steer motor vehicle has a pair of arms mounted on a hitch assembly adapted to be connected to lift arms of the skid-steer vehicle. A blade having upright side walls and a flat bottom wall secured to the arms operates to cut a strip of sod. Shoes mounted on the side walls of the blade control the depth of the cut of the sod.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a grass sod from a grass land are disclosed. The apparatus includes a cutting blade positioned between a front end and rear end of a sod cutting apparatus. An adjusting mechanism adjusts the position of the cutting blade to cut the grass sod a predetermined distance below a surface of the grass sod. A measuring mechanism measures a profile of the grass sod to be cut from the grass land and/or a thickness of the cut grass sod. A controller is connected to the measuring mechanism and the adjusting mechanism. The controller causes the adjusting mechanism to adjust the position of the cutting blade in response to the measuring mechanism detecting changes in the profile of the grass sod to be cut from the grass land and/or the thickness of the cut grass sod. The method includes setting a cutting blade to cut from the grass land the grass sod having the predetermined thickness.

Abstract: A method of harvesting sod using a sod harvester involves the formation of a series of defined slabs of sod that are positioned end-to-end, and conveyed up a conveyor that is driven at ground speed so that the slabs stay together. The slabs may be defined by respective series of spaced perforations so that the slabs remain connected by portions of the sod between the perforations. Where the slabs are completely separate, netting is introduced continuously below the series of slabs as they enter a roll-forming enclosure of the harvester. The netting keeps the slabs together and allows them to be formed into a roll in essentially the same fashion as a continuous strip of sod. Roll formation is continued until a large diameter roll has been formed comprising multiple layers of sod slabs. The large roll forms a unitary structure that can be manipulated and transported to a laying site in the same manner as a large single strip roll.

Abstract: A sod laying self propelled apparatus having a mobile frame mounted on front and rear wheels. The frame has front and rear sections that are articulated to allow the wheels to follow rough terrain. The frame front section has a U-shaped opening to allow receipt of a roll of sod therein without lifting the roll. The frame includes sod lifting arms with a two way hydraulic cylinder to raise the roll once in the roll is in the opening and in such a manner as to generally evenly distribute weight of the roll to each of the wheels. The front wheels are swingable between outside and inside positions relative to front frame arms to change the configuration thereof and include a locking mechanism to lock the configuration. The sod lifting arms are also engageable with a cross bar on a transport truck to allow the apparatus to be rotated relative to the sod raising arms and lifted from the ground for transport. A removable forklift is mountable on the frame for removing sod from a transport truck.

Abstract: Sod-laying apparatus for mounting on a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of support arms, each with a proximal end secured to the frame for pivoting arm movement in spaced parallel vertical fixed planes, a horizontal transverse guide member secured to the distal end of each of the support arms, loading members on each of the guide members movable along the axis of the sod roll on opposite sides thereof between roll-unloaded and roll-loaded positions, and roll-insertable members on each of the loading members. Preferred embodiments include the guide members as sleeves and the loading members as bars slidably therein; hydraulic cylinders actuating the loading members; and certain advantageous configurations, including of the loading and guide members with the preferred vehicle tracks.

Abstract: A gopher sod cutter and bailer machine. A generally triangular shaped lower center blade has an adjustable depth mechanism to permit the cutting of lower sod to desired depth. On the side of the machine are two spaced disc blades whose spacing may be adjusted that determine the width of cut sod. Mounted on a string table fixed to the machine's main frame is the height adjustment column for the adjustable depth mechanism and several spindles used to supply lengths of string. Guiding pipes supply the string from each spindle to the ground after the sod has been cut and lifted by the center blade and this string wraps around the lifted cut sod to form a sod ball. A rear mounted sod spindle attached to the machine's main frame retains the formed wrapped sod ball until disconnected from its rear side mounted frame extensions for transport.

Abstract: Sod laying apparatus for use with a self propelled vehicle. The vehicle has a front end mounting mechanism having an attachment engagement member for releasably engaging an attachment. The attachment engagement member is moveable between an attachment engagement position in which the engagement member is positioned in a manner to support the attachment in a position suitable for operating the attachment, and an attachment disengagement position in which the engagement member is positioned to facilitate disengagement of the engagement member from the attachment. The sod laying apparatus comprises a sod unrolling unit having a support mechanism, and a sod engagement mechanism connected to the support mechanism. The sod engagement mechanism is configured to engage a roll of sod in a manner to facilitate rotation of the roll of sod relative to the support mechanism.

Abstract: Sod harvesting equipment is described which includes a cutting head with an undercutting knife and side rollers or knives. The cutting head is mounted such that it can tilt or rotate about an axis of rotation extending through the plane of the undercutting knife. The bearing arrangement eliminates the need for the undercutting knife to move sideways as the head progresses over uneven ground. The gage roller and the cutting head are allowed to work in complete conformance with the surface encountered to minimize scalping due to uneven terrain.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing sections of turf for initial placement, replacement and/or rotation is provided. The apparatus includes a frame adapted for placement on a section of turf. A plurality of spaced apart actuators are mounted to the frame. Each actuator has an actuator rod with a sharpened end which is movable between a first, retracted position and a second, extended position. The actuator rods have an insertion angle of approximately 60.degree. or less with respect to a contact surface such that upon actuation, the actuator rods are moved from the first position to the second position and the sharpened ends of the actuator rods are adapted to pierce the selected section of turf to firmly engage the section of grass turf to the frame for placement or replacement.

Abstract: A method of harvesting sod using a sod harvester involves the formation of a series of discrete slabs of sod that are positioned end-to-end, and conveyed up a conveyor that is driven at ground speed so that the slabs stay together. Netting is introduced continuously below the series of slabs as they enter a roll-forming enclosure of the harvester. The netting keeps the slabs together and allows them to be formed into a roll in essentially the same fashion as a continuous strip of sod. Roll formation is continued until a large diameter roll has been formed comprising multiple layers of sod slabs. The large roll forms a unitary structure wrapped in netting that can be manipulated and transported to a laying site in the same manner as a large single strip roll. At the site, the roll can be tipped onto its side, exposing the netting for removal and permitting individual slabs of sod to be pulled away from the roll and carried off for laying.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for a vehicle, particularly for cutting sods and removing plants, comprising a transmission device which is connected by elements a power take-off coupled to a driving device. The cutting apparatus is supported by a supporting structure which is articulated to one or more axes. The cutting apparatus comprises a guiding and supporting element which is supported by the supporting structure and is shaped so that upon assembly it is arranged like a circular arc along its longitudinal extension. A plurality of sliding blocks is slidingly associated with the guiding and supporting element along its edge; the sliding blocks are mutually connected and moved by a flexible element. Each sliding block supports a corresponding cutting element which is suitable to cut and remove plants. The plurality of sliding blocks and the corresponding flexible element form a closed cutting loop which is kinematically coupled to the power take-off.

Abstract: A method and harvesting apparatus for stacking cut sod wherein the cut sod is formed into rolls at a rolling station carried by a machine and wherein alternating first and second series of rolls are conveyed in a first direction relative to a stacking station so as to form in the stacking station alternating first and second layers of rolls which are oriented generally perpendicularly to one another and wherein the rolls in each layer are oriented generally parallel with respect to one another. The second series of rolls are partially rotated approximately 90.degree. as they are conveyed to the stacking station so the second series of rolls are oriented generally perpendicularly with respect to the first series rolls. The apparatus also includes a wrapping device which is movable with respect to the stacking station so as to be maneuverable about the layers of sod rolls which are formed within the stacking station.

Abstract: We provide methods and apparatus for handling sod which includes a washing machine in which the water is recycled and during recycling the soil removed from the sod is delivered for reuse. We also provide a method of delivering and take up of rolls of sod in which the peripheral speed of the roll remains constant regardless of the roll diameter; we display methods of physically working sod to remove soil therefrom and also methods of handling sod by supporting it with a flexible mesh where there is likely to be stress on the sod.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting grass sods out of grass land and for stacking or rolling up into a predetermined amount of stacks or rolls of one or more grass sods. The apparatus includes a frame provided with two or more wheels suspended thereon, a cutting head suspended in the frame for cutting under the grass sods, a first conveyor which is mounted on the frame in driving direction as seen from behind the cutting head and which repeatedly transports the grass sods from the cutting head in an upwards direction, a second conveyor mounted on the frame in a driving direction as seen from behind the first conveyor and whereof at least one part is moveable with respect to the first conveyor and/or the other part to the second conveyor.

Abstract: A device and method for cutting, removing and inserting adjustable depth plugs of square straight edged turf. Square straight edged turf is readily positionable and makes a clean patch where a straight edge must be maintained. The device has a square frame in plan view with the four sides having openings and an open top and bottom. The square frame allows for the storage and easy transport of the square cut turf plugs to the insertion location, while the openings in the frame allow access to the stacked plugs. A cutting edge is provided on the open bottom with adjustable stops positioned near the open bottom. The adjustment of the stops allows the depth or thickness of the turf plug to be varied as needed. Consequently, the plugs can be varied as to depth to be cut. Angle irons comprise the adjustable stops, and the frame may be of welded steel or aluminum.

Abstract: A sod cutting machine in combination with turf cutting mechanism for cutting a longitudinally elongated trench in turf that has a trench bottom transversely inclined relative to the slope of the soil transverse to the direction of the trench elongation. The sod cutting machine has mounting arms mounted to the machine frame to extend vertically downwardly in a turf cutting position the same distance. The turf cutting mechanism includes first and second vertical knives that each has a rear shank portion joined to the lower end of the respective arm, a generally horizontal bottom edge portion and a front inclined sharpened edge that intersects with the bottom edge portion. A transverse bottom cutting knife extends between and is joined to the first and second vertical knives with one end portion vertically more remote from one of the arms than the other cutting knife end portion from the other one of the arms.

Abstract: A sod harvester includes a cutter for forming a strip of cut sod, and an inclined conveyor for conveying the strip from the cutter to a roll-forming enclosure. The roll-forming enclosure comprises two belt conveyors at right angles to one another. The strip is delivered onto a generally horizontal one of the two conveyors, by which it is moved towards the second conveyor. The second conveyor then causes the leading end portion of the strip to turn back on itself and form the roll. A pair of spring-biassed fingers ensure proper roll formation. The strip of sod is cut transversely at an appropriate point and the sod within the enclosure is rolled up to complete the roll. The enclosure is turnable about a vertical axis to a laterally directed position, in which the roll can be discharged laterally clear of the next pass of the harvester. The roll can be wrapped in netting which is automatically cut as the roll-forming enclosure turns.

Abstract: A sod laying apparatus is provided which also has sod roll loading and transporting capabilities and a method of laying sod using such an apparatus without requiring a winch or a separate forklift to load sod onto the apparatus while also providing for increased sod laying rates. The sod laying apparatus includes a frame having a pair of elongate arms pivotally attached thereto for supporting sod rolls therewith. The preferred apparatus is a three-wheeled vehicle with large, wide tires for sharp turning without scuffing the ground and for rolling transport of the roll along the surface. The preferred apparatus is self-propelled and carries the operator who drives the vehicle and lays sod at a faster speed than the normal walking speed. When laying the sod, the roll is allowed to rest on the sod in a float position to force the sod against the cantour of the ground.

Abstract: A compact, follow-behind sod cutter employs a frame with two front wheels and two rear wheels. A motor mounted to the frame drives all four wheels for improved traction and stability. The motor also drives an oscillating blade adjacent to said rear wheels. A handle extends rearward from the frame for guiding the sod cutter. A linkage having a proximal portion adjacent to the handle allows the blade to be selectively moved between a raised position in which the blade is above the sod and a lowered position in which the blade cuts the sod.

Abstract: A sod harvesting apparatus including a cutting unit and a sod stacking unit and which is selectively configurable to harvest sod in the form of slabs, small rolls or large rolls. The cutting unit includes at least one sod cutting blade for cutting a strip of sod from the ground, a sod cut-off mechanism which is selectively engageable to cut a strip of sod across its length at set intervals and a conveyor assembly for conveying the cut strips of sod away from said cutting blade. Roller supports, upon which a roller is removably securable are secured to the cutting unit on opposite sides of the conveyor assembly for use in forming large rolls of sod. A small roll roller attachment is removably securable to the cutting unit to extend across the conveyor assembly for flipping a leading edge of a strip of sod onto itself as it is conveyed up the conveyor assembly and causing the sod to roll upon itself for forming small rolls.

Abstract: The sod cutting device described herein comprises a hollow sod-receiving four-sided receptacle open at the bottom and at least partially closed at the top. The receptacle has a square cross-section parallel to the bottom of the receptacle and the walls of the receptacle have knife-sharp lower edges. The top portion of this receptacle has an opening through which the lower end of a shaft is allowed to enter the receptacle. At the lower end of this shaft there is affixed perpendicularly a sod-pushing plate which is shaped and dimensioned to cover a substantial portion of the cross-section of the receptacle. The shaft is enclosed in a hollow cylindrical sleeve which is affixed at the bottom to the top portion of the sod-receiving receptacle and at its top to a handle which has an opening therein through which the top end of the shaft extends. A coil spring is positioned around the shaft, that is between the shaft and the inside of the sleeve.

Abstract: A golf marker cleaner having a housing with a central bore with a set of individually retractable soil-engaging arms, each having one end pivotally connected to the housing and a second end with a soil-engaging tine to prevent movement of the soil-engaging arm, with a rotatable shaft extending through the bore in said housing and rotatably journaled therein to permit rotation of the shaft about the central axis, and a resilient pad attached to the shaft, with the resilient pad having a surface for rotatingly engaging a top surface of a marker on a golf course without marring the surface of the marker and to limit the axial displacement of soil-cutting blades connected to the shaft, with the soil cutting blade having U-shaped cutting blades located thereon to permit an operator to rotate the soil-cutting blade to cut free an annular portion of soil and grass located around the golf course marker.

Abstract: A simple, brightly colored, plastic collar is disclosed for greatly enhancing the visibility of the golf hole for players, spectator and televised golf events. The collar has a diameter essentially the same as a regulation hole and is installed in the cup adjacent the exposed earth wall between the lip of the hole and the hole liner. Furthermore, use of the collar enhances a retention of moisture in the earth around the lip to prevent drying and crumbling of the soil which can cause an initially sharp lip to become rounded. The collar preferably has thinner upper perimeter wall to insure that the reaction of an impinging golf ball against the cup wall having the collar installed is not substantially altered from the reaction of a ball impinging an earth surface of a cup not having the collar installed.

Abstract: A simple, brightly colored, plastic collar is disclosed for greatly enhancing the visibility of the golf hole for players, spectator and televised golf events. The collar has a diameter essentially the same as a regulation hole and is installed in the cup adjacent the exposed earth wall between the lip of the hole and the hole liner. Furthermore, use of the collar enhances a retention of moisture in the earth around the lip to prevent drying and crumbling of the soil which can cause an initially sharp lip to become rounded. The collar preferably has a thinner upper perimeter wall to insure that the reaction of an impinging golf ball against the cup wall having the collar installed is not substantially altered from the reaction of a ball impinging an earth surface of a cup not having the collar installed.

Abstract: A sod roll-out machine with endless tracks having a low center of gravity to prevent tipping on hills or inclines. The machine can be operated and steered by one person, wherein the roll of sod can be unwound in a forward or reverse direction. A pair of arms are elevated by hydraulic cylinders to facilitate the loading of a roll of sod to the distal ends of the arms, and to maintain the roll of sod slightly above the earth during the unrolling process. Due to the unique two track driving mechanism, the machine can be turned in place and operated in areas having limited accessibility. The tracks are driven by a motor, wherein each track can be individually controlled to be rotated in either a forward or reverse direction. A hydraulic pump is driven by the motor, wherein hydraulic fluid is provided to each of the hydraulic cylinders to control the elevation of each of the elevating arms.

Abstract: A device which cuts sods that are grown over plastic sheeting without cutting or damaging the plastic sheeting which is then retained in place to be used again for subsequent crops. The cutter performs four functions: (1) it inserts a vibrating lifting plate between the plastic and the sod and separates and lifts the sod off the plastic; (2) it conveys the sod to the cutting mechanism; (3) it cleanly cuts the sod; and (4) it leaves the plastic undamaged. After cutting, the sod can be harvested by a roller attached behind the cutting mechanism so that the cutting and rolling are done in one operation or the rolling can be done separately at a later time. The mechanism can be arranged in multiples on a toolbar; and the cutter can be attached to conventional sod harvesting equipment with only slight modification.

Abstract: A sod harvesting apparatus is provided a means for locomotion, a means for cutting sod into strips and curling it into rolls, and means for stacking the sod rolls onto an awaiting pallet. The apparatus includes a frame which supports orthogonal axes. A conveyor assembly is mounted on the x-axis, and transports sod rolls placed thereon to a mechanical hand unit. The x-axis provides the conveyor assembly with one-dimensional translation with respect to the frame. The mechanical hand unit, which is attached to the conveyor assembly, is capable of one-dimensional translation along the x-axis with respect to the conveyor assembly. The mechanical hand unit is rotatably mounted onto the x-axis so that it can place a sod roll in any desired orientation onto the pallet. The mechanical hand unit lifts the sod roll off the conveyor assembly and transports the roll to an awaiting pallet. The pallet is supported by a z-axis assembly, which is comprised of a plurality of forks and a lift mechanism.

Abstract: A grass trimming device arranged to provide for circular removal of plug members in surrounding relationship about such components as sprinkler heads and the like is formed with a cylindrical body having continuous serrated lower edge spaced from an annular upper edge, with the cylindrical body defined about a body axis, with a handlebar mounted through the cylindrical body orthogonally relative to the axis adjacent the upper edge. The invention is arranged to include a herbicide dispensing structure selectively mounted into the cylindrical body and into the handlebar structure.

Abstract: Device for carrying a load behind a vehicle, comprising:a frame whereon the load is to be placed;one or more support wheels for supporting the frame; andone or more arms for causing one or more shafts of the support wheels to move between a first position wherein the frame rests on a ground and a second position wherein the frame (and the load) are at least partially supported by the support wheels.

Abstract: A kit for making a lined putting hole includes a circular cup and an elongated handle including an apertured plate which engages projections on the bottom of the inverted cup for enabling the cup's chamfered upper rim to be used to cut a circular hole in the ground. The handle is made to be detachable from the cup so that the cup can be placed in the hole to form a liner. The bottom of the cup is formed to mount a flag when it is being used as a liner.

Abstract: A sod stacking machine includes a conveyor system for receiving sod pieces from a sod harvesting machine and aligning the pieces in rows. The sod pieces can be translated laterally from the conveyor to form a full layer for movement to a stack of the layers. The full layer is then grasped and lifted simultaneously for movement to the stack. The lifting is carried out by a planar lifting element which has a plurality of screw elements mounted thereon and which are rotatable in a screw direction and a release direction simultaneously by a chain drive system. Each screw element is surrounded by a compressing device for engaging the sod around the screw as it is screwed into place. The lifting device thus lifts all of the sod pieces simultaneously and transfers them to a pallet. The device can be used either with rolled sod pieces or folded slab sod pieces.

Abstract: A sod cutting machine that includes a towable frame and a series of parallel trailing suspension arms, each suspension arm having a sod cutter disk and roller device for limiting the cutting depth of the disk. Each suspension arm is independently swingably attached to the frame so that each cutter disk achieves a proper cutting depth. A marking and tracking system is provided to maintain a desired parallelism and even spacing between the cuts in successive passes of the machine. The frame can be actuated to raise selected ones of the suspension arms in order to vary the slit spacing, thus to form elongated rectangular sod sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transporting a stack of rolled-up turf sods, whereby the rolled-up sods are stacked on top of one another in several layers. Each layer comprises a few rows of rolled-up sods, located side by side, whereby each row consists of a few rolled-up sods, being in line, and the longitudinal axes of the rolled-up sods in the one layer extend transversely to the longitudinal axes of the rolled-up sods in a layer located under and/or above said layer. The stack of rolled-up sods, in order to be transported, is carried by a fork having a number of teeth, whereby the rolled-up sods of the lowermost layer are directly supported by the teeth extending parallel to the longitudinal axes of the rolled-up sods of the lowermost layer, such that each rolled-up sod of the lowermost layer is supported by two teeth located side by side.

Abstract: A turf handling machine includes a chassis and a turf carrying apparatus mounted to the chassis for carrying a roll of turf. The roll of turf having an axial width and a circumferential surface. The chassis is mounted to two continuous driving tracks. The driving tracks normally drive the chassis in a forward direction over a ground surface upon which the turf is to be laid at a driving speed. A turf conveying apparatus is positioned on the chassis below the turf carrying apparatus. The turf conveying apparatus is arranged to contact a substantial portion of the circumferential surface of the roll of turf so as to cause the roll to be unwound and conveying the turf toward the ground surface behind the driving tracks when driven. The conveying of the turf is automatically synchronized with the driving speed so that the turf is laid at the driving speed.

Abstract: A sod cutting device having a pair of sod cutting blades offset such that their interior ends are aligned in the direction of cutting. Two strips of sod may thus be cut simultaneously with minimal waste. The two cutting blades are connected to individual cutter frames which are pivotably connected to respective lateral ends of a pivot frame. The pivot frame is in turn pivotably mounted at its center to a main frame of the device. This allows each cutter frame to follow the contours of the land and thus improves cutting depth consistency. The cut sod is conveyed up a first conveyor to a second conveyor which is mounted behind the first conveyor. A netting is introduced between the two conveyors under the sod such that the sod, together with the netting thereunder, travels up the second conveyor. The sod and netting are then rolled about a mandrel with the netting supporting the delicate sod. When a sod roll of sufficient size has been formed, the second conveyor is pivoted downwardly about its forward end.