Abstract: A tool, for mounting on a powering vehicle for transport, vertical motion and pivotal motion about a horizontal axis, provides a frame having connecting structure to interconnect with the powering vehicle. The frame carries extracting structure having plural laterally spaced extracting tines extending forwardly from the lower frame portion. At least one extracting tine has at least one depending vertical fin to increase tine strength and direct tine motion in a horizontal plane upon insertion through the earth; at least one extracting tine has at least one laterally extending horizontal fin to increase tine strength and direct tine motion in a vertical plane upon insertion through the earth; and at least one extracting tine has at least one soil retaining plate to aid support of material thereabove. The fins and plates tend to separate earth above and below the course of their insertion.

Abstract: A mulching unit for a mulching apparatus includes at least one cutting assembly having a rotatable support element and at least one cutting element releasably mounted and movable or rotatable with respect to the support element. With this structure, it is possible to easily replace cutting elements without also replacing the corresponding support structure as well. In addition, the mulching unit may include a tubular assembly including inner and outer tube members connected using bracing members. A plurality of support elements of associated cutting assemblies may be fixedly attached to an outer surface of the outer tube member. This structure has improved resistance to impact with obstacles during the mulching operation that would otherwise cause misalignment.

Abstract: A device for transplanting trees or bushes having at least two spades that can be adjusted against each other. These spades can be set between an open and closed position by means of a pair of attached servo-drives. When in the open position, the spades are removed from each other by a space corresponding at least with a diameter of the tree or the bush to be transplanted. When the spades are in their closed position, they complement each other, forming a partial spherical cup. To reduce the resistance of the spades as they penetrate the soil, the cutting blade of the spade has the shape of a corrugated ground edging. These corrugated ground edges have alternating elevations and recesses, whereby the elevations of the cutting blade provide sufficient stability and safety against breakage. The ground surfaces that oppose each other on these spades are disposed on alternating sides to allow the cutting blades to overlap.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an apparatus and a method for excavating and transplanting a live tree. The invention relates more specifically to equipment which utilizes curved ground piercing blades moveably supported on a ring assembly positioned around a tree to be transplanted, the blades being forced and guided down into the ground to completely encompass a tree root ball which can thereafter be lifted out of the ground and transported for subsequent transplantation. Both the apparatus and the method facilitate the excavation and transplantation of trees with low limbs and crooked trunks to and/or from uneven or sloping terrain, and may be utilized with any of the prime movers of adequate towing capacity available at an excavation site.

Abstract: A stump chipper for at least partially removing a stump and the like from the ground, by means of chipping, comprises a subframe that can be positioned on the ground and that supports a movable arm at the end of which a chipping wheel is mounted such that it is rotatable about its axis. The chipping wheel is also rotatable with respect to the arm about an axis of rotation oriented transversely to the axis of the chipping wheel.

Abstract: A tool, for mounting on a tractor or backhoe having a three or four point hitch to pivotally mount the tool on a laterally extending horizontal axis for vertical motion and for pivotal motion about the horizontal axis, provides a frame having connecting structure to releasably interconnect with the hitch and extracting structure to move in and beneath an arborescent root system to lift that system from the earth in which it is resident. The connecting structure provides spaced pivot pins to pivotally interconnect with the lifting arms of the hitch and one or two spacedly distant tilt arm brackets to interconnect with the tilting arm or arms of the hitch. The extracting structure provides a plurality of elongate extracting tines, at least some of which have elongate fins depending therefrom to direct motion in the earth, that are carried in laterally spaced relationship by an elongate, laterally extending lowermost beam of the frame to extend distally from the hitch.

Abstract: A chain saw guide bar for a tree harvester is arranged to yield when an excessive force is applied such as when the guide bar becomes jammed in a cut. Yielding of the guide bar protects the bar holder from damage. The guide bar is heat treated or otherwise structurally modified to provide the desired yield strength.

Abstract: A two piece improved stump grinding tooth comprising a one piece cutting tooth having a hardened cutting bit, preferably made of tungsten carbide, or another material having hardness properties similar thereto, fixedly attached to the body portion of the tooth through brazing or other attachment process. The tooth body and tip are positioned at predetermined angles to improve the cutting characteristics of the tooth as it engages and removes material from a stump, and are held in the proper cutting position on the grinding wheel by a pair of mounting blocks through which the tooth body is secured to the grinding wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for excavating and transplanting a tree having an elongate trunk and a plurality of roots extending downwardly into a ground location. The apparatus includes a wheeled frame supporting a chassis, an elongated trailer hitch portion extending from a first end of the chassis and a tree excavating portion extending from a second end of the chassis. First, second and third guide assemblies are arranged in triangular fashion around a periphery of the tree excavating portion and each receive a selected spade element. A hammer is provided and is engageable with the spade elements in successive fashion so as to drive the spade elements in inwardly and downwardly angled fashion within the selected ground location. The elongated trailer hitch portion is pivotally deflected in a downward fashion so as to exert an upward pivoting force upon the tree excavating portion and to forcibly remove the selected tree from the ground location.

Abstract: A grinding apparatus for grinding a stump or the like includes a frame, a rotating member supported by the frame, and a plurality of grinding members mounted to the rotating member. The grinding apparatus further includes a first driver which selectively rotates the rotating member about a drive axis, and a second driver which selectively pivots the rotating member about a vertical pivot axis whereby the rotating member pans between at least a first lateral position and a second lateral position. The grinding apparatus preferably further includes a third driver which selectively pivots the rotating member about a horizontal pivot axis whereby the rotating member moves between at least a first vertical position and a second vertical position.

Abstract: An improved U-Blade implement, in one preferred embodiment, having fixed trailing and leading earth-piercing points on its U-shaped blade, integrated with support arms and a back plate. The back plate is generally planar, with a rear side of the back plate configured for attachment to a motorized vehicle, such as a skid steer.

Abstract: A safety system for a stump cutter machine which comprises a swing out operator's control console equipped with an interlock to prevent rotation of the stump cutter wheel when not locked into the operating configuration, and a restraint means to hinder and prevent full use of the controls when the stump cutter is not in the operating configuration.

Abstract: A cutter tooth assembly for impingement of a material (e.g., a stump, wood, brush or earth strata). The assembly attaches to a driven member (e.g., a rotatable wheel). The assembly includes a cutter tooth which has an elongate body with a leading end and a trailing end, as well as a hard insert at the leading end of the tooth. The assembly also includes a pocket which has a base portion and a holder portion. The pocket attaches to the wheel at the base portion thereof. The cutter tooth is retained to the pocket at the holder portion thereof. The base portion of the pocket has a leading surface and a trailing surface. The cutter tooth is retained by the holder portion of the pocket so that the hard insert extends circumferentially past the leading surface of the base portion of the pocket.

Abstract: A stump cutting apparatus for connection to an excavator or other prime mover for conveyance in any ground breaking or farm industry. The stump cutter apparatus comprises a chassis for supporting for supporting stump cutter, a cutting assembly, an engine for providing power to the cutting assembly, an attachment member for releasably attaching the stump cutter to an excavator or other prime movers. The chassis may include one or more support legs or in the alternative one or more wheels to allow for support and easy movement of the apparatus. The cutting assembly comprises of support legs which comprises one or more spikes extending downward to be able to be received by the surface to enable the apparatus to be secure during stump cutting operation. The stump cutting apparatus also has several hydraulic cylinders for supporting the stump cutter by retracting and extending the members of the apparatus and enable to cutter wheel to move to meet the objective of user for cutting stumps and roots.

Abstract: An apparatus to maintain optimum engine speed and cutter wheel speed to maintain peak power output of the engine and peak flywheel effect of the stump cutter wheel and method for maintaining optimum engine speed. The stump cutter has a rotating cutting wheel powered by an engine, and the cutter is mounted to be moved laterally. The mounting includes a boom and at least a first hydraulic cylinder for urging the boom to move along the path of travel over the surface of a stump. The hydraulic cylinder is activated by a hydraulic circuit which includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid. A pressure hydraulic line connects the source of hydraulic fluid to a first port of the hydraulic cylinder and a return line is connected to a second port of the hydraulic cylinder. A valve diverts a portion of flow from the pressure line to the return line or to a sump. The valve is shiftable between at least a first and a second position.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a tractor tool that attaches to and detaches from a tractor frame easily. In one embodiment, as few as four bolts and two actuator control couplings are used to mount the inventive tool to a tractor. The inventive tractor attachment tool is capable of grasping and lifting a heavy or awkward object, moving it to a new location, and setting it down without the tractor operator leaving the tractor controls. The object may be simply or oddly shaped, and it may be moved to a location that requires it to be lifted over a barrier like a wall. Small trees, bushes, piles of vegetative matter, or fence posts can be pulled from the ground and moved to a rubble or debris bin for hauling. The tool is comprised of a metal frame having two jaw members that open and close in a scissor-like fashion. The jaw members are opened and closed by jaw actuators, controlled by the tractor operator sitting on the tractor.

Abstract: An improved stump grinding machine includes a turntable assembly on which the engine is mounted for rotation in a horizontal plane. Preferably, the turntable assembly includes a flat plate element on which the engine is carried. One rotatable ring of a turntable bearing is connected to the plate element for rotation therewith. The other ring of the turntable bearing is fixedly connected to the machine frame. A grinding wheel is located at the distal end of an arm structure pivotally connected to the plate element. The grinding wheel is driven from the engine by a pair of successive belt stages. Power between the belt stages is transferred at an idler shaft about which the arm structure pivots. The stump grinding machine includes a hydraulic system to effect horizontal and vertical movement of the grinding wheel as necessary during a cutting operation. The stump grinding machine may be a self-propelled machine, or may be configured for towing behind a vehicle.

Abstract: A stump cutter having a rotatable disk having a plurality of cutting tool holders with a cutting tool cantilevered therefrom to engage a stump brought into contact with the cutting tool with a protector having a massive leading non-cutting edge that extends sufficiently far outward from the rotatable disk to protect the cutting tool shank and holder from breakage and wear and also reduce whole carbide loss from large rocks to fractional carbide loss.

Abstract: A tree grinder movable from tree to tree. The tree grinder includes a frame movable from tree to tree, a drum and a drum support rotatably mounting the drum to the frame. The drum support rotates or swivels relative to the frame via a swivel motor. A hydraulic motor is attached to the drum support with a first drive pulley attached to the hydraulic motor and a second drive pulley connected to the drum. A plurality of drive belts connects said first drive pulley to said second drive pulley so the hydraulic motor may rotate the drum.

Abstract: A guide bar mounting arrangement for a tree harvester. The tail end of the guide bar is provided with a center slot and pin receiving slot at each side thereof. A sliding block has a center boss and pins permanently or removably mounted therein at the sides of the boss and the combination is slidably mounted in a fixture or base member fixedly secured to the harvester adjacent a drive sprocket. The guide bar is fitted to the sliding block center slot receiving a center boss of the sliding block and the pin receiving slots engaging the pins of the sliding block. A saw chain is entrained around the guide bar and drive sprocket and the sliding block moved relative to the sprocket to tension the saw chain. The sliding block is forced against the base member to clamp the bar in position.

Abstract: The grinder mixer assembly includes a drum assembly with end plates rotatably supported on stub shafts. These stub shafts are secured to arms of a yoke assembly. The spindle of a first hydraulic motor is secured to one of the stub shafts. The housing of the first motor is connected to a center portion of the drum by a key. The spindle of a second hydraulic motor is secured to the other stub shaft. The housing of the second motor is to a center portion of the drum by a key. The keys transmit torque from drive rings attached to each motor to driven rings attached to the drum mid way between the end plates of the drum.

Abstract: A power attachment is attachable to a power machine which has a power circuit. The power machine also includes an operator input device receiving an operator input and providing an output signal indicative of the operator input. The attachment includes a tool and an actuator, coupled to the tool, to drive the tool. The actuator is also connectable to the power circuit of the power machine. A controller is operably coupled to the actuator and is operably couplable to the operator input device. The controller controls operation of the tool based on an operator input signal provided by the operator input device.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous field digging and cleaning of nursery trees for transplanting comprises; a support frame pulled by a tractor with a fixed ground engagement digging blade and a pivoted removal and treatment basket extending therefrom. A powered eccentric drive arm secured to the basket oscillating same within a confined range of movement so as to expose and free the tree root system from the surrounding earth during operation.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removal of tree stumps, by first splitting the upper part of the stump with a splitting plate, and then utilizing a digging member to sever and/or dislodge roots of the stump from the ground strata. This apparatus is desirably provided as a splitting attachment to be connected to a bucket of a backhoe or trackhoe. Also, there is a saw plate mounted to the lower side of a splitting plate. First, the bucket is manipulated to have the saw plate cut a kerf in the upper part of the stump, and then the splitting member is moved through the kerf to split the stump. The stump sections that are removed have comparatively little dirt and rocks attached thereto, and these can be more easily burned, cut into chips, or transported.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting a mature tree for transplanting at a new location comprises a base disposed within a trench dug about the tree. At least one hydraulic actuator is connected to the base and to a horizontal member that overlies the root ball. A root ball harness attaches the root ball to the horizontal member. Energization of the actuator effects elevation of the cross member and the tree in vertical translation.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous field digging and cleaning of nursery trees for transplanting comprises; a support frame pulled by a tractor with a fixed ground engagement digging blade and a pivoted removal and treatment basket extending therefrom. A powered eccentric drive arm secured to the basket oscillating same within a confined range of movement so as to expose and free the tree root system from the surrounding earth during operation.

Abstract: A tree-removing device designed for mounting on a land vehicle such as a conventional bulldozer or tractor and having a bulldozer-type blade fitted with a power blade for cutting the roots of a tree and a tree jack for levering the tree from the ground after the roots are cut. The power blade is characterized by a frame pivoted to the bulldozer-type blade and a vertically-adjustable blade carrier mounted in the frame and internally fitted with a hydraulically-operated blade which may be extended into the ground from the blade carrier to cut the roots of a tree by operation of the land vehicle. The tree jack includes a jack frame pivoted to the land vehicle bulldozer-type blade and a mast extensibly attached to the jack frame, which jack frame is fitted at one end with a foot for engaging the tree. The mast includes hydraulic cylinders for both engaging the tree and causing the mast to pivot, thereby jacking the tree from the earth by operation of the jack frame foot.

Abstract: A tractor driven stump grinder for a wheeled tractor frame having a drive motor operating the wheels to move the tractor forwardly and rearwardly, the tractor having a support member movable vertically on the tractor frame and rotatably carrying a generally vertically disposed broadsidely oriented grinder disc. A series of circumferentially spaced generally radial stump grinding tools project peripherally from each vertical face of the grinder disc, and a drive mechanism is provided for rotating the grinder disc in a plane transverse to the longitudinal tractor frame as it cuts a horizontal swath and then a subjacent swath in a pass across the upper end of a stump in both forward and rearward directions of movement of the tractor.

Abstract: A depth-of-cut bushing is mounted above a cutter-arm array to provide a cutting head mounted on a rotary lawn mower or mower/trimmer. The bushing is shaped so that it acts together with the cutter-arm array to accomplish control of the cutting action. This control enables chipping of stumps or roots at the low horsepowers available with lawn mowers or mower/trimmers.

Abstract: An apparatus to maintain optimum engine speed and cutter wheel speed to maintain peak power output of the engine and peak flywheel effect of the stump cutter wheel and method for maintaining optimum engine speed. The stump cutter has a rotating cutting wheel powered by an engine, and the cutter is mounted to be moved laterally. The mounting includes a boom and at least a first hydraulic cylinder for urging the boom to move along the path of travel over the surface of a stump. The hydraulic cylinder is activated by a hydraulic circuit which includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid. A pressure hydraulic line connects the source of hydraulic fluid to a first port of the hydraulic cylinder and a return line is connected to a second port of the hydraulic cylinder. A valve diverts a portion of flow from the pressure line to the return line or to a sump. The valve is shiftable between at least a first and a second position.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for mounting on a tractor, and capable of providing opposed movement to a pair of cooperating implements suitable for digging or lifting. The apparatus has a frame with an upper central region and two laterally spaced lower regions, and two movable arms, each capable of holding one of the implements. Each arm has an inner end pivoted to the frame at one of the lower regions by a pivot which restricts movement of the arm, relative to the frame, to an inclined pivot plane, the pivot planes being situated to both slope downwardly and inwardly and meet at a line of intersection which is below and symmetrically between the pivots. A linkage arrangement is provided connecting the central upper region of the frame to each arm, and power cylinders are provided for moving the arms in their inclined pivot planes.

Abstract: An earth and root removing implement is formed from a cylindrical steel walled tube having a mouth at the front end for penetrating the earth into the root structure of a plant to be removed. To aid in penetration and permit disengaging of earth and roots received within the tube, the mouth includes an opening in the tube wall extending and tapering rearwardly to an apex. To maintain sufficient structural rigidity of the tube, the opening extends about the circumference of the tube for less than 180.degree. and defines in combination with the front end a scoop-like configuration. Attachment devices, including slots at the rear end of the tube for receiving the blade of a bucket of a front end loader and chains extending from the bucket to the tube, mounts the implement upon the bucket. By manipulating the bucket, and hence the implement, the implement is used to dig under, loosen and pry out of the earth the roots of selected plants.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a tree grinder movable from tree to tree. The invention includes a frame movable from tree to tree, a drum and a drum support rotatably mounting the drum to the frame. A hydraulic motor is attached to the drum support with a first drive pulley attached to the motor and a second drive pulley connected to the drum. A plurality of drive belts connects said first drive pulley to said second drive pulley so the motor may rotate the drum. A shredding plate is attached to the drum support and is operable to be moved toward and away from the drum thereby decreasing or increasing the size of shredded particles during grinder operation.

Abstract: A cutting head (20) is mounted on the outer end of a boom structure of a self-propelled machine, such as an excavator. The cutting head housing has a vertically oriented rotary cutter wheel (48) mounted on a side portion thereof. Side and top portions of the wheel (48) are protected by a shroud (56), which has generally conical side members (72, 80). The members (72, 80) strengthen the shroud (56), provide cutting depth control, and assist the operator in positioning the cutter wheel (48) on a stump. The wheel (48) and shroud (56) are laterally offset from a rearward projection (88) of the housing. A double heel rack (92, 94) is formed on the free outer end of the projection (88). The upper leg (92) of the rack cooperates with a thumb (28) to grip objects. The lower leg is used for stabilizing the vehicle. The rack (92, 94) also functions as a rake.

Abstract: A nursery plant digger apparatus designed to be pulled behind a typical tractor and used to harvest bare root plants grown in long, parallel rows in a field. The digger apparatus includes a horizontally aligned tool bar attached to the rear of the tractor. Extended laterally from one side of the tool bar is an adjustable, U-shaped scoop which is dragged in the soil as the tractor is driven in a forward direction on the field. The angle and position of the scoop relative to the tool bar may be adjusted to control the digging depth of the scoop. During normal use, the scoop is adjusted to travel under the plant's deepest root. A shaking grate is pivotally attached to the rear edge of the scoop. During use, a hydraulic motor is connected to an eccentric which causes the grate to shake downward to dislodge soil delivered to the grate as the tractor moves in a forward direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an operator's station from which a user may control the operation of a stump cutter or machines wherein the operator's station comprises: a control panel including at least one machine control switch or actuator; a controller for receiving commands from the control panel and in turn causing a stump cutter or machine to implement the commands; and, a wireless coupling of the control panel to the controller which is only operative in a pre-determined zone or area.

Abstract: A tree stump cutting and removing apparatus attachable to the lift arms of a skid steer front loader construction vehicle having an hydraulic power system, the tree stump cutting apparatus comprising a flying debris shielding plate having a plurality of attachment means on its back side adapting the flying debris shielding plate for fixed attachment to the lift arms of the skid steer front loader construction vehicle, and a cutting wheel extension arm, the cutting wheel extension arm being pivotally mounted upon the flying debris shielding plate, and positioned thereon to lie laterally to the side of the vehicle's operator's seat, allowing an operator of the apparatus a line of sight for viewing and controlling stump cutting performed by the apparatus.

Abstract: A stump cutting or grinding apparatus and method are disclosed which utilize a pump for attachment to a power takeoff of a tractor, a cutting or grinding device for attachment to a backhoe arm of the tractor, a motor connected to the cutting or grinding device, a plurality of lines for circulating hydraulic fluid between the pump and the motor and a plurality of lines for passing a portion of the hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic system of the tractor. Passing a portion of the circulating hydraulic fluid through a hydraulic system of the tractor enables the tractor to cool and filter the fluid and eliminates the need for a separate tank or reservoir that would otherwise be needed to contain and treat fluid being circulated between the pump and motor. A scoop may be attached to the cutting or grinding device for moving or removing rocks, dirt or debris from around the stump.

Abstract: A transplant machine including a bucket for digging a plant such as trees and shrubs from the ground, a main frame for pivotably supporting the bucket, an arm for lifting the main frame, a shaft extending from the main frame at right angles and an intermediate frame for connecting the main frame with the lifting arm such that the frame can rotate about the shaft relative to the lifting arm. The frame and the bucket rotate together. As the main frame rotates about the shaft, the bucket rotate with the main frame. Therefore, the transplant machine can change a direction of the a tree after a digging operation. In other words, it is possible to turn the tree while the bucket is holding the tree above the ground. During the turning of the tree, the lifting arm (or a main body of the transplant apparatus) is stopped since the intermediate frame allows the main frame and the bucket to rotate relative to the lifting arm. The bucket may be removable from the lifting arm.

Abstract: A power attachment is attachable to a power machine which has a power circuit. The power machine also includes an operator input device receiving an operator input and providing an output signal indicative of the operator input. The attachment includes a tool and an actuator, coupled to the tool, to drive the tool. The actuator is also connectable to the power circuit of the power machine. A controller is operably coupled to the actuator and is operably coupleable to the operator input device. The controller controls operation of the tool based on an operator input signal provided by the operator input device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting a tree trunk, stump and main root from the ground while simultaneously severing the lateral roots, where the tree trunk is gripped by gripping members which are raised vertically to pull the stump and main root through generally annular root shearing members encircling the base of the tree trunk. The root shearing members remain stationary during the extraction operation. Preferably scraping members are positioned adjacent to the root shearing members to remove any dirt and debris.

Abstract: A stump grinder is comprised of a vehicle having a pair of opposing drive wheels and one or more pivot wheels. Each drive wheel has motor means independently operable of the other wheel's motor means giving the vehicle a zero turning radius capability. A tool bar, capable of vertical articulation only, has a grinding wheel attachment thereon. Grinding wheel power is achieved through appropriate linkage to the vehicle or can be achieved via independent motor means.

Abstract: A stump cutter having a frame including a movable boom and an engine mounted on the frame. The drive engine includes a rotating output shaft and cutter drivably attached to a rotatable cutter shaft disposed on the boom. A drive transmitting shaft is provided for connecting the output shaft and the cutter wheel shaft. A coupler is provided for connecting the first end of the shaft to the engine output shaft and a second coupler is provided for connecting the second end of the shaft to the cutter shaft.

Abstract: A stump grinder mountable on a three-point hitch of a conventional tractor and provided with a laterally and longitudinally movable cutter wheel. The stump grinder includes a support frame adapted for mounting on the three-point hitch, a swing frame horizontally pivotally mounted on the support frame, an elongated main beam vertically pivotally mounted on the swing frame, and a telescopic extension slidably mounted on the main beam. A side-cutting cutter wheel is rotatably mounted on the telescopic extension such that it is rotatable about a horizontal transverse rotational axis. The stump grinder is driven from the tractor power take-off with a drive line which includes first and second telescopic driveshafts and an intermediate support coupling mounted on the main beam, the driveshaft on the tractor side including a CV-joint on each end, and the driveshaft on the cutter wheel side including U-joint on each end.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective operator's station from which a machine operator may safely and effectively remotely control the various operations of a machine that may create flying debris. The invention includes a control panel mounted to an adjustable base, such as a tripod with extensible legs. The invention also includes one or more shields to protect the machine operator from flying debris. A substantially transparent shield is provided to protect the upper body and head of a machine operator without substantially impairing the operator's vision. A flexible lower shield or skirt may be provided to protect the lower body of the operator. In an alternative embodiment, the control panel, including one or more shields, may be secured to the body of the machine operator using a harness. The invention also relates to an improved remotely controlled stump cutter having a protective operator's station.

Abstract: A double claw stump cutting tooth having two cutting heads having cutting faces angled to slice into a stump with both heads adapted for simultaneously cutting or chipping a stump.

Abstract: A stump cutting apparatus which may be mounted on a watercraft such as a barge and includes a rotating cutting drum having multiple cutter blades and driven by at least one hydraulic motor mounted on a boom extending from the barge. In a preferred embodiment the boom is connected to a linkage arm and the rotating drum is rotatably mounted on a pair of cooperating mount plates fixedly spaced by a spacer plate and pivotally attached to the boom and linkage arm to facilitate adjustment of the rotating drum upwardly or downwardly with respect to the extending end of the boom, while maintaining the cutting drum and spacer plate in horizontally parallel relationship. A pair of arm hydraulic cylinders have their cylinder ends attached to mount brackets provided on the respective mount plates and the cylinder pistons connected to a stabilizing arm pivotally attached to the mount plates for stabilizing the cutter blade against a stump or tree during the cutting operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an impact driven tree transplanting device or tree spade wherein each of the excavation blades is connected to an impact device for generating and/or transferring a series of repetitive impacts or blows to the excavation blades so that the blades more easily enter the earth surrounding the base of a tree or another location. Specifically, the impact devices cause the blades to move more easily downward into the earth by cutting through roots and by breaking and/or displacing rocks and other obstructions. The present invention also includes the ability to lift a tree from the ground and transport the same to another location. Also, the present invention may be used in a non-impact driven mode where relatively loose soil or otherwise easily excavated soil conditions prevail.