Abstract: A delimber having a standard carriage and a delimbing boom, the delimbing boom slidably mounted through the carriage. A drive module is detachably connected to the carriage for use in moving the boom relative to the carriage. Two different types of booms and up to three different drive modules, each with a different drive, can be provided. The boom and module selected to give the operating characteristics desired by the operator are connected to the carriage. Drive transfer members, in the form of cable or chain drives, are connected between the selected drive module and the selected boom. The module carries a variable displacement hydraulic motor. The motor is connected by a gear box to the drive transfer member. On delimbers using cable drives, at least one end of each cable is connected to the delimber with a hydraulic tensioner.

Abstract: A log positioning and securing device is described in which a frame supports a log receiving trough with sides positioned to receive and support a log along a longitudinal plane. A log clamp including a pair of log clamp members is movably mounted to the frame. The clamp members are driven to move between an inoperative position in which the log clamp members are separated in a log receiving position, and a log clamping position in which the log clamp members are moved toward one another and toward the longitudinal plane, to clamp and hold a log securely along the rough, with the centerline of the log parallel to or coincidental with the plane.

Abstract: A tree skidder transport machine and method wherein the machine has a hydraulically operated boom assembly extending rearwardly of a chassis. The boom assembly includes a main boom and a stick boom which cooperate hydraulically to lift the bottom end of a tree, or tree bunch, near the butt, and drag it forwardly over a bogied pair of chassis support wheels. With the further cooperation of a hydraulically actuated heel boom, the tree or tree bunch is then rotated vertically in a counterclockwise direction to lift its top end off the ground and move the tree or tree bunch forwardly a sufficient distance to bring some of the weight of the tree or tree bunch onto the front wheels of the machine.

Abstract: The invention provides a drive system for extending or retracting a boom. The boom comprises an elongated boom slidably mounted to a vehicle. The drive system comprises: a flat belt extending generally parallel to the boom; a rotatable drum mounted to the vehicle; and a pair of spaced apart rollers adjacent the rotatable drum. The belt is attached to the boom by couplings at either end of the belt. A loop of the belt extends through a gap between the pair of spaced apart rollers and around an outer circumference of the rotatable drum. The gap has a width less than a diameter of the rotatable drum. The drive system can be used to advantage in a forestry machine such as a tree delimber.

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: A robotic mechanism which can be attached to a furnace hopper and includes a frame which supports a pole insertion mechanism for inserting a pole into a furnace hopper. The pole insertion mechanism is supported from the Fame by a gimbal and moves the pole axially. Hydraulic actuators rotate the pole insertion mechanism about the gimbal. A control system is associated with the mechanism and enables an operator to position the end of the pole within the hopper to remove clinkers.

Abstract: A pole setting guide device is provided for receiving and supporting a utility pole during its upright installation into a hole in the ground. The pole setting guide device includes a yoke assembly secured to a support column. The yoke assembly includes a shaft mounted transversely between side beams and a roller member rotatably mounted on the shaft. A hitch arm is transversely attached to the support column and connects the pole setting device to the vehicle's receiver hitch. The hitch arm includes a hole for receiving a pin for securing the pole setting device within the receiver hitch.

Abstract: A hoisting apparatus (10) for a tent pole (16) includes a skid plate assembly (12) separably joined to a wheeled bracket (14). In use, a lower end of the pole (16) is received within a pipe section (20) and the upper pole end engages the tent. The wheeled bracket is pulled along the ground by a cable (58) until the tent is raised at which time pins (50,52) are removed separating the wheeled bracket (24) from the plate assembly (12) for storage.

Abstract: Counterbalancing apparatus for a lamp column in which an upper part of the latter is pivotally mounted on a fixed lower part so that the upper part can be swung down for lamp servicing, comprises a compression spring assembly or a hydraulic ram arranged to have a bearing engagement with the column parts and to be linked to the lower part in order to safely restrain lowering of the upper part or to counterbalance and assist or effect raising thereof. Alternatively a single or double acting ram or rams have a removable pivotal connection with respective column parts so as to act between them. For mobility and case of application the apparatus is wheel mounted.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting elongated loads, such as logs, particularly in small scale logging operations, includes a longitudinally extending body and a transversely extending support member having a center portion connected to the body. Laterally spaced apart left and right legs extend downwardly from the center portion to weight bearing structure cooperating with lower ends of the legs to support the apparatus upon the ground. A load supporting device cooperates with the load and the body to support the load beneath the body. A restricting flexible tension link, for example a length of link chain, cooperates with lower ends of each leg and with a tensioning device which cooperates with the body and applies tension to the links to restrict the legs from excessive movement relative to the body. The apparatus has particular applications in skidding logs where conventional heavy duty skidders are inappropriate because of environmental or economic concerns.

Abstract: A portable tree platform elevated via a winch including a planar platform with at least one support rod coupled at a first end thereof to the platform and extending upwardly therefrom. A pair of wheels are rotatably coupled to the periphery of the platform adjacent the support rod such that the platform may be easily transported in a manner similar to a cart. Further provided is a winch unit including a spool and a motor connected to a battery. The motor is adapted for effecting the gathering of the cable on the spool upon the actuation thereof in a first mode of operation and further effecting the dispensing of the cable from the spool upon the actuation thereof in a second mode of operation. By this structure, an end of the cable may be fixed in an upper extent of a tree such that upon the actuation of the motor in the first mode of operation, the platform is elevated.

Abstract: Machine for picking up limb and trunk portions of trees and other types of vegetation and transporting the portions through narrow passageways like a chain link gate. This machine is especially useful in populated areas for collecting branches and tree trunks from pruning or removal operations and moving them from closely spaced backyards or houses, walks and narrow gates to a truck at the curb of a street without damage to the lawns or walks.

Abstract: A self-loading log transporter and a method for loading logs onto a log transporter are disclosed. The log transporter has a vehicle frame; a receiving deck on the vehicle frame for receiving logs between first and second walls; a rail extending generally parallel to and above the receiving deck; a carriage movable along the rail; a block mounted on the carriage; a winch on the vehicle frame; a cable on the winch having a free end extending through said block; a fastener on the free end of the cable for detachably affixing the free end of the cable to a log; and a drag system for resisting forward movement of the carriage along the rail. The rail has a portion extending rearwardly of a rearward end of the receiving deck.

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: An upper part 30 of a column 28 can be raised and lowered by ram 11 which is normally carried by a counterbalance unit but which can be attached to the column. The rams 11 are mounted on a chassis 10 of the unit by disengageable pivotal mounts 22/23 and are normally carried in a storage position (FIG. 2). To mount the rams on the column, they are first swung about the pivotal mounts, and are then extended to bring bosses 19 into engagement with gussets 32 on the upper column part 30. Thereafter, the rams are retracted to lift them out of their pivotal mounts 22/23, and are swung about the bosses 19 to bring them into engagement with further gussets 31 on a base part 29 of the column.

Abstract: A tree felling attachment apparatus for a farm tractor having connections for rear mounting the attachment onto the hydraulic lift arms and stabilizer bar of the tractor. The attachment includes an elongated longitudinal beam extending rearward behind the tractor that terminates at its distal end in a gripper operable between open and closed positions to receive and grip a tree trunk to be felled. In response to rearward driving of the tractor, the gripper effects felling of the tree disposed therein while enabling the tractor to remove the felled tree to a suitable disposal site.

Abstract: A set of lifting hooks for lifting a tree or shrub with a root ball in preparation for transplanting said tree or shrub. A hand cart for use in lifting is also disclosed. The set of hooks positioned under the root ball may be lifted by means of attachment to the rear edge of the hand cart while said hand cart is in a vertical position and rotating said hand cart toward the horizontal. The hand cart may be supplied with long handles to provide additional leverage when they are pulled to rotate the cart from the vertical to the horizontal.

Abstract: A dolly-like device and associated operational procedure facilitate the transporting and setting of utility poles at locations inaccessible to motor vehicles. The dolly-like device includes a power winch that is utilized to provide the power to raise the pole in the pole setting operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for digging and transplanting trees and the like comprises a horizontal frame to which a plurality of sliding spade assemblies is mounted, each comprising a spade blade, a thrust tube secured to the blade and a slide housing, also secured to the blade, which surrounds a portion of the outer surface of the thrust tube. The tower is received within a channel between the thrust tube and the slide housing, so that the spade assembly may be reciprocally moved along the tower with the blade supported both inside and outside the tower for improved stress distribution and durability. The bearing surfaces of the tower and the slider are provided with linings of plastic to minimize frictional resistance.

Abstract: An apparatus for excavation of earth around a pole embedded in an earth surface comprises a hollow auger in the form of a cylindrical drum with a helical flight about the outer wall thereof. The hollow auger is constructed in two halves to enable movement between an open position and a closed position embracing the pole. The hollow auger is rotatably journalled in a support frame and is driven by a drive motor engaging a spur gear around the upper position of the auger. The support frame is slidably mounted on a frame to enable extension and retraction of the auger.

Abstract: A load stabilizing means for elongated objects grasped at one end and held vertically comprising gravity induced signals to hydraulic power and control means to correct deviations of the axis of the longitudinal object from the vertical. The preferred embodiment applies the invention to felling heads on light carriers.

Abstract: The invention provides a pole installation guide for the installation and removal of large poles, such as utility poles. The guide includes an elongate guide body with a curved surface adapted for receiving and slidingly engaging poles for insertion into a receiving hole. The guide body has an upper portion extending above the hole and a lower portion extending into the hole. Intermediate the upper and lower portions is located a ground plate, preferably equipped with spikes for engaging the ground surface, for supporting and retaining the guide body in place when the installation guide is in use.

Abstract: This device is for an air operated safety latch designed to hold a folding pole trailer in its stationary or folded position when traveling. The device is comprised of a housing which supports jaw members which can move from an open to a closed position when a pole or other longitudinal member is placed between the jaw members, springs attached to each jaw member, a pivot arm attached to a latch block which locks the jaw members in place when the jaw members are closed, a spring to pull down on the pivot arm and to assist the locking mechanism, and a two-way air cylinder which can serve as a back-up to the locking system and which can be used to unlock and open the jaw members.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for moving large trees is disclosed that includes digging a trench around the tree, enclosing the soil inside the trench in the walls of a container, and sequentially removing sections of the supporting soil under the tree between trenches on opposite sides and replacing the sections with support members that form the bottom of the container. A vehicle for lifting the container upwardly until it clears the ground for moving the trees on the construction site is disclosed as is a unique trailer for moving the trees on a public road.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated handler for drums and the like is mounted on the boom of a tractor so as to be selectively pivoted from a vertical position to fifteen degrees past a horizontal position. Grappling arms are mounted on a front plate which is selectively rotatable through 360.degree. by a hydraulic motor. A spindle rotatably supporting the front plate contains hydraulic operating fluid passages which are coupled through a rotating coupling mechanism to hydraulic cylinders operating the grappling arms. The selective pivotal motion together with the ability to selectively rotate the grappling hooks 360.degree. enables effective gripping and handling of drums.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted apparatus for excavating and transplanting trees includes a plurality of blade assemblies mounted on a multi-sided, horizontally disposed frame for overlying and substantially surrounding an excavation site. Each blade assembly includes a curved tower and a blade mounted on a slide assembly for reciprocation along the tower to effect penetration of the excavation site, and hydraulic power means for effecting reciprocation of the blade and slide. The slide assembly includes pliable, replaceable materials such as plastic and brass as the contact and sliding surfaces between the tower and the slide assembly. The tower is pivotable between a plurality of operational positions so as to be useful with a plurality of blades to remove sections of earth from the excavation area having different sizes, i.e., widths and depths, and having different shapes, e.g., a conical shape having parabolically curved sides or a truncated shape having parabolically curved sides.

Abstract: A grapple device (12) adapted for coupling to a conventional loader (110) is provided which is especially adapted for the pickup and handling of elongated auger sections. The device (12) includes a pair of pivotal arms (28,30) having auger-engaging pickup members (72,74) secured to the outermost ends thereof. The arms (28,30) are movable between a closed, auger-engaging position and an open position by a stationary piston and cylinder assembly (94) equipped with an extensible piston rod (96); the rod (96) is coupled to the arms (28, 30) by pivotal links (104,106). Selective rotation of the arms (28, 30) is effected by motor (108) coupled via chain (112) and sprockets (110,88) to the arm assembly.

Abstract: A tree-lifter mechanism operable by two people standing at opposite ends of the mechanism. Two elongated handles are pivotably connected to the ends of a horizontal support frame that is adapted to span an upright tree. Saddles on the inner ends of the handles exert clamp forces on the tree surfaces when lifting forces are exerted on the outer ends of the elongated handles.

Abstract: A forklift attachment adapts a forklift to handle long slender workpieces or bundles of such workpieces, such as during stocking pipe or conduit stored in vertical storage racks. The forklift adapter includes an H-shaped frame, with hollow tubular legs for receiving forks of the forklift. A cradling member is rigidly mounted to the frame for cradling the workpieces. The cradling member includes two arcuate extending arms which curve forwardly and upwardly from a plane containing the H-shaped frame, and which have a bundle receiving opening wider than the distance between the legs of the H-shaped frame. To protect the workpieces from damage during handling, the ends of the arms are rounded and the arcuate member of the cradling member has a circular cross section.

Abstract: An improved tree transport trailer (10) which is adapted for use with hydraulic tree spades without additional jacks or reinforcement, comprises a frame (12) and a plurality of carriers (34 and 36) mounted for pivotal movement about offset axes (40, 44) between a loading/unloading position in direct stopped engagement with the underlying surface and a transport position out of engagement therewith. An actuator (46) is provided for effecting pivotal actuation of the carriers. A trailer (80) incorporating a second embodiment with independently actuated pivotal carriers (96) is disclosed.

Abstract: A utility pole handling attachment for skid-steer type loaders includes an hydraulically operated gripper arm and support cradle for receiving and gripping a utility pole during pulling or setting operations or transporting. The attachment is adapted to pivot the gripped pole along a path from a transport position wherein the pole is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the loader, to a pulling or setting position wherein the pole is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the loader for installation into or removal from the ground.

Abstract: A four track vehicle especially adapted for logging on steep slopes includes a running unit and an upper unit. The upper unit is articulated relative to the lower unit to maintain a center of gravity within the four tracked pods upon which the running unit is mounted. Sensing systems are utilized to alert the operator when the machine is in an anticipitated tipping condition. Moreover, a unique suspension system combining a torsion frame and swingable pod mounting arms are employed. The pods are locked in position when the vehicle is in an operating mode and are unlocked when the vehicle is in a travel mode.

Abstract: A rigid main frame has top and bottom frame members and upright connecting frame members. A pair of support arms have an inner end thereof pivotally supported on the bottom frame member and these arms are driven by powered cylinders connected to the main frame. The arms are supported from above by tension support members. The support arms have opposed load engaging pads on the outer ends thereof arranged to engage a load from opposite directions. The support arms and load engaging pads have a convex-concave configuration for efficient lifting relationship with a load. The load engaging pads have stem attachment to the support arms and such stems have length adjustable support in the support arms for providing a selected spacing of the pads from the arms.

Abstract: A device for transporting trees and the like is shown in the preferred embodiment as a trailer including front, center, and rear frame portions. The front frame portion includes a connector for connecting to a power unit and the rear portion includes wheels for providing mobility. The center frame portion is pivotally mounted to and between the front and rear frame portions about a frame pivot axis. Hydraulic actuators are provided for pivoting the center frame portion about the frame pivot axis. First and second pods are pivotably mounted to the center frame portion about pod pivot axes which are perpendicular to the frame pivot axis. Hydraulic actuators are further provided for pivoting the pods about the pod pivot axes.

Abstract: A log lifter particularly designed to elevate a portion of a large log to facilitate cutting the log into shorter lengths, wherein the log lifter includes a collapsible support frame with a hoist mechanism mounted thereon and a log gripping clamp connected with the hoist mechanism for lifting the log.

Abstract: A vehicle particularly suited for loading and transporting elongated articles such as trees. The vehicle has a chassis with one pair of wheels on one side of the chassis and another pair of wheels on the other side of the chassis. A cab and a power supply are mounted from the chassis over the one pair of wheels. A grapple is mounted at about the center of the vehicle and movable sideways over the other side of the chassis to pick up a bundle of trees alongside the vehicle. The grapple picks up the bundle at about its center of gravity and moves the bundle over the chassis between the wheels to transport the trees. The first pair of wheels is fixed to the chassis via a first beam while the second pair of wheels is mounted on a second beam which is pivotally mounted to the chassis.

Abstract: A trailer-mounted sand hopper having a trailer pivotally mountable at the front end of a motor-driven truck. The sand hopper is tiltably mounted on the rear portion of the trailer and is releasably secured to the rear portion of the trailer. The hopper is capable of being tilted to vertical and horizontal positions with respect to the trailer by engagement of a winch and cable system. The hopper is provided with backing plates which facilitate the engagement and disengagement of the hopper from the trailer.

Abstract: A gripping mechanism for clamping a hydraulic cylinder is adapted to be releasably mounted on the fork of a fork lift truck and is adapted to be rotated to different angular positions about an axis extending longitudinally of the truck. The gripping mechanism also may be used to enable a chain fall to lift either a horizontally disposed cylinder or a vertically disposed cylinder.

Abstract: A tree transporter comprises a plurality of buckets pivotally mounted on a rectangular frame. The frame has two sides and a central beam mounted higher than the sides together with a number of transverse beams so as to form square cells between the sides and the central beam in which the buckets can be received. The buckets are supported for pivotal movement on collars attached to the outer surface of the bucket with the axis of rotation inclined relative to the plane of an open mouth of the bucket so that the axis intersects the side wall of the bucket on one side higher than on the other side. In addition the axis of rotation is arranged diagonally relative to the square cells and inclined upwardly from one side to the higher central beam so that the bucket when it pivots moves from a position where the axis of the bucket points outwardly from the side for loading to a transport position wherein the axis of the bucket lies along the framework.

Abstract: A log handling attachment for a bulldozer or similar vehicle consisting of a bracket assembly arranged to be detachably mounted on the rear portion of the vehicle and carrying a horizontally rotatable articulated boom provided with hydraulic cylinders for moving the pivoted parts of the boom, and provided with a hydraulically-driven gear and sprocket chain system for swinging the boom around a vertical axis through a wide angular range. A hydraulic winch is mounted on the boom, having a long cable running through sheaves on the boom and provided with a log-engaging tool at the end of the cable. Operating power is derived from the power take-off shaft of the vehicle.

Abstract: A pole-setting apparatus for raising a pole from a horizontal position and setting it in a vertical position in a hole and having a boom assembly extended between a ground-engaging dolly and a cradle-support structure, with a cradle frame pivotally mounted between its ends to the cradle-support structure, a single binder member for holding a pole in association with the cradle frame throughout manipulation of the pole, a single hydraulic cylinder connected between the cradle-support structure and the cradle frame for causing relative movement therebetween, and a quick-connection structure for pivotally connecting the boom assembly to the ground-engaging dolly.

Abstract: An apparatus for lowering and raising concrete pipe from a vertical position comprising an open ring plate pivotedly mounted on a vehicle having a lifting assembly to raise and lower the open ring plate.

Abstract: A log lifting device is described that includes an upstanding post with an attached flexible strand. The flexible strand, such as a chain, releasably connects the post to a jack. Guide members on the post cause the flexible strand to extend generally parallel to the post for a substantial portion of the length of the post. The flexible strand may include a thin, rigid extension at one end to enable the strand to be threaded under a log to be lifted. The end passed under the log to be lifted is then attached to a jack. The log is raised upwardly generally parallel the length of the support member in response to an upward force applied by the jack.

Abstract: A pipe, beam or other work piece is detachably secured to a handling device affixed to the extremity of a conventional telescoping crane boom, the handling device including a main frame, a sub-frame, and a work piece support frame. Respective hydraulic actuators selectively position the sub-frame relative to the main frame and the support frame relative to the sub-frame. One actuator rotates the sub-frame about a transverse axis and the other actuator rotates the support frame about a longitudinal axis. The work piece supporting frame includes means for detachably holding a work piece during handling periods, permitting the work piece to be positioned at any desired attitude, orientation and elevation by appropriate actuation of the hydraulic system.

Abstract: This invention is a tool apparatus operable to aid in assembling and disassembling of large, rotational sprinkler systems for crop irrigation purposes. The tool apparatus function is to present the tools and the structure for readily maneuvering the elements of the respective irrigation sprinkler system.

Abstract: A device for use by arborists for handling heavy tree limbs and main stems including a base for attachment to the tree trunk and a cylindrical member for receiving a rope mounted on the base. In an alternate form of the invention, the cylindrical member is mounted on an axle which is attached to the base and ratchets permit selective rotation of the cylindrical member in at least one direction. In still another form of the invention, a lever is attached to the cylinder to give an operator great mechanical advantage so that the device may be used to raise heavy loads by turning the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A directional tree falling aid comprises a logging choker and a choker-elevating pole assembly designed to set the choker about the tree trunk at an elevated location. Pulling on the elevated choker while falling the tree makes possible falling the tree in the desired direction.

Abstract: A grapple attachment for the boom of a hoisting machine having a pair of arms movable between open and closed positions, the arms supporting an endless chain which, when the arms are closed, embrace a pole to be placed so that the pole can be lifted and then rotated about its own axis by a drive motor engaging the chain so that the fittings and the like attached to the pole can be aligned in a selected direction while the pole is held by the grapple.

Abstract: A floatable apparatus provided with a lifting element for displacing it between the surface and bottom of a water basin has at least two jaws or grippers which are suitable for use as a clam-shell bucket or the like. The jaws are suspended from the lifting element and are articulated with respect to one another. The lifting element is constituted by a principal floatable buoyant caisson which permits the apparatus to be placed in a state of immersion or of floatation. At least one floatation chamber is associated with each of the jaws to achieve selectably a net density thereof equal to, less than or greater than that of water. The jaws are carried by the principal caisson.