Abstract: A plug-tray seedling automatic transplanting machine and control method thereof, wherein, said machine comprises a chassis bracket, a planting mechanism, seedling separating mechanisms, seedling guiding devices, a power mechanism, a box shifting mechanism, a seedling picking mechanism. The box shifting mechanism is installed on the chassis bracket, the seedling picking mechanism is installed on the box shifting mechanism, and two sets of seedling separating mechanism are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the box shifting mechanism by the chassis bracket, the seedling guiding device is provided above each set of seedling separating mechanism, and the planting mechanism is provided under each set of seedling separating mechanism.

Abstract: An adjustable load handler configured to be mounted on lift trucks with different standard type carriages. The handler comprising a frame assembly, a top hook assembly with a securing mechanism for securing the top hook assembly to the frame assembly in a plurality of positions A center manifold is coupled to the underside of the side shift actuator, with hydraulic connections directly into the side shift actuator. Hydraulic lines coupled to the center manifold and to one or more hydraulic components of the loader have sufficient slack so the top hook assembly can be moved between positions without disconnecting any of these hydraulic lines.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods having a pair of pivotable molded plastic substantially S shaped elongated arms with handle ends and opposite rake scooper ends. A user can manipulate the handle ends as tongs to pick up yard waste, such as but not limited to leaves, branches and the like, to be moved into yard waste containers, such as trashcans, leaf bags and the like. The pivot point of the pivoting arms is substantially twice as close to the handle ends than to the rake scooper ends to allow for greater leverage for picking up the yard waste. The higher pivotal point can form an approximately 3 to approximately 1 work ratio whereby spreading the handle ends of the device just approximately 11? or more apart allows for the rake scooper ends have spreads approximately 33?, for maximizing debris collection.

Abstract: A soil extraction and measurement tool is described. In one example, the tool has a guide having a sleeve and a plate. The sleeve is attached to the plate, extending substantially horizontally from the plate, and having an opening to receive a probe. A probe has a point at an end configured to be inserted into the sleeve of the guide and to extend through the sleeve past the plate. The point is configured to pierce through soil below the plate. The probe has an inner cavity that is open at the point and configured to receive soil when the point pierces through soil, and a window through the probe to the inner cavity configured to allow the soil in the inner cavity to be viewed through the probe.

Abstract: A transplanting device and method to eliminate seedling replanting stresses and reduce transplanting time, allowing several seedlings to quickly and efficiently go into the ground at one time in one fluid motion. The generally rectangular box has a sliding drip plate, supported above the box floor, creating an open region, allowing for water drainage and retention through the plurality of drain holes. The first short side and the opposing second short side are detachable and removable from the generally rectangular box. An alternative method provides an open top and open end slide tray in which a plurality of sliding drip plates are arrayed and separated into a plurality of plate spaces, having a plurality of seedling plants. A pair of slide handles is used to easily remove and identify the seedling plants.

Abstract: A product distribution system for sectional control in an air boom spreader has a solid product metering assembly having: a first endless conveyor and a second endless conveyor for conveying the product from the container to the air system, the first and second endless conveyors substantially parallel to each other, the first conveyor driven independently of the second conveyor; and, a first shaft, a second shaft and a third shaft, the first shaft parallel to, separated from and driven independently of the second shaft, the second shaft parallel to and separated from the third shaft, the first shaft driving the first conveyor, the second shaft driving the third shaft to drive the second conveyor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a seatbelt arrangement for a vehicle which comprises a seatbelt and a plurality of connection points, wherein a fourth connecting point is placed at a first lateral side of a vehicle seat and at an upper portion of a backrest. The disclosure also relates to a vehicle comprising a seatbelt arrangement and also to corresponding methods.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint device includes a three-point seatbelt device, a shoulder belt anchor, and a mover device. The three-point seatbelt device includes a shoulder belt extending from an upper portion on one seat width direction end side of a seatback configuring a vehicle seat on which an occupant sits, toward a buckle at a lower portion on another seat width direction end side. The shoulder belt anchor is provided for the shoulder belt to pass through at a shoulder opening on the one seat width direction end side of an upper section of the seatback. The mover device moves the shoulder belt anchor toward a top-to-bottom direction lower side of the seatback when the seatback, which is configured to tilt rearward from an upright state, has been tilted rearward by at least a predetermined angle or greater with respect to a vertical direction.

Abstract: A bicycle control system comprises a first electrical component and a second electrical component. The first electrical component comprises a first base member, a first movable member, a first actuator, and a first controller. The first movable member is movable relative to the first base member. The first actuator is configured to move the first movable member relative to the first base member. The first controller is configured to control the first actuator. The second electrical component comprises a second base member, a second movable member, a second actuator, and a second controller. The second movable member is movable relative to the second base member. The second actuator is configured to move the second movable member relative to the second base member. The second controller is configured to control the second actuator. The first controller and the second controller are configured to wirelessly communicate.

Abstract: A vehicular auger implement includes an auger having a bit; a walk-behind vehicle having front and rear ends, a forward anchor point, and a rear anchor point; linkage coupling the auger to the walk-behind vehicle; and an actuator for causing the linkage to move between raised and lowered configurations. The linkage includes first, second, and third links. The first link is coupled to the walk-behind vehicle and is rotatable about the forward anchor point. The second link is coupled to and is rotatable about the first link. The second link supports the auger. The third link is coupled to and is rotatable about the second link. The third link is also coupled to the walk-behind vehicle and is rotatable about the rear anchor point.

Abstract: Utility vehicle power machines with a frame, single left and right side tracks or tractive elements, a cab, a box supported toward the rear of the frame, and a lift arm supported toward the front of the frame. The utility vehicle power machines can have removable covers on a front of the frame, forward of the cab to provide access to various components.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a tool for digging root balls of trees. The digging tool uses at least two cutting members that move in different paths for digging through the soil and cutting through a portion of the tree's roots. One cutting member moves along a substantially linear-path thereby forming a portion of a side wall of the root ball. The other cutting member moves along an arcuate path for forming a lower wall of the root ball. When the root ball is formed, the tool can be used to remove the root ball and the tree from a first location and move the tree to a second location. The size of the cutting members can be selected to form a root ball of a desired shape and size to allow the tree to continue growing at the second location.

Abstract: A liner panel for a transition cone of a farm combine is provided. The liner panel is configured to absorb abrasive forces caused by crop cuttings moving across an inner surface of the transition cone. The liner panel includes an upper edge having a length. A lower edge is positioned opposite the upper edge and has a length that is smaller than the length of the upper edge. Opposing side edges are connected to the upper edge and lower edge. The upper edge, lower edge and opposing edges cooperate such that the liner panel has a tapered shape.

Abstract: Tube insertion devices are configured to allow a user to manually insert a hollow tube into a receiving bore, e.g., a pen tube into the bore of a blank. In some implementations, the devices include (a) a pair of elongated arms, each arm comprising a gripping portion and an insertion portions, each of the insertion portions terminating in a distal tip, and (b) a connecting portion joining the arms such that the arms pivot about the connecting portion in a plane defined by the arms when the gripping portions are pressed together by a user. Each of the insertion portions preferably includes a relatively wider proximal portion and a relatively narrower distal tube-carrying portion, the change in width between the proximal portion and the distal portion defining a stop surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intelligent tree transplanter that comprises a rotary support, a structure comprising at least one horizontal hydraulic closed telescopic boom that is driven by and connected to a driving device, wherein there is a multi-way valve assembly, tree-oriented anchor point and infrared horizontal automatic calibration point, wherein there is a ball pool data detector including infrared central contact in the center of the present device; and, a lateral hydraulic telescopic boom that drives the rotary support comprising a number of regolith scrapers, and at least one vertical hydraulic angle rotating shaft connected to a vertical hydraulic telescopic joints are located at the bottom of the device. Vertical hydraulic telescopic joints that are connected to the ball-end horizontal rotating shaft are also located at the bottom of the device.

Abstract: A debris collector for collecting leaves and debris may include a first staff having a first handle attached to a first end thereof and a first shovel scoop attached to a second end thereof; a second staff having a second handle attached to a first end thereof and a second shovel scoop attached to a second end thereof; and a spring clamp connector attaching the first staff to the second staff such that when the first handle and the second handle are pushed together, the first shovel scoop moves away from the second shovel scoop; and when the first handle and the second handle are released, the first shovel scoop and the second shovel scoop clamp together.

Abstract: A foot rest for a post-hole digger and post-hole diggers using the foot rest are disclosed. The foot rest includes two portions, one attached to each shaft of the post-hole digger. The two portions have structure that allows them to engage one another when the two shafts of the post-hole digger are vertical. The foot rest does not extend beyond the bore diameter of the post-hole digger. Thus, in order to keep the user's feet on the relatively short foot rest, the contact surface of the foot rest may be angled. In some embodiments, the foot rest may be symmetrical, so that either side may be used as the upper surface. A post-hole digger including the foot rests typically includes at least two foot rests, spaced from one another and facing different directions along the shafts of the tool.

Abstract: The apparatus provides the user with the ability to rapidly drive stakes into a straw wattle. There is a slot within the apparatus for inserting a stake and then guiding the stake as the stake is being driven through the wattle and into the ground. A slide hammer shuttle can slide up and down an elongate barrel member to drive a slide hammer into the top of a stake being held within the barrel member. A footrest assembly having adjustable height is incorporated so that the stake and barrel will be spaced above the top surface of the wattle while each stake is being driven into the wattle and ground.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing trees and bushes from the ground includes a frame configured for attachment to a vehicle. A first device is attached to the frame and configured to grasp a tree or a bush. A second device is attached to the frame and configured to cut, below ground, roots of the tree or bush grasped by the first device.

Abstract: A large tree mover system includes a trench formed around the circumference of the tree, and a plurality of elongate supports beneath the root ball of the tree. Two or more connecting beams positioned over the plurality of supports connect the plurality of supports to form a substantially rigid frame. The plurality of inflatable airbags are positioned under the plurality of supports, and these or other airbags may be positioned under the supports to roll the root ball to a selected location. A method of moving large trees is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for use in cutting plugs of submerged substrate and particularly seagrass plugs for the purpose of transplanting using a corresponding transport receptacle and method. The device utilizes a hollow cutting member with a serrated bottom edge capable of being placed over a targeted area and forced into the submerged substrate, created vacuum pressure in the hollow cutting member, and compressed air injected between the exterior of the hollow cutting member and the submerged substrate to accomplish cutting of a submerged substrate unit. Vacuum pressure in the hollow cutting member is released to transfer the collected unit to the corresponding transport receptacle with a removable bottom. A corresponding method for transplanting a collected seagrass plug is further accomplished by creating a hole at recipient site using the device and removing the transport receptacle's removable bottom to release the plug into the created hole.

Abstract: A method for moving large trees by cutting trenches around the tree so as to define a generally rectangular root ball for the tree and positioning a box structure in an excavated area along one side of the defined root ball so that the box structure can be pulled beneath the tree to as to sever the root ball. One side of the box structure is open and has a cutting plate that can be pulled under the tree. A pulling mechanism is positioned in a second excavated area on an opposite side of the root ball and cables are attached to the box structure so that it can be pulled beneath the root ball to sever and capture the ball. The open side of the box structure is then closed and lifting devices attached to the structure to allow the tree to be lifted from the ground.

Abstract: Disclosed are an optical system and method for centering a tree within a tree spade apparatus that is mounted to a vehicle. Typically, the center point of the tree spade is difficult to align with the axis of the trunk of the tree. The present embodiments describe a projected pattern of light incident upon the tree trunk that assists the operator of the tree spade in centering the spade around the tree without additional assistance.

Abstract: A device for use in cutting plugs of submerged substrate and particularly seagrass plugs for the purpose of transplanting using a corresponding transport receptacle and method. The device utilizes a hollow cutting member with a serrated bottom edge capable of being placed over a targeted area and forced into the submerged substrate, created vacuum pressure in the hollow cutting member, and compressed air injected between the exterior of the hollow cutting member and the submerged substrate to accomplish cutting of a submerged substrate unit. Vacuum pressure in the hollow cutting member is released to transfer the collected unit to the corresponding transport receptacle with a removable bottom. A corresponding method for transplanting a collected seagrass plug is further accomplished by creating a hole at recipient site using the device and removing the transport receptacle's removable bottom to release the plug into the created hole.

Abstract: A transporter 16 is provided for moving a live tree which has a root ball B which is boxed or otherwise contained. A powered slide mechanism 22 is movable from an inclined position to engage the boxed tree to a horizontal transport position on the trailer or truck bed. A powered loading mechanism 26 attached to the slide mechanism engages the boxed tree to move up the inclined slide mechanism. A powered tilting mechanism 40 tilts the boxed tree to an inclined transport position.

Abstract: The invention comprises a radio controlled tree planter. The planter has four hydraulically controlled tree spades mounted on vehicle, with hydraulic cylinders to position the spades in a storage, position, a vertical digging position, and a actual digging action. A tv size radio transmitter has button controls for transmitting radio signals to a radio receiver mounted on the planter, which receiver in turn transmits signals to solenoids operating the hydraulic cylinders to thereby control the movement of the spades in the three positions of its operation to thereby control the digging operations of the spades within the range of the receiver from a remote location.

Abstract: A tree spade (40) that is mounted on an all terrain vehicle (12) is disclosed. The tree spade (40) includes a support frame (48) that is able to pivot relative to the all terrain vehicle (12) between a transport position and an operational position. A blade frame (70) is mounted on and movable relative to the support frame (48). At least two blade assemblies (85) are mounted to the blade frame (70) for digging holes, lifting a tree and a corresponding dirt core, and supporting the same during transport. A pulley system (110) is interconnected with each of the all terrain vehicle (12), the support frame (48), and the blade frame (70) such that operation of a single actuator (74) moves the blade frame (70) along a column (54) of the support frame (48) and also pivots the support frame (48) relative to the all terrain vehicle (12).

Abstract: A tree spade assembly for excavating and implanting a tree ball. The tree spade assembly includes a circular mainframe defining a vertically oriented central axis, a post coupled to the mainframe and defining a post axis at an acute angle with respect to the central axis, a slider movably coupled to the post for sliding along the post axis, and a blade coupled to the slider. The blade includes a reinforcing feature extending the length of the blade substantially parallel to the post axis. The reinforcing feature defines a recessed channel in an outer surface of the blade and a rib on an inner surface of the blade that positions a tip of the blade inward from the outer contour of the blade.

Abstract: A transporter 16 is provided for moving a live tree which has a root ball B which is boxed or otherwise contained. A powered slide mechanism 22 is movable from an inclined position to engage the boxed tree to a horizontal transport position on the trailer or truck bed. A powered loading mechanism 26 attached to the slide mechanism engages the boxed tree to move up the inclined slide mechanism. A powered tilting mechanism 40 tilts the boxed tree to an inclined transport position.

Abstract: A tree spade (40) that is mounted on an all terrain vehicle (12) is disclosed. The tree spade (40) includes a support frame (48) that is able to pivot relative to the all terrain vehicle (12) between a transport position and an operational position. A blade frame (70) is mounted on and movable relative to the support frame (48). At least two blade assemblies (85) are mounted to the blade frame (70) for digging holes, lifting a tree and a corresponding dirt core, and supporting the same during transport. A pulley system (110) is interconnected with each of the all terrain vehicle (12), the support frame (48), and the blade frame (70) such that operation of a single actuator (74) moves the blade frame (70) along a column (54) of the support frame (48) and also pivots the support frame (48) relative to the all terrain vehicle (12).

Abstract: A heavy-duty seedling planter for reforestation comprises specially configured coulter wheels that form a unique seedbed furrow. An elongated, rigid frame includes a front towing connection, and a rear strut for mounting trailing furrow compaction wheels. The planter is towed over the ground by an agricultural tractor and an operator seated within a cab dispenses seedlings. The coulters are spaced apart from one another along the frame. Both coulters are towed in approximately ten degrees and positively cambered approximately three degrees. The axes of rotation of the coulters are neither coaxial, coincident, collinear nor coplanar. The trailing coulter almost touches the midpoint of the leading coulter. Dual convex packer wheels trailing the frame compress soil, close the furrow, and create twin, parallel irrigation trenches.

Abstract: Seedlings are typically grown in trays of soil plugs. Once the seedlings have attained a predetermined size, they may be transplanted to the ground for continued seedling growth and development. Several machines are known in the art, which allow automated seedling transplantation. The present invention provides a device that significantly improves the accuracy of automated transplantation of seedlings. The device encompasses, at least in preferred aspects, a ski-like apparatus including a defined planting slot for receiving the seedlings to be planted. Furthermore, a blade extending in front of the device cuts open the ground in preparation for plantation. The configuration of the device enables seedlings to be planted accurately to a desired planting depth. The device is particularly suited for use in connection with coniferous tree seedlings, and enables automated transplantation of such seedlings at high speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing grass sprigs from sod and incorporating the grass sprigs into the ground, including a chassis, a sod conveying system mounted on the chassis and configured such that sod may be placed thereon and transported thereby, and a rotary tilling mechanism mounted on the chassis and oriented such that, during operation of the apparatus, the rotary tilling mechanism engages both the sod transported by the sod conveying system and the ground.

Abstract: A weed puller that comprises a plurality of prongs positioned about an axis, an anvil plate, and a moveable mass adapted to be driven into the anvil plate so as to transmit a force through the anvil plate to the prongs where the force has a substantial component in line with the axis about which the plurality of prongs are positioned. In a preferred embodiment, the weed puller comprises a body having a cavity that terminates at the anvil plate with the moveable mass slideably positioned within the cavity and the moveable mass being coupled to a rod that extends out of the cavity from an end opposite the anvil plate.

Abstract: An automated device for centering a mechanical tree spade provides a sighting device on each blade thereof with a readout adjacent to the operator to determine proper blade placement in order to provide an acceptable root ball for transplanting a tree.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a vehicle, such as a tractor, and a planting apparatus that is movable across the ground by the vehicle. The vehicle desirably has a guiding system for automatically guiding the vehicle to follow a predetermined planting path as the vehicle moves across the ground. The guiding system can comprise, for example, a global positioning system for determining the instantaneous positions of the vehicle and an automatic steering system for steering the vehicle based on positioning information from global positioning. As the vehicle moves the planting apparatus along the planting path, the planting apparatus plants a row of plants, such as trees or other agricultural products, at spaced apart locations along the planting path.

Abstract: In the operation of work machines of the type having an extensible arm, the maximum reach of the arm for a given work machine is limited by such factors as the vehicle's weight, body size and engine placement. The present invention provides for a work machine arrangement in which a work machine has an engine cooling apparatus mounted to the work machine body such that the engine cooling apparatus's longitudinal axis is oriented substantially parallel to the arm longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A device serves for transplanting trees or shrubs. The device comprises a carrier that is capable of encircling the tree or the shrub. Circularly arced slideways are supported on the carrier, and spades are adjustably supported along the slideways. The spades can be adjusted from a digging position, in which they encircle the tree or shrub, to a transport position, in which they substantially complement each other to form a bowl. So that the spades can be easily adjusted, the slideways are accommodated in guide boxes. The guide boxes are supported on the carrier so that they can be adjusted independently of each other.

Abstract: A growing system for plant seedlings that takes into consideration the varied requirements of the seedling; seedling and transplant environment; seedling cell (312) size; mechanical transplanter requirements; seedling leaf, stem and root development and coordinates all these requirements to increase transplanting yields may include larger containers that maximize yield and minimize damage. Aspects may eliminate left-over seedlings, reduce the number of manual steps, decrease labor, and increase transplant yields.

Abstract: A tree spade system for providing a vehicle-mounted system capable of excavating large and heavy plants and transporting them while locking the system into place to prevent damage to the vehicle and plant The tree spade system includes a vehicle with a tilting mechanism, lifting mechanism and digging apparatus. The digging apparatus utilizes dual hydraulic cylinders to draw the digging blades into the soil surrounding the plant to be removed and transported. The digging apparatus is designed with the lowest profile possible to minimize the removal of lower branches from the plant to be transported. When the digging apparatus is lifted and tilted back upon the vehicle the system has a unique locking mechanism for holding the digging apparatus into place.

Abstract: A tree spade system for providing a vehicle-mounted system capable of excavating large and heavy plants and transporting them while locking the system into place to prevent damage to the vehicle and plant The tree spade system includes a vehicle with a tilting mechanism, lifting mechanism and digging apparatus. The digging apparatus utilizes dual hydraulic cylinders to draw the digging blades into the soil surrounding the plant to be removed and transported. The digging apparatus is designed with the lowest profile possible to minimize the removal of lower branches from the plant to be transported. When the digging apparatus is lifted and tilted back upon the vehicle the system has a unique locking mechanism for holding the digging apparatus into place.

Abstract: A device serves for transplanting trees or shrubs. The device comprises a carrier that is capable of encircling the tree or the shrub. Circularly arced slideways are supported on the carrier, and spades are adjustably supported along the slideways. The spades can be adjusted from a digging position, in which they encircle the tree or shrub, to a transport position, in which they substantially complement each other to form a bowl. So that the spades can be easily adjusted, the slideways are accommodated in guide boxes. The guide boxes are supported on the carrier so that they can be adjusted independently of each other.

Abstract: The planting of individual sea grass plants or small bunches of sea grass plants is known in the prior art. In the prior art these plantings are made either manually or with appropriate machinery. This invention deals with the digging, transporting and planting of large slabs of sea grass. The process of the invention comprises the steps of digging a slab of sea grass, transporting the slab of sea grass to a new location, digging a furrow with the same apparatus that is used to dig the slab of sea grass and depositing the slab of sea grass in the furrow. In this invention the digging of a sea grass slab may be effected with a clam shell type bucket. The surfaces of the clam shell type bucket which support the sea grass slab are acruate. A mechanical assist sweep arm for the removal of the sea grass slab, from the clam shell bucket, is further provided for.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical tree transplanting attachment that replaces the bucket of a loader-motor vehicle. The attachment is capable of excavating and planting a tree and root ball using a single hemispherical scoop with a fixture nestled within. The scoop rotates under the tree to excavate the tree and root ball. The fixture stops the root ball from rotating until the root ball is encompassed by the scoop and fixture. The loader-motor vehicle manipulates the attachment and tree from a ground contacting position to a transporting position. In this transporting position a tree is nearly horizontal with its root ball encompassed by the scoop and the fixture. When planting, the root ball is placed within a hole. The scoop passes from under the root ball while the fixture stops the root ball from rotating. The root ball is released from the scoop and fixture, planting the tree.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 and method for excavating, transporting, and transplanting a live tree. The invention relates more specifically to equipment, which utilizes curved ground piercing excavation blades 42 moveably supported on a ring assembly 50 that is pivotally supported in a support frame 20. The ring assembly and the support frame may be positioned around the tree and the blades forced into the ground to excavate a root ball which can thereafter be lifted and transported for subsequent transplantation. The ring assembly 50 may be tilted rearward to permit transporting the tree in a rearward inclined or tilted position, such that wind an obstacle damage to the branches and limbs may be reduced as compared to forward tilting movers. In addition, the rearward tilt may accommodate tilting relatively tall trees at angles of up to 90 degrees from vertical, in order to transport the tree under relatively low over-head clearance obstacles, such as bridges, other trees, and porta cocheres.

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 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: A mini shrub spader for unearthing and transporting trees and shrubs. The mini shrub spader has a basketed U-blade which allows it to unearth, shape the root ball and transport a tree or shrub utilizing the same device. The mini shrub spader is preferably mounted to the rear of a small tractor.

Abstract: An expandable stinger planter is described which includes a base frame and a pivot frame mounted to the base frame for pivotal movement thereon about multiple pivot axes. A stinger comprised of a pair of elongated probes is mounted to the pivot frame and extending to bottom ends. A stinger mounting frame is operatively positioned between the pivot frame and at least one of the elongated probes. An actuator on the stinger mounting frame is operable to shift the bottom ends between a closed position and an open wherein the bottom ends are opened and form a plant discharge opening. An internal plant receiving receptacle within the probes is open to the plant discharge opening at the open position whereby a plant placed in the plant receiving receptacle may be discharged through the plant discharge opening.

Abstract: An expandable stinger planter is described for attachment to an excavator type boom. The planter includes a frame arrangement that may be releasably secured to the boom, with a stinger depending therefrom. The boom may be selectively operated to drive the probes deep into the ground. The stinger includes a pair of elongated probes that have bottom ends configured to be opened and closed by operation of an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is selectively operable to shift the probes relative to one another between a closed position wherein the bottom ends are closed together, and an open position wherein the bottom ends are spaced apart from one another to form a plant discharge opening. The probes form an upwardly open internal plant receiving receptacle that is open to the plant discharge opening at the open position whereby a plant placed in the plant receiving receptacle may be discharged through the plant discharge opening as the probes are lifted by the boom.