Multiple cut feller
US3989074A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 12, 1975 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 12, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T83/538
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automatic tree felling machine is provided. In one embodiment, the machine consists of a self-propelled vehicle having a plurality of automatically operated felling heads, a grapple bunk for skidding felled trees and a plurality of transfer grapples for transferring trees from the felling heads to the bunk. Each felling head is mounted on a transversely extending felling head track that also serves as a sensing means. As the vehicle moves forwardly, the felling head tracks are contacted by trees, causing the tracks to retract towards the machine. As each track retracts, the associated felling head is actuated to travel in a horizontal direction along the track towards the tree engaged with the track while simultaneously travelling downward. Subsequently, the tree contacts a control arm in the felling head which then descends vertically to the stump and fells the tree. The felling head then retracts to its original position where a transfer grapple lifts the tree from the felling head and deposits it on the skidding bunk. Also disclosed are two embodiments employing single felling heads and delimbers. In one of these embodiments, the sensing means is photoelectric.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.