Tree processing machine

Abstract

A tree processing machine for felling and processing standing trees into predetermined lengths which includes generally a prime mover capable of turning in a short radius with a relatively short support frame as compared to the prior art mounted on the prime mover, a carriage frame pivotally mounted on the support frame about a roll axis generally vertically aligned with and parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the prime mover, a main support bed pivotally mounted at its upper end to the forward end of the carriage frame for pivoting from a vertical position in which the lower end thereof is near the ground to a horizontal position above the prime mover, a set of traversing drive assemblies mounted on the support bed for holding a tree against the bed and for moving the tree longitudinally with respect to the bed, a cutting assembly mounted on that end of the bed opposite its pivoted end and movable with the bed as well as with respect to the bed for selectively felling trees and cutting them into selected lengths, an adjustable delimbing mechanism carried by the bed and carriage frame for selectively delimbing the tree as it is driven by the traversing assembly, topping means carried by the carriage frame for shearing the top from the tree, an automatic control means for controlling the operation of the bed, cutting assembly, traversing drive assemblies, delimbing assembly, and topping means.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.