Grab harvester
AssigneeValmet Corporation
InventorSakari Kulju
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A grab-type tree harvester for processing trees comprises rotation means and a frame. The frame is connected to lifting means through the rotation means, in a manner such that the frame is adapted to rotate about a substantially vertical axis. The frame comprises grab means which are selectively moved by actuation means to an open or closed position, roller means for pulling a felled tree through said grab means, and at least one means for pruning the felled tree. The grab-type tree harvester is also provided with a jib that is pivoted on the frame and which, when a standing tree is being felled, is adapted to turn to a position substantially parallel to the tree being felled, by the aid of turning means. The jib is provided with means for gripping the standing tree, and also with sawing means for cross-cutting the standing tree.
Claims8
In a grab-type tree harvester for processing trees, including
- a frame;
- rotation means mounted to said frame and adapted to be connected to lifting means, for rotating said frame about a substantially vertical axis;
- grab means mounted on said frame for operatively engaging a tree to be processed, said grab means being selectively movable between open and closed positions;
- actuating means for selectively opening and closing said grab means;
- roller means for operatively engaging and pulling a felled tree being processed through said grab means;
- and
- pruning means for operatively engaging and removing branches from the felled tree being processed as it moves through said grab means;
- the improvement comprising:
- a jib pivotally mounted to said frame and adapted to be turned with respect to said frame, said pruning means, and said grab means to a position substantially parallel to a standing tree to be felled;
- means for turning said jib with respect to said frame, said pruning means, and said grab means to said position substantially parallel to the standing tree to be felled;
- means mounted on said jib for gripping the standing tree to be felled;
- and
- saw means mounted on said jib for cross-cutting the standing tree to fell the same.
Method for harvesting a standing tree, comprising the steps of
- disposing a jib substantially parallel to a trunk of the standing tree, the jib being pivotally mounted to a frame on which grab means and pruning means are mounted,
- actuating gripping means mounted on said jib to grip the standing tree and to press the same against saw means,
- actuating said saw means mounted on said jib and pressing against the tree trunk, to cross-cut the standing tree, and
- guiding the cross-cut tree to fall in a directed manner by turning only said jib with respect to said frame, said pruning means, and said grab means, to a felled position where said grab means and pruning means operatively engage the same.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.