Tree shaping apparatus

A tree shaper for operation on an uneven terrain, comprising:

• transport means for traversing a row of trees and straddling the trees;
• a horizontal bar having first and second ends generally disposed over the trees and perpendicular to the path of travel of said transport means;
• carriage means attached to said transport means for supporting said horizontal bar at said first and second ends over said trees and operable to selectively raise the height of either end of said bar relative to said transport means;
• means for controlling said carriage means to selectively adjust the height of either said first or second ends of said bar to adjust the angle of said bar with respect to the trees straddled by said transport means such that said bar remains level regardless of the grade of the terrain;
• a cutter bar pivotally disposed adjacent said horizontal bar and disposed at an angle downward therefrom such that said cutter bar can be disposed adjacent the side of a tree and at one angle with respect to the vertical axis of the tree;
• cutting means disposed along the length of said cutter bar and operable to cut all material on the tree adjacent to said cutter bar;
• means for pivoting said cutter bar to traverse a conical path, said conical path having an apex;
• and
• means for raising and lowering said apex of said conical path relative to said horizontal bar.