A tree-trimming and pruning machine comprising:
- a plurality of rotary cutter blades staggered in line on a cutter bar,
- a base end of the cutter bar that is attached pivotally to an operative end of a hydraulically operative lifting means positioned on a vehicle,
- the operative end of the hydraulically operative lifting means being pivotal on an operative-end axle that is perpendicular to a lifting plane of the hydraulically operative lifting means,
- a lateral hydraulic actuator in pivot-causing relationship laterally between the cutter bar and a side of the operative end of the hydraulically operative lifting means to which the base end of the cutter bar is attached pivotally,
- an operative-end hydraulic actuator in pivot-causing relationship linearly between the operative end of the hydraulically operative lifting means and the hydraulically operative lifting means to which its operative end is attached pivotally,
- a plurality of hydraulic motors having motor shafts to which the plurality of rotary cutter blades are attached respectively one-to-one,
- at least one hydraulic-motor line in fluid communication from a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the plurality of hydraulic motors which are positioned consecutively on the cutter bar,
- the hydraulic-motor line being connected in a series extending from a first hydraulic motor to a last hydraulic motor of the plurality of hydraulic motors,
- a plurality of relief lines having first ends of the plurality of relief lines connected to the hydraulic-motor line and terminal ends of the plurality of relief lines connected to a hydraulic header that is fluidly intermediate the plurality of hydraulic motors and a hydraulic-fluid reservoir,
- the plurality of relief lines being in fluid communication between the hydraulic-motor line and the hydraulic header at positions in the hydraulic-motor line that are intermediate adjacent hydraulic motors of the plurality of hydraulic motors,
- a plurality of one-way check valves comprised of a one-way check valve proximate each of the plurality of relief lines intermediate the hydraulic-motor line and the hydraulic header,
- a pressure-relief valve fluidly intermediate the hydraulic header and the hydraulic-fluid reservoir, and
- the plurality of one-way check valves and the pressure-relief valve being structured to allow flow of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic motor line to the hydraulic header and to the hydraulic-fluid reservoir designedly when any of the plurality of hydraulic motors are deterred in speed of rotation due to various cutting conditions, such that temporarily high levels of rotational resistance to any one or plurality of the rotary cutter blades does not cause build-up of damaging levels of pressure from rotational momentum of upstream hydraulic motors that causes pumping action that exceeds pressure capacity of downstream hydraulic components.