Grapple device for handling balled trees and shrubs

Grapple equipment for handling a plant load having its roots balled comprising:

• a power-driven vehicle having pivotally attached thereto a frame means having a lengthwise axis;
• actuating means for pivoting the frame means about its pivotal connection to the vehicle;
• grapple means comprising a support member having attached thereto:
• a pair of pivotally movable, diametrically opposed grapple blades each having an interior surface adapted to engage the root ball of the plant load, a slidably adjustable foot means positioned between the grapple blades and having an interior surface adapted to engage the ball of the plant load, and a grapple actuation means for opening and closing the grapple blades about the ball of the plant load;
• articulation means positioned between and secured to one end of the frame means and the grapple means, the articulation means comprising a first rotational means attached to the frame means for rotating the grapple means about an axis transverse to the lengthwise axis of the frame means and in a generally vertical orientation when the lengthwise axis is in a horizontal position, and a second rotational means for rotating the grapple means about an axis transverse to the rotational axis of the first rotational means;
• and
• control means for effecting actuation of the grapple actuation means, frame pivot actuating means, and the first and second rotational means.

A grapple device for handling a balled plant adapted for use in connection with a power-driven vehicle, comprising:

• frame means having a lengthwise axis, pivotally attached at one end thereof to the vehicle;
• a first hydraulic pivot rotary actuator attached to the other end of the frame means having its rotational axis transverse to the lengthwise axis of the frame means and in a generally vertical orientation when the lengthwise axis is in a horizontal position;
• a second hydraulic pivot rotary actuator attached to the first rotary actuator and having its rotational axis transverse to the rotational axis of the first rotary actuator;
• grapple means comprising a support member having attached to the second rotary actuator, the support member having attached thereto:
• a pair of pivotally movable, diametrically opposed grapple blades each having an interior surface adapted to engage the root ball of the plant, a slidably adjustable foot means positioned between the grapple blades and having an interior surface adapted to engage the root ball of the plant, and a grapple actuation means for opening and closing the grapple blades about the root ball of the plant;
• control means for effecting actuation of the grapple actuation means and the first and second pivot rotary actuators.

A grapple device for handling a balled plant adapted for use in connection with a power-driven vehicle, comprising:

• frame means having a lengthwise axis with one end thereof attached to the vehicle;
• grapple means comprising a support member having attached thereto:
• a pair of diametrically opposed grapple blades each having an interior surface adapted to engage the root ball of the plant with at least one of the blades being pivotally attached to the support member, and a grapple actuating means for opening and closing the grapple blades about the root ball of the plant;
• articulation means positioned between and secured to one end of the frame means and the grapple means, the articulation means comprising a first rotational means attached to the frame means for rotating the grapple means about an axis transverse to the lengthwise axis of the frame means and in a generally vertical orientation when the lengthwise axis is in a horizontal position, and a second rotational means for rotating the grapple means about an axis transverse to the rotational axis of the first rotational means;
• and
• control means for effecting actuation of the grapple actuating means and the first and second rotational means.