CA2021812A1

CA2021812A1 - Grapple saw harvester for collection of cone-bearing tree tops

Info

Publication number: CA2021812A1
Application number: CA 2021812
Authority: CA
Inventors: Robert B. Karrer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-07-24
Filing date: 1990-07-24
Publication date: 1992-01-25

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An improved tree top harvester for use in association with a helicopter is disclosed. The apparatus includes a collection basket, a pair of grapple arms, and a saw. Trees collected in the basket may be dropped, at a predetermined site.
The apparatus provides economy in time, and permits accurate selection of tree tops by the helicopter operator.

Description

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GRAPPLE SAW HARVESTER FOR COLLECTION OF CONE-BEARING
TREE TOPS
The invention relates to a cone harvesting apparatus, having several advantages over prior art devices. Such devices are disclosed, for example, in Canadian patents No. 1,141,176, No. 1,141,970 and United States patent No. 4,662,414. -~
The devices disclosed by these prior patents require ;~
the provision of a costly ground crew to unload tree tops at landing sites. Ground crews must travel many miles when landing sites are moved to new harvest areas. Meanwhile, the helicopters -to which the harvesting apparatus is affixed must wait to be unloaded. ; ~
The prior art devices referred to above include the use ~ ~;
of a fiberglass funnel which is used to guide the tree through a shear head, the funnel blocking the pilot's vision as to where the tree should be cut. The funnel also has a tendency to bend the lower branches downwardly, which are then cut off, but fall to the ground. This happens frequently, especially in windy - ;
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conditions, and the funnel cannot also be centered when lowered ~ -onto a tree. - -The subject invention eliminates the above -- `
difficulties, and inefficiencies. - -The grapple saw harvester according to the invention , requires only one man, namely, the helicopter pilot. `
The grapple saw harvester according to the invention provides push-button unloading, requiring three to four seconds only to activate an hydraulic latch to dump the load of tree tops. A basket is employed, which is designed to be tripped open, and which is closed as the aircraft returns for the next ~-load, by simple closing of the grapple.
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The grapple saw according to the invention offers the pilot full visibility of the coned top of the tree while locating the cut, and thus increases production and forest efficiency.
When a pilot selects a coned tree he flies up to the tree at the desired height and presses a close button to close the hydraulic grapple arm.
The same hydraulic circuit operates an hydraulic motor which drives the saw blade to cut off the tree. Both hydraulic cylinders are designed to slow down at both ends of the stroke, ;
so as to allow the saw ample time to cut the tree off at low RPMs, and thus to prevent jamming. When the cylinders slow down, - -the saw, being on the same hydraulic circuit, will automatically speed up for the cut. The arms also slow down at the end of the open stroke for a smooth stop. The hydraulic pump has two ;;
stages, 10 GPM at low pressure and 2.9 GPM at high pressure. The ~
hydraulic circuit to the arms is also equipped with a priority ~ ~-type flow circuit valve. This valve allows the lower control arms to be adjusted ahead of the upper arm. The lower arm pulls the tree into the saw so as not to jam the blade. The upper arm is equipped with a carriage, designed to gather the branches as it pulls the tree into the saw blade. The branches compress as the arms close around the tree. This provides the required spring to tip over and throw the tree top into the collection basket. The downwash from the helicopters blades assist in loading and holding the tree tops in the basket. The top arm is cut out above the blade, as will become clear with reference to -the drawings. This prevents the cut off tree trunk from being held against the main frame after the cut is made.

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The apparatus according to the invention mini~izes down time, and effectively reduces the time involved in cone collection, and in apparatus maintenance. ~ ~ ~
The motor, hydraulic pump, storage tank, filter, and ~ -hydraulic release are mounted on a single aluminum frame under -the grapple head. This complete power package can be replaced in --seconds at the job site, to eliminate costly down time. 10 bolts ` -dismantle the six basic sections that make up the harvester. 1~
Two gas cylinders on the collection basket make the ~ - ;
basket open smoothly. They will also force the basket open and hold it in open position while the load is dropped. The downwash from the helicopter blades also assist in reducing unloading time. -~
As the helicopter returns for another load the operator closes the grapple which pulls on the cables to close the basket -by way of a spring lock, with an hydraulic release latch.
The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:
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Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a helicopter ~
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and the grapple basket harvester according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a sectional view of the saw blade drive assembly according to the invention;
Figure 3 is an enlarged detail, partly in section, of ;~
the grapple saw harvester;
Figure 4 is a rear elevation with the basket removed;
Figure S is a rear elevation of the basket; ;~
Figure 6 illustrates details of the saw assembly; and ` :
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Figure 7 is a side elevation of the harvester with the ~ ~ ~

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collection basket shown in solid lines in closed position, and in . ,; , .
broken lines in open position.
The foregoing is by way of example only. The invention should be limited only by the scope of the appended claims. . .

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Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A grapple saw harvester for trees comprising:
a pair of hydraulically operated grapple arms;
a saw assembly mounted below said grapple arms;
a basket mounted adjacent said saw and grapple arms adapted to receive a tree top severed by said saw, said basket having hydraulically operated latch means, whereby tree tops may be selectively stored within said basket and dropped therefrom at a predetermined site.