CA2055976A1 - Mulching apparatus - Google Patents
Mulching apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA2055976A1 CA2055976A1 CA002055976A CA2055976A CA2055976A1 CA 2055976 A1 CA2055976 A1 CA 2055976A1 CA 002055976 A CA002055976 A CA 002055976A CA 2055976 A CA2055976 A CA 2055976A CA 2055976 A1 CA2055976 A1 CA 2055976A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tiller
- triangular frame
- heads
- mulcher
- motors
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000009367 silviculture Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000002362 mulch Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000009987 spinning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004083 survival effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
- A01B33/00—Tilling implements with rotary driven tools, e.g. in combination with fertiliser distributors or seeders, with grubbing chains, with sloping axles, with driven discs
- A01B33/02—Tilling implements with rotary driven tools, e.g. in combination with fertiliser distributors or seeders, with grubbing chains, with sloping axles, with driven discs with tools on horizontal shaft transverse to direction of travel
- A01B33/021—Tilling implements with rotary driven tools, e.g. in combination with fertiliser distributors or seeders, with grubbing chains, with sloping axles, with driven discs with tools on horizontal shaft transverse to direction of travel with rigid tools
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
- Y02A40/10—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture
- Y02A40/28—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture specially adapted for farming
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Soil Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Soil Working Implements (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A mulcher for use in silviculture adapted to be mounted on or attached behind an off-road vehicle for mulching two or more rows prior to the planting of seedlings, said mulcher having a triangular frame, fastening means, tillers, tiller motors, tiller teeth and means for raising and lowering said frame relative to the ground, wherein the fastening means for connecting the triangular frame to an off road vehicle is mounted on the apex of the triangular frame, opposite the apex of the triangular frame, tiller motors mounted on the base of the triangular frame are connected to said tiller heads for rotating said tiller heads in a clockwise direction relative to the base of the triangular frame, elongated teeth mounted on said tiller heads are adapted to mulch the soil, means for lowering said triangular frame relative to the surface of the ground for tilling, and means for raising said triangular frame relative to surface of the ground when not tilling.
A mulcher for use in silviculture adapted to be mounted on or attached behind an off-road vehicle for mulching two or more rows prior to the planting of seedlings, said mulcher having a triangular frame, fastening means, tillers, tiller motors, tiller teeth and means for raising and lowering said frame relative to the ground, wherein the fastening means for connecting the triangular frame to an off road vehicle is mounted on the apex of the triangular frame, opposite the apex of the triangular frame, tiller motors mounted on the base of the triangular frame are connected to said tiller heads for rotating said tiller heads in a clockwise direction relative to the base of the triangular frame, elongated teeth mounted on said tiller heads are adapted to mulch the soil, means for lowering said triangular frame relative to the surface of the ground for tilling, and means for raising said triangular frame relative to surface of the ground when not tilling.
Description
g~
MULCHING APPARATUS
~ACKGROUND OF~ yl~y~lyy FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a mulcher used in silviculture, in particular a machine-drawn and hydraulically-powered device utilized to till and mulch soil in prsparation for reforestativn.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
It has become common practice to replant trees after a forest has been harvested. It is also well known that seedlings will root and grow better if the soil is prepared prior to planting.
The primary difficulties encountered are the vask area of land to be replanted and the roughness of the terrain which is often encounkered. Due to these factors, present devices are typically attachments drawn by a bulldozer or other tractor. The majority of these devices merely dig or plow the soil, as opposed to tilling or mulching it. Conventional tillers used in agriculture cannot be used in a practical or economical way in silviculture.
Current apparatus for preparing ground for planting of trees relies on digging or trenching the soil, and seedlinys are then planted in the loosened earth. The majority o these devices operate kinetically by being pulled over the soil although some types or versions may utilize a secondary power source as well ko ~a~ilitate rotation, etc.
SUMMARy OF THE_INVENTION ;~5i5;~
The object of the present invention is to effectively mulch soil in preparation for reforesta~ion and more particularly to enhance the ability of seedlings to root and grow~ The mulcher of the present invention is to be moved over the land where tree plantin~ is desired. In so doing, parallel paths of mulched earth will be created, each path of soil being wide enough to ef~ectively plant and support growth of seedlings and the distance between the paths being in accordance with silviculture practice.
The mulching of the earth is performed by at least two tilling heads having cylindrical shapes studded with tines or teeth mounted on the base of a triangular frame.
The teeth are detachable so that they may be replaced in circumstances of wear or breakaye. The teeth attached to each tilling head may be straight or curved. In one embodiment, the tilling head is comprised of two separate cylinders in close proximity to one another. The two adjoining tilling heads may be ad~usted vertically relative to one another to creake a winrow.
The tilling heads are each independently driven by a hydraulic motor. The motors may be powered by a source attached to the triangular frame or may draw their power from the towing vehicle. In either embodiment the motors will cause the tilling heads to spin at a rate of approx imately 80 r.p.m.
This spinning action will cause the teeth or tines attached to the tilling heads to dig into the earth and - 3 ~ 37~;
effectively mulch the soil, which will promote tree survival and growth. These heads do not spin at a speed which, given the length of the teeth attached thereto, will throw earth or dêbris in a hazardous fashion. The safety of the operator or other persons will not thereby be jeopardized through the operation of the invention.
The preferred embodiment anticipates that each of the two studded cylinders comprising a set of tilling heads may be rotated within respective bracket. Thus, the operator may choose to angle each wheel of a set to effectively mound the mulched soil and facilitate ease of planting.
The triangular frame of the invention is constructed of thick, square-tubed steel. The triangular shape was ~5 chosen for strength and stability. The apex of the frame is the point at which the support or towing vehicle may be attached to the mulcher. The attachment is such that there is axial mobility between the support or towing vehicle and the triangular frame.
The two sets of hydraulic motors, tilling heads and brackets are attached parallel to one another at the corners of the base of the triangular frame. The hydraulic pressure and return lines couple with the motors through holes bored through the frame at each respective corner.
One embodim~nt of the invention relates to a mulcher for use in silviculture adapted to be mounted on or attached behind an off-road vehicle for mulching two or more rows prior to the planting of seedlings, said mulcher haviny a triangular frame, fastening means, tillers, tiller motors, tiller teeth and means for raising and lowering said frame relative to the ground, wherein the fastening means for connecting the triangular fram~ to an off road vehicle is mounted on the apex of the triangular frame, opposite the apex of the triangular frame, tiller motors mounted on the base of the triangular frame are connected to said tiller heads for rotating said tiller heads in a clockwise direction relative to the base of the triangular fram2, elongated teeth mounted on said tillex heads are adapted to mulch the soil, means for lowering said triangular frame relative to the surface of the ground for tilling, and means for raising said triangular frame relative to surface of the ground when not tilling.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a top view of the entire mulching apparatus in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.
Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWIN&S
A reforestation mulching assembly according to the present invention is shown generally in Figure 1. The preferred embodiment of the invention consists of a triangular tubular steel frame 10 which supports a pair of hydxaulic motors 20 (Fiyure 2), each driving two tilling heads 40 through brackets 30 (not shown).
The hydraulic motors 20 receive and return hydraulic fluid through hydraulic couplers 60. The hydraulic motors 20, when fed by a hydraulic pressure source (not shown), rotate the tilllng heads 40 in the direction of travel at approximately 80 r.p.m. When pullad the digging rate of the tilling heads 40 is approximately 50 r.p.mO
The triangular frame lO is constructed of 1/2 inch thick rectangular tubed steel preferably measuring at least 6 inches wide by 8 inches high to provide both the strength and stability necessary to accommodate the rugged terrain often encountered in reforestation. In the preferred embodiment the length of each side of the frame lO measures approximately ~7 inches. The fast~ner 70 ie connected to the apex of triangular tubular steel rame lO. The fastener 70 is axially mobile and is free to turn through 360 relative to the apex of the trianyular tubular steel ~rame lO. Rectangular motor brackets 25 are welded at the corners of the base O:e the frame lO to accommodate the hydraulic motors 20. The motor brackets 25 measure 12 inches wide by 12 inches long by 12 inches high in khe preferred embodimenk, and are constructed of 1/2 inch steel welded accordingly.
The motor brackets 25 also have a 1/2 inch steel base with holes bored kherein to accommodate the hydraulic hose connectors 60 as well as to bolt the hydraulic motors 20 thereto. Hoist hooks 80 are also welded to t,he base of the frame lO so that the towing e~uipment may hoist the apparatus when not in use as well as to control the digging depth of the tilling heads 40 when in use.
The hydraulic motors 20 are 40 horse power motors sold under the trade-mark "Orbit" by Sumitomo Easton Hydraulics Co. Ltd.
In the preferred embodiment there are sets of two tilling heads 40 attached to the hydraulic motors 20 by the tilling head brackets 30. The distance from axle to ground is l foot lO inches. The tilling heads 40 are cylinders constructed of iron with teeth or tines 50 attached thereto. These replaceable teeth 50 are attached by means of pins, bolts or weld. The teeth 50 are preferably 5 inches long with a preferred 1% inch diameter and are mounted vertically to the base hub of the tilling heads 40 to prevent clogging. While in operation the tilling heads 40 mulch two 2 foot ll inch strips of soil 9 feet 3 inches apart (outside to outside~
to a depth o~ up to 9 inches.
A jack 90 is attached below the frame near the apex of the frame lO for raising the apex when joining the apparatus to the towing machine.
MULCHING APPARATUS
~ACKGROUND OF~ yl~y~lyy FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a mulcher used in silviculture, in particular a machine-drawn and hydraulically-powered device utilized to till and mulch soil in prsparation for reforestativn.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
It has become common practice to replant trees after a forest has been harvested. It is also well known that seedlings will root and grow better if the soil is prepared prior to planting.
The primary difficulties encountered are the vask area of land to be replanted and the roughness of the terrain which is often encounkered. Due to these factors, present devices are typically attachments drawn by a bulldozer or other tractor. The majority of these devices merely dig or plow the soil, as opposed to tilling or mulching it. Conventional tillers used in agriculture cannot be used in a practical or economical way in silviculture.
Current apparatus for preparing ground for planting of trees relies on digging or trenching the soil, and seedlinys are then planted in the loosened earth. The majority o these devices operate kinetically by being pulled over the soil although some types or versions may utilize a secondary power source as well ko ~a~ilitate rotation, etc.
SUMMARy OF THE_INVENTION ;~5i5;~
The object of the present invention is to effectively mulch soil in preparation for reforesta~ion and more particularly to enhance the ability of seedlings to root and grow~ The mulcher of the present invention is to be moved over the land where tree plantin~ is desired. In so doing, parallel paths of mulched earth will be created, each path of soil being wide enough to ef~ectively plant and support growth of seedlings and the distance between the paths being in accordance with silviculture practice.
The mulching of the earth is performed by at least two tilling heads having cylindrical shapes studded with tines or teeth mounted on the base of a triangular frame.
The teeth are detachable so that they may be replaced in circumstances of wear or breakaye. The teeth attached to each tilling head may be straight or curved. In one embodiment, the tilling head is comprised of two separate cylinders in close proximity to one another. The two adjoining tilling heads may be ad~usted vertically relative to one another to creake a winrow.
The tilling heads are each independently driven by a hydraulic motor. The motors may be powered by a source attached to the triangular frame or may draw their power from the towing vehicle. In either embodiment the motors will cause the tilling heads to spin at a rate of approx imately 80 r.p.m.
This spinning action will cause the teeth or tines attached to the tilling heads to dig into the earth and - 3 ~ 37~;
effectively mulch the soil, which will promote tree survival and growth. These heads do not spin at a speed which, given the length of the teeth attached thereto, will throw earth or dêbris in a hazardous fashion. The safety of the operator or other persons will not thereby be jeopardized through the operation of the invention.
The preferred embodiment anticipates that each of the two studded cylinders comprising a set of tilling heads may be rotated within respective bracket. Thus, the operator may choose to angle each wheel of a set to effectively mound the mulched soil and facilitate ease of planting.
The triangular frame of the invention is constructed of thick, square-tubed steel. The triangular shape was ~5 chosen for strength and stability. The apex of the frame is the point at which the support or towing vehicle may be attached to the mulcher. The attachment is such that there is axial mobility between the support or towing vehicle and the triangular frame.
The two sets of hydraulic motors, tilling heads and brackets are attached parallel to one another at the corners of the base of the triangular frame. The hydraulic pressure and return lines couple with the motors through holes bored through the frame at each respective corner.
One embodim~nt of the invention relates to a mulcher for use in silviculture adapted to be mounted on or attached behind an off-road vehicle for mulching two or more rows prior to the planting of seedlings, said mulcher haviny a triangular frame, fastening means, tillers, tiller motors, tiller teeth and means for raising and lowering said frame relative to the ground, wherein the fastening means for connecting the triangular fram~ to an off road vehicle is mounted on the apex of the triangular frame, opposite the apex of the triangular frame, tiller motors mounted on the base of the triangular frame are connected to said tiller heads for rotating said tiller heads in a clockwise direction relative to the base of the triangular fram2, elongated teeth mounted on said tillex heads are adapted to mulch the soil, means for lowering said triangular frame relative to the surface of the ground for tilling, and means for raising said triangular frame relative to surface of the ground when not tilling.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a top view of the entire mulching apparatus in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.
Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWIN&S
A reforestation mulching assembly according to the present invention is shown generally in Figure 1. The preferred embodiment of the invention consists of a triangular tubular steel frame 10 which supports a pair of hydxaulic motors 20 (Fiyure 2), each driving two tilling heads 40 through brackets 30 (not shown).
The hydraulic motors 20 receive and return hydraulic fluid through hydraulic couplers 60. The hydraulic motors 20, when fed by a hydraulic pressure source (not shown), rotate the tilllng heads 40 in the direction of travel at approximately 80 r.p.m. When pullad the digging rate of the tilling heads 40 is approximately 50 r.p.mO
The triangular frame lO is constructed of 1/2 inch thick rectangular tubed steel preferably measuring at least 6 inches wide by 8 inches high to provide both the strength and stability necessary to accommodate the rugged terrain often encountered in reforestation. In the preferred embodiment the length of each side of the frame lO measures approximately ~7 inches. The fast~ner 70 ie connected to the apex of triangular tubular steel rame lO. The fastener 70 is axially mobile and is free to turn through 360 relative to the apex of the trianyular tubular steel ~rame lO. Rectangular motor brackets 25 are welded at the corners of the base O:e the frame lO to accommodate the hydraulic motors 20. The motor brackets 25 measure 12 inches wide by 12 inches long by 12 inches high in khe preferred embodimenk, and are constructed of 1/2 inch steel welded accordingly.
The motor brackets 25 also have a 1/2 inch steel base with holes bored kherein to accommodate the hydraulic hose connectors 60 as well as to bolt the hydraulic motors 20 thereto. Hoist hooks 80 are also welded to t,he base of the frame lO so that the towing e~uipment may hoist the apparatus when not in use as well as to control the digging depth of the tilling heads 40 when in use.
The hydraulic motors 20 are 40 horse power motors sold under the trade-mark "Orbit" by Sumitomo Easton Hydraulics Co. Ltd.
In the preferred embodiment there are sets of two tilling heads 40 attached to the hydraulic motors 20 by the tilling head brackets 30. The distance from axle to ground is l foot lO inches. The tilling heads 40 are cylinders constructed of iron with teeth or tines 50 attached thereto. These replaceable teeth 50 are attached by means of pins, bolts or weld. The teeth 50 are preferably 5 inches long with a preferred 1% inch diameter and are mounted vertically to the base hub of the tilling heads 40 to prevent clogging. While in operation the tilling heads 40 mulch two 2 foot ll inch strips of soil 9 feet 3 inches apart (outside to outside~
to a depth o~ up to 9 inches.
A jack 90 is attached below the frame near the apex of the frame lO for raising the apex when joining the apparatus to the towing machine.
Claims (6)
1. A mulcher for use in silviculture adapted to be mounted on or attached behind an off-road vehicle for mulching two or more rows prior to the planting of seedlings, said mulcher having a triangular frame, fastening means, tillers, tiller motors, tiller teeth and means for raising and lowering said frame relative to the ground, wherein the fastening means for connecting the triangular frame to an off road vehicle is mounted on the apex of the triangular frame, opposite the apex of the triangular frame, tiller motors mounted on the base of the triangular frame are connected to said tiller heads for rotating said tiller heads in a clockwise direction relative to the base of the triangular frame, elongated teeth mounted on said tiller heads are adapted to mulch the soil, means for lowering said triangular frame relative to the surface of the ground for tilling, and means for raising said triangular frame relative to surface of the ground when not tilling.
2. The mulcher for use in silviculture of claim 1 in which the fastening means for connecting the apex of the triangular tubular steel frame to the off road vehicle may be rotated axially through at least 90°.
3. The mulcher for use in silviculture of claim 2 in which the tiller motors are hydraulic motors powered by the towing vehicle.
4. The mulcher for use in silviculture of claim 2 in which the tiller motors are hydraulic motors powered by hydraulic pumps mounted on the triangular frame.
5. The mulcher of claim 2 in which the elongated teeth which are mounted on the base of the tiller heads are replaceable.
6. The mulcher of claim 2 in which the tiller heads are divided into two cylindrical heads which are inclined inwardly upwardly to create a mound towards the center of each mulched strip.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA002055976A CA2055976A1 (en) | 1991-11-21 | 1991-11-21 | Mulching apparatus |
PCT/CA1992/000506 WO1993009659A1 (en) | 1991-11-21 | 1992-11-23 | Mulching apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA002055976A CA2055976A1 (en) | 1991-11-21 | 1991-11-21 | Mulching apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2055976A1 true CA2055976A1 (en) | 1993-05-22 |
Family
ID=4148797
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA002055976A Abandoned CA2055976A1 (en) | 1991-11-21 | 1991-11-21 | Mulching apparatus |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
CA (1) | CA2055976A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1993009659A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6494270B1 (en) * | 1999-08-13 | 2002-12-17 | Lawson Cattle & Equipment, Inc. | Apparatus and method for mulching and cultivating agricultural fields |
AU2008254974A1 (en) * | 2007-05-16 | 2008-11-27 | Paladin Brands Holding Inc | Mulcher apparatus and cutter element and/or tooth assembly therefor |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4359101A (en) * | 1979-10-12 | 1982-11-16 | Michel Gagnon | Ground preparation tool for reforestation |
DE3028206A1 (en) * | 1980-07-25 | 1982-02-11 | Alfred 6292 Weilmünster Buchholz | Drum-type forestry clearance machine - has drums accommodating tools mounted on bracket |
SE434106B (en) * | 1980-12-16 | 1984-07-09 | Mo Och Domsjoe Ab | PROCEDURE FOR MARKET PREPARATION FOR FORESTRY RESTORATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROCEDURE |
-
1991
- 1991-11-21 CA CA002055976A patent/CA2055976A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
1992
- 1992-11-23 WO PCT/CA1992/000506 patent/WO1993009659A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO1993009659A1 (en) | 1993-05-27 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
FZDE | Dead |