CA2777919A1

CA2777919A1 - Sod transfer method

Info

Publication number: CA2777919A1
Application number: CA2777919A
Authority: CA
Inventors: William Brown
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-05-23
Filing date: 2012-05-23
Publication date: 2013-11-23

Description

SOD TRANSFER METHOD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vehicle and more particularly, relates to a vehicle for moving sod and to a method for transferring sod from a pallet.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Sod, which are pieces of grass, are used in many different landscaping applications.
Typically, when grass is selected for a new lawn, sod is laid down. While it is possible to seed the area to be covered, doing so takes a period of time to achieve results. In addition, the care of the seeds such as watering is a task which must be done on a regular basis. This can be difficult since some communities have restrictions for the use of water.
As a result, sod farms have been developed where the grass is grown and when ready, the sod is cut by machines and loaded onto pallets. The placement of the pieces of sod must be very precise or the sod on the pallet runs the risk of falling off.
When the sod is transported by truck to the desired location, the pallets of sod are unloaded and placed in one location at the site. Frequently, at a later time, the individual pallets must be moved to the desired location where the sod is to placed.
Moving the loaded pallets is somewhat tricky as any sudden movement can cause the sod to tumble from the pallets. Afterwards, the pallets must be returned to the central location for return.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle which can move sod from the pallet to a desired location.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for transporting sod from a first location to a second location.

The pallets of sod are normally stacked approximately six layers high with alternating layers extending in mutually perpendicular directions. Utilizing the present invention, it has been found that the arms stabilize the forth and fifth layers which is sufficient to ensure the stability of the sod while being transported.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Having thus generally described the invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating an embodiment thereof, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating movement of the pusher of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the vehicle;
Figure 4 is a side elevational view illustrating movement of the arms;
Figure 5 is a side elevational view illustrating loading of the sod;
Figure 6 is a side elevational view illustrating the raising of the sod;
Figures 7 to 9 are side elevational views illustrating loading of the vehicle onto the transport truck.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings in greater detail and by reference characters thereto, there is illustrated in Figure 1 a vehicle which is generally designated by reference numeral 10.
Vehicle 10 will have a pair of front wheels 12 and rear wheels 14 driven by a motor 16.
Conventionally, an operator's seat and controls (not shown) are located on one side of motor 16.
Vehicle 10 includes a first frame generally designated by reference numeral 42 and a

- 2 -second frame generally designated by reference numeral 44. Frame 42 includes a hydraulic cylinder 46 mounted therein. A pair of linking arms 48 and 50 extend between frames 42 and 44. Linking arms 48 and 50 are pivotably connected at pivot point 52.
Mounted on frame 44 are a plurality of forks 24. A pair of shafts 36 have arms mounted at one end thereof. Arms 38 can be pivotably moved through suitable drive connections.
Vehicle 10 also includes a pusher arrangement generally designated by reference numeral 28. Pusher mechanism 28 includes a first arm 30 and a second arm 32 which is connected to a pusher bar 34 which will extend along forks 24 as shown in Figure 2.
In operation, there is provided a pallet 56 having sod 58 thereon. Pallet 56 is formed such that an upper surface has a plurality of parallel boards with spaces therebetween to permit forks 24 to enter therebetween. A bottom of pallet 56 includes a plurality of boards extending perpendicularly to the upper boards such that the entire pallet can be lifted when forks 24 enter therebetween.
In operation, as shown in Figure 3, the vehicle 10 is operated such that forks 24 will extend under sod 58 in the spaces between the upper set of boards. Arms 38 may then be moved downwardly as the vehicle advances. When fully advanced, hydraulic cylinder 46 is operated such that forks 24 lift the sod from pallet 56. The sod can then be transported to the desired location with the pallet remaining behind. Arms 38 prevent spillage of the upper layers of sod 58.
As shown in Figures 7 through 9, vehicle 10 may be secured to the rear of a transport vehicle 60. When in position, hooks 62 engage with transport vehicle 60.
It will be understood that the above described embodiment is for purposes of

- 3 -illustration only and that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

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