EP0783242A1 - Stump cutting arm and vehicle - Google Patents

Stump cutting arm and vehicle

Info

Publication number
EP0783242A1
EP0783242A1 EP95934207A EP95934207A EP0783242A1 EP 0783242 A1 EP0783242 A1 EP 0783242A1 EP 95934207 A EP95934207 A EP 95934207A EP 95934207 A EP95934207 A EP 95934207A EP 0783242 A1 EP0783242 A1 EP 0783242A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
arm
stump
cutting
chassis
cutter
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP95934207A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Justin Kingwell
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB9418983A external-priority patent/GB2293303A/en
Priority claimed from GB9505624A external-priority patent/GB2299007A/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0783242A1 publication Critical patent/EP0783242A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01GHORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G23/00Forestry
    • A01G23/02Transplanting, uprooting, felling or delimbing trees
    • A01G23/06Uprooting or pulling up trees; Extracting or eliminating stumps
    • A01G23/067Uprooting or pulling up trees; Extracting or eliminating stumps by comminuting the tree stumps

Definitions

  • This invention relates to stump cutting arm and vehicle.
  • 'stump cutting' also referred to as 'stump grinding'
  • 'stump grinding' is applied to an operation providing for the removal of tree stumps or other substantial ground growth of limited height by means of a powered cutting wheel on an extended arm.
  • stump cutter unit comprise a specialised chassis with ground engaging wheels or tracks whereby the unit can be moved into position.
  • the arm extends from one end of the chassis in a longitudinal direction and to balance the arm a counterweight is usually provided at the opposite end of the chassis to that from which the arm extends.
  • the chassis includes an internal combustion engine linked to the cutting wheel by a hydraulic or belt drive power transmission system.
  • Known stump cutters notably those of smaller size, are not usually self propelled and need to be placed in position by means of a tractor or 4-wheel drive vehicle. Once the unit is located with its cutting wheel over the stump the stump cutting operation is undertaken under the control of an operator standing by, or seated on, the unit.
  • the rotating cutting wheel is slewed from side to side across the stump and driven down into it so as to cut or grind the stump into fragments.
  • the arm is provided with a limited degree of slewing movement, and of up and down movement, relative to the chassis.
  • stump clearance operations are generally carried out under time pressure in preparation for a subsequent major operation such as building or road making.
  • stump cutting operations have to be carried out quickly to meet a deadline and to control site operation and overall project costs.
  • Stump cutting should only be started when ground in the vicinity of a stump to be cut is stable enough to support the stump cutter unit in a position where the cutting
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26 wheel can be brought to bear on the stump.
  • Current designs of stump cutter units do not readily, if at all, permit the safe use of the unit on significantly sloping ground nor for use under very adverse ground conditions such as can arise from prolonged soaking by flooding or by rain or from ground disturbance arising from initial construction operations.
  • stump cutting unit In the event a conventional stump cutting unit cannot be used then methods other than stump cutting need to be applied. Typically these involve heavy cables and powerful hauling or excavating equipment. The application of such methods can adversely affect the ground in the vicinity of the stumps and involve a need for subsequent infilling or reclamation operations.
  • a stump cutting arm having a longitudinal axis and an outer end provided with a cutting wheel adapted for rotation about a cutting axis characterised in that the arm (13, 53, 73, 21) has an inner end (26,) adapted for demountable attachment to a chassis by an interface unit (28, 60); the arm (13, 53, 73, 21) incorporating slewing displacement means (41, 42; 61, 62; 77, 78) on the arm side of the interface unit to provide for lateral displacement, or slewing, of the arm (13, 53, 73, 21) relative to the interface unit (28, 60).
  • slewing displacement means 41, 42; 61, 62; 77, 78
  • the arm (13, 53, 73, 21) incorporates vertical displacement means (33, 61) on the arm side, or as part, of the interface unit (28, 60) to provide for vertical displacement of the arm (13, 53, 73, 21) relative to the interface (28, 60) or the remainder thereof.
  • the arm is characterised in being composed of at least two parts (25, 26) capable of extension or displacement relative to one another to provide for the distance between the inner end (28) and the cutting axis (W') to be varied in a controlled manner.
  • the arm is characterised by a prime mover (59) located on or by the arm (53) and adapted to provide for rotation of the cutting wheel (W) about the cutting axis (W') by a power transmission system (56, 57, 58, P).
  • the prime mover is an internal combustion engine (59, 74).
  • the power transmission system includes a hydraulic pump (58) and hydraulic drive (56, 57) and /or a belt drive (75, 76).
  • chassis (11-Fig 1; 12-Fig 4) being in two parts: a first part (12-Fig 1; 14-Fig
  • a stump cutter is characterised by a prime mover (16, M) mounted on the chassis (11, 12) serving to provide propulsive power to the ground engaging wheels or tracks (13, 14; 15, 16).
  • a stump cutter is characterised by an anchoring and /or levelling device (28, 22) whereby once the stump cutter (10, 11) has been positioned in a working location the anchoring means (28, 22) is operable to engage the ground independently of the ground engaging wheels or tracks (13, 14; 15, 16) to anchor the cutter (10, 11) against movement and /or to provide for the levelling of the cutter (10, 11).
  • a stump cutter is characterised by a scraper blade (28, 22) mounted on the stump cutter (10, 11) to enable material generated by the cutter (10, 11) to be displaced on movement of the ground engaging wheels or tracks (13, 14; 15, 16) .
  • a stump cutter is characterised in that the chassis (11, 12) is equipped with a operating location (24, 18) for an operator of the vehicle provided with controls (27) for operating the cutting wheel (W) for operating the ground engaging wheels or tracks (13, 14; 15, 16).
  • a stump cutter comprising a chassis (11), an arm (21) having one end (20) mounted on the chassis (11) and the other end (22) to the one end (20) provided with a cutting wheel (W) characterised in that the chassis (11) is in two parts: a first part (12) provided with ground engaging wheels or tracks (13, 14) adapted to displace the stump cutter (10) at least in a first longitudinal direction (L) with the stump cutter (10) on horizontal ground; and a second part (15) on which the one end (20) is mounted; the second part (15) being adopted for rotation about a vertical axis (V) through 360° relative to the first direction (L) on horizontal ground.
  • a stump cutting arm is readily mounted on an existing chassis having a turntable on which the inner end of the arm is located to enable the arm to be rotated 360° about a vertical axis to any angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
  • the cutter arm can either be assembled by mounting the arm on a standard chassis able to receive a number of alternate tools such as a bucket.
  • the arm can be incorporated in a chassis to provide a specialist vehicle.
  • the use of a standard chassis or a specialist vehicle for stump cutting depends on the user and the type of application.
  • the arm is normally stored separately it is readily conveyed as a separate unit to a work site where it can then be mounted on the standard chassis for use as a stump cutter. Once the cutting operation is complete the arm can then be recovered and the standard chassis equipped with some other tool for a further operation.
  • Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment
  • Figure 2 is a view from above
  • Figure 3 is a view from beneath
  • Figure 4 is a side view of a stump cutter incorporating a demountable arm according to a second embodiment
  • Figure 5 is a plan view from above in the direction of arrow A in Figure 4,
  • Figure 6 is a view from the front in the direction of arrow B in Figure 4;
  • Figure 7 is a side view of a demountable arm according to a third embodiment.
  • Figure 8 is a plan view from above in the direction of arrow C in Figure 7;
  • Figure 9 is a side view of a demountable arm according to a fourth embodiment.
  • Figure 10 is a plan view from above in the direction of arrow E in Figure 9.
  • the stump cutter 10 is provided with a chassis 11 made up of a lower section 12 on which are mounted tracks 13, 14 and an upper section 15 on which are mounted cutting and control units.
  • Lower section 12 has a longitudinal axis L and in addition to supporting the tracks 13, 14 carries a prime mover in the form of a diesel engine 16 coupled to a hydrostatic drive unit 17 providing power for driving the track 13, 14 and for other functions.
  • Ring 18 serves to receive upper section 15 so that the upper section 15 can be driven by hydraulic motor 19 to rotate 360° about vertical axis V. Further means are provided to lock the upper section 15 in a selected angular alignment relative to lower section 12.
  • Upper section 15 supports inboard end 20 of arm 21 so as to enable the arm 21 to be pivoted vertically over vertical arc A v (Figure 1) and slewed horizontally over lateral arc A h ( Figure 2) by hydraulic power.
  • Outboard end 22 of arm 21 is equipped with a conventional cutting wheel 23 powered by a hydrostatic motor for rotation about cutting axis W.
  • a control position 24 is provided on the upper section 15 and comprises a cab 25 in which is provided a seat 26 and a control panel 27 whereby operations involving cutting by, and movement of, the stump cutter are carried out.
  • a scraper blade 28 is pivotably mounted on forward end 29 of the lower section 13 and is operable by hydraulic means to be raised or lowered over the arc B.
  • the blade has several functions. It can be used as a conventional scraper blade to enable fragmented material generated by the operating cutter wheel 23 to be displaced (typically into a hole generated in the course of cutting a stump to a position beneath ground level). It can be used as an anchoring means for the cutter 10 when in an otherwise unstable location. It can be used to raise one end of the machine relative to a slope to provide for level operation. Where no scraper blade is available or in addition to a blade a separate anchoring means can be provided such as one or more hydraulically displaceable anchor spades.
  • a stump cutter 11 comprises a chassis 12 on which is attached a demountable arm 13 on whose outer end there is mounted a cutting wheel W for rotation about cutting axis W'.
  • the chassis 12 made up of a lower section 14 on which are mounted tracks 15, 16 and an upper section 17 on which is mounted a cab 18 and a mounting bracket 19 to which the demountable arm 13 can be readily attached and removed as will be described hereafter.
  • the chassis 12 can be a known type of excavator chassis adapted to receive a number of possible attachments by way of the mounting bracket 19.
  • the lower section 14 has a centre line longitudinal axis L and serves to support the tracks 15, 16.
  • the upper section 17 has a centre line longitudinal axis L' and can be rotated about axis V relative to the lower section 14,
  • the upper section 17 houses a prime mover M in the form of a diesel engine which is coupled to a hydrostatic drive unit H which provides power for a number of functions including: driving the track 15, 16; rotating the upper section 17 relative to the lower section 14; use of arm 13; winch 21 on the rear of the unit; and scraper blade 22 on the front of the unit.
  • the terms 'front' and 'rear' are here used to refer to the working components relative to the upper section 17 with its longitudinal axis L'.
  • Mounting bracket 19 is regarded as being on the front of cab 18.
  • the equipment and method whereby the upper section 17 is rotated relative to the lower section 14 is of conventional type and is not described further. It also includes locking means enabling axis L' of the upper section 17 to be locked in place relative axis L of the lower section 14 to enable the arm 13 to be used regardless of the alignment of tracks 15, 16 relative to the arm 13.
  • Cab 18 contains a working position for an operator of the cutter including a seat and controls for hand and foot operation.
  • the working position in cab 18 is off set from centre line axis L' to enable an operator seated in the cab 18 to readily observe the operation of arm 13 and in particular wheel W.
  • Arm 13 is telescopic in form with an outer tube 25 siding over inner tube 26 and powered by a ram 13'.
  • the outer tube 25 supports wheel W by way of carrier 27.
  • the inner tube 26 is mounted by means of interface section 28 on bracket 19 on the front part of upper chassis section 17.
  • the bracket 19 has a lower horizontal mounting location 30 and an upper horizontal mounting location 31.
  • Interface section 28 of the arm 13 is coupled to lower mounting location 30 by means of a horizontal pin 32 enabling the arm 13 to pivot about horizontal axis HI.
  • Lifting ram 33 links the arm 13 to the bracket 19 and is operated by hydraulic power to drive the arm 13 in a vertical direction about axis HI.
  • the arm 13 Apart from the ability of the upper chassis to rotate the arm 13 horizontally about vertical axis V the arm 13 also incorporates ( Figure 2) separate lateral adjustment means in the form of hydraulic slewing rams 41, 42.
  • the arm 13 is attached at its inboard end 43 to interface section 28 by a vertical pivot 44.
  • the rams 41, 42 provide for movement in a horizontal plane over arcs SI, S2 relative to axis L'.
  • This slewing action is provided for outboard of the interface 28 and is the normal action used to move the cutting wheel W from side to side in grinding down a stump lined up with axis LI in front of the cab 18 (and regardless of the angular alignment of axis L' with L).
  • Screens SI, S2 are made up of chain and rubber sections are provided hanging from outriggers on the arm 13 to shield the cab 18 and adjacent areas from chips and other debris displaced in the stump cutting process. They are disposed so that an operator in the cab 18 can observes the contact area of the work wheel W with a stump being cut away.
  • Carrier 27 supports a hydraulic drive unit 35.
  • Hoses 36, 37 serve to provide unit 35 with hydraulic fluid from hydraulic unit H in cab 18.
  • the drive unit 35 has a power take-off in the form of a toothed cog driving a notched drive belt housed under cover 40.
  • the hydraulic system can incorporate a relief valve providing for re-cycling of hydraulic fluid.
  • a V-belt drive can be used between the engine and a final notched belt drive to provide for a degree of slippage on start up or when teeth of wheel W encounter a harder material or obstruction during the course of cutting a stump.
  • Hydraulic, electrical and control services needed for items provided on the arm 13 are supplied to the arm 13 by way of conventional readily demountably couplings in the vicinity of the interface 28 and the mounting bracket 19 so that the arm 13 and its associated service connections can be readily removed from and attached to the chassis.
  • the arm 13 is readily demountable from the rest of the unit 11 typically so as to allow the tracked part of the unit to be used for excavation or other function by replacing the arm 13 with another tool. To achieve this the arm 13 while on the unit is lowered so as to rest the wheel W on the ground and to align arm 13 approximately horizontally. Legs 45, 46, attached by a hinge to the arm 13, are then lowered to the ground and secured in place. The pins coupling arm 13 to mounting 19 are removed and the tracked unit 12 backed off to leave the arm 13 in a configuration from which it is readily re-attached to the unit 12 or to another vehicle having an appropriate mounting for interface 28.
  • Third Embodiment ( Figures 7 and 8)
  • arm 53 is provided with a self contained source of hydraulic power.
  • Arm 53 is telescopic in operation and equipped with a cutting wheel W adapted for rotation about cutting axis W'.
  • the wheel W which is supported on the arm 53 by a carrier 54.
  • the carrier 54 supports a hydraulic drive unit 55.
  • the drive unit 55 is coupled by hoses 56, 57 to a power unit P mounted on the arm and made up of a hydraulic pump 58 coupled to, and driven by way of, an internal combustion engine 59.
  • a fuel supply tank 59 * for the engine 59 is also incorporated in the power unit P.
  • the arm 53 is connected to a mobile self propelled chassis in a similar way to that described in connection with Figures 1 to 3 to tracked vehicle 12 by way of a mounting bracket corresponding in form and function to bracket 19 of Figure 1.
  • Mounting of the arm 53 is achieved by way of lower mounting 60 and upper hydraulic ram mounting 61.
  • ram 61 provides for vertical movement of the arm 53 to enable the wheel W to be located in a variety of positions typically represented by outlines Wl to W4.
  • Readily detachable couplings are used for electrical, hydraulic and fuel connection to the operating services mounted on the arm 53.
  • Hydraulic slewing rams 61, 62 are provided on the arm 53 to enable the arm 53 to be pivoted ( Figure 5) laterally relative to the straight ahead position S over arcs 63, 64.
  • Legs 65, 66 provide for the arm 53 to be stored in a convenient configuration for recovery by a tracked or other chassis for use.
  • Fourth embodiment ( Figures 9 and 10)
  • a telescopic arm 73 for a cutting wheel W is provided on which is mounted its own power source for powering the wheel W.
  • an internal combustion engine 74 is used and drives the wheel W by way of a primary drive made up of a V-belt drive in housing 75, and a final drive made up of a toothed belt drive in housing 76.
  • a cross shaft coupling 77 is used to link the primary and secondary drives so that power is readily transmitted from engine 74 to wheel W regardless of the vertical alignment of the primary and secondary drives and of the length of the arm 73. This enables the wheel W to be located in a variety of positions typically represented by outlines Wl to W4.
  • Hydraulic slewing rams 78, 79 are provided on the arm 73 to enable the arm to be pivoted ( Figure 8) laterally relative to the straight ahead position S over arcs 79, 80.
  • Legs 81, 82 provide for the arm 73 to be stored in a convenient configuration for ready recovery.
  • the present invention provides a number of substantial benefits over existing stump cutting machinery. It provides for a relatively compact machine to be readily manoeuvred by its operator to a convenient working locations even among a number of closely set stumps. Because the upper section 15 of the chassis can be rotated 360° relative to the lower part 12 the cutting head is readily presented to a stump for cutting regardless of the alignment of the chassis to the stump. This dispenses with the need for the vehicle to be aligned in a particular manner to a stump and provides for safe operation since the vehicle can be located on the most stable position (if necessary using the scraper blade for anchorage and /or levelling of the cutter in the vicinity of the stump prior to a cutting operation.
  • the tracked configuration and the ability to anchor the stump cutter forming the present invention enables stump cutting operations to be carried out on ground rendered unusable by a wheeled vehicle such as can arise from weather conditions or from earlier operations carried out on the ground.
  • the combined use of a tracked vehicle and an anchorage means is particularly appropriate for use on sloping working areas. Such areas can be unusable by a wheeled vehicle even when the ground is otherwise in reasonable condition.
  • an arm for a stump cutter falling within the scope of the present invention and provide for the ready provision of a stump cutter vehicle for many possible applications by making use as far as possible of available proprietary components (such as a chassis and drive system) and providing an arm which can be readily attached to the chassis.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Ecology (AREA)
  • Forests & Forestry (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Harvester Elements (AREA)

Abstract

According to the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a stump cutting arm having a longitudinal axis and an outer end provided with a cutting wheel adapted for rotation about a cutting axis characterized in that the arm (13, 53, 73, 21) has an inner end (26) adapted for demountable attachment to a chassis by an interface unit (28, 60); the arm (13, 53, 73, 21) incorporating slewing displacement means (41, 42; 61, 62; 77, 78) on the arm side of the interface unit to provide for lateral displacement, or slewing of the arm (13, 53, 73, 21) relative to the interface unit (28, 60). The arm (13, 53, 73, 21) incorporates vertical displacement means (33, 61) on the arm side, or as part of the interface unit (28, 60) to provide for vertical displacement of the arm (13, 53, 73, 21) relative to the interface (28, 60) or the remainder thereof. According to a second aspect a stump cutter comprises a chassis and arm bearing a cutting wheel characterized by: an arm (21, 13, 53, 73) as claimed in any preceding claim having the interface (28) for mounting the arm on the chassis (11-figure 1; 14-figure 4); and a chassis (11-figure 1; 12-figure 4) in two parts: a first part (12-figure 1; 14-figure 4) provided with ground engaging wheels or tracks (13, 14-figure 2; 15, 16-figure 5) adapted to displace the stump cutter (10, 11) at least in a first longitudinal direction (L) with the stump cutter on horizontal ground; and a second part (15, 17) on which the interface (28) is mounted; the second part (15, 17) being adopted for rotation about a vertical axis (L, V) relative to the first direction (L) on horizontal ground.

Description

STUMP CUTTING ARM AND VEHICLE
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to stump cutting arm and vehicle. The term 'stump cutting' (also referred to as 'stump grinding') is applied to an operation providing for the removal of tree stumps or other substantial ground growth of limited height by means of a powered cutting wheel on an extended arm.
BACKGROUND ART
Known types of stump cutter unit comprise a specialised chassis with ground engaging wheels or tracks whereby the unit can be moved into position. The arm extends from one end of the chassis in a longitudinal direction and to balance the arm a counterweight is usually provided at the opposite end of the chassis to that from which the arm extends. The chassis includes an internal combustion engine linked to the cutting wheel by a hydraulic or belt drive power transmission system. Known stump cutters, notably those of smaller size, are not usually self propelled and need to be placed in position by means of a tractor or 4-wheel drive vehicle. Once the unit is located with its cutting wheel over the stump the stump cutting operation is undertaken under the control of an operator standing by, or seated on, the unit. The rotating cutting wheel is slewed from side to side across the stump and driven down into it so as to cut or grind the stump into fragments. To provide for this action the arm is provided with a limited degree of slewing movement, and of up and down movement, relative to the chassis.
Large scale stump clearance operations are generally carried out under time pressure in preparation for a subsequent major operation such as building or road making. To this end stump cutting operations have to be carried out quickly to meet a deadline and to control site operation and overall project costs. Stump cutting should only be started when ground in the vicinity of a stump to be cut is stable enough to support the stump cutter unit in a position where the cutting
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26 wheel can be brought to bear on the stump. Current designs of stump cutter units do not readily, if at all, permit the safe use of the unit on significantly sloping ground nor for use under very adverse ground conditions such as can arise from prolonged soaking by flooding or by rain or from ground disturbance arising from initial construction operations.
In the event a conventional stump cutting unit cannot be used then methods other than stump cutting need to be applied. Typically these involve heavy cables and powerful hauling or excavating equipment. The application of such methods can adversely affect the ground in the vicinity of the stumps and involve a need for subsequent infilling or reclamation operations.
With most current stump cutter units an operator is obliged to stand adjacent the unit in order to maintain close observation of the cutter while in operation. Control of a unit under such conditions can be stressful as the operator is exposed to adverse weather, noise, flying cut material and other debris, and a location in the vicinity of a cutting wheel capable of inflicting serious, if not fatal, injury. In addition an operator aware of a need to meet a tight time schedule may well be disposed to take risks.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a stump cutting arm having a longitudinal axis and an outer end provided with a cutting wheel adapted for rotation about a cutting axis characterised in that the arm (13, 53, 73, 21) has an inner end (26,) adapted for demountable attachment to a chassis by an interface unit (28, 60); the arm (13, 53, 73, 21) incorporating slewing displacement means (41, 42; 61, 62; 77, 78) on the arm side of the interface unit to provide for lateral displacement, or slewing, of the arm (13, 53, 73, 21) relative to the interface unit (28, 60). According to a first preferred version of the first aspect of the present invention is characterised in that the arm (13, 53, 73, 21) incorporates vertical displacement means (33, 61) on the arm side, or as part, of the interface unit (28, 60) to provide for vertical displacement of the arm (13, 53, 73, 21) relative to the interface (28, 60) or the remainder thereof.
According to a second preferred version of the first aspect of the present invention or of the first preferred version thereof the arm is characterised in being composed of at least two parts (25, 26) capable of extension or displacement relative to one another to provide for the distance between the inner end (28) and the cutting axis (W') to be varied in a controlled manner.
According to a third preferred version of the first aspect of the present invention or any preceding preferred version thereof the arm is characterised by a prime mover (59) located on or by the arm (53) and adapted to provide for rotation of the cutting wheel (W) about the cutting axis (W') by a power transmission system (56, 57, 58, P). Typically the prime mover is an internal combustion engine (59, 74). The power transmission system includes a hydraulic pump (58) and hydraulic drive (56, 57) and /or a belt drive (75, 76).
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a stump cutter characterised by:
1 an arm (21, 13, 53, 73) as claimed in any preceding claim having the interface (28) for mounting the arm on the chassis (11-Fig 1; 12-Fig 4),
2 a chassis (11-Fig 1; 12-Fig 4) being in two parts: a first part (12-Fig 1; 14-Fig
4) provided with ground engaging wheels or tracks (13, 14-Fig 2; 15, 16-Fig
5) adapted to displace the stump cutter (10, 11) at least in a first longitudinal direction (L) with the stump cutter on horizontal ground; and a second part (15, 17) on which the interface (28) is mounted; the second part (15, 17) being adopted for rotation about a vertical axis (L, V) relative to the first direction (L) on horizontal ground.
According to a first preferred version of the second aspect of the present invention a stump cutter is characterised by a prime mover (16, M) mounted on the chassis (11, 12) serving to provide propulsive power to the ground engaging wheels or tracks (13, 14; 15, 16).
According to a second preferred version of the second aspect of the present invention or the first preferred version thereof a stump cutter is characterised by an anchoring and /or levelling device (28, 22) whereby once the stump cutter (10, 11) has been positioned in a working location the anchoring means (28, 22) is operable to engage the ground independently of the ground engaging wheels or tracks (13, 14; 15, 16) to anchor the cutter (10, 11) against movement and /or to provide for the levelling of the cutter (10, 11).
According to a third preferred version of the second aspect of the present invention or any preceding preferred version thereof a stump cutter is characterised by a scraper blade (28, 22) mounted on the stump cutter (10, 11) to enable material generated by the cutter (10, 11) to be displaced on movement of the ground engaging wheels or tracks (13, 14; 15, 16) .
According to a fourth preferred version of the second aspect of the present invention or any preceding version thereof a stump cutter is characterised in that the chassis (11, 12) is equipped with a operating location (24, 18) for an operator of the vehicle provided with controls (27) for operating the cutting wheel (W) for operating the ground engaging wheels or tracks (13, 14; 15, 16).
A stump cutter comprising a chassis (11), an arm (21) having one end (20) mounted on the chassis (11) and the other end (22) to the one end (20) provided with a cutting wheel (W) characterised in that the chassis (11) is in two parts: a first part (12) provided with ground engaging wheels or tracks (13, 14) adapted to displace the stump cutter (10) at least in a first longitudinal direction (L) with the stump cutter (10) on horizontal ground; and a second part (15) on which the one end (20) is mounted; the second part (15) being adopted for rotation about a vertical axis (V) through 360° relative to the first direction (L) on horizontal ground. To facilitate use a stump cutting arm according to the first aspect of the present invention is readily mounted on an existing chassis having a turntable on which the inner end of the arm is located to enable the arm to be rotated 360° about a vertical axis to any angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The cutter arm can either be assembled by mounting the arm on a standard chassis able to receive a number of alternate tools such as a bucket. Alternatively the arm can be incorporated in a chassis to provide a specialist vehicle. The use of a standard chassis or a specialist vehicle for stump cutting depends on the user and the type of application. Typically if the arm is normally stored separately it is readily conveyed as a separate unit to a work site where it can then be mounted on the standard chassis for use as a stump cutter. Once the cutting operation is complete the arm can then be recovered and the standard chassis equipped with some other tool for a further operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be describe with reference to the accompanying drawings of a stump cutting arm or a stump cutting vehicle of which:
Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment,
Figure 2 is a view from above, and
Figure 3 is a view from beneath;
Figure 4 is a side view of a stump cutter incorporating a demountable arm according to a second embodiment,
Figure 5 is a plan view from above in the direction of arrow A in Figure 4,
Figure 6 is a view from the front in the direction of arrow B in Figure 4;
Figure 7 is a side view of a demountable arm according to a third embodiment, and
Figure 8 is a plan view from above in the direction of arrow C in Figure 7;
Figure 9 is a side view of a demountable arm according to a fourth embodiment, and
Figure 10 is a plan view from above in the direction of arrow E in Figure 9.
SUBSTrrUTr! SHEET (RULE 26) MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
First Embodiment (Figures 1 to 3)
This provides a basic version of a stump cutting vehicle 10 according to the invention. The stump cutter 10 is provided with a chassis 11 made up of a lower section 12 on which are mounted tracks 13, 14 and an upper section 15 on which are mounted cutting and control units.
Lower section 12 has a longitudinal axis L and in addition to supporting the tracks 13, 14 carries a prime mover in the form of a diesel engine 16 coupled to a hydrostatic drive unit 17 providing power for driving the track 13, 14 and for other functions. Ring 18 serves to receive upper section 15 so that the upper section 15 can be driven by hydraulic motor 19 to rotate 360° about vertical axis V. Further means are provided to lock the upper section 15 in a selected angular alignment relative to lower section 12.
Upper section 15 supports inboard end 20 of arm 21 so as to enable the arm 21 to be pivoted vertically over vertical arc Av (Figure 1) and slewed horizontally over lateral arc Ah (Figure 2) by hydraulic power. Outboard end 22 of arm 21 is equipped with a conventional cutting wheel 23 powered by a hydrostatic motor for rotation about cutting axis W.
A control position 24 is provided on the upper section 15 and comprises a cab 25 in which is provided a seat 26 and a control panel 27 whereby operations involving cutting by, and movement of, the stump cutter are carried out.
A scraper blade 28 is pivotably mounted on forward end 29 of the lower section 13 and is operable by hydraulic means to be raised or lowered over the arc B. The blade has several functions. It can be used as a conventional scraper blade to enable fragmented material generated by the operating cutter wheel 23 to be displaced (typically into a hole generated in the course of cutting a stump to a position beneath ground level). It can be used as an anchoring means for the cutter 10 when in an otherwise unstable location. It can be used to raise one end of the machine relative to a slope to provide for level operation. Where no scraper blade is available or in addition to a blade a separate anchoring means can be provided such as one or more hydraulically displaceable anchor spades.
Second embodiment (Figures 4 to 6)
A stump cutter 11 comprises a chassis 12 on which is attached a demountable arm 13 on whose outer end there is mounted a cutting wheel W for rotation about cutting axis W'. The chassis 12 made up of a lower section 14 on which are mounted tracks 15, 16 and an upper section 17 on which is mounted a cab 18 and a mounting bracket 19 to which the demountable arm 13 can be readily attached and removed as will be described hereafter. In practice the chassis 12 can be a known type of excavator chassis adapted to receive a number of possible attachments by way of the mounting bracket 19.
The lower section 14 has a centre line longitudinal axis L and serves to support the tracks 15, 16. The upper section 17 has a centre line longitudinal axis L' and can be rotated about axis V relative to the lower section 14, The upper section 17 houses a prime mover M in the form of a diesel engine which is coupled to a hydrostatic drive unit H which provides power for a number of functions including: driving the track 15, 16; rotating the upper section 17 relative to the lower section 14; use of arm 13; winch 21 on the rear of the unit; and scraper blade 22 on the front of the unit. The terms 'front' and 'rear' are here used to refer to the working components relative to the upper section 17 with its longitudinal axis L'. Mounting bracket 19 is regarded as being on the front of cab 18.
The equipment and method whereby the upper section 17 is rotated relative to the lower section 14 is of conventional type and is not described further. It also includes locking means enabling axis L' of the upper section 17 to be locked in place relative axis L of the lower section 14 to enable the arm 13 to be used regardless of the alignment of tracks 15, 16 relative to the arm 13.
Cab 18 contains a working position for an operator of the cutter including a seat and controls for hand and foot operation. The working position in cab 18 is off set from centre line axis L' to enable an operator seated in the cab 18 to readily observe the operation of arm 13 and in particular wheel W.
Arm 13 is telescopic in form with an outer tube 25 siding over inner tube 26 and powered by a ram 13'. The outer tube 25 supports wheel W by way of carrier 27. The inner tube 26 is mounted by means of interface section 28 on bracket 19 on the front part of upper chassis section 17. The bracket 19 has a lower horizontal mounting location 30 and an upper horizontal mounting location 31. Interface section 28 of the arm 13 is coupled to lower mounting location 30 by means of a horizontal pin 32 enabling the arm 13 to pivot about horizontal axis HI. Lifting ram 33 links the arm 13 to the bracket 19 and is operated by hydraulic power to drive the arm 13 in a vertical direction about axis HI. Ghost outlines Wl to W4 show the extremes of travel of wheel W available by use of the telescopic action of the arm 13 and of the lifting ram 33. Though this embodiment shows only a single lifting ram 33 to provide for vertical displacement a pair of rams can be used to facilitate such displacement typically with one ram pulling and the other pushing to displace the arm.
Apart from the ability of the upper chassis to rotate the arm 13 horizontally about vertical axis V the arm 13 also incorporates (Figure 2) separate lateral adjustment means in the form of hydraulic slewing rams 41, 42. The arm 13 is attached at its inboard end 43 to interface section 28 by a vertical pivot 44. The rams 41, 42 provide for movement in a horizontal plane over arcs SI, S2 relative to axis L'. This slewing action is provided for outboard of the interface 28 and is the normal action used to move the cutting wheel W from side to side in grinding down a stump lined up with axis LI in front of the cab 18 (and regardless of the angular alignment of axis L' with L). Screens SI, S2 (Figure 3) are made up of chain and rubber sections are provided hanging from outriggers on the arm 13 to shield the cab 18 and adjacent areas from chips and other debris displaced in the stump cutting process. They are disposed so that an operator in the cab 18 can observes the contact area of the work wheel W with a stump being cut away.
Carrier 27 supports a hydraulic drive unit 35. Hoses 36, 37 serve to provide unit 35 with hydraulic fluid from hydraulic unit H in cab 18. The drive unit 35 has a power take-off in the form of a toothed cog driving a notched drive belt housed under cover 40. To provide for a degree of slippage on start up the hydraulic system can incorporate a relief valve providing for re-cycling of hydraulic fluid. In a system making use of further belt drive to transfer power from an internal combustion engine then a V-belt drive can be used between the engine and a final notched belt drive to provide for a degree of slippage on start up or when teeth of wheel W encounter a harder material or obstruction during the course of cutting a stump.
Hydraulic, electrical and control services needed for items provided on the arm 13 are supplied to the arm 13 by way of conventional readily demountably couplings in the vicinity of the interface 28 and the mounting bracket 19 so that the arm 13 and its associated service connections can be readily removed from and attached to the chassis.
The arm 13 is readily demountable from the rest of the unit 11 typically so as to allow the tracked part of the unit to be used for excavation or other function by replacing the arm 13 with another tool. To achieve this the arm 13 while on the unit is lowered so as to rest the wheel W on the ground and to align arm 13 approximately horizontally. Legs 45, 46, attached by a hinge to the arm 13, are then lowered to the ground and secured in place. The pins coupling arm 13 to mounting 19 are removed and the tracked unit 12 backed off to leave the arm 13 in a configuration from which it is readily re-attached to the unit 12 or to another vehicle having an appropriate mounting for interface 28. Third Embodiment (Figures 7 and 8)
This embodiment is similar in most mechanical respects to the arm 13 described in connection with Figure 4 to 6. However in this case arm 53 is provided with a self contained source of hydraulic power. Arm 53 is telescopic in operation and equipped with a cutting wheel W adapted for rotation about cutting axis W'. The wheel W which is supported on the arm 53 by a carrier 54. The carrier 54 supports a hydraulic drive unit 55. However in contradistinction to the First Embodiment the drive unit 55 is coupled by hoses 56, 57 to a power unit P mounted on the arm and made up of a hydraulic pump 58 coupled to, and driven by way of, an internal combustion engine 59. A fuel supply tank 59* for the engine 59 is also incorporated in the power unit P.
The arm 53 is connected to a mobile self propelled chassis in a similar way to that described in connection with Figures 1 to 3 to tracked vehicle 12 by way of a mounting bracket corresponding in form and function to bracket 19 of Figure 1. Mounting of the arm 53 is achieved by way of lower mounting 60 and upper hydraulic ram mounting 61. As before ram 61 provides for vertical movement of the arm 53 to enable the wheel W to be located in a variety of positions typically represented by outlines Wl to W4. Readily detachable couplings are used for electrical, hydraulic and fuel connection to the operating services mounted on the arm 53.
Hydraulic slewing rams 61, 62 are provided on the arm 53 to enable the arm 53 to be pivoted (Figure 5) laterally relative to the straight ahead position S over arcs 63, 64.
Legs 65, 66 provide for the arm 53 to be stored in a convenient configuration for recovery by a tracked or other chassis for use. Fourth embodiment (Figures 9 and 10)
This embodiment is similar in many mechanical respects to the Third Embodiment described in connection with Figures 7 and 8. In this Fourth Embodiment a telescopic arm 73 for a cutting wheel W is provided on which is mounted its own power source for powering the wheel W. In this case an internal combustion engine 74 is used and drives the wheel W by way of a primary drive made up of a V-belt drive in housing 75, and a final drive made up of a toothed belt drive in housing 76. A cross shaft coupling 77 is used to link the primary and secondary drives so that power is readily transmitted from engine 74 to wheel W regardless of the vertical alignment of the primary and secondary drives and of the length of the arm 73. This enables the wheel W to be located in a variety of positions typically represented by outlines Wl to W4.
Hydraulic slewing rams 78, 79 are provided on the arm 73 to enable the arm to be pivoted (Figure 8) laterally relative to the straight ahead position S over arcs 79, 80.
Legs 81, 82 provide for the arm 73 to be stored in a convenient configuration for ready recovery.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
By utilising a self propelled tracked chassis the present invention provides a number of substantial benefits over existing stump cutting machinery. It provides for a relatively compact machine to be readily manoeuvred by its operator to a convenient working locations even among a number of closely set stumps. Because the upper section 15 of the chassis can be rotated 360° relative to the lower part 12 the cutting head is readily presented to a stump for cutting regardless of the alignment of the chassis to the stump. This dispenses with the need for the vehicle to be aligned in a particular manner to a stump and provides for safe operation since the vehicle can be located on the most stable position (if necessary using the scraper blade for anchorage and /or levelling of the cutter in the vicinity of the stump prior to a cutting operation.
The tracked configuration and the ability to anchor the stump cutter forming the present invention enables stump cutting operations to be carried out on ground rendered unusable by a wheeled vehicle such as can arise from weather conditions or from earlier operations carried out on the ground.
The combined use of a tracked vehicle and an anchorage means is particularly appropriate for use on sloping working areas. Such areas can be unusable by a wheeled vehicle even when the ground is otherwise in reasonable condition.
The provision on the vehicle of a seat and operating cab for an operator provides a number of substantial benefits by making operation of the cutter less hazardous, encouraging concentration on the part of the operator and sheltering him from adverse weather and noise levels.
Many possible embodiments of an arm for a stump cutter falling within the scope of the present invention and provide for the ready provision of a stump cutter vehicle for many possible applications by making use as far as possible of available proprietary components (such as a chassis and drive system) and providing an arm which can be readily attached to the chassis.

Claims

A stump cutting arm having a longitudinal axis and an outer end provided with a cutting wheel adapted for rotation about a cutting axis characterised in that the arm (13, 53, 73, 21) has an inner end (26,) adapted for demountable attachment to a chassis by an interface unit (28, 60); the arm (13, 53, 73, 21) incorporating slewing displacement means (41, 42; 61, 62; 77, 78) on the arm side of the interface unit to provide for lateral displacement, or slewing, of the arm (13, 53, 73, 21) relative to the interface unit (28, 60).
A stump cutting arm as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that the arm (13, 53, 73, 21) incorporates vertical displacement means (33, 61) on the arm side, or as part, of the interface unit (28, 60) to provide for vertical displacement of the arm (13, 53, 73, 21) relative to the interface (28, 60) or the remainder thereof.
A stump cutting arm as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 characterised in that the arm (13) is composed of at least two parts (25, 26) capable of extension relative to one another to provide for the distance between the inner end (28) and the cutting axis (W') to be varied in a controlled manner.
A stump cutting arm as claimed in any preceding claim characterised by a prime mover (59) located on or by the arm (53) and adapted to provide for rotation of the cutting wheel (W) about the cutting axis (W') by a power transmission system (56, 57, 58, P).
A stump cutting arm as claimed in Claim 4 characterised in that the prime mover is an internal combustion engine (59, 74).
A stump cutting arm as claimed in Claim 4 or Claim 5 wherein the power transmission system includes a hydraulic pump (58) and hydraulic drive (56, 57). A stump cutting arm as claimed in Claim 4, Claim 5 or Claim 6 wherein the transmission system also includes a belt drive (75, 76).
A stump cutting arm as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the belt drive (76) serves to rotate the cutting wheel (W) directly.
A stump cutter comprising a chassis and arm bearing a cutting wheel characterised by:
1 an arm (21, 13, 53, 73) as claimed in any preceding claim having the interface (28) for mounting the arm on the chassis (11-Fig 1; 12-Fig 4),
2 the chassis (11-Fig 1; 12-Fig 4) being in two parts: a first part (12-Fig 1; 14-Fig 4) provided with ground engaging wheels or tracks (13, 14-Fig 2; 15, 16-Fig 5) adapted to displace the stump cutter (10, 11) at least in a first longitudinal direction (L) with the stump cutter on horizontal ground; and a second part (15, 17) on which the interface (28) is mounted; the second part (15, 17) being adopted for rotation about a vertical axis (L, V) relative to the first direction (L) on horizontal ground.
A stump cutter as claimed in Claim 9 characterised by a prime mover (16, M) mounted on the chassis (11, 12) serving to provide propulsive power to the ground engaging wheels or tracks (13, 14; 15, 16).
A stump cutter as claimed in Claim 9 or Claim 10 characterised by an anchoring and /or levelling device (28, 22) whereby once the stump cutter (10, 11) has been positioned in a working location the anchoring means (28, 22) is operable to engage the ground independently of the ground engaging wheels or tracks (13, 14; 15, 16) to anchor the cutter (10, 11) against movement and /or to provide for the levelling of the cutter (10, 11).
A stump cutter as claimed in Claim 9, Claim 10 or Claim 11 characterised by a scraper blade (28, 22) mounted on the stump cutter (10, 11) to enable material generated by the cutter (10, 11) to be displaced on movement of the ground engaging wheels or tracks (13, 14; 15, 16) . A stump cutter as claimed in any of preceding Claims 9 to 12 characterised in that the chassis (11, 12) is equipped with a operating location (24, 18) for an operator of the vehicle provided with controls (27) for operating the cutting wheel (W) for operating the ground engaging wheels or tracks (13, 14; 15, 16).
A stump cutter comprising a chassis (11), an arm (21) having one end (20) mounted on the chassis (11) and the other end (22) to the one end (20) provided with a cutting wheel (W) characterised in that the chassis (11) is in two parts: a first part (12) provided with ground engaging wheels or tracks (13, 14) adapted to displace the stump cutter (10) at least in a first longitudinal direction (L) with the stump cutter (10) on horizontal ground; and a second part (15) on which the one end (20) is mounted; the second part (15) being adopted for rotation about a vertical axis (V) through 360° relative to the first direction (L) on horizontal ground.
EP95934207A 1994-09-21 1995-09-20 Stump cutting arm and vehicle Withdrawn EP0783242A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9418983 1994-09-21
GB9418983A GB2293303A (en) 1994-09-21 1994-09-21 Stump cutter
GB9505624A GB2299007A (en) 1995-03-21 1995-03-21 Stump grinder
GB9505624 1995-03-21
PCT/GB1995/002238 WO1996008958A1 (en) 1994-09-21 1995-09-20 Stump cutting arm and vehicle

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0783242A1 true EP0783242A1 (en) 1997-07-16

Family

ID=26305658

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95934207A Withdrawn EP0783242A1 (en) 1994-09-21 1995-09-20 Stump cutting arm and vehicle

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0783242A1 (en)
AU (1) AU3658595A (en)
WO (1) WO1996008958A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2753337B1 (en) * 1996-09-19 1998-12-18 Claude Becker SOIL WORKING MACHINE IN FOREST AREAS
NL1004872C2 (en) * 1996-12-23 1998-06-24 Peters Holding B V Digging machine consisting of vehicle with articulated arm
DE10127125A1 (en) * 2001-06-05 2002-12-12 Josef Backhaus Root and stump grinder has grinding disk mounted on jointed arm which has disk operating drive and separate hydraulic drive for raising and lowering arm which can be adjusted to operate quickly or slowly
US8739843B2 (en) 2010-03-11 2014-06-03 Partners In Innovation Limited, Llc Multi-functional and modular tree removal and maintenance apparatus and related methods
AU2011224176B2 (en) 2010-03-11 2016-08-04 Partners In Innovation Limited, Llc Multi-functional and modular tree removal and maintenance apparatus and related methods

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3044509A (en) * 1959-07-30 1962-07-17 Kehler Jacob Tree stump cutter attachment
ZA725215B (en) * 1972-07-28 1974-03-27 Barberton Iron And Steel Ltd Improvements in tree stump removers
US5158126A (en) * 1991-11-25 1992-10-27 Lang William J Improvements in tree stump grinders and methods of grinding tree stumps

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9608958A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3658595A (en) 1996-04-09
WO1996008958A1 (en) 1996-03-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5666794A (en) Flail mower attachment for a skid steer vehicle
US4365927A (en) Slash recovery system
US4222186A (en) Adaptable combination of vehicle and attachments
US5419380A (en) Tree stump grinder
US4833797A (en) Trencher attachment
CA2105961A1 (en) Tractor-loader-backhoe
US6668471B1 (en) Towable earth digging apparatus
US4253536A (en) Articulated, cross-country vehicle
US7007414B2 (en) Vertical underground stump grinding apparatus
US5404660A (en) Mechanism for supporting an earthworking etc. tool
US5823238A (en) Backhoe grinder
US6163987A (en) Removable blade assembly for trencher machine
US5970634A (en) Semi-submersible machine for remediation of constructed drainage areas
US20020066215A1 (en) Swivel mounting for quick attachment bracket
US3577664A (en) Excavation machine having improved digging elements
US20030217784A1 (en) Rotary tree cutter attachment for tractor
US6021825A (en) Stump cutter apparatus for quick connection to an excavator or other prime mover
EP0783242A1 (en) Stump cutting arm and vehicle
US20020112380A1 (en) Combination trencher and vehicle
US3319366A (en) Earth handling machine
WO1988005848A1 (en) Chain digger attachment
US5396967A (en) Post hole digger
GB2299007A (en) Stump grinder
EP0277326A2 (en) Road working apparatus
CN110712583A (en) Vehicle-mounted excavator

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19970418

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19980915

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN

18W Application withdrawn

Withdrawal date: 19990616