GB1510463A - Apparatus for topping fruit canes - Google Patents

Abstract

1510463 Pruning; topping fruit canes W W HALLY 7 May 1975 [7 May 1974] 20016/74 Headings A1E and A1F An apparatus for topping fruit canes comprises a frame which in use extends transverse to the or each row to be topped, a cutter device located adjacent each end of the frame and power means to drive the cutter devices. The apparatus comprises a frame 1 having a first portion 9 for attachment to a tractor and a second portion 3 bearing cutting devices 5, 7. The portion 3 is vertically adjustable e.g. by means of hydraulic rams 11 acting against a bias spring 13. One of the pistons 15 of the rams 11 is attached to the member 3 by a pin in a round hole while the other is attached by a pin in a slot 17 in member 3 so that the cutter devices 5 and 7 can be located at different cutting heights. The hydraulic system of the tractor drives a hydraulic motor 19, the output shaft of which drives the reciprocating cutters 5, 7 via a pulley 21 and belts 41. The driven knife of each cutter is connected by a linkage 35 to an eccentric connection in a V-pulley rotatable with respect to a vertical shaft 27. The vertical shaft 27 is supported by bearing blocks 25 attached to plates 23 extending vertically from the ends of member 3. Pivotally mounted on the shaft 27 are further bearing blocks 29 attached to a plate 31 supporting the cutter devices 5, 7. This arrangement permits the cutter devices to be moved from an operating to an inoperative position as shown in Figure 3. Curved fingers 43 serve to gather up the tops of the canes prior to cutting.