A tree felling head comprising a frame is coupled to a boom assembly of a harvester. A saw is coupled to the frame and is configured to cut a tree. A sensor that senses cutting of the tree by the saw and outputs a first signal when the tree is cut by the saw. A grapple arm is coupled to the frame. At least one grapple arm actuator is coupled between the frame and the grapple arm. The grapple arm actuator is configured to move the grapple arm between a closed position, a gliding position, and an open position. A control system is in communication with the grapple arm actuator and the sensor. The control system receives the first signal output by the sensor and outputs a second signal to cause the grapple arm actuator to move the grapple arm to the gliding position.

A tree felling head comprising a frame is coupled to a boom assembly of a harvester. A saw is coupled to the frame and is configured to cut a tree. A sensor that senses cutting of the tree by the saw and outputs a first signal when the tree is cut by the saw. A grapple arm is coupled to the frame. At least one grapple arm actuator is coupled between the frame and the grapple arm. The grapple arm actuator is configured to move the grapple arm between a closed position, a gliding position, and an open position. A control system is in communication with the grapple arm actuator and the sensor. The control system receives the first signal output by the sensor and outputs a second signal to cause the grapple arm actuator to move the grapple arm to the gliding position.

A felling unit and a method of harvesting small-dimensioned wood in a forest. A felling unit comprises a cutting device with two disc blades and a cutting gap between them for cutting small-dimensioned trees. The cut small-dimensioned trunks are transferred from the cutting gap to a temporary storage space by means of a transfer device comprising two transfer shafts with a transfer gap between them. The disc blades and the transfer shafts are both rotated in opposite directions relative to each other, i.e. towards the cutting gap and the feeding gap.

A felling unit and a method of harvesting small-dimensioned wood in a forest. A felling unit comprises a cutting device with two disc blades and a cutting gap between them for cutting small-dimensioned trees. The cut small-dimensioned trunks are transferred from the cutting gap to a temporary storage space by means of a transfer device comprising two transfer shafts with a transfer gap between them. The disc blades and the transfer shafts are both rotated in opposite directions relative to each other, i.e. towards the cutting gap and the feeding gap.

An airborne grapple saw system includes a suspension assembly, a hydraulic power pack assembly, and a grapple saw head assembly. The suspension assembly is configured to be suspended from an aerial vehicle. The hydraulic power pack assembly is operatively coupled with the suspension assembly. The grapple saw head assembly is operatively coupled with the hydraulic power pack assembly. The grapple saw head assembly is configured to freely rotate about a vertical axis an unlimited number of revolutions. The grapple saw head assembly includes a saw and first and second grapple arms. The grapple arms are pivotable between an open configuration, where the grapple arms are configured to obtain and release the vegetation, and a closed configuration, where the grapple arms are configured to securely retain the vegetation.

An airborne grapple saw system includes a suspension assembly, a hydraulic power pack assembly, and a grapple saw head assembly. The suspension assembly is configured to be suspended from an aerial vehicle. The hydraulic power pack assembly is operatively coupled with the suspension assembly. The grapple saw head assembly is operatively coupled with the hydraulic power pack assembly. The grapple saw head assembly is configured to freely rotate about a vertical axis an unlimited number of revolutions. The grapple saw head assembly includes a saw and first and second grapple arms. The grapple arms are pivotable between an open configuration, where the grapple arms are configured to obtain and release the vegetation, and a closed configuration, where the grapple arms are configured to securely retain the vegetation.

A field-configurable apparatus for different aerial applications is provided. The field-configurable apparatus attaches to an aerial boom on a mobile carrier. The apparatus can perform rapid semi-precise cutting of vegetation. Additionally, the apparatus can perform more precise trimming of one or more areas (e.g., limbs) and optionally use a limb clamp to prevent cut limbs/vegetation from arbitrarily falling on objects below the cutting area. Still further, the apparatus can have a grapple or similar device attached to the end of the boom for use in relocating debris or for loading debris. Other industrial applications are also possible (e.g., commercial water blasting, deicing of planes, etc.). In each configuration, the apparatus comprises one or more rotatable or pivoting couplings to allow for rotation about one or more axis and therefore allow precise manipulation of an aerial tool assembly from an operator in the vehicle or on the ground.

A field-configurable apparatus for different aerial applications is provided. The field-configurable apparatus attaches to an aerial boom on a mobile carrier. The apparatus can perform rapid semi-precise cutting of vegetation. Additionally, the apparatus can perform more precise trimming of one or more areas (e.g., limbs) and optionally use a limb clamp to prevent cut limbs/vegetation from arbitrarily falling on objects below the cutting area. Still further, the apparatus can have a grapple or similar device attached to the end of the boom for use in relocating debris or for loading debris. Other industrial applications are also possible (e.g., commercial water blasting, deicing of planes, etc.). In each configuration, the apparatus comprises one or more rotatable or pivoting couplings to allow for rotation about one or more axis and therefore allow precise manipulation of an aerial tool assembly from an operator in the vehicle or on the ground.

A forestry machine includes a ground propulsion apparatus, a vehicle body supported by the ground propulsion apparatus, an operator seat disposed on the vehicle body, a first control lever operable by an operator sitting in the operator seat, a work implement including a saw, and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a first user input disposed on the first control lever. The first user input is operatively coupled to the work implement. Power to the saw is engaged upon the first user input being operated in combination with another operation. A method of operating a forestry machine includes operating a first user input disposed on the first control lever. Power is engaged to the saw in response to the first user input being operated in combination with another operation.

A forestry machine includes a ground propulsion apparatus, a vehicle body supported by the ground propulsion apparatus, an operator seat disposed on the vehicle body, a first control lever operable by an operator sitting in the operator seat, a work implement including a saw, and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a first user input disposed on the first control lever. The first user input is operatively coupled to the work implement. Power to the saw is engaged upon the first user input being operated in combination with another operation. A method of operating a forestry machine includes operating a first user input disposed on the first control lever. Power is engaged to the saw in response to the first user input being operated in combination with another operation.