A timber working device, comprising a frame, having a feed axis, a drive system, configured to feed at least one stem along the feed axis, at least a pair of upper knives or lower knives movably attached to the frame, wherein the knives are configured to be controllable each by an actuator to open and close around a stem, a tilt mechanism comprising a controllable tilt bracket pivotably attached to the frame, to control a tilt position of the frame in relation to the tilt bracket.

A timber working device, comprising a frame, having a feed axis, a drive system, configured to feed at least one stem along the feed axis, at least a pair of upper knives or lower knives movably attached to the frame, wherein the knives are configured to be controllable each by an actuator to open and close around a stem, a tilt mechanism comprising a controllable tilt bracket pivotably attached to the frame, to control a tilt position of the frame in relation to the tilt bracket.

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 saw apparatus includes a guide bar, a chain driver, and an endless cutting chain trained about the guide bar and the chain driver. A hydraulic chain tensioning apparatus has a hydraulic actuator configured to be driven by a hydraulic power source to act against the guide bar to maintain tension in the cutting chain. A tension release valve is provided between the hydraulic power source and the hydraulic actuator. The tension release valve has a check valve, and a manual override press-button configured to maintain the check valve in an open condition while depressed. The tension release valve has a spring detent configured to maintain the manual override press-button in a depressed condition until selectively released.

A saw apparatus includes a guide bar, a chain driver, and an endless cutting chain trained about the guide bar and the chain driver. A hydraulic chain tensioning apparatus has a hydraulic actuator configured to be driven by a hydraulic power source to act against the guide bar to maintain tension in the cutting chain. A tension release valve is provided between the hydraulic power source and the hydraulic actuator. The tension release valve has a check valve, and a manual override press-button configured to maintain the check valve in an open condition while depressed. The tension release valve has a spring detent configured to maintain the manual override press-button in a depressed condition until selectively released.

A timber-working device has a frame, and a saw apparatus mounted to the frame. At least one pair of arms are pivotally attached to the frame and configured to be controlled to grasp at least one tree stem. A feed mechanism is configured to feed the at least one stem relative to the frame. The feed mechanism has opposing feed arms, each feed arm pivotally connected to the frame. Each feed arm has a pivot pin arrangement with a first pivot pin and a second pivot pin, where the first pivot pin and the second pivot pin are aligned along a common longitudinal axis. An air gap is provided between the between the first pivot pin and the second pivot pin along the common longitudinal axis.

A timber-working device has a frame, and a saw apparatus mounted to the frame. At least one pair of arms are pivotally attached to the frame and configured to be controlled to grasp at least one tree stem. A feed mechanism is configured to feed the at least one stem relative to the frame. The feed mechanism has opposing feed arms, each feed arm pivotally connected to the frame. Each feed arm has a pivot pin arrangement with a first pivot pin and a second pivot pin, where the first pivot pin and the second pivot pin are aligned along a common longitudinal axis. An air gap is provided between the between the first pivot pin and the second pivot pin along the common longitudinal axis.