Patent ID: 6516841
Filing Date: 2003-02-11
Classification: A01G

Abstract:
A fully powered and controllable link system for operatively linking a boom and a tree processor, the tree processor including a central elongate support member, and generally having an upright position in which the central elongate support member is substantially vertical for felling a tree, and a recumbent position in which the central elongate support member is substantially horizontal for shaping the tree, the link system comprising:a first member adapted to be pivotally mounted to a free end of the boom for pivoting about a first generally horizontal axis; a first axis power actuator attached to the first member and adapted to be connected to the boom for tilting the first member about the first axis; a generally elongate second member mounted at a first end thereof to the first member directly by a rotary coupling, permitting the second member to rotate more than 300Â°, but restraining other movement thereof, relative to the first member about a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis, regardless of the upright or recumbent processor head position; a second axis power actuator attached to the rotary coupling for actuating the rotary movement; the second member at a second end thereof being adapted to be pivotally mounted to the central elongate support member of the processor head for pivoting about a third axis which is perpendicular to the second axis and is adapted to extend side to side with respect to the processor head as well as adapted to be perpendicular to the central elongate support member of the processor head; and a third axis power actuator attached to the second member and adapted to be connected to the central elongate support member for pivoting the central elongate support member about the third axis between the upright and recumbent positions.