Patent ID: 6530333
Filing Date: 2003-03-11
Classification: A01G

Abstract:
An apparatus for excavating and transplanting a tree, comprising:a moveable base having a centerline generally aligned with a prime mover for moving the apparatus, the base including a left side rollable base support on a respective left side of the base centerline and a right side rollable base support on a respective right side of the base centerline; a support frame pivotally connected to the left side and the right side rollable base supports; an annular ring assembly pivotally supported on the support frame, the annular ring assembly including one or more rearward pivotal gate sections for positioning the annular ring assembly circumferentially around the tree; a plurality of ground piercing blades circumferentially arranged about the annular ring assembly, each blade tapered laterally toward a lower blade apex such that the plurality of blades may move into substantially circumferential engagement under the tree to sever a root ball of the tree from the ground and thereafter support the tree and root ball as the annular ring assembly and the plurality of blades are raised with respect to the base to lift the tree and root ball from the ground; a plurality of hydraulic blade movers each for moving a respective blade relative to the annular ring assembly; at least one hydraulic tilting cylinder for tilting the annular ring assembly relative to the base from a vertical tree trunk position to a rearward inclined tree trunk position; and at least one hydraulic elevating cylinder for raising and lowering the annular ring assembly relative to the base.