Patent ID: 6253690
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
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 one or more rollable base supports on a respective left side and right side of the base centerline;an annular ring assembly supported on the moveable base and including a rigid section and one or more rearward pivotable 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 having a radius of curvature along its longitudinal axis and 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 vertically spaced guides spaced circumferentially around the annular ring assembly for guiding movement of the plurality of blades with respect to the annular ring assembly along paths each defined by the radius of curvature of a respective blade;a plurality of hydraulic blade movers to move a respective blade relative to the annular ring assembly;an over-center neck mechanism having one end pivotally attached to the base and an opposing end pivotally attached to a front portion of the rigid section of the annular ring assembly; andat least one hydraulic elevating cylinder for raising and lowering the annular ring assembly relative to the base.