Abstract:
The concept of using a cutting element proximate the end of an excavator or similar device, along with the concept of using a cogged belt pulley configuration, an overhead load adaptor, a single- or multiple-pivoting drum configuration, and other concepts disclosed herein. The present invention also provides an improvement of the prior art by providing a chipping action, which is according to the present invention an improvement over prior art shredding configurations.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   The present application claims the full benefit and priority of U.S. patent provisional application Ser. No. 60/637,016, filed Dec. 17, 2004, and incorporates the entirety of said application by reference. The present application is being filed on the Monday following Dec. 17, 2005, which fell on a Saturday. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention generally relates to an improved device and method of using same which provides a reduction in size of wood or other elements, and particularly relates to the reduction of brush, trees and all types of vegetation into smaller elements sometimes referenced as “chips”. 
   Various mechanisms are present in the art for providing the reduction in size of brush, trees and all types of vegetation by the use of rotating drums at the end of the articulating arm of a device often referenced as an excavator. 
   However, these devices include disadvantages. Many of the known prior art configurations do not have a reliable drive system that will withstand the day in and day out working cycle that the machines must go through. Other machines on the market tend to shred the materials that they are grinding. 
   Therefore it may be seen that there is a need in the art for an improved method and apparatus for provides a reduction in size of wood or other elements, particularly as this relates to the reduction of brush, trees, and the like on construction or clean-up sites. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Generally described, the present invention relates to a reducing apparatus (and method of using same) which includes cutting elements for grinding brush, trees and all types of vegetation at work sites which require that said vegetation be reduced or “ground” into smaller elements in order to be more easily managed during removal by transport, or in order to be used as mulch or the like on work site. Such work sites may include construction site, water line sites, sewer line sites, disaster sites, and many more. 
   The reducing apparatus invention is used in connection with a self-propelled vehicle, such as an excavator or large rubber tire carrier. This combination results in another overall “wood reducing vehicle” invention. This wood reducing vehicle is particularly applicable for clearing large areas of land. Particularly, the wood reducing vehicle is idea for clearing brush, trees, stumps and other vegetation in a safe, quick and economically means while being environmentally friendly to the landscape. 
   While clearing vegetation such as trees and brush, said invention grinds and chips said materials into fine mulch and chips to leave onsite as an erosion control ground cover thereby reducing the need for further erosion control methods at this time. 
   Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method of using same for reducing the size of objects. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method of using same for reducing the size of wood objects. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method of using same for reducing brush, trees, stumps and other vegetation into more manageable “mulch” or “chips”. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method of using same for reducing brush, trees, stumps and other vegetation which is simple to use. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method of using same for reducing brush, trees, stumps and other vegetation which is economical to use. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method of using same for reducing brush, trees, stumps and other vegetation which is economical to manufacture. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method of using same for reducing brush, trees, stumps and other vegetation which is efficient. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method of using same for reducing brush, trees, stumps and other vegetation which can adapt to different environments. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method of using same for reducing brush, trees, stumps and other vegetation which can provide a reduced danger of injury to the operator and to bystanders. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method of using same for reducing brush, trees, stumps and other vegetation which is self propelled. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method of using same for reducing brush, trees, stumps and other vegetation which provides a relatively small chip that can be used for mulch; corrosion control and landscaping. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method of using same for reducing brush, trees, stumps and other vegetation which can reach areas on a site that other self propel machines cannot access or reach. 
   These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing an improved grinding and cutting device for being attached to an end of a movable working arm of a self-propelled machine. This facilitates clearing, grinding and chipping brush, trees and vegetation in an improved manner. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
     Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is an overall view of the overall reducing apparatus  10  which includes an excavator and a reducing apparatus  40 . The excavator  20  includes a first supporting arm  21 , a second supporting arm  22 , a first hydraulic cylinder  24 , a second hydraulic cylinder  25 , a pivot link  26 , and a floating link  27 . The second supporting arm  22  and the floating link  27  attach at two separate locations and support the reducing apparatus  40 . 
       FIG. 2A  is a front view and  FIG. 2B  is an end view of the reducing apparatus  40  according to the present invention. Also shown are the frame assembly  50 , the reducing apparatus cylinder  70  (a.k.a. drum  70 ), the cutting elements  90 , the hydraulic motor  160 , the overhung load adaptor  170 , the wire cutter knives  230 , the drum shaft  250 , a bearing  260 , the first and second anvil plates  130 ,  131 , the trap door  150  (shown in its “down position”), the reducing apparatus cylinder  70 , and the cogged belt power train assembly  210 . Dotted line DL illustrates the axis of a connecting pin (not shown) which is used to connect the apparatus  40  to the excavator. Location points P 1  and P 2  designate locations where the arms  22 ,  27 , respectively, of the excavator attach to the mounting flange assembly  51  of the reducing apparatus  40  as discussed in later detail. Also shown in  2 B is a second mulching zone  201 , described in further detail later, which is created when the trap door  150 , which is hingedly mounted to the frame of the apparatus  40 , is in its down position. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  are the same end view of the reducing apparatus  10  according to the present invention, with different numerals designating different elements in the two drawings. In  FIG. 3A  the trap door  150  is in its down position; in  FIG. 3B  the trap door  150  is in its up position. This up and down position is controlled by use of the double-action hydraulic cylinder  80  as discussed in further detail. 
       FIG. 3A  identifies the cogged belt  212 , the two cogged belt pulleys  214 , the overhung load adaptor  170 , the reducing apparatus cylinder  70 , the trap door  150  (shown in a “down” position), first and second anvil plates  130 ,  131 , and one of the cutting elements  90 , and the biasing bracketry  240 . 
       FIG. 3B  identifies the containment surface  110 , the cogged belt and pulley cover  211 , the reducing apparatus cylinder  70 , the trap door  150  (shown in an “up” position), the first mulch zone  200 , which is defined between the drum and the containment surface  110  defined by the frame of the apparatus  40 , a bearing  260 , and one of the cutting elements  90 . Also identified is the biasing bracketry  240 . 
       FIG. 4  is an isolated view of the hydraulic motor  160  and the overhung load adaptor  170 . The overhung load adaptor  170  is such as that known in the art, and is rigidly attached to the frame of the apparatus  40 . The overhung load adaptor  170  includes a rotating shaft supported by bearings, with one end of the shaft attached to the motor and driven in rotation thereby, and the other end of the shaft of the load adaptor attached to and rotatably driving one pulley of the cogged belt power train assembly. 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of a second embodiment of the present invention, which includes a pivoting connection  60  provided by a 90 degree turntable  98 . As in the first embodiment, a mounting flange assembly  51  is used to attach to the arm  22  and the floating link  27  (not shown in this figure) via the use of two parallel pins, one of which would have its longitudinal axis along dotted line DL. As discussed in detail later, the pivoting connection  60  (essentially a turntable) allows for ninety degree rotation of the reducing apparatus  40  relative to the connecting pins that attach the apparatus  40  relative to the excavator arm. Element  270  is a hydraulically driven pinion gear that drives a ring gear that is attached to the turntable. This allows for the apparatus  40  to be pivoted in two directions within a 90 degree range. It should be understood that under one embodiment of the invention the rotation of the turntable is limited to approximately ninety (90) degrees. 
       FIG. 6  is a partial view of that shown in  FIGS. 3A  (and  3 B), particularly showing the cogged belt  212 , a cog belt pulley  214 , and the cover  211 , which covers these elements. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an illustrative cutaway portion of the drum  70  having cutter teeth  90  thereon, and supported by a drum shaft  250 . As may be seen, the circumferential portion of the drum overhangs somewhat from the substantially round end plate, and wire cutters  230  (only one is shown in the Figure but another is contemplated for use on the opposing side of the drum). 
       FIG. 8  is another view of the apparatus, with the individual pointing a stick at the hydraulic cylinder  80 , which in one embodiment is a double acting hydraulic cylinder, which operates a pivoting trap door  150 , which is shown in a down position in this figure. In this embodiment, five pivot mechanisms are shown which provide a pivoting connection for the pivoting trap door. In this view, the rotational axis of the drum  70  is substantially perpendicular to the view of the reader. 
       FIG. 9  is a showing an individual placing his right hand atop a chain guard assembly  140  which is positioned generally between the trap door  150  and the drum  70 . The chain guard assembly hangs down and is configured to reduce deflected material, but is independent of the trap door  150 . This view shows the drum axis in an inclined position to show the underside of the reducing apparatus to show the drum. Note also the bracketry shown. 
       FIG. 10  is a view of the reducing apparatus  40 , with the drum of the reducing apparatus rotating (note the blurred view of the cutting members). It may be seen that the longitudinal, rotational, axis of the drum has been tilted in a generally clockwise direction. This pivoting, shown generally at “P” is proximate the end of the first supporting arm  22 . The axis of the pivoting is substantially along the line of sight of the viewer of the picture; this is the only pivoting which is done between the reducing apparatus and the supporting arm  22  in the first embodiment. It may also be understood that in this configuration the drum is substantially horizontal and parallel to the ground surface. 
       FIG. 11  is another view of the reducing apparatus  40 . 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  show sequential positions of the excavator  20  with the reducing apparatus  40  mounted thereon, illustrating a “sweeping manner” in which the apparatus may be used from the position shown in  FIG. 12  to  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 14  is a view of the apparatus  20  to the present invention, with the configuration in  FIG. 14  showing the drum pivoted such that the main “bottom” surface of the drum is facing away from the cab of the excavator and towards the viewer of the picture. As noted above, this is the only pivoting contemplated under the first embodiment present invention, although a second embodiment contemplates an additional ninety (90) degree pivot, discussed elsewhere. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The present inventions now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
   Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 
   General Construction and Operation 
   Generally described, the invention includes the use of a rotating ‘hog’, which is attached to the end of an “excavator” (also known as a track hoe and looks like a very big backhoe). The multi-jointed supporting arm supports at its end the rotating hog providing a reducing function for materials such as trees or other vegetation. This general layout is much like the configuration shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,483. 
   In summary, the hog, which is essentially a barrel with knives situated thereon, rotates about its longitudinal axis, and consumes trees, etc., as it rotates. The chips, depending on the application, fall on the ground or are otherwise contained. 
   Details of the operation and construction of the apparatuses according to the present invention are set forth below. 
   Detailed Construction and Operation 
   The Overall Apparatus  10   
   The overall apparatus  10  includes the excavator  20  and the reducing apparatus  40 , both of which are discussed below. This apparatus  10  is part of the present invention, as is the reducing apparatus  40  on its own. Two different types of reducing apparatus  40  embodiments will be discussed; the main difference between the two is that the first allows the reducing apparatus  40  to pivot about one axis relative to the supporting excavator, and the second allows the apparatus to pivot about two axes relative to the supporting excavator. These two axes in one embodiment are substantially perpendicular. 
   The Excavator  20   
   The excavator  20  is such as known in the art, and includes a first supporting arm  21 , a second supporting arm  22 , a first hydraulic cylinder  24 , a second hydraulic cylinder  25 , a pivot link  26 , and a floating link  27 . The second supporting arm  22  and the floating link  27  attach to and support the reducing apparatus  40 . 
   The excavator  20  includes a separate “power pack” (not shown) which includes a typical separate motor, hydraulic pump, radiator and necessary hose plumbing which connects the power pack&#39;s hydraulic pump to the hydraulically driven devices associated with the reducing apparatus  40 . As discussed in detail below, these devices include a motor  160  for driving the drum and a linear cylinder  80  for moving the trap door  150 . 
   As may be understood, the first supporting arm  21  of the excavator is pivotably attached relative to the main portion of the excavator, which includes a conventional cab within which an operator (not shown) can operate the overall device. This pivoting action of the arm  21  is provided by a typical hydraulic cylinder such as  21 C shown in  FIG. 1 . The main portion  28  of the excavator  20  is itself rotatably mounted about a vertical a substantially vertical rotation axis relative to a ground-engaging track assembly  29  such as known in the art. This rotational relationship allows for the main portion  28  to rotate approximately 360 degrees relative to the ground (assuming the track assembly is static), which likewise allows for the arms  21 ,  22  and the reducing apparatus to also be rotated, such that a “sweeping” action can be provided, as described in later detail. 
   In  FIG. 1 , it may be understood that the rotating axis RA of the drum  40  is substantially horizontal in the view shown. However, as will be discussed later, the drum can be pivoted (by manipulation of arms  21  and  22  and various hydraulic elements including element  25 ) such that the rotational axis can be moved to the positions shown as RA′ or RA″, in which the rotational axis is not horizontal but is inclined relative to the supporting surface  59 . This pivoting motion is about an axis along the line of sight of the drawing&#39;s viewer, and through point PP, where the second supporting arm  22  is attached to the frame of the apparatus  40 . 
   The arm  21  is pivotably attached as known in the art to arm  22 . A first hydraulic cylinder  24  provides the force to facilitate pivoting movement of the arm  22  relative to the arm  21 . 
   The arm  22  is attached to and supports part of the weight of the reducing apparatus via attachment to a mounting flange assembly  51 . This mounting flange assembly essentially consists of two planar flanges extending upwardly from the frame of the apparatus and positioned in a spaced-apart manner such that they are substantially parallel. They each include two holes (see P 1  and P 2  in  FIG. 2A ) which are lined up so as to allow for the mounting of two elongate, cylindrical mounting pins (not shown) each of which extends into one hole of each of the flanges. The arm  22  is pivotably attached to one of these mounting pins (at location P 1  in  FIG. 2A ) and the floating link  27  is attached to the other mounting pin (at location P 2  in  FIG. 2A ). For purposes of reference, the dotted line DL in  FIG. 2B  shows the axis along which one of the pins extends, when installed. 
   The Reducing Apparatus  40   
   The reducing apparatus  40  according to the present invention is supported at the end of the multi-jointed supporting arm  22  of the excavator  20 . The reducing apparatus  40  is an assembly that includes multiple elements and provides the function of reducing wood or other vegetation. 
   The reducing apparatus  40  includes (but is not limited to) the following components:
           40  Reducing Apparatus     50  Reducing Apparatus Frame Assembly     51  Mounting Flange Assembly     60  Ninety (90) Degree Pivoting Connection (in second embodiment)     70  Reducing Apparatus Cylinder (a.k.a. “drum”)     80  (Linear) Hydraulic Cylinder     90  Cutting Elements     110  Containment Surface     130  First Anvil Plate     131  Second Anvil plate     140  Chain Guard Assembly     150  Trap Door     160  Hydraulic Motor     170  Overhung Load Adaptor     210  Cogged Belt Power Train Assembly     211  Belt and Pulley Cover     212  Cogged belt     214  Cogged belt pulleys     230  Wire Cutter Knives     240  Biasing Bracketry     250  Drum Shaft     270  Pinion gear (see  FIG. 5 )       

   These elements will be discussed in further detail below. It should be understood that alternative elements may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
   The Reducing Apparatus Frame  50   
   The reducing apparatus frame  50  (see  FIG. 2A ) is configured to be attached to the excavator and to provide support for the various elements of the reducing apparatus. This is done via a mounting flange assembly  51 . The mounting points P 1  and P 2  shown in  FIG. 2A  are the locations for elongate pins that extend therethrough and allow for pivotable attachment of the flange assembly  51  to the floating link  27  and the second supporting arm  22 , respectively. 
   It should be understood that in the first embodiment, the frame is substantially of one piece. However, in the second embodiment, shown in  FIG. 5 , the flange assembly  51  is attached to one portion of a pivoting connection (a turntable), and the other portion of the pivoting connection is attached to the main portion of the frame  50 . This allows for a ninety degree pivoting feature between the mounting flange assembly  51  and the drum, for example. 
   The 90 Degree Pivoting Connection  60   
   The 90 Degree Pivoting Connection  60  is shown only in  FIG. 5 . This configuration allows for a ninety degree pivoting feature between the mounting flange assembly  51  and the drum  70 . This is accomplished by the use of a ring and pinion gear, with the pinion gear being shown as  270  in  FIG. 5 . The ring gear  270  drives a ring gear or the like to provide rotation of the turntable. 
   The Reducing Apparatus Cylinder  70   
   The reducing cylinder  70  (a.k.a. drum  70 ) is a drum-shaped configuration as known in the art, and is configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis by use of bearings supported by the frame  50  such as known in the art. This drum rotates about its longitudinal axis with a plurality of spaced cutter teeth  90  attached to an exterior of the drum for engaging, grinding and chipping trees, brush and vegetation. 
   The Cutting Elements  90   
   A plurality of cutting elements  90  (a.k.a. “cutter teeth  90 ”) are attached to the circumferential surface of the drum  70 . Under one preferred embodiment of the invention, these cutting elements  90  are arranged in a plurality of rows spaced apart around the circumference of the drum  70 . 
   According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, adjacent ones of the rows are off-set to completely cover the cutting surface of the drum with cutting elements  90 . 
   The cutting elements  90  can be mounted to the drum by conventional means, such that rotation of the drum provides a cutting zone adjacent the circumferential surface of the drum so as to provide a reducing function. 
   The Containment Surface  110   
   According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the containment surface  110  partially enclosing the cutter drum is partially cylindrical and is positioned close to but not contacting the cutting elements  90  at an even spacing around said drum. 
   The surface  110  is spaced a generally consistent distance from the circumferential surface of the drum and contains two fixed anvil plates  130 ,  131  for the purpose of deflecting chips back onto the cutting elements  90  for further reduction in chip size. 
   It should be understood that the containment surface  110  is not completely cylindrical; it makes a 90 degree turn proximate one of the anvil plates. This creates a chipping zone at location  201  (see  FIG. 2B ). When the trap door is shut down as shown in, for example,  FIG. 2B , this creates a pocket in the housing; which can be considered a second chipping zone at  201 . Chains hanging down under there help hold the debris inside the shield. 
   The Anvil Plates  130 ,  131 ; The Mulch Zone  200   
   Two anvil plates  130 ,  131 , are attached to the frame  50  of the apparatus  40 . A first anvil plate  130  is positioned at the outer most point of the containment surface  110  extending downward at 90° to a point close to but not contacting cutter knives thereby creating a mulch cutting zone  200 . The other anvil plate  131  is located at the other end of the containment surface  110  covering the rotating drum at the bottom most portion of the containment surface  110  where the cutter knives enter the bottom most portion of the containment surface  110 . 
   The anvils have straight working edges, which are spaced approximately ½ inch from the outermost edges of the cutting elements. Said another way, provided is a shield covering a portion of said drum and comprising of a drum-conforming shape and flat end walls attached for containing the deflection of wood chips outwardly from said drum during operation, and the walls of said shield collectively defining an interior surface spaced apart from said cutter teeth and cooperating with said rotating drum to define a debris flow path through the device. 
   The Trap Door  150   
   A hydraulically activated trap door  150  is attached at the bottom rear of the containment surface  110  for the purpose of deflecting chips and debris outwardly and to trap debris under for grinding and chipping. This trap door is operated by use of a hydraulically driven cylinder  80 , between an up position as shown in  FIG. 3B , to a down position as shown in  FIG. 3A . 
   Under one method of operation, the trap door is positioned such that it is open and its edge goes all the way to the ground so when the machine is lowered to the ground, it traps the debris inside the housing inside and helps it mulch it up. 
   The Hydraulic Motor  160   
   A hydraulic motor  160  or other suitable drive means is used to drive the drum by the use of belts and pulleys described elsewhere. The hydraulic motor  160  is supplied with pressurized hydraulic fluid by use of a conventional hydraulic pump mounted to the frame of the excavator and which is itself driven by an internal combustion engine mounted at the rear of the excavator. 
   The Overhung Load Adaptor  170   
   According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, an overhung load adapter  170  is attached as shown in  FIGS. 2A , and  4  to the rear of the apparatus  40  for the purpose of transferring power from the hydraulic motor  160  to the main pulley drive. 
   The hydraulic motor is bolted directly to the overhung load adapter, which consists of big bearings inside with a shaft going through it into the drive pulley. 
   The Cogged Belt Power Train Assembly  210   
   According to yet another aspect of the invention, power is transferred from a main pulley  214  (which is attached to the overhung load adaptor) to a secondary pulley  214 , which is attached to main shaft of the rotating drum by a cogged belt  212 . 
   According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the main pulley drive and secondary drive pulley are cogged belt pulleys  214  to further increase efficiency and reduce belt slippage. 
   The Wire Cutter Knives  230   
     FIG. 7  illustrates an illustrative cutaway portion of the drum  70  having cutter teeth  90  thereon, and supported by a drum shaft  250 . As may be seen, the circumferential portion of the drum overhangs somewhat from the substantially round end plate, and wire cutters  230  (only one is shown in the Figure but another is contemplated for use on the opposing side of the drum). 
   These knives are intended to cut wire which may become entangled with the drum, or at least to trap the wire so that it does not become entangled within the apparatus. 
   According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the two wire cutter knives  230  are attached relatively rigidly to or relative to the frame assembly. 
   Biasing Bracketry  240   
   The reducing apparatus also includes biasing bracketry  240  (see  FIG. 2B ), which is part of the present invention, and which can be used by the operator to push up against trees or elongate shrubbery in order to “push it over” and bend it back somewhat so as to allow the drum to engage the vegetation, and such that the vegetation tends to be felled away from the direction of the operator. 
   It should be understood that the view of  FIG. 5  shows the turntable  60  rotated ninety degrees from its “home” position. Such rotation causes the longitudinal axis of the drum  70  to be oriented ninety degrees from its “home” position. 
   Hydraulics 
   As noted before, the hydraulics provided to the apparatus  40  are provided in one embodiment by a separate energy source, although such hydraulics could be taken from the excavator if the excavator power was adequate. Such hydraulics provides energy through hydraulics to the drum  70  by hydraulic supply means known in the art to allow the drum  70  to be rotated in either direction. Such hydraulics also provides energy to operate the cylinder. 
   Operation 
   The apparatus according to the present invention is operated such that the drum can be manipulated into various positions as needed. In one typical operating condition, the drum is positioned such that its rotational axis is pointed generally at the user (assuming the user is in the operator&#39;s cab), and the rotational axis of the drum is substantially horizontal. 
   However, by operating the first and second arms  21 ,  22  of the excavator  20 , the drum can be moved from the position shown in  FIG. 1  such that it&#39;s rotational axis is along RA, RA′ or RA″. 
   Furthermore, the optional ninety (90) degree pivoting feature allows for the drum to be pivoted such that the axis of the drum is substantially perpendicular to the view of the operator, and such that the exposed portion of the drum is directed substantially away from the operator. 
   The apparatus may also be understood to be manipulated such that it can chip standing trees “from the top down”. As may be understood, by suitable manipulation of the arm of the excavator, the cutting drum may be moved from the top of a tree all the way down, leaving a pile of chips where the tree once stood. 
   ELEMENTS 
   
       
       
         
             10  Overall Apparatus 
             20  Excavator 
             21  First Supporting Arm 
             21 C Hydraulic Cylinder 
             22  Second Supporting Arm 
             24  First Hydraulic Cylinder 
             25  Second Hydraulic Cylinder 
             26  Pivot Link 
             27  Floating Link 
             28  Main Portion 
             29  Track Assembly 
             40  Reducing Apparatus 
             50  Reducing Apparatus Frame Assembly 
             51  Mounting Flange Assembly 
             60  Ninety (90) Degree Pivoting Connection (second embodiment only) 
             70  Reducing Apparatus Cylinder (a.k.a. “drum”) 
             80  Hydraulic Cylinder 
             90  Cutting Elements 
             110  Containment Surface 
             130  First Anvil Plate 
             131  Second Anvil plate 
             140  Chain Guard Assembly 
             150  Trap Door 
             160  Hydraulic Motor 
             170  Overhung Load Adaptor 
             200  First Mulch Zone 
             201  Second Mulch Zone 
             210  Cogged Belt Power Train Assembly 
             211  Belt and Pulley Cover 
             212  Cogged belt 
             214  Cogged belt pulleys 
             230  Wire Cutter Knives 
             240  Biasing Bracketry 
             250  Drum Shaft 
             260  Bearing; 
             270  Pinion Gear 
         
       
     
  
   CONCLUSION 
   Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.