Patent Publication Number: US-2022212360-A1

Title: Handling and variable length processing of materials

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/133,904, filed on Jan. 5, 2021. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to an attachment for processing of a material, and more particularly, to an attachment for a powered vehicle that can manipulate and cut wooden materials. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
     The forestry and lumber industries are continually seeking to improve efficiency in processing wood. Various types of powered equipment and attachments can be employed. For example, various types of timber harvesting attachments can be coupled to a forestry work machine to perform a number of functions in connection with timber harvesting. Various assortments of attachments can be used in various processes, including attachments adapted to certain uses including felling a standing tree, grappling a felled tree, processing a felled tree by delimbing and/or debarking, and/or crosscutting the trunk or stem of the tree. Certain attachments are configured to operate on a single tree whereas other attachments are configured to operate on multiple felled trees. In harvesting and preparation of wood materials, it can be desirable to measure a diameter and/or a length of the material and determine an optimal position of saw cuts in order to maximize utility and value of the material. Likewise, partially processed logs as well as rough or even finished timber can require skidding or transport as well as further processing, including crosscutting, to produce wood materials having desired dimensions. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an attachment for a powered vehicle, such as a skid-steer, where the attachment can manipulate wood materials ranging from a log, rough timber, and even finished timber, allowing transport and/or loading of such materials, as well as further crosscutting to particular demands. 
     SUMMARY 
     In concordance with the instant disclosure, an attachment for handling and variable length processing of a material having a longitudinal axis that does not restrict engagement of the material due to a length of the material, which allows engagement of the material at various points along the longitudinal axis without structurally interfering with the length, and that does not require disengagement of the material to move the material along a linear travel path, is surprisingly discovered. 
     In one embodiment, an attachment for handling and variable length processing of a material having a longitudinal axis includes a material engagement assembly and a processing assembly. The material engagement assembly can be configured to engage the material about the longitudinal axis and can include a planar engagement surface and a curved engagement surface. The curved engagement surface can be configured to move relative to the planar engagement surface and engage the material therebetween. The processing assembly can be variably positionable along a portion of the longitudinal axis of the material when the material is engaged by the material engagement assembly. 
     In one example, no portion of the attachment is operable to restrict a length of the material along the longitudinal axis thereof when engaged by the material engagement assembly. 
     In other various examples, the material engagement assembly can include a grab having the planar engagement surface and the curved engagement surface, and/or the planar engagement surface can include a first planar portion and a second planar portion at a right angle relative to the first planar portion. The material engagement assembly can include a pair of planar tines having the planar engagement surface, wherein a crossmember can extend between the pair of curved tines. The processing assembly can include a saw configured to cut the material orthogonal to the longitudinal axis thereof when the material is engaged by the material engagement assembly. 
     In another example, the attachment can include a guide system configured to ascertain a processing location when the material is engaged by the material engagement assembly. 
     In another embodiment, an attachment for handling and variable length processing of a material having a longitudinal includes a frame having a front side, a material engagement assembly, a processing assembly, and an actuator. The material engagement assembly can include a planar engagement surface can be coupled to the front side of the frame and a top clamp defining a curved engagement surface, the top clamp can be pivotally coupled to the frame and pivot between an open position and a closed position relative to the planar engagement surface. The processing assembly can be slidably disposed relative to the material engagement assembly. The actuator can include a first end coupled to the frame and a second end coupled to the top clamp of the material engagement assembly. The actuator can be configured to pivotally move the top clamp between the open position and the closed position, wherein when the top clamp is in the closed position, the planar engagement surface and the curved engagement surface engages the material about the longitudinal axis therebetween without restricting a length of the material. 
     In one example, the top clamp can include a pair of curved tines having the curved engagement surface. A distance between the curved tines can decrease toward a distal end of the top clamp. 
     In other various examples, the processing assembly can include a saw configured to cut the material orthogonal to the longitudinal axis thereof when the material is engaged by the material engagement assembly. The attachment can further include a guide system configured to ascertain a processing location when the material is engaged by the material engagement assembly. 
     In another embodiment, an attachment for handling and variable length processing of a material having a longitudinal includes a frame having a front side, a material engagement assembly, an actuator, a roller system, and a processing assembly. 
     The material engagement assembly can include a top clamp pivotally coupled to the frame and pivot between an open position and a closed position. 
     The actuator can include a first end coupled to the frame and a second end coupled to the top clamp of the material engagement assembly. The actuator can be configured to pivotally move the top clamp between the open position and the closed position. The roller system can be rotationally coupled to the front side of the frame and the top clamp of the material engagement assembly. The processing assembly can be slidably disposed relative to the material engagement assembly. 
     When the top clamp is in the closed position, the material engagement assembly can engage the material about the longitudinal axis and the roller system can bear against and surround the material such that the roller system forms a linear travel path. The roller system can be configured to drive the material along the linear travel path without restricting a length of the material. 
     In one example, the roller system can drive the material along the linear travel path in at least one of a first direction toward the processing assembly and a second direction away from the processing assembly. 
     In another example, the roller system can include a plurality of roller devices, each roller device can have a shaft and a row of guide rollers mounted on the shaft. The row of guide rollers of each of the plurality of roller devices can include outer guide rollers and inner guide rollers. The outer guide rollers can define a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the inner guide rollers such that the row of guide rollers forms a concave shape corresponding to an outer surface of the material. 
     In other various examples, the processing assembly can include a saw configured to cut the material orthogonal to the longitudinal axis thereof when the material is engaged by the material engagement assembly. The attachment can further include a guide system configured to ascertain a processing location when the material is engaged by the material engagement assembly. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an attachment for handling and variable length processing of a wooden material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the attachment of  FIG. 1 , depicting the attachment engaging a log; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear elevational view of the attachment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevational view of an attachment according to the present disclosure, depicting a frame having a solid structure; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear elevational view of the attachment of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an attachment having a rolling assembly for handling and variable length processing of a wooden material according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the attachment of  FIG. 4 , depicting the attachment engaging a log; 
         FIG. 8  is a left-side elevational view of the attachment of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a right-side elevational view of the attachment of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of a top clamp according to the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 11  is a rear elevational view of a top clamp according to the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture, and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as can be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps can be simultaneously performed. 
     The terms “a” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items can be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. The term “about” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and/or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and/or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that can arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters. 
     Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments can alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. 
     Disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter can define endpoints for a range of values that can be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X can have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping, or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X can have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, and so on. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers can be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there can be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, can be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms can be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below”, or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     The present technology is drawn to improved attachments for a powered vehicle, such as a skid-steer, where the attachment can manipulate wood materials ranging from a log, rough timber, and even finished timber, allowing transport and/or loading of such materials, as well as further crosscutting to particular demands. Uses of such attachments are also provided. For example, the attachment can be coupled to wheeled and/or tracked vehicles or carriers, especially articulating loaders, skid steer loaders, etc., capable of handling lumber, logs, poles, pallets, and any material suitable for pallet/lumber or log forks by using a material engagement assembly that can include a top clamp or grapple to engage and secure the material. The attachment is accordingly capable of crosscutting or saw bucking tree length stems after being limbed and topped and can also be employed in crosscutting lumber, cants, railroad ties, flitches, and/or any wood materials or products in need of crosscutting at variable positions. Operation of such attachments can include crosscutting or saw bucking with a hydraulic powered chain and saw bar, measuring and marking tree length timber into log lengths by engaging and clamping on forks/tines with top clamp, and side shift adjusting the position of the processing saw on a desired mark with a guiding system such as a camera, then cutting the material into one or more desired lengths. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , an attachment  20  for handling and variable length processing of a material  28  having a longitudinal axis L is shown. The attachment  20  includes a frame  22 , a material engagement assembly  24  coupled to the frame  22 , and a processing assembly  26  coupled to one end of the frame  22 . The material engagement assembly  24  is configured for engaging the material  28  about the longitudinal axis L thereof and the processing assembly  26  is configured to be variably positionable along a portion of the longitudinal axis L of the material  28  when the material  28  is engaged by the material engagement assembly  24 . 
     The attachment  20  can be coupled to a powered vehicle ( FIG. 2 ) and used to handle various wood materials  28  ranging from a log, rough timber, and even finished timber, where such wood materials  28  can be transported and/or loaded, as well as where such wood materials  28  can be crosscut at one or more selected variable points. 
     Aspects of the attachment  20  provided herein include where no portion of the attachment  20  is operable to restrict a length of the material  28  along the longitudinal axis L thereof when engaged by the material engagement assembly  24 . For example, the material engagement assembly  24  can engage the material  28  at various points along the longitudinal axis L thereof without any structure of the attachment  20  interfering with any length of the material  28 . Configuration of the material engagement assembly  24  can therefore be absent of any obstruction or portion that would conflict with an extension of the longitudinal axis L of the material  28 , at any point along the material  28  or at any point along the longitudinal axis L extending beyond the material  28 . In this way, the attachment  20  has no restriction on the position and/or length of material  28  engageable by the material engagement assembly  24 . Certain types of attachments, other than those provided herein, can have an end plate or butt plate for stacking one or more wooden materials against, thereby providing a defined end point of the length and longitudinal axis L of the material  28 . Stacking multiple wooden materials against such a plate can allow a common end point for the multiple materials  28 , where combined crosscutting results in processed materials all having a common length. The attachment  20  of the present disclosure, however, has no restriction on the length of the material  28  relative to the material engagement assembly  24  so that a log, rough timber, or finished timber (e.g., lumber, board, plank, etc.) can be processed at almost any point along a length thereof. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the frame  22  includes a front side  30 , a back side  32 , and vertical support members  34  disposed at opposing ends  36  and configured to support the material engagement assembly  24 . The frame  22  is shown as a generally rectangular structure. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 3 , in one example, the frame  22  can include a plurality of tubular support beams  38  extending longitudinally and across the vertical support members  34 , wherein each tubular support beam  38  has a generally square cross-section  39  ( FIG. 1 ). It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan can scale the shape, size and number of support beans, as desired. In a non-limiting example, the frame  22  can include cylindrical support beams having a circular cross-section. 
     The frame  22  can include a track system  120  coupled to the processing assembly  26  for adjusting the position of the processing assembly  26  about the longitudinal axis L of the material  28  when the material  28  is engaged by the material engagement assembly  24 . As best shown in  FIG. 3 , the track system  120  includes an upper outer beam  122 , an upper inner beam  124 , a lower outer beam  126 , and a lower inner beam  128 . The upper inner beam  124  is configured to be detachably coupled to and slidingly engaged with the upper outer beam  122  to permit the upper inner beam  124  to extend or telescope from the upper outer beam  122 . Likewise, the lower inner beam  128  is configured to be detachably coupled to and slidingly engaged with the lower outer beam  126  to permit the lower inner beam  128  to extend or telescope from the lower outer beam  126 . The processing assembly  26  can be coupled to the track system  120  via an attachment assembly  132  ( FIG. 1 ). In this way, the telescoping track system  120  provides the attachment  20  with a variable length to allow the processing assembly  26  to be variably positionable along the portion of the longitudinal axis L of the material  28  when the material  28  is engaged by the material engagement assembly  24 . 
     The track system  120  can be powered in various ways to control the telescoping movement of the upper inner beam  124  and lower inner beam  128 . In one example, the attachment  20  includes hydraulically powering the track system  120 . A hydraulic cylinder  130  is provide that is adapted to control the telescoping movement of the upper inner beam  124  and lower inner beam  128 , thereby controlling the position of the processing assembly  26 . 
     It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan can employ any track system known in the art suitable for permitting the processing assembly  26  to be variably positionable, as desired. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that a skilled artisan can employ a frame  22  having any configuration known in the art that is suitable for supporting the material engagement assembly  24  and/or the processing assembly  26 , as desired. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , the frame  22  can include a solid structure  39  extending between the vertical support members  34 . 
     The material engagement assembly  24  includes a planar engagement surface  40  and a curved engagement surface  42  (best shown in  FIG. 3 ) configured to move relative to the planar engagement surface  40  to engage the material  28  therebetween. In one example, the material engagement assembly  24  can include a grab  44  having the planar engagement surface  40  and the curved engagement surface  42 . The grab  44  can include various numbers of tines, hooks, jaws, bucket portions, and other articulating surfaces to engage the material  28 . 
     In the example shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the material engagement assembly  24  includes a pair of planar tines  46  having the planar engagement surface  40  and a top clamp  48  having the curved engagement surface  42 . The pair of planar tines  46  can be parallel relative to each other and are coupled at opposing ends  36  of the frame  22  and each planar tine  46  includes a first planar portion  50  and a second planar portion  52  at a right angle relative to the first planar portion  50 . In this way, the second planar portion  52  of each planar tine  46  can be coupled to the front side  30  of the frame  22  such that the first planar portion  50  extends from a bottom end  54  of the second planar portion  52  and away from the frame  22 . The first planar portion  50  includes a bottom  56  that is configured to engage a ground surface or floor of a work site. 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 10-11 , the top clamp  48  includes a proximal end  58 , a distal end  60 , and an inner concave edge  62  ( FIG. 11 ) defining the curved engagement surface  42 . The curved engagement surface  42  is configured to bear against and stabilize the material  28  while the material  28  is being cut, which is described in greater detail below. 
     In one example, the top clamp  48  can include a pair of curved tines  64  and a crossmember  66  therebetween. A distance between the pair of curved tines  64  can decrease towards the distal end  60  of the top clamp  48 . The crossmember  66  can be disposed between the pair of curved tines  64  to provide additional structural stability for engagement with the material  28 . In one example, the top clamp  48  includes a plurality of crossmembers  66  including a distal end crossmember  68  and a central crossmember  70 . It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan can scale the number and location of the crossmember  66  depending on the size of the top clamp  48 , as desired. 
     The top clamp  48  is configured to be pivotally coupled to a top portion  72  of the frame  22  via a hinged connection. More specifically, the proximal end  58  of each curved tine  64  is coupled to the top portion  72  of the frame  22  via a hinge assembly  76  that is adapted to facilitate pivotal movement of the top clamp  48  relative to the frame  22  about a substantially horizontal axis X of rotation for vertical-lift rotation, as shown by arrow A ( FIG. 8 ). The vertical-lift rotation allows the top clamp  48  to pivot between an open position ( FIG. 1 ) and a closed position ( FIG. 2 ). The closed position includes a fully closed position and any intermediate position between the open position and fully closed position, which is described in greater detail below. 
     The material engagement assembly  24  can be powered in various ways to control the pivotal movement of the top clamp  48  so that the curved engagement surface  42  moves relative to the planar engagement surface  40 . In one example, the attachment  20  includes hydraulically powering the material engagement assembly  24 . In this non-limiting example, a hydraulic actuator  78  is provided that is adapted to control the pivotal movement of the top clamp  48  about the horizontal axis X of rotation, thereby controlling engagement of the material  28  between the curved engagement surface  42  and planar engagement surface  40 . A hydraulic actuator  78  can be provided for each one of the curved tines  64 , wherein each hydraulic actuator  78  includes a first end  80  connected to a respective curved tine  64  via a hinged connection and a second end  82  connected to the frame  22  via a hinged connection. In one example, the hydraulic actuator  78  can be disposed substantially parallel to its respective curved tine  64  ( FIG. 1 ). Alternatively, the hydraulic actuator  78  can be disposed in the vertical support members  34  of the frame  22  ( FIG. 5 ). It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may employ other types of actuators for controlling pivotal movement of the top clamp  48 , as desired. Non-limiting examples include pneumatic actuators and mechanical actuators, among others. 
     In operation, extension or retraction of the hydraulic actuator  78  causes the top clamp  48  to pivot between the open position and the closed position or intermediate position to permit engagement and disengagement of the material  28 . In the open position, the top clamp  48  is vertically lifted in a direction away from the pair of planar tines  46  such that the top clamp  48  is disengaged with the material  28  thereby allowing the material  28  (e.g., a log) to be loaded onto or removed from the material engagement assembly  24 , and more specifically, allowing the material  28  to be loaded onto or removed from a portion of the planar engagement surface  40  of the pair of planar tines  46 . Where the material  28  is loaded onto the pair of planar tines  46 , extension or retraction of the hydraulic actuator  78  causes the top clamp  48  to pivot about the horizontal axis X of rotation in a direction toward the pair of planar tines  46  until the curved engagement surface  42  of the top clamp  48  bears against the material  28  such that the material  28  is engaged with and retained between the curved engagement surface  42  and the planar engagement surface  40  (e.g., closed position). In the closed position, the position of the top clamp  48  is determined by the size and/or amount of material  28  being retained and can include the fully closed position and any intermediate position between the open position and fully closed position. For example, the top clamp  48  may be in the fully closed position when retaining a small log having a small diameter and in an intermediate position when retaining a larger log having a larger diameter. As such, when the top clamp  48  is in the fully closed position, the distance between the curved engagement surface  42  and planar engagement surface  40  is less than the distance between curved engagement surface  42  and planar engagement surface  40  when the top clamp  48  is in an intermediate position. 
     Referring  FIGS. 1-4 and 6 , the processing assembly  26  is configured to be variably positionable along a portion of the longitudinal axis L of the material  28  when the material  28  is engaged by the material engagement assembly  24 . The processing assembly  26  can be slidably disposed proximate one of the opposing ends  36  of the frame  22  relative to the material engagement assembly  24 . The processing assembly  26  can be laterally positioned relative to the material engagement assembly  24  such that the processing assembly  26  can be translated along the longitudinal axis L of the material  28  to a desired processing point. The processing assembly  26  can include a casing  84  slidably disposed proximate an end  36  of the frame and a saw  86  pivotally coupled to the casing  84 . 
     In one example, as described above, the processing assembly  26  can be slidably coupled to the frame  22  via the attachment assembly  132 . More specifically, the casing  84  of the attachment assembly  132  can be coupled to the upper inner beam  124  and the lower inner beam  128  of the track system  120  via the attachment assembly  132 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the attachment assembly  132  can include a mounting plate  134  affixed to the upper and lower inner beams  124 ,  128  and the casing  84 . In this way, the telescoping feature of the track system  120  permits the attached processing assembly  26  to be variably positionable as the upper and lower inner beams  124 ,  128  extends from and/or retracts into the upper and lower outer beams  122 ,  126 , respectively. 
     It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan can use any attachment means known in the art suitable for attaching the casing  84  to the upper and lower inner beams  124 ,  128 , as desired. Non-limiting examples include welding, fastening, and soldering, among others. 
     The saw  86  is configured to be movable between a retracted position ( FIG. 4 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 9 ) to cut the material  28  orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L thereof when the material  28  is engaged by the material engagement assembly  24 . Examples of the saw include a chain saw, a circular saw, and a reciprocating saw. The saw  86  can be powered in various ways and in one example, the saw  86  is driven by a hydraulic motor  88 . A hydraulic cylinder  90  can be provided to facilitate and control the pivotal movement of the saw  86  about a substantially horizontal pivot axis X2 of rotation ( FIGS. 2 and 4 ), thereby controlling the retraction and extension of the saw  86 . 
     In operation, when the material  28  is engaged and retained by the material engagement assembly  24 , the casing  84  of the processing assembly  26  can slide along the longitudinal axis L of the material  28  via the track system  120  thereby permitting side shift adjustment of the position of the casing  84  and therefore the saw  86  to a desired mark. Advantageously, in this way, the material  28  can be processed without adjusting the position of the material  28  within the material engagement assembly  24 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-11 , the attachment  20  can include a roller system  92  configured to drive the material  28  through the material engagement assembly  24  along a substantially linear travel path, as shown by arrow B ( FIG. 7 ). The linear travel path can correspond to the longitudinal axis L of the material  28 . The roller system  92  can be configured to permit the material  28  to travel along the linear travel path in a first direction toward the processing assembly  26  and a second direction away from the processing assembly  26 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 8-9 , in one example, the roller system  92  can be configured to be rotationally coupled to the frame  22  and the top clamp  48  of the material engagement assembly  24  to drive the material  28  through the material engagement assembly  24 . 
     The roller system  92  can include a plurality of roller devices  94 , each roller device  94  having a shaft  96  mounted to a rotatable arm and a row of guide rollers  98  mounted on the shaft  96 . The row of guide rollers  98  can include outer guide rollers  100  and inner guide rollers  102  disposed between the outer guide rollers  100 . In one example shown in  FIG. 10 , the outer guide rollers  100  define a diameter D 1  that is larger than a diameter D 2  of the of the inner guide rollers  102  such that the row of guide rollers  98  forms a concave or crescent shape corresponding to a curved outer surface  104  of the material  28 . In a further example, the outer guide rollers  100  can be the same size and the inner guide rollers  102  can be the same size. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan can scale the size and location of the guide rollers, as desired, to conform to a shape of the material  28 . 
     In operation, actuation of the roller system  92  causes the plurality of roller devices  94  to rotate via the rotatable arm. In one example, the roller system  92  is hydraulically powered and includes a hydraulic motor adapted to control rotational movement of the plurality of roller devices  94  to drive the material  28  along the linear travel path in the first direction and the second direction. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may employ other suitable means known in the art to power the roller system  92 , as desired. 
     Each guide roller  98  in the row of guide rollers  98  can be serrated ( FIG. 11 ) for increased grip of the material  28  and to facilitate driving the material through the material engagement assembly  24 . It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may scale the size and shape of the guide rollers  98 , as desired, to conform to the material  28  being cut. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , in one example, the attachment  20  can include roller devices  94  disposed on the frame  22  and roller devices  94  disposed on the top clamp  48 . More specifically, two roller devices  94  are disposed along the front side  30  of the frame  22  between the second planar portion  52  of the pair of planar tines  46  and two roller devices  94  are disposed along the inner concave edge  62  of the top clamp  48 . In this way, the plurality of roller devices  94  are mounted to the frame  22  and top clamp  48  such that the linear travel path, as shown by arrow B ( FIG. 7 ), in which the material  28  travels is defined by the row of guide rollers  98  of each roller device  94 . Furthermore, the concave or crescent shape of each guide roller  98  formed by the varying diameters between outer guide rollers  100  and inner guide rollers  102  collectively creates a shape of the linear travel path that corresponds to a shape of the material  28 . 
     It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan can scale the location of the roller devices  94 , as desired. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the top clamp  48  includes a pair of roller devices  94  attached to and extending from the distal end crossmember  68  to the central crossmember  70  such that one end of each roller device  94  is disposed near the distal end  60  of the top clamp  48 . In a further example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the top clamp  48  includes a pair of roller devices  94  attached to and extending from a proximal end crossmember  69  to the central crossmember  70  such that one end of each roller device  94  is disposed near the proximal end  58  of the top clamp  48 . 
     In operation, extension or retraction of the hydraulic actuator  78  causes the top clamp  48  to pivot about the horizontal axis X in a direction away from the pair of planar tines  46  until the top clamp  48  reaches the open position thereby permitting the material  28  to be loaded. Once loaded, extension or retraction of the hydraulic actuator  78  causes the top clamp  48  to pivot about the horizontal axis X in a direction toward the pair of planar tines  46  until the roller devices  94  disposed on the top clamp  48  bears against the material  28  such that the material is engaged with and secured between the roller devices  94  of the top clamp  48  and pair of planar tines  46  (e.g., the closed position). In the closed position, the plurality of roller devices  94  engage with and surround the material  28  thereby creating the linear travel path. The material  28  can be moved in a selected direction via the hydraulic motor. For example, the hydraulic motor can drive the material  28  in the first direction toward the processing assembly  26  to permit crosscutting of the material  28  via the saw  86 . Alternatively, the hydraulic motor can drive the material  28  in the second direction away from the processing assembly  26 . 
     Advantageously, the roller system  92  drives the material  28  through the material engagement assembly  24  without requiring a user to disengage the material after every cut and thus allows crosscutting the material  28  more efficiently. Furthermore, no portion of the attachment  20  provided herein restricts the length of the material  28  along the longitudinal axis L thereof when the material  28  is engaged by the material engagement assembly  24 . As such, the material engagement assembly  24  can engage the material  28  at various points along the longitudinal axis L thereof without any structure of the attachment  20  interfering with any length of the material  28  or restricting a length of the material  28 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 4 , the attachment  20  can further include a guide system  106  configured to ascertain a processing location when the processing assembly  26  is positioned along a portion of the longitudinal axis L of the material  28 , when the material  28  is engaged by the material engagement assembly  24 . The guide system  106  can include a camera  108  configured to transmit an image of the processing location. For example, the camera  108  can transmit the image to a display in the powered vehicle to which the attachment  20  is coupled. In this way, the vehicle operator can view the image to better ascertain a desired processing point of the material  28 . The material  28  (e.g., log, rough timber, lumber, board, plank, etc.) can be premarked for processing, where the operator can identify one or more markings using the guide system  106 . Alternatively, the operator can use the guide system  106  to measure and/or locate a desired processing location based upon processing criteria. The guide system  106  can be disposed on the processing assembly  26 . The guide system  106  can include projecting a processing location (e.g., cutting location) onto the material using a light (e.g., laser) or the guide system  106  can provide a phantom or virtual image of a processing location in the image provided on the display. Certain embodiments include where the processing assembly  26  includes a saw  86  and a casing  84 , where the saw  86  is configured to cut the material  28  orthogonal to the longitudinal axis thereof when the material  28  is engaged by the material engagement assembly  24 , the saw  86  at least partially covered by the casing  84  when not in use, and where the guide system  106  can be coupled to the casing  84 . 
     The guide system  106  can further include a measuring device disposed on the roller system  92  to measure data (e.g., length) and/or locate the desired processing location based upon processing criteria. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the attachment  20  of the present disclosure can be provided on a powered vehicle  110 . For example, the attachment  20  can be adapted for coupling to various wheeled and/or tracked vehicles or carriers, including articulating loaders, skid steer loaders, forklifts, tractors, etc. In this way, preexisting equipment can be outfitted with the attachment, as well as other attachments (e.g., buckets, grapples, blades, etc.). It is also possible to have a powered vehicle  110  dedicated for use with the attachment  20  for handling and variable length processing of a material  28  having a longitudinal axis L. The attachment  20  can be reversibly coupled to the powered vehicle  110 , allowing removal for replacement or maintenance thereof, or exchange with a differently configured attachment. 
     Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, compositions and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results. 
     While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for purposes of illustrating the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure, which is further described in the following appended claims.