Patent ID: 7000706

Claim:
A net feeding and cutting system for a sod harvester having a conveyor upon which rolls of sod are formed, the sod being carried onto the conveyor on a layer of net, and wherein the conveyor is pivotable between a feed position and a raised net cutting position, said system comprising: a) a supply roll from which net is dispensed; b) a pair of feed rollers positioned to engage a portion of the net therebetween; c) a motor selectively operable to turn one of said feed rollers to eject a length of net onto the conveyor; d) a cutting blade mounted parallel to said feed rollers and pivotable between a retracted position and a cutting position; e) a shaft carrying said cutting blade; f) a lever arm extending radially outwardly from said shaft below the conveyor; and g) a spring urging said cutting blade into its net cutting position; wherein h) in its feed position the conveyor contacts said lever arm to overcome the action of said spring to retain said cutting blade in its retracted position and when moved to its net cutting position the conveyor allows said spring to move said cutting blade to its cutting position.