Patent ID: 7086435

Claim:
A tree harvesting apparatus comprising: (a) an adjustably positionable and extendable boom having an outer end suited for mounting a tree harvesting apparatus having gripping and cutting means; (b) gripping means mounted on said boom's outer end as part of said apparatus and arranged for gripping an upper uncut portion of a standing tree at at least one location above a selected intended line of cut extending through the width of the tree, said gripping means being remotely operable at ground level; (c) cutting means mounted on said boom's outer end as part of said apparatus, located below said gripping means and being adapted for cutting said tree at said selected line of cut to produce a cut portion thereabove, said cutting means being remotely operable at ground level; (d) means for operating said gripping means in a manner which enables the weight of said cut portion to be placed on said outer end of said boom; and (e) weighing means in operative association with said apparatus and said boom's outer end proximate said gripping means for developing a signal at ground level indicative of the weight of the said cut portion and converting said signal to a form suited to alerting the operator of said apparatus whenever said weight exceeds some predetermined safe level.