CA2343911A1 - Tree planting mound preparation apparatus - Google Patents
Tree planting mound preparation apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- CA2343911A1 CA2343911A1 CA 2343911 CA2343911A CA2343911A1 CA 2343911 A1 CA2343911 A1 CA 2343911A1 CA 2343911 CA2343911 CA 2343911 CA 2343911 A CA2343911 A CA 2343911A CA 2343911 A1 CA2343911 A1 CA 2343911A1
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- frame
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- soil
- shanks
- discs
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- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 79
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000251730 Chondrichthyes Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001236644 Lavinia Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000656145 Thyrsites atun Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009367 silviculture Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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- Soil Working Implements (AREA)
Abstract
An apparatus for preparing mounds of soil for planting trees thereon that is adapted for attachment to a manipulating boom end includes a frame attachable to the end of a manipulating boom end such that the frame is movable forward and rear-ward, and up and down to selectively engage the apparatus with the ground. A
plurality of laterally spaced shanks is attached to the frame along the front end thereof, extending a distance down from the frame. A soil mounding device, such as a scoop, discs, or the like, is attached under the frame behind the shanks such that same moves soil forward while the apparatus is engaged with the ground.
plurality of laterally spaced shanks is attached to the frame along the front end thereof, extending a distance down from the frame. A soil mounding device, such as a scoop, discs, or the like, is attached under the frame behind the shanks such that same moves soil forward while the apparatus is engaged with the ground.
Description
F&K 813-02-02 TREE PLANTING MOUND PREPARATION APPARATUS
This invention is in the field of silviculture equipment and in particular such equipment that is used to prepare ~~ soil for planting trees.
BACKGROUND
When trees are harvested from a site, there is commonly considerable residue left on the site such as stumps, roots, limbs and the like which make it difficult to properly prepare the ground for planting new tree seedlings. Where the around is very wet, or in hilly 1~> terrain, conventional towed cultivation equipment is often not suitable.
As trees are generally planted on a grid, it is only necessary to prepare a small area of ground, or "spot", zo where the seedling tree' will be planted, out of the total ground surface. The majority of the ground does not need any preparation. In recognition of this, spot cultivators F&K 813-02-02 have been developed which prepare the small area of ground where a tree is to be planted, and then are lifted and dropped down to prepare the next spot. Commonly these are mounted on t:he end of a. manipulating boom, commonly a back-s. hoe boom for easy placement, and movement from spot to spot. Tracked back-hoes, or track-hoes, are best suited for the terrain, and generally have greater clearance for movement thr~~ugh the debris. Front-end loaders, three-point hitches and the like may also provide a manipulating lc~ boom suitable for some spot cultivators, however the extra manoeuvrability of a back-hoe boom allows for the fast placement of the spot cultivator in a plurality of spots without moving the vehicle itself.
m~ Ideally, a tree planting spot is a raised mound of soil that is free from root; and debris that can cause the spot to dry out quickly. The mound is especially necessary in wet ground that is subject to flooding, so that the seedling tree is not drowned by standing water.
Present spot cultivator- devices are available wherein a concave disc is attached to the edge of the bottom of a F&K 81.3-02-02 rotatable drum, and a :pike extends from the center of the bottom of the drum. Forks are mounted on the device such that the operator first. pushes the debris away from the spot, then lowers the rotatable drum so that the spike is pushed into the ground, and the disc engages the ground.
The drum is then rotated and the disc moves in a circle about the spike, throwing soil towards the centre of the spot to create the desired mound. These rotating drum spot cultivators are expensive to build and maintain. Preparing l a proper spot requires two separate movements of the boom, first one to clear the debris, and a second movement to sink the spike and prepare the spot.
Spot cultivators are also known which comprise a pair of la concave discs arranged to throw soil towards the center as they are pulled through the soil, creating an elongated worked bed. The discs are offset in the line of travel such that soil moved towards the center by the disc on one side doesn't contact the oppositely moving soil from the zo disc on the other side, but rather the soil thrown by one disc lands on the ground, and the soil from the other disc lands on toy of it. Again forks are mounted on the device F&K 813-02-02 such that the operator first pushes the debris away from the spot, then lowers the discs and pulls them towards the back-hoe, creating a mound of some length, but of limited height. Again, preparing a proper spot requires two s separate movf=_ments of the boom.
Conventional spot cultivators require that the manipulating boom end be pushed away from the boom vehicle in order to clear debris. Most back-hoes are designed to exert the to maximum ford=_ on the boom end towards the vehicle, in the most common digging direction, with the result that maximum force is not exerted when clearing debris. This movement away from tha_ vehicle t.a clear debris causes stress in the manipulating boom that it was not designed for, since when 1~, digging the movement away is not commonly used.
United States Patent Number 4,899,829 discloses an apparatus which deposits soil on a forest floor, into which soil trees m.ay be planted.
z ci SUMMARY OF T~iE INVENTION
F&K 813-02-02 It is the object of then present invention to provide an apparatus for preparing mounds for planting trees that is economical to build and maintain, and which allows such ~~ mounds to be made quick=ly.
It is a further object of the invention to provide such an apparatus that forms higher mounds than those formed by prior art spot cultivators.
m The inventio:rl provides an apparatus for preparing mounds of soil for planting tree~> thereon that is adapted for attachment to a manipulating boom end. A frame, including front and rear ends, and right and left sides, is 1~~ attachable to the boom end such that the frame is movable forward and rear-ward along a travel axis extending along a center of the frame, arid is movable up and down to selectively engage the apparatus with the ground. A
plurality of laterally spaced shanks is attached to the ao frame along the front E:nd thereof, extending a distance down from the frame. A soil mounding device is attached F&K 813-02-02 under the frame behind the shanks such that soil is moved forward whip= the apparatus is engaged with the ground.
The soil mounding device could be a scoop, discs or the ~, like. A V-sh,~ped scoop could be attached behind the shanks.
Alternately, a pair of opposed concave discs could be rotatably attached under the frame behind the shanks such that the con~~ave discs move soil forward and towards each other and toward the travel a:~is as the frame is moved is forward whip= the apparatus is engaged with the ground.
Where a higher mound is desired, a scoop may be attached to the frame and extend down from the frame adjacent a rear edge of the ~~oncave discs such that soil moved toward the 1=_. travel axis by the concave discs is substantially maintained between them as they move forward.
In operation, the frame is attached to a back-hoe boom or the like. The frame i~: lowered to the ground and some 20 downward force from they manipulating boom is applied. As the boom end and frame are moved forward the shanks dig into the ground and rake debris forward in front of the F&K 813-02-02 shanks. The following soil mounding device engages the ground and pushes soil forwards in the middle of the path of the frame on the travel axis. After moving a short distance, 3 to 4 feet, through the soil, the frame is ~; lifted off the ground and soil gathered by the soil mounding device falls out the bottom of the apparatus and forms a mound suitable for planting a tree.
Where debris is heavy, the frame is tilted down at the to front end so that the shanks engage and clear the debris first, then as the frame is moved ahead, the rear end is lowered so that the soil mounding device engages the cleared spot. In practice, with an experienced operator and proper boom manipulation, the movement of the boom is m~ quick and smooth, allowing fast preparation of a tree planting mounds.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the F&K 813-02-02 accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
Fig. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention wherein the soil mounding device comprises a scoop a:nd discs;
la Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a front view of the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Figs. 4 - 4C schematically illustrate the operation of 1_==. an alternate embodiment of the invention wherein the soil mounding device comprises discs alone;
Figs. 5 - 5C schematically illustrate the operation of the embodiment of Fig. 1;
z ci F&K 813-02-02 Figs. 6 - 6B are side, rear and bottom views respectively of an. embodiment wherein the soil moundin~~ device comprises a scoop alone;
s Fig. 7 illustrates the embodiment of Fig. 1 mounted on a track-hoe;
Fig. 8 illustrates a multiple frame for mounting two apparatuses.
1 c~
DETAILED DESORIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS:
Figs. 1, 2 and 3 illustrate an apparatus 1 for preparing 1~~ mounds of soil 20 for planting trees thereon. The apparatus 1 is adapted for attachment to a manipulating boom end and comprises a frame 3 including front and rear ends 3A, 3B, and right and left sides 3R, 3L. The manipulating boom end will typically be a back-hoe boom end 20 2 so that the frame 3 is movable forward and rear-ward along a travel axis TA extending along substantially the center of th.e frame 3, and is also movable up and down to F&K 813-02-02 selectively ~=ngage the apparatus 1 with the ground 4.
Other manipulating boom ends, such as a front-end loader or one mounted ~en a three-point hitch or the like, could be utilized as well, and all such manipulating boom ends are ~, considered t~e fall within the scope of the disclosed invention. ~~nly a relatively short stroke is required, such that the tilt function on a front-end loader could suitably provide the required movement, or the vehicle could be moved a short distance. A back-hoe boom end is m preferred.
On a back-hoe boom end 2, the frame 3 is attached in place of the bucket, and so t:he frame 3 is pivotally attached to the boom end 2 about a horizontal pivot axis PA along pivot 1, pin 5, substantially perpendicular to the travel axis TA
such that the frame 3 is tiltable about the horizontal pivot axis PA in response to extension or retraction of tilt cylinder 15. The frame 3 may be tilted down at the front so that the front end 3A thereof is lower than the 2o rear end 3B thereof F&K 813-02-02 A plurality of laterally spaced shanks 6 are attached to the frame 3 along the front end 3A thereof. The shanks extend a distance down from the frame 3 which distance is individually adjusted by placing shank pin 16 into one of a ~~ plurality of shank holes 17 on each shank 6. A central shank 6C is located substantially on the travel axis TA, and includes a soil fracturing wing 18. The soil fracturing wing 18 comprises <~ wing member 19 extending from each side of a lower portion of the central shank 6C
m and sloping upwards from a front end 19A thereof to a rear end 19B thereof.
The central shank 6C arid wing 18 are located somewhat lower in the illustrations tc> demonstrate the position generally i~~ used where it is desired to fracture hard-pan below the soil surface. Pressure' on the frame 3 is applied with boom end 2, which, coupled with the soil penetrating shape of the lower end of the central shank 6C, causes the central shank 6C to penetrate t:he hard-pan. The wing 18 lifts the 2o hard-pan and fractures it. T:he central shank 6C is located in the middle of the apparatus 1 on the travel axis TA so that the fractured soi7_ is directly below the center of the F&K 813-02-02 mound 21 of soil 20. The roots of a tree seedling planted on the mound 21 can then penetrate the fractured hard-pan, promoting growth.
A soil mounding device is mounted on the frame 3 extending down from th~~ frame 3 behind the shanks 6, and is adapted to move soil in a forward direction when engaged with the ground. The soil mounding device could be a scoop, disc or discs, or other conventional device which will move soil lc~ forward when engaged therewith. The shanks remove debris from the site and all that is required is a device coming along behind to move sc>il into a mound. For various conditions of debris, :oil, and so forth, different soil mounding devices might be used.
1 ~~
For example in Figs. 6 - 6B, a V-shaped scoop lOV is attached to the frame and extends down behind the shanks 6. The horizontally opposed legs of the scoop lOV move soil in a forward direction when engaged with the ground, 2o and maintain the soil in the center of the apparatus. In some situations this simple configuration could suffice to make a satisfactory mound of considerable height. The soil F&K 813-02-02 20 that is cleared and loosened by the shanks 6 will be moved forward and towards the center of the V, and the mound 21 will rise until the soil spills over the top of the scoop 10. Raising the scoop lOV then will allow the ~s soil 20 to drop out the' bottom to form a mound 21. A U-shaped or other scoop configuration could be satisfactary for the purpose, depending on soil conditions and so forth.
Alternately, in Fig. 1 a pair of opposed concave discs 7 to are rotatably attached under the frame 3 behind the shanks 6 such that the concave' discs 7 move soil 20 towards each other and toward the travel axis TA as the frame 3 is moved forward while the apparatus 1 is engaged with the ground 4.
m~ The pair of opposed concave discs 7 includes a left concave disc 7L rotatably attached by a disc bracket 13 to the left side 3L of the frame 3 such that a concave side 8 thereof faces generally forward and towards the right side 3R of the frame 3, and a right concave disc 7R rotatably attached a~ by a second disc bracket 13 to the right side 3R of the frame 3 such. that a concave side 8 thereof faces generally forward and towards the=_ left side 3L of the frame 3, and F&K 813-02-02 such that the center 9R. of the right disc 7R and the center 9L of the le:Et disc 7L are located on a substantially horizontal lane HL that is substantially perpendicular to the travel a:~is TA. The right and left discs 7R, 7L are s thus directl~~ opposed.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 - 3, the disc axes of rotation DAR, DAL of the right and left concave discs 7R, 7L are angled down an the concave side 8 of each disc.
to This somewhat improves penetration and mounding.
In the illustrated orientation, when the concave discs 7 engage the ground, they move soil 20 forward and towards the middle of the apparatus 1, and directly towards each m~ other with t:he result that soil 20 is mounded between them.
It is contemplated that. the rear edges 11 of the discs 7 could be positioned c1c>se together such that most of the soil moved will be trapped between the discs 7, making a 20 higher mound, however i.t is contemplated that the addition of a scoop 10 will be f>referred where higher mounds are desired.
F&K 81.3-02-02 Scoop 10 is attached to the frame 3 extending down from the frame 3 adjacent a rear edge 11 of the concave discs 7 such that soil 20 moved toward the travel axis TA by the concave discs 7 is substantial7_y maintained between the concave discs 7 as they move forward. The scoop 10 is concave such that it substantially conforms to the rear edge 11 of each concave disc 7, and extends substantially from the left concave disc 7L to the right concave disc 7R. Excess soil l0 20 may flow over the top of the scoop 10 through a gap 12 between the scoop 10 and the frame 3, and between scoop mounting brackets 14. The scoop 10 essentially blocks the opening between the back of the discs 7 so that the majority of the soil 20 is maintained between the discs 7 n~ and prevented from flowing out the opening.
Figs. 4 - 4C' illustrate the operation of the apparatus 1 when the frame 3 is maintained in a horizontal orientation from front to rear. In Fig. 4 the apparatus 1 is lowered zo to the ground 4, which is covered debris 25 including slash, limbs, roots and so forth, and down pressure is applied to the apparatus 1 from the boom end 2. When F&K 813-02-02 lowered to t:he ground 4, the shanks 6 are located at point X. The apparatus 1 is moved forward along the travel axis TA. The sharks clear the debris 25 as they move forward in direction F. The discs 7 may roll along the top of the s debris 25 if same is thick, or where thinner the discs 7 will begin t~~ penetrate immediately. At any rate when the discs 7 reach point X, as illustrated in Fig. 4A, they contact the cleared ground and penetrate, moving soil 20 toward the center of th.e apparatus 1, as illustrated in to Fig. 4B. After a short distance, the apparatus 1 is raised and the soil between the discs 7 drops out the bottom leaving a mound 21. 'rh.e embodiment illustrated in Figs. 4 - 4C does not include a scoop 10, but the same procedure can be used 'where a scoop 10 :is incorporated into the m, apparatus 1.
Figs. 5 - 5C illustrate a preferred method of operation where the apparatus 1 i.s tilted down at the front and then lowered to the ground 9: as illustrated in Fig. 5. Only the 20 shanks 6 contact the ground 4 at X, and they will penetrate easier where the debri~> 25 is heavy, and will not be held up by the contact of the discs 7 with the debris 25. As F&K 813-02-02 the apparatus 1 is moved forward in direction F, the apparatus 1 is tilted down at the rear so that the discs 7 contact the ground 4 just forward of X on cleared ground as illustrated in Fig. 5A.. As the apparatus is moved forward more the discs 7 penetrate the ground 4, moving soil 20 toward the center of the apparatus 1, as illustrated in Fig. 4B. This embodiment includes a scoop 10 which prevents the soil 20 from passing out the rear of the apparatus 1. When the apparatus 1 is ralsea, as m illustrated in Fig. 4C,. a higher mound 21 is left as no soil has passed between the discs 7 and out the rear of the apparatus 1, and all soil 20 drops out the bottom of the apparatus 1 as it is :raised. Excess soil 20 may also flow over the top of the scoop 10 and through the aforementioned 1:~ gap 12 .
The embodiment illustr<~ted in Figs. 5 - 5C does include a scoop 10, bu.t the same procedure can be used where a scoop is not included.
zo Fig. 7 illustrates the apparatus 1 mounted on a power vehicle being a track-hoe 26. The discs 7 in Fig. 6 are F&K 813-02-02 also shown as being notched, as is common in the industry.
Fig. 8 illustrates a multiple apparatus where two apparatuses 1 are mounted on a multiple frame 40 such that two mounds 21 can be made at one time.
The apparatus of the invention thus allows mounds 21 to be formed very quickly wit:h a single forward movement of the manipulating boom end 2, preferably in concert with a tilting of the apparatus 1. Much higher mounds 21 than In those available with conventional spot cultivators may be formed where a scoop 10 is incorporated in the apparatus 1.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous 1> changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in struct~ure or operation which may be 2~~ resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
This invention is in the field of silviculture equipment and in particular such equipment that is used to prepare ~~ soil for planting trees.
BACKGROUND
When trees are harvested from a site, there is commonly considerable residue left on the site such as stumps, roots, limbs and the like which make it difficult to properly prepare the ground for planting new tree seedlings. Where the around is very wet, or in hilly 1~> terrain, conventional towed cultivation equipment is often not suitable.
As trees are generally planted on a grid, it is only necessary to prepare a small area of ground, or "spot", zo where the seedling tree' will be planted, out of the total ground surface. The majority of the ground does not need any preparation. In recognition of this, spot cultivators F&K 813-02-02 have been developed which prepare the small area of ground where a tree is to be planted, and then are lifted and dropped down to prepare the next spot. Commonly these are mounted on t:he end of a. manipulating boom, commonly a back-s. hoe boom for easy placement, and movement from spot to spot. Tracked back-hoes, or track-hoes, are best suited for the terrain, and generally have greater clearance for movement thr~~ugh the debris. Front-end loaders, three-point hitches and the like may also provide a manipulating lc~ boom suitable for some spot cultivators, however the extra manoeuvrability of a back-hoe boom allows for the fast placement of the spot cultivator in a plurality of spots without moving the vehicle itself.
m~ Ideally, a tree planting spot is a raised mound of soil that is free from root; and debris that can cause the spot to dry out quickly. The mound is especially necessary in wet ground that is subject to flooding, so that the seedling tree is not drowned by standing water.
Present spot cultivator- devices are available wherein a concave disc is attached to the edge of the bottom of a F&K 81.3-02-02 rotatable drum, and a :pike extends from the center of the bottom of the drum. Forks are mounted on the device such that the operator first. pushes the debris away from the spot, then lowers the rotatable drum so that the spike is pushed into the ground, and the disc engages the ground.
The drum is then rotated and the disc moves in a circle about the spike, throwing soil towards the centre of the spot to create the desired mound. These rotating drum spot cultivators are expensive to build and maintain. Preparing l a proper spot requires two separate movements of the boom, first one to clear the debris, and a second movement to sink the spike and prepare the spot.
Spot cultivators are also known which comprise a pair of la concave discs arranged to throw soil towards the center as they are pulled through the soil, creating an elongated worked bed. The discs are offset in the line of travel such that soil moved towards the center by the disc on one side doesn't contact the oppositely moving soil from the zo disc on the other side, but rather the soil thrown by one disc lands on the ground, and the soil from the other disc lands on toy of it. Again forks are mounted on the device F&K 813-02-02 such that the operator first pushes the debris away from the spot, then lowers the discs and pulls them towards the back-hoe, creating a mound of some length, but of limited height. Again, preparing a proper spot requires two s separate movf=_ments of the boom.
Conventional spot cultivators require that the manipulating boom end be pushed away from the boom vehicle in order to clear debris. Most back-hoes are designed to exert the to maximum ford=_ on the boom end towards the vehicle, in the most common digging direction, with the result that maximum force is not exerted when clearing debris. This movement away from tha_ vehicle t.a clear debris causes stress in the manipulating boom that it was not designed for, since when 1~, digging the movement away is not commonly used.
United States Patent Number 4,899,829 discloses an apparatus which deposits soil on a forest floor, into which soil trees m.ay be planted.
z ci SUMMARY OF T~iE INVENTION
F&K 813-02-02 It is the object of then present invention to provide an apparatus for preparing mounds for planting trees that is economical to build and maintain, and which allows such ~~ mounds to be made quick=ly.
It is a further object of the invention to provide such an apparatus that forms higher mounds than those formed by prior art spot cultivators.
m The inventio:rl provides an apparatus for preparing mounds of soil for planting tree~> thereon that is adapted for attachment to a manipulating boom end. A frame, including front and rear ends, and right and left sides, is 1~~ attachable to the boom end such that the frame is movable forward and rear-ward along a travel axis extending along a center of the frame, arid is movable up and down to selectively engage the apparatus with the ground. A
plurality of laterally spaced shanks is attached to the ao frame along the front E:nd thereof, extending a distance down from the frame. A soil mounding device is attached F&K 813-02-02 under the frame behind the shanks such that soil is moved forward whip= the apparatus is engaged with the ground.
The soil mounding device could be a scoop, discs or the ~, like. A V-sh,~ped scoop could be attached behind the shanks.
Alternately, a pair of opposed concave discs could be rotatably attached under the frame behind the shanks such that the con~~ave discs move soil forward and towards each other and toward the travel a:~is as the frame is moved is forward whip= the apparatus is engaged with the ground.
Where a higher mound is desired, a scoop may be attached to the frame and extend down from the frame adjacent a rear edge of the ~~oncave discs such that soil moved toward the 1=_. travel axis by the concave discs is substantially maintained between them as they move forward.
In operation, the frame is attached to a back-hoe boom or the like. The frame i~: lowered to the ground and some 20 downward force from they manipulating boom is applied. As the boom end and frame are moved forward the shanks dig into the ground and rake debris forward in front of the F&K 813-02-02 shanks. The following soil mounding device engages the ground and pushes soil forwards in the middle of the path of the frame on the travel axis. After moving a short distance, 3 to 4 feet, through the soil, the frame is ~; lifted off the ground and soil gathered by the soil mounding device falls out the bottom of the apparatus and forms a mound suitable for planting a tree.
Where debris is heavy, the frame is tilted down at the to front end so that the shanks engage and clear the debris first, then as the frame is moved ahead, the rear end is lowered so that the soil mounding device engages the cleared spot. In practice, with an experienced operator and proper boom manipulation, the movement of the boom is m~ quick and smooth, allowing fast preparation of a tree planting mounds.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the F&K 813-02-02 accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
Fig. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention wherein the soil mounding device comprises a scoop a:nd discs;
la Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a front view of the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Figs. 4 - 4C schematically illustrate the operation of 1_==. an alternate embodiment of the invention wherein the soil mounding device comprises discs alone;
Figs. 5 - 5C schematically illustrate the operation of the embodiment of Fig. 1;
z ci F&K 813-02-02 Figs. 6 - 6B are side, rear and bottom views respectively of an. embodiment wherein the soil moundin~~ device comprises a scoop alone;
s Fig. 7 illustrates the embodiment of Fig. 1 mounted on a track-hoe;
Fig. 8 illustrates a multiple frame for mounting two apparatuses.
1 c~
DETAILED DESORIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS:
Figs. 1, 2 and 3 illustrate an apparatus 1 for preparing 1~~ mounds of soil 20 for planting trees thereon. The apparatus 1 is adapted for attachment to a manipulating boom end and comprises a frame 3 including front and rear ends 3A, 3B, and right and left sides 3R, 3L. The manipulating boom end will typically be a back-hoe boom end 20 2 so that the frame 3 is movable forward and rear-ward along a travel axis TA extending along substantially the center of th.e frame 3, and is also movable up and down to F&K 813-02-02 selectively ~=ngage the apparatus 1 with the ground 4.
Other manipulating boom ends, such as a front-end loader or one mounted ~en a three-point hitch or the like, could be utilized as well, and all such manipulating boom ends are ~, considered t~e fall within the scope of the disclosed invention. ~~nly a relatively short stroke is required, such that the tilt function on a front-end loader could suitably provide the required movement, or the vehicle could be moved a short distance. A back-hoe boom end is m preferred.
On a back-hoe boom end 2, the frame 3 is attached in place of the bucket, and so t:he frame 3 is pivotally attached to the boom end 2 about a horizontal pivot axis PA along pivot 1, pin 5, substantially perpendicular to the travel axis TA
such that the frame 3 is tiltable about the horizontal pivot axis PA in response to extension or retraction of tilt cylinder 15. The frame 3 may be tilted down at the front so that the front end 3A thereof is lower than the 2o rear end 3B thereof F&K 813-02-02 A plurality of laterally spaced shanks 6 are attached to the frame 3 along the front end 3A thereof. The shanks extend a distance down from the frame 3 which distance is individually adjusted by placing shank pin 16 into one of a ~~ plurality of shank holes 17 on each shank 6. A central shank 6C is located substantially on the travel axis TA, and includes a soil fracturing wing 18. The soil fracturing wing 18 comprises <~ wing member 19 extending from each side of a lower portion of the central shank 6C
m and sloping upwards from a front end 19A thereof to a rear end 19B thereof.
The central shank 6C arid wing 18 are located somewhat lower in the illustrations tc> demonstrate the position generally i~~ used where it is desired to fracture hard-pan below the soil surface. Pressure' on the frame 3 is applied with boom end 2, which, coupled with the soil penetrating shape of the lower end of the central shank 6C, causes the central shank 6C to penetrate t:he hard-pan. The wing 18 lifts the 2o hard-pan and fractures it. T:he central shank 6C is located in the middle of the apparatus 1 on the travel axis TA so that the fractured soi7_ is directly below the center of the F&K 813-02-02 mound 21 of soil 20. The roots of a tree seedling planted on the mound 21 can then penetrate the fractured hard-pan, promoting growth.
A soil mounding device is mounted on the frame 3 extending down from th~~ frame 3 behind the shanks 6, and is adapted to move soil in a forward direction when engaged with the ground. The soil mounding device could be a scoop, disc or discs, or other conventional device which will move soil lc~ forward when engaged therewith. The shanks remove debris from the site and all that is required is a device coming along behind to move sc>il into a mound. For various conditions of debris, :oil, and so forth, different soil mounding devices might be used.
1 ~~
For example in Figs. 6 - 6B, a V-shaped scoop lOV is attached to the frame and extends down behind the shanks 6. The horizontally opposed legs of the scoop lOV move soil in a forward direction when engaged with the ground, 2o and maintain the soil in the center of the apparatus. In some situations this simple configuration could suffice to make a satisfactory mound of considerable height. The soil F&K 813-02-02 20 that is cleared and loosened by the shanks 6 will be moved forward and towards the center of the V, and the mound 21 will rise until the soil spills over the top of the scoop 10. Raising the scoop lOV then will allow the ~s soil 20 to drop out the' bottom to form a mound 21. A U-shaped or other scoop configuration could be satisfactary for the purpose, depending on soil conditions and so forth.
Alternately, in Fig. 1 a pair of opposed concave discs 7 to are rotatably attached under the frame 3 behind the shanks 6 such that the concave' discs 7 move soil 20 towards each other and toward the travel axis TA as the frame 3 is moved forward while the apparatus 1 is engaged with the ground 4.
m~ The pair of opposed concave discs 7 includes a left concave disc 7L rotatably attached by a disc bracket 13 to the left side 3L of the frame 3 such that a concave side 8 thereof faces generally forward and towards the right side 3R of the frame 3, and a right concave disc 7R rotatably attached a~ by a second disc bracket 13 to the right side 3R of the frame 3 such. that a concave side 8 thereof faces generally forward and towards the=_ left side 3L of the frame 3, and F&K 813-02-02 such that the center 9R. of the right disc 7R and the center 9L of the le:Et disc 7L are located on a substantially horizontal lane HL that is substantially perpendicular to the travel a:~is TA. The right and left discs 7R, 7L are s thus directl~~ opposed.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 - 3, the disc axes of rotation DAR, DAL of the right and left concave discs 7R, 7L are angled down an the concave side 8 of each disc.
to This somewhat improves penetration and mounding.
In the illustrated orientation, when the concave discs 7 engage the ground, they move soil 20 forward and towards the middle of the apparatus 1, and directly towards each m~ other with t:he result that soil 20 is mounded between them.
It is contemplated that. the rear edges 11 of the discs 7 could be positioned c1c>se together such that most of the soil moved will be trapped between the discs 7, making a 20 higher mound, however i.t is contemplated that the addition of a scoop 10 will be f>referred where higher mounds are desired.
F&K 81.3-02-02 Scoop 10 is attached to the frame 3 extending down from the frame 3 adjacent a rear edge 11 of the concave discs 7 such that soil 20 moved toward the travel axis TA by the concave discs 7 is substantial7_y maintained between the concave discs 7 as they move forward. The scoop 10 is concave such that it substantially conforms to the rear edge 11 of each concave disc 7, and extends substantially from the left concave disc 7L to the right concave disc 7R. Excess soil l0 20 may flow over the top of the scoop 10 through a gap 12 between the scoop 10 and the frame 3, and between scoop mounting brackets 14. The scoop 10 essentially blocks the opening between the back of the discs 7 so that the majority of the soil 20 is maintained between the discs 7 n~ and prevented from flowing out the opening.
Figs. 4 - 4C' illustrate the operation of the apparatus 1 when the frame 3 is maintained in a horizontal orientation from front to rear. In Fig. 4 the apparatus 1 is lowered zo to the ground 4, which is covered debris 25 including slash, limbs, roots and so forth, and down pressure is applied to the apparatus 1 from the boom end 2. When F&K 813-02-02 lowered to t:he ground 4, the shanks 6 are located at point X. The apparatus 1 is moved forward along the travel axis TA. The sharks clear the debris 25 as they move forward in direction F. The discs 7 may roll along the top of the s debris 25 if same is thick, or where thinner the discs 7 will begin t~~ penetrate immediately. At any rate when the discs 7 reach point X, as illustrated in Fig. 4A, they contact the cleared ground and penetrate, moving soil 20 toward the center of th.e apparatus 1, as illustrated in to Fig. 4B. After a short distance, the apparatus 1 is raised and the soil between the discs 7 drops out the bottom leaving a mound 21. 'rh.e embodiment illustrated in Figs. 4 - 4C does not include a scoop 10, but the same procedure can be used 'where a scoop 10 :is incorporated into the m, apparatus 1.
Figs. 5 - 5C illustrate a preferred method of operation where the apparatus 1 i.s tilted down at the front and then lowered to the ground 9: as illustrated in Fig. 5. Only the 20 shanks 6 contact the ground 4 at X, and they will penetrate easier where the debri~> 25 is heavy, and will not be held up by the contact of the discs 7 with the debris 25. As F&K 813-02-02 the apparatus 1 is moved forward in direction F, the apparatus 1 is tilted down at the rear so that the discs 7 contact the ground 4 just forward of X on cleared ground as illustrated in Fig. 5A.. As the apparatus is moved forward more the discs 7 penetrate the ground 4, moving soil 20 toward the center of the apparatus 1, as illustrated in Fig. 4B. This embodiment includes a scoop 10 which prevents the soil 20 from passing out the rear of the apparatus 1. When the apparatus 1 is ralsea, as m illustrated in Fig. 4C,. a higher mound 21 is left as no soil has passed between the discs 7 and out the rear of the apparatus 1, and all soil 20 drops out the bottom of the apparatus 1 as it is :raised. Excess soil 20 may also flow over the top of the scoop 10 and through the aforementioned 1:~ gap 12 .
The embodiment illustr<~ted in Figs. 5 - 5C does include a scoop 10, bu.t the same procedure can be used where a scoop is not included.
zo Fig. 7 illustrates the apparatus 1 mounted on a power vehicle being a track-hoe 26. The discs 7 in Fig. 6 are F&K 813-02-02 also shown as being notched, as is common in the industry.
Fig. 8 illustrates a multiple apparatus where two apparatuses 1 are mounted on a multiple frame 40 such that two mounds 21 can be made at one time.
The apparatus of the invention thus allows mounds 21 to be formed very quickly wit:h a single forward movement of the manipulating boom end 2, preferably in concert with a tilting of the apparatus 1. Much higher mounds 21 than In those available with conventional spot cultivators may be formed where a scoop 10 is incorporated in the apparatus 1.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous 1> changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in struct~ure or operation which may be 2~~ resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
Claims (27)
1. An apparatus for preparing mounds of soil for planting trees thereon, said apparatus adapted for attachment to a manipulating boom end for movement forward and rear-ward along a travel axis extending along substantially a center of the apparatus, and for movement up and down to selectively engage the apparatus with the ground, said apparatus comprising:
a frame including front and rear ends, and right and left sides, said frame adapted for attachment to said manipulating boom end;
a plurality of laterally spaced shanks attached to said frame along said front end thereof, said shanks extending a distance down from said frame;
a soil mounding device attached to said frame and extending down from said frame behind said shanks, said soil mounding device adapted to move soil in a generally forward direction when engaged with the ground.
a frame including front and rear ends, and right and left sides, said frame adapted for attachment to said manipulating boom end;
a plurality of laterally spaced shanks attached to said frame along said front end thereof, said shanks extending a distance down from said frame;
a soil mounding device attached to said frame and extending down from said frame behind said shanks, said soil mounding device adapted to move soil in a generally forward direction when engaged with the ground.
2. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said frame is adapted for pivotal attachment to said boom end about a substantially horizontal pivot axis substantially perpendicular to said travel axis such that said frame is tiltable about said horizontal pivot axis.
3. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said soil mounding device comprises a scoop attached to said frame and extending down from said frame behind said shanks.
4. The apparatus of Claim 3 wherein said scoop is generally V-shaped and wherein an open end of said scoop faces generally towards said front end of the frame.
5. The apparatus of Claim 4 wherein said scoop is oriented such that legs thereof are horizontally opposed.
6. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said soil mounding device comprises a pair of opposed concave discs rotatably attached under said frame behind said shanks such that said concave discs move soil forward and towards each other and toward said travel axis as said frame is moved forward while the apparatus is engaged with the ground.
7. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said soil mounding device comprises:
a pair of opposed concave discs rotatably attached under said frame behind said shanks such that said concave discs move soil towards each other and toward said travel axis as said boom end is moved forward while the apparatus is engaged with the ground;
a scoop attached to said boom end adjacent a rear edge of said concave discs such that soil moved toward said travel axis by said concave discs is substantially maintained between said concave discs as said concave discs move forward.
a pair of opposed concave discs rotatably attached under said frame behind said shanks such that said concave discs move soil towards each other and toward said travel axis as said boom end is moved forward while the apparatus is engaged with the ground;
a scoop attached to said boom end adjacent a rear edge of said concave discs such that soil moved toward said travel axis by said concave discs is substantially maintained between said concave discs as said concave discs move forward.
8. The apparatus of Claim 7 wherein said scoop extends down from said frame adjacent a rear edge of said concave discs such that soil moved toward said travel axis by said concave discs is substantially maintained between said concave discs as said concave discs move forward .
9. The apparatus of Claim 8 wherein said scoop is concave such that same substantially conforms to a rear edge of each concave disc, and wherein said scoop extends substantially from a left. concave disc to a right concave disc.
10. The apparatus of Claim 7 wherein said pair of opposed concave discs comprises:
a left concave disc rotatably attached to said left side of the frame behind said shanks such that a concave side of said left disc faces generally forward and towards said right side of the frame;
a right concave disc rotatably attached to said right side of the frame behind said shanks such that a concave side of said right disc faces generally forward and towards said left side of the frame, and such that a center of said right disc and a center of said left disc are located on a substantially horizontal line substantially perpendicular to said travel axis
a left concave disc rotatably attached to said left side of the frame behind said shanks such that a concave side of said left disc faces generally forward and towards said right side of the frame;
a right concave disc rotatably attached to said right side of the frame behind said shanks such that a concave side of said right disc faces generally forward and towards said left side of the frame, and such that a center of said right disc and a center of said left disc are located on a substantially horizontal line substantially perpendicular to said travel axis
11. The apparatus of Claim 10 wherein said left and right concave discs rotate about disc axes that are angled down on said concave side of the disc.
12. The apparatus of Claim 10 wherein said scoop extends down from said frame adjacent a rear edge of said concave discs such that soil moved toward said travel axis by said concave discs is substantially maintained between said concave discs as said concave discs move forward.
13. The apparatus of Claim 7 wherein said concave discs are notched.
14. The apparatus of Claim 7 wherein said frame is adapted for pivotal attachment to said boom end about a substantially horizontal pivot axis substantially perpendicular to said travel axis such that said frame is tilt,able about said horizontal pivot axis.
15. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein the distance said shanks extend down from said frame is adjustable.
16. The apparatus of Claim 15 wherein said shanks are individually adjustable such that the distance each shank extends down from said frame is adjustable.
17. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said plurality of shanks includes a central shank located substantially on said travel axis, and said central shank includes a soil fracturing wing.
18. The apparatus of Claim 17 wherein said soil fracturing wing comprises a wing member extending from each side of a lower portion of said central shank and sloping upwards from a front end thereof to a rear end thereof.
19. The apparatus of Claim 17 wherein the distance said central shank extends down from said frame is adjustable.
20. A multiple apparatus for simultaneously preparing at least two mounds of soil for planting trees thereon, said apparatus adapted for attachment to a manipulating boom end, said apparatus comprising:
a multiple frame adapted for attachment to said manipulating boom end such that said multiple frame is movable forward and rear-ward along a multiple frame axis extending along a center of said multiple frame, and is movable up and down to selectively engage the multiple apparatus with the ground; and a plurality of apparatuses according to Claim 1 attached to said multiple frame.
a multiple frame adapted for attachment to said manipulating boom end such that said multiple frame is movable forward and rear-ward along a multiple frame axis extending along a center of said multiple frame, and is movable up and down to selectively engage the multiple apparatus with the ground; and a plurality of apparatuses according to Claim 1 attached to said multiple frame.
21. A vehicular apparatus for preparing mounds of soil for planting trees thereon, said apparatus comprising:
a powered vehicle including a manipulating boom end movable forward and rear-ward along a travel axis, and movable up and down to selectively engage the apparatus with the ground;
a plurality of laterally spaced shanks attached to said boom end along a front portion thereof, said shanks extending a distance down from said boom end;
a pair of opposed concave discs rotatably attached under said boom end behind said shanks such that said concave discs move soil towards each other and toward said travel axis as said boom end is moved forward while the apparatus is engaged with the ground;
a scoop attached to said boom end adjacent a rear edge of said concave discs such that soil moved toward said travel axis by said concave discs is substantially maintained between said concave discs as said concave discs move forward.
a powered vehicle including a manipulating boom end movable forward and rear-ward along a travel axis, and movable up and down to selectively engage the apparatus with the ground;
a plurality of laterally spaced shanks attached to said boom end along a front portion thereof, said shanks extending a distance down from said boom end;
a pair of opposed concave discs rotatably attached under said boom end behind said shanks such that said concave discs move soil towards each other and toward said travel axis as said boom end is moved forward while the apparatus is engaged with the ground;
a scoop attached to said boom end adjacent a rear edge of said concave discs such that soil moved toward said travel axis by said concave discs is substantially maintained between said concave discs as said concave discs move forward.
22. The vehicular apparatus of Claim 21 wherein said shanks, concave discs, and scoop are mounted on a frame, and wherein said frame is pivotally attached to said boom end about a substantially horizontal pivot axis substantially perpendicular to said travel axis such that said frame is tiltable about said horizontal pivot axis.
23. The vehicular apparatus of Claim 22 wherein said pair of opposed concave discs comprises:
a left concave disc rotatably attached to a left side of said frame behind said shanks such that a concave side of said left disc faces generally forward and towards a right side of said frame;
a right concave disc rotatably attached to said right side of the frame behind said shanks such that a concave side of said right disc faces generally forward and towards said left side of the frame, and such that a center of sand right disc and a center of said left disc are located on a substantially horizontal line substantially perpendicular to said travel axis.
a left concave disc rotatably attached to a left side of said frame behind said shanks such that a concave side of said left disc faces generally forward and towards a right side of said frame;
a right concave disc rotatably attached to said right side of the frame behind said shanks such that a concave side of said right disc faces generally forward and towards said left side of the frame, and such that a center of sand right disc and a center of said left disc are located on a substantially horizontal line substantially perpendicular to said travel axis.
24. The vehicular apparatus of Claim 21 wherein said scoop is concave such that same substantially conforms to a rear edge of each concave disc, and wherein said scoop extends substantially from said left concave disc to said right concave disc.
25. The vehicular apparatus of Claim 21 wherein said concave discs are notched.
26. The vehicular apparatus of Claim 24 wherein the distance said shanks extend down from said frame is individually adjustable such that the distance each shank extends down from said frame is adjustable.
27. The vehicular apparatus of Claim 26 wherein said plurality of shanks includes a central shank located substantially on said travel axis, and said central shank includes a soil fracturing wing.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US62575800A | 2000-07-26 | 2000-07-26 | |
| US09/625,758 | 2000-07-26 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2343911A1 true CA2343911A1 (en) | 2002-01-26 |
Family
ID=24507466
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2343911 Abandoned CA2343911A1 (en) | 2000-07-26 | 2001-04-10 | Tree planting mound preparation apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2343911A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU781893B2 (en) * | 2000-01-12 | 2005-06-23 | Davey Group Pty Ltd | A spot mounder |
| US10021828B2 (en) | 2016-06-20 | 2018-07-17 | Tim C. Van Horlick Forestry Inc. | Automated planter for planting seedlings in obstacle-strewn and/or uneven terrain |
| SE547064C2 (en) * | 2023-04-11 | 2025-04-15 | Soedra Skogsaegarna Ekonomisk Foerening | An apparatus, a method and a vehicle for ground preparation |
-
2001
- 2001-04-10 CA CA 2343911 patent/CA2343911A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU781893B2 (en) * | 2000-01-12 | 2005-06-23 | Davey Group Pty Ltd | A spot mounder |
| US10021828B2 (en) | 2016-06-20 | 2018-07-17 | Tim C. Van Horlick Forestry Inc. | Automated planter for planting seedlings in obstacle-strewn and/or uneven terrain |
| SE547064C2 (en) * | 2023-04-11 | 2025-04-15 | Soedra Skogsaegarna Ekonomisk Foerening | An apparatus, a method and a vehicle for ground preparation |
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