This paper presents a new concept in tree harvesting, whereby the tree is partly supported by the ground during delimbing to reduce the size of the machine. The harvester unit, which is mounted on a basic wheel loader and operated from the implement circuit with simplified controls, cuts and fells the tree, then delimbs as the tractor travels back to the bunching pile. Delimbing is finished and the tree topped as the tractor travels forward to the next tree. Operation of the unit and major components are described.
