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Walk-Behind Tree Trimmer
Joe Shilling operates a Christmas Tree farm in Jacksonville, Ark. Twice a year he must trim every tree in order for it to maintain optimum shape. Some tree farms use handheld trimmers, but on large-scale farms, gas powered clippers must be used. "But those clippers are heavy and can only be used by one person for a few
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Walk-Behind Tree Trimmer MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT Miscellaneous 28-2-29 Joe Shilling operates a Christmas Tree farm in Jacksonville, Ark. Twice a year he must trim every tree in order for it to maintain optimum shape. Some tree farms use handheld trimmers, but on large-scale farms, gas powered clippers must be used. "But those clippers are heavy and can only be used by one person for a few hours at a time," says Shilling, who rigged up a walk-behind tractor with a swinging boom to support the trimmer.
The tractor is a Deere 750, which has a narrow 3.7-ft. wheelbase, a perfect fit for running between rows. The boom and mast are made from 1/4-in. thick walled steel beams. The boom extends over 5 ft. out from the mast, which allows plenty of room for trimming the far side of trees. A heavy spring hangs from the end of the boom and cuts down on the vertical movement of the trimmer.
The tractor control unit hangs off the end of the boom trailer. Forward and reverse are controlled by one lever while another lever tilts the mast in order to keep the trimmer hanging completely vertical. The steering is controlled by pivoting the whole control unit which is connected to the steering linkage. At top speed the tractor will go 2 mph. The boom trailer has only one wheel, which allows for easier tilting and maneuverability.
The boom does not allow for faster trimming of trees, but it does allow for easier work and longer hours. David Burner is a agronomist from USDA Agricultural Resource Service, "I think the rig may prove useful for any field operation where heavy, hand-held equipment or tools could be supported by a boom to reduce worker fatigue and increase safety and efficiency. Examples would be mechanical weeding, chemical spraying and harvesting."
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, David Burner, 6883 South State Highway 23, Booneville, Ark. 72920 (ph 479 675-3834; fax 479 675-2940; email: dburner@spa.ars.usda.gov) or Joe Schilling, P.O. Box 5256, Jacksonville, Ark. 72076.
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