Agitator Type Mechanical Tree Lifter
This tree lifter was developed at the Eveleth Nursery by Mr. Robert O. Sowash while he was in charge of that nursery. It was designed from the common pull type lifter used in many nurseries. It varies from the standard model by the addition of an "agitator attachment" and has the advantages of; (1) Almost complete pulverizing of the soil down to the depth of the tree roots; (2) Leaves the trees standing upright in the loose soil with no roots exposed; (3) Trees can be pulled easily resulting in good production per man day; and (4) Loose soil allows pulling without injury to the roots. It was pulled at Eveleth with a D-4 Caterpillar. As the blade is held in the ground more by the weight of the lifter than the angle of the blade, it is probably not practicable to cut the weight too much. Local soil conditions might dictate whether a wheel tractor will handle it.
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Author(s): Robert O. Sowash
Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Issue 18 (1954)