Ransome's Patent Steam Tree-Feller. 



The first operation connected with the conversion of timber is felling it 

 Numerous attempts have been made from time to time to fell trees by 

 machinery, with but doubtful success ; the chief cause of failure being that 

 the time occupied in fixing, adjusting, and moving the apparatus from 

 tree to tree has hitherto cost more than felling them by hand. With a 

 view of overcoming this difficulty, Messrs. A. Ransome and Co., of Stanley. 

 Works, Chelsea, have recently patented their Steam Tree- Feller, which 

 is represented by the engraving on the opposite page, and which, as 

 an apparently feasible attempt to lighten the heavy manual labour and ex- 

 pense attending tree-felling, we are pleased to notice. 



It consists of a steam cylinder of small diameter, having a long stroke, 

 attached to a light cast-iron bed-plate, upon which it is arranged to pivot 

 on its centre, the pivoting motion being readily worked by a lever, as shown 

 in the engraving. The saw is fixed direct to the end of the piston-rod, 

 which is caused to travel in a true line when at work by guides ; and the 

 range of the pivoting motion of the cylinder is such as to enable the saw 

 to pass through the largest logs that are ordinarily to be met with, without 

 moving the bed-plate. A strong wrought-iron strut is attached to the 

 bed-plate, and this is furnished with two fangs, which are made to bite 

 into the butt of the tree by a chain passed round it just below the saw- 

 cut, and drawn taut by a powerful screw. 



The machine is supplied with steam at a high pressure from a small 

 portable boiler through a strong flexible steam pipe, and as this may be of 

 considerable length, the boiler may remain in one place until the machiue 

 has cut down all the trees within a radius w^iich is d.etermined by the 

 length of the steam pipe. 



From the foregoing description it will be clearly seen that the only 

 fixing the machine requires after it is laid down against the tree, is to 

 draw it tight against the butt by the chain and screw above referred to ; 

 and as the whole apparatus, exclusive of the boiler, does not weigh more 

 than about 3 cwt., it is readily carried about slung on poles 

 between four men. The steam pipe does not require to be disconnected 

 while the machine is being removed, and a special valve is attached by 

 which it can be instantly started at any part of the stroke. 



As the pressure of steam is high, the machine works with great rapidity, 

 and under ordinary circumstances it will fell from four to six trees, 

 averaging 30 inches in diameter, in an hour ; and as it cuts nearly close to 

 the ground, it saves a considerable amount of timber which is lost when 

 felled with the axe, 



As the machine will work in any position, it will fell trees growing on 

 slopes or in hedgerows, and by a simple apparatus, easily attached, it can 

 be fixed so as to crosscut logs to length when lying on the ground. 



