US 12,376,534 B2
Stump grinder with grinding arm and control
Joseph C. Knipp, Elko, MN (US); Christopher J. Kost, North Mankato, MN (US); David A. Murray, Eagan, MN (US); Landon M. Aldinger, Iowa Falls, IA (US); and John P. Azure, Bloomington, MN (US)
Assigned to The Toro Company, Bloomington, MN (US)
Filed by The Toro Company, Bloomington, MN (US)
Filed on May 19, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/320,822.
Application 14/847,477 is a division of application No. 12/987,797, filed on Jan. 10, 2011, granted, now 9,462,759, issued on Oct. 11, 2016.
Application 18/320,822 is a continuation of application No. 17/407,650, filed on Aug. 20, 2021, granted, now 11,672,210.
Application 17/407,650 is a continuation of application No. 16/406,661, filed on May 8, 2019, granted, now 11,109,542, issued on Sep. 7, 2021.
Application 16/406,661 is a continuation of application No. 14/847,477, filed on Sep. 8, 2015, granted, now 10,292,341, issued on May 21, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2024/0016105 A1, Jan. 18, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. A01G 23/06 (2006.01)
CPC A01G 23/067 (2013.01) [A01G 23/06 (2013.01)] 13 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A stump grinder comprising:
(a) a frame that is supported for movement over ground, the frame having a traction drive system for self-propelling the frame over the ground;
(b) a rotatable grinding wheel that rotates about a substantially horizontal first axis for grinding or comminuting stumps or wood debris;
(c) a grinding arm that mounts to the grinding wheel, wherein the grinding arm is carried by the frame and is movable relative to the frame to cause the grinding wheel to lift and lower and to move left and right relative to the frame; and
(d) a single joystick pivotally mounted with respect to the frame and including at least two of the following:
i) the joystick being movable about a first control axis to cause the grinding arm to move from side-to-side about a vertical second axis;
ii) the joystick being movable about a second control axis to cause the grinding arm to pivot up and down about a horizontal third axis; and
iii) the joystick including at least one control to start or stop the rotation of the grinding wheel to begin or end a stump grinding operation;
(e) wherein the joystick is located on a rear end of the frame substantially.