Importance

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Abstract

A machine for cutting coarse sod into relatively small plugs for ready packaging and subsequent transplanting, comprising an endless conveyor belt upon which comparatively large rectangular sections of sod can be deposited, so that the sections of sod can be moved intermittently toward a sod cutting device. The sod cutting device preferably is of the single pass cutter type, utilizing a plurality of elongate, closely grouped blades designed to periodically move in unison downwardly into contact with sod to be cut, with such downward cutting movements being immediately followed by an upward movement, thus to permit an advance of the section of sod without interference. I coordinate the movements of the sod cutting device with the belt advance, such that forward movement of a section of sod is in each instance prevented until the cutting blades are clear of the section of sod being cut. Advantageously, the closely grouped blades are arrayed in an open configuration, such that each time the sharpened lower edges of the blades contact a piece of sod during a cutting movement, a plurality of sod 'circlets' are created. Because the blades are not arrayed in the configuration of a complete hexagon or rectangle, no internal stripper need be used to eject sod pieces so that said blades will be kept clear thereof. Also, because the elongate edges of the blades are secured tightly together, a blade array having high columnar strength is created.

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First Claim