Effect of lead on thyroid function in sheep

A debarking/delimbing apparatus and method wherein the apparatus is provided with a side loading entry into the debarking/delimbing flails. A pivotal ramp guides tree stems into and through the side entry. With the ramp in a lowered position a skidder-type stem hauler directs the tree stem bundle to be ramped upwardly into the side entry. With the ramp in a raised position a boom mounted grapple directs the tree stem bundle to be ramped downwardly into the side entry.