1997 F-150 Ford Pickup Truck / Tree-Shaker No, this machine shakes nuts (and fruit) from trees. Using a hydraulically powered clamp and rotating mass device, this harvesting device latches onto a tree, shakes vigorously, then collects the falling nuts in an umbrella — all without damaging the tree. Able to shake up to three trees a minute, this machine has revolutionized the agricultural industry.

• Jesse James, custom-bike builder/designer, West Coast Choppers, Long Beach, Calif. • Russ Angold, agricultural engineer, San Luis Obispo, Calif. • Tim Beghoefer, hydraulics technician/ journeyman mechanic, Milwaukee, Wis. • Mike Pittinger, mechanical engineer/underwater welder, Baltimore, Md. • Tom Prewitt, custom painter, Damon's Motorcycle Creations, Brea, Calif. • Dan Robinson, farm equipment repairman/welder, Omaha, Neb. • Ralph Westerhoff, service manager, Orchard Machinery Corporation, Tulare, Calif.