Why Mechanised Arboriculture ?

Fast - efficient - safe

In the past we faced a continued dilemma between cost and safety. Mechanised Arboriculture was originally driven by cost saving particularly where it came to vast stretches of highway flanked by shelter-belts full of Ash trees suffering from Ash Dieback. Not only is the mechanised route more cost efficient it was also safer.

What we are finding now is those early innovations are now becoming increasingly more relevant when it comes to safety.

With the emphasis shifting to safety and the risk assessment process pointing to only working at height where no other option is available Mechanised Arboriculture is becoming mainstream.

So, what are the benefits ?

Often little or no working at height is the obvious one. On larger trees where the butt is too large for the grapple saw it may be the some climbing or MEWP work is needed especially where the stem cannot be straight felled. Many of the hazards have already been removed such as deadwood etc. and the majority of the weight from the crown is removed.

We always carry a hook on our Roto-telehandler capable of lifting 6t. Therefore sectioning down the main stem is relatively easy.

Speed. What would take a skilled climber 2 days or more would often be a mornings work. One of the most efficient setups we have is a combination of Roto-telehandler with Westtech CS750 working with either our Case CX with VOSCH or a smaller 14t excavator fitted with either a VOSCH or Power-hand Grab.

Using the two of these together, manual handling is reduced and effeciency raised. Throw in a whole tree chipper and you are really cooking.

Lower ground damage in the drop zone. If you've been unfortunate enought to have to climb a brittle old dead tree, the last thing you want to do is start rigging off the tree you are tied into. This can result in branches being cut and dropped onto targets below. Once again Mechanised Arb can prevent this.

Too good to be true ?

Yes of course, Mechanised Arboriculture requires access, lots of it.

Very snug indeed !

We use low ground pressure tyres, track mats, temporary bridges etc. but there is no getting away from it, these things are big !

With the roto coming in at over 24 tonnes to our Case high reach at over 32 tonnes don't be thinking you'll be getting it down the side of someone's house.

You also need room to work and space to place cut branches. Our Case may be able to lift a 3 tonne section 20m long but you need to be able to put it down somewhere.

Up next...... Machine Selection.