ArborTIMES is a digital publication for the tree care industry that delivers tree care business, safety, & equipment news.
Issue 03 | Spring 2023 arbortimes.org
Tree Care Business, Safety, & Equipment News
Investing in Efficiency, Safety and Growth with Knuckle-boom Trucks 6
Battery-powered Chain Saws Experts discuss the state of battery-powered technology and when they might replace gas-powered options.
Care for One Another Mental health challenges can cause accidents on the job. Incidents in the tree care industry can also create mental health challenges, like trauma, substance use issues or anxiety.
Forest Pests and Diseases The DCR Forest Health Program uses a variety of methods and tools to detect and quantify forest threats including trapping, sampling, visual ground surveys and aerial surveys.
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2 | ArborTIMES Fall 2022
Editor’s Note Happy spring readers,
Spring always gives me a sense of optimism. It’s a combination of longer and warmer days, bud- ding trees and flowers paired with the strong desire to get outside and move my body as much as possible. It’s this time of year when I make twice-daily walks a concrete item in my calendar, amongst other outdoor activities. I’ve noticed a lot of tree
On our cover: Chippers reduce cut and drag time, which in turn helps you make more money. Photo courtesy of Albach. ISSUE 3, SPRING 2023
work happing in my neighborhood during my walks lately, and it makes me think a lot about what we’re cultivating for tree care workers and business owners here at ArborTIMES . A few weeks ago, I stopped to watch a local tree care company taking trees down in a cramped space in my complex and noted the large equipment they were using to do it, plus all the safety efforts in place both for the crew and the people passing through. They made it look easy and I know it’s not. It takes critical thinking, communication and clarity on each person’s role, not to mention deep familiarity with the tools and equipment needed to get the job done. This project involved an aerial li, a crane and a chipper. We’ve talked about aerial lis and chippers in past issues. We haven’t discussed cranes, but in this issue, we’ll explore knuckle-boom cranes with a grapple-saw attachment. We’ll also dive into a new safety topic: mental health first aid. Having a first aid kit is a requirement, but mental health first aid is arguably just as important. If anything, it improves crew communication, is an asset for any type of tree work and even carries over into personal lives in a positive way. Aer all, the goal at the end of the workday is to go home healthy, and mental health certainly can affect physical health. The team and I here at ArborTIMES hope you learn something that will help you in your job as a crew member or your role as a business owner. Thank you for joining us in this digital space. Please share these stories, send feedback and interact with us on social media. We’ve made the social icons below clickable so it’s easy for you to connect with us.
PUBLISHER Sachin Mohan: Mohan@ArborTimes.org EDITOR Emily W. Duane: editor@ArborTimes.org TECH DIRECTOR Richard May: info@ArborTimes.org SAFETY AND TRAINING ADVISORS Ken Palmer Jared Abrojena SENIOR ADVISORS Dane Buell Mark Garvin PRODUCED BY EDGE AHEAD ASSOCIATES For editorial and advertising inquiries: 1 Store Hill Rd, PO BOX # 334 Old Westbury, NY 11568 Tel. (516) 399-2627 Email: Mohan@ArborTimes.org Web: ArborTimes.org No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur. All uncredited photography is either supplied or sourced from a stock image bank.
In safety,
Emily W. Duane, Editor, and the ArborTIMES Team
editor@arbortimes.org
TO SUBSCRIBE email: info@arbortimes.org or subscribe online: arbortimes.org/subscribe
ArborTIMES Spring 2023 | 3
Table of Contents
ISSUE 3, SPRING 2023
ArborTIMES is a fully digital publication for the tree care industry from Edge Ahead Associates, creator of ArborEXPO, the industry’s first indoor/outdoor trade show and conference for arborists and green industry professionals. We’re connecting with experts, business owners, master trainers and more to identify top stories and educational opportunities to deliver right to your inbox on a quarterly basis.
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INVESTING IN EFFICIENCY, SAFETY AND GROWTH WITH KNUCKLE-BOOM TRUCKS By Emily W. Duane
Knuckle-boom trucks are a significant investment that offers much more than enhanced productivity and positive impact on the bottom line.
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CHECKING IN ON BATTERY- POWERED CHAIN SAWS By Daniel Terrill Experts discuss the state of the technology and when might they replace gas-powered options.
EDITOR’S NOTE 3 ArborTIMES will maintain a connection between events to keep you up-to-date on tree care business, safety and equip- ment news.
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
SAFETY TAILGATE
Each month we’ll highlight a variety of new and innovative products related to the tree care industry.
A sharp chain should be considered a safety feature. Having a sharp chain sig- nificantly impacts safety, worker health, quality of work and production efficiency.
All Access.................................................. 2 Almstead ................................................39 Altec ......................................................35 ArborSystems .......................................... 29 Bandit...................................................... 13 Doggett .................................................. 32
Edge Ahead Associates ............................. 40 Greenworks ..............................................19 Northern Atlantic Financial ..........................41 Quest Products LLC................................... 25 Sennebogen ..............................................9 Tracked Lifts ................................ Back Cover
Advertiser Index
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22 CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER
LIKE YOU CARE FOR THE TREES By Natasha Buffo Mental health challenges can partly or wholly cause accidents on the job. Vice versa, incidents in the tree care industry can also create mental health challenges, like trauma, substance use issues or anxiety.
26 A WORLD OF FOREST PESTS AND DISEASES By Felicia Hubacz
The DCR Forest Health Program uses a variety of methods and tools to detect and quantify forest threats including trapping, sampling, visual ground surveys utilizing binoculars and even aerial surveys where we fly over the entire state and map disturbances in the forest canopy.
30 MULCH: TURNING WASTE INTO PROFIT By Molly Trust
Unlike a company that shreds unused documents, tree care companies have the option of using those “shreds” in the form of discarded wood chips to provide customers with useful material and your company with additional revenue.
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TREE CARE INDUSTRY SEES GROWTH THROUGH USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA By Katie Dastoli Looking to expand your company’s marketing efforts beyond traditional advertising? It might be time to branch out and consider the benefits of using social media.
ARBOREXPO ’23: ONE FOR THE BOOKS Thank you to our partners, speakers, exhibitors and attendees for making ArborEXPO ’23 a success! We welcomed more than 2,600 tree care industry professionals and interested students to the Eastern States Exposition.
ArborTIMES Spring 2023 | 5
"With labor shortages continuing to affect tree care companies, deploying machinery is rapidly becoming a way for business owners to keep current employees busy and positively affect the bottom line."
Investing in Efficiency, Safety and Growth with Knuckle-boom Trucks By Emily W. Duane
Like it or not, the future of operations lies in technology. Human error ac- counts for most job-site incidents and accidents, and tech can help reduce them. It’s not perfect—machines are un- able to think critically the way humans can—but when used correctly, machines are safer and incredibly efficient. With labor shortages continuing to affect tree care companies, deploying machinery is rapidly becoming a way for business owners to keep current employees busy and positively af- fect the bottom line. There are many machines on the market capable of boosting efficiency, but one of the rising stars is the knuckle-boom truck with a grapple-saw head. A knuckle-boom offers a lot of versa- tility for tree care businesses. When a company regularly books tree remov- als—think: multiple trees per week—it’s time to consider adding one of these powerful machines to the fleet. This guide leverages industry experts to in- troduce the considerations and benefits of owning a knuckle-boom truck.
PRIORITIZING SAFETY Knuckle-boom trucks are a significant investment that offers much more than enhanced productivity and positive im- pact on the bottom line. These machines feature sophisticated technology designed to mimic intelli- gence. For example, the Albach Fällbach is designed with, “Monitored safety functions, safety load-holding valves and li- and load-moment limitation, which automatically reduces the work- ing speed in the limit range or prevents load moment-increasing movements,” says Daniel Frühholz, a development and construction engineer for Albach, a producer of self-propelled chippers, fell- ing cranes and felling grapples for ex- cavator attachments based in Germany. “Additionally, the Fällbach is equipped with a camera system in the felling unit to support safe gripping of trunks and branches.” Technology is not a replace- ment for good training and common sense, but it is designed to prevent a small mistake from becoming a big one. When these safety-monitoring systems
A knuckle-boom offers a lot of versatility for tree care businesses. When a company regularly books tree removals—think: multiple trees per week— it’s time to consider add- ing one of these powerful machines to the fleet. Photo courtesy of Altec.
“There are many machines on the market capable of boosting efficiency, but one of the rising stars is the knuckle-boom truck with a grapple-saw head."
ArborTIMES Spring 2023 | 7
The ability to pull all staff out of the drop zone not only improves safety but also offers the opportunity for them to focus on other tasks until the tree or limbs are safely on the ground and ready for next steps. Photo courtesy of Palfinger.
kick in, the operator has time to make necessary adjustments before moving forward with the task at hand. Technology is not a replacement for good training and common sense, but
in Birmingham, AL. “Adding to that, with remote-control operation, you’re able to pull all staff 30 to 40 yards away, so even if a tree falls or a limb drops, no one is in the drop zone.” The ability to pull all staff out of the drop
zone not only improves safety but also offers the opportunity for them to focus on other tasks until the tree or limbs are safely on the ground and ready for next steps.
it is designed to prevent a small mistake from be- coming a big one. When these safety-monitoring systems kick in, the oper- ator has time to make nec- essary adjustments before moving forward with the task at hand. These machines can keep crew members safely on the ground, allowing the machine to take over the responsibilities of work- ing alo. “When you can keep a person on the ground and still get the
Knuckle-booms with a grapple-saw attachment are great for your “average” tree removal, but they re- ally shine in more compli- cated or risky takedowns. For example, when a larg- er, telescopic boom is too heavy for driveways or so yards, these trucks offer more flexibility in terms of placement. “A smaller, lighter knuckle-boom crane is more maneuverable and can typically get closer to the tree, making accessing the job much easier under restricted conditions,” says
Jason Smith, application specialist for Palfinger, a manufacturer of hydraulic liing, loading and handling systems headquartered in Ohio. Aer all, safety isn’t only a risk for the crew—ensuring clients’ safety and the security of their
job done, you have the safest work en- vironment possible,” says Andy Price, tree care division market manager for Altec, a provider of products and ser- vices for utilities, telecommunications and contractor markets headquartered
A smaller, lighter knuckle-boom crane is more maneuverable and can typically get closer to the tree, making accessing the job much easier under restricted conditions. Photo courtesy of Palfinger.
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ArborTIMES Spring 2023 | 9
property is equally as important. Ma- chinery that is too heavy for the terrain introduces the possibility of tipping over, risking safety and potentially causing damage. As for riskier scenarios, Smith adds, “Trees that are decayed to the point that it is entirely unsafe to access by climbing can be removed without a climber or li which can eliminate the need for personnel in the drop zone.” Similarly, storm clean-up is another use case when knuckle-booms equipped with a grapple-saw attachment are par- ticularly useful. “Aer a storm that has uprooted or demolished many trees, the result can make manual process- ing very dangerous, as it is difficult to assess how the tensioned debris will behave,” says DC Creekmore, a senior account manager with Altec. “Due to the high liing power and the long reach of a grapple-saw, debris can be grabbed, disassembled and deposited from a safe distance.” Knuckle-boom trucks partner excep- tionally well with other equipment al- ready in the fleet, including a chipper and chip truck. For example, it is not uncommon to get in a tree with the
cutting head, cut a limb, bring it down and lay it right on the chipper tray. Do- ing this can move crew members away from the chipper feed, further improv- ing safety. BUSINESS GROWTH Experts all agree that the tree care companies processing a lot of work in a single day are using their knuck- le-boom truck as a front-line machine. Whether a company is running a single crew for the entire project or is struc- tured with a removal crew and a chase crew to manage finishing touches and clean-up, efficiency is drastically im- proved. “It allows a company to com- pletely reinvent their business and make a huge difference in their lives because it can double or triple their in- come,” says Price. “It’s possible to earn your monthly financing payment in a single day of work.” Unlike other large equipment, knuckle- booms require skilled operators, and as a result, tree care companies are buying or leasing these units in lieu of renting. “Once you have a knuckle-boom truck in your fleet and are very comfortable operating it, it opens the door to sub-
contract yourself and the machine to another tree care company you like to work with. Many companies have a lot of success with subcontract work when the parties have a good working rela- tionship,” suggests Creekmore. Alter- natively, some projects might require other liing solutions. For example, the grapple-saw can be removed and replaced with a liing hook, making it simple to expand your services for non- tree projects such as placing a hot tub on a deck or an air-conditioning unit on top of a building. The skills to operate this kind of machinery are in demand, opening avenues to additional revenue streams. “The investment in this equipment is exactly that, an investment in increased efficiency, increased safety, control of crane availability to their business and access to a wealth of existing owners willing to help them out,” says Smith. “These machines create opportunities to be profitable when arbor-care in- dustry sales are down, but they make profitable tree work seasons even more lucrative.” Doing the required due dil- igence is essential, and having open discussions with dealers and existing owners helps prospective owners make sound decisions on what will ensure the greatest return on investment. THINGS TO CONSIDER Knuckle-booms with a grapple attach- ment are not a one-size-fits-all solution. These machines come in different siz- es and configurations, and it’s import- ant to pick the right mix for business needs. “You don’t want to buy a truck that is short and can’t reach the trees you’re giving estimates on, but you also don’t want to buy a 115-foot truck when most days you only need to reach 70 feet,” says Price. “Paying extra mon- ey for something you’re not going to use doesn’t make good business sense, and any good dealer will ask targeted questions to help guide you to the right machine.” Smith echoes this, stating, “A customer located in rural Kansas has much dif- ferent needs than a customer working
Once you have a knuckle-boom truck in your fleet and are comfortable operating it, it opens the door to subcon- tract yourself and the machine to another tree care company you like to work with. Photo courtesy of Albach.
10 | ArborTIMES Spring 2023
in urban parts of New York. We consid- er several things to help clients select the right knuckle-boom truck.” The experts shared a few simple ques- tions to help buyers clarify their needs: • What species of trees are common in your area? • What is the tallest size tree that you typically remove in your area? • How many of those do you remove in a year? • What is access like for most of the tree care jobs you have? • What is your budget? “Answering these questions makes for a great starting point to better un- derstand the size machine you need,” emphasizes Creekmore. “Don’t think you need the biggest, tallest, baddest machine on the market. That simply is not the case.” Some manufacturers offer a single size or version, but with optional variants to customize the equipment. “When de- ciding which Fällbach variant is best, we can guide customers through select- ing appropriate tire width, whether the quick-change system would be useful and adding more counterweights to en- sure the equipment is suited to the work they’ll be doing,” says Frühholz. “When special solutions are required, we work with customers to implement them.” Many owners with smaller knuck- le-boom trucks do exceptionally well. The experts suggest that selecting a machine that will do at least 75% of what the business requires will make the most financial sense. Some owners add larger units to their fleet later but will keep the original unit because it gets used every day. NEW VERSUS USED Much like purchasing a car or truck, there are pros and cons to new and used knuckle-boom trucks. Buying new comes with significant advantages over buying used, especially for first-time owners. Reasons for this include hav-
The best operators for these trucks are someone who has done the work the manual way and can think critically about how to approach cutting the tree with a remote. Photo courtesy of Altec.
ing the latest technology, zero wear on the product and warranty coverage. On the flip side, disadvantages of new ma- chines include high initial investment, possibly high transport costs and po- tentially long delivery times. Investing in a used machine can come with lower purchasing costs and units readily available, making it easier to fill immediate needs. However, used machines can have hidden defects or damage due to misuse by the previous owner which could result in unantici- pated downtime, frustration and costly repairs that are no longer covered by the warranty.
New or used, it is helpful to have a team member who is handy with repairs to per- form regularly scheduled maintenance to avoid downtime as much as possible. TRAINING THE CREW Taking the most experienced climbing arborists on the crew and putting them in charge of the remote enables busi- ness owners to leverage those team members’ significant knowledge “The best operators for these trucks are someone who has done the work the manual way and can think critically about how to approach cutting the tree with a remote,” says Price. “Not only
ArborTIMES Spring 2023 | 11
Introducing new equipment to the fleet does have a learning curve. Smith says, “Knowing customers are famil- iar with the best practices of use and operation of their machine is not only in the customers’ best interest, but it is also in our best interest because training reduces accidental damage of the machine, resulting in the most up- time possible.” When purchasing a new piece of equipment, two to three days of training with a brand expert is stan- dard. This top-to-bottom orientation is designed to ensure users are familiar with the machine and how to operate it in a variety of scenarios. COST CONSIDERATION Dealers may be able to connect buyers with current owners to ask questions and explore the financial and business implications of adding a knuckle-boom to the fleet—it’s always worth asking for a list of contacts. “When customers are doing their homework, talking to other owners and seeing a grapple-saw operat- ed by an experienced crew oen results in buyers being blown away by how safe Because of their unique valuations, it’s important to work with a finance company that understands the grapple truck and that also offers competitive rates and terms. Financing allows you to manage cash flow seamlessly by spreading out payments over a longer period of time instead of spending large amounts of cash that can be utilized for multiple smaller purchases, used for working capital or saved for emergency purposes. It’s important for business owners to keep good personal and business cred- it ratings. Without proven credit wor- thiness, your ability to purchase and finance the equipment that is needed to operate the business is limited. For companies, finding a suitable and trust- worthy funding model is of the utmost importance. Once a relationship is es- tablished and you’ve made timely loan payments, you increase the value of your business and the likelihood that
and efficient these machines can make the day-to-day jobs. In nearly every case, owners tell me this single machine was the best thing they have done for their business,” says Creekmore. “When grapple-saws were first intro- duced to the market, the companies that invested early on are true pioneers,” says Price. Today, those companies are making money, and there are plenty of owners who can help those considering adding this machine to their fleet deter- mine if it is a good investment. “People are initially surprised by price. Most have never spent that much for a piece of new equipment. It’s a big decision,” says Price. For smaller family businesses, this could mean cutting back in other areas to support a $300,000-$500,000 purchase. “When considering the overall purchase price of the unit, that number can be in- timidating, however when we can explain the breakdown in the cost and calculate the savings gained elsewhere within their business, the investment quickly makes sense,” says Smith. “These pack- ages are more affordable than they might have originally thought.” you are easily able to borrow again, when needed. Remember, you are a credit risk to the lender until you prove yourself a trust- worthy borrower. So make your pay- ments on time and it’s a win-win for both of you. Providing financing for businesses coast to coast, Northern Atlantic’s own- er, JoAnn Cucciarre, has more than 25 years in the industry. JoAnn takes pride in her relationships and celebrates the success of her customers as she’s seen so many of their businesses grow over the years. Northern Atlantic Financial, LLC spe- cializes in the arborist industry. They believe in long-term partnerships with customers and their commitment to of- fering customers the most competitive financing programs available is their utmost priority.
does this offer these professionals the chance to extend their careers, it also means they’re going home at the end of the day with energy to have a person- al life.” If those senior team members have been climbing for 20-plus years, this is an opportunity to keep them en- gaged without moving them into sales roles. Aer all, not everyone with this level of experience is suited to or wants to move into sales. Knuckle-booms with a grapple attachment are not a one-size-fits-all solution. These machines come in different sizes and configurations, and it’s important to pick the right mix for business needs. Photo courtesy of Albach. Financing Knuckle- Boom Trucks By JoAnn Cucciarre Knuckle-boom trucks are one the most powerful and effective pieces of equip- ment used to collect bulky waste, includ- ing brush, trees, leaves, shrubs, logs, stumps, branches and more. While their usefulness is at an all-time high, so is their cost. So, when purchasing a new grapple truck, expect a hey price tag. However, a dependable, late-model, used truck can provide similar options and features as a new one for a significantly lower price. Keep in mind, when look- ing up the NADA value on a used unit, it will be difficult to find a published value in line with the actual worth, since the back-end knuckle-boom is worth more than the truck it’s on.
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In celebration of Bandit’s 40th Anniversary in 2023, we will be co-hosting events with our dealers in select areas throughout the country. Please visit our website at www.banditchippers.com and click on the 40th Anniversary Tour menu icon. Below is a list of the current events scheduled.
DEALER
LOCATION
DATE
VENUE
Bobcat of Connecticut
Springfield, MA
March 30 th April 11 th April 13 th April 20 th April 28 th May 3 rd May 9 th June 6 th June 26 th June 28 th July 18 th July 20 th
Eastern States Exposition
Cal-Line Cal-Line
San Diego
San Diego, CA
Santa Fe Springs
Santa Fe Springs
Bobcat of North Texas
Denton
Denton, TX
Cal-Line
Sacramento
Elk Grove, CA
Global Machinery
Denver
Denver, CO
KTS Equipment
Streetsboro
Streetsboro, OH Kansas City, MO
KC Bobcat
Olathe
Brooks Tractor Brooks Tractor
De Pere
De Pere, WI
Sparta
Sparta, WI
Cal-Line Cal-Line Cal-Line
Kent, WA
Kent, WA
Portland, OR Spokane, WA
Portland, OR Spokane, WA
July 27 th
Stephenson Stephenson Mason Tractor Mason Tractor
Butler
Butler, PA
September 12 th September 14 th September 21 st September 22 nd
Harrisburg Cumming Cumming
Harrisburg, PA Cumming, GA Cumming, GA
Bandit Industries - Headquarters Bandit Headquarters
September 27 th & 28 th
Remus, MI Bristol, PA
Modern Group
Bristol, PA
October 6 th & 7 th
ACT Construction ACT Construction Company Wrench Company Wrench
Charlotte
Charlotte, NC Raleigh, NC Lakeland, FL
October 17 th October 19 th October 25 th October 26 th
Raleigh
Lakeland
West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach, FL
By Danie
There’s a bias electric chain because early had problems. instance, som perform well i rain and other terribly rugge courtesy of Sti
14 | ArborTIMES Winter 2023
"Most people conclude that gas-powered chain saws come out on top because they deliver a better performance. They tend to cut better for longer periods of time."
Checking in on Battery-powered Chain Saws Experts discuss the state of the technology and when might they replace gas-powered options.
el Terrill
ment, specifically battery-powered chain saws? BIAS AGAINST BATTERY-POWERED CHAIN SAWS If you type “battery v gas chain saws” into a search engine, you’ll find a nearly infinite supply of articles and
Lawmakers across the country are taking steps to help reduce carbon emissions by banning the sale of gas-powered lawn-care equipment. Those who support the efforts oen justify the ban by citing research by the Environmental Protection Agency showing that gas-powered lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and chain saws make up about 5% of the nation’s air pollution. States like California and New York will enact such prohibitions in 2024 and 2025, respectively, while other states are still legislating similar measures. In early February, Minnesota became the latest example. In response, green-industry groups oen express concern about the cost of replacing equipment, deficiencies in the technology and the timeline for the transition, but in some ar- eas, those issues largely fall on deaf ears. So, with dwindling timelines and model legislation making its way into statehouses across the country, it raises the question: What is the cur- rent state of electric lawn care equip-
videos on the subject. Most people conclude that gas-powered chain saws come out on top because they deliver a better performance. They tend to cut better for longer periods of time. But if you ask experts like Mark Chisholm, he’ll tell you that there’s
against saws y iterations . For me didn’t in the rs weren’t ed. Photo ihl.
Compared to gas-operated chain saws, electric chain saws start with a push-button rather than a pull starter, they require very little maintenance, and they produce no exhaust fumes. Photo courtesy of Greenworks.
"Lawmakers across the country are taking steps to help reduce carbon emissions by banning the sale of gas-powered lawn care equipment.
ArborTIMES Spring 2023 | 15
more to consider than just performance. Chisholm has won several awards and accolades for his work in the world of arboriculture. He’s a third-generation International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist working with his fam- ily-owned Aspen Tree Expert Company in New Jersey. He’s also a consultant and spokesman for equipment maker Stihl. Chisholm explains that there’s a bias against electric chain saws because early iterations had problems. For in- stance, some didn’t perform well in the rain and others weren’t terribly rugged. Negative opinions have lin- gered because of word-of-mouth re-
going on,” Chisholm says and explains that he uses electric trimmers and chain saws for a variety of tasks on the job site. He says he especially loves the ergonomics of his electric saws. “It just feels nice to be able to grab the saw… and go right to work,” he says. “It’s just squeeze and go, and it’s just so conve- nient and comfortable. I use it on a lot of pruning jobs in particular and some removal jobs as well.” THEY’RE CONVENIENT, BUT… When asked to describe the benefits of electric chain saws, Chisholm lingers on the idea of convenience. Compared to gas-operated chain saws, electric chain saws start with a push-button rather than a pull starter, they require very little maintenance and they produce no exhaust fumes. Plus, they’re quieter, so it’s much easier to communicate on the job site. “They’re just easier,” he says. As for the power deferential, Chisholm explains that it’s not that battery-powered chain saws are underpowered, it’s that the batter- ies in their current state can’t produce enough juice to fuel the chain saw for really aggressive jobs—at least, not un- less you “strap on a battery the size of a backpack.” Even though Chisholm praises bat- tery-powered chain saws, he calls the 2024 and 2025 goals “loy” and says the technology might not catch up to the initiative. “When a guy like me
views and online chatter rather than personal experiences. However, tech- nology has improved significantly in a few short years due to demand and societal forces. Because professionals use their chain saws more often, they’ll also need more batteries and maybe even more chargers. These items make upfront costs for transitioning to battery-powered more expensive. Photo courtesy of Stihl.
“Year over year, it’s amazing what’s
“I think technology is moving forward so incredibly quickly that five years from now, there probably won’t be a need for gas-powered saws anywhere.”
16 | ArborTIMES Spring 2023
You’ll save money in the long run because you won’t have to pay for oil, gas and a variety of maintenance.
If you compare the price of battery-powered chain saws with their gas-powered equivalents, you’ll notice that the battery-powered saws typically cost less. Photo courtesy of Stihl.
might have to cut a four-foot diameter tree off a house during a storm, you just can’t do it with a battery-powered saw yet,” he says. UNDERSTANDING THE COST To be clear, though, it’s not that there’s something lacking in chain- saw battery technology, but rather, equipment makers have to strike the right “balance between cost and tech- nology,” explains Per Kvarby, vice president of product management at Greenworks, an electric lawn equip- ment maker. “Can we put together a chain saw that delivers the power of a 90cc gas saw? Yes, of course, we can. Is some- one willing to buy it? No, it’s going to be excessively expensive, so there’s
that balance of having the technology available at a good price that some- one feels comfortable with buying,” Kvarby says. If you compare the price of battery-pow- ered chain saws with their gas-powered equivalents, you’ll notice that the bat- tery-powered saws typically cost less. That’s one of the reasons experts like Chisolm recommend them for home- owners. But if you want to use them for professional jobs, there’s a little more to consider. Because professionals use their chain saws more oen, they’ll also need more batteries and maybe even more char- gers. These items make upfront costs for transitioning to battery-powered more expensive. But there’s a caveat, as Kvarby points out. You’ll save mon-
ArborTIMES Spring 2023 | 17
ey in the long run because you won’t have to pay for oil, gas and a variety of maintenance. BATTERY-POWERED CHAIN SAWS BECOMING THE NORM Still, the question remains: When will battery-powered chain saw technology reach its potential? Kvarby explains this year might not be the year—even though Greenworks will release “very powerful and exciting” battery-pow- ered saws—but he predicts major changes happening within the next five years. “We could possibly see the complete demise of gas-powered chain saws at all levels,” Kvarby says. “I think tech- nology is moving forward so incredibly quickly that five years from now, there probably won’t be a need for gas-pow- ered saws anywhere, for any applica- tion and for any purpose.” Kvarby argues that the change will happen because of supply and de- mand. When there’s more demand, companies will create a bigger supply, and things get less expensive to make when you have to make more of them. Somewhere along the way, companies will be able to release better batteries at a rate customers are comfortable with paying. “When the first Tesla came out, it was $100,000 and now you have Model 3, which is $30,000, and batteries in lawn and garden tree care are taking the same journey,” Kvarby says. “It will start out pricey, but as more people, more volume, as the business grows, the pricing will come down.” Daniel Terrill is a writer, editor, and journalist best known for his work cover- ing the gun and outdoor industries. His work has appeared in a variety of niche news publications like Task & Purpose, Android Police, Guns.com, and more. He lives in suburban Chicago.
When there’s more demand, companies will create a bigger supply, and things get less expensive to make when you have to make more of them. Somewhere along the way, companies will be able to release better batteries at a rate customers are comfortable with paying. Photo courtesy of Stihl.
18 | ArborTIMES Spring 2023
THE MOST POWERFUL BATTERY-POWERED CHAINSAW
3.4kW max power
13,000 RPM max when cutting
Equivalent power of a 4.56 HP engine and 65 cc gas chainsaw
Up to 205 cuts per charge (with an 82BD400 battery)
82CS34 82V 20” 3.4KW COMMERCIAL CHAINSAW
Purchase online at greenworkscommercial.com
ArborTIMES Spring 2023 | 19
Product Spotlight
MORBARK NEX GEN 6400XT WOOD HOG
B3C FUEL SOLUTIONS MECHANIC IN A BOTTLE HYDRAULIC OIL FIX AND STABILIZER B3C Fuel Solutions, the inventors of OEM-approved and used fuel additive brands Mechanic In A Bottle and Eth- anol Shield Fuel Stabilizer, introduced Mechanic In A Bottle Hydraulic Oil Fix & Stabilizer. This oil additive will fix, flush and prevent milky, emulsified oil by encapsulating water to turn unus- able oil into usable oil. It helps reduce waste oil and the need for new oil. Me- chanic In A Bottle works in a multitude of equipment and applications, and it works in any oil including hydraulic fluid, gear oil, engine oil (conventional or synthetic), transmission fluid, trans- fer case oil and more. It can be used to quickly fix emulsified hydraulic fluid, to flush and clean the oil system and for preventative maintenance. www.b3cfuel.com
Morbark, LLC, a forestry, biomass, tree care, sawmill and wood recycling equipment manufacturer, debuted the Next Gen 6400XT Wood Hog horizon- tal grinder with transport system. The Morbark Transport Dolly for the Next Gen 6400XT was developed to simpli- fy how customers transport their ma- chines. Equipped with independent air- ride suspension and remote-controlled front and rear hydraulic locks, a single operator can attach the transport dolly in minutes, eliminating the need for a specialized Low-Boy trailer. In addition to the new transport dolly system, the additional Next Gen 6400XT updates include enhanced frame design, auto- matic hammermill drive-belt tension system and a PT Tech Hydraulic Torque Limiter. www.morbark.com
MINILOADERS.COM OFFERS INTREPID KM130 TELE
Miniloaders.com, a distributor of mini articulating loaders for tree care, an- nounced the introduction of a new and larger compact articulating loader. The Intrepid KM130 Tele boasts an operating capacity of 2000 pounds, a four-cylin- der Kubota engine, and a 10.5-foot li height. The KM130 Tele is equipped with an MT-style universal mount plate and hydraulic quick-connect. Standard features include a SawHaul chain saw carrier, hand throttle, universal attach- ment mount, wide turf-friendly tires, extra counterweights, LED work lights and an ergonomic all-function joystick. The KM130 Tele has a maximum speed of 12.5 mph. www.miniloaders.com
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20 | ArborTIMES Spring 2023
DIAMOND MOWERS SK DRUM MULCHER OD PRO X
Diamond Mowers, a manufactur- er of industrial mowing, mulching and brush cutting equipment for the municipal, skid-steer and excavator markets, introduced the SK Drum Mulcher OD Pro X, the first in a series of high-performance mulching tools set to be launched this year. The de- sign fuses open-drum versatility with depth-control precision. Made for a wide range of heavy-duty applications, the OD Pro X processes material up to nine inches in diameter continuously with an optimized infeed system, re- ducing the need for back-dragging and producing uniform mulch. Available in 60- and 72-inch cutting widths, the OD Pro X accommodates three tooth options. Additional features in- clude a variable-displacement piston motor, severe-duty bearings rated to 77,000-plus pounds and protected by a labyrinth design and triple steel ring seals, replaceable abrasion-resistant AR 400 liner to minimize wear and a chain guard to protect the operator and machine from flying debris. www.diamondmowers.com
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CTE TRACCESS 270/88 CTE North America recently brought the CTE TRACCESS 270/88 to the US market, the largest model in the TRAC- CESS range. The T-270/88 has a work- ing height of 88 feet and an impressive outreach of 46 feet at the full 550-pound basket capacity. In its stowed position, the T-270/88 is compact enough to fit through a standard doorway or gate. The T-270/88 is a hybrid solution, ca- pable of operating in three different power modes on the same machine (diesel, battery, 110v). The AGM Deep Cycle battery pack powers the elec- tric motor providing energy for hours of work. CTE machines are built with Strenx® high-strength structural steel from SSAB. The Strenx® structural steel in our equipment outperforms other steel even in the toughest of en- vironments. All CTE TRACCESS lis are equipped with a jib to maneuver around obstacles and makes operation in hard-to-reach areas easier. www.ctelift-na.com
Tree Care Business, Safety, & Equipment News
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ArborTIMES provides information and resources on the latest techniques, safety, technology, and news related to arboriculture. By reading ArborTIMES Magazine, tree care professionals can stay informed on industry trends, learn about new products and equipment, and get insights from our experts in the field.
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ArborTIMES Spring 2023 | 21
Care for One Another Like You Care for the Trees By Natasha Buffo
The tree care industry isn’t alone with the high risk of safety accidents on the job. Any operation with heavy ma- chinery, working long days in the early morning or late at night and relying on the power of nature and weather is prone to incidents. Although a focus on technical and physical checks, like PPE and operational training, is vital to safety, there is a crucial aspect that is oen missing from the conversation— mental health. Mental health challenges can partly or wholly cause accidents on the job. Vice versa, incidents in the tree care industry can also create mental health challenges like trauma, substance use issues or anxiety. Unfortunately, most businesses are not prioritizing these discussions, let alone creating a safe space without repercussions of job loss or ostracization. As a certified Adult Mental Health First Aid (AMHFA) USA instructor, who has worked in the ski industry for eight years, I’ve observed and trained ski patrollers, snowcat and loader op- erators, li mechanics and more. For the tree care industry, I see three main areas to step up its game, increase the safety of its employees and reduce in- surance claims. PROACTIVE CHECKS AND ROUTINES Navigating through a mental health challenge is difficult enough on its own, and it can lead to secondary effects – job loss, relationships ending (with family, friends, colleagues or partners) or negative coping mechanisms, like a substance use challenge. In a precari- ous industry like tree care, we must also recognize injuries or death as po- tential secondary effects of a mental
health challenge. So, how can one help during early intervention or worsening signs and symptoms to prevent these secondary effects? Mental health must be as default and mandatory as all the other safety checks before and during the job. If your crew already reviews a safety checklist, make sure to also include a mental health check. See what feels comfortable for the staff, or ask a mental health profes- sional for guidance. We don’t need to use “mental health” if it feels too vulnerable and uncomfortable. Find a “safe word” that is approachable. OneWave Interna- tional opens conversations for people “doing it tough” at their Fluro Fridays.
Another company that has simplified the query is “R U OK?” I interviewed Danny Prout—a tree climber with 10 years working around the world, from the UK to New Zealand and Canada—who explains that the in- dustry is “quite competitive,” filled with “masculine personalities,” all there to prove themselves. He elaborated that “people get themselves in situations where they are biting off more than they can chew and on a job above their experience level. With experience, you learn to know when you can or cannot show up.”
Prout shares that, in his experience,
22 | ArborTIMES Spring 2023
“all near misses have been in a place of stress, tiredness or personal prob- lems,” where one was “distracted and not focused.” His advice to a young- er or newer arborist is to be aware if you’re ever in “check-out mode” (imag- ine a clerk at a supermarket scan- ning items, zoned out in routine). “If you ever find yourself in that mental
I always recommend utilizing weekly or daily meetings because if one per- son would benefit from the resources or information, chances are everyone would. Sharing with the whole team removes the discomfort of singling someone out, reduces stigma within your team and makes the leader run- ning meetings more approachable regarding mental health. Topics should range from common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges (ex. distancing from friends and family) to resources that could help (ex. peer support groups). Reflect on recent experiences on the job, in the industry or in similar job functions. Reports provide data on how many tree care workers are killed every year. As heartbreaking as such reports can be, they can be used as examples to dis- cuss how mental health might have been a cause or effect. REACTIVE CONVERSATIONS AND RESOURCES In AMHFA, a traumatic event is defined as, “any incident experienced by a per- son that is perceived to be dangerous and threatens serious injury or death.” Ring any bells? Prout shares detailed stories of the near misses and severe injuries that he has experienced and how they were treated as “just anoth- er day” by those around him. Even aer losing a portion of his finger on a simple pruning job—which he says was a prime example of a day he was in “check-out mode”—one colleague laughed while saying, “you’ll never do that again!” Another example was when a 200- foot tree fell inches from where Prout was—100 feet up in another tree, while he clung to life strategically on the one side of the trunk that kept him safe—
referred to as a near miss, and that was that. Trauma is a risk factor for nearly all mental health issues; therefore, af- ter such an event, one is more at risk for depression, substance use, anxi- ety, and even crisis situations. Yet, he also shares, “over my ten years in the tree care industry, not one person has ever provided me a resource for mental health.” Prout expressed that your men- tal health can be even more adversely affected when you hurt someone else. Therefore, we must also keep an eye on and support the person who almost caused a serious injury or death. Outside of doctor’s appointments or reviews with the client, companies working in tree care need a post-inci- dent process regarding mental health. These near misses on the job are risk factors for the mental health challeng- es that stick with your employee and lead to severe injury or death for them- selves or others on the next work site. In turn, this leads to huge insurance claims for your company, monumental impacts on your employee’s family, and increased anxiety or grief for your oth- er employees. Since not everyone on your team is trained on AMHFA, encouraging ap- propriate professional help (one of the five steps of the ALGEE Action Plan) might be the most beneficial. This means suggesting options—a therapist, counselor or check-in with their pri- mary care doctor. Recognize barriers— stigma, cost, time, transportation. How can you, or someone on your team, help this person navigate these barriers to access the professional help they need? Offering to drive someone to an ap- pointment, covering a shi so they can attend or babysitting kids are common ways to help. When a company offers a few free therapy sessions through an
space for even a few minutes, some- thing will likely happen. Tree care is not a job where a single day can be like that.” When he observes himself in this headspace, he chooses to stay on the ground by saying, “I can’t today because of personal reasons.” A frequently asked question during an AMHFA course is what to do when you’re worried about an individual but don’t feel it’s appropriate to talk to them one-on-one. The National Alliance on Mental Health says, “eight out of 10 workers with a mental health condition list shame and stigma as factors that prevent them from seeking care.” So,
Incidents in the tree care industry can also create mental health challenges, like trauma, substance use issues or anxiety.
ArborTIMES Spring 2023 | 23
Employee Assistance Program (EAP), employees—who would have never oth- erwise felt comfortable seeing a ther- apist—make an appointment. No cost means low risk when one’s hesitant to try something new. Ongoing support following a traumat- ic event is crucial. First, those around the person in need must pay attention to signs and symptoms. Negative cop- ing mechanisms, like drinking alcohol or overworking, are common. They might also sink into a recluse-like state, where you rarely see them at work or other usual meetups. These scenarios call for a straightforward follow-up: checking in on this person. Utilize “I” statements: I’ve noticed you’ve missed a lot of work lately. Ask open-ended questions: How have you been feeling the last few weeks? And choose an environment that is semi-private and comfortable. A TOP-DOWN SHIFT IN CULTURE When there is a shi in culture at a company, I typically witness entry-lev- el employees taking the time for educa- tion, finding resources and supporting colleagues. However, when a manag- er becomes certified in AMHFA, or simply treats mental health as an es- sential consideration for their team, a long-lasting impact occurs. These managers recognize that if an employee’s mental health is suffering, so will their work performance, and in turn, so will the manager’s work perfor- mance. Moreover, poor mental health in- creases turnover. Lastly, in an industry with the potential for physical accidents, as we’ve discussed, this can also mean more insurance claims, which never bodes well for anyone in leadership.
to completely step away from the job or “I can’t be climbing today,” to modify one’s role and reduce the risk for them- selves and others, should be welcomed by a crew leader. They need to send a message to the rest of the team that this is a sign of a strong and intelligent employee. Until then, many workers will not feel comfortable being honest with their headspace or might not recognize they aren’t in the best mindset for the job. Prout reflects on the countless times he has asked, “You okay, man?” over his decade in the industry; he was try- ing to think of a time when someone responded, “no” and couldn’t think of an example. Given the current culture in tree care, he explains that people are oen thrown off when he asks this question. This is normal in all occupa- tions, not just for arborists. Be prepared that someone might not be ready to open up right away. Prout always fol- lows up with a, “Well, you know where I am if you need me”—a perfect exam- ple of keeping lines of communication open, and not pressuring before they are ready to share or you have built the necessary trust. Another technique I’ve seen prove successful is talking about therapy, support groups and any other mental health care appointments as regu- larly and nonchalantly as any other. Although therapy is not for everyone navigating a mental health challenge, Prout vehemently recommends it. “I was one of those people who were scared to do that at the beginning, but now I love therapy. It’s not weird, it’s not weak, and it can be fun. Don’t fear it. Welcome it!” Prout is also a backcountry guide. Working in two very high-risk and unique industries, he recognizes that
people oen won’t seek help because no therapist, counselor or doctor can understand their experiences. The Reside Foundation provides a help- line for river raing guides to call when struggling with their mental health. The Iverson Foundation for Active Awareness, provides music therapy, yoga and resources specific to first responders. These are both in- dustries with a history of the same, “toughest of the tough, work hard, play hard mentality.” And yet, these organizations are stepping up to in- vest time and resources because they recognize that the trauma, PTSD, anxiety and depression that come from the job are not sustainable with- out support. Where is such an organization for the tree care industry? Imagine the ben- efits of a phone line one could call where on the other end are people who have, or still do, work in tree care. Or a cohort of therapists with an under- standing and empathy for the experi- ences of tree care workers. This is the tree care industry, folks! As a worker, you observe, assess, and re- spond with what’s best for the tree and the surrounding environment. It’s time to put as much care into colleagues, employees and yourself as we put into the trees! Danny Prout owns and operates The Arbor Culture Tree Service @the_arbor_culture. Natasha Buffo is a community mental health facilitator and creative non-fic- tion writer. She teaches Adult Mental Health First Aid to outdoor profession- als and recreationists. Her most recent- ly published works are with Adventures in Good Company, Recreation.gov, Fleet Feet, and GearJunkie. When not at her desk, you’ll find Natasha snowboarding near Lake Tahoe, cycling across states, kayaking alpine lakes, backpacking unpopular trails or walking her new puppy. Learn more: www.dirtandtears.com. Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn.
Statements like, “I can’t be here today,”
Sharing with the whole team removes the discomfort of singling someone out, reduces stigma within your team, and makes the leader running meetings more approachable regarding mental health.
24 | ArborTIMES Spring 2023
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