Reaching New Heights A Guide to Aerial Lifts for Arboricultural Operations By TJ Yurko, ISA CA®, TRAQ, CLHT
Ever since their introduction to fruit orchards in the 1940s, aerial lis have revolutionized modern arboriculture and the way tree care opera- tions are performed today. Aerial lis empower arborists to perform tree work in challenging situations, particularly where other methods fall short. There are a variety of aerial lis available, each suited to different tasks and circumstances. Un- derstanding what they are used for and what they are capable of is essential for optimizing safe and efficient tree care. BUCKET TRUCKS Bucket trucks are commercial vehicles mounted with an extendable hydraulic arm (boom) with a bucket on the end to li workers, tools, and equip- ment up to 60 feet or more. These machines are craed from durable steel and can be installed with stabilizers or outriggers to provide balance and stability. With their robust design, it is no surprise that bucket trucks are oen used for heavy-duty jobs. “In arboriculture, the most common li is proba- bly the bucket truck,” Matt Messina, dealer and training manager with CTE North America said.
“They’re traditionally very easy to use, repair- able, robust, and built to last.” According to Zak Hilliard, tree care market man- ager with Altec, another major advantage of bucket trucks is their mobility. Because the li is a part of the truck, crews can drive the equip- ment right onto the site, cutting down on time spent on set-up and breakdown. As versatile as bucket trucks are, though, their size can be cumbersome. “They’re not small or nimble,” Messina acknowl- edged. “You couldn’t bring them into a backyard or limited access area without removing a fence or disrupting the environment.” BOOM LIFTS Boom lis are heavy machines featuring an articulating or telescoping boom that extends both vertically and horizontally. They can reach tremendous heights of 185 feet, with the platform accommodating up to 500 – 1,000 pounds. Because of its design, boom lis are the go-to option for large, complex tree maintenance tasks, such as tree pruning in dense canopies, dead- wood removal, or cabling and bracing.
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