For Hilliard, the most important factors are the height of the jobs, cost, purpose, use, and readiness of the equipment, along with any required training or certifications. According to Wes Snapp, executive director of client services at Tracked Li s , arborists need to look closely at the design before choosing a li. “When considering an aerial li, [tree care workers] need to make certain they are selecting one that was truly designed and purposely built with the arborist in mind – not a li with an aermarket package advertised for arborists.” Ultimately, arborists can narrow down their prospects by con- sidering the following: Height and Reach Capability Different tree care tasks require differ- ent working specifications depending on the height, width, and structure of the tree canopy. For example, removing tall trees may necessitate a li with a working height of 60 feet or more, while pruning lower branches may only require a li with a working height of 30 feet or less. Similarly, accessing a wide or dense canopy might require an articulated boom with extra dexterity, whereas a narrow or open canopy could warrant a li with less reach. Platform Capacity The platform capacity of an aerial li must be able to safely accommodate a crew’s size and weight plus any tools needed for the job, such as chainsaws, rope, and safety gear. Ensure the plat- form’s capacity meets or exceeds these parameters by checking the owner’s manual or working load decal. Stability and Maneuverability Stability features like stabilizers and outriggers are essential for safe aerial li operations, especially on uneven terrain where the li is more liable to tip over. A li’s size and maneuverabil-
A lift’s size and maneuverability are crucial, especially in areas with obstacles or dense tree cover.
ArborTIMES Fall 2024 | 19
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