As an arborist, or also called tree surgeon, your work is to take care of the health and safety of trees and plants. Your scope of work is often confused with the forester or logger’s one (which is to manage forests or harvesting wood).
You used to ascend trees on rope. Using either the Single Rope System or the Moving Rope System. This climbing technique unfortunately exposes you to many injury risks, especially if your work area is close to an electrical line, or from falls.
Using either of these two techniques also requires you to heavily equip yourself with harnesses, chainsaw boots with straps, spikes, etc… This can restrict your movements and increase the effort needed for movement.
As your work includes a wide variety of applications such as planting; transplanting; pruning; structural support you need to ensure your personal safety. That’s why changing the way you work is important. By using equipment that reduces the risk of injuries or falls, increases your freedom of movement, and decreases the stress and fatigue associated with using ropes, you will be better equipped to do your job properly
Benefits of using an aerial lift as arborist
Aerial work platforms are better suited for arboriculture works than rope. They are fully equipped vehicles that allow you to reach height areas and difficult access ones, without exposing you to injuries and falls.
Elevated work platforms incorporate a basket (which can be insulated at your discretion) with solid walls (so branches no longer obstruct you) that is spacious enough for you to move without movement constraints. This reduces your efforts to make uncomfortable movements.
Elevated work platforms also allow you to further reduce your movement efforts by navigating around objects. Depending on your needs, you can easily cut a branch from below, above, to its left, or to its right
One of the major problems when climbing a tree using a rope is the near lack of stability. This again requires a certain level of skill to maintain balance and make precise movements.
Stability won’t be an issue if you use an elevated work platform. The vehicle’s design is intended to provide a stable base on flat ground. And if you need to go higher or work on slight slopes, the elevated platforms are equipped with stabilizers (either H-shaped or A-shaped, depending on the model) to maintain balance.
Many aerial lifts are compact and lightweight, offering increased maneuverability that lets you navigate smaller spaces. An aerial lift can help reduce the impact on public spaces and facility owners while you’re working.
