Machinery used in utility arboriculture

Blog Machinery used in utility arboriculture

by Wilson Tree Surgery | 30th Sep 2024

Utility arboriculture is a specialised branch of arboriculture that focuses on the management of trees and vegetation around utility infrastructure, such as power lines, pipelines, and telecommunications networks. This work is critical for maintaining the safety and reliability of utility services, as trees and overgrown vegetation can pose significant hazards, including power outages, fires, and physical damage to infrastructure. To carry out this work effectively and safely, utility arborists rely on a range of specialised machinery and equipment. In this blog, we’ll explore the key machinery used in utility arboriculture and their roles in ensuring the safety and efficiency of vegetation management around utility lines.

1. Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) / Cherry Pickers

Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs), commonly known as cherry pickers, are among the most essential pieces of equipment in utility arboriculture. These vehicles are equipped with extendable hydraulic arms and buckets that allow arborists to safely access and work on trees at height. Aerial lift trucks are particularly useful for pruning, trimming, or removing branches that are close to power lines or other utility infrastructure.

• Key Features: Insulated booms for safety near power lines, extendable arms reaching up to 100 feet, and manoeuvrable buckets for precise positioning.
• Uses: Pruning branches near power lines, removing dead or hazardous limbs, and conducting visual inspections of tree health and proximity to utility lines.

2. Wood Chippers

Wood chippers are a staple in the arboriculture industry, used to process the branches, limbs, and trunks that are removed during tree trimming or removal operations. For utility arboriculture, where large volumes of tree material need to be quickly and efficiently managed, wood chippers are indispensable.

• Key Features: High-powered engines, varying sizes of chipping capacity (from 6 inches to 18 inches in diameter), and discharge chutes that direct wood chips into trucks or onto the ground.
• Uses: Reducing branches and brush into manageable wood chips, which can then be hauled away or used as mulch for ground cover or erosion control.

3. Stump Grinders

After a tree is removed, especially when it’s too close to utility lines or infrastructure, the stump may need to be ground down to prevent regrowth or potential hazards. Stump grinders are specialised machines equipped with a rotating cutting disc that chips away at the tree stump until it is below ground level.

• Key Features: Powerful rotating discs with carbide teeth, hydraulic controls for precise grinding, and varying sizes to accommodate different stump diameters.
• Uses: Removing tree stumps to prevent regrowth, eliminate trip hazards, and clear space for utility infrastructure.

4. Hydraulic Tree Shears

For large-scale tree clearing operations, particularly in utility right-of-ways or corridors, hydraulic tree shears can be highly effective. These machines are designed to cut through trees and large branches with minimal effort and are often mounted on excavators or skid steers.

• Key Features: Hydraulic-powered jaws, robust steel construction, and the ability to rotate for precise cuts.
• Uses: Rapid removal of entire trees or large branches in a controlled manner, especially in areas where quick and safe clearance is necessary.

5. Brush Cutters and Mulchers

Brush cutters and mulchers are essential for managing dense undergrowth, small trees, and brush in utility corridors. These machines, which can be mounted on tractors, skid steers, or excavators, are used to quickly clear vegetation that may impede access or pose a fire risk.

• Key Features: Heavy-duty rotary or flail blades, variable speed controls, and robust build to handle thick brush and small trees.
• Uses: Clearing dense vegetation, maintaining utility corridors, and reducing fire hazards in areas where flammable brush is prevalent.

6. Forestry Mowers and Mulching Heads

Forestry mowers and mulching heads are designed for more intensive vegetation management tasks. Mounted on heavy machinery like excavators or tractors, these attachments can grind down trees, shrubs, and vegetation into mulch.

• Key Features: High-powered rotary or drum-style mulchers, reinforced teeth for durability, and the ability to handle larger trees and dense vegetation.
• Uses: Clearing large areas of vegetation for utility access, converting trees and shrubs into mulch to prevent regrowth, and maintaining clear utility corridors.

7. Chainsaws and Pole Saws

While heavy machinery is essential for large-scale operations, chainsaws and pole saws remain critical tools for precision work in utility arboriculture. Chainsaws are versatile, handheld machines used for cutting branches, limbs, and trunks, while pole saws extend the reach of the operator to safely prune branches from the ground.

• Key Features: Gas-powered or battery-powered motors, a range of bar lengths for different cutting needs, and ergonomic designs for operator safety and comfort.
• Uses: Precision pruning and trimming, felling smaller trees, and clearing branches that are close to power lines or other utility structures.

8. Skid Steers with Tree Attachments

Skid steers are versatile machines that can be fitted with a variety of attachments to aid in utility arboriculture tasks. Some common attachments include grapple buckets, tree spades, and stump grinders.

• Key Features: Compact and highly manoeuvrable, ability to swap between different attachments, and strong hydraulic systems for powering attachments.
• Uses: Moving logs and debris, digging out tree stumps, and transplanting trees when necessary.

9. Cranes and Rigging Equipment

For particularly large or hazardous trees located near utility lines, cranes may be used in conjunction with rigging equipment to safely remove sections of a tree piece by piece. This method is especially useful in urban or confined environments where safety is paramount.

• Key Features: Telescopic booms with lifting capacities of several tons, precision rigging setups for controlled lowering of tree sections, and remote controls for enhanced safety.
• Uses: Removing large or dangerous trees in sections to avoid damage to nearby utility infrastructure or property.

 

Utility arboriculture is a complex field that requires specialised machinery and skilled operators to safely manage vegetation around power lines, pipelines, and other utility infrastructure. Each piece of equipment plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and reliability of utility services. At the same time, the effective use of these machines helps maintain the health of surrounding ecosystems, prevent outages, and reduce fire risks. With the right tools and expertise, utility arborists can navigate the challenges of vegetation management with precision, efficiency, and safety.