Are you working as a tree surgeon and looking for a safer and more efficient way to carry out your job? Spiderlifts provide the perfect solution and here we’ll explain why.
What is a spiderlift?
The spiderlift is a relatively new piece of equipment that has been designed to replace out-dated access devices. It boasts a lightweight construction, making it great for navigating through narrow gaps and also has durable tracks, perfect for manoeuvring over uneven outdoor surfaces. However it is its hinged legs that are its best feature. These can be positioned to stabilise the platform (even on slopes) and allow the weight of the load to be distributed across a wider base.
What type of tree work are spider lifts suitable for?
The fact that spiderlifts can be used outdoors and on uneven surfaces makes them particularly great for carrying out tree work such as:
- Tree pruning
- Removing trees and shrubs
- Cutting down structurally unsafe trees
- Trimming overgrown trees and shrubs
- Accessing trees that lean over buildings and structures
Benefits of using spiderlifts for tree work
One of the main benefits of using a spiderlift for tree work is that it will help to keep you safe. Rather than having to climb the tree yourself, you will simply be able to stand on the platform and let the spiderlift do the climbing. Using a spiderlift to carry out tree work will greatly reduce the risk of you falling and causing injury to yourself.
Flexibility
Another benefit of using a spiderlift is that they are able to extend their arm to navigate around objects. This means you will be able to trim the top of trees with ease and precision, even if there is a building or other structure in the way.
Safe
If you have worked in a woods or forest, you will know just how uneven the ground can be, however thanks to spiderlifts hinged legs and durable tracks, there’s no need to worry about overbalancing or toppling over. You can simply adjust the hinged legs to balance out the weight of the spiderlift, allowing you to carry out the tree surgery safely and efficiently.
Environmentally friendly
When carrying out tree maintenance work, the last thing you want to do is damage the environment and unfortunately some pieces of machinery do just that. Thankfully, the spiderlift makes use of tracks and has a lightweight design so it won’t cause any damage to the environment or leave unsightly grooves in the ground. Not only that but the fact that most spiderlifts are battery operated, means you won’t have to worry about polluting the atmosphere with harmful fumes either!
Things to keep in mind…
Whilst there are many benefits of using spiderlifts for tree work, there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind.
The first is that you need to undergo specialist training before you can operate a spiderlift. This needs to be done at an IPAF training centre and you will be required to pass a theory test and a practical test before you can get your certification.
The second thing you need to keep in mind is that spiderlifts can be expensive to purchase outright. If you are looking for a more affordable option, we highly recommend hiring a spiderlift instead. Most spiderlift rental companies offer both short term and long term leasing agreements, allowing you to use a spiderlift for your tree work, without having to fork out hundreds and thousands of pounds to buy one.
