Most tree service workers are skilled at the traditional method of tree climbing to trim branches and dismantle trunks section-by-section. But, this occupation didn't become one of the most dangerous in the country due to lack of skilled tree cutters.

Discover what the very first American operator of the SENNEBOGEN 718 has to say about the machine's impressive performance during storm cleanup operations.

"Because of the speed, because of the effortless work that it takes - It's a game changer!"

The SENNEBOGEN 718 is purpose-built to do one job - to safely cut and remove trees faster, more efficiently, and with one operator. The arbor industry employs workers to perform some of the most dangerous job duties in the country. Giant trees fall, heavy limbs cause major destruction, and injuries are common. Rob spoke about the increased safety the 718 brings to an industry that features long hours of physical work.

An important aspect of operating a tree service is making decisions regarding what types of equipment will give you faster production, a safer operation, and will minimize potential damage to the surrounding environment or property.

Different types of jobs require different tools that best fit those jobs.  Thus, tree services often have an array of equipment they utilize in different situations for maximum efficiency, safety, and speed.

The first hydraulic excavator was originally developed for the construction of the Hull docks in 1882.  Over the last century it has become the Swiss army knife of construction, demolition, mining and forestry job sites just to name a few. For example, in this comparison, we assess excavators fitted with thumb attachments, tree shears, circular saws, and mulcher/mowers to adapt them for cutting trees, shredding limbs or mowing dense undergrowth.

The Sennebogen 718  is an innovative tree handler that can successfully conduct tree removal operations by cutting and lifting sections of trees safely over buildings and obstructions or under power lines.  Its hand-like motion offers a great degree of precision and control that other equipment lack.

However, cranes are a popular tool used in tree removal projects and are often used in large tree removals. 

This article will discuss the differences between the equipment and when to use one vs the other.

Population growth and the expansion of urban, rural and residential living has always lead to a greater need to manage vegetation - especially large trees - to protect life, limb, personal and public property.

Stanley, NC – Statistics show that the tree care industry has made strides in improving job safety for arborists and related workers. However, the data also shows that tree care remains one of the country’s most hazardous professions.

Last year, 72 tree care workers died as a result of job-site incidents, according to a report by TCIA. Many more were seriously injured.  The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) has been working with OSHA to establish clear safety standards for over 10 years, but they are still waiting for industry rules to be written.

What’s more troubling though, is that a recent release from TCIA suggests that knowledge is not the issue, so much as distractions and “complacency.” The conditions, pressures and distractions on the job often lead workers to ignore obvious precautions such as tying off fall protection systems properly or complying with the drop zone policies. Saving lives may require more than new safety guidelines. Perhaps we should be looking at new ways to eliminate distractions as well as some of the hazards inherent in felling, trimming and handling trees.

Advantages of the 718E in Urban Forestry:

• Productivity & Efficiency

• 8-10 fold increase in work done per hour, compared to traditional methods (chainsaws, bucket trucks and cranes)
• Requires 1 operator in place of a typical crew of 3 or 4

• Safety & Comfort

• Operator is protected in a comfortable and climate controlled cab
• Low operator fatigue - no hard manual labor
• Cab can lift and tilt back - better visibility, no stiff neck!

• Reach

• Can reach up, over, and down in hard to reach areas to trim or dismantle trees
• Lift Capacity of 12,000 lbs at 45 ft vertical reach
• Life Capacity of 3,700 lbs at 43 ft horizontal reach

• Quick Setup

• Set up in seconds
• No leveling necessary
• 4 Outriggers for stability

• Small Footprint

• Can do work without stopping all traffic
• Can do residential work without tearing up terrain

• Versatility

• The high-reach boom & stick of the 718 can quickly switch between a full range of grapple saws and attachments to complete all tree care applications with one machine and one operator.

• Low Operating Cost & Easy Maintenance

• Fuel efficient
• Intelligent hydraulics in place of complex electronics
• Robust Parts & Service Network in United States
• Ensure little to no downtime of equipment; new parts delivered within 24 hours of order
• Mechanics available to come on-site for help with equipment
• Free Mechanic and Operator training (Equipment familiarization)

Explore Sennebogen’s New Equipment Leasing Program

When companies invest in new equipment, they can either purchase the product outright or use a leasing program. Unfortunately, most leasing programs result in unreasonably high expenditure rates due to over and underutilization. To address current lease structure inefficiencies, Sennebogen is introducing a cutting edge leasing program – Lease by the Hour.