Why do arborists use cranes?
29/10/2023
Cranes are used in the extraction of trees for several reasons.
Generally, the tree is of a large size, the property access and terrain is difficult to access, the tree has been assessed as unsafe to climb (due to lack of high points to be rigged or proximity/potential damage to powerlines) or the tree has fallen onto a structure such as a home or shed, and is not able to be dismantled and removed via manpower without causing further damage.
Cranes used across tree works range in size and type, depending on the reach requirements and the surrounding environment the job is in (city streets, mountain terrain, soft ground/gravel ground, heavily forested areas.)
Using a crane for larger tree removal make safes is a quicker removal process, it may reduce the cost of the make safe (e.g. removal with manpower only = 2 days vs removal via crane = 4 hours), minimises safety risks (further property damages, the safety of workers and public.)
Examples where a crane is used:
🌳 The tree has fallen within an area that is not accessible by small machinery and is too large to manually dismantle and remove by hand;
🌳 The tree has failed and is uprooted, suspended off the ground, and unstable, it is too risky to be climbed by an Arborist;
🌳 The tree has fallen onto a structure and the structure's rooftop is unsafe to access due to damage.
The crane is used to lift large sections of the tree up and above property/vehicles/tree tops, to the roadway for processing and removal.
With the assistance of a dogmen rigger and qualified Arborists, the crane operators will calculate the estimated tonnage of the timber, boom reach distance, and required counterweights, and if and where the Arborist is needed, to dismantle sections of the tree. All of which takes some considerable assessing and planning, to safely execute.
