18.11.2020

Platform Basket for Arborists

UK tree surgeon Thompson Tree Services and arboricultural equipment rental company Cutting Edge Arb have each taken delivery of a 19 metre Platform Basket Spider 20.95 spider lift.

The new machines, supplied by UK distributor Promax Access, offer a maximum outreach of 9.5 metres with an up & over height of seven metres and an unrestricted platform capacity of 250kg. Power comes from a Z482 Kubota diesel while features include width and height adjustable tracks, a 1.8 metre jib as well as automatic outrigger and boom stowing functions.

Lawrence Thompson, owner of Thompson Tree Services said: “We originally looked at a few other spider lifts on the market, some of which offered slightly more outreach but with a reduced platform capacity. The problem is that by the time one of our guys is loaded up with his kit and chainsaw it will already be pushing the capacity at well over 100kg. On top of this, the 20.95’s boom movements felt a lot more steady and controlled than the other models.”
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The 250kg platform capacity us unrestricted

Cutting Edge Arb owner, Chris Fouch, added: “The build quality and durability of our new 20.95 is very impressive and for a rental product aimed specifically for customers the arb industry it has everything you could want. In fact I have already had a number of customers compliment it and request it on future jobs.”
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It can also be supplied with a hybrid diesel/lithium-ion power source

Promax managing director Shaun Day said: “Although we only took delivery of the first units in June the amount that have been chosen by the tree care sector is already into double digits. It has certainly raised the bar and expectation levels for tracked platforms in this working height range, offering operator benefits generally associated with much larger and more expensive machines.”

In the latest Cranes & Access we conducted a survey of those working at the hard end of the arb market to gather their thoughts and views on the use of powered access and cranes for tree work. It can be viewed below: