The owner of a tree surgery company has told how buying a Hinowa spider platform has made a “massive difference” to his business, with safety, team morale and customer satisfaction all on the up.
David Edwards, who runs Edwards Tree Services Ltd, says his business has not looked back since investing in the 20m Hinowa Lightlift 20.10 Performance IIIS spider boom lift, supplied by Access Platform Sales.
He added: “We’re working more safely and productively, my team loves using it and is happier, and because we can guarantee doing the optimum work on every tree, our clients are happier as well. It’s been an all-round success.”
HSE safety directives
Edwards Tree Services employs three tree surgeons working from a base near Shobdon, Herefordshire. The company has bought the Hinowa Lightlift 20.10 spider platform to align his business with the latest HSE directives on working at height for tree management.
The HSE had said tree surgeons should, wherever possible, work from mobile elevating working platforms (MEWPs) – and that, if they could not, should only use the two rope system when climbing trees.
David Edwards explained: “The HSE’s stance on tree working is very sensible. We previously hired Hinowa MEWPs when we needed them. But, as we wanted to fully embrace best practice on safety, we decided we would invest in our own.
“It’s already made a huge difference. Where before we’d climb trees 60 per cent of the time, now I’d say we use the Hinowa on 80 per cent of our jobs. It’s completely switched things around.”
High quality service
High quality aftersales service from APS has also been impressive, said David Edwards. He added: “The Hinowa is a well-made and high quality machine, and if I need any technical assistance, I get it quickly from APS. It’s made having our own Hinowa MEWP a very positive experience.”
APS, the authorised distributor for Hinowa in the UK and Ireland, also supplied a bespoke light-weight trailer, allowing Edwards Tree Services operatives with standard car licences to tow the spider MEWP behind a 4x4 vehicle or 3.5t van, greatly improving access to off-road areas.
Jonathan Wiseman, Regional Sales Manager for APS, said: “We’re very pleased David and his team are getting so much out of having their own Hinowa spider platform and being able to use it every working day.
“Hiring MEWPs in can be the best option. However, other tree surgeons we work with have also reported that investing in a Hinowa platform at the right time has had an equally positive impact, including the opportunity to take on more work and win new clients due to the capability the Hinowa delivers.”
Tree preservation orders
As well as improving productivity and safety, sensitive tasks, such as working on trees with tree preservation orders (TPOs), have become easier to complete to the high standard expected.
David Edwards said: “Work on TPO trees has to be absolutely top notch because it’s in the public eye and is inspected by the local council. Working from our Hinowa platform, we can guarantee we only cut what we need to and in the optimum places, right near the tips, to ensure the stays healthy.”
The Hinowa Lightlift 20.10 spider cherry picker has an impressive maximum working height of 20.15m and a maximum outreach of 9.7m. This often allows tree surgeons to work around almost the whole crown of a tree from one position.
Its minimum tracking width of just 795mm, and stowed height of 1998mm, allows the spider platform to be moved through narrow gates to work in back gardens, which is essential for tree surgeons.
Battery electric option
David Edwards’ model has a powerful and efficient diesel Kubota engine. It can also operate with 110v mains electricity, which is helpful if his team needs zero fumes and low-noise working for the benefit of people in nearby properties, such as nursing homes or schools.
APS can also supply a lithium battery electric powered version of the spider platform for enhanced sustainability.
The Hinowa Lightlift 20.10 has a basket capacity of 230kg. The fact that it is unrestricted is valued by tree surgeons who know they can work safely and confidently to the MEWP’s maximum envelope without having to reposition.
Smart features – including dual speed tracking, one button automatic set up and stow for safer operation, and smooth, proportional controls – contribute to the significant productivity gains the spider lift has generated.
The Hinowa Lightlift 20.10 is highly popular for tree surgeons because it has the best working height for spider lifts that can be towed on a 3.5t trailer.
Articulating spider boom range
APS can supply Hinowa Lightlift Performance IIIS spider cherry pickers with working heights that range from 13m to 32.5m, with key models available with lithium battery electric power or bi-energy diesel and lithium battery electric power.
Find out more about the Hinowa spider platform advantage for tree management and a wide range of other working at height tasks. Call APS: 01480 891251.
