The Role of Spider Lifts in Tree Care and Arboriculture

Within the arboriculture and tree care industry, innovation has been a driving force for enhancing safety, efficiency, and environmental consciousness. One such groundbreaking advancement, gaining traction in recent years, is the adoption of spider lifts. These remarkable machines have transformed the landscape of tree care practices, revolutionising the way arborists and tree care professionals approach their work. In this post, we embark on a journey into the world of spider lifts in tree care and arboriculture, exploring their remarkable benefits, diverse applications, and their unwavering position as an indispensable tool for professionals in the field.

Understanding Spider Lifts

Before we explore their role in tree care, let’s take a moment to understand what spider lifts are. Spider lifts, also known as compact tracked lifts or atrium lifts, are specialised lifting platforms mounted on a tracked chassis. What sets them apart from traditional aerial work platforms is their ability to access tight or difficult-to-reach areas with precision and minimal ground pressure.

Precision and Accessibility

One of the primary advantages of spider lifts is their exceptional precision and accessibility, allowing arborists to tackle even the most demanding tree care tasks with ease. Their manoeuvrability and stability enable them to navigate through narrow pathways, even in confined spaces or around delicate landscaping, without causing any harm to the surrounding environment. Their ability to reach even the highest branches with unwavering precision is invaluable in a field that requires meticulous attention to detail.

Versatility

Spider lifts come in a diverse range of sizes and configurations, enhancing their versatility and adaptability to various tree care scenarios. Some models soar to remarkable heights of up to 100 feet or more, while others are remarkably compact, seamlessly navigating through standard gateways. This versatility empowers arborists to select the ideal machine for each task, whether it’s carefully pruning a delicate sapling in a garden or tackling the towering branches of an ancient oak.

Safety

Safety is paramount in tree care, and spider lifts are designed with safety in mind. Their stable platforms and hydraulic outriggers ensure that arborists can work at height with confidence. Additionally, many models feature advanced safety systems, such as anti-entrapment devices and load sensors, further enhancing the safety of the operator.

Usage

Below we explore the various applications of spider lifts in tree care;

• Spider lifts are ideal for pruning and trimming trees. Arborists can position the platform precisely where they need it, allowing for accurate cuts and reducing the risk of damaging the tree or surrounding vegetation.

• When a tree needs to be removed, especially in confined urban spaces, spider lifts provide a safe and efficient means of access. They can lift both arborists and equipment to the necessary height, making the removal process smoother and less risky.

• Routine tree inspections are crucial for identifying potential hazards and addressing them promptly. Spider lifts enable arborists to access the upper canopy of trees for thorough inspections and maintenance tasks, such as removing deadwood or inspecting for disease and pests.

• In emergency situations, such as storm damage or fallen trees blocking roads, spider lifts can quickly provide access to the affected area. This rapid response can help mitigate potential dangers and restore normality sooner.

Environmental Considerations

Spider lifts are not only efficient and safe but also environmentally friendly. Their low ground pressure minimises soil compaction, reducing the impact on delicate root systems and surrounding vegetation. Additionally, many spider lifts are electrically powered, producing zero emissions and less noise pollution compared to traditional equipment.

In conclusion, in the world of tree care and arboriculture, spider lifts have emerged as a game-changing tool. Their precision, versatility and safety features make them indispensable for professionals in the field. Whether it’s pruning, tree removal, inspection or emergency response, spider lifts have revolutionised the way arborists approach their work while minimising environmental impact. 
As the demand for efficient and environmentally conscious tree care practices continues to grow, spider lifts are likely to play an even more significant role in the industry’s future. That being said, if you are interested in hiring a spider lift for your next arboriculture job, then we encourage you to visit the Tracked Access website or contact us directly to secure your required spider lift for hire. Simply give us a call on 0330 332 0714 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll get back to you in no time.