In the tree care industry, communication is more than just convenience – it’s a safety essential. That’s why arborists Charlie White, CTSP, QT (TCIA Qualified Trainer), and Angel Arroyo, both with Northern Tree Service, a 48-year TCIA member company based in Palmer, Massachusetts, recently spent time field testing the Zoleo Satellite Communicator. They wanted to see how it performed in an area otherwise out of reach of cell service. Their verdict? It’s a practical, compact tool with a few quirks and a lot of promise.

Easy setup
Getting started with the Zoleo (trademarked ZOLEO) was straightforward for White, who led most of the hands-on testing. “You sign up for an account, put in your credit-card info – because there’s a monthly subscription – then download the app and pair the device via Bluetooth,” he explains. On a scale of difficulty from 1 to 10, with 1 being easy and 10 being hard, White gave setup a 3, indicating a relatively easy onboarding experience.

Once connected, the Zoleo enables satellite-based texting and GPS location sharing, allowing users to stay in touch without relying on a cellular network. For arborists often stationed in remote or mountainous terrain, that’s a game changer. “I turned off cellular on my phone and was still able to send messages to my (supervisor),” says White. “The phone wasn’t functioning as a phone anymore, but I was still connected.”

In the field, the Zoleo delivered. White tested its GPS pin-drop feature to share his location and used it to simulate check-ins, like, “We got three spans done today,” or “We’re taking lunch.” These short updates could be sent to supervisors or crew leads back at base without requiring a cell signal.

The manufacturer promotes the unit’s capability to transmit messages seamlessly over cellular, Wi-Fi or the Iridium satellite network.

SOS feature
The device also includes an SOS-signal feature protected under a latch, which sends a distress message with GPS coordinates to emergency responders if held for three seconds. “That’s really where this shines,” says Arroyo. “If something goes wrong out in the woods, at least you have a way to call for help.”

Reliability was a standout; all messages sent during the test were successfully delivered within about 15 seconds, according to the reviewers. The Zoleo provided distinct alerts for outgoing and incoming messages, they agreed, making it easy to track the device’s activity in the field.

Both arborists also agree, the Zoleo is built to take a beating. It’s encased in a hard, rubberized shell with a watertight seal over the charging port. The product webpage touts battery life of up to 200 hours of typical use and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. “It looks completely waterproof,” White notes. “Even in rain or snow, this would still function.”

Our reviewers took it on themselves to test the latter claim – tossing the unit into a puddle and checking for any moisture intrusion. It held up fine, although they noted one important detail – it sinks. “That’s one thing to know if you’re using it on the water – like sailing or working near rivers. It’s durable, but it won’t float,” White says.

Battery life wasn’t fully tested during their short trial, but the device still showed 80% charge after multiple uses, leading White to believe it should last a full workday under normal conditions.

Compact size
The unit’s small size is both a pro and a con. It’s easy to clip onto a belt loop or backpack, but Arroyo points out that it also could easily be misplaced if not secured. “It’s solid, but I could see it getting lost in the gear pile if you’re not careful,” he says.

To that end, Zoleo offers accessories specifically designed for secure attachment to gear or clothing. Also, its app includes a built-in “Find My Device” feature that can significantly reduce the risk of loss.

Functionality
Because it relies on line-of-sight with satellites, like all satellite-based devices, optimal performance requires clear sky visibility. If it’s buried in a backpack or worn under a thick canopy of trees, signal quality may be affected. That’s one area White says he feels could be improved. “If they could make it work inside a pack without compromising connection, that’d be ideal.”

When asked if he’d purchase the device for personal use, Arroyo hesitated. “Depending on the price,” he says. “But I do think it’s a smart tool to have if you’re working remotely or managing a team (working in a remote area).” Pricing is available on the company’s website.

White echoes Arroyo’s latter sentiment, saying, “I didn’t even know a device like this existed. I thought satellite communication meant something bulky and outdated. This thing fits in your pocket and works.”

During a recent emergency-response training, the device also proved its worth conceptually. “We were discussing what to do if we couldn’t get a signal during a real emergency,” White says. “Nobody had a great answer – until now. With this, we could actually get a message out and send a latitude/longitude pin of our location. That’s a real solution.”

Takeaway
For crews working in remote areas, especially on power-line or hazard-tree jobs, the Zoleo offers something rare in the world of rugged gear: peace of mind. It complements your smartphone, providing seamless communication where cell coverage ends.

Tchukki Andersen, BCMA, CTSP, is staff arborist for the Tree Care Industry Association.

This review reflects the thoughts and opinions of the reviewers as users and does not constitute or imply an endorsement of the product referenced, nor is it an endorsement of any specific company, product or service. Every entity or individual should review and test all products for applicability, safety and efficacy in their particular operation.

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