As a New Jersey Licensed Tree Expert, TCIA Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) and TCIA Qualified Trainer, I have witnessed the profound impact that technological advancements have had on the tree care industry. Among these, the grapple-saw attachment for knuckle-boom cranes stands out as a revolutionary development. This tool has not only transformed our approach to tree removal, but also moves the benchmark for safe and efficient production work. In this article, I will dig into the critical aspects of grapple-saw use, its operational benefits, safety considerations and integration into modern arboricultural practices.

The grapple-saw attachment

The grapple saw combines the functionality of a chain saw with the grasping capability of a grapple. It is designed to be mounted on various types of heavy equipment. This includes the end of a knuckle-boom crane, enabling operators on the ground to cut and hold tree sections with exceptional precision and control. This tool is a pivotal option for company owners and crew leaders to lower risk when climbers are not able to safely access a removal.

Operational benefits

The operational benefits of the grapple saw are diverse. By facilitating tree removal via remote-controlled attachments, it greatly reduces the hazards associated with climbing high-risk trees. The grapple saw’s secure grip on tree sections before cutting allows for a methodical, controlled removal process, drastically reducing the complex planning of rigging tree sections that are too big or dead and/or too rotted.

The efficiency of tree-removal operations is significantly enhanced with a grapple saw. The need for climbers to ascend and descend, often in difficult or dangerous conditions, is reduced or eliminated. This streamlining of processes not only expedites job completion, but also results in a more cost-effective operation, with fewer personnel required to manage the site safely.

Furthermore, the grapple saw on a knuckle-boom crane brings unmatched versatility. The crane’s articulating jib can navigate over and under obstacles, reaching far into tight spaces otherwise inaccessible to other equipment. The ability to perform complex cutting tasks without extensive rigging or manual handling of misshapen tree sections is a testament to the safety value these attachments bring to the job site.

Understanding and training

Despite its many advantages, the grapple saw is a sophisticated piece of equipment that demands a comprehensive understanding of its functions and use. Operators must be adept at calculating the weight of the saw as part of the overall lifting capacity, and must consider the dynamics of each cut to prevent side-loading and potential shock-loading of the crane.

Proper training for grapple-saw operators is critical. They must possess an in-depth knowledge of different tree species, their wood characteristics and how they respond to cutting. Knowing where the center of gravity lies in a tree section and predicting how it will move when cut are essential skills for making safe and effective cuts.

Operators also must have a heightened sense of awareness to prepare meticulously for each cut. Ensuring that the saw’s path is unobstructed is vital to avoid cutting limbs outside the grapple’s grasp, which could lead to uncontrolled drops and potential accidents.

Safety first

In terms of safety, the grapple saw has introduced new protocols and practices that operators may not be accustomed to.

Operators must never position themselves or a climber under a suspended load, and they should always be aware of their surroundings to stay clear of the fall path of debris. Further, the grapple is not designed for hoisting people or for securing slings.

The remote-control features of the grapple saw provide the flexibility to maintain a safe distance while still having a clear view of the task at hand. With that said, operating from the roof (of a house) has become a popular practice, and, if this is being done, the operator must be anchored and secured with a fall-arrest harness.

While the grapple saw offers numerous safety options, it does not eliminate all risks. Comprehensive safety measures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), a proper communication plan on the job site and adherence to manufacturer safety standards, remain critical components of tree-removal operations.

Integration into arboriculture

The integration of grapple-saw attachments into the tree care industry has been a progressive step, but it is not without its challenges. The industry must balance the enthusiasm for new technology – trust me, I’m excited, too! – with the realities of training, skill development and safety. The grapple saw is a tool to augment, not replace, the expertise of true professional, skilled arborists.

For instance, while the grapple saw excels in the removal of dead or hazardous trees, it is not suited for proper pruning. There remain scenarios where the finesse and judgment of a skilled climber and arborist are indispensable. As such, the training of arborists must continue to emphasize a broad range of techniques and best practices, ensuring that they are equipped to select the most appropriate method for each unique situation.

Looking to the future

As we look to the future of tree care, the grapple saw is indicative of a trend toward safer, more efficient operations. It is a tool that can enhance the capabilities of tree care companies, allowing them to tackle complex tasks with greater confidence and control. However, the industry must remain vigilant in providing comprehensive training and upholding rigorous safety standards to ensure the benefits of such technology are fully realized without compromising the well-being of workers or the environment.

Industry adaptation and the role of training

The adaptation of grapple-saw technology across the tree care industry hinges on the availability and quality of training programs. As an industry expert and educator, I have a vested passion and interest in developing curriculum that not only covers the operational mechanics of the grapple saw, but also instills a deep respect for the tool’s power and potential risks. It is imperative that operators are trained to approach every task with a safety-first mindset, integrating keen technical crane knowledge with a profound understanding of tree biology and the physics of cutting and moving large pieces of wood.

The training for grapple-saw operators should encompass:

• Technical proficiency: Operators must be well versed in the mechanical aspects of the grapple saw, including its maintenance, inspection, capabilities and limitations.
• Risk assessment: Before any cutting begins, operators should evaluate the risks associated with the task, considering factors such as the tree’s condition, the weather and the surrounding area. A full job briefing and lift plan shall always be completed and reviewed with all individuals present on site.
• Cutting techniques: Mastery of cutting and grapple-saw-positioning techniques are crucial, particularly in understanding how different cuts will affect the tree’s fall path and how to manage the weight distribution of the section being removed.
• Emergency preparedness: Operators must be prepared to respond to unforeseen events, such as equipment malfunctions or sudden changes in the tree’s behavior during cutting.

The role of innovation and continuous improvement

Innovation is at the heart of the tree care industry’s evolution, and the grapple saw is just one example of how tools and techniques are continuously refined. The pursuit of better, safer and more efficient methods is relentless, and, as an industry, we must remain open to new ideas while retaining a critical eye. We must evaluate each new development not only for its immediate benefits but also for its long-term implications.

As we integrate new tools, we also must consider their impact on the skill sets of the workforce. There is a risk of becoming overly reliant on technology, potentially at the expense of traditional skills and knowledge. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that arborists are not only proficient with the latest tools but also maintain their grounding in the core principles of arboriculture.

Future of arboriculture & grapple saws

Looking ahead, the role of grapple saws in arboriculture is poised to expand. As the technology matures and becomes more widely adopted, we can anticipate further refinements in design, ergonomics and functionality. The data and experience gathered from the job site will inform these enhancements, leading to grapple saws that are even more adept at meeting the complex demands of tree care.

In tandem with the advancement of equipment, the development of best practices around grapple-saw usage will evolve. These will be shaped by the collective experiences of arborists around the globe, contributing to a body of knowledge that underpins the safe and effective use of this technology.

Conclusion

The grapple-saw attachment represents a significant leap forward for the tree care industry, offering a combination of safety, efficiency and versatility that was previously unattainable. As a proud licensed tree expert and trainer, I am both excited by the possibilities this tool presents and cognizant of the responsibility to ensure that it is used wisely.

The safe and successful integration of grapple saws into our work requires a commitment to education, ongoing training and a culture of safety that permeates every level of the industry. We must balance the embracing of innovation with the preservation of traditional skills, ensuring that the art and science of arboriculture continue to thrive.

The future of tree care is bright, with tools like the grapple saw paving the way for a new era of workplace safety. As we continue to harness the power of technology, let us do so with a respect for the trees we care for and the environment we strive to protect. The journey ahead is one of discovery and improvement, and I am honored to contribute to the shaping of an industry that is as dynamic as the living organisms we serve.

Hans J. Tielmann III, New Jersey Licensed Tree Expert, Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) and TCIA Qualified Trainer, is co-owner of NJ Crane Expert, a three-year TCIA corporate member company based in Flemington, New Jersey.

This article is based on a session covering the same topic that Tielmann co-presented with Mark Moeske, president of Allmark Services Inc., a 27-year TCIA member company based in Castleton, New York, at TCI EXPO ’23 in St. Louis, Missouri. To watch a video recording created for that presentation, go to TCI Magazine online at tcimag.tcia.org. Under the Resources tab, click Video. Or, in the Digimag, go to this page and click here.