As a landscape contractor, adding tree trimming to your stable of services will not only increase your company?EUR??,,????'???s reach and versatility, but most importantly its revenue. The tools required for tree trimming are both large and small, obvious and obscure. Not only will you need big items such as chippers and chain saws, you will also need to invest in helmets, gloves and pulleys. At LCN we are taking a look at some of the tools necessary for your business to be successful.

Chain Saws
One of a tree trimmer?EUR??,,????'???s most used pieces of equipment, chain saws are not the big scary machines that they used to be. Available in many specialized sizes and power options, they can make quick work of all types of trees. Both gas and electric versions are on the market, and while electric saws are lighter and can be started without having to pull a string, their extension cord makes them impractical for contractors in thick, woody areas. While they are heavier than electric counterparts, gas-fueled saws have more power and maneuverability in the canopy and on the ground.
Cost: $179-$1,400

Pole Tree Pruners and Saws
Pole tree pruners are useful in trimming medium-sized trees. They eliminate the danger that goes along with climbing ladders while holding chainsaws and other cutting tools. The long poles and adjustable extensions are normally constructed of fiberglass, with blades at the top to do the pruning. Connected to a string and pulley system, the blades cut through branches with a flick of the operator?EUR??,,????'???s wrist, and a hook on the opposite side pulls them down. This tool eliminates many of the hazards of tree trimming, but runs into problems when trying to cut larger limbs.
Cost: $50 – $250

 

Loppers

Like pole tree pruners, tree loppers are used for pruning small branches at ground level. Looking like an oversized pair of scissors their handles are normally around 65 cm long to give good leverage. Some have telescopic handles, which can be extended even further to reach high branches. The jaws of loppers may be straight, curved, or one curved with one straight.
Cost: $75 – $125

Photo: www.hcs.ohio-state.edu.jpg

Wood Chippers
Easily pulled behind your truck from job to job, wood chippers are very useful in the clean-up process. Rather than tying up limbs and branches into bushels, they can instead be fed into a chipper. The resulting wood chips, combined with grass clippings and shredded leaves, make mulch that can then go back into your landscaping business.
Cost: $700-$4,000

Additional Equipment: Climbing Equipment

?EUR??,,????'???? A. Lanyards: $25-$500

?EUR??,,????'???? B. Rigging/Bull Ropes: $75-$430 (depending on thickness and length)

?EUR??,,????'???? C. Pulleys: $12-$110

?EUR??,,????'???? D. Slings: $6-$30

Safety Equipment

?EUR??,,????'???? E. Safety Glasses/Face Shields: $5 – $20 per

?EUR??,,????'???? F. OSHA Approved Helmets: $15 – $100

?EUR??,,????'???? G. Marking Flags: $50 for a box of 1,000 flags

?EUR??,,????'???? H. Chainsaw Protective Pants: $60 – $100

?EUR??,,????'???? I. Electronic Ear Protection: $20 up to $400

Maintenance Details

82.5: Percent, the number of LCN Annual Survey respondents who reported owning hand tools.