Today we started to plan our chapter EHAP training. In addition to the EHAP program we're planning a session on bucket use for pruning. The question came up, wondering if there are any new bucket pruning techniques. Anyone who climbs knows that new climbing gear and techniques are being invented at a dizzying rate. We scratched our heads trying to think of anything new for bucket work. We know that there are new buckets but that really isn't what we were thinking.
As you all must already know, Central Florida is THE hot spot for new techniques and advances in arboriculture.
(I don't even know of any other climbers who use a split tail, never mind an advanced hitch. Most climbers I know still spike on prunes.)
Even so, I haven't heard of any new advances in bucket truck pruning. Fancy outrigger pads made of rubberized material is about the newest thing I've heard about.
[ November 12, 2002: Message edited by: treeclimber165 ]
I once watched a guy use a bucket truck as a false crotch. Would this be an accepted practice for using aerial lifts? The truck may not be able to handle an uncontrolled swing.
One question I have that's somewhat applicable here is: How many of you guys use a hydraulic pole saw regularly for work OTHER than line clearance? I used to use one often out of the bucket for regular pruning jobs and I loved it. Great for deadwooding conifers.
Using a bucket, boom, or any part of the aerial lift unit as a false crotch is unacceptable. The unit is not designed for that use, especially when someone is operating aloft. I know people who also use the lift to tie off wood and crane it up and over hedges or shrubs. That, too, is not what the lift is meant for.
One safety concern is the hydraulics.
What happens if it fails and you`re up in the bucket and feeling for leaks along the hoses with your hand is another.
The angle at which the vehicle sits with the bucket up.
Overhead wires.
Fall arrest.
I worked for an operation in 98 that only used hydraulic saw for pruning. Mainly crown cleaning of live oaks. I was working in a pathology capacity (oak wilt).
He paid $7-$10/hr so his turnover rate was high and climbers could not be retained. After 2 months, I had been there longer than any other employee. Didn't make it past month 3 though
Buckets and hydraulic saws allowed him to get by with poor quality employees.
He would use buckets to "set" his non climbing employees with a rope and saddle. Saw one kid cry when the bucket left him in a tree with nothing but a rope and white knuckles.
Hydraulic saws, like power pruners are good for making a lot of really bad cuts when they are in untrained hands.
I know this is basically common sense, but you should not operate a bucket alone. In the case of an Aerial Lift of CT, you should be trained to bring the bucket down from the turrett with the controls and also mechanically.
Hydrolic saws are great for some application. But for actual prunning? Kind of difficult to make propper cuts with a six foot stick or your having to move the bucket to much to actually make the right cut. Just my opinion though.
Is there really a need to develop new techniques doing bucket work? It is so different when in a bucket as opposed to climbing. I have done a lot of bucket work and most times there is not a need for a lowering line. The only real technique I now of for bucket trimming is the order in which you make your cuts and learning how to get into the limbs without damaging them. I am very interested in new ideas though.
