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Australian tree loppers want to get the job done fast, effectively and safely. It’s better for the customer and better for your bottom line. To do this, you need the right machinery for working at heights.
There are stringent health and safety requirements to comply with, as well as operational challenges such as tight residential blocks and tall trees with complex branch systems.
Often, the efficiency with which a job can be tackled depends on access. Your ability to reach the job determines how long it will take, whether it’s safe to do, and whether it’s even worth quoting in the first place.
With the right EWP as part of your core setup, your tree-lopping business gains a competitive advantage. You can quote more jobs because you have the capability to take on more work. Let’s take a look at why an elevated work platform could be the most powerful asset for arborists in Australia.
Access Challenges Facing Australian Tree Loppers
Tricky access is part and parcel of a day’s work for tree loppers. They can include:
- Suburban backyards with narrow driveways.
- Sloping blocks, or
- Large established trees growing over houses, sheds, fences, and pools.
- Varying ground density.
These aren’t occasional challenges – they’re part and parcel of everyday operational life as a tree lopper. When you have an EWP that solves them, your work becomes streamlined, and you can get more done in a day.
Should Tree Loppers Hire or Buy their EWP?
Both buying and hiring an EWP have advantages – the choice will largely depend on your business situation. Let’s take a look at why more and more tree loppers are opting to buy their elevated work platform:
- Working at heights is a daily part of the job, so owning can be more effective than long-term hiring.
- You’ll always have access to your EWP, even in peak seasons when hiring companies are busy.
- You learn your machine inside out, and operating it becomes second nature.
- You’re not relying on a third party to transport or set up your elevated work platform.
- No need to juggle hiring schedules if the weather doesn’t play ball.
For many Australian tree loppers, the control of owning their EWP, together with the appealing costs over time, makes it a sensible choice.
Does Owning an EWP Improves Productivity on Tree Jobs?
Productivity gains are a major reason to invest in your own EWP. Climbing will always have its place in the industry, but setup can be time-consuming, and the fatigue endured is real.
With an EWP, there are no repeated climbs into the canopy, no rope repositioning and no anchor resets. The platform is a solid, predictable base for making efficient cuts. Branches can be managed accurately, and physical strain is greatly reduced.
There’s also no downtime as you work around the schedules of a hiring company. You have flexibility around when you plan your travel time – you own your schedule. That flexibility translates into more jobs completed each week.
Safety Benefits of Using an EWP for Tree Lopping Work
There’s inherent risk in tree work, and reducing exposure to it is critical for a successful business. The stable platform, easy operator positioning, and controlled access of an elevated work platform help achieve this.
There are fewer awkward cutting angles to deal with, operator fatigue is managed, time spent climbing trees is significantly reduced.
When you buy a Socage EWP from Australian distributor Altequip, you get a modern machine with advanced technology that helps make your operations safer. Have a look at some of the impressive safety features of the Socage Raptors here. Not only are these machines fully compliant with all Australian standards, but you also benefit from features like:
- Automatic stabilisation
- Overload protection
- Emergency stop buttons
- Guard rails and harness points
- … and much more.
Choosing the Right EWP for Tree Loppers in Australia
Not all EWPs are suited to tree work, so choosing the right machine is critical. As a tree lopper, outreach, setup speed and the ability to move around obstacles are critical. Maneuverability and ease of transport are equally so.
Some businesses choose to go for truck mounted EWPs as they make moving between jobs and deploying on-site easy. You have all the benefits of a rock-solid foundation, plus impressive outreach and that important maneuverability.
Businesses regularly dealing with tighter access conditions tend to favour spider lifts like the Socage Raptor. Portable machines with fast setup times and the ability to get into smaller spaces, the Raptors come in a variety of sizes to suit many different applications.
When Buying an EWP Makes Sense for Tree Businesses
When does owning an EWP start to make sense for your business?
If growth is on your agenda and you’re looking to expand your workload and team, they are a logical next step. An elevated work platform will support the long term development of your arborist business, providing certainty and efficiency.
Of course, cost will be part of the decision. It’s a significant outlay, but one you need to view in context: it’s a predictable asset that replaces all your variable hiring costs. You still need to factor in financing costs and depreciation, but for many businesses, owning an EWP is a cost-effective choice over time, particularly if you use it daily.
Australian EWP Sales Support from Altequip
Choosing the right machine matters as much as deciding to buy. Altequip is the official Australian agent for the premium Italian EWP brand, Socage. Socage makes exceptional machines with a focus on safety, ability and modern technology – no wonder they’re becoming more and more popular in Australia.
When you buy a Socage EWP through Altequip, it doesn’t end with the purchase. We provide you with ongoing support and advice. Our Brisbane-based servicing team has a direct line to the Socage factory for support and spares, so you’re getting world-leading quality from a trusted Australian source.
We want your tree lopping business to realise the full value of your EWP from day one. Our team will do everything they can to ensure that happens. Get in touch today if you have any questions!
