ArborMaster Blog

Work Positioning: How to stay "hip" and not be too attached to them

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 15:42:28 GMT

With so many options for tree climbers in this day and age and social media being such a huge influence, how do we make decisions on purchasing equipment and the systems we use to perform the tasks that face us in our day to day operations.

A major push towards SRS/SRT systems in modern tree climbing has left many forgetting the power and versatility of using MRS/Double Rope systems to be the most effective and productive climber we can be. At ArborMaster Training, we encourage our students to select the right system for the task at hand and not be completely committed to one or the other. Both of these powerful weapon climbing systems can travel with you wherever they are needed in the canopy with a tool we have with us every climb, our Work Positioning Lanyard!! I like to tell my students that "SRS systems will get you anywhere, but they won't get you everywhere".

Sometimes it takes that little bit of the MRS advantage to get those couple of extra feet to make the perfect cut. SRS systems are an extremely effective way to access and work position in the canopy giving yourself the best work position by having the ability to redirect and have no worries that friction will affect your ability to navigate through your work plan. SRS systems can also make certain tasks when work positioning difficult because when getting in and out of these positions, the climber will have to pull their entire body weight back up and on to the rope to create enough slack to advance.

Climb Safe & we will

"See You At The Top! ® "

4 Crucial Elements To Creating A Safer, More Efficient Jobsite for Arborists

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 18:17:05 GMT

1. Jobsite Briefing H.O.P.E

The best way to ensure the whole crew is prepared for safe, efficient work is to conduct a jobsite briefing before the tree work begins. The entire arborist team should participate in the jobsite walkaround led by the crew supervisor.

Use the acronym H.O.P.E. to cover the four basic steps of the arborist jobsite briefing:

Hazards — things on the jobsite that could be dangerous to arborists
Obstacles — people or things on the jobsite that can be hurt or damaged by equipment
Plan — tasks that need to be performed and positioning of the individuals involved.
Equipment — the equipment and PPE needed to safely and efficiently complete the plan

The Arborists Five-Step Tree Felling Plan!

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 13:47:09 GMT

One of Noah Webster’s definitions of an accident is “an unplanned event.” So, it stands to reason that to avoid accidents, you must plan your work and work your plan! When felling trees, it is vital that arborists have and use a tree felling plan. The following five-step tree felling plan incorporates up-to-date cutting methods, is widely used by professional chainsaw operators worldwide, and has recently been adopted into the ANSI Z-133.1 standard for tree-care operations. Using the five-step tree felling plan will help you to achieve successful results consistently.

Cut Safe and we will See You At The Top!®

Press Release: ISA Honors Ken Palmer and Rip Tompkins

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:50:59 GMT

ISA Honors Ken Palmer and Rip Tompkins

August 12, 2018

Written by Chris Donnelly of the CTPA

Press Release: Ken Palmer and Rip Tompkins were honored to receive the Alex L. Shigo Award for Excellence in Arboricultural Education from the International Society of Arboriculture. We invite you to read the full release below and view the videos of Ken & Rip created by the ISA.

At the 2018 ISA meeting in Columbus, Ohio, the International Society of Arboriculture presented its Alex L. Shigo Award for Excellence in Arboricultural Education to Ken Palmer and Rip Tompkins. The award was presented to each of these ground-breakers in arboricultural education individually, in recognition of their efforts through ArborMaster Training, Inc. to advance working safely and effectively in tree care. Through their company, Ken and Rip helped establish a new plane upon which the standards of arboricultural safety and safe practices continue to be built.

For Ken and Rip, this award is a double honor. Not only have they been recognized by their peers for their high accomplishments, but the award is named in honor of fellow New Englander Alex Shigo. Both Ken and Rip knew Alex personally, worked closely with him and consider him to have been a good friend. Dr. Shigo, of course, is one of the transformational figures in modern arboriculture. To have their work now associated with his is something both men take great pride in.

Their receipt of this award breaks a long chain of recipients of this award with largely academic backgrounds. In announcing the award, ISA acknowledged the innovative nature of the ArborMaster approach.

“When ArborMaster Training came along, they changed the way that training was viewed in arboriculture" .

ArborMaster Training was founded 23 years ago, based on a systematic approach that highlighted professionalism, innovation and hands-on practicality. Through in-person classes, videos and other training tools, the company continues to reach a widely diverse and truly worldwide audience of tree care workers and arborists.

It is without a doubt that Rip and Ken have changed the way arborists and tree care workers approach their work. The field is safer and more safety conscious because of their efforts. Tree work is being done more efficiently and effectively. It is also without a doubt that Ken and Rip’s efforts have saved lives. It is reasonable to say that this award reflects, not just the respect but also the gratitude of the arboricultural community for their accomplishments.

ArborMaster Training is an Allied Member of CTPA .

Press Release: Greenworks partners with famed arborist – Ken Palmer

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 23:07:02 GMT

Greenworks partners with famed arborist

November 18, 2019

Posted by Lauren Rathmell

Press Release:

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Greenworks Commercial announced that it has entered into a sponsorship agreement with ArborMaster and its internationally known arborist and Co-Founder, Ken Palmer for 2020 .

Per the agreement, Palmer will use Greenworks Commercial’s line of lithium-ion battery powered saws as his exclusive battery-powered equipment in 2020, which also marks the 25 year Anniversary of ArborMaster. In addition, Palmer will conduct private training programs, make celebrity appearances and consult on new product research & development with Greenworks engineers.

The agreement coincides with the release of Greenworks Commercial’s two newest members of its professional duty line with the new 48TH12 48V 12” Brushless Top Handle Saw and the GS181 18” Rear Handle Chainsaw . Being 30% lighter than its gas competition, the 48TH12 is much easier to maneuver in arbor applications. Plus, this saw will be the first product in the Greenworks Commercial line to include the 21700 lithium-ion battery cells – offering more power and lighter weight to its users, along with longer life and improved run-time. The GS181 is Greenworks most powerful saw to date, delivering power that approximates a 50cc gas saw. The GS 181 provides its users with easier operation and a safer work environment yielding 50% less noise and 5x less vibration than gas equivalent products to protect crews from long term hearing damage and reduce fatigue.

“Greenworks new top handle saw is a game-changer,” said Palmer. “Using this tool makes job sites safer with easier maneuverability and better productivity. And their new GS181 rear handle is far and away the most powerful battery-powered saw I’ve ever run. I’d put it up against any saw running an 18” bar, gas or battery, in terms of its performance. I am confident that using Greenworks products will help to enhance ArborMaster’s core pillars of safety, productivity and skill, so I am proud to help other arborists learn about these great tools.”

Stay tuned for details on upcoming training's and other appearances where Palmer will partner with Greenworks. For more information visit Greenworkscommercial.com .

About Greenworks Commercial

Greenworks Commercial is the leader in battery-powered outdoor equipment for landscaping, turf management, sports facility and municipality professionals. An innovative, best-in-class 82-volt battery platform powers multiple tool systems, delivering the power and performance of comparable gas-powered tools without the mess, fumes and noise.