Increasing Safety and Cutting Work Time with Insulating Tree Trimming: Altec’s MT66-E76
For tree trimming professionals, cutting down trees can be time-consuming and come with risks associated with working at heights and around power lines. This is especially true when it comes to right-of-way clearing work required by most public utilities.
According to Andy Price, Altec’s Tree Care Market Manager, “Through customer feedback, Altec developed a product with an industry-leading approach to safety while performing utility line clearance.”
The MT66-E76 is a remote-controlled insulated (46kv) tree trimming unit with a cutting head designed and built by Altec.
Price continued, “This unit was engineered with the worker in mind. With a combination of features new to the industry, operators can remain outside the danger zone, while safely cutting most problem limbs, even those with incidental line contact.”
This innovative technology from Altec signals a shift in protecting workers, something the rest of the tree care industry hopes to see more of in the coming years.
Chriso Lee is Vice President of ArborWorks Inc., a California-based tree care company specializing in hazard tree removal, utility line clearance and vegetation management. Lee said his company’s experience with the MT66-E76 has been revolutionary for tree trimming around power lines.
“The MT66-E76 has the ability to reduce and even eliminate human exposure to the hazards that are unique to our industry while expeditiously executing some of what used to be the most dangerous tasks.
“With this technology, we’re able to remove tree branches that are over, near and around energized conductors without endangering human life,” he said.
Lee continued, “The MT66-E76 will become the standard for accessible trim work in the utility setting.”
Altec’s MT66-E76 has the ability to:
- Eliminate the need to de-energize and ground to complete trimming
- Lessen the time it takes to trim limbs with incidental line contact
- Reduce the time to trim problem limbs overhanging power lines
Unique Design
With three methods of articulation for ease of positioning, the MT66-E76’s cutting head design is exclusive to Altec. The unit’s insulating boom, permanently installed cutting head, radio remote control system and elevator providing 76 feet of maximum reach all combine for an inventive piece of equipment that can be used in both the electric utility and tree care industries.
The MT66-E76’s unique design gives operators the ability to cut and control an 8-inch limb with the grapple or cut and drop 14-inch limb, all while maintaining a safe distance away from the tree. For added operator and equipment safety, the unit also includes an insulating boom.
Safety
The MT66-E76’s insulating boom and remote-control feature enables reliable production in the safest manner possible. Because all work can be completed remotely with the MT66-E76, it allows workers to have the lowest exposure to risk than any other known trimming equipment.
In addition to this, because of the unit’s remote controls, the operator can complete any job with minimal physical output.
Sean Graziano, a Tree Care Product Specialist at Altec, has 16 years of experience in the tree care and utility safety industry. He is also an ISA Certified Arborist; a TCIA Certified Tree Care Safety Professional and a USOLN Certified Utility Safety Professional.
According to Graziano, the MT66-E76’s remote control feature not only makes tree care removal safer but allows industry veterans to continue work, even after years of strenuous work.
“If they’ve been doing tree care work for a long time, their body is going to wear out naturally because of the intense nature of the job,” he said. ”Their experience is still really valuable and with the MT66-E76, they can do something like this and it just puts no physical strain on them. It’s makes light work out of what is traditionally very difficult,” Graziano continued.
Even while maintaining a safe distance from the drop zone and work area, workers can cut and move a 150 lb. limb away from an energized line. In the past, this would be almost impossible with a man in a bucket with a traditional saw.
How Does this Impact Cost Savings for Your Business?
The unique design and improved safety features on the MT66-E76 can ultimately reduce costs for business owners.
In place of a larger-sized team, the MT66-E76 can potentially utilize a three-man super crew. The unit’s permanently installed cutting head allows for quick set up, further reducing time spent on the job site.
Overall, this unit allows for a smaller crew and more efficient work practices. By structuring a crew with aerial lift and chip truck to minimize crew size, many businesses will see a reduction of total operating costs typically associated with line-clearing equipment.
When considering the future of tree trimming, this unit leads the way for crews to shorten working times, reduce costs, and above all, increase safety, something that we can all agree is top of mind for all working in the tree care industry.
Are you interested in seeing what the MT66-E76 can do for your tree care business? Call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.