New Heights in Tree Care: Altec’s EC505-6S+3S-FG

Designed for the tree care industry, the EC505-6S+3S-FG knuckle boom (articulating) crane is Altec’s latest addition to the Heartland product line which has an extended reach of 92 feet. The Altec Heartland product line consists of an Effer knuckle boom crane, a 360-degree continuous-rotation grapple saw (33-inch jaw opening, 14-inch cutting depth, 3,300-pound maximum lift capacity) and radio remote controls.

These units were designed to allow operators to cut limbs and branches without ever having to leave the ground or touch a piece of the tree. The EC505+6S+3S-FG model provides an additional 24 feet of cutting height over Altec’s 225 model and is a rear-mount configuration, allowing customers to set-up close to the tree.

The Gierkink GMT 035 Grapple Saw allows for a grapple to hold branches while the enclosed saw cuts the branch at an operator’s command. By using the radio remote control system to keep workers on the ground, this unit increases safety and efficient job site operation.

Altec Tree Care Market Manager Andy Price says the EC505 is the first Effer crane offered by Altec that has the option of including a larger grapple saw featuring a 20 inch saw bar.

“Having the Effer 505 configured to utilize a grapple saw allows customers 92 feet of reach, the highest of any Altec grapple saw product to date,” said Price.

For increased safety and efficiency, a standard feature on all Heartland products is the Engineered Grapple Connecting Arm, an Altec patented device that connects the unit’s upper boom to the grapple saw. When attached, the Engineered Grapple Connecting Arm allows for greater access to tree canopy and helps to prevent cut pieces from striking the crane boom.

In addition to the grapple saw and connecting arm, the EC505 features a quick hydraulic disconnect system that allows a single operator to connect and disconnect all four hydraulic lines at once.

The EC505 provides the following features:

  • Gierkink GMT 035 Grapple Saw
  • Engineered Grapple Connecting Arm
  • Scanreco Radio Remote Controller
  • Elliptical Shaped Saw Bar
  • Grapple Storage Rack on Truck Bed
  • Quick Disconnect for Hydraulic Hoses at Boom Tip
  • Turf Mat Storage Rack
  • Cab Guard and Heavy Duty Front Bumper
  • Abrasion Resistant Hydraulic Hoses

For more information on the EC505-6S+3S-FG and other Altec equipment, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online