In the world of gardening, landscaping and forestry, tackling tall trees and extensive hedges can be a challenging task. Projects such as those carried out in wooded areas, large parks or on sites with large grounds require specific machinery that is adapted to the scale and intricacies of each project. Using specialised equipment such as telehandlers and cherry pickers can greatly improve efficiency and safety when carrying out tasks like trimming, pruning and clearing debris. Let’s find out how.
What Are Telehandlers?
Telehandlers, or telescopic handlers are versatile lifting machines fitted with a telescopic boom enabling them to extend both forwards and upwards are versatile lifting machines fitted with a telescopic boom enabling them to extend both forwards and upwards. Commonly utilised in agriculture, construction and landscaping, they are ideal for lifting, transporting and placing materials in a variety of settings. Unlike conventional forklifts, telehandlers offer enhanced reach and manoeuvrability making them well-suited for moving heavy loads over obstacles or across uneven terrain.
Many models are equipped with four-wheel drive and stabilisers ensuring balance and stability while handling heavy loads. Additionally, telehandlers can accommodate a range of attachments including forks, buckets and lifting jibs, allowing them to undertake multiple tasks beyond basic material handling. The JCB 540-140 HI VIZ is a telehandler suited for lifting loads of up to 4000kg to a height of 13.74m. This machine is compatible with a wide range of attachments.
What Are Cherry Pickers?
Cherry pickers, also referred to as boom lifts, are aerial work platforms designed to elevate workers to high or hard-to-reach areas. They are widely used in tree surgery, building maintenance and electrical work. Cherry pickers are available in two primary types: articulating boom lifts and telescopic boom lifts.
Articulating boom lifts such as the Niftylift HR 21 feature multiple pivot points providing the flexibility to navigate around obstacles making them particularly effective in confined spaces. This is great for working over fences. Telescopic boom lifts, in contrast, have a straight, extendable arm offering greater reach and making them ideal for accessing tall structures in open spaces. The Snorkel A46 JRT offers a 14.3m lift height and incorporates 4WD and 45% gradeability, suiting it perfectly to rugged terrain. Cherry pickers operate using hydraulic or electric systems to control the boom’s extension ensuring smooth and precise elevation. Many models include safety features such as guardrails, emergency stop buttons and harness attachment points to ensure operator safety.
Landscaping and Forestry Projects Enhanced by Telehandlers and Cherry Pickers
In settings such as parks, forests, heritage estates, hotels with extensive grounds and golf courses, maintaining greenery often involves working at heights and handling significant materials. Cherry pickers are perfect for reaching tall branches and hedges enabling precise pruning and trimming. Telehandlers, particularly roto telehandlers with rotating capabilities, are exceptional for moving and removing substantial amounts of debris, logs and other materials, streamlining the cleanup process. In areas frequented by the public or guests, opting for electric models such as the Niftylift HR12 narrow electric cherry picker proves beneficial, as their lower emissions and reduced noise levels ensure minimal disruption.
Telehandler Attachments and Their Uses
The adaptability of telehandlers is greatly enhanced by the wide variety of attachments available. For gardening, landscaping and forestry projects, the following attachments are particularly useful:
- Boat Skips: These attachments make site clearance more efficient by facilitating the collection and removal of waste materials such as branches, leaves and debris.
- Sweepers: Essential for maintaining clean pathways and open spaces, sweepers effectively clear leaves, dirt and small debris keeping grounds tidy.
- Winches: Ideal for controlled lifting and lowering, winches assist in handling heavy logs or large plants ensuring accurate placement or removal.
- Hook-on Carriages: These enhance the telehandler’s functionality allowing for the secure lifting and transport of items such as potted plants and landscaping materials.
These attachments transform telehandlers into multi-functional machines capable of addressing a diverse range of tasks in landscaping and forestry projects.
Safety Considerations for Using Cherry Pickers and Telehandlers
At Clark Lifting Solutions, safety is at the forefront of everything we do. We take pride in ensuring all our equipment is thoroughly inspected and maintained to the highest standards. Our team conducts regular maintenance and safety checks to minimise risks and ensure optimal performance.
We also provide expert advice and guidance to clients, helping them understand the safe operation of machinery and offering support tailored to their specific projects. Common incidents involving cherry pickers and telehandlers, such as falls from height, tip-overs and contact with overhead obstacles or power lines, can be mitigated by following best practices. Here’s how we help ensure safety:
- Comprehensive Training Support: We assist clients in arranging training for operators, ensuring they are familiar with all safety procedures and proficient in equipment use.
- Thorough Equipment Inspections: Our team performs routine checks on all machinery, addressing potential issues before they escalate.
- Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): We provide advice on the appropriate PPE, such as harnesses and helmets, to enhance operator safety.
- Site Assessment Recommendations: We help clients evaluate their work environment, identifying hazards like uneven ground or overhead obstacles to ensure safe operations.
By partnering with Clark Lifting Solutions, clients benefit from our commitment to safety, enabling a secure and efficient working environment.
Why Choose Clark Lifting Solutions?
Clark Lifting Solutions is a trusted supplier of high-quality lifting equipment offering a comprehensive range of telehandlers, cherry pickers and attachments tailored to diverse landscaping and forestry needs. With a strong commitment to safety, efficiency and innovation, at Clark Lifting Solutions we ensure that our clients receive superior machinery and expert advice. Whether you require electric models for noise-sensitive locations or specialised attachments for debris handling, our extensive product range and knowledgeable team make us a reliable choice for professionals in the West Sussex area. Give us a call today on 01403 864864 or visit our website at clarkliftingsolutions.co.uk to explore our full range of services and products.
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