For more than 30 years, Arbor Age magazine has been covering new and innovative products, services, technology and research vital to tree care companies, municipal arborists and utility right-of-way maintenance companies
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/389416
www.arborage.com ARBOR AGE OCTOBER 2014 31 NEW PRODUCTS The GPS capability built into the application will mean that soon, professionals can tag trees using GPS, add notes, keep a history, and even export them to calculate project costs. BANDIT STUMP GUN The Bandit Stump Gun is an innovative-yet- simple stump-grinding solution for landscapers, arborists, land-clearing professionals and dedicated stump-grinding crews who use a skid-steer loader. The Stump Gun attaches to skid-steer loaders in seconds and uses the skid-steer's hydraulic power to quickly grind stumps of virtually any size. Because it operates vertically, the Stump Gun is extremely quick and effective on large stumps, as well as small backyard stumps. Operators simply drive to the stump, raise the Stump Gun into position, and grind. Maintaining the Stump Gun is as easy as operating it. Keep the Stump Gun greased and monitor the teeth and end-cap for wear — that's it. The powerful hydraulic motor requires no routine maintenance. ECHO CHAIN SAWS WITH TOOL-LESS CHAIN TENSIONING The latest additions to Echo's chain saw lineup are the CS-370F and CS-400F. Both of these saws are based on the CS-370 and CS-400, but feature the new FasTension tool-less chain tensioning system. The FasTension system makes quick and easy chain tension adjustments or bar and chain replacements without a scrench or tightening tool. A rotating lever takes the place of locking nuts, and a tensioning wheel replaces an adjustment screw. Adjustments can be made anywhere in 4 simple steps. The CS-370F is equipped with a 16-inch bar and chain, and the CS-400F comes with an 18-inch bar and chain. Other product features include a tool-less access, automotive-style air filter; a dual-post chain brake; an i-30 starting system for reduced starting effort; and an automatic, adjustable oiler. An aftermarket accessory is also available to retro-fit the FasTension tool-less chain tensioning system on any CS-370 or CS-400. FECON FTX290 MID-SIZED MULCHING TRACTOR WITH NEW ROTOR TECHNOLOGY Fecon added the FTX290, a low-ground- pressure (3.4 psi) tractor with an oscillating steel track undercarriage, providing balanced traction for rough or soft conditions. Like other Fecon tractors, the FTX290 features a spacious cab, operator comfort and ergonomic control layout, as well as maintenance-friendly service access. Powered by a Cummins QSC8.3 290-hp. diesel, the hydraulic flow to the mulching head peaks at 100 gpm. The FTX290 features the Fecon BH120 forestry mulcher with variable-speed motors and three optional rotor systems including Fecon's new Depth Controls Rotor (DCR) technology. Fecon DCR rotors feature the reversible Samurai Knife. The Samurai is incorporated into a depth control design that provides fast cutting in all materials and the most efficient use of horsepower. The cutting, slicing and splitting action of the Samurai Knife as it chips is far more productive than straight-edge tools or saw teeth. This productivity is further enhanced by the Fecon DCR, depth control rings providing fast cutting durability unlike other knife based rotors. MORBARK CHIPSAFE Morbark is committed to chipper operator safety and ongoing training. After several years of research, development and testing, Morbark now offers the patented ChipSafe Operator Safety Shield as an option on new Morbark Beever 12- to 18-inch capacity brush chippers. The ChipSafe Operator Safety Shield device is mounted directly to the sides of the infeed chute of a Morbark brush chipper, and works together with ChipSafe wearable accessories to improve operator safety. If, while feeding the brush chipper, the operator's ChipSafe gloves or ankle/wrist straps enter the defined ChipSafe sensing zone, sensors in the plates send a signal to interrupt the chipper's feeding mechanism, reducing the risk of operator injury. The chipper's feeding mechanism is restarted with a simple swipe of the operator's ChipSafe glove or wrist strap across a reset box on the outer side of the infeed chute, so high productivity is maintained. PETZL ZIGZAG The ZIGZAG mechanical Prusik from Petzl allows the user to move around efficiently in a tree using classic Prusik pulley system technique. The linked rings provide precision and fluidity when moving around. The pulley is mounted on sealed ball bearings to allow the slack to be taken up easily. The steel construction offers great durability. Features include: Technique identical to classic Prusik pulley system; Release lever mounted on spring for great precision when jamming/releasing the device. Varying the pressure on this lever controls the