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: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/287424
www.arborage.com Arbor Age / April 2014 7 Q&A Q&A First, all vehicles must maintain a state-mandated vehicle safety inspection. Second, employees inspect and report to supervisor or mechanic any updates needed for personal safety equipment and all tools needed for current season's operational needs. — Robert Genualdi, co-owner, Weston Arborists Inc., Danbury I have a full-time mechanic. — Jim Meloy, owner, Arizona Tree Experts, Phoenix, Ariz. Yearly boom inspections are done during downtime, along with basic maintenance. We also repaint where needed, switched over to LED taillights on the big trucks, and fi x all those little things that get lost in the fray of summer. All ropes are pulled for inspec- tion, because the guys will use their favorite rope sometimes past its useful lifespan. — Cameron Smith, ISA Certifi ed Arborist #MI-4118A, VP/owner, Johnny's Tree Service Inc., Jackson, Mich. I have purchased a new 200-gallon sprayer dedicated to just tree spraying. — William Koehler, tech, USAF, Offutt AFB, Nebraska. Doing the maintenance. — Ed Gurka, owner, Independent Services, San Rafael, Calif. New Truck: 2014 F350. — Dennis Dolan, response manager, Town of Marana, Marana, Ariz. If you would like to contribute your insights for the Arbor Age Q&A section, or if you have a suggested question for your peers, e-mail John Kmitta, editor, at jkmitta@specialtyim.com To get a feel for how industry professionals like your- self are dealing with current issues, Arbor Age is seeking feedback on a range of questions. For this issue, we asked readers the following: How are you preparing your vehicle and equipment Á eets for the 2014 busy season? Consistent scheduled maintenance — Winthrop Barrett, president, Barrett Tree Service, Inc., Sheffi eld, Mass. Greasing and oil changes, replenish coolant. Tighten bolts and fi x rattles and squeaks. Paint the wheels and give everything a good hot bath. — Jim Bolamperti, owner, Acme Lawn and Tree, Omaha, Neb. Take to our mechanic for complete inspection. — Gary Thorpe, president, Thorpe-Lehman Co. Inc., Traverse City, Mich. Total inspection: DOT, permitting, lights, hoses, brakes, tires, wiring decals and painting, and MSDS updates. — Doug Cash, VP/GM, Arbor-Nomics, Norcross, Ga. Focusing on carburetor rebuilds, oil changes, new bars and chains over labor-intensive welding and technical stuff. Spray equipment demands extra rituals, and therefore is delayed to days before spraying. — Eric D'Antonio, owner/operator, A Touch of Dutch, Dover, Del. Preventive maintenance, same as always — William Knaust, owner, Bill's tree care, Branchville, N.J. Complete servicing in a heated shop. Repairs as indicated. Two trucks being repainted. — Dwight Bayne, owner, Mountain Tree Care, New Paltz, N.Y. Submit your photos of your crews at work for possible inclusion in Please include a detailed caption explaining any photos you submit, along with your company name, location, and other pertinent details. We recommend that photos be taken with an approximate 5 megapixels setting (or at least a 9" x 12", 300 dpi, jpeg). E-mail photos to jkmitta@specialtyim.com. D SHARE YOUR PHOTOS WITH US