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
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NEW PRODUCTS NEW PRODUCTS What's New on the Market? Eartec Comstar New dolly transport system for Vermeer HG6000TX grinder Vermeer enhanced its HG6000TX track undercarriage horizontal grinder with a new dolly transport system, longer load-out conveyor and Tier 4i/Stage IIIB engine to help improve jobsite efficiency. The dolly transport system, or DT6, replaces the need for a drop-deck trailer to transport the machine from jobsite to jobsite, helping to reduce operating costs by saving time. To transport the machine, the operator tracks the grinder onto the dolly using the radio remote control. By activating 2 toggle switches, 4 hydraulically driven pins secure the machine to the dolly. Four indicator lights show when the pins are fully extended. The stabilizers can then be extended to lift the grinder fifth wheel plate to match the tractor plate height. The stabilizers help with pin alignment, reducing the need to be on level ground when attaching the dolly to the HG6000TX. Once electric and brake connections are made and proper markings have been applied according to the local regulations, the grinder and dolly are ready for transport. The dolly features an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and air ride suspension. The suspension provides 7 inches of ground clearance under the track undercarriage, allowing for transport over uneven ground. The dolly also features a brake release valve that can release the park brake and allow the dolly to be moved by a loader at the jobsite using designated tow points. communication system The latest innovation in Eartec's line of unique wireless intercoms is Comstar, a multi-station system that allows up to 8 people to communicate in full duplex. This means that users can talk simultaneously just like on a regular telephone. Comstar intercoms feature miniature belt pack transceivers that weigh only 2.5 ounces, and either a lightweight or midweight headset. The system utilizes the low power 1900 MHz band, so no FCC license is required. The Comstar wireless system also provides a microphone mute switch right on each Compak beltpack for those times that privacy is needed. The hands- free, instantaneous voice communication provided by Comstar allows crews to bring a tree to the ground more efficiently by coordinating placement, chip truck positioning, and a multitude of important job site chores. Geo-Boy brush cutter earns ROPS and FOPS certification The Geo-Boy brush cutter 4x4 model from Jarraff Industries recently received ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structures) and FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structures) certification. The certification announcement comes after a lengthy testing and evaluation process. Jarraff president/CEO Heidi Boyum explained that the certifications are significant for existing Geo-Boy owners, as well as prospec- tive customers. "The ROPS and FOPS certifications can be applied retroactively for Geo-Boy Brush Cutters produced since 2004," she said. "Our goal is to provide the safest, most effective brush cutter on the market, now owners and operators can be assured that they are utilizing one of the safest self-contained brush cutters available today." 22 Arbor Age / September 2012 www.arborage.com