Making tree-felling faster and safer
Munster Tree Surgeons, founded by Birdhill man Martin Haugh, is about to deliver a first for Ireland that will transform the speed, safety and efficiency of roadside tree-felling.
Based in Killaloe, Co Clare, Munster Tree Surgeons has made its biggest investment yet, in a purpose built Volvo 420 FMX truck fitted with a grapple saw to tackle hazardous roadside trees in a fraction of the time traditionally required.
Named 'JH1' in honour of founder Martin Haugh's father, Johnny, the unit is designed to cut the duration of roadside tree-felling projects by up to two-thirds, with a tree that could previously require a full day to clear now, in suitable conditions, being removed within hours.
The savings with the new unit, which is in the advanced build stage and will be operation al in Q1 of next year, not alone delivers time savings but also cost savings, as well as enhancing safety for employees and road users.
The investment comes at a crucial time for Ireland's road network, with thousands of roadside trees undermined by age, severe weather and environmental pressures. A key need also is tackling ash dieback, with experts warning that, without intervention or natural resistance, the disease could kill up to 90% of Ireland's existing ash trees over the coming decades.
BIG INVESTMENT FOR THE BUSINESS
“This is a big investment for a small business, but we have no doubt but it's the right investment at this time,” Martin explained. “Roadside tree work involves live traffic, pedestrians, vulnerable and damaged trees, and often limited space to work safely. This new unit will enable us manage all these risks while delivering work faster and more efficiently for customers.”
The grapple saw grips each section of timber before cutting it. Branches and trunks can then be lifted directly into the truck, rather than falling towards the road or surrounding property.
The technology also reduces the need for staff to climb dangerous trees beside moving traffic. Operators carry out much of the work from the protected truck cab, while the hydraulic arm provides the precision needed in tight roadside locations.
“The safety benefits are huge,” Mr Haugh said. “The saw holds the timber as it cuts, and this takes out the risk of pieces dropping onto the roadway. It is particularly suitable for dead, rotting or storm-damaged trees that can easily split during removal. Most importantly, it keeps our people out of danger. Removing the need for someone to climb a tree beside a busy road is a game changer also. It will also result in real cost savings for customers as we will be able to do more jobs in a day than we could before.”
Mr Haugh was introduced to the trade as a teenager by his father Johnny, who worked as a solo tree surgeon for more than half a century.
“To name the unit JH1 after my father is very special,” he said. “He introduced me to the industry and doing the work safely and with staff and the customer in mind was his priority. He will be proud to see it in operation.”
The bespoke build is being completed in several stages. Thompsons in Carlow will design, manufacture and fit the custom steel body and specialist equipment; Palfinger in Tullamore will install the crane; and the vehicle will then return to Volvo Truck Dealer - McCarthy Commercials in Co Clare for final finishing work.
Mr Haugh praised McCarthy Commercials and Clare-based sales executive Mícheál Walsh and the Volvo Trucks team for their support. “This has been a specialised build and McCarthy Commercials have been brilliant to work with. Mícheál and the team are experts at what they do. They are guiding us through every stage and helping turn an idea into a reality,” Martin added.