Platform Basket for UK tree care

Thompson Tree Services has recently ordered Platform Basket’s new Spider 20.95.

Since its UK launch in 2020, the Spider 20.95 tracked platform is proving a success with UK tree surgeons said Shaun Day, managing director of UK distributor Promax Access, which supplied the model. “Although we only took delivery of the first units in June the amount that have been chosen by the tree care sector is already into double digits. It has certainly raised the bar and expectation levels for tracked platforms in this working height range, offering operator benefits generally associated with much larger and more expensive machines.”

The Spider 20.95 offers a working height of 19.4m and an outreach of 9.5m, while weighing just 2,800kg. Its maximum outreach can also be achieved with an up and over height of seven metres, ensuring the machine can be set up over hedges and fences as well as clear of drop zones. Another important feature is its unrestricted 250kg platform capacity, which allows users to reach more of the tree canopy without having to remove weight from the platform cage or reposition the machine.

Lawrence Thompson, owner of Thompson Tree Services, said, “We originally looked at a few other spider lifts on the market, some of which offered slightly more outreach but with a reduced platform capacity. The problem is that by the time one of our guys is loaded up with his kit and chainsaw it will already be pushing the capacity well over 100kg. On top of this, the 20.95’s boom movements felt a lot more steady and controlled.”

Other features ideal for tree surgeons include adjustable tracks, a 1.8m jib with 180 degrees of platform rotation for greater control in and around tree limbs, and the ability to self level on slopes of up to 17 degrees. All the machine’s hoses and cables have been concealed within the heavy duty steel boom to protect them from any falling debris. The 20.95 is powered by a Z482 Kubota diesel and can be supplied with a hybrid diesel/lithium-ion power source.

Additional options suitable for the arborist sector include a screen divider, a one man platform cage and a 250kg hydraulic winch, which can be used in place of the platform cage to help lower and load larger tree sections.