Arborists working for the country’s largest electricity distribution company are feeling chipper after receiving new equipment.
Chippers that can be towed along behind vehicles, a tracked chipper for rough ground and a four-wheel drive tipper truck to help with access on rough terrain have been added to the UK Power Networks fleet for their tree surgeons.
Seven teams across the East of England set out each day to cut back tree branches and vegetation away from overhead lines. The latest chippers reduce the branches to small chips that are then taken to a recycling centre to be turned into garden mulch or compost.
The arborists respond to customers’ tree cutting requests allowing a strong contractor base to concentrate on programmed works.
In addition, a four-wheel drive tipper truck is on trial and could lead to more being purchased if they are successful at collecting large piles of chips on rough terrain.
Graham Barton, safety and compliance manager at UK Power Networks said: ” Tree branches touching overhead power lines, are one of the most common causes of power cuts in rural areas. We have invested in this new kit as part of expanding our teams; last year we updated our transit vans and this year we have introduced five new chippers, the new four-wheel drive tipper and three new Mobile Elevating Work Platforms for working safely at height”
The company spends £24million every year trimming trees and vegetation away from overhead power lines, helping to keep electricity supplies safe and reliable for local communities across the South East and East of England. To report a location where trees are growing into power lines, residents can call 105 to get through to their local electricity network operator.
