ONE-OF-A-KIND INNOVATION RELIES ON CASE
A Case CX210B excavator will underpin Australia's first helicopter-excavator tree-trimming operation. CJ Andrew Plumbing and Excavation proprietor Clinton Andrew designed the custom-made tree-trimming saw that attaches to his CX210B excavator, making light work of an otherwise tricky job.
"Working with helicopter company Helimatic Australia, we've created a complete package that provides the best of both worlds: a fast and cost-effective ground crew plus a safe and efficient helicopter option for trimming trees around dangerous powerlines," said Clinton. "The helicopter has a row of 10 two-foot saw blades hanging off it so it can trim trees around powerlines quickly, precisely and safely. If there are no powerlines, it's just as fast, safe and efficient as well as much cheaper to use a ground crew."
Clinton chose the Case CX210B excavator based on previous experience with Case equipment.
"We needed an excavator that would be stable and reliable," said Clinton. "I have a few Case machines, including a 50th anniversary backhoe, a CX135SR excavator and a CX50B compact excavator. Not once have I had a breakdown, the dealer support is outstanding and the price is spot on, so I knew we'd choose a Case excavator."
The CX210Bs 20-tonne weight makes it easy to transport, while its long tracks give it extra stability, which is essential for the dangerous, precise overhead work of tree-trimming. The powerful and responsive hydraulics ensure the saw performs its delicate operations smoothly.
"You're waving a lot of money around on the end of the excavator's arm so this sort of work is not for the faint hearted," Clinton says. "It takes a certain level of skill to operate the tree-trimming excavator safely and with precision.".
Planning is also an essential element of the tree-trimming operation. Clinton says there is no such thing as over-assessing the site before beginning.
"In this job you're dealing with a massive saw attached to the excavator and you've got falling trees and branches plus other environmental factors to consider, such as wind.
In response to this, Clinton and his team have written extensive and specific OH&S policies covering every eventuality. At each new job, regardless of the customer's requirements, Clinton and the team assess the site from every conceivable angle. They then come up with a plan of attack and make sure that everyone on the team is aware of their responsibilities and risks.
"No one has done this particular kind of tree-trimming in Australia before that we know of, so we had to write our policies from scratch. Having solid OH&S and Quality Assurance policies is simply essential. You won't get the job without them. But more importantly, you need to consider the safety of your workers," he said.
Based in Warrnambool, Victoria, Clinton has owned his own business for six years, ever since he finished his plumbing apprenticeship. Since then, he has expanded from local domestic drainage work to large-scale commercial work throughout Victoria, including laying sewers and storm water drains for large water treatment plants, plus plant hire, tree removal, farm work, bulk and detailed excavations, cartage and freight.
Offering such varied services, it's no surprise that the CX210B's quick hitch system was particularly attractive to Clinton, because it would allow him to use the excavator for other work besides trimming trees.
"While waiting for the saw attachment to arrive from Europe, we've already done a couple of hundred hours of drainage work, pulling trees down and some quarry work with the CX210B," said Clinton. "The intention was to invest in a machine that could handle whatever we throw at it. Many times when we're on site, the customer will ask us to do extra jobs ‘while we're there'. If we can quickly swap between attachments, we can make the most of these opportunities."