Farmers Hot Line - National July 2026 | Page 37

TREE CARE HANDLERS | Equipment Spotlight
PALFINGER Tree-Mek
Tree care work has become more complex, especially for contractors handling removals near homes, roads, utilities and other site constraints. Arborists often work in tight spaces with limited access and need equipment capable of supporting controlled, efficient field work. As a result, many tree care professionals are looking at equipment that can help reduce manual handling and support more precise placement of material.
PALFINGER Tree-Mek arborist packages are designed for mechanized tree removal applications. The packages combine a rear-mounted PALFINGER knuckle boom crane with a grapple saw head, allowing trained operators to grip, cut and place tree sections remotely from the ground. This setup gives crews another option for managing demanding removals, storm cleanup, roadside work and residential tree care applications.
The Tree-Mek offering includes the PK 65002-SH Arborist Edition and the PK 92002-SH Arborist Edition. The PK 65002- SH package is built around a rear-mounted articulating crane with 112 feet of vertical reach, while the PK 92002-SH package offers 126 feet of vertical reach. Both packages are equipped with grapple saw heads configured for tree care professionals who need reach, placement control and jobsite versatility.
For end users, the value lies in a purpose-built package that supports how arborists work in real-world conditions. Whether crews are working along highways, in residential zones or on agricultural boundaries, having equipment that combines reach, cutting capability and controlled material handling can help them approach complex removals with more options in the field.
www. palfinger. com
Green-Tec TH3
The Green-Tec TH3 tree care handler is designed for a wide range of applications, including roadside tree maintenance, storm cleanup and large-scale vegetation management, where safety, reach, controlled handling and operator stability are critical. Its compact footprint and reduced turning radius allow operators to work in confined or high-traffic environments without compromising performance.
A key feature of the TH3 is its compatibility with a range of specialized attachments, including grapple saws, mulchers and trimming heads. When equipped with a grapple saw, it is capable of handling trees up to 24 inches in diameter, providing a controlled approach to cutting and material control at height. Its telescopic boom offers approximately 49 feet of reach, allowing operators to access difficult areas from the ground and reduce reliance on climbing.
Operator visibility and comfort are central to the machine’ s design. The TH3 features an elevating and tilting cab, improving sightlines when working at height or across uneven terrain. Combined with all-wheel drive and steering, the machine is well-suited to challenging conditions such as soft ground or roadside environments.
“ As the tree care sector continues to emphasize safety and efficiency, machines such as the TH3 reflect a broader shift toward mechanized solutions,” said Jamie Mairs, business line director for Green-Tec.“ We are seeing the TH3 becoming a key tool for contractors and municipalities managing increasing vegetation demands across roads, utilities and infrastructure corridors— it reduces the need for manual climbing and cutting, helping to reduce risk while improving consistency and productivity.”
www. terex. com / green-tec / en
July 2026 | www. FarmersHotLine. com | 37