Kitted out

摘要

Anyone attending the arboricultural Association's Arborists' Trade Fair, at Highclere Castle, will recognise that the industry is buoyant. Not only did more than 1,000 arborists visit the fair three weeks ago, but there were over 50 exhibitors - some advertising jobs in the industry, many showing off new gadgets and machinery and all doing brisk business. Climbing is a major part of arboriculture and it is not surprising to find ropes, harnesses, protective clothing and chainsaws in abundance at anarboricultural event, but access platforms represent a growth market and there is a new player, Oil & Steel (UK). Formerly Grovegate Engineering, of Malvern, Oil & Steel is distributing Italian-manufactured mobile tracked platforms. There are models that reach heights of up to 14m and outreach to 6.5m yet still retain gateway access. Platforms are one-man operated and feature emergency descent, while the baskets are capable of lifting up to 220kg. The full range includes trailer- and lorry-mounted platforms with reaches up to 75m.