HAVING the right set of tools is key for any forester or arborist. But finding the one for you can often be the most difficult part.
The good news is Forestry Journal and essentialARB are here to help. Written by industry figures working on the ground, our expert reviews run the rule over the latest gear to provide genuine insight on whether or not they're worth your time.
As we near the end of 2022, let's take a look at some of the equipment we reviewed during the last 12 months. From boots to chainsaws, there was something for everyone.
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1) Stihl's new MS 400 C-M reviewed: 'It's grown on me'
Our reviewer wrote: "When I started using the saw in the spring, it had already done a lot of work and had been through a lot of operators, all using it for a couple of weeks here and there, but finally I got to use it for a prolonged length of time.
"This is no two-week review of a brand new, shiny saw.
"This MS 400 bears the scars of battle and I wouldn’t like to hazard a guess at how many hours it’s got under its belt.
"What I can say is it has survived it all very well and I rate it as one of the most significant new models Stihl has produced."
2) Arbortec Kayo review: Forestry Journal runs rule over new boots
Our man noted: "First things first, are they comfortable? Well yes they are, very comfortable. I had no problem breaking them in.
"They didn’t pinch and, despite them looking to be quite narrow, they have plenty of room to accommodate my rather wide feet.
"They lace up tight, despite the traditional lacing that doesn’t have all the trick rolling-ball eyelets and locking hooks.
"It’s proof the way to make a boot that fastens properly is simply to put it together properly. There’s no need to try and reinvent the wheel."
3) Hendon Standard Tripod Ladder review: 'Money well spent'
"The ladders come in a range of sizes from just 1.17 m (4 feet) to an impressive 4.64 m (16 feet). The steps are deep enough to accommodate even the largest of boot size and stand in complete comfort while carrying out the task in hand.
"Warning signs do say not to stand on the very top two steps as these are used to brace against, giving the operator total hands-free working ability.
"At the end of each leg is a clawed foot, which is ideal for soft ground. Rubber soles that fit over the feet are also available to help protect delicate surfaces and give added friction and stability on hard surfaces."
4) Stihl's Advance ProCom reviewed: 'A great leap forward'
The review read: "In conclusion, the headsets, in whichever configuration, are a great leap forward.
"They bring communications to a whole new level and only enhance safety when doing specific tasks where two or more people need to give and receive clear instructions in real time."
5) Stein's SMB1000 reviewed by essentialARB
Our man wrote: "Fitting it is easy. There is a handy top suspension point which means that the device can be installed on the tree by just one person. I just wrapped an old bit of rope round the tree above where I wanted the device to go.
"Then I hung a karabiner from it and attached that to the device. Simple.
"If you’re feeling flush and have some spare cash to spend, there is a top-mounting strap made for this purpose that can be purchased at the same time. The device is then held in position, which means the ratchet strap can be attached and wrapped around the tree by a single person."
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