In this series of articles, we will be sharing exclusive coverage from all aspects of the ARB Show 2024. 

Another stand drawing a constant crowd was Jas P Wilson’s which, as well as exhibiting a wide range of static machinery, had a demo area dedicated to its new range of Mantis tree-pruning attachments.

Available in three sizes – the 300, 400 and 500 – to suit different base machines, the hydraulic attachments each feature a cutting head and grab for methodically dismantling trees from the safety of the cab.

Forestry Journal:

Managing director Billy Wilson said: “The original idea came about because a local tree surgeon had the saw kick back and cut his face open. Then, a couple of years later, he was climbing a tree and it split, pulled him in and almost cut him in two. I thought there must be a safer way of doing the job.

“So I started experimenting in our own woodland with a very basic hydraulically-powered saw and developed it over the last six years to where it is today.

Forestry Journal: The Mantis drew in the ARB Show crowds The Mantis drew in the ARB Show crowds (Image: eA/JH)

 “With this system, one man can do the work of two or three people, safely and in half the time. I truly believe it’s the way forward.”

Keep an eye across our channels for the full version of this interview and more in-depth coverage from arb's biggest event.