In this series of articles, we will be sharing exclusive coverage from APF 2024. 

AT the heart of the show (both literally and figuratively) was, as always, Husqvarna’s rather impressive arena. Featuring a demonstration area – in which brand ambassadors showed off the T542i XP chainsaw (the battery-powered one with the clutch) and its new power ascender (more on this later) – it also gave visitors the chance to try out a ‘Lumberjack VR simulation’ and see more of the manufacturer’s products than you could count. 

But the high point was the World 25-metre Poleclimbing Championships. Taking place at APF once again, this saw the globe’s best climbers race to the top of Douglas fir timber. For those feeling particularly brave, you could even have a go yourself (eA is reliably informed one visitor even managed to make it above 2 m). With a record prize pot of £10,000 on offer, there was genuine excitement across all three days of the competition. 

Watch our feature on the poleclimbing above

“We have people from all over the world coming to do the poleclimbing here,” said Jonathan Snowball, head of professional UK at Husqvarna. “I’ve even known years when you get people from the USA. 

“The poleclimbing is growing every year. What people don’t realise is they have a great opportunity at APF where they could come and try it.

“It’s not something you have in your back garden or your yard at work. 

“You never know, you might love it and find you have a natural ability for it.” 

As for the wider APF event, Jonathan added: “The APF is a really crucial event for Husqvarna and we have been the primary sponsor for many years.

“The forestry and arb business is really in Husqvarna’s DNA. Some people call it an industry, for us it is more of a community. APF is a chance for us to connect with the operators who use our products.” 

World 25m Poleclimbing Championships
Sponsored by Husqvarna
Overall Winners

Expert Class
1st – Dan Whelan Time 9:95
2nd – Lewis Bennett Time 12:54
3rd – Patrick McCoy Time 13:36

Ladies
1st – Chloe Barnard Time 19:28
2nd – Emma Cakebread Time 19:66
3rd – Lois Milburn Time 28:59

Tree Surgeon Class
1st – Corey Williams Time 19:25
2nd – Matthew Mackell Time 19:36
3rd – Jack Farrell Time 23:73