essentialARB learns how Henchman ladders helped one arborist keep his trees in check. Plus, we focus on a few other tree-pruning tools that could come in handy. 

WHEN it comes to pruning at height, Gerry Edwards faces many challenges, particularly when it comes to ensuring his safety while working hands-free. For years, he had been using traditional stepladders, which had led to several near misses. He knew he needed a better solution to ensure he was working as safely as possible – that was when he discovered Henchman’s ladders.

Gerry first learned about Henchman at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show quite a few years ago and was immediately drawn to the safety accreditations of its Tripod PRO model. Henchman’s professional tripod ladders are the only ladders on the market worldwide that have been certified by the British Standards Institute with a EN131 rating. These safety features gave Gerry peace of mind, knowing that Henchman is committed to safety and quality that goes beyond other models. 

He said: “The EN131 safety rating gave me the confidence that I was investing in a product that is built, tested, and designed to the highest standards, reducing the risk of slips or falls and ensuring a secure working environment.” 

Although orchard ladders are historically and preferably tripod-based, Gerry had never used them to any great extent. However, after a serious near miss while he was pruning an apple tree, he knew he had to find a new tool, something that could ensure his safety.  That’s when he decided to try Henchman’s PRO tripod ladders, and he hasn’t looked back since!

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Gerry was instantly impressed with the quality, ease of use, and portability of Henchman’s models, which made them stand out from other brands he had researched. He purchased the smallest ladder (6”) for portability and a large 14” model for tackling taller trees. The ladders’ stability was the feature that impressed him the most, along with their durability, hedge-proof locking pin and lightness to carry.

“Harvesting fruit and pruning trees can really wear you out, so having reliable support is key, especially when both hands are needed for the job,” he said. “With Henchman’s tripod PRO ladders, the guard rail keeps me steady, letting me concentrate on picking and pruning fruit trees without the fear of falling. 

“Plus, the fully adjustable legs are a lifesaver, especially in orchards where the ground can be uneven. Henchman’s ladders truly make the work easier and safer.” 

Gerry now exclusively uses Henchman and has completely replaced all other ladders and steps he previously used. He uses the ladders for all tree work, with a particular focus on his speciality, fruit tree pruning. The ladder has made tasks easier and increased productivity, enabling him to work more efficiently and safely.

When asked about his experience with the ladders, Gerry said: “Without a doubt, the stability, easiness to use, and lightness to carry make Henchman ladders an excellent investment and I would recommend them to any company or individual who works at height. 

“The ladders’ stability and portability make them an ideal tool for tasks such as fruit tree pruning.

“If you’re looking for a safe and efficient way to work at height, invest in a Henchman tripod PRO ladder.”

Gerry’s experience with Henchman has been overwhelmingly positive. He appreciates the quality, ease of use, and portability of the ladders, and he has been able to significantly increase his productivity and safety while using them for his work. 

To find out more about Henchman’s fully adjustable PRO tripod ladders, visit 
www.henchman.co.uk.

MORE PRUNING OPTIONS 

MAKITA 

GO above and beyond with Makita’s UA004 XGT 40VMax telescopic pole saw. 

With a telescopic, tool-less shaft design, users can seamlessly adjust the pole length from 2.5 m up to 3.8 m, allowing optimum reach and efficiency. With 1.5 kW of max output power comparable to a 35 cc petrol pole saw, the brushless motor can deliver chain speeds of 20 m/s for fast, smooth cutting.

For maximum convenience, the integrated branch hook at the bottom of the saw chain enables users to easily and quickly remove cut branches. Innovatively designed features such as its variable speed control, lock-off function and anti-fall captive nuts, ensure that users can enjoy this tool’s power, without compromising on safety.

MILWAUKEE 

MILWAUKEE Tool recently launched new brushless telescopic shears, which it says provide “fast, clean pruning.” 

When compared to the manual application, the M18 shears reduce peak muscle activation completing challenging applications faster than manual solutions.

Optimised for extended reach bypass pruning to deliver the best cut quality for vegetation health, the shears provide the power to cut up to 44 mm branches. 

The tools feature an ergonomic adjustment collar, allowing for quick and easy length adjustments from 2.1 metres collapsed to 3 metres fully extended. 

The attachment-free extended reach of up to three metres enhances the ability to complete long-reach applications.

EGO POWER PLUS 

(Image: Supplied)

THE EGO multi-tool 10-inch pole saw attachment is designed to enable the user to prune branches without the use of a ladder, reducing risk from your day-to-day work. 

Keep your fruit trees neat and tidy with the 25 cm bar length which works in tandem with the 15 m/s chain speed, there is no sacrifice on torque, allowing you to power through branches with ease. 

A 220 ml auto-lubricating oil tank is mounted to the pole saw which will keep the chain performing freely, and the bar and chain can be replaced by AG100 (Bar) and AC100 (Chain). 

Being an EGO product, you can expect low vibrations and less noise, making our tools safer for your health, and for the environment.