NEXT GENERATION a TREE

Spring 2011
Planning for the
NEXT GENERATION
A Different Way of Operating
a TREE-CARE
COMPANY
I N S I D E : 8 12
THE FIVE-STEP
FELLING PLAN
CLOTHING DELIVERS
AN ADVANTAGE
15
E-15 GAS PUMP
PRECAUTION
Table of Contents
3 Bacterial Leaf Scorch (BLS)
4 Straight Talk on Interim Tier 4
6 A Different Way of Operating a
Tree-Care Company
8 The Five-Step Felling Plan
10 Planning for the Next Generation
12 Clothing Delivers an Advantage
13Take the Work Out of Handling
4
Large Logs
14 Consider Resale Value When Buying,
Maintaining Chipper
15 E-15 Gas Pump Precaution
16 New Direction, New Equipment
Paves Way for Success
18 Maintain Cutter Wheel for Best Stump
Cutter Performance
20 A Real World Education Learned
10
t
Along the Way
Welcome message
from Todd Roorda,
Tree-care sales manager for
Vermeer Corporation
16
Privacy Policy | Vermeer Corporation | 1210 Vermeer Road East | P.O. Box 200 | Pella | IA | 50219
Vermeer, the Vermeer logo and Branching Out are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. ArborMaster is a registered trademark of AMT.
TCIA is a trademark of the Tree Care Industry Association. ISA is a registered trademark of the International Society of Arboriculture. Sherrill Tree is a trademark of Sherrill Incorporated.
© 2011 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
Contact us at [email protected]
BRANCHING OUT
Bacterial Leaf Scorch
Scorching of the Leaves
Article contributed by
International Society of
Arboriculture
Bacterial Leaf Scorch (BLS) is a destructive disease that threatens many different species of trees
including sycamore, red maple, American elm, dogwood, hackberry, mulberry, sweetgum and ginkgo.
In addition to these shade and landscape trees, BLS has also caused death to plants grown as crops.
Although it has been found in areas across the United States, it has done the most damage in the
eastern and southern regions of the country so far.
What is BLS?
BLS is caused by a bacterium, Xylella
fastidiosa, which colonizes in the xylem
of the tree. This results in a disruption
of water transport, both from the
bacterium’s rapid propagation and the
tree’s self-defense mechanisms closing
off the infected passageways.
Symptoms of BLS usually appear in late summer or autumn.
Marginal scorching of the leaves, possibly with a yellow band dividing
the brown and green portions of the leaves, is the most common sign
of the disease. BLS spreads systemically, and though it is a vascular
disease, there is no discoloration of the vascular tissue. Other possible
symptoms vary by species and include leaf yellowing or browning
and premature leaf drop. At first, only one or two branches may show
signs of scorching before spreading to more of the tree in future years.
Another sign of BLS is a tree that leafs out later than normal, with
possible stunted growth. The severity of the disease may fluctuate from
year to year, with drought increasing the severity, but gradually the tree
will continue in its decline. Defoliation and dieback will progress, and
BLS may eventually prove lethal to the tree.
Image Citation: Edward L. Barnard, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services, Bugwood.org
Image Citation: Theodore D. Leininger, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
The International Society of Arboriculture
strives to keep its members and all
ISA-certified arborists up to date on all
the latest advancements in the field
of arboriculture. For more information
on joining or becoming certified, visit
www.isa-arbor.com today.
The spread of BLS is due largely to several species of xylem-sap
feeding insects, such as leafhoppers and treehoppers. Since the
symptoms of BLS may appear similar to many other diseases and
disorders, or even early autumn color change, it is suggested that
samples be sent to a diagnostic clinic before concluding that a tree
is infected with BLS.
Arborists currently lack the ability to prevent BLS and to cure trees
once they become infected. Therapeutic measures such as pruning or
treatment with antibiotics (oxytetracyclin) may suppress symptoms and
extend the life of infected trees, but expectations for long-term success
should be kept in check. Public safety must be taken into account at all
times, however, as any tree with BLS is a weakened tree.
vermeer.com | 3
BRANCHING OUT
Straight Talk on Interim Tier 4
How original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are
addressing the Interim Tier 4 (Stage IIIB) integration
Change is constant and the tree-care
industry is becoming part of a major
evolution as original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs), like Vermeer,
introduce equipment that meets the
Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) Interim Tier 4 (European Stage IIIB)
engine requirements.
This comprehensive program is designed to reduce emissions from
future nonroad diesel engines by integrating engine controls to gain
the greatest emission reduction. To meet these emission standards,
engine manufacturers are producing new engines with advanced
emission-control technologies similar to those already used by highway
trucks and buses. Exhaust emissions from these engines are expected
to decrease particulate matter by 90 percent and nitrous oxide by 50
percent beginning January 1, 2011. By 2014, nitrous oxide emissions
will be reduced by a total of 90 percent.
The new engine technology has the potential to offer the industry
cleaner-burning and more fuel-efficient engines that, in cooperation
with other efforts, will help create a cleaner environment for
generations to come.
OEMs such as Vermeer have been working through this engine
technology change for years evaluating engine options and exploring
what changes in the design and development of their equipment
will be required. As you can imagine the process isn’t as simple as
4 | vermeer.com
exchanging one engine for another. A significant amount of time and
resources have been invested in this process — a process that has led
to other innovations being incorporated into the Vermeer product line
with the potential to enhance productivity and efficiency.
To date, most of the focus has been on equipment greater than
174 horsepower (130 kW). While this does affect some tree-care
equipment, the majority of equipment used in the tree-care industry is
focused within the 75- to 173-horsepower (56 – 129 kW) category.
These products will begin the conversion to Tier 4 (Stage IIIB) engine
technologies in 2012.
Engine technology path
Many OEMs are choosing a specific engine technology — EGR or SCR
— to comply with the Tier 4 (Stage IIIB) emission regulations. Vermeer
has not chosen one particular technology over the other. Instead, it
is partnering with engine manufacturers to provide Tier 4 (Stage IIIB)
technology that best meets the power and reliability requirements for
Vermeer equipment models that will be affected by the Tier 4 (Stage
IIIB) emission regulations.
The customer’s perspective
The industry estimates that customers can expect Tier 4 (Stage IIIB)
machines to cost anywhere from 15 to 30 percent more due to the new
engine technology. While some engine manufacturers claim greater fuel
efficiency with the new Tier 4 (Stage IIIB) engines, Vermeer anticipates
customers will place more emphasis on daily productivity and overall
cost of operation. By boosting productivity and closely managing costs,
equipment owners can expect to optimize their return through the use
of Tier 4 (Stage IIIB) technology.
Before purchasing a piece of equipment, customers need to look
long-term in regard to how the machine will be used and on what
type of projects. If the customer plans to bid and work on government
projects or projects within non-attainment areas, Tier 4 (Stage IIIB)
machines may be a requirement. Customers also need to note that if
they want to purchase a Tier 3 machine, that might not be an option
in some circumstances. In other words, they may need to purchase
a Tier 4 (Stage IIIB) unit when they wanted a Tier 3 machine.
Change is inevitable, but one can be optimistic about the future.
Vermeer recognizes the global trend to provide cleaner-burning
equipment and will work with the industry to address these
challenges and minimize the impact on you — the customer.
“If you’re working in some cities on the
East Coast right now — New York,
Philadelphia — they require the
latest tier engines on government
projects. It really comes down to
where you are going to be working.
That is the deciding factor in your
purchase decision.”
Todd Roorda
Tree-Care Sales Manager
Vermeer Corporation
vermeer.com | 5
BRANCHING OUT
A Different Way of Operating
a Tree-Care Company
Unique approaches to managing a tree-care business have helped Northwest Arbor-Culture
Inc., — a Pacific coast tree-care, landscape and consultation provider — expand services,
produce guaranteed results and retain employees at an almost unheard of rate.
When Chris Nash started Northwest Arbor-Culture in 1999, he created
and implemented a business model that he hoped would solve some
of the problems associated with the high-risk industry of tree care, and
allow his company to prosper and grow.
“Considering the high-risk nature of our industry, I wanted to avoid
the high-risk personalities often associated with this business,” says
Nash, who formerly worked for the Oregon Department of Forestry.
“My model creates a stable work environment that relies on promoting
stable people as the foundation of our company. The shortest tenure of
anyone currently on our crew is eight years, a rare feat in an industry
with high turnover rates. Every member is a U.S. citizen and active in
their communities.”
Northwest Arbor-Culture, whose offices are based near Portland, Ore.,
Seattle and San Diego, pays well, provides quality benefits, keeps its
employees busy full time, offers educational and varied job opportunities
and gives its employees a percentage of every project they work.
6 | vermeer.com
“I have not heard of another company in this industry doing all these
things for their employees,” says Nash. “It has worked great. If I was
starting over today, I would not do anything different. I listen to what
our staff has to say. They often come up with constructive ideas that
are a big benefit to the company. We realize that we all have a stake
in our company doing well.”
New crew members are hired for their skills in arboriculture, though
through additional education and aptitude, they can expand their work
opportunity into our landscape construction and consulting division.
“Demand from our tree-care clients opened our door for landscape
construction. Our landscape specialties include decks, fences, patios,
retaining walls, water features, irrigation systems and much more,”
says Nash. “It was an easy transition, because we had the right people
and the right equipment (including a versatile Vermeer® S600 mini skid
steer). Landscape construction has worked out well.”
All of Northwest Arbor-Culture Inc. employees are multitasking.
Approximately 90 percent of the Northwest Arbor-Culture tree-care
business in Washington, Oregon and California is residential; however,
Northwest Arbor-Culture does have several high-profile commercial
clients, including the U.S. Department of Interior, U.S., Oregon and
Washington Departments of Agriculture, Oregon and Washington State
Parks, Federal Highway Division, and multiple others.
Northwest Arbor-Culture has relied on Vermeer brush chippers and
stump cutters from the very start and today has several differentsized machines. Northwest Arbor-Culture’s Vermeer chippers include
the BC1000XL, BC1200XL, BC1800XL and BC2000XL. They enjoy the
versatility of their Vermeer SC252 and SC502 stump cutters. “Quality
equipment has certainly played a role in employee productivity, safety
and retention,” says Nash. “Since our staff receives a commission on
every job they accomplish, efficient equipment is vital to all of us.”
“If our clients aren’t totally satisfied, we don’t accept a penny,” says
Nash. “Each of our guys realizes we are not about to work all day and
get a percentage of nothing, so we do whatever it takes to make sure
our customers are satisfied. So far we have never not been able to
satisfy a customer.”
Northwest Arbor-Culture has been able to achieve all this with a
core field crew of 11 employees. “We bring in additional staff as we
need them, but to stay on requires they meet the requirements of
everybody they work with. I know this low volume of workers is
somewhat unusual,” says Nash, “but they are so highly motivated that
they want to work hard and make sure everything is done right the first
time. Our staff knows that if the company is successful, they are too.”
Another significant factor is the 100 percent guarantee that Northwest
Arbor-Culture makes to all their customers.
Nash 100 percent guarantee
“If they are not totally satisfied, they do
not need to pay me a penny.”
vermeer.com | 7
BRANCHING OUT
The Five-Step Felling Plan!
Article contributed by
ArborMaster
One of Noah Webster’s definitions of an accident is an unplanned event. So, it stands to
reason that to avoid accidents, plan your work and work your plan! When felling trees, it is
vital to have and use a felling plan. The five-step felling plan incorporates up-to-date cutting
methods, is widely used by professional chainsaw operators worldwide and has recently
been adopted into the ANSI Z-133.1 Standard for tree-care operations. Using the five-step
felling plan will help you to achieve successful results consistently.
1.) Height and Hazards, 2.) Escape Route, 3.) Side Lean, 4.) Hinge Plan, 5.) Back Cut Plan
1 Identify height and hazards – Decide on the most desirable
direction to fell the tree. Use a reliable method to determine the height
of the tree relative to the direction of fall. Look for tree defects, decay,
electrical conductors, or any other characteristics of the tree that may
affect the felling plan. Consider obstacles within the felling site such
as structures, pavement and outdoor furnishings. Some can be moved
if necessary; others will have to be avoided. Assess the strength and
direction of the wind.
FELLING
DIRECTION
2 Escape route – Always think about your escape
route before you begin the felling operation. The escape
route should be at a 45-degree angle opposite the
felling direction. Be sure to walk your escape route
before making any felling cuts and clear any obstacles
or hazards before beginning to fell the tree. (Remember
to use your escape route as soon as or before the tree
begins to fall.)
SAFE
SAFE
DANGER AREA
3 Assess the side lean – This often determines
whether or not the hinge will hold and whether or not
we may need to remove some weight from the bad
side. This also gives us the information to determine
the “good” and “bad” sides of the tree for the feller to
stand when making the final cut.
Hinge width, 10% of the tree’s
diameter, at least 0.8" (2 cm)
4 Hinge plan – The face notch and hinge are critical
Felling cut
8 | vermeer.com
Length of directional
notch, at least 80%
of the tree’s diameter
to safe, accurate, consistent felling results. Plan the
size, depth and placement of the notch. Determine the
desired thickness and length of the hinge.
t
Check out
this video highlighting
felling tips, supplied by
ArborMaster.
5 Back cut technique – The back cut is
often taken for granted, yet it is often the
cause of felling accidents. Forward or back
lean may determine what kind of back cut
you will use: the straight forward back cut or
the bore cut. The degree of forward or back
lean will determine how many wedges and/
or whether a pull rope will be necessary and
how much power may be required to pull/
move the tree over the pivot point (the hinge).
Remember that if the tree is too thin, there
may not be enough wood for a notch, hinge,
bore cut and back/holding strap. In that
case it will be necessary to use the straight
forward back cut. Remember to finish the
felling cut on the “good” side of the tree and
use your escape route as soon as the tree
begins to fall.
Since 1995, ArborMaster has been the leader in innovative safety, skill and productivity training
and solutions for people and organizations who work with, in and around trees.
ArborMaster specializes in training, evaluation and consultation with a focus on safety systems,
field operational excellence and the bottom line. Training is
delivered through private in-house programs and regional
open enrollment courses.
vermeer.com | 9
BRANCHING OUT
Planning for the
Next Generation
As the third generation of his family to work in the tree-care business, Grant Hamilton hopes
to keep growing his two Martinez, Calif., companies — Hamilton Tree Service and West
Coast Chip Harvesters — in order to offer opportunities for his sons. But Grant and his wife,
Heather, also understand the challenges of transitioning from one generation to the next.
“Even though our boys are ages 8, 6 and 3,” says Heather, “we are
already developing a succession plan that will allow them to enter
the business — if they are interested — in a timely and orderly way,
and avoid some of the pitfalls that are common in family businesses.”
Dex Hamilton
After growing up around Hamilton Tree Service, Grant earned his
contractor’s license and certified arborist license and became a
partner with his father, Dex, in 1993. The 50-year-old company
was started by his grandfather, Tolbert.
“We were cutting brush with a chain saw, piling it in our pickup truck
and tying it down,” says Grant. “Maintaining the status quo was not
an option if we were going to build the business. We needed to add
employees and equipment, and that’s what I did after becoming a
partner.” That included a pair of Vermeer® brush chippers, which
substantially improved efficiency. Today the company also owns two
Vermeer stump cutters.
Looking to the future the Hamiltons have
started to put a plan in place:
• Take over more responsibilities from Dex.
• Encourage their boys to observe how the
business operates, and explain to them how
lucky the family has been to have success
through hard work and making good decisions.
Grant Hamilton
[
So far the Hamiltons seem to be
going down the correct path in
putting together a succession plan.
]
• Identify an employee who will mentor the oldest
son if he wants to work for the company. “His
first job will be hauling brush,” says Heather.
• Require family members to work for someone
else before joining the company full-time.
• Point out that the boys are entitled to nothing
concerning the business — all positions will
have to be earned.
10 | vermeer.com
t
• Assess the interest the boys have in the business.
Grant Hamilton
shares his experience
in developing a
succession plan.
Amy Schuman, a principal with the Family Business Consulting Group, Inc., Evanston,
Ill., says a formal succession plan does not ensure success, but can help in making
the transition.
She recommends:
• Starting early. Make sure your kids understand what
the business is all about, what it contributes to the
family and the community and why the parents are
working in the business.
• Allowing high school-age children with an interest to
intern at the company by giving them meaningful jobs.
This could be a great reality check.
• Encouraging children to work outside the family
business to experience not reporting to a family member.
• Developing standards. If you are too hesitant to apply
standards to family members and allow them into the
business if they are not qualified, you discourage
non-family members from staying or joining the
company. Make a list of objective criteria including
necessary skills and experience for children to work
in the business.
• Involving a trusted, objective party, such as a lawyer
or accountant, to evaluate family members who
may want to join the business. That could help take
pressure off the parents.
Schuman points out that people who start a
business usually prefer to work in the business,
but need to take time to work on the business.
“That means planning and making decisions,”
she says. “Decision-making about the future
cannot be avoided forever. If you have kids that
may be interested, start thinking about your
succession strategy now.”
• Sharing information about the business with family
members. When people know the real situation, they
tend to be more trusting and supportive.
• Creating a timeline. Chart what everyone’s age is going
to be over the next 10 to 15 years. Write down what you
want every family member to do at various age levels
and what they need to learn. Check things off as the
timeline moves on. This can be very helpful.
vermeer.com | 11
BRANCHING OUT
Clothing Delivers
an Advantage
Article contributed by
Arborwear
“I was 18 years old. I had just started my own tree-care business, and I thought I knew it all.
One of my first jobs was removing a tall Norway spruce. I notched it, dropped it free and clear
of any hazards and began dicing it up. The homeowner wanted to keep the logs but didn’t
want the branches, so I rented a U-Haul “Car Hauler” trailer to haul them away. I thought I was
pretty smart and on the fourth trip I truly regretted not bringing the right equipment to the job.”
— Bill Weber, Arborwear
Bringing the right tools or the right equipment to a job can make a huge difference. One area often overlooked, however, is clothing! What workers
wear can have a huge impact on the job and the worker. Safety is first and foremost. Some jobs require Hi-Visibility Class III or Class II type clothing,
or flame-resistant clothing. But there are still many jobs that do not make it a requirement.
This spring and summer take it one step further and consider clothing that keeps workers more comfortable and drier than regular cotton tees —
shirts that wick moisture away from your body. These shirts feature a unique blend of fibers called Dri-Release, which transfers sweat away from
the body, helping to keep the wearer drier and more comfortable. This helps reduce heat exhaustion and promotes better health.
Wearing bright colors on ALL jobs makes good sense
and stand out. Workers are more visible around work
zones, drop zones and near equipment.
Similarly, clothing that allows better range of movement and
less chance of getting caught on branches or moving pieces of
equipment makes it safer for workers. Select pants that provide
the ultimate in durability and allow more range of movement, with
features like a gusseted crotch and articulated knees. Inferior
pants have hammer loops and baggy leg openings; just more
features that have the potential to become caught and tear.
No matter what the situation, workers deserve every advantage
possible to keep them safe, comfortable and level-headed on the
job. Bringing the right clothing to a job can deliver one of these
advantages. Just like my “trailer renting” days, I soon learned to
bring the right equipment to the job to give myself an advantage.
Arborwear is a leader in clothing for any demanding work environment
or lifestyle. Each of our innovative, free-moving designs are made
using heavy-duty fabrics. The result is
something you can trust day in and day
out. Contact us at arborwear.com for
more information.
[There are plenty of choices out there; some just make more sense than others.]
12 | vermeer.com
e
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ce OFase*
Re % urch
1y0our p
Take the Work Out of
Handling Large Logs
When it comes to moving bulky and heavy wood, there’s no better solution
than the Sherrill Log Dolly — add a 10 percent discount and you won’t find
a better way or deal to handle oversized material on the jobsite.
This oversized cart is designed to fit easily through a standard size gate,
and the wide, pneumatic tires provide good flotation on soft terrain. A large
platform takes logs up to 50 inches (127 cm) in circumference and can
support up to 1,500 pounds (680.4 kg) of weight.
Contact your local Vermeer® dealer today
and receive a 10 percent discount on the
purchase of a Sherrill Log Dolly through
September 25, 2011.
*Offer available only from participating dealers. Offer subject to change without notice.
@
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vermeer.com | 13
BRANCHING OUT
Consider Resale Value When
Buying, Maintaining Chipper
When purchasing a chipper, pay attention to the factors that can
impact the resale value. For example, look for a strong, well-built
product that can easily handle material without putting undue stress
on the machine. Enhanced safety features, local dealer support and
readily available parts are important considerations.
“At the time you buy a new chipper, you should be thinking about
the features that will help you sell it in the future,” says Stu Senska,
sales manager with Vermeer Midwest in Aurora, Ill. “For example, our
optional winch, which allows the operator to move heavy logs, will
cost you initially. However, at trade-in time you may receive 10 to 15
percent more for your chipper than one without a winch.”
“It could be a small, inexpensive item such as replacing safety
decals,” says Shepherd. “Or it could be an expensive brake job or
replacement of a chipper component. The value of any chipper that
comes in with safety issues is going to have its value adjusted so the
costs of those repairs are covered.”
Initial reaction
The general overall condition of a used chipper is the first thing
dealers evaluate.
“The appearance of the chipper is going to affect what people think
about its value,” says Rick Shepherd, service manager for Vermeer
Pacific in Fontana, Calif. “If the machine looks good and clean, the
perception is that it has been well taken care of. If it is dented and
dirty, a red flag will go up. That’s even before we take a close look
at areas where maintenance may have been neglected, such as
bearings and hoses.”
Daily maintenance items, such as lubrication of the bearings, clutch
adjustment and checking the air cleaner, go a long way toward helping
to receive a higher resale value. If not checked, they can turn into a
costly situation.
Safety first
Equipment dealers should make sure all safety components are
functioning properly before selling a chipper received on a trade.
14 | vermeer.com
Maintenance history
A used chipper is worth more if the owner has a good set of
maintenance records. If the machine has been serviced by the
dealer, the maintenance history will be readily available. Otherwise,
keeping records such as oil changes, similar to what you would do for
an automobile, can be valuable as well.
“Maintenance records help the dealer resell the chipper because
it gives the prospective buyer a higher level of confidence that the
machine has been properly cared for,” says Shepherd.
Regular maintenance will take care of most of the issues that lower
the resale value, according to Shepherd. His advice: Follow the
maintenance manual in regard to the recommended service schedule,
and repair things as you go along instead of waiting until trade-in time.
“Some chipper owners won’t even think about repairs until something
breaks; others stay on a regular preventive maintenance schedule,”
says Senska. “Neglect the machine and it will definitely come back
to haunt you. Take care of it and your chipper is going to be in better
shape and so will your pocketbook when it is time to sell or trade.”
E-15 Gas Pump
Article contributed by Tree
Care Industry Association
Precaution
In the not-too-distant future, purchasing
gasoline at the local gas station may require
some extra attention. Your crews may need to
pay close attention to the pumps and ensure
they are purchasing the right ethanol blend that
is compatible with your equipment.
In the coming months, Congress has the ability to authorize the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase the available amount
of ethanol in gasoline from 10 to 15 percent, for use in 2007 model year or newer motor vehicles. Some engines — and in particular two-stroke
engines using fuel/oil blends — are currently not equipped to handle the higher ethanol blend.
The EPA recognizes that E-15 gasoline blends have the potential to
cause engine failures from over heating as well as emission increases
and emission (durability) impacts and material compatibility issues.
Therefore, the EPA denied a broad waiver request to allow the
introduction into commerce of 15 percent ethanol into nonroad engines,
vehicles and equipment, as well as in older model year motor vehicles.
However, EPA conditionally approved a so-called “partial waiver” that
would introduce into commerce E-15 gasoline blends for use in newer
(2007 and later) model year motor vehicles.
Except for “flexible fuel vehicles”, the majority of on-road and nonroad
engines are not designed or proven to operate on fuels that contain
more than a 10 percent ethanol blend.
Technically, E-10 fuels, as well as non-ethanol gas formulations, will
remain available at the gas pump. However, should Congress approve
E-15 blends, the potential for misfueling and reduced performance of
certain gas-powered equipment exists.
Ethanol blended fuels also have the potential to attract water, and over
time that water can separate from the rest of the gasoline. This causes
damage to the engine, especially when the gas sits in the tank for a
long time without being used.
The fate of EPA’s E-15 waiver is currently tied up in
Congress deliberations over the federal budget and
funding of federal agencies.
The Tree Care Industry Association has been advancing tree-care
businesses since 1938. Continuous arboriculture information, training
discounts and consumer promotions are some of the many benefits
of TCIA membership. As this article suggests,
TCIA keeps a regulatory watch for the industry
— often doing work that some may think
just happens. Find out how TCIA can help
your business at TCIA.org.
There are steps you can take to prevent
ethanol-related problems in your equipment:
• Do not leave gas in your tank or gas can for
extended periods.
•U
se fuel stabilizers specifically formulated to help
reduce the effects of ethanol.
•D
o not use E85 gas, when and if it becomes
available, for small engines.
vermeer.com | 15
BRANCHING OUT
New Direction, New Equipment
Paves Way for Success
Two decisions — made several years apart
— have helped tree-care professional Mike
Parker navigate through difficult economic
times. As part of his company strategy he:
•E
ntered the commercial side of the
business a dozen years ago when the
residential market began to slow down.
• Invested in the best equipment available
when business was good.
Parker, who owns California Arbor Care, and his 25 employees provide
tree-care services throughout the Los Angeles area, including San
Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles and Orange Counties. When he
started in 1989, his focus was on the residential sector. That all began
to change in the late 1990s.
16 | vermeer.com
“The residential market was still good, but I recognized that it was
beginning to slow down,” he says. “And there was increased
competition as well. It was time to start concentrating on
commercial accounts. That coincided with the purchase of my first
Vermeer® equipment. I needed improved product performance and
better dealer support to take on larger customers.”
Today residential work accounts for only 10 percent of his business.
Commercial customers include property management firms,
commercial and industrial complexes, shopping centers, apartment
complexes, golf courses, hospitals, churches, schools, cities and
contractors.
“This is our main bread-and-butter type of work,” says Parker. “They
typically call us every one to three years for regular tree trimming.
It’s good repeat business. So, too, are the homeowner associations,
where we handle the common areas, trimming, removal and planting.
This market was difficult to break into, but once you get in and do a
good job, there can be significant opportunities. One customer could
have as many as 40 to 50 properties. Plus, the work often lasts three
to five days.”
For some time, California Arbor Care had a sizeable volume of demolition jobs, removing
trees as a subcontractor for demolition firms that were taking down buildings. That type of
work, says Parker, has declined 30 to 40 percent.
Overall, his business is down almost 50 percent from five years ago.
“It has not been fun, that’s for sure,” he says. “However, each time I
meet with my accountant, things seem a little better than I think. So
I take some satisfaction in surviving this economic downturn.”
A major factor was purchasing good equipment when his company
was generating more income.
Parker typically sends out four tree crews each with a Vermeer
BC1800XL brush chipper and a separate stump removal crew with a
Vermeer SC372 stump cutter.
“The investment I made a few years ago in these
Vermeer products is really paying off as we go through
this slump,” says Parker. “The equipment is still in good
shape and very productive.”
His company is big on preventive maintenance and relies on Vermeer
Pacific to handle major service.
“During the last few years, we have had to really tighten up and watch
what we spend,” says Parker. “With our top-of-the-line equipment,
our repair expenses have been very limited and the fact that these
machines continue to deliver outstanding performance day after day
has really helped us survive and look optimistically toward the future.”
vermeer.com | 17
BRANCHING OUT
Maintain Cutter Wheel for
Best Stump Cutter Performance
As the company that invented the stump cutter more than 50 years ago, Vermeer has
long been known for building machines that are tough and durable and deliver superior
jobsite production.
However, regular care of important components, such as the stump
cutter wheel, is critical for achieving high-level performance.
“Failure to properly maintain and service the cutter wheel will not only
impact production, but could cause long-term damage and a shorter life
span for the machine,” says Tony Merrill, service manager at Vermeer
Sales & Service, Findlay, Ohio. “Before any problems occur, take the
time to look for signs that indicate trouble.”
He says you should watch for:
• A decline in performance. Typically cutting
will not be as good or as fast. The AutoSweep® function will likely be impacted,
causing the cutting stroke to slow down.
• A machine that begins to vibrate because
the engine has to work harder.
• A change in the shape of the shavings,
which could indicate worn or broken teeth.
18 | vermeer.com
Merrill recommends checking the cutter wheel every day or when
there is a drop in performance. As soon as you properly shut down
the machine, rotate the cutter wheel by hand. You may have to wash it
first to get rid of dirt and chips. Look for worn, broken or missing teeth.
Check the sharpness of the teeth. Are they rounded off? Once the tip
becomes rounded the ability to cut will be diminished. Usually the outer
teeth wear faster than the inner ones.
He also suggests that you regularly clean and grease the bearings.
Check the engine oil and coolant every day, use a high-pressure spray
to clean your stump cutter on a regular basis. Potential problems, such
as loose bolts and other parts, are easier to discover when the machine
is clean.
Consult the equipment manufacturer’s manual for additional operator’s/
maintenance information.
t
Tips on proper cutter
wheel maintenance.
Easier, Faster Service
Vermeer® stump cutters have the innovative Yellow Jacket™
cutter system, which makes serviceability easier and faster. You
only have to loosen or remove one nut to service the tooth; the
pocket does not have to be removed.
Other features of the Yellow Jacket cutter system
designed to extend tooth and pocket life include:
• Two cutting edges on each tooth. While one edge
is cutting, the other is protected and clear of the
primary wear area. When in the cutting position,
the second edge provides an almost new cutting
surface. That helps extend tooth life.
• Dual carbide tips protect top and front pockets
from wear. That helps limit rubbing, which can
cause a loss of power and vibration.
The Yellow Jacket cutter system features a universal tooth that
can accommodate all cutting positions on the cutter wheel. That
allows you to move teeth on the wheel from different positions,
depending on wear.
Stump cutters have been engineered to allow tree-care workers
to tackle difficult jobs efficiently and safely. Taking proper care
of the cutter wheel enables operators to get the most out of
these machines.
vermeer.com | 19
BRANCHING OUT
A Real-World Education
Learned Along the Way
Paul Ginty has been a serious student of the economics and efficiencies of the tree-care
business for the dozen years he has operated Paul’s Tree Service in Delran, N.J.
“I didn’t have anyone to teach me the business,” he says, “so I had to
figure things out as I went along, and I made mistakes. I purchased
equipment that turned out to be too small, but I just didn’t know. I’ve
learned a lot since I started.”
the lessons he’s learned
Early in my career I got a big job and had to hire two extra guys for
two days at a cost of $400,” says Ginty. “Later I purchased a front-end
loader for $398 a month. So I got a loader for the entire month for the
same price as two workers for two days. That made me a big believer in
investing in the right equipment.”
You will see some people in the business using an axe to take out small
stumps or they tie the stumps to their pickup and try ripping them out.
They are not working efficiently.
“Neither are the guys taking down branches, stacking them on a truck
and hauling them to the dump. While that’s going on, four or five
employees will be sitting on the lawn waiting for the truck to return,”
says Ginty. “With two employees going to and from the dump a couple
of times a day, you easily could waste $75 to $100 a day on people
being nonproductive. Multiply that times 20 days a month — that’s a lot
of money.”
Ginty goes on to say that if he knew back then what he knows now,
he would have purchased equipment a little differently and would have
made more money. Even though when you buy equipment it might
seem like a big investment in the beginning, it pays off over time. You
can really make money with the right equipment.
“My first chipper couldn’t handle the volume of work. Instead of
doing three jobs a day,” says Ginty, “I was doing two and risking the
chance of a competitor taking that third job because I couldn’t get
to it, or having a customer change his mind. Once I settled on the
correct-size chipper (three Vermeer® BC1800XL brush chippers) to
match my workload, I became very efficient. Matching equipment to
the type of jobs is vitally important.”
At one time Ginty thought a monthly chipper payment would be
too much, but when he added up the savings of having fewer
employees — “The workman’s comp, trips to the dump, stopping
work to get to the dump before it closes, less wear and tear on
trucks, gas — it was a good business decision for my company to
own a chipper.”
20 | vermeer.com
t
Paul Ginty shares tips
on how to build a
successful business.
[
Purchasing the right equipment can
really pay off in the long run.
]
“A few years ago I had a $2,000 job removing about 20 trees from
a very large property,” he says. “We had a crew of about a half
dozen, as I recall, along with a BC1800XL chipper and a SC252
stump cutter (he also has an SC352 and an SC1102A stump cutter).
Because we had the right equipment, the job was completed in less
than seven hours. I was not paying anyone to stand around and watch.
Over the years Ginty has learned the value of working with
landscapers. A landscaper can throw 50 jobs a year your way since
most would prefer not to bother with tree work. And because that’s all
Ginty does, they don’t worry about him stealing their customers. If you
show up on time, do a good job and don’t damage any property, the
landscaper looks good to his customer.
“I think people have respect for a tree-care
professional who pulls up in a clean-looking truck
and nice equipment. A lot of my customers are
amazed at what I can do with a chipper,” says
Ginty. “On one job I cut down 20 25-foot-tall
evergreen trees that were about a foot thick. I
picked them up with my forklift, took them right
up to the chipper. An entire tree was mulched in
four minutes, and the homeowner couldn’t believe
what he was watching.”
vermeer.com | 21
The Branching Out e-Newsletter has been developed by Vermeer Corporation in cooperation with the following industry partners:
Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make any changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation.
Vermeer, Vermeer logo, AutoSweep, Yellow Jacket and Branching Out are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries.
© 2011 Vermeer Corporation
All Rights Reserved.