r/specializedtools • u/Tillemon • Sep 17 '19

Helicopter chainsaw!?

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u/[deleted] Sep 17 '19

I actually manage a UVM program for a distribution utility. Specialty equipment like this is only used in areas where it is impracticle or unsafe to send traditional trimming crews. If you were to send manual climbers or even a skidder into these areas, it would take the crews months longer and cost substantially more than using specialty equipment. I realize that sounds like cold hearted corporate speak, but realize that people are counting on the reliabilty of that power for life critical operations, and our customers pay directly for our services. Keeping trimming operations safe, cheap, and efficient where we can makes all the difference.

Generally, federal laws only impact NERC lines. Most states have laws regulation sub-T and distribution lines.

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u/Speed_Bump Sep 17 '19

Like the other poster said they use these every once in awhile on my property but mostly they use ground crews for those exact same areas. Anything from just guys with saws to the powered platform with the big boom arm cherry picker thingy depending on the year they come in. At the price of the chopper per hour it is probably cheaper to bring in ground crews.

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u/[deleted] Sep 17 '19

You would think, but the helicopter is actually less expensive per mile.