Tree shears or energy wood grapples are designed to cut, pile and load energy wood, more generally small trees and bushes. Energy wood is a renewable natural resource that can be processed into biofuel as wood chips or pellets to produce energy.
The tree shears can be used in agriculture, forestry and road maintenance. With the use of tree shear, we can restore stunted young forests and clear the edges of fields and roads.
In addition, tree shears serve as excellent tools for property management and rescue tasks, removing problem trees, clearing storm damage, clearing fire zones, cutting bushes and removing problematic branches.
With the help of tree shears, real estate management, agriculture, road maintenance, forestry and the energy industry can effectively contribute to the biomass resources provided by small trees and thus promote local energy production. They are important tools in the production of renewable energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.
The operating principle of tree shears
The tree shear is used in many types of platform machines, such as excavators, multipurpose machines, tractor lumber loaders or loader tractors. Their main task is to cut and pile small wood. The grapple opens and closes with the help of hydraulic cylinders, allowing the stacking, shortening and cutting of trees and bushes. When the grapple has cut the tree, the pressed tree into the grapple can be moved to the desired stacking point. With a double-jawed tree shear, the trees can be shortened in a bundle on the ground, so that the tops of the trees are not collected separately and the work is faster.
Tree shears are designed in such a way that they can be used to cut trees and bushes of various sizes. The cutting method of tree shear is guillotine-type and they are available with a fixed blade, as well as with different cutting knives. A fixed blade is faster to cut trees, and on the other hand, some of the cutting knife solutions on the market can cut larger trees. In any case, guillotine-type cutting combined with a grapple is very efficient. Cutting and stacking trees is significantly more efficient with a tree shear, which makes the work more economical, safer and faster.
The most important parts and components of tree shears
Frame
The frame is a very important part of the tree shear. The frame transmits forces and acts as a support structure for the operation. In high-quality tree shear, the frame is usually high, and thus you can get a good and secure grip on the wood being cut.
There are three frame models:
- Rigid frame tree shears intended for excavators.
- Geared, rotating frame tree shears intended for excavators, wheeled machines and reachers. They diversify the possibilities of using the tree shear by increasing accuracy, making the cutting of trees and branches more efficient, because the tree shear can be tilted indefinitely in the desired direction and thus keep the grapple at the optimal angle in relation to the tree or branch to be cut. In addition, the trees can be freely rotated into the correct position when stacking.
- Tree shears equipped with a tilting mechanism that can be used in lumber loaders and cranes. Thanks to the tilting mechanism, the tree can be felled in a controlled manner with the tree shear mounted on a hanger.
Jaw or jaws
The jaws are the parts of a tree shear that open and close to collect and cut trees. The jaws consist of several steel plates or spikes, which guarantee a firm grip on the tree. Well-shaped jaws are very important for the productivity and safety of the grapple. In well-made tree shears, the height of the jaws is high, so the grip on the tree is reliable. The movement range of the jaws should be wide and when the tips of the jaws are open, it should be the widest point of the tree shear. With this kind of design, damage to the surrounding tree can be minimized.
Blade
The blade of the tree shear is the cutting part of the grapple, and its design and attachment way are very important for the grapple’s function. In high-quality tree shears, the blade can be removed and the release mechanism is designed in such a way that no point loads are created on the blade from the screw attachment. In a tree shear designed in this way, maintenance of the blade is easy and the blades last a long time without breaking in use.
Collector aka mass processing device
With a collector that allows mass processing, the grapple does not need to be unloaded between every cut of the trees. The collector squeezes the already cut trees into the grapple, and this way successive cuts can be performed and the work becomes significantly more efficient. A well-designed collecting device can collect small wood dozens of times in a row. Inexpensive collecting devices equipped with rotating jaws do not significantly improve work efficiency. Some manufacturers have a patented linear collector that is many times more efficient.
Different types of tree shears
Tree shears are often divided into different types according to their structure and purpose of use.
- Fixed tree shears are rigid grapples intended for excavators. When made with high quality, they are very strong and durable, and they are designed to work in demanding conditions. They are commonly used in agriculture and forestry.
- Horizontally rotating tree shears have a rotating gearbox as an additional feature. They are also intended for excavators. The rotation mechanism enables the grapple to turn 360 degrees. This increases flexibility and precision when the tree shear is used, for example, for removing branches or when working on sloping ground.
- Tree shears equipped with a tilting mechanism are intended for cranes and lumber loaders. They are equipped with a tilting mechanism, which enables the cutting of standing trees, controlled felling and shortening of trees on the ground.
The different tree shear types enable the grapples to be used in many different types of work machines. The choice of a tree shear is often based on what kind of wood is processed, what the machine type is and what special requirements the work has.
Structural differences between a tree shear equipped with a tilting mechanism and a horizontally rotating tree shear.
Purposes of energy wood
The applications of tree shears are diverse, as they are efficient tools for collecting, clearing and processing small trees or branches.
- In the forestry industry, tree shears are central to collecting forest biomass, such as small trees. They enable the restoration of young forests and thus enhance forestry activities and promote sustainable forest management.
- In the production of biofuels, tree shears are important when collecting energy wood for bio power plants or pelletizing plants, where the wood is used in energy production as a renewable fuel.
- In agriculture, tree shears are more commonly used for clearing field edges and roadsides.
- In an urban environment, the tree shear can be used to cut branches, cut hedges, remove problem trees and clear plots and roadsides. This wood waste can be used in energy production.
- In fire and rescue operations, the tree shear is used to clear fire breaks, to clean up storm damage in a controlled manner and in some cases to help extinguish fires.
The benefits of tree shears
Tree shears bring many advantages to wood processing, which makes them effective tools in forest management and energy production.
- Faster wood processing: large quantities of small trees can be processed in a short time with the help of a tree shear. The design and construction of high-quality tree shears enable efficient cutting, stacking and mass handling capabilities.
- Less man-made work: the use of tree shears reduces the need for manual work, for example there is no need for preliminary clearing, which speeds up processes and reduces the physical strain on workers.
- Better ergonomics for workers: the use of tree shears reduces workers’ exposure to dangerous or heavy work. This reduces work-related injuries and improves work well-being.
- Resource efficiency: tree shears help maximize the amount of wood material collected and the quality of the remaining plantation forest, which reduces waste and makes forestry more sustainable.
- Flexibility: thanks to the versatile types of tree shears, you can choose the right model for different machines and work sites, whether it’s a compacted field, the removal of branches from trees on the side of the road or an over-dense young forest that has not been cleared.
Thanks to these advantages, tree shears are an integral part of modern forestry and energy production processes, park and real estate management, and they promote safety, increasing the efficiency of renewable energy production and sustainability.
Selecting and purchasing a tree shear
The choice and purchase of a tree shear requires careful consideration. The following tips will help you make a decision.
Capacity
Choose a tree shear that suits your purpose.
If the purpose is to contract large quantities of wood, a collecting device is useful or even necessary in the work. It is worth comparing collectors from different manufacturers and their collecting capacity. In addition it is worth evaluating the cutting speeds of the grapples, how large a surface area is covered with a single press, as well as the collection capacity.
Is the use of a tree shear occasional, for example in agricultural use?
If so, you can usually do well with just the tree shear. It is worth evaluating the product’s quality and cutting properties. In general, you should choose a tree shear with a fixed blade, in order to minimize maintenance interruptions.
Compatibility
Make sure the tree shear is compatible with the machine or equipment you are using, taking into account the way of attaching to the machine and hydraulic requirements.
Technical features
Different tree shears can offer different features, such as rotating mechanisms or separate cutting knives. Think about which of these are essential for you.
Manufacturer reputation
Explore reviews and recommendations about different manufacturers. Reputable manufacturers often offer higher quality, more efficient and durable products as well as better customer support. You will also need spare parts, for example cutting knives. Evaluate the availability of spare parts in the future as well.
Budget
Set a clear budget and compare the price-quality ratio of the products. Find the tree shear that offers the best value for money.
When you consider these factors and do thorough background research, you can make an informed decision about purchasing a quality tree shear.
Maintenance and security
The maintenance and safety of tree shears are central to their longevity and functionality. Regular maintenance and inspections ensure that the grapples work efficiently and safely.
- Regular maintenance: lubrication of moving parts subject to friction, such as axles and joints, prevents wear and keeps the grapple running smoothly. In addition, keeping the guillotine-type blade sharp reduces fuel consumption, reduces the mechanical load on the grapple and cleanly cuts trees.
- Inspections: before each use, it is important to visually check the condition of the grapple for loose screws, cracks or other damage.
- Replacement parts: always use the manufacturer’s recommended or original parts for repairs, so that the quality and properties of the tree shear remain good.
- Safety training: ensure that all operators are trained to use the tree shear correctly and know to recognize potential hazards.
- Repairs: if problems are found with the tree shear, it must be taken out of service and repaired by professionals.
Following regular maintenance and safety protocols not only extends the life of the tree shear, but also ensures the safety of the workers.
Future prospects for tree shears
Technological development and sustainable solutions are emphasized in the future prospects of tree shears.
- Automation: tree shears of the future can work even more independently, reducing the possibility of human error and workload while making operations more efficient.
- Digitization: Sensor technology and intelligent control systems enable more precise work. This improves the efficiency of the tree shears and reduces the consumption of resources.
- Sustainable development: The development of material sciences, operating methods and controls leads to even lighter, more efficient and more durable tree shear models that consume less energy and reduce environmental impact.
- Integrated technology: Drones, artificial intelligence cameras and satellite tracking may be able to support and guide the use of tree shears in the future.
- Training and virtual reality: VR technologies can improve training and prepare workers for complex and versatile operations.
These trends point the way towards more efficient, safer and environmentally friendly tree shear technology in the future.