Generating extra profit with a GMT grapple saw

How can a GMT grapple saw get me extra profit?

A GMT grapple saw makes it possible to cut and remove trees in small pieces. This is possible because our grapple saws are highly manoeuvrable and flexible. Practically every branch and part of the tree can be reached. And that is a unique feature of our grapple saws.

By working with the GMT method, crane operators can remove trees in small pieces and place them directly in a shredder or container. The great advantage is that this removes the need for a ground crew. This allows you to immediately save costs and speed up the execution of the job. This difference is made clear in the adjacent picture.

Tree removal with crane vehicles in combination with gripper saws, which requires a ground crew, has the following disadvantages:

❗ While the ground crew is cutting the tree into pieces, the base vehicle can’t be used (costs extra) 
❗ Need a lot of space on the ground to put down cut tree parts
❗ Working with the chainsaw causes a lot of noise
❗ Extra crane + grapple needed to place tree parts in chipper (costs extra)
❗ Hiring a ground crew (manpower) costs a lot of extra money 
❗ Clean-up of area necessary after completing a job 
 

Tree service companies and contractors who work according to the GMT method and with a GMT grapple saw can:

✅ fell an entire tree and remove it in 30 minutes
✅ remove and shred an entire tree with just 2 people 
✅ generally save 60% on working hours and personnel
✅ work longer because there is hardly any physical load
 

Do you want to know what size investment a GMT grapple saw would be for you? Please feel free to contact us. Or request a quote.

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What is the difference between mechanised felling vs. felling by hand?

When felling trees mechanically, all employees remain on the ground, on the high-seat or in the crane cabin. They operate the crane, keep an eye on the surroundings or stand by the chipper. No physical climbing efforts need to be made and there’s no need for an aerial work platform either. The grapple saw, together with the crane to which it is attached, takes over all the tasks that would normally be carried out by climbing workers.

In addition to all the benefits for your company's profitability, this makes the carying out the work intrinsically safer, and the GMT method contributes to the sustainable employability of your employees.

What is the difference with a fixed grapple saw?

The GMT grapple saw is designed to remove trees in small pieces. The grapple saw can oscillate freely and rotate 360 degrees. In this way, any tree branch can be grabbed from a single position and cut without tension. This gives a lot of freedom of movement in the crown of the tree; after all, grabbing possible from all sides. The latter has proven to be a huge advantage in practice. Sideways grabbing provides a good view of the gripping and cutting process, making work safer and more efficient.

A fixed grapple saw simply cannot do this. The possibilities for movement are often limited and you can only work straight ahead, which means that your view is very restricted. Fixed grapple saws are usually of a larger (heavier) construction and have a larger cutting diameter. This makes sawing the tree into large pieces necessary. Small branches cannot be reached.

For both the fixed grapple saws and the GMT grapple saw, estimating the weight of tree parts to be sawn remains a risky business in view of the load on the grapple saws and on the crane-bearing vehicle. At GMT, however, we believe that this risk is substantially reduced by enabling the sawing of small pieces: the GMT method.

For whom is this product suitable?

GMT grapple saws are suitable for all arborists, contractors and rental companies that want to mechanise felling.

We recommend taking the following points into account:

• First, get to know the basic machine well before operating the GMT grapple saw
• Experience with tree care is an advantage
• Start in a quiet environment to gain experience and confidence with the GMT grapple saw
• Saw small pieces. This makes work much more relaxed and prevents excessive strain on the grapple saw and the crane
   

Depending on your experience with crane work and tree care, it is quite possible that after some hours of practice, you’re able to work (and thus earn money) with your GMT grapple saw. 

At GMT, we believe it is important to build your skills. Which is why you will also find tips & tricks on how to get the most out of your grapple saw and how to work as efficiently and safely as possible.  

Download PDF with tips & tricks READ MORE ABOUT OPTIMUM OPERATION 

How can an ETW member create additional value compared to contracting companies?

GMT Equipment aims to make the safe and efficient pruning and removal of trees possible with any crane-bearing vehicle.

However, an ETW member has the knowledge and experience necessary to properly prepare and oversee the pruning and felling work. This will improve the efficiency and execution time of the work. In addition, a ETW member can further unburden the client by assisting in the preliminary stages with advice and providing professional aftercare.

Why should I choose GMT and not another brand?

• GMT Equipment specialises in the design and manufacture of high-quality grapple saws and is based in the Netherlands. With our many years of experience, we are able to provide plug & play solutions for every customer on every crane-bearing vehicle with just 2 models of GMT grapple saw.
• The grapple saws from GMT Equipment have unique (patented) properties with which much more profit can be achieved immediately.
• GMT Equipment finds it natural to be directly accessible to dealers, business partners and end customers. We would like to assist you from the first orientation to commissioning and in case of future malfunctions.
• The GMT grapple saw is not the cheapest to buy, but it is the best investment when the entire life cycle is considered. The very long service life and low maintenance more than makes up for the difference in cost at the time of purchase.
• If you want quality and a guaranteed long service life, then choose a GMT grapple saw.

What is the difference between GMT and cheaper variants of other brands?

There are some other grapple saw manufacturers that are also based on the GMT method. We’ll leave fixed grapple saws out of the equation for now.

Ask yourself the following questions when comparing with other brands:

❓ What is the construction quality of the grapple?
❓ What is the layout of the hydraulic hoses on the grapple saw (are they well protected)?
❓ What quality is the finish in general?
❓ Can the rotator and grapple saw operate with just two double-acting hydraulic connections, or do they require hydraulic adjustments to the crane or electric controls?
❓ What type of saw blade is used?
 

✅  What makes GMT grapple saws unique is the unique and patented Total Tree Control (TTC) systeem.
✅  In addition, a plug & play solution is available for any crane-bearing vehicle.
✅  This provides a lot of advantages. You can read about them here.