Tight access and steep gradients are all in a day’s work for the team at ARK Arborists. But the addition of the Först XR8D tracked wood chipper has completely transformed how the crew handles challenging sites.
Founded by Matt Staples, ARK Arborists is a specialist tree-care company servicing Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and the Dandenong Ranges. The team delivers expert tree removal, pruning, storm-damage response, and vegetation management across residential, commercial and rural properties.
Operating in terrain where other contractors hesitate, ARK Arborists is known for getting the job done safely and efficiently – even when space is tight or slopes are extreme.
“We do a lot of jobs others don’t want to touch,” said Matt. “That’s why having the right gear – like the XR8D – makes all the difference.”
Built for access, designed for arborists
“We’ve had the Först for about six months and honestly, it’s a game-changer,” said Matt. “It goes where no other chipper we’ve used could ever get to.”
The Först XR8D’s compact tracked design is built for sites with limited access – from sloped backyards to soft ground or steep embankments. Instead of relying on boards, winches or manpower to position a chipper, the XR8D simply tracks in and gets to work.
“It eliminates the stress. I didn’t want to be pulling a chipper with ropes or boards. This one just tracks in,” grinned Matt, clearly happy with the situation.
Doubling down on productivity and efficiency
The XR8D hasn’t just improved access – it’s dramatically increased output and reduced fatigue across the crew. By processing material on-site and eliminating long manual hauls, ARK Arborists has significantly reduced time spent per job.
Whether it’s bulky green waste or dense hardwood, the XR8D chews through it all – fast.
“We’ve cut our time on site in half in some cases,” explained Matt. “Efficiency-wise, it’s just worth it. We can do more in a day, and the crew’s not wrecked by the end of it.”
Key features that make a difference
Matt values the machine’s no-fuss, operator-first design, and rates as a standout feature the XR8D’s incredible infeed capacity.
“It’s a solid machine. Everything on it is designed for someone who actually uses a chipper,” he affirmed. “The way this chipper takes the size material it’s intended for is something else – it seems to have a limitless capacity. You could genuinely put eight-inch pieces through this chipper all day. It just keeps going and going.”
Machine highlights include:
• 55hp Doosan DPF diesel engine – powerful performance and long service life
• FörstGrip Feed Roller System – twin hydraulic rollers for aggressive feed of large timber
• AutoIntelligence Control System – fully water- and vibration-proof with intuitive diagnostics and control
• 8″ x 10″ infeed and large flywheel – high-volume chipping and excellent material throw
• Heavy-duty expandable tracks – climb slopes up to 35 degrees with stability on rough terrain, and
• Robust, low-maintenance construction – it’s a tough machine designed for longevity.
For ARK Arborists, it’s these design features that reduce downtime, speed up every job, and give confidence in any environment.
Support that goes the distance
The decision to go with Monitor for the purchase was just as straightforward.
“The whole experience from start to finish has been brilliant,” said Matt. “From the purchase to the support I’ve had over the phone, and sourcing parts… no complaints here.”
When asked whether Matt would choose to partner with Monitor in future, he had a clear-cut answer: “When I have to upgrade our XR8D for a new one, I’ll head Monitor’s way.” When asked whether he’d recommend the Först XR8D to others in the arbor industry, Matt didn’t hesitate: “I definitely would,” he said, decisively. “Having a tracked chipper…most people think it’s only good for certain jobs. But once you’ve got one, you see how versatile it is.”
The machine has already opened doors to projects that would have been logistically impossible before.
“It’s already managed to get me two particular jobs that would have been virtually impossible to do without a tracked machine,” beamed Matt. “We’re talking crazy embankments at the top of properties.”
For ARK Arborists, the Först XR8D isn’t just a chipper, it’s a business enabler, helping the team take on more work with more efficiency and less fatigue.
To find out more about the Först range, give the team at Monitor a call on 1800 025 024, or visit the website at monitor.net.au.
delivered the shiny new XR8D. Does Matt Staples (left) look happy, or what! Image: Monitor