Kiah Martin, Professional arborist, Director at TreeStyle Pty Ltd, and Husqvarna Australia HTeam Ambassador, gives her first impressions of the effortless canopy access offered by the Husqvarna x Skylotec Power Ascender.
Looking for a quicker and easier way to get yourself and your equipment to the top faster, over and over again, without burning out before the day is done?
Look no further.
The new Husqvarna x Skylotec Power Ascender – which goes by the commercial name ‘Skylotec Actsafe ICX powered by Husqvarna’ – has been developed through a strategic partnership between Skylotec and Husqvarna. The system is driven by Husqvarna’s flexible Bli-X 36V battery system, guaranteeing high reliability and power output and enabling the battery ecosystem you already use and love to be doubly employed on the job with this new device.
Battery-powered ascent and descent for climbers
Tree climbers can now effortlessly ascend directly into the canopy to reach the work area easily and quickly, saving all their specialised climbing techniques and energy for the work in the crown. Best bits IMO:
• The ascender can be attached quickly and easily anywhere on the rope. Get started on the job, quick as.
• The included remote control unlocks more potential of the power ascender. Send gear to climbers from the ground. Once in the canopy and climbing, lower the device for use in the next tree. Create advanced setups for complex climbing, or lower back to the ground for fast aerial-rescue access by teammates.
• In case of a drained battery or device malfunction, the emergency-descend button will get the climber down safely regardless.
Features that rock
• Powered descent ensures precise positioning, smooth descent, and charges the battery using regenerated energy during descent. That’s a major bonus for use on bigger trees.
• With the Husqvarna BLi-X 36V battery system, the product has a capacity of up to 400 metres (using BLi300) before needing a battery change or recharge, and can ascend at ~24m/ minute. This capacity doesn’t include the regenerative braking functional increase either. That’s a lot of trees
• Intuitive controls include a thumbwheel for easy height adjustment – it just makes sense.
Giving Husqvarna the edge over competitors is the ascender being so light and compact. It’s really easy to handle while working aloft and to transport to and from the worksite.
Stuff you’d expect
• Get the job done in any weather thanks to a robust construction that withstands the harshest conditions – ie: it meets the IP55 classification for dust and rain resistance.
• Capacity – SWL 185kg or maximum one person, and
• An E-Stop (lock-out) button allows working safely without unexpected movement.
carrying/storage/transport case. Image: Husqvarna
Advancing access
The power ascender combines with a specifically designed and certified Husqvarna 11mm x 60m climbing rope ‘Ascend’, and the ascender itself comes packaged in a robust and weatherproof custom carrying/storage/transport case with a moulded insert that securely houses the ascender, remote control, battery and operator manual.
I believe it will create more flexibility in a work day where there are multiple big-tree access jobs. It’ll allow climbers to move in smarter ways where physical and mental fatigue is lessened and personal satisfaction through job efficiency is increased.
The Power Ascender brings state-of- the-art access technology to daily arboricultural tree-canopy work routines.
Revolutionising vertical movement
I’d describe the Husqvarna x Skylotec Power Ascender as easy to use, fast to set-up, versatile in its potential applications, compact and powerful, robust and safe. I think it’s a smart solution for all those ups and downs throughout the working week.
It’s not for every job, and it’s not for every day. And selling at $11,999rrp, it’s also not for everyone. But it will do the job for any contract climber, small business, big team or large tree company that can fully appreciate the need for it in the workplace and values the positive investment in workforce and safety outcomes.
So, when your personal battery is low, consider employing the new Husqvarna x Skylotec Power Ascender. You’ll streamline your workflow, elevate your climbing game and still have fuel in your personal tank when the work day is done. Big ups from me.
The Husqvarna x Skylotec Power Ascender and Husqvarna Ascend 11m climbing rope are available for purchase in Australia now. For more information stop by your local specialist Husqvarna dealer, visit husqvarna.com, or scan the QR code.
