Safer tree work is a vital consideration for Australian arborists, and many are turning to mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) for tree pruning and clearing.
Tree work in Australia is uniquely challenging. Whether maintaining urban landscapes, large estates, or managing trees in rugged bushland, arborists need equipment that is safe, efficient, and built to handle Australia’s terrain and climate.
For years, traditional rope climbing has been a primary method for accessing tree canopies. However, safety regulations and industry best practices now strongly encourage the use of MEWPs wherever possible to reduce fall risks, operator fatigue, inefficiencies and for generally safer tree work.
Niftylift’s Self Drive and TrackDrive MEWPs provide an ideal solution for arborists looking to work smarter, safer, and faster. Designed for Australian conditions, these machines help treecare professionals reach difficult areas, reduce strain, and substantially improve overall site safety.
Changing the game
Working at height is one of the biggest risks arborists face. While tree climbing remains a necessary skill, using an MEWP reduces the time spent in harnesses, minimising fatigue and the risk of falls, and ensuring safer tree work.
MEWPs also provide a stable platform for arborists to work from, ensuring better balance and controlled movements. Niftylift’s Self Drive and TrackDrive models feature secure outriggers, proportional controls, and safety interlocks, helping operators work with confidence.
Also, MEWP rescue operations are quicker and safer compared to aerial rescues using ropes, and Australian arborists often work in extreme temperatures. Prolonged exposure can lead to heat stress, dehydration, and loss of focus. MEWPs reduce climbing effort, allowing arborists to focus on precision cutting and pruning rather than exhausting rope work. Less physical exertion means operators can work longer and complete jobs faster without the need for extended rest periods.
Choosing the right MEWP for Australian terrain
The diverse Australian landscape requires machines suited for different ground conditions. Soft grass, steep slopes, and uneven terrain all demand specialist access solutions.
Niftylift Self Drive MEWP key models for estates, parks and urban tree care include the SD170 and SD210 4x4x4.
The SD210 4x4x4 offers features like turf tyres to protect grass on golf courses, parks, and residential properties, and four-wheel steering which enhances manoeuvrability, allowing operators to access trees in tight spaces.
Four-wheel drive also ensures reliable access, even on irregular ground.
For slopes and soft ground Niftylift’s TrackDrive MEWPs – like the TD120T, TD120TN, and TD150T – offer superior traction on steep slopes, making them ideal for rugged terrain and embankments. The tracks improve stability on soft or loose ground and are well suited to bushland and off-road applications.
The compact dimensions of the TD range also enable access to tight or confined areas.
Faster job completion and lower costs
Arborists working on high-volume commercial contracts or emergency storm clearances need to get jobs done quickly and safely. MEWPs significantly reduce setup time compared to rope climbing, and that means less downtime and faster job completion.
Less fatigue means higher productivity – operators can complete more pruning or removals per day – and using MEWPs reduces the likelihood of injuries, leading to fewer insurance claims and work disruptions.
Environmentally responsible and low-impact operation
Tree work in protected areas and residential zones often requires low emissions and minimal ground disturbance. Niftylift’s Self Drive and TrackDrive MEWPs are powered by efficient diesel engines that meet Euro Stage V (Tier 4 Final) emissions standards, ensuring compliance with modern environmental regulations.
The SD170 is available with battery or bi-energy power (battery and diesel), offering a quieter, loweremission alternative for sensitive environments, and low-weight designs help minimise ground impact, reducing the risk of damage to parks, golf courses, and landscaped areas.
MEWPs are the future of Australian arboriculture
With Australian arborists facing greater safety expectations, environmental considerations and pressure for efficiency, the shift towards MEWPs as a primary tree-access solution is inevitable.
Niftylift’s Self Drive and TrackDrive models provide the reach, terrain adaptability, and operator comfort needed for modern tree work. Whether working on a large estate, a city park, or a rugged bush property, Niftylift MEWPs offer a smarter, safer, and more efficient alternative to traditional tree-climbing methods.
For Australian arborists looking to improve efficiency and safety, Niftylift provides the ideal solution. To learn more contact Niftylift Australia to discuss which MEWP suits your tree-work needs. Phone (02) 4964 9765, or log on to niftylift.com.au.