Octoplus 21 performance a big hit with tree surgeon

He said: “The Octoplus 21 has a steel boom and all-steel body covers, while other manufacturers are moving over, in particular, to plastic bodywork, which can be more easily damaged.

“Given the work we do as tree surgeons, this build quality gives me greater assurance that the Octoplus 21 will be protected from falling branches, which may impact on reliability.

“The Oil&Steel spider lift’s hoses, chains and wiring are enclosed all enclosed within the boom, for protection, but are easily accessible for any maintenance. Its working height and reach are both better than comparable spider lifts, as well.

“With all these benefits, the price of the Octoplus 21 was also very attractive and the Hird Sales team has been very supportive throughout the purchase process. I’ve been very impressed.”

Features recommended by tree specialists

Dan Holgate, Sales Manager at Hird Sales, said other tree surgeons had voiced similar thoughts about the platform’s attributes: “Oil&Steel put great store in creating a spider lifts that are fit for purpose.

“The Octoplus 21 has been designed from the bottom up for working on trees, with a lot of features developed as a result of talking to tree specialists like Ian and his colleagues.

“Because it weighs just 2,850kg, it can be transported on a lightweight trailer behind a van or a 4×4 car using a standard driving licence.

“This gives tree surgeons maximum flexibility. Any member of their team with a driving licence can operate the platform. As a light-weight, compact transport set up, it also makes it easier for the platform to be delivered to off-road work sites.”

The Oil&Steel Octoplus 21 has a maximum working height of 20.7m and a maximum working outreach of 10.6m.

With a stowed height of 1990mm and stowed width of 785mm, the spider cherry picker can be easily tracked through garden gates and along narrow paths to work in back gardens.

The Octoplus 21’s drive and outrigger functions are operated with a wireless remote control making moving and setting up the platform easier in difficult spaces.

Like all Oil & Steel tracked platforms, it is packed with useful features, including auto homing and positioning as well as automatic parallel wall climbing.

It also has one-button outrigger auto-levelling and stowing, for safer and faster platform operation, as well as variable outrigger placement for working in particularly confined spaces.

The Octoplus 21 also has industry-leading ground clearance when set up for working at height, which helps operatives when they are working across particularly uneven ground.

The spider lift’s tracks can be hydraulically widened and withdrawn to improve stability across uneven and sloping ground, or to allow the platform to move through narrow gaps.

Its basket – 1400mm long and 700mm wide – is large enough for two operatives to work together, within a maximum capacity of 250kg and a slightly restricted outreach. The basket also has water and air lines.

Celtic Tree Surgery has opted for the bi-energy (diesel and mains cable electric) version of the Octoplus 21, with non-marking tracks. This means the spider lift can be operated both outdoors or indoors, maximising flexibility and income-generation.

The model can also be supplied with a low-emissions petrol or diesel engine only, or as an all-electric zero-emissions platform with a lithium battery power pack.

Hird Sales is the UK authorised dealer for all Oil&Steel platforms, both spider lifts and truck mounted platforms.

Other spider lifts in the range include the Octoplus 17, which as a working height of 17m and outreach of 7.6m, and the new Octoplus 30, with a working height of 29.6m and working outreach of 16.7m.

The Oil&Steel Scorpion 1812
– maximum working height 17.8m and maximum outreach 11.4m.

The Oil&Steel Scorpion 2013
– maximum working height 19.9m and maximum outreach 12.3m.

The Oil&Steel Snake 2010H
– maximum working height 20m and outreach 10.2m.