Tree Climbing Foundations: Arborist Heavy Equipment Maintenance, Operations, and Safety Course

This day long course emphasizes the operation, maintenance, and practical application of heavy equipment in arboricultural work. Participants will gain hands-on experience with chippers, stump grinders, skid steers, and bobcats, with a focus on equipment care, troubleshooting, and situational application in diverse tree care scenarios.

What You'll Learn:

Wood Chipper Operation and Maintenance

• Safety Protocols: Learn the importance of PPE, including helmets, gloves, and hearing protection, to ensure safe chipper operation.

• Site Safety: Understand safe zones around the chipper and how to manage risks like kickback and entanglement.

• Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Inspect chipper blades, hydraulic systems, belts, and feed mechanisms. Identify and resolve common issues, such as blockages and uneven chipping output. Learn regular greasing and lubrication techniques to keep equipment in top condition.

• Operation Techniques: Learn start-up and shutdown protocols, proper feeding techniques, and organizing the worksite to maximize efficiency and safety.

• Debris Management: Gain skills for efficient cleanup after tree removals and pruning operations, handling high volumes of debris in urban and residential settings.

Stump Grinder Operation and Maintenance

• Safety Precautions: Learn proper PPE requirements and essential safety measures for operating stump grinders.

• Operational Controls: Familiarize yourself with stump grinder controls and positioning techniques for optimal results.

• Grinding Techniques: Develop skills for approaching stumps, installing guards, and job planning. Practice positioning the grinder to avoid damage and achieve efficient stump removal.

• Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Inspect belts, hydraulic systems, and engine components. Learn to assess wear, change teeth, and perform regular maintenance like greasing pivot points and lubricating moving parts.

• Problem Solving: Address common issues such as overheating, debris buildup, and depth control challenges.

• Versatility in Terrain: Adapt to removing stumps in confined spaces, residential areas, and uneven terrain, preparing sites for replanting or landscaping.

Skid Steer Operation and Maintenance

• Safety Precautions: Review PPE requirements and safety protocols specific to skid steer operation.

• Safety Features and Controls: Learn about skid steer safety mechanisms and basic control functions, including maneuvering and load handling.

• Load Management: Practice lifting, carrying, and dumping loads efficiently. Understand load capacity limits to prevent tipping or overloading.

• Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Inspect hydraulic systems, tires, and engine components. Learn greasing and lubrication techniques to maintain equipment functionality.

• Site Application: Use skid steers to transport heavy debris or logs, assisting in large-scale tree removal operations with efficiency and precision.

Bobcat Operation

• Safety Features and Controls: Understand the unique safety mechanisms of bobcats and how to operate controls with precision.

• Navigating and Handling Loads: Develop skills for navigating tight spaces and managing heavy or awkward loads effectively.

• Attachments for Arborist Applications: Learn to use attachments like buckets, grapples, and pallet forks to enhance efficiency in arboricultural tasks.

• Maintenance and Inspection: Inspect tracks, hydraulic connections, and attachment points to ensure safety and performance.

• Specialized Tasks: Practice excavation or material handling techniques for planting and landscaping projects.

Why Choose Us:

Expert Instructors: Learn from seasoned arborists and climbers with years of practical experience and a passion for safety and environmental stewardship.

Hands-On Learning: Our course prioritizes practical exercises, ensuring you gain confidence and competence in real climbing scenarios.

State-of-the-Art Training Facility: Experience learning in a cutting-edge facility purpose-built for teaching and training arborist skills. Our facility is equipped with the latest tools and climbing structures designed to simulate real-world tree climbing scenarios.

Safety First: Your safety is our top priority. We adhere strictly to safety protocols and guidelines throughout the training.

Environmental Consciousness: We instill a deep respect for nature, teaching techniques that prioritize tree health and minimize environmental impact.

Small Group Sessions: Enjoy personalized attention and guidance in small group settings, maximizing your learning experience.

Who Can Join:

This course is ideal for beginners and novice tree climbers looking to gain confidence with arborist heavy equipment. No prior experience is necessary, just a curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring new heights.

Program Details:

Duration: Two-day intensive course (8 hours).

Location: BCPHC Training Facility - 18465 53rd Ave, Surrey, BC

Date: August October 9, 2025

Investment: $680 per person

Enroll Today:

Embark on a thrilling adventure and learn about Arborist Heavy Equipment Maintenance, Operations and Safety. Book your spot now and elevate your perspective! Spaces are limited, so don't miss your chance to unlock your potential.

Group Rates:

Got a group? You can book this course privately. Reach out to us for detailed pricing information and available course dates.

Contact Us:

[email protected] | 18465 53rd Avenue, Surrey, BC | 604-575-8727