NAFA creates utility line clearance tree equipment committee

With the creation of NAFA's new Utility Line Clearance Tree Equipment Committee (ULCTEC), the Association reached out to another specialized segment of the industry – the companies that perform utility line clearance tree trimming – and extends its reach throughout the entire fleet management industry.

"This committee started as a loosely formed group of contractors who service the utility line clearance market," explained NAFA Member David Lynn, CAFM, who will Chair the new committee.  "Our initial intent was to discuss gaps in specialized equipment offerings, to pool our collective needs to display what the market for those items is and hopefully have those assets produced, and to share equipment experience and regulatory experience from the industry.  We have since grown to include large residential contractors that use the same equipment assets, work in the same environments, and have the same needs and struggles.

"This new NAFA committee elevates our group's professional status, gives us access to the strength of the education and training that NAFA provides, provides a diverse group of fleet managers to network with, and offers the structure to request and obtain assistance for projects we would like to undertake," Lynn added.  "NAFA adds the professionalism our ad hoc committee lacked."

NAFA's Utility Line Clearance Tree Equipment Committee is led by David Lynn, CAFM, Equipment Service Manager for Penn Line Service as Chair; Lenny Hedgelin, Fleet and Equipment Training Coordinator for Lucas Tree Experts as Vice Chair; and Claude Masters, CAFM,  Manager, Acquisition and Fuel for Florida Power and Light as Reporting Officer.

According to Lynn, the committee has already had some success as a small group.  "We brought awareness of a market for a log skidder based off road platform that was suitable for our aerial lift needs," explained Lynn.  "As a result, both Tigercat Industries and Kershaw Manufacturing are offering the units.  We have also lobbied truck manufacturers for a 33,000 GVWR gasoline-driven chassis to replace the unit we lost when GM left the medium-duty market.  Together, we have worked to understand industry-specific equipment issues and share solutions.  The affiliation with NAFA gives us a professional platform to continue efforts to share information on the industry specific challenges we face."