Alternate Title

The Tree Shark

Contributor(s)

Taslim, Mohammed E.

Abstract

Tree pruning is a necessary task that assists with maintaining healthy, structurally sound, and aesthetically pleasing trees. Farmers and other tree professionals are continuously searching for an efficient solution for their pruning needs while minimizing time spent cutting. To expose branches to light and air or to remove dead or diseased wood are necessary responsibilities of a tree professional, but the problem still remains to find a device that can perform all tasks. Currently, manual pruners, although cost effective, are difficult to maneuver and are less efficient than electric trimmers. Saw blade pruners are most often gas powered, which increases the cost to the user, and their bulkiness can hinder the ability of a user to perform smaller trimming tasks. The necessity of tree pruning, coupled with the inefficiency of existing products, provides the opportunity for a new device to alleviate current pruning issues. In this project a new device is under development that aims to provide a safe and ergonomic design that will allow a user to accomplish the simplest trimming task yet still be able to prune larger branches effectively (up to two inches in diameter). The design has an electrically powered motor for portable use. A Makita Circular skill saw was mounted at the top of the pole to allow quick severing of a limb. Manufactured lightweight telescoping poles provide adjustable lengths reaching a maximum of approximately 15 feet. Points such as materials, finances, and power transfer are all addressed and factored into the final design. The design successfully cut through a 2 inch branch at a height of 15 feet with ease and accuracy.

Notes

Capstone Design, MIMU702, Technical Design Report, Final Report

Keywords

tree pruning, telescopic device

Publisher

Northeastern University

Publication Date

1-28-2008

Rights Holder

Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering

Permanent URL

http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d10013003


View Full Text

Click button above to open, or right-click to save.

Share

COinS