Winters in upstate New York are often harsh, with freezing temperatures, gusting winds and heavy snowfalls. In the city of Rochester, N.Y., ice storms—when rain and snow freeze on contact, leaving sheaths of ice sometimes inches thick on trees—are quite common. The extra weight of the ice hangs heavy on tree branches, causing limbs to crack off and trunks to splinter. Branches often fall onto roadways, creating problems for passing motorists.
For quick and efficient cleanup after ice storms, the city of Rochester uses the TL3 Lightning Loader grapple truck from Petersen Industries Inc. of Lake Wales, Fla. The city owns 16 grapple trucks, which are used year-round to remove brush, appliances and bulky waste items that are too large and heavy to load by hand.
The grapple trucks are especially useful for cleaning up after ice storms because they are only a one-man operation, allowing for fast cleanup and drivable roads in little time. One man is able to load, haul and dump branches and waste items by himself instead of having to send three or four men.
Rochester has customized their loaders with features focusing on preventing rust because of the salt on the roads. The chassis cab also is modified so there is a back door that opens out to the operator’s platform. This is done so their men don’t have to climb around or even take a step up to reach the control station in their icy and slippery conditions.
