Sage Advice: Groundbreaking Tree Care Solutions

Andy Price’s Legacy at Altec

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Andy Price did not start his career in the arbor industry, but it did not take long for him to realize that is where he belonged.

As the market manager for the tree care division at Altec, Inc., Price has seen how ingenuity, hands-on networking, and family have shaped his journey.

In the late 1990s, Price was working in the textile industry when tariffs on textiles were removed. This led to a rapid decline in the U.S. textile business, and by the early 2000s, the industry was largely devastated.

Wanting to avoid relocating his family, Price began searching for local employment that would allow him to stay in Shelby, NC.

As vice president and general manager, Price worked to avoid layoffs for more than 70 employees. His company started a powder coating operation, with WoodChuck Chipper Corporation becoming their largest customer.

A few years later, in 2006, Price was invited by the owner of WoodChuck Chipper Corporation to join the company as operations and general manager. This was the start of his involvement in tree care.

“A few months later, Altec purchased WoodChuck, and that’s how I became affiliated with Altec,” says Price.

Three Wins for Safety in Tree Care

Price attributes part of his success in the tree care industry to three innovations he helped bring to market, each enhancing safety and productivity.

His first market management project was the development of an insulated backyard tracked aerial device.

Next came the crane with a grapple saw, followed by the lanyard interlock system.

All three innovations stemmed from a deep understanding of the daily risks and challenges faced by tree care workers.

TDA58 – Telescopic Double Articulating Aerial Device

At the time, the only available units in the U.S. were from European vendors, and they were non-insulated.

Price explained that insulation is critical since tree care workers often work near energized lines, and it appeared there might be an opportunity to improve on the existing European designs.

For two years, customers at trade shows would ask Price when Altec would build an insulated model tough enough for the tree care environment.

In 2014, after a successful development process, Price and his team introduced the TDA58 — the first American-made, insulated, backyard tracked aerial device.

And now in 2024, Altec is complementing their product line and customer needs with Teupen aerial lifts.

What was once a novelty has become nearly essential in the tree care business.

Crane With Grapple Saw

The idea for Price’s second project came from a customer who proposed an interesting concept for new equipment. The customer himself built a machine and had been using it for six months to take down trees without ropes or a bucket truck.

Price, having been in the industry for almost a decade, had never seen a tree taken down without ropes or a bucket truck.

“Some way, you have to get to the top of that tree, start cutting limbs, and get them down. Those are the only two ways I have ever seen a tree taken down,” Price added.

Eager to see the innovation, Price arranged a meeting with the customer and brought an Altec engineer. After just ten minutes, they knew it was something worth bringing to market.

Although the productivity boost was significant, Price and his team were focused on safety, specifically allowing workers to remove a tree without ever leaving the ground.

“If you never leave the ground, that is about as safe as you can possibly get,” Price said.

Next, Price had to consider the manufacturing logistics and costs. His team relied on Altec’s resources to determine if the industry was ready for the innovation.

The project received the green light, and in 2015, Altec launched the Crane with Grapple Saw.

Now, Altec offers products like the Knuckleboom Crane mounted Grapple Saws which feature 360-degree continuous-rotation grapple saws and a hook height ranging from 60 to 115 feet. These cranes not only improve safety but drastically reduce the time required to take down a tree.

“A tree that used to take four or five hours to remove can now be done by one man in an hour,” Price said.

It all started with one creative customer.

“I still joke about this today…” Price laughed, “him sitting in a lawn chair taking down trees.”

Lanyard Interlock System

The inspiration for Price’s third project came from an article evaluating the safety of bucket trucks, particularly the injuries that result from them. Falls are the second most common cause of tree care worker fatalities, after struck-by incidents.

After reading the article, Price urged his engineering team to find a solution.

As a result, Altec developed the Lanyard Interlock system. This innovation encourages workers to take every safety precaution by requiring them to attach their full-body harness lanyard before operating the aerial lift.

The system ensures that equipment will not operate unless the lanyard is securely attached, reinforcing fall protection protocols.

“If you are not clipped in, the upper controls will not operate,” Price explained.

Engaging With the Industry

Another key aspect of Price’s experience in tree care has been industry events, where he can connect with fellow experts and showcase new technology.

Over the years, Price has attended numerous trade shows, but when he heard about ArborEXPO’s outdoor booths, his interest was piqued.

Indoor trade shows often prevent equipment from being operated due to engine fumes, making it hard for customers to fully grasp the capabilities of new products.

For instance, at the first ArborEXPO, a customer initially thought Altec’s crane with a grapple saw was simply for picking up logs and loading them onto trucks. It was not until he witnessed the saw in action that he realized its full potential.

“They would have never had that experience at an indoor trade show,” Price shared. “That is why ArborEXPO is so important to us.”

Seeing the Person Behind the Arborist

Building relationships with customers is just as important to Price as attending industry events. He and Team Altec are committed to ensuring customers are satisfied with their equipment.

One experience that stood out for Price came from a visit to a small tree care company in upstate New York. After the company had been using the crane with grapple saw for about a year, Price and his team returned to check in.

The customer’s wife thanked Price, explaining that her husband used to come home exhausted from climbing trees all day. Now, with the new equipment, he had more energy to spend time with their two-year-old daughter.

“This is the best thing that ever happened to us,” she told Price.

Approaching Retirement

As Price nears retirement, he reflects on his contributions to the tree care industry. While the equipment he helped develop will leave a lasting impact, what truly makes him proud is the lives he has touched along the way.

“I will never forget that lady standing at the table saying, ‘You have given me my husband back and you have given our daughter her father.’”

This interview has been edited for content, clarity, and length.