Bayernlift relies on grapple saw WOODCRACKER® CS smart for the removal of storm damages

In autumn of 2019, the German company Bayernlift decided to get a WOODCRACKER ® CS580 smart to attach it to one of their telescopic handlers. The company owns a Merlo telescopic handler, which they want to use for forestry services as well. Bayernlift primarily has its focus on lift trucks and lifting ramps for hire.


Managing director Harald Katheder went for a grapple saw WOODCRACKER ® CS580 smart, since this model was purpose-built for tree fellings due to safety reasons. In combination with the merlo telescopic handler, the grapple saw gains notably more range and is able to move forward to far reaches and to observe a high safety distance. “After many storm losses in our region, many people were afraid of continuing damages and falling trees”, says managing director Harald Katheder. His clients and also his own staff uses the grapple saw to remove trees safely from storm damaged areas. He is very happy with the results.

Westtech’s WOODCRACKER® CS series comprises grapple saws for telescopic handlers, excavators and truck cranes, purpose-built for safety tree fellings. The “smart“ version of the model range sticks out with its numerous safety functions and a surprisingly low net weight. The low weight enables additional attachment options. The saw unit has a swinging chassis with active suspension and a grease lubricated chainsaw. Thereby trees up to 75cm in diameter can be cut. Additionally, the driver can hydraulically tilt the saw unit down.

The WOODCRACKER® CS smart can be attached to telescopic handlers without any additional arrangements. The machine’s low net weight and the safety functions exclusively serve for the use in safety tree fellings like snow, wind or storm losses. Forestry workers can quickly step in without being on risk. The grapple saw comes in very handy for tree fellings in residential areas and along roads, where buildings and obstacles nearby should not be damaged.