Go. Saw. Conquer.

Working smarter and safer with the Vosch grapple saw

It’s no secret that the agriculture and forestry industries have historically experienced the highest incidences of work-related injury claims. Now savvy tree-care and vegetation management specialists are making the change however – introducing safer, more mechanised ways of getting the job done. It’s a big reason why the Vosch grapple saw is improving both the physical landscape and work environment in NZ.

Excavator-mounted grapple saws are at the centre of the shift to safer methods, allowing operators to remove trees without sending people into hazardous positions. 

Among the new hydraulic systems available in New Zealand, the Vosch model stands out due to its concept-to-construction engineering as a purpose-built, fixed excavator grapple saw. Thanks to this design-first approach it outperforms its peers in important stability, safety, and performance criteria. 

Saw to the fore.

Where many attachments begin as grapples or multi-purpose tools with a chainsaw added later, the Vosch system has been built around the saw unit. This design focus has resulted in exceptional operator control, allowing the gripping, cutting, and placing of timber with unerring accuracy.

Such controlled handling is especially valuable in New Zealand’s common working environments – the tight roadsides, twisty waterways, storm-damaged trees, sloped or unstable ground, and urban sections where accuracy is essential.

Cutting confidently without risk of chain shot.

A major strength of the Vosch grapple saw lies in its safety system. Compared to other saws (that generally use a standard .404 pitch chain), the Vosch grapple saw is designed with a gruntier 3/4” pitch chain. This means a stronger, heavier duty chain that spins slower than other saws. 

A slower-spinning chain needs less regular sharpening and, most importantly, offers a major safety benefit to operators – there’s no risk of the “whiplash effect” and, therefore, no risk of chain shot.

If a cutting chain breaks this whiplash effect can cause ballistic-speed fragments to fly off the end of the broken chain, exposing machine operators and bystanders to a risk of serious injury or death. The risk of chain shot is greater when using a smaller faster-spinning chain. 

Chain shot risk is a well-known carefully managed safety issue in the forestry industry, where mechanised harvesting systems are used). However, new grapple saw users in urban or farm settings may not be aware what can occur should a high speed chain break, or have the appropriate exclusion zones set up as part of their processes.

Action-tested. Evidence-based. 

In response to international reviews on grapple-saw safety, Vosch undertook extensive chain shot testing using the framework of ISO 11837. High-speed cameras were used to capture frame-by-frame evidence of its performance in HD detail.

The findings confirmed that the Vosch system does not trigger the whiplash effect, meaning chain shot cannot occur within the tested conditions. 

Working from a safe distance.

One of the reasons New Zealand operators are choosing Vosch is how the attachment effectively removes people from danger. The operator remains safely inside the excavator cab throughout the dismantling process. There are no climbers in compromised trees, no ground staff standing beneath cuts, and no exposure to unpredictable falls. The grapple secures each section before cutting, ensuring the piece stays controlled from the moment the saw engages.

Smooth operation.

The Vosch grapple saw is also known for its exceptionally user-friendly grapple, allowing most operators to complete an entire job with just one attachment. From dismantling to loading, sorting, stacking and final site tidy-up, the same tool stays on the machine. Operators report excellent performance feeding chippers and shredders, simplifying workflow and improving efficiency on both small and large jobs.

This streamlined approach results in significant productivity gains. Jobs are completed faster, crews experience less fatigue, and exposure to risk is greatly reduced.

For New Zealand contractors seeking a modern, controlled and efficient way to manage tree work, Vosch offers a proven, purpose-built solution for complete confidence in the cut.