WITH professional forestry workers having to operate in all conditions, it is vitally important that they utilise workwear that is a combination of good design, excellent fit, breathability, resistance and flexibility, to ensure they can complete jobs efficiently, whatever the weather. Whether you’re looking for helmets, gloves, trousers, boots, or even socks, we’ve got you covered.
BUXTON’S
ARBORTEC KAYO
UNLIKE any others on the market, the Arbortec Kayo chainsaw boots are designed to give the wearer ultimate flexibility without compromising on protection.
After over three years of development, Arbortec’s latest boot, the Kayo, represents a new generation of technical chainsaw boot. They are ideal for a variety of settings including forestry, climbing, gardening and groundwork, yet are also great as an everyday hiking and recreational climbing boot. The Kayo truly is one of the most versatile chainsaw boots available on the market, and a true workhorse for the arborist or groundsman on the go.
The chainsaw-protective inner gaiter and unique lacing system have allowed Arbortec to create a low-cut style chainsaw boot, designed to allow greater flexibility when climbing. The specialist design gives a snug and comfortable fit for both wide and narrow feet, protects against ingress of sawdust and debris, and keeps your feet stable.
This low cut of just under 16 cm supports your ankle without restricting your movement, giving much greater control than a traditional-cut boot. When climbing, the difference is night and day.
READ MORE: Buyer's Guide: Climbing equipment
Arbortec’s signature BreatheDry uppers are handcrafted using a blend of premium leathers, laminated with specialist chainsaw-protective and waterproof materials, offering high breathability and versatility, while also being lightweight at just 1.1 kg. Rated to full class 2 (24 m/s) chainsaw protection, you don’t have to compromise to get this level of comfort and versatility.
The Kayo features a grippy and super-hard wearing Vibram rubber lug sole, much like Arbortec’s Scafell Lite. However, the arch has been widened to allow higher grip when climbing, and greater sure-footedness in all conditions, including damp bark and muddy ground. Arbortec has managed to do this without preventing the boots from supporting spikes; in fact you’ll have plenty of support in the heel and entire sole unit to climb comfortably while using them.
Both the left and right boot feature an integrated loop for SRT/knee ascender systems, steel toecaps, and a handy notch on the heel to allow you to easily push the boots off with your feet.The Kayo chainsaw boots come in lime, purple, and charcoal, and are available now in Buxton’s Staffordshire showroom and online.
OREGON
OREGON knows there is great pride in hard work. The dedication put into each job or project requires solutions crafted to demanding yet necessary standards.
Its personal protective equipment is designed for your all-day comfort while keeping you safe and secure on the job. With the Oregon chainsaw safety clothing kit, durability and comfort are kept front of mind with adjustable features that fit any user or job, not only keeping you protected, but also keeping you up to industry safety standards.
Oregon promises to stand by you with a dedication to safety.
The Oregon chainsaw safety kit contains chainsaw-protective trousers, gloves with extra chainsaw protection in the left hand, and a workwear helmet with a combination of safety features – all Class 1 and KWF certified.
TROUSERS: Made with five breathable layers of protection, Oregon’s chainsaw protective trousers are built to be lightweight and comfortable. The trousers are type A safety rated and the abrasion- and heat-resistant material makes them durable and protective when taking on the toughest jobs. The protective trousers feature large pockets offering plenty of storage for various tools and equipment.
GLOVES: Designed with protective, reinforced materials, Oregon’s leather chainsaw gloves provide enhanced cut resistance – including extra chainsaw protection in the left hand. Comfortable enough for all-day wear, the waterproof palms are constructed to the highest safety standards with extra gripping power. With the incorporation of hi-visibility material, these chainsaw gloves provide maximum comfort and protection.
HELMET: Oregon’s Yukon safety helmet is crafted to be impact-resistant, with six ventilation holes for high breathability. The helmet includes a wide and durable stainless steel mesh visor and ear-muff safety features, protecting from noise of up to 25 decibels. The adjustable six-point harness ensures there is a snug fit every time.
If you would like to learn more about standards for chainsaw protective gear such as trousers, gloves and safety helmets, or to find your local Oregon dealer, please visit www.oregonproducts.co.uk.
HAIX
FEW professionals demand as much from their footwear as forestry workers and arborists. Working outdoors across varied terrain and in all weathers, climbing trees and working with chainsaws and other cutting equipment requires footwear with superior levels of durability, protection and comfort.
Haix, a specialist manufacturer of functional and protective footwear, designed the Protector Forest 2.1 and Protector Ultra 2.0 from the sole up to provide the comfort and protection that forestry workers need, no matter the demands of the task at hand.
HAIX PROTECTOR FOREST 2.1
The Haix Protector Forest 2.1 features Class 2 cut protection to give wearers operating chainsaws and cutting tools up to 24 m/s peace of mind when undertaking challenging felling and clearing tasks. The anatomically designed protective toecap provides added defence from stubs and falling objects.
The Protector Forest 2.1 features a sturdy Vibram/PU sole, providing confident grip and traction in slippery underfoot environments, while ensuring exceptional impact absorption and correct heel-to-toe movement. The cushioned PU midsole offers underfoot comfort, durability and exceptional heat and cold insulation.
Working in all weather conditions means forestry workers and arborists need boots that can protect them from the elements, keeping feet dry and at an optimum temperature.
The Protector Forest 2.1 includes a Gore-Tex Performance inner lining which is waterproof, abrasion-proof and highly breathable. Offering enhanced climate comfort, no matter the weather conditions, it works with the breathable suede-leather upper to keep feet dry.
HAIX PROTECTOR ULTRA 2.0
The Haix Protector Ultra 2.0 offers comfort and the security of Class 2 cut protection.
Its features are as striking as its exterior. The Haix Protector Ultra is designed with waterproof and breathable materials using Gore-Tex. The highly stable Vibram sole makes sure wearers can tackle the day with exceptional grip on various terrains, no matter the weather, even when temperatures fall below zero. The Protector Ultra 2.0 is durable and comfortable, with heel cushioning to ensure the wearer’s feet won’t tire easily after a long day.
The HAIX Protector Ultra 2.0 model is stable and light. A soft, close-fitting sleeve gently encases the foot and prevents sawdust or dirt from getting into the boot, avoiding potential chafing and discomfort. Its two-zone lacing system means the boot can be adjusted for the perfect fit. An antibacterial, moisture-repellent inlay with a separate heel cup further enhances the boot’s shock-absorption properties and ensures wearers reap the benefits of outstanding heel-to-toe movement.
For more information, visit www.haix.co.uk.
GLOVES N STUFF
WORK GLOVES AND WORKWEAR
GLOVES n Stuff is a long-established expert in the work gloves and workwear market, with fast delivery to your door and discounted prices. Bulk-buy deals are available and there is a specialist section dedicated to forestry gloves and work clothing.
Unlike most workwear and work glove companies, Gloves n Stuff gives you huge flexibility with the ability to mix and match glove sizes and colours for your own tailor-made solution.
The well-known three Ds (dirty, difficult, dangerous) are prevalent within forestry and associated industries, with many potential hazards including splinters, cuts, wet, warm and cold weather work and much more. This environment requires the full range of work gloves, arm protection, head and eye protection and work clothing.
For example, it is important that you possess work gloves that grip during wet weather or allow your hands to breathe and be comfortable during hot weather. Of course, major hazards such as chainsaw injuries must be guarded against and Gloves n Stuff has the full range of gloves, bib and brace with nine layers of protection, specifically designed for chainsaw use.
For cut-resistant gloves, chainsaw gloves and high-quality workwear from all the top brands, call Gloves n Stuff’s knowledgeable staff for advice and help on 01527 524992 / 07590 261565. You can also email enquiries@glovesnstuff.com or visit www.glovesnstuff.com.
HJ HALL
WORKWEAR COLLECTION
HJ Hall has been manufacturing socks especially designed for outdoor pursuits since 1882. With almost 140 years’ experience, the company has become renowned for a continued dedication to crafting socks that provide optimum comfort, warmth and functionality to wearers. Whether you’re working in the yard, out for a hike or relaxing at home, HJ Hall’s carefully chosen blend of materials and patented design help keep your feet in tip-top condition.
HJ Hall’s latest workwear range is comprised of three new styles and colourways of black, grey and navy with accents of red. Combining protection and support, the Workwear collection ensures comfort and practicality.
Designed for the outdoor worker, the Workwear collection is created to withstand heavy use. With durability provided through the reinforced toe and heel, these socks are perfect for arduous work without the fear of wearing through the material.
The HJ10 comfort top work socks are essential for the outdoor labourer. Available in black, grey and navy colourways with accents of red, they come in a short style fashioned from ultra-strong cotton yarn. With a soft-grip comfort top to prevent tightness around the ankles and fully cushioned feet to counteract impacts and abrasions on the feet, these socks create comfort for toiling feet.
The HJ11 comfort top work socks are available in black, grey and navy colourways in a long style crafted from an ultra-strong cotton yarn. Featuring a soft-grip comfort top, fully cushioned foot and reinforced toe and heel, these socks provide the ample support necessary for working outdoors.
HJ12 comfort top work socks offer a longer style, produced from a warmer wool yarn for cooler months. Loaded with the features of the cotton version, the HJ12 socks benefit from the addition of thermal wool. This ensures warmth when working in cold climates while remaining breathable, guaranteeing both protection and comfort in colder weather.
The HJ12 socks are available in two new colourways – black and grey – and can be bought in an assorted colour two-pair pack.
HUSQVARNA
TECHNICAL EXTREME ARBOR TROUSERS
THE Husqvarna Technical Extreme Arbor trousers are part of Husqvarna’s extensive range of high-quality protective wear. The trousers are specially designed for the challenges forestry workers and arborists may face when climbing and working in trees, offering a combination of safety, agility and function.
The trousers are made from high-tech and durable materials, such as Dyneema, Cordura and Kevlar, to ensure maximum resistance in the areas which are most prone to wear and tear. Plus, threre is an extra reinforced crotch and stretch material.
Optimum comfort is provided when wearing the Technical Extreme Arbor trousers as a result of the extended leg. An extra 3 cm has been added to make sure the trouser stays over the boot when climbing trees to ensure maximum protection and comfort.
In addition, the trousers feature hook and loop braces meaning they are easy to remove and the wearer can switch positions fast and easily depending on what work they need to perform when high up in the trees. Furthermore, the side pockets offer easy access when wearing a harness, and the double thigh pockets offer plenty of storage
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