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Heli-Chopper: Giant Saw, Helicopter Used For Big Trim Job
April 16, 2013
Call it a heli-chopper? Numerous residents spotted a helicopter using a giant saw to trim trees along a high voltage power line in the Walnut Hill and Bratt area Monday.
The giant patented aerial saw — with 10 gas-powered rotating 24-inch blades, hangs beneath a 1980 Hughes 369D helicopter on an 80-foot fixed pole that has swivel points at the copter and at the saw. Weighing in at over 800 pounds, the saw can swing forward and backwards, but not side to side as power line right of ways are trimmed.
Pictured: A helicopter and and a giant patented aerial saw are used to trim along high voltage power lines near Walnut Hill on Monday. Pictured top: The gas powered saw is refueled in a field near the intersection of Lambert Bridge Road and Pine Barren Road. Submitted photos by Gayle Brewton for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
15 Responses to “Heli-Chopper: Giant Saw, Helicopter Used For Big Trim Job”
MY granddaughter and I got to see it up close yesterday on statebline road as it takes off the ground around 7 am . Wow my granddaughter really was amazed .
after that, there was this big gust of wind…
It flew through Poplardale Community yesterday. I only saw the helicopter, but, thanks to William, I knew what was going on. I went to the house and got my five-year-old daughter and drove over to let her see it. She was ecstatic!
Thanks, William!
This is PowerSouth Energy Cooperative which is the generation and transmission company for Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC).
@ lighthorse thanks I should have known it was not Gulf Power.
This is not a gulf power line.This line is maintained by an Alabama co.
OK, let’s just say I’m in my tree stand, looking out at the clearing with the power lines staring at this big ole buck who is scared away by the helicopter. And say I stay in the tree stand to see that helicopter (which at this point I can only hear, but not see, due to angle of sight). And let’s just say my legs are sticking out? This is not going to be pretty.
Thank you for this interesting info. I have noticed so many NICE power cuts along 29 and a lot of back roads. We need to call Gulf Power and give BIG kudos to the new crew chief they have hired. Never in history of Gulf Power has anyone done a great job! Lines have been cleared that has never been seen before, in some places. Now, if we get the County to clear the ditches and keep the grass mowed we can enjoy the drives. Great reporting William.
Thanks, NorthEscambia, for including such interesting info on this site!
@ Robert
I was just thinking the same thing. ‘The World is Not Enough’ had Bond being chased by two of these things.
He got away, but his BMW got sliced in half.
Awesome!!
I never “saw” something like that except in a James Bond movie.
What could possibly go wrong?
I saw it in McDavid, just off 164.
Everytime I call to see about getting trees cut of lines Im told I have to do it NO the lines are not on my property. DOES anyone know who you call when lines are covered with trees and vines and its not on my property.
Wasn’t there a rig similar to this in a James Bond movie? Remember it slicing through a building. 007 got away of course. Seems to be a fast and efficient way to keep the power lines clear without putting human cutters in danger.