The FFP Pruning Ascender is the only safe and ergonomic, production forestry high pruning tool.  The Ascender consists of a mast, a pedal-powered “powerhead” and a full array of safety line and harnessing features. 

The standard mast is 21feet tall, allowing the operator to reach about 25 feet high in pruning applications.  Optional masts are 25’ tall for a 30’prune with just short handsaws.

The total weight of the 25 prune-height Ascender is 56lb, which includes the safety harness the operator wears and all other parts less the pruning saw of choice.  The 30’model is 4 feet longer and 5lb heavier

The Ascender is essentially a pedal powered, direct drive winch which rolls up the mast on a captive “skate”.  The winch line is attached to the top of the mast with redundant fasteners and geometry, that also captures the safety line for operator arrest.  The Mast has spikes and pads at the feet so it cannot sink or slip, with a stand-off at the top of the mast to be held at an arms length away.  It is strapped to the tree at two points with ratcheting and locking straps, that spring load the mast to the tree, by pulling against the camber of the mast, the top stand-off and the secure feet.  The Ascender can be positioned to the uphill or downhill side of any tree, so that the feet are horizontal,  regardless of the diameter.  Further information on this unique device must be seen to be believed.