Field trials
Through Australian Government funding support, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, in conjunction with Southern Gulf NRM and Morrow Tree Removal Specialists, conducted field trials of the saw at a property in the Julla Creek area in May 2017. One hectare plots of prickly acacia of varying density were treated with a Bobcat- mounted Marshall Tree Saw. Data was recorded of plant densities, treatment times and herbicide/diesel usage.
The treatment speed observed in the trials ranged from over 6 hectares per hour in low density (40 plants/ha) to about 0.5 hectares per hour in very high density (700 plants/ha). Based on trial observations, this method is best used to target plants above 1 metre in height as smaller plants may be difficult to see and slow treatment. Monitoring of the site is still required to assess plant death after wet season conditions.
Costs ranged from about $40/ha to over $400/ha based on a machinery contract rate of $155/hr plus herbicide mix at $2.75/L. Herbicide (Access *) and diesel mix usage varied from about 1 L/ha to about 46 L/ha depending on the density.
Provides immediate treatment result
Provides supplementary fodder from fallen trees
Improves stock access and mustering ease.
treat weeds without damage to nearby native vegetation.
other attachments may be used to complement Marshall Tree Saw use.