Darren Sudduth

Recognizing the recent response of arborists to the new purpose-built 718 tree care handler, Sennebogen has appointed Darren Sudduth as the firm's first tree care industry manager.

Constantino Lannes, president of Sennebogen LLC, announced the new position in early December to signal the company's commitment to growing the tree care sector. Described as a "game changer" by industry professionals, the Sennebogen 718 is a 21 ton rubber-tired machine featuring a hydraulically elevating cab and equipped with a grapple saw attachment on a 43 ft. (13 m) telescoping stick. Customers have reported up to 10-fold increases in production while significantly improving jobsite safety.

Sudduth comes to Sennebogen with more than 15 years' experience in business development for equipment OEMs and engineered hydraulic products. Since arriving at Sennebogen's headquarters and training center in Stanley, N.C., Sudduth has attended "boot camp" with other application specialists on the Sennebogen sales team. He has also begun touring the customer sites in the northeastern states.

"Most of our machine population is in that area," Sudduth said. "They are in service with customers ranging from municipalities to owner-operator arborists who have taken on the full range of tree care applications."

Focus on Technology and Support

While users are impressed with the productivity and safety of the 718, Sudduth said he was attracted by Sennebogen's technology focus and its commitment to product support.

"The level of service that this company offers to end-users is head & shoulders above others I've had experience with," he said. "Right from the start, I liked the feel of the company. It's a family-owned business, and it maintains a family atmosphere right through the sales and field support group."

Lannes said that Sudduth has ambitious goals for the coming year. His sales target for 2019 is to double last year's deliveries. Plans also are on the boards to launch an upsized version of the 718 later this year.

"The industry is ready for this machine. It really moves the needle in terms of what an operator can produce in a day. Whether you're removing trees, thinning a woodlot, clearing a right-of-way or cleaning up storm debris, this has become the new industry standard in terms of productivity and safety. It takes no set-up or rigging time, but it can grip, cut, stack, and load wood while it keeps the arborist out of harm's way. That also helps to solve the problems that customers have with recruiting enough qualified crew."

Sudduth plans to become a visible participant at upcoming trade shows and conferences.

"My job for now is to get to know all the key players in tree care industry; from owner-operated businesses to larger regional businesses as well as our dealers serving the tree care market."

For more information on the full line of Sennebogen green line material handlers, visit www.sennebogen-na.com.

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