In the fight against the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB), Matt Brand, a certified arborist and owner of Albert Lea Tree Service, has turned to Nuss Truck & Equipment and their powerful Volvo EWR170E wheeled excavator. With this advanced machine, Brand has expanded his tree care services across Minnesota, particularly focusing on removing ash trees infected by the harmful beetle.
The Emerald Ash Borer Threat
The emerald ash borer is an invasive species that has devastated ash tree populations across the U.S. and Minnesota is no exception. The adult beetle lays its eggs under the tree’s bark, and within a week, the larvae hatch and bore into the tree, feeding on its tissues. This disrupts the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, often leading to the tree’s death.
In Minnesota, the EAB is a quarantined species, and the transportation of potentially infected items — such as firewood or tree products — is strictly regulated by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to prevent further spread.
A New Solution for Tree Care
To combat this threat, Matt Brand and his team have been removing thousands of ash trees across Freeborn and Mower counties. Brand recognized the need for better equipment to handle the increasing demand for tree removal. With the help of Nuss Truck & Equipment, he chose the Volvo EWR170E excavator, a versatile and highly efficient machine that allows his team to accomplish more with fewer people.
The Volvo EWR170E stands out for its cutting-edge features, including its compact design and innovative technology. It boasts one of the shortest tail swings on the market, just 5 ft. 10.5 in., which offers enhanced maneuverability in tight spaces — an essential feature when working in residential or urban areas.
Some of the key specifications of the Volvo EWR170E include:
- Operating weight: 39,573 – 42,329 lbs.
- Gross power: 154 hp
- Bucket capacity: 0.9 cubic yards
- Maximum lifting capacity: 18,434 lbs.
- Maximum digging depth: 18 ft. 10.4 in.
The machine’s load-sensing hydraulic system optimizes power while improving controllability and responsiveness, making it a perfect fit for arborist tasks like tree removal.
A Growing Partnership
Brand expressed his satisfaction not only with the Volvo EWR170E but also with Nuss Truck & Equipment’s ongoing support.
“Working with Nuss has been great,” said Brand. “They’re always available for questions and support. The service has been timely and positive. We’ve only worked with them for a couple of years, but the experience has been fantastic, especially with equipment of this size.”
Looking ahead, Brand is also exploring additional equipment, including a Volvo wheeled loader and a Volvo cab-over high-volume dump truck to further support his growing business.
The Volvo EWR170E has been fitted with a universal quick coupler, which allows Brand’s team to quickly switch between attachments such as a grapple saw or buckets, significantly boosting productivity and ensuring safety.
“Matt has been a great customer,” said Andy Heinecke of Nuss Truck & Equipment. “With his new Volvo EWR170E and the quick coupler system, he’s maximizing the machine’s capabilities. We’re excited to continue working with him as his business expands.”
About Albert Lea Tree Service
Albert Lea Tree Service, founded over 30 years ago, provides professional tree care services to residential, commercial, and industrial clients in Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna, Minn. As certified arborists, the company specializes in the health and maintenance of trees, offering expertise in tree risk assessment through the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
For more information, visit southernmntreeservice.com.
About Nuss Truck & Equipment
Founded in 1959, Nuss Truck & Equipment has grown from a small repair shop to a full-service provider of Mack Trucks, Volvo Trucks, and Volvo Construction Equipment. With locations throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, Nuss offers a comprehensive range of services, including leasing, rentals, financing, and custom-engineered solutions for trucks and trailers.
For more information, visit nussgrp.com.
