Felling grapple for removing energized vegetation material

A method for removing vegetation material that is energized by contact with an electrified source comprising:

• manipulating an insulating boom assembly so as to move a felling grapple adjacent to the energized vegetation material;
• grasping the energized vegetation material by operating at least one arm of the felling grapple;
• moving the energized vegetation material out of contact with the electrified source, such that the vegetation material becomes non-energized;
• receiving an indication from a controller that the energized vegetation material is no longer energized;
• severing the non-energized vegetation material by operating a feller of the felling grapple;
• and
• moving the severed and non-energized vegetation material to a discard location by manipulating at least one of the insulating boom assembly and the felling grapple.

A utility vehicle for removing energized material, comprising:

• a boom assembly including a primary insulation segment;
• and
• a felling grapple including a secondary insulation segment,
• said insulated felling grapple comprising—
• a pivoting base;
• a grapple secured to the pivoting base,
• wherein the grapple includes an arm for gripping the energized material;
• an insulating arm cover over said arm for gripping the energized material,
• wherein said insulating arm cover is configured to provide insulation between the energized material and the arm;
• a feller secured to the pivoting base and configured to sever the energized material,
• wherein the felling grapple retains the energized material after severed by the feller such that the energized material may be manipulated.