Abstract: A device for climbing a vertical member such as a tree and pole, has an upper engagement member and a lower engagement member which can be opened or closed to respectively engage an upper and lower portion of the vertical member. At least one extension/retraction member is connected to the upper and lower engagement members. The extension/retraction member extends or retracts to vary the distance between the upper and lower engagement members. During the extension and retraction of the extension/retraction member either the upper or lower engagement member is open and the other engagement member is closed. The device may also include a controller and power source. The center of mass of upper and lower engagement members and the extension/retraction members substantially coincides with the location of the vertical member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for climbing up trees and for maintenance of trees having trunks which do not branch out but rather have a single stem, such as palm trees or coconut trees.