Tree service and forestry businesses rely on specialized equipment to get demanding jobs done safely and efficiently. From trimming and removing trees to clearing storm damage and hauling away heavy debris, having the right truck can make a major difference in how quickly your crews can complete a job.
Two of the most important trucks used by tree service professionals are forestry bucket trucks and chipper trucks. Depending on your operation, you may also need a combination truck that provides both aerial access and debris-hauling capabilities.
But choosing the right truck isn't just about finding one that fits your budget. You also need to consider the type of work you perform, working height, payload, storage, towing requirements, and how the equipment will fit into your overall fleet.
And because specialized forestry trucks can represent a significant investment, forestry equipment financing can be an important part of the purchasing decision.
What Is a Forestry Bucket Truck?
A forestry bucket truck is a commercial truck equipped with a hydraulic boom and aerial bucket designed to safely lift workers to elevated areas.
For tree service companies, bucket trucks can make trimming, pruning, removals, and other aerial work more efficient while reducing the need for workers to climb trees manually.
Forestry bucket trucks are commonly used for:
- Tree trimming and pruning
- Tree removal
- Utility and power-line clearing
- Storm cleanup
- Municipal tree maintenance
- Large-property and landscape maintenance
The right bucket truck can give your crew the reach and stability they need to handle jobs that would otherwise require significantly more time and labor.
What Is a Chipper Truck?
A chipper truck is designed to transport branches, brush, wood chips, and other debris generated during tree trimming and removal.
Many chipper trucks feature a large chip body or dump body along with tool storage compartments. They are frequently paired with a wood chipper, allowing crews to process branches on-site and transport the resulting material away from the job.
A chipper truck may help your business:
- Haul large amounts of brush and wood chips
- Reduce the number of disposal trips
- Keep tools and equipment organized
- Improve job-site cleanup
- Transport debris more efficiently
For tree service companies that perform frequent removals and trimming projects, the right chipper truck can become an essential part of the fleet.
Bucket Trucks vs. Chipper Trucks
While both trucks are commonly used by tree service companies, they serve different primary purposes.
Bucket trucks are designed primarily for elevated work. They provide the aerial reach crews need to trim branches, remove limbs, and work around structures or utility lines.
Chipper trucks are designed primarily for debris transportation. They help crews collect and haul branches, brush, and wood chips after trees are trimmed or removed.
Many established tree service companies eventually use both types of equipment because the trucks complement each other.
For a growing business, however, the best place to start depends on the services you provide and the jobs you perform most frequently.
Combination Forestry Trucks
Some specialized trucks combine an aerial lift with a chipper or dump body, giving businesses multiple capabilities in one vehicle.
A combination truck can allow crews to:
- Perform aerial tree work
- Collect branches and debris
- Transport equipment and tools
- Reduce the number of vehicles needed for certain jobs
For smaller operations or businesses looking to maximize the versatility of their fleet, a combination truck may be worth considering.
The key is to compare the truck's capabilities with your actual workload. A truck that can perform several jobs can be valuable, but only if its specifications match the work your company regularly performs.
Why Tree Service Businesses Need Specialized Trucks
Tree work presents challenges that standard commercial trucks aren't designed to handle.
Crews may need to work dozens of feet above the ground, maneuver around homes and power lines, transport heavy equipment, and remove large quantities of branches and wood from a job site.
Specialized forestry trucks are built to address these demands.
Safer Access to Elevated Work
Bucket trucks provide a stable aerial platform that allows workers to reach high branches without relying solely on traditional climbing methods.
Working height, boom design, side reach, and stabilization are all important factors when selecting a bucket truck.
More Efficient Debris Removal
Tree removals and large trimming jobs can generate substantial amounts of debris.
A properly equipped chipper truck gives crews the capacity to collect and transport that material efficiently, helping reduce unnecessary trips back and forth from the job site.
Increased Productivity
The right forestry truck can help a crew complete more work in a day.
Instead of spending valuable labor hours moving equipment manually or making repeated disposal trips, specialized equipment allows your team to focus on completing the job.
For a business, that increased efficiency can translate into greater capacity and the ability to take on additional work.
Industries That Use Forestry Trucks
Tree service companies aren't the only businesses that rely on forestry-style trucks.
Tree Care & Arborist Companies
Professional arborists use bucket trucks and chipper trucks for trimming, removals, pruning, and debris removal.
Utility Contractors
Utility companies and contractors may use bucket trucks for vegetation management and clearing trees around power lines and other infrastructure.
Landscaping Companies
Larger landscaping companies may use forestry equipment when their services include tree maintenance, removals, or storm cleanup.
Municipalities
Local governments and municipal maintenance departments may use bucket and debris-hauling trucks to maintain trees along roads, parks, and public properties.
Storm Cleanup Contractors
After major storms, specialized trucks can be critical for removing fallen trees, branches, and other debris from roads and properties.
Types of Forestry Bucket Trucks
Not every bucket truck is built the same way. Different boom configurations can provide different advantages depending on the work your crews perform.
Articulating Bucket Trucks
Articulating bucket trucks use boom sections with multiple joints, allowing the operator to maneuver around obstacles and reach areas that may be difficult to access with a straight boom.
They can be particularly useful for tree trimming and removal work where maneuverability is important.
Telescopic Bucket Trucks
Telescopic bucket trucks use a straight boom that extends outward to provide substantial reach.
These trucks may be a good option when working height and reach are the primary considerations.
Rear-Mount Elevator Bucket Trucks
Rear-mount elevator bucket trucks are commonly used in forestry and utility applications. Their design can provide significant vertical reach while maintaining stability during elevated operations.
When comparing bucket trucks, consider the type of trees you typically work on, the height you need to reach, and the environments where your crews operate.
Key Features to Consider When Buying a Forestry Truck
Before purchasing a forestry truck, it's important to look beyond the price.
Hydraulic System
The hydraulic system powers the aerial lift and other equipment. A properly maintained hydraulic system is critical to the truck's performance and safe operation.
Working Height and Boom Reach
Forestry bucket trucks can offer different working heights, with many models falling in the approximately 45- to 75-foot range.
Don't automatically choose the truck with the greatest reach. Instead, consider the type of work your crews actually perform.
Chipper or Dump Body Capacity
If you're purchasing a chipper or dump truck, consider how much material you typically haul.
A larger body may allow you to transport more debris per trip, but the truck's overall GVWR and available payload must also be considered.
Outriggers and Stabilization
Outriggers and stabilizers help provide stability when the aerial boom or other equipment is being used.
These components should be inspected carefully, particularly when purchasing used equipment.
Chassis and Payload
The truck's chassis needs to be properly matched to the equipment being installed.
Remember to account for the weight of the body, boom, chipper equipment, tools, fuel, crew, and anything else you expect the truck to carry.
Buying Used Forestry Trucks
For many tree service businesses, purchasing used equipment can be an effective way to expand a fleet while managing the overall cost of the investment.
A quality used forestry truck may offer the capabilities your business needs without the price tag associated with a new truck.
Potential advantages include:
- Lower purchase cost
- Access to specialized equipment
- Faster availability
- More options within a specific budget
- Ability to expand a fleet while preserving working capital
However, buying used equipment requires careful evaluation.
The goal isn't simply to find the least expensive truck. It's to find a truck that provides the right combination of condition, specifications, reliability, and value.
What to Check Before Buying a Used Forestry Truck
If you're considering a used bucket truck, chipper truck, or other forestry equipment, take time to inspect the equipment carefully.
Inspect the Boom
Look for signs of excessive wear, cracks, corrosion, or structural damage.
Check the Hydraulic System
Inspect hoses, cylinders, connections, and other hydraulic components for leaks or signs of wear.
Examine the Body
Check the chipper or dump body for excessive rust, damage, or repairs.
Review Maintenance Records
A documented maintenance history can provide valuable information about how the truck has been maintained and serviced.
Consider the Entire Truck
Don't focus only on the specialized equipment. The chassis, engine, transmission, tires, brakes, electrical systems, and other components are equally important to the overall investment.
Financing a Forestry Bucket Truck or Chipper Truck
For many tree service businesses, purchasing a specialized truck is one of the largest equipment investments they make.
That's why forestry truck financing can be an important consideration.
Rather than using a large amount of working capital to purchase equipment outright, financing may allow your business to acquire the truck it needs while keeping cash available for other operating expenses such as:
- Payroll
- Fuel
- Insurance
- Maintenance
- Equipment repairs
- Business expansion
- Working capital
At First Financial, we specialize in equipment financing and leasing and work with businesses purchasing a wide range of commercial equipment.
Whether you're looking for financing for a forestry bucket truck, chipper truck, grapple truck, dump truck, or other tree service equipment, our goal is to help you find a financing solution that fits your equipment purchase and business needs.
How Much Does Forestry Truck Financing Cost?
The cost of financing depends on several factors, including:
- Equipment purchase price
- New or used equipment
- Equipment age
- Business history
- Credit profile
- Down payment
- Financing term
- Type of equipment
Because every business and equipment purchase is different, it's important to look at financing based on the complete picture rather than focusing on one number.
At First Financial, we help businesses explore their options so they can make informed equipment purchasing decisions.
When Should You Upgrade Your Forestry Truck?
If your current truck is constantly in the shop, limiting the jobs you can accept, or no longer meets the demands of your business, it may be time to consider an upgrade.
Other signs that it may be time to add or replace equipment include:
- You're turning down jobs because of limited equipment.
- Your current truck doesn't have enough capacity.
- Your crews are spending too much time on manual labor.
- Maintenance costs are becoming excessive.
- You're expanding into new services.
- You need additional equipment to support business growth.
The right equipment investment can help your business take on more work and operate more efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forestry Trucks
What is a forestry bucket truck used for?
A forestry bucket truck is used to provide elevated access for tree trimming, tree removal, utility vegetation management, storm cleanup, and other aerial work.
What is a chipper truck used for?
A chipper truck is primarily used to collect and transport branches, brush, wood chips, and other debris generated during tree service and forestry operations.
Do tree service companies need both a bucket truck and a chipper truck?
Many full-service tree companies use both because they perform different functions. A bucket truck provides aerial access, while a chipper truck helps transport and dispose of tree debris.
Are used forestry trucks a good investment?
A well-maintained used forestry truck can be a practical investment for businesses looking to acquire specialized equipment while managing their equipment budget. Buyers should carefully inspect the truck and specialized equipment before purchasing.
Can I finance a used forestry bucket truck?
Used commercial forestry equipment may qualify for equipment financing depending on the equipment, its age and condition, and the financing company's requirements.
Can First Financial finance tree service equipment?
First Financial specializes in equipment financing and leasing and can help businesses explore financing options for qualifying forestry and tree-service equipment, including bucket trucks, chipper trucks, grapple trucks, and other commercial equipment.
Ready to Finance Your Next Forestry Truck?
Your equipment is an investment in your business.
Whether you're purchasing your first bucket truck, replacing an aging chipper truck, adding a grapple truck to your fleet, or expanding into new services, the right equipment can help your company take on more work and operate more efficiently.
First Financial is here to help you explore your equipment financing options.
From used forestry trucks to specialized tree-service equipment, we're ready to help you find a financing solution for your next equipment purchase.
Ready to get started? Contact First Financial today to discuss your equipment financing needs.
Have equipment in mind? Contact First Financial today to discuss your financing options.
Submit an application now to get started: Credit Application | First Financial LLC | PA
๐ (866) 634-7786
๐ง sales@firstfinllc.com
๐ www.firstfinllc.com
