SeanKroll
Treehouser
I'm considering upgrading chip trucks either to a 'regular' dump versus a mid-mount bucket/ dump bed. Been bouncing this inside my head, and could use some experienced feedback.
I've flown a non-dump Versalift for over 2 years, in the past, almost never off pavement.
Some of my trees are bucket accessible, but most aren't, under normal situations.
I deal with very saturated soils during the typical storm season. Storm damage seems like a good time for a bucket. Bad timing.
Good bit of hills here, so leveling out could be difficult on driveways.
Yesterday, I started (3) 130' fir takedowns, if I had someone to move the truck, I could have skipped 45-55' of easy spur climbing, knocking off stubs and a couple limbs. I have a seldom used Wraptor.
Outside of storm times...
A local arborist has an 83' spider lift: $300 mobilization, $500/ hour with operator and his "right-hand man".
Another biz has a 100' bucket, but not sure of subcontract-rates.
Cranes start at $215/ hour, portal to portal.
What are considerations of a bucket dump?
Insurance rates?
Dumping?
Inspection/ Certs?
Maintenance?
Sourcing?
How does having a bucket bring in bucket work in a climber-dependent market? Willie mentioned to only get a bucket truck if a person wants to be busy all the time.
How much use does it need to be useful, considering the lift's life-span, starting around 10 years old? How long is a reasonable used lift expected to last?
What else?
I've flown a non-dump Versalift for over 2 years, in the past, almost never off pavement.
Some of my trees are bucket accessible, but most aren't, under normal situations.
I deal with very saturated soils during the typical storm season. Storm damage seems like a good time for a bucket. Bad timing.
Good bit of hills here, so leveling out could be difficult on driveways.
Yesterday, I started (3) 130' fir takedowns, if I had someone to move the truck, I could have skipped 45-55' of easy spur climbing, knocking off stubs and a couple limbs. I have a seldom used Wraptor.
Outside of storm times...
A local arborist has an 83' spider lift: $300 mobilization, $500/ hour with operator and his "right-hand man".
Another biz has a 100' bucket, but not sure of subcontract-rates.
Cranes start at $215/ hour, portal to portal.
What are considerations of a bucket dump?
Insurance rates?
Dumping?
Inspection/ Certs?
Maintenance?
Sourcing?
How does having a bucket bring in bucket work in a climber-dependent market? Willie mentioned to only get a bucket truck if a person wants to be busy all the time.
How much use does it need to be useful, considering the lift's life-span, starting around 10 years old? How long is a reasonable used lift expected to last?
What else?