ADVICE PLEASE. expanding a small tree operation. ADVICE PLEASE

[wisconsintreeguy]

Everyone's particular situation involves them trying to avoid personally climbing, unless they're a climber.
Landlubbers have a place, but it's not in a tree.


Edit: Damn I come off as snarky. I don't mean to be more than mildly elitist, especially to someone who is really explaining what they think and being polite. I'm sorry.

No need to be sorry. My feelings are not hurt just looking for real advice. Thank you.

 

[RogerM]

A chipper can save so much time and condense your debris way more than any trailer. Also allows for so much more work. Sometimes the customer even wants the chips.
I recommend you get a chipper... I know how much easier it made life, when I was hustling side work. just another opinion. Good Luck with the whole thing.

 

[wisconsintreeguy]

A chipper can save so much time and condense your debris way more than any trailer. Also allows for so much more work. Sometimes the customer even wants the chips.
I recommend you get a chipper... I know how much easier it made life, when I was hustling side work. just another opinion. Good Luck with the whole thing.

Thank you sir

 

[wisconsintreeguy]

A chipper can save so much time and condense your debris way more than any trailer. Also allows for so much more work. Sometimes the customer even wants the chips.
I recommend you get a chipper... I know how much easier it made life, when I was hustling side work. just another opinion. Good Luck with the whole thing.

What do you recommend? 9"? Those little 6" chippers are tempting but don't hear great things.

 

[RogerM]

Someone said to aim for pruning/preservation with "higher end clients" good advice, I would lean towards 9 more than 6. 6 will probably frustrate you. I am pretty sure there are some model 90xp chippers out there. Used, but kept up. You have to look around. I'm basing all this on the fact this is part time. I'd imagine there is plenty of small dead trees and broken pears out there to remove as well.

 

[SomethingWitty]

I still say that a lift is a silly direction to go in if you're capable of climbing and that chipper or a small loader of some sort is the way to go.

Under 10k doesn't push you to CDL range if the truck is below 26k gvwr.
As long as your combined weight restriction is below 26k, no CDL.
Pretty standard is a 350/3500 series dually pulling a double 7k axle dump trailer. The truck sits in the 11k range. You could also go for two 5k axles behind any truck up to 26k gvw.

The laws are silly.

 

[B_Strange]

I still say that a lift is a silly direction to go in if you're capable of climbing and that chipper or a small loader of some sort is the way to go.

Under 10k doesn't push you to CDL range if the truck is below 26k gvwr.
As long as your combined weight restriction is below 26k, no CDL.
Pretty standard is a 350/3500 series dually pulling a double 7k axle dump trailer. The truck sits in the 11k range. You could also go for two 5k axles behind any truck up to 26k gvw.

The laws are silly.

I just started a tree business last July and am the only worker. I climb and do removals and prunes that are in my lane. I have a groundie I use occasionally.
I went the 3500 dually with a double 7k axle dump trailer route you recommend. Best decision ever. I could not afford a 5500 chip truck and chipper which would be ideal. New business and I am rebuilding my credit.

I rent a 6” Vermeer and while it speeds up the process a 9” Bandit would be better. Gotta save up for one. Next purchase will be a mini skid. Leaning toward a SK 800.

 

[flushcut]

Think it would weigh over 10K though. Pretty sure I can't legally tow over 10k without cdl.

You can with a 3/4 ton, I pull my 14k 18'er daily. It's once you go over a 3/4 ton then a 10k or under applies, for the most part.

 

[TreeLogic]

Why a lift as opposed to a used bucket truck under CDL?

Unless you have a lot of tight backyards you get more bang for your buck with a 65' bucket

Not sure I'm in agreement here. Maybe for certain rural locales but not in urban areas IMO

 

[TCtreeswinger]

Grapple trailer and 3/4 ton? Can be used to haul equiment and do p.m. work and put float tires on for backing into yards? I know WI has some goofy dot laws so get that straight before buying anything..obviously

 

[TCtreeswinger]

I would also add you would probably use a mini skid more than you think doing other work. Aaand climbing is invaluable

 

[Nathanael]

7.3 if you can get it.

 

[TopNotchEquipment]

Mini skid or loader for sure at first.
Depending on your budget I have them starting at $17,500 for boxer 320 new and going up from there. New Cast articulating Loaders starting at $29995.
I have 2 used Cast Loaders (2019 33Tlx Carbon with Cabin / heat, 2018 30Tlx both have around 325 hours) and 5 trades coming in (3 giant 254 and 2 intrepid) 3 fixed boom and 2 tele booms used machines are from $22k - $38k all are 2016-2019 models