Crawler Lift purchase

Best crawler lift

  • all

    Votes: 1 33.3%

  • all

    Votes: 2 66.7%
  • Total voters
    3
Winch said:
Mench said "I think you guys over exaggerate just a bit." Not sure what you are referring to - the Bil-Jax I rented would take a full two-three minutes to get down from tight positions. Bucket truck I was used to was more like 30 seconds or so. It all adds up. If that is what you are referring to, that is...

thanks for the input Brendonv. Do you have one to sell me? I bet the outriggers are all waxed up if so:p
Click to expand...


I dont have one. I do know one going up for sale, pm if interested. Its a teupen 25. Stored indoors. Nice shape.
 
frashdog said:
Y
my perceived negative comments are simply my ignorant perceptions on their shortcomings when I imagine using one.

You guys clearly live in a another world from my market...
People here let buckets all over their yards, they don't care about ruts for the most part, the people who do care we put mats down or climb. That said 90%+ of our jobs are bucket jobs... You lift guys think they are quicker then a bucket truck, for real?! If so... Can a used lift can be found under $50k ? If so maybe you have a point.

Another question for you lift guys... Would you consider yourselves accomplished climbers? Able to do it all, outside those rare dead/dangerous trees no climber in their right mind would try?

Cost is the big hurdle right now. Any dingdog can get a used bucket truck and chipper with all the gear needed for a fraction of the cost of a new lift.

Another question. I keep reading people saying they are made for tree work .. Do they take hits from wood as well as a bucket truck does? I have not seen one that looks like it could.

How do they handle snow?and ice?

Sorry, I feel you might be delusional to think they will be as common as chippers some day. Maybe if large companies buy fleets of them and flood the used market with them like buckets and chippers.


Not saying I would not consider a crawler lift some day... Probably gonna have a big kboom way before it though.
Click to expand...
First thing I've climbed for over 12 years, I have lots of experience climbing, still have to climb trees where the lift can't get into. I'm into production and effiency and being less tired at the end of the day! A new bucket truck here is over $125,000 for a decent one, my lift was just over 100,000. You can get an older crappy bucket and keep pouring money into or buy something new have it paid off sooner made with better technology and parts and not have to worry about the guy who owned an older bucket running the hell out of it and abusing it, been there done that! Lol yeah you of course you don't want to strike any piece of equipment with any part of the tree, you have to be on your game and be good at what you do and be a good rigger not to strike it. I double check every piece I rig down and my guys are pretty proficient at rigging so I have no concerns it's going to get hit, or heads are going to roll! Snow isn't a big problem, not going to take it over or on ice. Any winter stuff unless it's an emergency we climb it or use cranes anyways, I plan on storing it this winter as I don't want any salt being introduced to it! Your right any ding dong can go out and buy a bucket and chipper but can he run it right or knows what he's doing? They'll be the ones driving around in dinged up trucks missing teeth, crappy reputations etc.... If you know anyone on here that has one close to you go see if you can work with them for a day you'll see what we are talking about! If you were close to me I'd let you run mine to see for yourself! Keep on asking the questions I'm all about helping other arborists out! A nice k boom is what I plan on adding in the next year or 2 also!
Devon
 
Last edited:
frashdog said:
Come on you are making $5k a day with those things?! Like I keep saying... Your market is not the same as ours.

We have no problems getting trees on the ground. Our crux of productivity is clean up. That said we have a mini with a bmg, and a bandit 1890. I make it rain wood wether I'm climbing, bucket or a combo. I then come down and assist clean up. Yea I could double my productivity running a second "clean up crew"... Long term logistics would be a nightmare for me to keep everyone busy with the distances between some jobs and nature and variety of jobs we work.

Glad it all works out like a fairy tale for you guys.
Click to expand...
I'm in a good market and have a lot of high end clients and most days/weeks don't have a problem of hitting my daily/weekly goals.
 
frashdog said:
Y
my perceived negative comments are simply my ignorant perceptions on their shortcomings when I imagine using one.

You guys clearly live in a another world from my market...
People here let buckets all over their yards, they don't care about ruts for the most part, the people who do care we put mats down or climb. That said 90%+ of our jobs are bucket jobs... You lift guys think they are quicker then a bucket truck, for real?! If so... Can a used lift can be found under $50k ? If so maybe you have a point.

Another question for you lift guys... Would you consider yourselves accomplished climbers? Able to do it all, outside those rare dead/dangerous trees no climber in their right mind would try?

Cost is the big hurdle right now. Any dingdog can get a used bucket truck and chipper with all the gear needed for a fraction of the cost of a new lift.

Another question. I keep reading people saying they are made for tree work .. Do they take hits from wood as well as a bucket truck does? I have not seen one that looks like it could.

How do they handle snow?and ice?

Sorry, I feel you might be delusional to think they will be as common as chippers some day. Maybe if large companies buy fleets of them and flood the used market with them like buckets and chippers.


Not saying I would not consider a crawler lift some day... Probably gonna have a big kboom way before it though.
Click to expand...



No, we do not climb much anymore. We do not need to with the lift. Do the lifts take hits like a bucket? Not sure. NEVER hit anything using a bucket or lift. That is plain crazy. We doubt that "being made for tree work" means they can be hit with large pieces of wood.
We do not work in ice or snow or the entire winter, but are sure the lifts would do well....why not? We know companies that use them in the winter with no problems.

Bucket trucks as you know work well also. It all depends on your particular situation. We chose to be more flexible with less overall effort and it works for us. Probably people in your market do not know there are options when it comes to working in their yards and just expect big, heavy trucks, when sometimes they are not needed to complete the work. Out of here and tired arguing....
 
Menchhofer said:
No, we do not climb much anymore. We do not need to with the lift. Do the lifts take hits like a bucket? Not sure. NEVER hit anything using a bucket or lift. That is plain crazy. We doubt that "being made for tree work" means they can be hit with large pieces of wood.
We do not work in ice or snow or the entire winter, but are sure the lifts would do well....why not? We know companies that use them in the winter with no problems.

Bucket trucks as you know work well also. It all depends on your particular situation. We chose to be more flexible with less overall effort and it works for us. Probably people in your market do not know there are options when it comes to working in their yards and just expect big, heavy trucks, when sometimes they are not needed to complete the work. Out of here and tired arguing....
Click to expand...
Who's arguing? clearly you feel that you are.

I'm just asking questions and making ignorant statements as I have never operated one of these myself. Hey maybe there is one in my near future.
 
deevo said:
First thing I've climbed for over 12 years, I have lots of experience climbing, still have to climb trees where the lift can't get into. I'm into production and effiency and being less tired at the end of the day! A new bucket truck here is over $125,000 for a decent one, my lift was just over 100,000. You can get an older crappy bucket and keep pouring money into or buy something new have it paid off sooner made with better technology and parts and not have to worry about the guy who owned an older bucket running the hell out of it and abusing it, been there done that! Lol yeah you of course you don't want to strike any piece of equipment with any part of the tree, you have to be on your game and be good at what you do and be a good rigger not to strike it. I double check every piece I rig down and my guys are pretty proficient at rigging so I have no concerns it's going to get hit, or heads are going to roll! Snow isn't a big problem, not going to take it over or on ice. Any winter stuff unless it's an emergency we climb it or use cranes anyways, I plan on storing it this winter as I don't want any salt being introduced to it! Your right any ding dong can go out and buy a bucket and chipper but can he run it right or knows what he's doing? They'll be the ones driving around in dinged up trucks missing teeth, crappy reputations etc.... If you know anyone on here that has one close to you go see if you can work with them for a day you'll see what we are talking about! If you were close to me I'd let you run mine to see for yourself! Keep on asking the questions I'm all about helping other arborists out! A nice k boom is what I plan on adding in the next year or 2 also!
Devon
Click to expand...
Right on!
The reality of our current market is used equipment and everyone underbidding each other. The customer side has caught on to this and plays tree guys against each other all the time, I know this because I am friends with a few and we warn each other about people or give each other jobs. The scene will change in the next few years. I know several guys getting out due to age. Hey maybe a crawler lift is in my future. The strongest don't survive... The ones who adapt do.
 
CreTree said:
If the lifts weren't so damn expensive, comparatively speaking, I would already own one. The Crypt Gall Wasp killed Oaks I've been climbing are scary! A lift would make life much less stressful. Especially with all these massive trees in the tiniest of backyards.There are very few used lifts available in decent shape.
Click to expand...
I suggest you give us a call at toll free 844-UPEQUIP. You will be surprised to see how affordable our lifts are.
 
frashdog said:
Right on!
The reality of our current market is used equipment and everyone underbidding each other. The customer side has caught on to this and plays tree guys against each other all the time, I know this because I am friends with a few and we warn each other about people or give each other jobs. The scene will change in the next few years. I know several guys getting out due to age. Hey maybe a crawler lift is in my future. The strongest don't survive... The ones who adapt do.
Click to expand...
After reading all the thread, I would really like you to call us and find out for yourself how beneficial a spider lift could be for you, regardless of the brand.
Here is where: toll free 844-UPEQUIP
Talk to you soon(er or later)...
 
Ok so lets say I have a hundred grand to spend on a new toy, which would be the best value?:

60-65 ft bucket truck:
Pros: It's faster (the bucket), it's a chip truck
Cons: CDL, heavy, limited access

Spider lift:
Pros: Goes pretty much everywhere, no CDL
Cons: Always need another truck, slower

Small Kboom (something like this http://treebuzz.com/forum/threads/2006-hino-with-copma-140-5-and-large-chip-body.27050/) :
Pros: It's a chip truck, it's a loader, it's a crane, could be a bucket
Cons: CDL, inspections, heavy, limited access

I know alot has to do with market, but let's just say in general. What am I forgetting?
 
i dont think i would ever purchase a forestry bucket truck to do resi work. rear mount will do / get to way more. cant chip into it, but you will be reaching waaaaay more, and chipping waaaay easier / faster.
that is if you already have a chip truck anyway
 
matdand said:
Ok so lets say I have a hundred grand to spend on a new toy, which would be the best value?:

60-65 ft bucket truck:
Pros: It's faster (the bucket), it's a chip truck
Cons: CDL, heavy, limited access

Spider lift:
Pros: Goes pretty much everywhere, no CDL
Cons: Always need another truck, slower

Small Kboom (something like this http://treebuzz.com/forum/threads/2006-hino-with-copma-140-5-and-large-chip-body.27050/) :
Pros: It's a chip truck, it's a loader, it's a crane, could be a bucket
Cons: CDL, inspections, heavy, limited access

I know alot has to do with market, but let's just say in general. What am I forgetting?
Click to expand...

One thing you have to remember about the ash trees if they are totally brittle forget about using a crane or k boom on them ! They'll crumble! I've got a good chip truck and when I did have my forestry bucket your always full most days by lunch and going to dump .... That means down time and less production, having a chip truck you don't lose production of breaking down going to dump and come back etc.... My lifts as fast as my old altec bucket (1997) good luck getting a bucket in a back yard also! One of the main reasons I got my lifts for access, it's going to be paid off by September. One of the best pieces of equipment I've bought so far in my earlier career ( ok 10 years!) the cAsh trees in Toronto and GTA are in terrible shape by the time you/ we get called, they are a breeze with the tracked lifts! Again mine works for me and makes me a lot of $ in my particular area.
 
Hey Deevo - $109k taxes in, correct?
---------------
On a tragic note - Vermeer Brampton is now the ON dealer and their talking $120-$130k before taxes.........you saved some pennies there!
--------------

Purchase = $130k
tax @ 13%
Tax = $16900
financing @6% for 60mos
Interest = $25550

Net price $172k

Depreciation@15%/annum
Residual = $41675

Total price = $131k
Annual price per year = $18682
Annual Total ROI (factor 2) = $37364

Annual Maintenance/Repairs/Cost (excl fuel)
Quarterly "Tune up" $1200 ($300x4)
Quarterly "Misc" $1200 ($300x4)
Tracks $1600 (annum/800hr; 100 days@8hrs)
Annual Certification $1500
Annual Insurance $750
Total Annual = $4250

Approx Daily Cost (100 days) $430

----------------------------------------------------
$130k purchase paid off in 12-24mos?

Lets run with 24.....
$159,485 ($130k purchase + tax +10% down + finance for 24mos @6%)

200 days (100/annum, 2 yr)
=$797.43/day
+ $500 (owner/operator salary/day)
= $1297.43/day
+ $200 (company OH as 40% factor of owner salary - covers rent, marketing, phone etc, etc)
= $1497.43/day
or
= $2994.86/day for 12 mos buy out.
----------------------------------------------------------

I dont think its feasible to pay this machine off in 24 mos without subsidy from the co. (i.e. owner allocates salary toward capital expenditure, peripheral revenues allocate capital toward expenditure)
 
Mangoes said:
Hey Deevo - $109k taxes in, correct?
---------------
On a tragic note - Vermeer Brampton is now the ON dealer and their talking $120-$130k before taxes.........you saved some pennies there!
--------------

Purchase = $130k
tax @ 13%
Tax = $16900
financing @6% for 60mos
Interest = $25550
Net price $172k

Depreciation@15%/annum
Residual = $41675

Total price = $131k
Annual price per year = $18682
Annual Total ROI (factor 2) = $37364

Annual Maintenance/Repairs/Cost (excl fuel)
Quarterly "Tune up" $1200 ($300x4)
Quarterly "Misc" $1200 ($300x4)
Tracks $1600 (annum/800hr; 100 days@8hrs)
Annual Certification $1500
Annual Insurance $750
Total Annual = $4250

Approx Daily Cost (100 days) $430

----------------------------------------------------
$130k purchase paid off in 12-24mos?

Lets run with 24.....
$159,485 ($130k purchase + tax +10% down + finance for 24mos @6%)

200 days (100/annum, 2 yr)
=$797.43/day
+ $500 (owner/operator salary/day)
= $1297.43/day
+ $200 (company OH as 40% factor of owner salary - covers rent, marketing, phone etc, etc)
= $1497.43/day
or
= $2994.86/day for 12 mos buy out.
----------------------------------------------------------

I dont think its feasible to pay this machine off in 24 mos without subsidy from the co. (i.e. owner allocates salary toward capital expenditure, peripheral revenues allocate capital toward expenditure)
Click to expand...
Yep that's a pretty big mark up! I sent you a pm, sure glad I bought mine when I did! I only financed 20% of mine which I've paid off .....I've storm work paid the rest! Lol
 
Mangoes said:
Hey Deevo - $109k taxes in, correct?
---------------
On a tragic note - Vermeer Brampton is now the ON dealer and their talking $120-$130k before taxes.........you saved some pennies there!
--------------

Purchase = $130k
tax @ 13%
Tax = $16900
financing @6% for 60mos
Interest = $25550
Net price $172k

Depreciation@15%/annum
Residual = $41675

Total price = $131k
Annual price per year = $18682
Annual Total ROI (factor 2) = $37364

Annual Maintenance/Repairs/Cost (excl fuel)
Quarterly "Tune up" $1200 ($300x4)
Quarterly "Misc" $1200 ($300x4)
Tracks $1600 (annum/800hr; 100 days@8hrs)
Annual Certification $1500
Annual Insurance $750
Total Annual = $4250

Approx Daily Cost (100 days) $430

----------------------------------------------------
$130k purchase paid off in 12-24mos?

Lets run with 24.....
$159,485 ($130k purchase + tax +10% down + finance for 24mos @6%)

200 days (100/annum, 2 yr)
=$797.43/day
+ $500 (owner/operator salary/day)
= $1297.43/day
+ $200 (company OH as 40% factor of owner salary - covers rent, marketing, phone etc, etc)
= $1497.43/day
or
= $2994.86/day for 12 mos buy out.
----------------------------------------------------------

I dont think its feasible to pay this machine off in 24 mos without subsidy from the co. (i.e. owner allocates salary toward capital expenditure, peripheral revenues allocate capital toward expenditure)
Click to expand...
Don't forget 2 rear ends and a main seal before it has even made you a nickel.
 
Mangoes - thanks for providing that daily cost analysis!
A crawler lift purchase now appears contingent on a successful armoured car or ATM heist.
Tragic, indeed.
 
BigWood said:
Don't forget 2 rear ends and a main seal before it has even made you a nickel.
Click to expand...

Ummm - pretty sure tracked lifts don't have differentials, nor a rear main seal. Likely have crank seals, just none defined as rear main seals.

But your description sounds awfully familiar, though erroneous in detail.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Kask Stihl NORTHEASTERN Arborists Wesspur TreeStuff.com Teufelberger Westminster X-Rigging Teufelberger
Back
Top Bottom