I hate bucket trucks.

I feel like the bucket truck has great potential for rampant tree dismantlings sold to and executed by people that do not have the trees in their best interest. Maybe I'm stretching.
 
Ours was nice in our last storm , 200 really rough pines, literally had to cut a path getting to the top. Couldn't set a throw line for jack in them , 4 climbers we all had to use alternate lanyard technique to crawl to the tops. Once we got there is was nearly impossible to get the damaged limbs to fall to the ground. One bucket truck did as many as all 4 us combined , it was amazing.
 
My opinion is formed by knowing that when someone walks up to a tree to make a recommendation, if they have no bucket truck they are very likely going to recommend any and all services other than removal. This example is for preservable trees only. If its dead or dying and dangerous, yes the bucket makes sense.

So now, jimbob who owns a bucket truck walks up to the same preservable healthy tree and recommends a dismantle.

ok, my opinion veers us down a different moral issue path. relevant though.

People just shouldn't suck at life. That would make this not relevant and I would just be quiet.
 
Tools, they are only as good as the being behind the button. Times are changing, none of us here could prepare and be satisfied with the results. Needn't worry or argue any points of technology, we are all dinosaurs clinging to methods that will soon be archived by video game teens.
Example is that when I grew up we had a house phone, now my son has a computer in his pocket that he can do anything with, good or evil. We can gripe about it but it's here, I didn't take it away, why? Because technology slipped in and integrated making our life easier. Everyone on here accepts that or you wouldn't be reading this. Just as the cell phones came, so will k-booms, spider lifts and remote tree technology. Happy or not it's all coming, bucket trucks will be the least of your worries if all you have is climbing in your tool bag.
 
I agree with so many have stated above. I believe we are in the midst of some pretty exciting times. Climbing a tree is harder than using a bucket. That is why the bucket came along, to make the work easier. Now, each has it's advantages in certain situations. Now we are seeing mini track lifts that can be carted into the back yard through a gate and used where bucket trucks could never imagine going. They are making cranes on tracks that can now fit into back yards. Used to be area's where climbers would excel, the trees you couldn't get equipment to. Now, we are seeing equipment getting to almost every tree you can think of.
I am at a cross road. I own a business, I consider myself a production climber. However, I now can see an advantage to having some of this equipment. Maybe a company that does tree work but doesn't climb the trees? I'm not ready to say goodbye to the saddle just yet:hola:
 
I also think when customers see you literally trust your life tying into their tree, walking out on limbs, they might realize how strong and sturdy it is, as opposed to the bucket method, which might give the impression that the bucket is the only safe way to access the tree. Also, for developing trees, I think that climbing/tying into them, flexing and bending limbs and leaders creates even more stress wood that makes the tree stronger. Maintaining a tree gives more value to the customer and makes more money for the arborist in the long run.
 
shaddart said:
I also think when customers see you literally trust your life tying into their tree, walking out on limbs, they might realize how strong and sturdy it is, as opposed to the bucket method, which might give the impression that the bucket is the only safe way to access the tree. Also, for developing trees, I think that climbing/tying into them, flexing and bending limbs and leaders creates even more stress wood that makes the tree stronger. Maintaining a tree gives more value to the customer and makes more money for the arborist in the long run.
Click to expand...

In my experience the homeowner doesn't really care HOW you do the work. They just want it done and done right. I don't think they really care if you climb the tree, use a bucket, crane, or shoot the limbs down. Sure, some are really cool to watch. Like climbing a big tree in the back yard, or bringing a huge crane in to remove a tree.
 
I can't see how owning a bucket would influence a reputable tree service to remove a tree instead of maintaining it. It makes no sense. Anyone who has a clue knows maintaining a tree leads to a potential repeat customer. Removals remove customers. You can make an argument for and against anything based on the influence you are striving for. The bottom line is, the bucket is a tool. I don't know about you but I can get out to the very tips of limbs better in a bucket than climbing. Those 2"d limbs don't hold my weight too well. Stump grinders are dangerous and loud. Owning a stump grinder makes you more prone to take down trees just so you can use it. (Sarcasm)
 
I went to work for a company in 02 told I would being able to use a bucket 75% of the time, but the first day (everybody getting to know each other) was a large maple trim. Crew chief jumps up on the truck to start off as I'm getting my gear on, strapping up and grabbing ropes when I look up and see the lower booms cylinder mount is peeled back at a 45° angle. No one knew how long the boom was damaged but the 3/4" steel ear was bent over and only the opposite side ear was holding the pin and cylinder in place. It may have been being used as it was for weeks, I've seen some crazy stuff and for the most part the trucks are over engineered to cover operator error or mishaps.
Nothings better than a bucket set up in the middle of 3 or 4 trims and a good polesaw/ pruner. I agree with Royce a bucket and second climber in a removal will cut the time off a job by 3/4.
At 41 I appreciate the option of the bucket and enjoy using a second climber on days with multiple climbs
As an owner I appreciate the time savings when we get to use the truck
 
Another thing that is really nice about a bucket is the ability to come down to the ground as often as you want. I have a young crew of guys who need training. I show them how to tie the porta wrap on the tree on day, then the next I need to show them again. It is nice to come down in the bucket and really show them hands on again. I get angry when I have to come out of a tree for no good reason when I am climbing.
Also, if the ground crew is getting really backed up I come down and help them chip and then head back up again. Just a few advantages, but it is a tool and has it's place. There are certain trees in certain locations where I would rather climb.
 
I never stepped into a bucket until 7 years ago. I'll always love climbing but a bucket used in the right situation is one hell of a money maker and i see why we run three of them instead of climbing everything.
I'll have a new climber do his thing and I'll use the bucket to check his work and put me right up with him to show him things.
 
I've worked with climber's that preferred to climb instead of use the bucket because they thought it was faster. One guy in particular is the fastest climber I've seen but on a tree that the bucket can reach, there's no comparison for the speed. As far as storm damage, there's nothing safer than coming in on top of a tangle of limbs instead of under or through it except a crane of course -but why not use both anyway. Just sit back with a power pruner and dissect a jumbled mess when conditions permit too
 
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