Nifty lift sd50 vs tm64

[titanif]

If you had a choice between a sd50 or tm 64 what would your choice be? I like the idea of being self propelled but an extra 14' is pretty nice too? I have lcoated 2 used units close in price and just wondering what everyone's take is

Thanks

 

[flushcut]

They both have their place. How’s access in your job area? Is a self drive better or can you get the tow behind in easier? Personally I’d go for the height and figure out access.

 

[ATH]

How does side reach compare?

 

[EasternArborist]

TM64, more reach is better. Side reach much better.

 

[Christrees]

I’d like the monuverability over the extra 14’ but that’s me. I used something similar recently and it was awesome not having to fold all the way up or fold up at all to move around. I’d make up the extra 14’ with a pole saw. But that’s my opinion I don’t remember the exact model I used but it was really nice.

1 thing I didn’t like is having to touch the foot pedal to move idk if other are like that or not? But I can see why it is like that


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[flushcut]

A closed loop of wire can bypass the foot peddle.

 

[Christrees]

Can it.. ? I wish I had known that day. It was just a pain for me to get used too.

We had rented it for 2 days to do some trimming on the whole golf course. It was fun to run other than that


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[flushcut]

Yep, it can. The foot peddle is just a simple switch, open or closed. The wire loop closes the circuit. I use one on my CMC 72. I found the same plug style and made one that just plugs into the same jack on the lift, down side is that the controls are constantly live so you have to be wary of accidentally hitting the controls. Normally I close the lid on the controls when not moving.

 

[EasternArborist]

Yikes, no thanks, I can cut and grab a limb, boom over and drop it while foot on the pedal, my bucket it double wide too, doesn't seem like it would be worth messing with the deadman switch but just my opinion. If your working near wires or other obstacles that would be one more thing that could go wrong (what if a limb hits the controls?) I know it shouldnt happen but sure does. Some safety functions are overkill this one is not.

 

[ATH]

Yep, it can. The foot peddle is just a simple switch, open or closed. The wire loop closes the circuit. I use one on my CMC 72. I found the same plug style and made one that just plugs into the same jack on the lift, down side is that the controls are constantly live so you have to be wary of accidentally hitting the controls. Normally I close the lid on the controls when not moving.

Might consider putting a push button switch in place of the momentary foot pedal switch...that way you can turn off controls but not have to constantly fiddle with the pedal every time you need to move.

 

[EasternArborist]

Most of them have one, its an emergency override button. Let not go re wiring this stuff , let the manufacturers design the machines LOL! I sound old but cmon , once you get used to the pedal its second nature, you don't even realize doing it.

 

[Christrees]

Yeah your all right in your own ways.. I got used to the ft pedal just sucked. A push button or trigger on the Handel would be nice.


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[flushcut]

Well, in just over 1000 hours of fly time I have yet to hit the controls by accident. And no wires were altered still all factory. Works well for me your mileage may vary.

 

[Christrees]

Well, in just over 1000 hours of fly time I have yet to hit the controls by accident. And no wires were altered still all factory. Works well for me your mileage may vary.

Yeah your right I’m not saying it doesn’t work great.. it was just something I wasn’t used too. I haven’t used a lot of rental equipment. And if I did it would be for clean up.


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[EasternArborist]

Well, in just over 1000 hours of fly time I have yet to hit the controls by accident. And no wires were altered still all factory. Works well for me your mileage may

I haven't either yet, if Im over primary wires Ill under cut and pull the branch up into the bucket with me to boom over and chuck it , thats the only time I suppose it could happen.

 

[Fivepoints]

I've used bot the sd50 and the sd64. Never used a tm series nifty but I have used a genie quite a bit. The trailer mounted sucks if you have to maneuver it with a truck. If a mini skid can be used that works much better. The side reach and the scoping out is much better on the 64. The 50 doesnt have enough range of motion and is very annoying to use at times. It's also to short for our trees here.

Our 65 ft bucket truck runs circles around either lift. Its side reach is better and its smoother and faster. That said, the sd64 will go places we cant.