In the time I've been doing this there are two predominant schools of thought when it comes to Urban tree work and what type of package should be used.
1) Keep the truck as small/short and maneuverable as possible with the largest crane you can put on a 33,000GVW truck chassis. Typically vertical reach on this type of package is approximately 75' on a standard knuckleboom setup. This truck would be strictly a mule for the crane and you would basically have no legal payload. In this scenario since there is no legal payload allowable it only makes sense to mount the crane end of frame as a dump body would be pointless.
2) Go for a bigger crane (60 TM or larger) with approximately 105'++ (depending on how deep your pockets are) of vertical reach. Again you need to decide if the truck will be just a mule for the crane or if you actually want to haul wood out with you on the truck. If you want to haul wood out and be able to dump it you will need to mount the crane back of cab to allow for the dump body. Once you do this you will need front bumper outriggers for required stability (extra$$$ and weight) and the correct setup IMO is using a twin steer chassis. If you use a twin steer chassis you will need at a bare minimum a 13L engine (again more $$$ and weight) If all you need is a mule you can get away with a smaller tandem chassis with the crane mounted in the correct position somewhere in the end of frame region.
Below are 3 trucks that I personally built starting from the smallest to the largest setup.
Videos of 2 of the cranes we built.
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I'm not saying these setups are for everyone but it seems to be what is predominant in the southern Ontario Canada region and Toronto is a very congested city.
I hope this helps and good luck with your search for the right package for your firm. As a side note do yourself a favor and try to buy the package as locally to you as possible from a reputable dealer. Regardless of crane make or model they all eventually have a breakdown and there is something to be said about having the ability to drive to your service dealer and stand in their office doorway if you're not getting answers regarding the repair.
