bucket trucks

[ArtB]

Old man going to need to trim high branches.

Just a DIY, but getting too old to climb for my own stuff (esp w/o spikes, now that this site has educated me that that is a no-no on good trees) and have been thinking of getting a bucket truck for the trimming in the backyard (and also for house painting).


For timming, typical trim here would be 3 in dia D. fir branches 30 ft up (already trimed the lower ones) that are 30 ft long - those suckers really reach to get the sun don't they!

Anyway, no ground slope over about 2/10, have seen some 3/4 ton P/u's on ebay, etc. that went for $1500 that needed hydraulics repaired (no problem, full shop) but had no outriggers. So, the question is, what are any pitfalls to bucket trucks, stories or histories of tipovers, etc. Advice appreciated.

Have also thought about building a hydraulic boom with a couple of 2 inch 20 ft box beams (attach to the back of a dozer or truck) and a chain saw at the end, but have never seen anything commercial like that so assume it likely does not work too well?

 

[M.D. Vaden]

There is a rental place in Sherwood, Oregon, that rents a bucket setup on a trailer. It can be pulled with a pickup or a tractor with a 2" ball.

It has stablizers that swing out. Operates from below, or up in the bucket. Goes to about 30 feet. Rents for about $150 per day.

 

[ORclimber]

FWIW Here's an alternative that is cheaper to buy/fix/maintain than a bucket truck, and won't damage roots. http://www.futureforestry.com/forestry/products/ascender/ascender.html

I also know where there is a 45' polesaw for $50, but that wouldn't do old shoulders any good.

 

[Stumper]

Art, Brace yourself, you are going to be asked why you want to remove all the lower branches. I'll assume you just want to cut dead ones in the lower 30 feet. The easiest and safest way to do that would be with a good polesaw. $200 will get you a brand new set of poles and a good head w/blade.