Does anyone have any experience with the knuckle boom type crane trucks for tree work? Seems the height and weight capacity is limited, but sure does look like they would be handy in storm work. Also could really utilize the bed that most of them come mounted on for hauling logs and long limbs. Just looking for some input on these units.
Anyone use knuckle boom type crane trucks for tree work
- Thread starter hawk910
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My buddy runs a very large effer knuckleboom. His capacity is insane. Can still pickup a 1k pounds 100' away. He would never go back to a stick crane. That said, a stick crane is gonna be cheaper and easier to find used. My buddy has 450k or so in his setup.island edge
ArboristSite Operative
I also run a effer kboom crane. Its more versatile than a stick crane. However stick cranes generally have more lifting capacity then kbooms. Main reason i went with a kboom was to have the ability to run a mecanil saw on the end. Its a game changer. I took this big oak by myself with just my nephew as a ground guy. No more large crew needed..island edge
ArboristSite Operative
What model effer does your buddy have? Looks nice
Ryan'smilling
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I never saw them at all in Western WA, but it seems that just about every tree service around here (WI) is running one. I've seen several that skip the chipper altogether and just run a knuckle boom truck.
I'm not sure on the model number, but I believe it's the largest one they offered when he got it about 3 years or so ago. I know he says it's the largest kboom in northern Ohio.
I don’t currently run a chipper either. I run two trucks, two dump trailers, and a bobcat. I would love to replace one of the trucks and trailers with one of these.
island edge
ArboristSite Operative
Nice! What's his company name? I think it looks like a effer 850 series
Gerasimek
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I think a kboom is better suited for tree work. You need little space to unfold it, you can work under obstacles, you can equip it with a bucket, a grapplesaw, clam shell, hook, etc.
With the grapplesaw equipped you have amazing control, you reduce risk, payroll, and workers comp.
I can go on and on and on...
Get one. You won't be disappointed.
With the grapplesaw equipped you have amazing control, you reduce risk, payroll, and workers comp.
I can go on and on and on...
Get one. You won't be disappointed.
beastmaster
Addicted to ArboristSite
I worked for a guy who had one. It was great. We used it all the time. Even simple things like lifting a stump grinder or small chipper into a back yard, or using a cargo net to lift wood out of a back yard into a truck. We used it to put the climber in a tree. It was only 55ft but that was good enough for 75% of our removals.
island edge
ArboristSite Operative
Stumper didnt fit through the gate.. No problem i got the crane.
