kirk.g
Well-known member
Has anyone rented one of those cherry pickers to cut trees with...I got a quote from a tree service and i dont think I can afford 4000.$ for just one tree behind my garage.....There are more but 4K for one in particular.
renting a cherry picker for tree cutting
- Thread starter kirk.g
- Start date
cj7jeep81
Well-known member
last year, my dad rented a bucket lift, and i cut down 5 evergreens. i think the lift was $150 for the weekend (place rents all weekend for 1 day rate since they're closed sunday). worked great, tallest tree was about 40' to the top.
4k sounds incredibly high, unless there are special circumstances. my dad was quoted i think $600 to do 3 trees. he had a couple within 20' of the house, which is why we didn't just drop them. no power lines or anything else near by, and i'm pretty comfortable running a saw.
4k sounds incredibly high, unless there are special circumstances. my dad was quoted i think $600 to do 3 trees. he had a couple within 20' of the house, which is why we didn't just drop them. no power lines or anything else near by, and i'm pretty comfortable running a saw.
Crusty Nut
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2008
- Messages
- 475
I depends on you and the tree. I was a tree trimmer for many years and heard and saw it all with people who thought the prices were too high for "just cutting a tree". You should definitely get several quotes, but if it hits the house, or you, 4K will seem pretty cheap.
Last year I got a quote for 3K for some trees at my place. I did 90% of the work and hired the crew to come do the part most likely to screw something up. Thats why they have insurance. After renting the chipper and paying the crew for what work they did do, I still spent 1K.
Last year I got a quote for 3K for some trees at my place. I did 90% of the work and hired the crew to come do the part most likely to screw something up. Thats why they have insurance. After renting the chipper and paying the crew for what work they did do, I still spent 1K.
I think this falls into the "how-good-are-you" catagory. No disrespect intended, but having spent a lot of time working in the air, this is a matter of self-confidence modified by experience. Trees like to go where you don't expect them to. Pines are easy, if the bole doesn't fracture and fall apart. I had that happen to me once and it just missed me. Very lucky. Looking at this type job and deciding "i think I can", can, once in the bucket turn into a serious case of "shiver me timbers". Good luck on this. I would recommend checking bith health insurance and getting a blanket liability umbrella policy to protect the property owner.
I'm in kinda the same boat at my new place. I have a 5' dia black walnut that overhangs both my house and the neighbors. As well the neighbor out backs power lines run thru the tree and it has just been chopped up, by assorted well meaning people who didn't give a darn about the tree. This one is 14' to the lowest 36" branch. I am going to spend a pile of dough on its removal as it will have to have a crane to boom out to the spot and lifted over the house. At least it is black walnut and worth the effort. I know I can do it. I also know I shouldn't.
I'm in kinda the same boat at my new place. I have a 5' dia black walnut that overhangs both my house and the neighbors. As well the neighbor out backs power lines run thru the tree and it has just been chopped up, by assorted well meaning people who didn't give a darn about the tree. This one is 14' to the lowest 36" branch. I am going to spend a pile of dough on its removal as it will have to have a crane to boom out to the spot and lifted over the house. At least it is black walnut and worth the effort. I know I can do it. I also know I shouldn't.
GarageEnvy
Well-known member
I rented one a year ago for a Bradford pear that was next to our house. It was from Sunbelt and it cost $250 per day. However, if you rent on a Friday and return Monday morning it's one day. I split it with a neighbor. It had a 35' reach, was self-leveling and very maneuverable. I was working with relatively small limbs (<4") at the upper heights. If I was doing larger limbs I would have thought twice about the whole deal. When you're on the ground with a pole saw it's easy to run. When you're in a bucket, you can't get out of the way. Incidentally, my local Home Depot has one for the same price but you have to have a 3/4 ton truck to rent it. Sunblet did not have that policy.
Michael T
Member
The Voice of Experience here: find a licensed, bonded, insured tree trimmer/arborist from your area. Learn from your local city, town, or county government if you need a permit for the work and if your tree guy needs anything special from that government agency.
When I first bought my house, I just found a tree guy in the newspaper ads, settled on a price, and had him go at it. I soon found that the new little Hoosier town was overrun with tree huggers who were pissed at me because I was instrumental in killing five of the crappiest trees on earth, along with removing an unsightly 100' cottonwood that had been dead for a couple of years. Then I found that I needed a town permit for any tree work where the tree or branch involved exceeded 3" in diameter. It was not the ideal way to meet the neighbors and constabulary in my new town.
And get a signed contract. I repeat, get a signed contract detailing the minimum amount of work involved. If you and your new tree guy agree to work that is outside the contract, create a written addendum to that contract, and make sure you and he both sign it. It can save you money and untold amounts of aggravation during and after the job. I'm sure it sounds extreme, but you need to protect yourself and your family. Without the permit (at a minimum), if something goes awry and there is damage to your house or the neighbor's property, you could be on the hook for it. I'm sure if a big branch takes out the neighbor's crappy little shed, he's likely to want to be reimbursed as if it had been the Taj Mahal, and if you don't have picture, you probably will be on the hook.
The tree guys broke a couple of Anderson casement windows while dropping a big branch that fell exactly the opposite direction they had intended. I did some of the repair to the window frame, but the windows cost $400+, and it took me forever to be reimbursed. With a permit, as soon as I began to have trouble with the tree guy, I could have had the weight of my local government behind me, along with the insurance and/or bonding companies.
Food for thought...just trying to share my experiences.
When I first bought my house, I just found a tree guy in the newspaper ads, settled on a price, and had him go at it. I soon found that the new little Hoosier town was overrun with tree huggers who were pissed at me because I was instrumental in killing five of the crappiest trees on earth, along with removing an unsightly 100' cottonwood that had been dead for a couple of years. Then I found that I needed a town permit for any tree work where the tree or branch involved exceeded 3" in diameter. It was not the ideal way to meet the neighbors and constabulary in my new town.
And get a signed contract. I repeat, get a signed contract detailing the minimum amount of work involved. If you and your new tree guy agree to work that is outside the contract, create a written addendum to that contract, and make sure you and he both sign it. It can save you money and untold amounts of aggravation during and after the job. I'm sure it sounds extreme, but you need to protect yourself and your family. Without the permit (at a minimum), if something goes awry and there is damage to your house or the neighbor's property, you could be on the hook for it. I'm sure if a big branch takes out the neighbor's crappy little shed, he's likely to want to be reimbursed as if it had been the Taj Mahal, and if you don't have picture, you probably will be on the hook.
The tree guys broke a couple of Anderson casement windows while dropping a big branch that fell exactly the opposite direction they had intended. I did some of the repair to the window frame, but the windows cost $400+, and it took me forever to be reimbursed. With a permit, as soon as I began to have trouble with the tree guy, I could have had the weight of my local government behind me, along with the insurance and/or bonding companies.
Food for thought...just trying to share my experiences.
SuperSocket
Well-known member
Why are they charging you 4k? Is this tree laying along something that is life threatening or property? Does it need to be craned out? Trees are incredibly heavy and they fall where you do not want them to.
I was quoted 2k by the cheapest to get a tree removed that was leaning over high voltage lines. I got lucky with enough calls to the electric company, they removed it for free.... but there was an accident because the tree came where they didn't... their guide ropes broke, wrapped the guys hand and nearly severed it (the other guy reacted in enough time to cut the rope with his chainsaw causing the tree to take the neighbors fence and their large tree).
You can do it for cheaper, but when it goes wrong it can cost you an arm and leg or a life.
I was quoted 2k by the cheapest to get a tree removed that was leaning over high voltage lines. I got lucky with enough calls to the electric company, they removed it for free.... but there was an accident because the tree came where they didn't... their guide ropes broke, wrapped the guys hand and nearly severed it (the other guy reacted in enough time to cut the rope with his chainsaw causing the tree to take the neighbors fence and their large tree).
You can do it for cheaper, but when it goes wrong it can cost you an arm and leg or a life.
Last edited:
tdkkart
Well-known member
While you're deciding how much money you want to spend, you might start here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=60539&showall=1
Then look at this:
http://www.tdkmotorsports.com/oops/oops.html
Off work for 5 months the first time, and then 5 months later an infection flared up in the leg, another week in the hospital, 2 surgeries, 3 months off work again, 6 weeks of it on a 24-7 IV antibiotic cocktail.
I now have a leg that's worth $200,000+ but will cause continual trouble for the rest of my life. All as a result of one small accident while doing something I had done a hundred times before.
BTW, one of the local guys that did tree work recently sold all of his equipment after he fell out of his bucket truck.
Yes, $4000 for one tree is excessive, a few calls should get it done cheaper, but then again........
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=60539&showall=1
Then look at this:
http://www.tdkmotorsports.com/oops/oops.html
Off work for 5 months the first time, and then 5 months later an infection flared up in the leg, another week in the hospital, 2 surgeries, 3 months off work again, 6 weeks of it on a 24-7 IV antibiotic cocktail.
I now have a leg that's worth $200,000+ but will cause continual trouble for the rest of my life. All as a result of one small accident while doing something I had done a hundred times before.
BTW, one of the local guys that did tree work recently sold all of his equipment after he fell out of his bucket truck.
Yes, $4000 for one tree is excessive, a few calls should get it done cheaper, but then again........
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
It's not possible to say if $4,000 is a lot of money or a bargain, without knowing how big the tree is or what obstacles are located around it. Get another quote, if the second company is in the same ballpark you'll have better idea if the price is reasonable. Also, does the price include cutting up the limbs and branches, and carrying them away?
One tree is a Siberian Elm and is probably 60 ft.The one for 4000$ is a Manitoba Maple its not that tall but has a trunk around 3.5 ft.Here you need a permit for anything wider than 12 inches at the trunk.You 1st need an arborists report to get the permit,these are cosidered weed trees so getting a permit is not a problem......thanks
SuperSocket
Well-known member
3.5'
That is a huge tree. Save the trunk if it's good and slice it up, it would make nice table tops 
Do you have the equipment to cut something like this?
GarageEnvy
Well-known member
Get some quotes and write the check. IMO this is way out of DIY territory.
At present I only have a 16 in. Craftsman/Poulan.Wouldnt be up to the task,probably need to get something more robust and use the craftsman for backup.A chain sharpener would be good also,as far as what else I need not sure.......One tree guy told me its best to cut trees when the leaves are on them,as this breaks the fall somewhat.But the leaves have mostly all fallen by now.
iagsxr
Well-known member
cj7jeep81
Well-known member
are there any structures (buildings, power/phone lines, etc) nearby? if so, you really should get a licensed/insured pro to do it. that is a lot of weight that you don't want falling in the wrong place. and yeah, you definitely need a bigger saw.
and i really don't see how leaves would make any difference. that tree weighs a few tons I'd imagine, leaves won't make any difference for that.
and i really don't see how leaves would make any difference. that tree weighs a few tons I'd imagine, leaves won't make any difference for that.
buildmyown
Well-known member
As someone that has done a little tree work and cut all my own firewood this is what I have to say. $4000 sounds a little on the high side unless they need a crane or the trees are a danger to wires or buildings.
I can try to brake it down for you a little from what i have seen and done.
Cranes around here with an operator get at least a $1000 for the day so crews try to have several crane jobs lined up to spread the cost out. Unless the tree company owns a crane.
A climber around here if not emplyed by the tree company gets $80-$100 per hour with a 4 hour mininum.
Now im pretty confident in my ability to drop trees but I even hired a pro to drop an 85 foot Pine tree with a dia. of 3 feet at breast height. All I had them do was drop it and chip whatever they could fit in the chipper pretty much everything upto 16 inches got chiped. I took care of the rest by cutting and splitting it all for firewood. That cost me $600 and that is from a friend of a friend that I sometimes do work for.
Personally I like to do removals without leaves less mess and less weight.
but what do i know im just a weekend warrior that sometimes does groundie work and rides a bucket truck.
IMHO get several estimates make sure all have the proper insurance and then make a decision but this does not sound like a homeowner kinda job with the saw that you have.
Here are a few pics and vid of how a pro does it. They used the bucket truck to set a pull rope then ran the rope down to a pulley and back to the winch on the chipper. The reason power lines behind tree and house within striking distance.
http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e...val 3-22-11/?action=view¤t=PICT0504.mp4
I can try to brake it down for you a little from what i have seen and done.
Cranes around here with an operator get at least a $1000 for the day so crews try to have several crane jobs lined up to spread the cost out. Unless the tree company owns a crane.
A climber around here if not emplyed by the tree company gets $80-$100 per hour with a 4 hour mininum.
Now im pretty confident in my ability to drop trees but I even hired a pro to drop an 85 foot Pine tree with a dia. of 3 feet at breast height. All I had them do was drop it and chip whatever they could fit in the chipper pretty much everything upto 16 inches got chiped. I took care of the rest by cutting and splitting it all for firewood. That cost me $600 and that is from a friend of a friend that I sometimes do work for.
Personally I like to do removals without leaves less mess and less weight.
but what do i know im just a weekend warrior that sometimes does groundie work and rides a bucket truck.
IMHO get several estimates make sure all have the proper insurance and then make a decision but this does not sound like a homeowner kinda job with the saw that you have.
Here are a few pics and vid of how a pro does it. They used the bucket truck to set a pull rope then ran the rope down to a pulley and back to the winch on the chipper. The reason power lines behind tree and house within striking distance.
http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e...val 3-22-11/?action=view¤t=PICT0504.mp4
Last edited:
oilslick
Well-known member
I see the pro with a husky in his hand as well!!
there is no way you could bring down any of these trees here with the method shown in the vid.too many fenchs ,gardens ,garages sheds etc.as well as homes and phone-cable lines.,,,,You need to start at the top and move down........can you find out through some method of how high a tree is while still the ground?
Daniel Dudley
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2009
- Messages
- 3,546
I rented one a few years ago, and it only reached halfway up the trees...
camarotoolman
Banned
That walnut is worth some good money, go to" woodworking talk" forum and post there.
Thats why you need to know how high the tree is.The machines start at about the 35ft. level and go way up from there.I think with a 35 ft machine you can handle a 40 ft tree.But spend a few bucks more and get one size bigger than you think you need.(thats why Im wondering if there is a method of estimating the height from the ground)
sberry
Banned
Crusty Nut
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2008
- Messages
- 475
There is a method for estimating height.
I was trying to be gentle in my first post, but now I just don't want you to get hurt. From your equipment to your experience, you are out gunned here. Shop around for a few estimates and let an experienced trimmer take care of it.
I was trying to be gentle in my first post, but now I just don't want you to get hurt. From your equipment to your experience, you are out gunned here. Shop around for a few estimates and let an experienced trimmer take care of it.
Vettman
Well-known member
I wanted the (dead) oak tree branch hanging over the driveway removed and cut up. It would easily crush a car had it fallen at the wrong time. This guy and his helper roped it down in sections and cut it up for $200.00. I left the "safe" 1/2 until I get tired of looking at it. He said $200.00 for the other 1/2 whenever I'm ready. I sold the oak for firewood which payed for the removal (pictured is part of it) 
Attachments
Last edited:
JCQuick
Well-known member
The area I live in has lots of live oak trees. when I built my house I had an estimate of 10+K to trim it up and take a few out. I went out and bought a chain saw thinking I could do it my self WRONG.
I found someone that did what I needed done to build the house for $1500.00 and was happy.
I do still have a lot to do and learned that you must know what your doing when cutting a tree.
I now have a person that does a good job at a resonable price. comming up he is taking down a 30ft laural oak within 15 ft of the house and triming some other trees for $400.00
I found someone that did what I needed done to build the house for $1500.00 and was happy.
I do still have a lot to do and learned that you must know what your doing when cutting a tree.
I now have a person that does a good job at a resonable price. comming up he is taking down a 30ft laural oak within 15 ft of the house and triming some other trees for $400.00
You're getting good advice here, as usual. My wife and I saw all the time (just 25 acres of woods but it and other parts keep us busy) Her first Xmas present when we moved here was her very own chainsaw, 16" Husky, I use a 20" Poulan. but I have learned enough, sometimes through luck, not to tackle difficult stuff. Cutting a white oak, poplar, or sycamore out in the middle of a field, straight, not rotten, is one thing. Dealing with anything else can get really complicated. I admire the skill of the tree guys we hire, and though they are really expensive (means we don't hire them often) they earn what they get. One of our guys who does tree work - not for us, he does backhoe work on the farm, like when we have to bury a horse - lost his son a few years ago when a tree went wild coming down. This stuff is really for the guys who know how to do it.