When you’re investing in a forestry truck body, the little details make all the difference. Every hinge, latch and panel contributes to the safety, durability and efficiency of your fleet. Arbortech’s forestry truck bodies come packed with standard features that crews can count on. Here’s a detailed look at the anatomy of an Arbortech chip body truck and why every component matters.
Standard Features That Set Arbortech Apart
1. Smooth Body Panels
Arbortech builds its chip bodies with seamless, smooth-sided panels that resist denting and rust while creating a clean, professional appearance. While this may not seem like an exciting feature, there is hidden potential in those blank panels. They allow every truck to double as a rolling billboard. With smooth panels, companies can apply vehicle wraps or graphics without fighting corrugated metal. The result is both practical and promotional: a truck that performs on the jobsite and promotes your brand wherever it goes.
2. Underbody Steel Toolboxes
Organization is a daily challenge for any tree care crew. Chainsaws, ropes, climbing gear and fuel cans can clutter a truck quickly without proper storage. Arbortech addresses this with heavy-duty underbody steel toolboxes designed to keep everything secure, organized and accessible. Each box is engineered for rugged performance, with a three-point latching system with security bars, hidden hinges and recessed doors.
3. Extra Durable Bed Liner
Loads of abrasive wood chips, acidic leaves and heavy branches can take a toll on chip body beds. That’s why Arbortech outfits each truck bed with an industrial-grade epoxy liner. This coating shields against corrosion and abrasion, extending the life of the body and protecting your investment. Instead of worrying about rust or patchwork repairs, fleet owners can focus on productivity. The durable liner also makes clean-out faster and easier, saving time at the end of the day. In short, it’s an invisible layer of protection that pays off with every load.
4. Protective Undercoating
The underside of a chip body often takes the hardest beating as road salt, mud and moisture work silently to erode steel over time. Arbortech combats this with a protective undercoating applied to the bottom of the bed, toolboxes and wheelwells. This extra measure adds years of service life by preventing corrosion where it’s most likely to strike. For fleet managers, that means fewer maintenance bills and more dependable trucks in the field. It’s another example of how Arbortech builds long-term value into every truck body
5. Rear Tailgate and Ladder Box
Arbortech equips its trucks with a 30-inch, double-panel tailgate that swings a full 270 degrees, giving crews wide clearance for dumping. Even smarter, the rear includes a secure ladder and pole storage box that can be accessed without opening the tailgate. This saves time and effort when retrieving gear and keeps essential equipment locked away until it’s needed.
6. Medium-Duty Tow Package
Tree service companies often need to tow stump grinders, chippers or additional trailers. Arbortech includes a medium-duty tow package as standard, with a T-60 pintle hitch rated for 15,000 pounds of towing and 2,000 pounds of tongue weight. Built for Class 5 chassis, this package gives crews flexibility to haul what they need without worrying about aftermarket add-ons.
7. Trailer Plugs
Towing equipment isn’t useful without reliable electrical connections. Arbortech includes both a six-pin round and a seven-pin flat (RV style) female receptacle to connect trailers. This flexibility ensures compatibility with a wide range of equipment and provides crews with dependable lighting and braking functions for whatever they need to haul.
8. LED Strobe Lights and Markers
Crews working in neighborhoods or alongside traffic must be seen clearly to keep everyone safe. Arbortech outfits its bodies with a four-head LED strobe package and marker lights that signal presence and movement. These lights not only enhance safety for workers but also alert drivers to slow down and proceed with caution. It’s a standard safety measure that shows Arbortech’s commitment to protecting people as much as its trucks.
9. LED Stop/Turn/Trail Kit
Along with strobes and markers, Arbortech includes a full LED stop, turn and taillight package. These lights offer brighter, longer-lasting performance compared to traditional bulbs, ensuring that signals are visible in all conditions. Clear communication on the road prevents accidents and gives both crews and the public the confidence to operate around large trucks safely.
10. U-Bolt Mounting
The foundation of a chip body lies in how it’s mounted. Arbortech uses cold-drawn, stress-relieved, micro-alloy steel U-bolts to secure every body to its chassis. These high-strength fasteners provide unmatched stability and durability under constant load. For operators, this means confidence that the body will perform without shifting or loosening over years of heavy use.
11. Rear-Lock Tailgate Pin
Simple, rugged details make a big difference in daily operations. Arbortech’s zinc-coated, chain-tethered rear-lock pin holds the tailgate firmly in both open and closed positions. This ensures safe and predictable dumping, while the tether keeps the pin from being misplaced. It’s a small but thoughtful feature that streamlines daily workflow.
12. Pivoting Rope Storage Hooks
Safe storage for the ropes and chains is essential. Arbortech equips each truck with eight curbside-mounted pivoting hooks for ropes and chains, keeping gear organized, accessible and out of the way when not in use. For crews, it means faster setup, reduced clutter and less risk of losing or damaging equipment.
13. Cam Latch and 3-Point Latching System
Security and durability are at the core of Arbortech’s design. Heavy-duty cam latches with stainless steel latch pans and powder-coated handles engage at three points: top, bottom and center. This ensures a tight, reliable seal on every door, protecting tools and equipment from theft, weather and vibration. It’s a locking system designed to withstand years of heavy use.
14. Secure Door Seal, Hinges and Holder
Keeping equipment dry and secure requires more than just a strong latch. Arbortech’s automotive-style clip-on seals, hidden powder-coated hinges and bolt-on holders protect doors against weather and wear. These details ensure that storage compartments stay tightly sealed, preventing water damage and extending the life of expensive gear.
15. Safety Wheel Chocks
Safety compliance is built into every Arbortech truck. Formed steel holders house heavy, chain-tethered rubber wheel chocks, ensuring they are always available and secure. Crews can confidently park on slopes or uneven ground, knowing that the truck will stay in place. By making this feature standard, Arbortech eliminates a common weak point in fleet safety.
Optional Add-Ons to Customize Your Fleet
While Arbortech’s forestry bodies are fully equipped from day one, companies can choose add-ons to match specific workflows.
- Retractable roof system (SKYBOX) for aerial loading
- Extra underbody or top-mount tool storage
- Additional LED work lights for nighttime jobsites
- Porta-john mount for extended jobsites
- Custom paint and wraps for branding
- Chip box size variations for different chassis
Every Detail Matters
Every Arbortech feature is designed with arborists in mind. From corrosion-resistant liners to lockable toolboxes and high-visibility lighting, these standard details reduce downtime, extend truck life and keep crews safe and efficient on every job. That’s why Arbortech has earned a reputation as the premium chip body truck builder in the market.
Ready to upgrade your fleet? Request a quote on an Arbortech chip body truck today and see why details make the difference.