Choosing the right chipper body is one of the most important decisions a tree care or forestry business can make. The body you select affects crew efficiency, hauling capacity and longer-term ROI.
Whether you’re buying your first truck or upgrading your fleet, this chipper truck buying guide will walk you through how to choose a chipper body that fits your workflow, safety needs and long-term ROI.
5 Key Factors for Selecting the Right Chipper Body
The best chip body for arborists depends on their When evaluating a chipper truck body, you need a setup that balances performance, safety and practicality for both your crew and job sites. Consider the following key factors when choosing your chip body.
1. Body Capacity and Truck Compatibility
Your chip body should match both the weight rating (GVWR) and the daily hauling demands of your operation. Too small, and you’ll waste time on repeated trips. Too large, and you risk overloading your chassis or sacrificing maneuverability.
Arbortech’s chip bodies are available in multiple lengths and configurations, allowing fleet owners to choose the ideal balance of payload and control.
Pro Tip: Check your truck’s GVWR before deciding on body capacity. It’s the foundation for safe and efficient operation.
2. Roof Type: Fixed, Retractable or Aerial
You have multiple roof type options when choosing the best chip body for arborists, depending on your job mix and loading requirements:
Fixed Roof Body Models(FRB):
- The FRB is our ARBORTECH’s basic model and sold as a single unit. It is ideal for arborists who want maximum capacity, secure storage and heavy-duty hauling.
- See FRB models and specifications.
SKYBOX Retractable Roof Body:
- Our patented SKYBOX chip body features a retractable roof that can be quickly and easily opened/closed by one operator without the need for any tools. This adds flexibility for loading bulky debris, logs or brush while maintaining chip containment when closed.
- See SKYBOX details and specifications.
Urban Aerial Body:
- Whether you’re working in congested areas or open spaces, you can reach the tree canopy while remaining safe in the air with an urban aerial body.
- See urban aerial body details and specifications.
| Feature | Fixed Roof (FRB) | Retractable Roof (SKYBOX) | Urban Aerial Body (UAB) |
| Capacity | Highest volume | Adjustable | Compact |
| Ideal For | Large crews, high-volume jobs | Mixed projects, versatility | Tight urban sites, utility work |
| Key Advantage | Simple and strong | Flexible loading | Compact precision |
3. Material and Construction Quality
A chip body takes daily abuse from wood chips, logs and heavy use. Steel bodies, such as those available from ARBORTECH, offer exceptional durability in these conditions, providing superior impact resistance and the rigidity necessary to maintain their shape under constant stress.
Look for a smooth-sided, high-strength steel construction that resists dents, rust and wear. Smooth panels not only extend the life of the body but also provide clean, professional surfaces for branding or wraps.
Investing in quality materials and craftsmanship reduces maintenance costs and keeps your fleet looking sharp over time.
4. Ease of Maintenance and Safety
Every latch, hinge and handle contributes to uptime. Choose a design that gives your team quick access for cleaning and inspection, with secure three-point latching systems and safety lighting to meet job-site standards. Ease of use equals fewer delays and safer crews.
5. Customization and Add-Ons
No two arborist operations are alike. Custom tool storage, integrated work lights and additional safety features can make daily work more efficient. Some modern bodies even include innovations like onboard rest options and enhanced lighting for nighttime work, reflecting a more inclusive and comfort-focused design approach.
The right chipper body isn’t just a piece of equipment. It’s a productivity tool tailored to your business.
What to Avoid When Choosing a Chipper Body
Even experienced fleet managers make these common mistakes when selecting the best chip body for arborists. Avoid these pitfalls to extend the life of your investment and keep your crews productive:
- Undersizing the body for the material volume handled daily.
- Choosing low-gauge materials that dent or corrode under heavy use.
- Ignoring crew workflow, leading to unsafe loading or wasted motion.
- Overlooking maintenance access, which drives up downtime later.
ARBORTECH Chipper Bodies
Your chipper body is more than a box. It’s the heart of your fleet. Durable construction, thoughtful design and attention to detail result in improved uptime and lower costs. Arbortech’s smooth-sided bodies, secure latching systems and high-quality finishes reflect decades of industry experience and a commitment to long-term performance.
Standard Wood Chipper Box Features
- Smooth body panels
- Underbody steel toolboxes
- Extra durable bed liner
- Protective undercoating
- Rear tailgate and ladder box
- Medium-duty tow package
- DOT-compliant ID light cover
- 3-year limited warranty
Optional Wood Chipper Box Features
- Ladder roller bar
- Anti-theft toolbox package
- Folding steps with grab handle
- Traffic cone holder
- Rear mount toolbox
- Plywood/mat storage box
Choose the Right Wood Chipper Body for Your Business
Still have questions about how to choose a chipper body for your needs? ARBORTECH can help you find the right body size for your vehicle or help you find a chassis that will accommodate the truck body size that you need. Contact our team today to get started.