Chipper Truck Body Guide: How to Choose the Best Option
Choosing the right wood chipper body is one of the most important decisions a tree care or forestry business can make. The right setup improves jobsite efficiency, reduces downtime and delivers long-term value. The wrong choice can limit capacity, slow down crews and increase maintenance costs over time.
With multiple body styles, configurations and features available, it is important to understand how each option supports your specific operation. This guide breaks down the key considerations to help you choose a chipper truck body that fits your workload, crew and long-term goals.
What Is a Chipper Truck Body?
A chipper truck body is a specialized truck body designed to collect, transport and dump wood chips generated during tree care operations. In addition to hauling debris, most chip bodies include integrated storage for tools, equipment and safety gear, helping crews stay organized and efficient on the job.
Types of Chipper Truck Bodies
Not all chipper truck bodies are built the same. The right type depends on how your crew works and what materials you handle most often.
Fixed Roof Chipper Bodies
Fixed roof chipper bodies (FRB) are designed for maximum containment and durability. With a fully enclosed top, they are ideal for high-volume chipping operations where material must remain secure during transport.
Best for:
- High-production crews
- Daily chip hauling
- Operations focused on efficiency and containment
At ARBORTECH®, the FRB is our basic model and is sold as a single unit. It is ideal for arborists who want maximum capacity, secure storage and heavy-duty hauling.
Retractable Roof Chipper Bodies
Retractable roof systems combine containment with convenience. Operators can quickly open and close the roof, improving efficiency without sacrificing protection.
Best for:
- Crews prioritizing efficiency and convenience
- Operations looking to reduce manual steps on the jobsite
Our patented SKYBOX chip body features a retractable roof that can be quickly and easily opened/closed by one operator without tools. This adds flexibility for loading bulky debris, logs or brush while maintaining chip containment when closed.
Aerial Bodies
For companies that require integrated lift capabilities or specialized configurations, aerial bodies and custom setups may be the right fit.
Best for:
- Municipalities
- Large fleets
- Multi-function crews
Whether you’re working in congested areas or open spaces, ARBORTECH’s Urban Aerial Body allows you to reach the tree canopy while remaining safe in the air.
4 Key Factors When Choosing a Chipper Truck Body
Beyond body type, several factors determine how well a chipper truck body performs in day-to-day operations. The right setup should balance performance, safety and practicality for both your crew and your job sites.
When evaluating a chipper truck body, consider the following:
1. Body Capacity and Truck Compatibility
Size is one of the most important factors in choosing a chipper truck body. A body that is too small leads to frequent dump trips and lost productivity. A body that is too large can reduce maneuverability or exceed your truck’s limits.
To determine the right capacity, consider:
- Average job size
- Daily chip volume
- Number of jobs completed per day
It is also critical to verify your truck’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) before selecting a body. Matching body size to chassis capability ensures safe, efficient operation and prevents long-term wear on your equipment.
2. Material and Construction Quality
A chipper truck body is exposed to constant impact, abrasion and heavy use. Material and construction quality directly affect how well it holds up over time.
Steel bodies, such as those manufactured by ARBORTECH, provide the strength and rigidity needed for demanding arborist applications. They resist impact, maintain structural integrity and perform reliably under daily stress.
Look for:
- Smooth-sided, high-strength construction
- Resistance to dents, rust and wear
- Clean exterior surfaces for branding and wraps
Higher-quality construction not only extends the life of the body but also reduces maintenance needs and reinforces a professional appearance on every job.
3. Ease of Maintenance and Safety
Small design details can have a major impact on uptime and crew safety.
Features like accessible cleanout areas, durable hinges and secure latching systems help reduce maintenance time and keep equipment operating smoothly. Integrated safety lighting and well-designed access points also support safer jobsite operations.
A well-designed chipper truck body should:
- Allow quick inspection and cleaning
- Minimize downtime between jobs
- Support safe, efficient crew workflows
4. Customization and Add-Ons
No two arborist operations are exactly the same. The ability to customize your chipper truck body ensures it works the way your crew does.
Options like tool storage, integrated lighting, and additional safety features can improve organization and efficiency in the field. Emerging features, such as enhanced lighting setups and onboard amenities, also reflect the evolving needs of modern crews.
The right configuration goes beyond basic functionality. It creates a more efficient, organized and productive work environment.
Choosing the Right Chipper Truck Body for Your Operation
Different operations have different needs. The right body depends on how you use it.
Small Tree Service Companies
Smaller crews often benefit from flexible configurations that can handle a variety of job types without requiring multiple specialized trucks.
Best fit:
Removable roof chipper bodies or retractable roof chipper bodies
These options allow for the handling of mixed materials, including wood chips, logs and brush, while still maintaining containment when needed.
Large Fleets
Fleet operators need consistency, durability, and efficiency across multiple units. Standardized configurations and long-term reliability become critical.
Best fit:
Fixed roof chipper bodies
Fixed roof bodies offer maximum durability, consistent performance and simplified fleet management, making them ideal for high-volume, repeatable operations.
Municipalities
Municipal operations often prioritize safety and compliance while handling a variety of maintenance and cleanup tasks.
Best fit:
Aerial chipper bodies or removable roof chipper bodies
These configurations support multi-function crews, allowing for both debris handling and access to elevated work when needed.
Storm Response and Cleanup Crews
High-volume, high-pressure situations require maximum capacity, durability and fast dumping cycles to keep up with demand.
Best fit:
Fixed roof chipper bodies or retractable roof chipper bodies
These options provide the capacity and structural strength needed for large volumes, while retractable roofs can improve loading efficiency during fast-paced cleanup operations.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Chipper Truck Body
Even experienced fleet managers can overlook key details when selecting a chipper truck body. Avoiding these common mistakes can help protect your investment, reduce downtime and keep your crew working efficiently.
- Undersizing the body for daily material volume
Leads to more frequent dump trips, reduced productivity and unnecessary wear on both the truck and crew. - Choosing lower-quality materials to reduce upfront cost
Thinner gauge materials are more prone to denting, corrosion and structural fatigue, resulting in higher maintenance costs over time. - Ignoring crew workflow and jobsite efficiency
Poor layout or limited access can create bottlenecks, increase physical strain and introduce safety risks during loading and unloading. - Overlooking maintenance access and serviceability
Difficult-to-access components slow down inspections and repairs, increasing downtime and long-term operating costs.
Once you understand what to look for, the next step is choosing a body that meets those requirements.
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
Talk to our team about your operation, your workload and your goals. We’ll help you configure a chipper truck body that works the way your crew does and delivers long-term value.