Tree care company owners, fleet managers and distributors all know that quality equipment is the backbone of the business. Every day, crews rely on a fleet of specialized tools and vehicles, including chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders and chip body trucks. When any part of that equipment breaks down or falls short, productivity suffers, costs rise and customer satisfaction takes a hit. That’s why tree care equipment challenges are among the most significant risks to growth.
Here are seven of the most common problems tree care companies encounter with their equipment, along with practical solutions to overcome them.
1. Equipment Downtime and Costly Repairs
The challenge: When a chipper won’t start or a truck body fails, the entire operation comes to a halt. Downtime not only disrupts schedules but also creates ripple effects in the form of overtime costs, missed jobs and frustrated customers.
The solution: Preventive arborist equipment maintenance is critical. Keep a routine schedule for servicing saws, sharpening chipper blades and inspecting hydraulics. For trucks, invest in bodies built to last under daily use. Arbortech chip bodies, for example, are engineered for durability, reducing the frequency of repairs and keeping crews on the road.
2. Inefficient Hauling and Capacity Limits
The challenge: Tree care companies often struggle with trucks and chip bodies that are undersized for the workload, leading to wasted trips. Meanwhile, overloaded equipment increases the risk of damage, accidents and fines.
The solution: Ensure that your equipment capacity matches your most common job types. Larger chip bodies or flexible designs (such as removable or retractable roofs) prevent inefficiencies and reduce the need for extra trips. This simple adjustment boosts productivity and cuts fuel costs.
3. Tool Storage and Jobsite Organization
The challenge: Crews don’t just haul wood chips. They also bring climbing gear, ropes, cones, fuel and saws. Without proper storage, tools get scattered, damaged or lost, slowing down the job and raising replacement costs.
The solution: Look for trucks and chip bodies with integrated storage options. Arbortech’s truck bodies include storage boxes for tools and fuel, along with accessories like cone holders, tow hitches and wheel chock holders. These features help keep crews organized and ready to work, reducing wasted time and improving efficiency on every jobsite.
4. Safety and Compliance Risks
The challenge: Safety is a constant concern in tree care. Poorly maintained chainsaws, dull chipper blades or trucks without the proper lighting and markings increase the risk of accidents. Compliance with OSHA and DOT regulations can also be a challenge.
The solution: You must prioritize tree care safety equipment and inspections. Replace worn saw chains, check chipper guards and make sure trucks are outfitted with compliant lighting, reflective markings, wheel chock holders and tow hitches. Premium chip bodies with built-in safety features help protect crews while reducing liability.
5. Short Equipment Lifespan and ROI Concerns
The challenge: Cheaper equipment often wears out fast, draining profitability. We see this in the tree care industry with chainsaws that constantly need replacing or chip bodies that rust prematurely. Owners may save upfront but lose more in the long run.
The solution: Think total cost of ownership, not just purchase price. Durable chip bodies, for example, deliver stronger equipment ROI for tree service companies. By investing in higher-quality gear upfront, companies can reduce downtime and replacement costs over time.
6. Adapting Equipment to Different Job Types
The challenge: No two jobs are the same. Crews may tackle tight urban pruning one day and large-scale clearing the next. Standardized, one-size-fits-all equipment often forces compromises.
The solution: Build adaptability into your fleet. Many companies diversify their saw sizes, maintain both small and large chippers and select chip bodies tailored to different environments. Arbortech’s lineup includes fixed roof, retractable SKYBOX® and urban aerial bodies, helping crews match the right truck to the right job.
7. Overlooking Branding Opportunities
The challenge: Customers notice your fleet. Rusted or generic equipment can undermine your company’s image. Many tree care companies miss the chance to turn trucks into rolling advertisements.
The solution: Treat your fleet as part of your marketing. Arbortech’s smooth-sided chip bodies provide a perfect surface for wraps and signage. A professional, consistent fleet boosts credibility and advertises your services everywhere you go.
Bringing It All Together
Tree care businesses thrive when their equipment works as hard as their crews. By addressing common challenges — from downtime and safety concerns to organization and ROI — companies can boost productivity and profitability.
At Arbortech, we specialize in high-quality chip bodies that help solve many of these challenges, giving tree care businesses a durable, customizable and professional edge.
Request a quote today and see how smarter equipment choices can help your company thrive.