Renting special work platforms for tree care & pruning

Tree care is technically demanding and time-restricted. The vegetation dormancy between October and February permits radical cuts; from March to September, § 39 BNatSchG (German Federal Nature Conservation Act) applies and severely restricts drastic measures. Work platforms are not a luxury here – they are the safe, efficient solution for pruning, crown shaping and deadwood removal at height. Luibl rents specialised height-access technology throughout Europe: tracked work platforms for narrow private gardens, truck-mounted platforms for municipal and professional large-scale tree-care projects, trailer solutions for flexible location changes. Every machine is provided with UVV certification and technical instruction.

Tree care requires machines that meet three requirements: safe positioning in the tree crown, ground-friendliness (protection against lawn and path damage) and manoeuvrability on private properties or urban green spaces.

Tracked work platforms: maximum flexibility in tight spaces and on soft ground

Tracked work platforms (crawler platforms) are ideal for tree care. The wide track load distributes the machine weight over large areas – perfect for lawns, forest floors and unpaved properties. The climbing ability of over 50% enables assignments on sloping gardens and embankments where wheels would fail.

Working heights range up to 22–28 metres depending on the model – sufficient for medium-high fruit trees and city-typical poplars. The compact width (often under 1.5 metres) allows access through narrow garden gates and passages. For larger municipal work, wider tracked lifts (up to 1.8 metres) are used – still narrower than truck-mounted platforms.

The most important thing: load-spreading plates. Tracked work platforms must be positioned on load-spreading plates (wood or plastic) to minimise lawn and soil compaction. These costs are low but essential for protecting the ground.

Truck-mounted work platforms: fast location changes for municipal tree care

Truck-mounted platforms (usually of the Ruthmann or Palfinger type) reach working heights up to 34 metres and offer large reaches – ideal for wide tree crowns and group cuts. The self-drive advantage: one driver can move the machine between several sites within a city. This significantly reduces logistics costs.

Disadvantage: the set-up area is larger and requires level surfaces. Private gardens under 500 square metres are often too tight; here tracked lifts dominate.

The ground pressure is higher than with tracked lifts. On sensitive ground (gardens with old stock, wet meadows), load-spreading plates should be used to protect the ground.

Trailer work platforms: the solution for occasional assignments

Trailer platforms are towed by a truck or tractor unit. They offer a middle position: less ground pressure than truck-mounted platforms, less deployment effort than tracked lifts. They are economical for assignments on several private properties one after another, as long as the access routes are asphalted.

Disadvantage: less common for tree care than tracked lifts; availability varies.

Decision logic for tree care:

• Private garden, narrow access, lawn: tracked lift (under 1.5 m wide, load-spreading plates).

• Several individual trees in the urban area, roadside: truck-mounted platform.

• Group of trees, level access, flexible pitch use: trailer platform.

A common misjudgement: working height alone is not enough. A 20-metre platform is useless if the tree is 18 metres high and the crown extends 5 metres – the lateral reach has to bridge this distance.

Working height vs. lateral reach

The working height is the vertical span. The lateral reach is the horizontal distance from the vehicle to the basket position. Both must be considered together. A telescopic boom lift load chart shows: the higher the basket, the lower the possible horizontal outreach is often – physically this is a stability question.

For tree care this means: measure not only the tree height, but also the distance from the set-up point to the outermost crown edge. Give this figure to Luibl with the enquiry.

Basket load and tool weight

Every work platform has a permissible basket load (typically 200–500 kg for scissor lifts, higher for telescopic boom lifts). This load is limited by the total weight, and the limitation becomes stricter the higher and further the platform is extended.

For tree care you typically carry:

• Operator (approx. 75 kg)

• Saw, hedge trimmer, gloves (approx. 10 kg)

• Rope and bucket for lowering cut wood (approx. 5–10 kg)

These loads are low – but at extreme height and outreach it can become tight. Luibl checks this in the load chart.

Ground clearance and outrigger width

Tracked lifts have a certain ground clearance (distance between the lower edge of the tracks and the vehicle body). Tree stumps, tree roots and lawn edges can pose problems. Clarify this during the site inspection.

The outrigger width (distance between the outrigger points on tracked lifts) determines tipping safety. Wider is more stable – but wider does not fit through narrow gates. A balance has to be found here.

§ 39 German Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) – vegetation protection periods

From 1 March to 30 September, the radical cutting back of woody plants is prohibited. The prohibition is strict: one-metre cutbacks are not permitted during this time. Exceptions exist only for:

• Traffic safety (e.g. overhanging branches over footpaths)

• Necessary tree care (deadwood removal, crown shaping without radical cutback)

Practical consequence for your rental planning:

If you are planning a radical cut (e.g. pollarding, rejuvenation), book the work platform between October and February. Availability is often tighter during this time because the tree-care season culminates. A lead time of 4–6 weeks is realistic.

Smaller care measures (deadwood removal, topiary, traffic safety) are possible all year round.

DIN 18920 – protection of trees during construction works

This DIN prescribes protective measures when trees and their root zones are at risk during construction work. The combination of work platform and load-spreading plates meets these requirements. Document the measures for your project.

DGUV Regel 114-018 – safety in tree care

This rule defines standards for safe tree care at height. It prescribes:

• Personal protective equipment against falls (PPEaF): safety harness, rope, carabiner.

• Regular training of the operating personnel.

• Regular inspection of the equipment (UVV inspection).

All Luibl work platforms are UVV-inspected before rental and provided with an inspection log. PPEaF is your responsibility – but Luibl is happy to advise.

Wind speeds and weather

Work platforms have wind load limits. Typical: maximum 10–12 m/s (approx. 40 km/h) wind speed. Stronger winds endanger stability. On stormy days, operation must be suspended – this must be factored into your planning.

Outriggers and ground quality

Correctly deployed outriggers are not optional – they are the basis for tipping safety. The ground under the outrigger feet must be level and compacted. Loose gravel, mulch or very wet soil are unsuitable. When in doubt: load-spreading plates.

The tree-care season runs from October to March. During this period, work platforms are in higher demand. Luibl is based in Passau and delivers throughout Europe – also for tree-care projects outside Germany. At a distance of < 50 km (typical for southern Germany), the delivery time is 1–2 days.

Availability planning:

• Spontaneous demand (up to 3 days): low probability during the season. Enquire immediately.

• Planning (1–2 weeks ahead): good availability, normal rental rates.

• Lead time (4–6 weeks): best availability and often more favourable rates for long-term rental.

A multi-day rental is often more economical than several individual days – talk to Luibl about it.

Which work platform is suitable for tree care?

That depends on the tree, the property and the access route. Tracked work platforms are the first choice for private customers and narrow gardens. Truck-mounted platforms for large municipal sites and open spaces. Luibl advises without obligation during a free on-site inspection.

What does it cost to rent an aerial lift for tree cutting?

Rental prices vary depending on the machine type, rental duration and distance. Tracked lifts are cheaper per day than truck-mounted platforms; long-term rental is cheaper per day than short-term rental. For specific prices: send an enquiry with project details to Luibl (tree type, height, property size, planned rental duration).

When is the cutting back of trees legally permitted?

Radical cuts (cutbacks of more than one metre) are only legal between 1 October and 28 February (§ 39 BNatSchG). Exceptions: traffic safety and necessary tree care without radical cuts are possible all year round. Check with your responsible nature conservation authority whether your project requires an exemption permit.

Do I need a driving licence for a truck-mounted work platform?

Yes. Truck-mounted platforms are self-drive machines and require a corresponding truck driving licence (class C or C1, depending on the total weight). Operating the platform itself requires no special licence, but training by Luibl is recommended and often an insurance requirement.

Are load-spreading plates included in the rental price?

Load-spreading plates are optional and are charged separately if you need them. For lawns and forest floors, however, they are strongly recommended – you thereby avoid soil sealing. Luibl advises whether your property needs load-spreading plates.

How is the machine handed over with instruction?

Luibl provides the work platform with an instruction session. You receive a safety briefing on site – operating the basket, outriggers, emergency brakes. For more extensive training (multi-day, for larger teams) we recommend training partners. The costs are low compared to the risk of accidents.

Can I use the platform for several consecutive days?

Yes. Multi-day rental is standard. For long-term rental (several weeks), the daily costs drop significantly – talk to Luibl. The machine stays on your property and is documented daily.

What happens if the platform is damaged?

Normal wear and tear is included in the rental. Damage caused by operator error or accidents is covered by machine breakage insurance. The excess is typically 250–500 euros. Without insurance, you bear the cost risk – with work platforms this can be considerable.

Prepare this information to get to a quote quickly:

• Tree type and height: species (oak, poplar, fruit tree, etc.), approximate height in metres.

• Crown size and outreach: diameter of the crown, distance from the set-up point to the outermost crown edge.

• Property condition: lawn, paved yard, forest track, slope, soil moisture.

• Access route: width of the garden gate, clearance height (roof overhang, power lines).

• Work objectives: radical cutback, deadwood removal, traffic safety, topiary.

• Rental duration: one day, several days, weekly during the season.

• Time window: desired month – important because of BNatSchG deadlines.

With this information, Luibl creates a binding offer without hidden costs.

Contact Luibl for a no-obligation deployment consultation. State your project – tree type, property size, access route and planned period. Luibl checks availability, advises on machine selection and creates a transparent offer.

The consultation is free. You do not disclose any data you might later regret – and you receive professional input on your project.

Request a deployment consultation now: https://www.luibl.eu/kontakt/