Branching Out
Modern Tree Care Handlers Combine Cutting, Lifting & Material Handling
Each Equipment Spotlight offers highlights on a specific type of equipment for the agriculture industry. These manufacturers have provided details on the model of their choosing.
Sennebogen 718 E
With its telescoping boom, a maximum reach of forty-five feet and a quick-swap system allowing for a five-minute attachment change, the Sennebogen 718E — available on both a tired and track undercarriage — can be seen on a multitude of applications in the tree industry. Built on Sennebogen’s material handler platform, this “tree care handler” is used in roadside expansion projects, storm cleanup, residential tree removals, lot clearing and more.
The standard attachment for the Sennebogen tree handler series is the Albach grapple saw, a fixed grapple saw with a 36-inch bar capable of 12,000 pounds of vertical holding strength. Residential tree crews often use fixed grapple saws to help pick and move loads over obstacles such as roofs and fences. In addition to tree removals, the Albach grapple saw can also support post-removal processing by helping remove brush from logs, feed chippers and load trucks. As labor availability continues to fluctuate, some contractors are turning to equipment that may help crews complete more work with fewer personnel.
The Sennebogen tree handler is designed to support multiple applications. The Albach grapple saw can be swapped for a variety of attachments, including a mulcher, mower, shear or circular blade, allowing the machine to be used for different types of work. In this sense, the Sennebogen functions as a mobile tool carrier rather than a single-purpose unit. Along with the larger Sennebogen 728, which has a reach of 65 feet, the 718 tree handler is designed to support a range of tasks in tree care operations.
PALFINGER Tree-Mek
Tree care work has become more complex, especially for contractors handling removals near homes, roads, utilities and other site constraints. Arborists often work in tight spaces with limited access and need equipment capable of supporting controlled, efficient field work. As a result, many tree care professionals are looking at equipment that can help reduce manual handling and support more precise placement of material.
PALFINGER Tree-Mek arborist packages are designed for mechanized tree removal applications. The packages combine a rear-mounted PALFINGER knuckle boom crane with a grapple saw head, allowing trained operators to grip, cut and place tree sections remotely from the ground. This setup gives crews another option for managing demanding removals, storm cleanup, roadside work and residential tree care applications.
The Tree-Mek offering includes the PK 65002-SH Arborist Edition and the PK 92002-SH Arborist Edition. The PK 65002-SH package is built around a rear-mounted articulating crane with 112 feet of vertical reach, while the PK 92002-SH package offers 126 feet of vertical reach. Both packages are equipped with grapple saw heads configured for tree care professionals who need reach, placement control and jobsite versatility.
For end users, the value lies in a purpose-built package that supports how arborists work in real-world conditions. Whether crews are working along highways, in residential zones or on agricultural boundaries, having equipment that combines reach, cutting capability and controlled material handling can help them approach complex removals with more options in the field.
Green-Tec TH3
The Green-Tec TH3 tree care handler is designed for a wide range of applications, including roadside tree maintenance, storm cleanup and large-scale vegetation management, where safety, reach, controlled handling and operator stability are critical. Its compact footprint and reduced turning radius allow operators to work in confined or high-traffic environments without compromising performance.
A key feature of the TH3 is its compatibility with a range of specialized attachments, including grapple saws, mulchers and trimming heads. When equipped with a grapple saw, it is capable of handling trees up to 24 inches in diameter, providing a controlled approach to cutting and material control at height. Its telescopic boom offers approximately 49 feet of reach, allowing operators to access difficult areas from the ground and reduce reliance on climbing.
Operator visibility and comfort are central to the machine’s design. The TH3 features an elevating and tilting cab, improving sightlines when working at height or across uneven terrain. Combined with all-wheel drive and steering, the machine is well-suited to challenging conditions such as soft ground or roadside environments.
“As the tree care sector continues to emphasize safety and efficiency, machines such as the TH3 reflect a broader shift toward mechanized solutions,” said Jamie Mairs, business line director for Green-Tec. “We are seeing the TH3 becoming a key tool for contractors and municipalities managing increasing vegetation demands across roads, utilities and infrastructure corridors — it reduces the need for manual climbing and cutting, helping to reduce risk while improving consistency and productivity.”
