Rent special aerial work platforms for tree care and pruning

Tree care is technically demanding and limited in time. The dormant season between October and February allows radical pruning; during the growing season, Czech nature protection rules restrict major interventions. Aerial work platforms are not a luxury – they are the safe, efficient solution for cutting back, crown shaping and deadwood removal at height. Luibl rents out specialised access equipment and delivers it from Passau throughout the Czech Republic: spider lifts for narrow private gardens, truck-mounted platforms for municipal and professional large-scale tree care projects, trailer-mounted solutions for flexible changes of location. Every machine is handed over with a valid periodic inspection and a technical briefing.

Tree care requires machines that meet three requirements: safe positioning in the tree crown, ground protection (preventing damage to lawns and paths) and manoeuvrability on private properties or in urban green spaces.

Spider lifts: maximum flexibility in tight spaces and on soft ground

Spider lifts are ideal for tree care. The wide tracks distribute the machine weight over a large area – perfect for lawns, forest floors and unpaved plots. Gradeability of over 50 % allows use on sloping gardens and embankments where wheels would fail.

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

The most important thing: ground mats. Spider lifts must be set up on ground mats (wood or plastic) to minimise compaction of lawn and soil. These costs are low but essential for protecting the ground.

Truck-mounted platforms: quick changes of location for municipal tree care

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

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

Ground pressure is higher than with spider lifts. On sensitive ground (gardens with mature planting, wet meadows) ground mats should be used to protect the soil.

Trailer-mounted platforms: the solution for occasional jobs

Trailer-mounted platforms are towed by a truck or tractor unit. They offer a middle ground: less ground pressure than truck-mounted platforms, less set-up effort than spider lifts. They are economical for jobs on several private properties in succession, as long as the access roads are paved.

Disadvantage: less common in tree care than spider lifts; availability varies.

Decision logic for tree care:

• Private garden, narrow access, lawn: spider lift (under 1.5 m wide, ground mats).

• Several individual trees in the city, street space: truck-mounted platform.

• Group of trees, level access, flexible use of set-up area: trailer-mounted platform.

A common misjudgement: working height alone is not enough. A 20-metre platform is useless if the tree is 18 metres tall and the crown spreads 5 metres wide – the outreach must bridge this distance.

Working height vs. outreach

Working height is the vertical span. Outreach is the horizontal distance from the machine to the basket position. Both must be considered together. A telescopic boom lift load chart shows: the higher the basket, the smaller the possible horizontal outreach often is – physically, this is a question of stability.

For tree care, this means: measure not only the height of the tree, but also the distance from the set-up position to the outermost edge of the crown. Include this figure in your enquiry to Luibl.

Basket load and tool weight

Every aerial 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 small – but at extreme height and outreach the margin can become tight. Luibl checks this in the load chart.

Ground clearance and support width

Spider lifts have a certain ground clearance (the distance between the lower edge of the track undercarriage and the machine body). Tree stumps, tree roots and lawn edges can cause problems. Clarify this during the site visit.

The support width (the distance between the support points on spider lifts) determines stability against tipping. Wider is more stable – but wider does not fit through narrow gates. A balance must be found here.

Czech nature protection rules – restrictions during the growing season

During the growing season, Czech nature protection rules restrict radical interventions in trees and shrubs. Check exact periods and conditions with the competent nature protection authority. Exceptions usually apply to:

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

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

Practical consequence for your rental planning:

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

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

CSN standards – protection of trees during construction work

These standards specify protective measures when trees and their root zones are at risk during construction work. The combination of an aerial work platform and ground mats contributes to this protection. Document the measures for your project.

Occupational safety rules for work at height (Government Regulation No. 362/2005 Coll.)

These rules set out requirements for safe work at height. They include:

• Personal fall protection equipment: safety harness, rope, carabiners.

• Regular operator briefing.

• Periodic inspection of machines (under Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll.).

All Luibl aerial work platforms are inspected before rental and handed over with an inspection report. Personal fall protection equipment is your responsibility – but Luibl is happy to advise.

Wind speeds and weather

Aerial work platforms have wind load limits. Typically: a maximum of 10–12 m/s (approx. 40 km/h). Stronger winds endanger stability. On stormy days operation must be stopped – you need to factor this into your planning.

Outriggers and ground quality

Correctly extended outriggers are not optional – they are the basis of stability against tipping. The ground under the outrigger pads must be level and compacted. Loose gravel, mulch or very wet soil are unsuitable. If in doubt: ground mats.

The tree care season runs from October to March. During this period, demand for aerial work platforms is higher. Luibl is based in Passau and delivers by low-loader from Passau throughout the Czech Republic. For short distances, delivery is possible at short notice.

Availability planning:

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

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

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

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

Which aerial work platform is suitable for tree care?

It depends on the tree, the property and the access route. Spider lifts are the first choice for private customers and narrow gardens.Truck-mounted platforms for large municipal jobs and open spaces. Luibl offers non-binding advice during a free site visit.

How much does it cost to rent a lifting platform for tree pruning?

Rental prices vary depending on machine type, rental period and distance. Spider 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 period).

When is tree pruning legally permitted?

Under Czech nature protection rules, radical cuts are intended primarily for the dormant season (usually from October to February). Exceptions: traffic safety and necessary tree care without radical cuts are possible all year round. Check with the competent nature protection authority whether your project requires a permit.

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

Yes. Truck-mounted platforms are self-propelled machines and require the required Czech driving licence category (depending on the total weight). Operating the platform itself requires the required operator qualification; we recommend an operator briefing on handover, which is often also a condition of insurance.

Are ground mats included in the rental price?

Ground mats are optional and are charged separately if you need them. For lawns and forest floors, however, they are strongly recommended – they help you avoid damage to and compaction of the soil. Luibl will advise whether your property needs ground mats.

How is the machine briefing carried out?

Luibl hands over the aerial work platform with a briefing. You receive a safety instruction on site – operating the basket, outriggers, emergency stop. For more extensive training (several days, for larger teams), please contact external training organisations. The costs are low compared to the risk of an accident.

Can I use the platform for several days in a row?

Yes. Multi-day rental is standard. With long-term rental (several weeks), the daily costs drop significantly – ask Luibl. The machine stays on your property and its operation 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 machinery insurance. The deductible is typically 250–500 €. Without insurance, you bear the cost risk yourself – with aerial work platforms this can be considerable.

Prepare this information to get a quote quickly:

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

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

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

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

• Work objectives: radical cutting back, deadwood removal, traffic safety, shaping cut.

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

• Time window: desired month – important because of nature protection restrictions.

With this information, Luibl will prepare a binding quote with no hidden costs.

Contact Luibl for a non-binding consultation on your job. Tell us about your project – tree type, property size, access route and planned period. Luibl checks availability, advises on the choice of machine and prepares a transparent quote.

The consultation is free of charge. You do not disclose any information you will later regret – and you receive professional input on your project.

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