Rent Special Aerial Platforms for Tree Care & Pruning

Tree care is technically demanding and time-limited. The dormant season between October and February allows for radical pruning; from March to September, Section 39 of the German Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) applies and restricts drastic measures. Aerial 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 aerial access equipment across Europe: tracked aerial platforms for narrow private gardens, truck-mounted platforms for municipal and professional large-scale tree care projects, and trailer-mounted solutions for flexible relocation between sites. Every machine is provided with VUV certification and technical instruction.

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

Tracked Aerial Platforms: Maximum Flexibility in Tight Spaces and on Soft Ground

Tracked aerial platforms (crawler lifts) are ideal for tree care. The wide track load distributes the machine's weight over a large surface area – perfect for lawns, forest floors, and unpaved properties. A gradeability of over 50% allows use on sloped gardens and embankments where wheels would fail.

Working heights range up to 22–28 metres depending on the model – 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 driveways. For larger municipal work, wider tracked platforms (up to 1.8 metres) are used – still narrower than truck-mounted platforms.

Most important: ground protection mats. Tracked aerial platforms must be positioned on ground protection mats (wood or plastic) to minimise lawn damage and soil compaction. These costs are low but essential for protecting the ground.

Truck-Mounted Aerial Platforms: Fast Relocation for Municipal Tree Care

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

Drawback: the footprint required is larger and needs level ground. Private gardens under 500 square metres are often too tight; tracked platforms dominate here.

Ground pressure is higher than with tracked platforms. On sensitive ground (gardens with mature trees, damp meadows), ground protection mats should be used to protect the soil.

Trailer-Mounted Aerial Platforms: The Solution for One-Off Jobs

Trailer-mounted platforms are towed by a truck or tow vehicle. They offer a middle ground: less ground pressure than truck-mounted platforms, less setup effort than tracked platforms. They are economical for consecutive jobs on several private properties, as long as the access routes are paved.

Drawback: less common for tree care than tracked platforms; availability varies.

Decision Logic for Tree Care:

• Private garden, narrow access, lawn: Tracked platform (under 1.5 m wide, ground protection mats).

• Several individual trees in an urban area, street space: Truck-mounted platform.

• Group of trees, level access, flexible positioning: 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 extends 5 metres outward – the outreach must bridge that distance.

Working Height vs. Outreach

Working height is the vertical span. Outreach is the horizontal distance from the vehicle to the basket position. Both must be considered together. A telescopic platform's load chart shows: the higher the basket, the smaller the possible horizontal outreach often becomes – this is a matter of physical stability.

For tree care, this means: measure not only the height of the tree but also the distance from the setup position to the outermost edge of the crown. Provide this figure to Luibl when making your enquiry.

Basket Load and Tool Weight

Every aerial platform has a permitted basket load (typically 200–500 kg for scissor lifts, higher for telescopic platforms). 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 branches (approx. 5–10 kg)

These loads are small – but at extreme heights and outreach, it can become tight. Luibl checks this against the load chart.

Ground Clearance and Outrigger Span

Tracked platforms have a specific ground clearance (the distance between the underside of the tracks and the vehicle body). Tree stumps, roots, and lawn edges can cause problems. Clarify this during the site visit.

The outrigger span (distance between the support points on tracked platforms) determines tip-over stability. Wider is more stable – but a wider stance won't fit through narrow gates. A balance must be found here.

Section 39 of the German Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) – Vegetation Protection Periods

From 1 March to 30 September, radical pruning of woody plants is prohibited. The prohibition is strict: one-metre cutbacks are not permitted during this period. Exceptions apply only for:

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

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

Practical Consequence for Your Rental Planning:

If you're planning radical pruning (e.g. pollarding, rejuvenation), book the aerial platform 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 maintenance measures (deadwood removal, shape pruning, traffic safety work) are possible year-round.

DIN 18920 – Protection of Trees During Construction Work

This standard mandates protective measures when trees and their root zones are at risk during construction work. The combination of an aerial platform and ground protection mats meets these requirements. Document the measures taken for your project.

VUV – Safety in Tree Care

This regulation defines standards for safe tree care work at height. It requires:

• Personal fall protection equipment (PSAgA): safety harness, rope, carabiner.

• Regular training of operating personnel.

• Regular inspection of equipment (inspection in accordance with VUV).

All Luibl aerial platforms are VUV-inspected before rental and supplied with an inspection record. Fall protection equipment (PSAgA) is your responsibility – but Luibl is happy to advise.

Wind Speeds and Weather Conditions

Aerial platforms have wind load limits. Typical maximum: 10–12 m/s (approx. 40 km/h) wind speed. Stronger winds jeopardise stability. Operation must be suspended on stormy days – factor this into your planning.

Outriggers and Ground Quality

Correctly extended outriggers are not optional – they are the basis for tip-over stability. The ground beneath the outrigger feet must be level and compacted. Loose gravel, mulch, or very wet soil are unsuitable. When in doubt: use ground protection mats.

Tree care season runs from October to March. Demand for aerial platforms is higher during this period. Luibl is based in Passau and delivers across Europe – including for tree care projects outside Germany. Delivery time for distances under 50 km (typical for southern Germany) is 1–2 days.

Availability Planning:

• Spontaneous need (up to 3 days): Low likelihood of availability during the season. Enquire immediately.

• Planning ahead (1–2 weeks): Good availability, standard rental rates.

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

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

Which aerial platform is suitable for tree care?

That depends on the tree, the property, and the access route. Tracked aerial platforms are the first choice for private and narrow gardens. Truck-mounted platforms suit municipal large-scale sites and open spaces. Luibl provides free, no-obligation advice during an on-site assessment.

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

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

When is pruning trees legally permitted?

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

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

Yes. Truck-mounted platforms are self-driven machines and require an appropriate truck driving licence (Category C or C1, depending on total weight). Operating the platform itself does not require a special licence, but training provided by Luibl is recommended and often a condition of insurance.

Are ground protection mats included in the rental price?

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

How is the machine handed over and explained?

Luibl provides the aerial platform along with an induction. You receive on-site safety instruction – operating the basket, outriggers, emergency lowering. For more extensive training (multi-day, for larger teams), we recommend training partners. The cost is small compared to the risk of an accident.

Can I use the platform for several consecutive days?

Yes. Multi-day rental is standard. For long-term rental (several weeks), the daily cost drops significantly – ask Luibl about this. 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 breakdown insurance. The excess is typically 250–500 CHF. Without insurance, you bear the cost risk – which can be substantial for aerial platforms.

Prepare this information to receive 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 setup position to the outermost edge of the crown.

• Property conditions: Lawn, paved yard, forest path, slope, soil moisture.

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

• Work objectives: Radical pruning, deadwood removal, traffic safety work, shape pruning.

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

• Time window: Desired month – important due to BNatSchG deadlines.

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

Contact Luibl for a no-obligation consultation. Tell us about your project – tree type, property size, access route, and planned timeframe. Luibl will check availability, advise on machine selection, and prepare a transparent quote.

The consultation is free. You won't share any information you'll later regret – and you'll receive professional input on your project.

Request a consultation now: https://www.luibl.ch/en/contact/