Solve Tree Care Challenges With Stand-On Skid-Steers

By Brant Kukuk

As many arborists and tree care professionals know, staying efficient on tight, compact jobsites is the key to success. On such jobsites, stand-on skid-steers have become a natural solution for many industry professionals. With their compact footprint, 360-degree visibility and versatile attachment options, stand-on skid-steers are a perfect match for the diverse urban challenges arborists and tree care professionals face every day. And now they are built more powerfully than ever.

With this added power, stand-on skid-steers are being used to conquer more tree care challenges. Here are four jobsite challenges that arborists and tree care professionals can solve through the power, visibility and versatility of stand-on skid-steers.

1. The need for power

In tree care, some of the most difficult and demanding jobs are related to removal. Tree and stump removal projects often require a lot of heavy lifting, pulling, pushing and maneuvering large amounts of debris. And with crews often on tight schedules, they want to make as few cuts as possible in order to make the resulting debris moveable. That’s why tree care professionals expect more power from their machines. If a machine can move larger pieces of debris, operators can cut less and move to the next job more quickly. Today we see stand-on skid-steers used for tree removal jobs because they can offer the necessary power to be successful.

2. Convenience equals efficiency

There are a lot of moving parts and potential hazards on the typical residential tree care jobsite. Stand-on skid-steers offer convenience and visibility to crews, helping them to focus on getting the job done efficiently.

A full-size stand-on skid-steer gives operators an unobstructed, 360-degree view of the jobsite. With tree care professionals often working in yards, the increased visibility helps contractors avoid obstacles such as fences, homes, gardens and more so they can continue to work confidently and efficiently.

Furthermore, operators can quickly jump on and off stand-on machines whenever needed. This is especially important in the tree care industry as crews are often made up of only two people – a cutter and an operator. With the simplicity of the easy-on, easy-off platform, the operator can transition as needed between helping the cutter with his or her responsibilities and operating the machine

This freedom to alternate jobs, in effect, nearly adds another worker to these small crews. In an industry that is as efficiency-driven as tree care, that’s a big perk.

3. Maneuvering a challenging and fragile jobsite 

Another challenge for the tree care industry is simply the average jobsite. Operators are often working on projects in residential areas where the jobsite is confined and tight. To further complicate matters, these jobsites often require extra care not to damage a homeowner’s lawn, existing landscaping or hardscape structures. Here, operators need to be aware of a variety of issues that can cause costly downtime as well as equipment or property damage. 

With their maneuverability and narrow and compact design, stand-on skid-steers allow tree care professionals the ability to maneuver around obstacles and through fence gates with ease. This helps expedite tree removal tasks where operators are constantly moving in and out of yard carrying tree material. 

Plus, when working in yards or on landscaping projects, operators need to be careful not to tear up the ground or compact the soil too much. To keep lawns unscathed, tree care operators often work in reverse, dragging cut-down trees to prevent damage. Today’s stand-on skid-steers have the operating capacity to haul larger trees, while the 360-degree visibility allows operators to confidently run the machine in reverse. Stand-on machines also have the same ground speed going forward as they do going in reverse – another efficiency tree care professionals see in their use of stand-on skid-steers. Stand-on skid-steers are lighter as well, creating less ground pressure on residential yards.

4. Variety of tasks solved with versatile solutions

The tree care industry faces variety of needs outside of just tree removal. Stand-on skid-steers offer the use of attachments to tackle jobs beyond just hauling downed trees. The versatility of stand-on skid-steers is leading them to be used in many other earth-moving, tree-care-related projects such as digging, relocating and installing trees. 

Whether operators are looking to make fewer cuts, auger a hole or install a new tree, stand-on machines have at least 10 interchangeable attachments that are beneficial to tree-care-related tasks. Each of these attachments is easily fitted onto a machine, allowing tree care professionals to quickly switch in the field.

This simplicity and versatility means that tree care professionals only need to bring one machine to a jobsite. And because many of these professionals must move between jobsites quickly, reducing equipment transport requirements provides added convenience and efficiency.

Working with heavy tree material on tough jobsites can present a lot of pain points. However, a full-size stand-on skid-steer is built with the power, versatility and maneuverability needed for future success in the tree care industry.  

Brant Kukuk is compact equipment product manager at Ditch Witch.

HYDRAULIC BREAKER
Used for construction and demolition, our breakers can be used to break up asphalt, concrete or even clay. The hydraulic hammer is perfect for any small or medium job you might have. More up-time in the field is always the goal, and with only two moving parts and a few seals, there’s no reason for down-time.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

ROCK SAW

Best suited for irrigation and fiber installation, the Rock Saw attachment can effortlessly cut through rock, concrete, and other tough materials with unmatched precision. 

Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BACKHOE
Easily move materials for rebuilds, new construction, footings, utility repairs and more with this compact and versatile attachment.
Compatible Models

SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

STUMP GRINDERS
Featuring a heavy-duty boom design, powerful stump grinding attachments quickly shred stumps down to nothing. Easy maneuvering from stump to stump and increased visibility turns more ground stumps into more profit.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

MULTITASK TOOL
Your multipurpose tool for the ultimate multi-tasker is here. Engineered to grab tight to heavy materials and move them with ease and precision, the multi-task tool is your go-to for heavy applications. Easy to operate with convenient, functional levers.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

CORE DRILL
With the MC-450 coring attachment, utility maintenance is simple and less disruptive. Featuring intuitive controls and an integrated water tank, the MC-450 is the perfect choice for quick cuts and a more productive coring process. A fully adjustable 0 to 280 rpm speed allows for enhanced control and greater productivity.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

SOIL CULTIVATOR
Prepare food plots, gardens, and landscaping projects with a soil cultivator. It gets land ready by stirring organic material back in the soil for a healthier, more stable lawn. Buries the biggest of rocks for a looser topsoil.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BLADES
Whether you’re looking to increase dump height or digging depth, attaching a backfill blade is an easy way to save manpower on your jobsite while working with precision and timeliness. Available in various widths.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

AUGER DRIVER
Ideal for landscaping and tree care, an auger attachment will expedite hole creation and allow operators to quickly plant trees or install fence posts than if they were hand-digging or relying on a hand-held auger. Available in 6" to 30" diameters.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

TILLER
Tough and effective tillers prepare your garden by breaking up tough soil and removing unwanted weeds. Available in 4' width.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

GRAPPLES
Tree grapples come with 48" or 57" openings to efficiently remove logs and debris from the jobsite. It has an excavator style boom design with a powder coat finish and a cylinder lock for increased safety. Brush grapples available with a gap opening of 29" and widths of 42" or 54".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

CARRY ALL LEVELER
One of our most simple yet versatile attachments, the Carry-All Leveler is perfect for carrying bulky material, leveling soil and adding a flat, smooth finish to your project. Available in 49" width.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BUCKETS
Turn one machine into a multi-functional workhorse with versatile Ditch Witch® SK attachments. From landscaping and hardscapes to tree care and construction-grade tasks, your stand-on skid steer can take on more than you think. We've got you covered with a variety buckets from 4-in-1 to heavy and light material buckets. Widths range from 34" to 66".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

PALLET FORKS
Take on your heaviest loads with precision and dependability with Ditch Witch pallet forks. They easily attach to any of our skid steers and can easily accessorize with hay spikes, brick guards, and much more to add even more ROI. Available in widths ranging from 36-48.75" and lengths from 36-48".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

MICROTRENCHER
Fiber installation and other street-located work is rapidly growing. A microtrenching attachment is key for operators looking to get into fiber installation at the street level. They cut both concrete and asphalt in controlled increments so contractors don't need to stop traffic. Maximum width options are 0.5-1.5” or 2” with maximum depths of 12” or 16”.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

ROTO WITCH®
The Ditch Witch Roto Witch® attachment is used for short bores underneath sidewalks, driveways and other obstacles. It offers great digging performance while minimizing jobsite restoration. Compatible with numerous Ditch Witch stand-on skid steers, the Roto Witch attachment can bore and backream up to 12" (300 mm) in diameter.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

PLOW
Install fiber and other utilities quickly with a vibratory plow attachment for your skid steer. It creates less ground disruption and cleanup than traditional trenching to get the job done faster. Available in maximum depths of 14" and 24".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

POWER RAKE
Clean, level and prep jobsites or smooth and loosen soil for sodding with a rake attachment. Most rake attachments require 10 to 14 gpm, but the higher horsepower creates even more drum torque to tear through the most demanding soil types. Width measures 4'.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

MICROTRENCHERS
Fiber installation and other street-located work is rapidly growing. A microtrenching attachment is key for operators looking to get into fiber installation at the street level. They cut both concrete and asphalt in controlled increments so contractors don't need to stop traffic. Maximum width options are 0.5-1.5” or 2” with maximum depths of 12” or 16”.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

ROTO WITCH®
The Ditch Witch Roto Witch® attachment is used for short bores underneath sidewalks, driveways and other obstacles. It offers great digging performance while minimizing jobsite restoration. Compatible with numerous Ditch Witch stand-on skid steers, the Roto Witch attachment can bore and backream up to 12" (300 mm) in diameter.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

PLOWS
Install fiber and other utilities quickly with a vibratory plow attachment for your skid steer. It creates less ground disruption and cleanup than traditional trenching to get the job done faster. Available in maximum depths of 14" and 24".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

TRENCHER

Stay efficient on large jobsites with a trencher attachment for your skid steer. It’s a smart alternative to large, specialized equipment for utility installation and landscaping jobs. Available in standard 6”, 8” and 12” maximum widths with maximum depths of 36", 38", 48” and 55.5”.

Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000