For decades tree care companies have relied on big iron—heavy-duty tree trucks and chipper trucks rated over 26,000 pounds. They’re beasts. They’re capable. And they absolutely require CDL drivers. That’s where the challenge starts.
The CDL labor pool is shrinking, aging, and getting more expensive by the minute. Fedzilla (our preferred description of OSHA + DOT + EPA + Local P&Z) keeps adding hoops, paperwork, and compliance nonsense, and meanwhile you’re trying to get limbs off roofs and chips off lawns before dark.
Here’s the good news the big tree service companies are overlooking: you’ve got options.
The Medium-Duty Tree Truck Advantage
One of the smartest shifts happening quietly inside the super-profitable tree service companies is the move toward medium-duty tree trucks—specifically chipper trucks under 26,000 GVWR.
Take a good look at a setup like an Isuzu NRR chipper truck with an enclosed chipper body and integrated tool storage. This isn’t a toy. It’s a serious work truck that solves several big problems at once.
(Inser photo 1)
Let’s break it down in plain English.
No CDL Required = Bigger Hiring Pool
When a tree truck stays under 26,000 pounds GVWR, no CDL is required. That one decision can dramatically expand your hiring pool.
Now you can:
- Hire younger employees
- Promote reliable ground guys faster
- Train future crew leaders without CDL delays
- Avoid CDL wage premiums
That alone can knock a serious dent in your labor costs.
And here’s a little rhyme to remember:
“No CDL, less HR hell.”
A Proven Pathway for New Talent
Medium-duty chipper trucks create a natural progression ladder inside your company.
Instead of tossing a 22-year-old into a $180,000 heavy-duty rig and praying they’re ready, you can:
- Start them on smaller equipment
- Build confidence and accountability
- Evaluate judgment and safety habits
- Advance them when they’ve earned it
That’s how real companies are built—one responsible employee at a time. Using a medium duty chipper truck may be the missing link inside a growing tree care company. Create yourself an employee growth plan that allows you to hire with more flexibility (non CDL chipper truck drivers). This medium-duty truck strategy can help you build your future big-rig operators. It’s really smart!
Serious Chipping Capacity Without Heavy-Duty Costs
Don’t let the word “medium” fool you.
A properly designed medium-duty chipper truck can offer:
-
- Up to 17 cubic yards of chip capacity
- 10,000 pounds of cargo capacity
- Towing capacity for a 6,000 lb wood chipper (keep the chipper at 12 inches or smaller)
- Fully enclosed, roomy tool storage
- Compact, efficient jobsite footprint
That’s more than enough muscle for residential and light commercial tree work—without the heavy-duty headaches.
Lower Cost Across the Board
Let’s talk money, because equipment costs matter – big time!.
Compared to heavy-duty tree trucks over 26,000 lbs, medium-duty trucks typically deliver:
- Lower purchase price
- Lower maintenance costs
- Better fuel economy
- Reduced insurance premiums
Over the life of the truck, those savings add up fast. And unlike marketing fluff, this is math that actually works.
Cab-Forward Design Wins in the Real World
The cab-forward design of trucks like the Isuzu NRR gives tree crews a big advantage where the work actually happens.
You’ll notice:
- Better maneuverability in tight neighborhoods
- Bigger tool storage space
- Easier parking on your storage yard
- Shorter overall truck length
- Surprisingly large chip capacity
Plus, since they take up less room in your yard, you may be able to add more crews without buying more dirt. Let’s think about the impact of parking more trucks without adding to the rent payments. That’s not sexy—it’s just plain smart! Boosting profits never gets old.
A Smarter Tree Truck Strategy
Big trucks still have their place. Nobody’s arguing that. But building your fleet entirely around CDL-dependent equipment is a risky bet in today’s labor market.
The smarter play?
A balanced fleet that includes medium-duty tree trucks, chipper trucks under 26,000 pounds, and a clear path for employees to grow with the company.
In this business, the overlooked hero isn’t the biggest truck—it’s the owner who designs systems that work with reality instead of fighting it. Finding the CDL driver is a heck of a challenge. Introduce your company to younger and lower cost employees using the medium-duty chipper truck strategy.
And remember:
There’s never been a tree business problem a smarter truck strategy couldn’t help fix.
The uniquely designed chipper truck body options allow for a removable dumper top, fold down truck sides, on board fuel stations, safety light package, saw service package and a robust battery charging station for saws.
This walk around video is available right now by clicking here.
By Tony Bass, founder
www.superlawntrucks.com since 1998
866-923-0027
Take a look at the medium duty Super Tree Truck at the TCIA expo event coming soon.
