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Choosing the best brand for tree care platforms means finding equipment that keeps crews safe, reaches the canopy efficiently and remains reliable over years of use. Arboreal professionals rely on tracked and spider lifts, not ladders, to access hard-to-reach areas with precision and less risk.
Three leading brands for tree care lifts cater to the arboricultural industry with quality, safety-first lifting equipment.
Best brand for tree care lifts
When comparing technical specs, safety standards and service support, several brands consistently stand out for reliability in professional arboreal operations.
These companies reach new heights with safety design to minimize struck-by and fall hazards that cause most deaths in the industry through specialized engineering, innovative hybrid power systems or compact designs that can handle challenging terrain.
1. Tracked Lifts
Tracked Lifts is an importer and supplier of European-engineered OMMELIFT and Platform Basket spider and tracked lifts for arborists in the U.S. The industry leader sells platforms “built by arborists for arborists.”
The brand’s platforms comply with ANSI A92.2-2021 standards, and the tracked machines distribute weight to minimize turf disruption. Furthermore, the models can stow through narrow doorways of 35 inches and work on slopes up to 21.8 degrees or 40% tilt, demonstrating adaptability for tight residential or wooded lots.
It offers models such as the Platform Basket 22.10 and 27.14, with working heights up to around 90 feet and beyond and outreach of 49 feet or more. Terrain adaptability features include rubber tracks that distribute weight to reduce ground impact and outriggers to stabilize when on slopes.
2. CMC North America
CMC North America offers the Arbor Pro Series, designed specifically for arboreal applications. Models include 60 feet to over 100 feet working height, with lateral outreach up to 50 feet in some units, enabling crews to tackle large-scale removals or deep reach trimming from one setup.
The compact width allows travel through gates as narrow as 35 inches, making units well-suited for residential landscaping work. The brand emphasizes the tree-care industry and states its mission as making arborists’ work safer and more efficient.
3. CTE North America Corp.
CTE North America Corp., a European manufacturer with North American operations, offers its TRACCESS track-mounted access platforms. The multi-use lifts are suited to tree care, with rentals available.
Working heights between approximately 51 feet and 88 feet, with outreach up to 46 feet in select models. All machines are built using high-strength steel for structural performance in demanding applications and include narrow stowed width and track expansion for stability on uneven terrain. Its machines feature compact footprints that accommodate up to two service personnel in the basket.
What to consider before you choose a tree lift
Selecting the best brand and model is only half the decision. Match equipment to the work environment, regulatory context and operations.
1. Terrain and access
Residential arbor work often involves narrow gates, uneven yards and soft ground. Choose machines that can negotiate a standard gate width of 35 inches to 36 inches and stow low enough to move easily. Machines with tracks or wide outrigger footprints reduce turf damage and increase stability.
2. Working height and outreach
Tree removal or tall-canopy work will require platforms that reach at least 60 feet to 90 feet in working height and sufficient outreach for trimming or removing with one setup to avoid repeated repositioning. For routine trimming, 40 feet to 60 feet is sufficient.
3. Safety, training and compliance
Operators must be trained in lift use, and the machine must comply with applicable standards such as ANSI A92 and OSHA guidelines for mobile elevated work platforms. Manufacturer-provided training programs and support are a plus.
Best tree care lifts
Choosing the right lift is about more than reach or price. The best option combines safe design, reliable performance and long-term service support. Look for a model that fits the typical terrain, meets all state and federal safety requirements and provides adequate working height for arboreal projects.
When comparing equipment, prioritize transparency from the supplier, clear operator training programs and ready access to replacement parts or field service. A well-supported machine will protect the crew, reduce downtime and deliver years of dependable use, turning every elevated task into a safer, more efficient operation.