Rent special aerial work platforms for tree care and pruning

Tree care is technically demanding and seasonal. Heavy pruning is best planned for the dormant period between October and February; during the breeding season it is prohibited to disturb or destroy nests, and fixed pruning bans apply to farmers in Flanders and Wallonia. Aerial work platforms are not a luxury here - they are the safe, efficient solution for cutting back, crown shaping and deadwood removal at height. Luibl rents specialised aerial work platforms with delivery throughout Belgium: spider lifts for narrow private gardens, truck-mounted platforms for large municipal and professional tree care projects, trailer-mounted platforms for flexible changes of location. Every machine is supplied 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 (no 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 spread the machine weight over a large area - perfect for lawns, forest floors and unpaved plots. A climbing ability of more than 50 % allows work in sloping gardens and on embankments, where wheels would fail.

Depending on the model, working heights reach 22-28 metres - enough for medium-height fruit trees and the poplars common in towns. The compact width (often less than 1.5 metres) allows access through narrow garden gates and passages. For larger municipal jobs, 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. The cost is low, but essential for protecting the ground.

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

Truck-mounted platforms (usually Ruthmann or Palfinger types) 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 sites within a town. That reduces logistics costs considerably.

Disadvantage: the set-up area is larger and needs level spaces. 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) it is best to use ground mats to protect the soil.

Trailer-mounted platforms: the solution for occasional jobs

Trailer-mounted platforms are towed by a truck or tractor. They occupy a middle position: less ground pressure than truck-mounted platforms, less set-up effort than spider lifts. They are cost-effective for jobs on several private properties one after the other, as long as the access roads are paved.

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

Decision logic for tree care:

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

• Several individual trees in town, public road: truck-mounted platform.

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

A common misjudgement: working height alone is not enough. A 20-metre platform is useless if the tree is 18 metres high and the crown extends 5 metres - the outreach has to bridge that distance.

Working height vs. outreach

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

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

Platform load and tool weight

Every aerial work platform has a permitted platform 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 stronger 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 things can get tight. Luibl checks this in the load chart.

Ground clearance and outrigger width

Spider lifts have a certain ground clearance (distance between the underside of the tracks and the chassis). Tree stumps, roots and lawn edges can cause problems. Clarify this during the site visit.

The outrigger width (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 has to be found here.

Breeding season and pruning bans in Belgium

Belgium has no general pruning ban with fixed dates; nature conservation law does, however, prohibit disturbing or destroying nests all year round. Fixed ban periods apply to farmers: in Flanders indicatively from 15 March to 15 June, in Wallonia from 1 April to 31 July. Outside agriculture, Wallonia recommends not pruning during this period. During the breeding season, the following usually remain possible:

• Traffic safety (e.g. overhanging branches above footpaths)

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

Practical consequence for your rental planning:

If you are planning heavy pruning (e.g. pollarding, rejuvenation), book the aerial work 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 work (deadwood removal, shaping, traffic safety) is possible all year round.

Protecting trees during construction work

Where trees and their root zones are at risk during construction work, protective measures are advisable. The combination of aerial work platform and ground mats helps protect soil and roots. Document the measures for your project.

Work at height under the Code on Well-being at Work - safety in tree care

These rules set the basis for safe tree care at height. They require:

• Personal fall protection equipment: harness, lanyard, karabiners.

• Adequate training of operators.

• Regular checks of the machines (periodic inspection).

All Luibl aerial work platforms are inspected before rental and supplied 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. Typical: a maximum wind speed of 10-12 m/s (approx. 40 km/h). Stronger winds endanger stability. On stormy days work must be stopped - factor this into your planning.

Outriggers and ground quality

Correctly deployed outriggers are not optional - they are the basis of stability against tipping. The ground under the outrigger feet 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 delivers throughout Belgium, by low-loader to your site - at short notice when stock is available.

Availability planning:

• Spontaneous demand (up to 3 days): low probability in season. Enquire immediately.

• Planning (1-2 weeks ahead): 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 single days - talk to Luibl about it.

Which aerial work platform is suitable for tree care?

That 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 sites and open spaces. Luibl advises you without obligation during a free site visit.

How much does it cost to rent an aerial work 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 Luibl an enquiry with project details (tree type, height, size of the property, planned rental period).

When is tree pruning legally permitted?

Heavy pruning is best planned outside the breeding season, usually from October to February: this is when the risk of occupied nests is lowest, and the ban periods for farmers (Flanders indicatively 15 March to 15 June, Wallonia 1 April to 31 July) fall outside this window. Possible all year round: traffic safety and necessary tree care without heavy pruning, provided no nests are disturbed. In Flanders, felling tall trees may require an environmental permit (omgevingsvergunning); ask your municipality whether your project needs 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 Belgian driving licence category (depending on the gross vehicle weight). Operating the platform itself does not require a specific licence, but an operator briefing on handover is recommended and is often a condition of the insurance.

Are outrigger pads included in the rental price?

Outrigger pads are optional and are charged separately if you need them. For lawns and forest floors, however, they are strongly recommended - they help you avoid damaging the ground. Luibl advises whether your site needs outrigger pads.

How is the briefing on the machine carried out?

Luibl provides the aerial work platform with a briefing. You receive an on-site safety briefing - operating the basket, stabilisation, emergency stops. For more extensive training (several days, for larger teams), we recommend external training partners. The costs are low compared with the risk of an accident.

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

Yes. Multi-day rental is standard. For long-term rental (several weeks), the daily costs drop significantly - talk to Luibl about it. 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 machinery breakdown insurance. The deductible is typically 250-500 euros. 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: diameter of the crown, distance from the set-up point to the outermost edge of the crown.

• Ground conditions: lawn, paved courtyard, forest track, slope, soil moisture.

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

• Work objectives: heavy pruning, deadwood removal, safety pruning, formative pruning.

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

• Time window: preferred month - important because of the applicable nature protection rules.

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

Contact Luibl for no-obligation advice on your job. Describe your project - tree type, size of the site, access route and planned period. Luibl checks availability, advises on the choice of machine and prepares a transparent quote.

The advice is free of charge. You do not disclose any data you will regret later - and you receive professional input on your project.

Request advice now: https://www.luibl.eu/kontakt/