Forestry trucks and vehicles require special education and training for effective and safe use. Whether they be logging trucks or other types of forestry vehicles, the right training is essential for success in the forestry industry. Continuing education programs for those in the forestry and logging industries ensure professionals keep current on trends.

Manufacturers who offer log trucks for sale and other forestry trucks can offer basic tips on proper use and maintenance. Coupled with more in-depth training courses and publications geared toward forestry professionals, you can garner the experience you need to properly operate vehicles used in forestry. When you consider forestry trucks and vehicles education and training, you should:

1. Sign up for training courses that focus on how to use different forest service truck styles and access up-to-date resources and publications on forestry vehicles.

2. Attend conferences and seminars on forestry trucks and vehicles to stay up-to-date on the latest models of forestry vehicles.

3. Learn how to repair and maintain your forestry trucks and vehicles to save money on costly repairs.

Action Steps
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Utilize resources on how to operate and maintain forestry trucks

Print resources that focus on forestry vehicles can enhance your overall education and training experience. This print information coupled with education and training courses on forestry trucks should give you a better initial understanding of operating and maintaining forestry trucks.

I recommend: Forest Resources Association offers resources and publications on forestry trucks and vehicles education and training. The Mississippi Forestry Association offers continuing education programs for loggers.

Attend conferences and seminars on forestry vehicles

Take advantage of the latest information on forestry trucks and vehicles at conferences and seminars. Network with other professionals in the forestry industry to exchange information on used forestry trucks and forestry trucks for sale.

I recommend: Attend the Oregon Logging Conference for information on logging trucks and forestry vehicles. The Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association hosts an annual Lake States Logging Conference that showcases exhibitors of forestry trucks and vehicles.

Take maintenance courses for forestry trucks and vehicles

If your fleet of logging trucks includes used forestry trucks, you should know basic repair techniques as a cost-effective way to maintain your forestry trucks and vehicles. Such skills will only enhance your business and your marketability.

I recommend: The Forest Industry Safety & Training Alliance offers courses on safety and maintenance of forestry vehicles. The Northwest Diesel Industry Council lists reputable universities that offer courses on heavy truck repair and maintenance.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Attend conferences that focus on forestry trucks and vehicles annually to keep current on trends in forestry trailers and logging trucks.
• •  Become a member in the Forest Resources Association for benefits, networking opportunities and up-to-date information on forestry trucks and vehicles education and training.
• •  Enroll in continuing education courses geared toward forestry vehicles to ensure you understand trends in forestry trucks and vehicles.

If you own or operate a logging or tree-care business, building a fleet of forestry vehicles is a necessary first step to doing business. While you can rent or lease some vehicles, an established business should have its own fleet of vehicles for lifting, loading, transporting and tree care.

Like most heavy machinery and construction equipment, forestry vehicles are easy to find for rent and for sale used. Consider both local dealers with available products as well as online dealers with a wider inventory selection when you are ready to purchase forestry vehicles. Both national and local dealers may offer vehicles for rent or for sale used.

When replacing or expanding your fleet of forestry trucks and vehicles, do the following:

1. Search for bucket trucks for logging and tree care;

2. Shop for chipper trucks and loaders for extended forestry and landscaping;

3. Save money by buying used vehicles and equipment.

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Check out bucket logging trucks for forestry and tree service

One of the most useful pieces of equipment for any type of logging or forestry business is a bucket truck. Bucket trucks are universally used by many types of construction and maintenance services, and make forestry and tree care services safer and more efficient. Shop for a bucket truck if you're looking for a forest service truck that is flexible and offers a variety of features.

I recommend: Utility Fleet Sales sells bucket trucks for tree care and other services. Equipment Technology also sells bucket trucks, and breaks down forestry vehicles by features such as telescoping and non-telescoping elevators. Equipment Technology also offers vehicles for rent and truck and van body conversions for creating custom log trucks.

Get a range of forestry trucks and vehicles for logging and tree care services

Machinery used in forestry and tree care includes a wide range of vehicles, including elevators for logging and trimming, loaders and transporters, as well as chippers. Shop for a range of vehicles to find the forest service truck that you need for any given phase of forestry or tree care.

I recommend: KW Truck Equipment sells a range of new and used logging trucks, including elevators and loaders, and you can submit a request online for quotes and availability. BTS Equipment additionally sells a range of chipper trailers and chipper trucks for forestry services.

Save some cash on used forestry vehicles and equipment

Forestry trucks and vehicles are comparatively easy to find available for sale used. Whether you're looking for transport vehicles, bucket trucks or even replacement parts, you can find used forestry trucks for almost any purpose.

I recommend: Forestry Equipment Sales offers log trucks for sale used at reduced prices. Most used vehicle dealers also offer rentals, so even if you aren't ready to purchase a vehicle, you can rent or lease a forest service truck. Rock & Dirt also lists used forestry vehicles by make and model, and allows you to submit a want-to-buy request if the vehicle you need isn't listed.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When searching for used log trucks, be aware that some vehicles may not be in excellent condition. Make sure that you are able to view pictures, get specifications and even get certified quality guarantees or warranties if available when buying forestry trucks and vehicles from used dealers.

Forestry and logging vehicles have industry-specific needs. Thus, they require additional equipment and more add-on features that come with their own host of terms and definitions. Knowing the jargon, though, will help you in various situations, such as making a purchase, discussing equipment or going to an industry event. Forestry trucks and vehicles key terms can include different types of trucks, equipment and machinery.

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Bucket trucks

Bucket trucks are trucks that include an aerial lift. This can be particularly important to forestry and logging professionals who need elevation to inspect or cut higher trees.

I recommend: Read about bucket trucks from Sunrise Equipment Company.

Chipper trucks

Chipper trucks are usually reconditioned vehicles custom built or repaired to take your chipper's output. They are usually specially coated and ventilated for this specific use.

I recommend: Take a look at the BTS Chipper Boxes from BTS Equipment. Have your own chipper truck by fitting out your current vehicle.

Loaders

Loaders are the machinery that helps put the wood onto the forestry or logging truck.

I recommend: Check out the PT-100 forestry loader found at For Contruction Pros.

Telescoping elevators

Telescoping elevators are the aerial lifts on a bucket truck that allow the forestry or logging professional to get higher for inspection or cutting purposes.

I recommend: Look at bucket trucks with telescoping elevators at Nesco Sales & Rentals. Go deeper into the product literature for diagrams and overviews if you need additional resources.

Conduit

A conduit is a tile, pipe or tube that protects electric wires or cables.

I recommend: The trucks from Southco Industries have all of their wiring in conduit.

Pintle

The pintle is the pin or bolt that is used as part of a pivot or hinge.

I recommend: Etrailer has more information about the pintle hook/hitch that is often used on vehicles such as forestry trucks. Generally, the truck itself holds the output of the chipper, but the chipper will need to be carried behind on a trailer, thus the need for a trailer hitch. Another forestry vehicle that is hitched and trailered is the loader.

Working in the forestry industry entails the use of many types of large forestry trucks. Because of the heavy lifting, challenging manual labor tasks and hefty transport needs, these vehicles are necessary for the daily work.

Some of the types of equipment used are not forestry vehicles but are a means of assistance to help get the job done. Telescoping and non-telescoping elevators, chippers and grinders are a few of these. Special machines are used to load the cut wood into the transport trucks.

In correlation with these machines, several types of trucks are needed to complete other tasks. Learn about several of the forestry trucks and vehicles types and styles, including:

1. Bucket forest service trucks

2. Chipper forestry trucks

3. Loader logging trucks

Action Steps
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Make sure you have the forestry vehicles necessary to get to the top

Trees can be quite tall. Keeping the forests means being able to maintain the tree tops as well as the forest floor. Bucket trucks or boom trucks have a lift as part of the vehicle that allows a worker to reach, observe or work on any part of a tree.

I recommend: To see examples of different styles of bucket trucks available for use, go to Maranuk Equipment. Check out BoomTruck.com for advice and assistance on procuring boom trucks for enhanced business.

Get a grasp on the uses of the chipper forest service truck

A chipper truck is often called a chipper box. This type of truck is named accordingly because of the large box behind the truck's cab. A chipper truck carries or holds the wood after it has been processed through a chipper. Sometimes a wheeled chipper will be pulled behind the chipper trucks on forestry trailers.

I recommend: View BTS Equipment for examples and information on chipper forest vehicles. Safety and care are concerns when working with any large equipment. Go to Arbor Age for safety information and tips on proper actions that come with using heavy machinery.

Discover benefits of grapples as vehicles used in forestry

Loaders, sometimes wheeled, help put the timber onto the logging truck. The grapple truck not only comes equipped with a type of arm or hand to lift heavy objects, but also some type of bed or carrying body. These vehicles are designed to get the most use out of one vehicle.

I recommend: Royal Truck & Equipment shows a video demonstration of a grapple in use accomplishing common forest industry tasks. Besides being a resource for forestry trucks for sale, Royal Truck & Equipment also supplies custom log trucks. Check out Hultdins for information on grapples included in their resource section which has sample images and spec sheets.