Compact Lifts, Big Impact: Tackling Tight Spaces Without a Bucket Truck

Tree work doesn’t always happen in wide open spaces. More often, crews are called to prune or remove trees tucked behind fences, positioned along tight property lines, or standing in yards with limited entry points. These situations create real obstacles for traditional heavy equipment like bucket trucks, which may be too wide or too heavy to access the site.

Beyond the difficulty of getting machinery in place, restricted access adds risks and inefficiencies. Crews may spend extra time setting ropes, manually climbing, or dismantling trees piece by piece just to work around the space. In addition to slowing the job, this approach can increase fatigue and exposure to hazards. For many companies, the challenge is not the tree itself but simply finding a way to reach it safely and efficiently.

Why Compact Tracked Arbor Lifts Shine

Compact tracked lifts are designed with tight spaces in mind, giving arborists the ability to get into areas that bucket trucks simply cannot reach. With widths that narrow down to just 32 inches, these machines can pass through standard gates and maneuver along side yards or garden paths without disruption. Once in position, their tracked design provides stability on uneven ground and helps distribute weight to protect lawns, driveways, and delicate surfaces.

Lightweight construction is another advantage, reducing the risk of property damage while still delivering the height and outreach needed for demanding jobs. Our models offer vertical reach of up to 88 ft and horizontal outreach up to 46 ft, giving crews the flexibility to prune, remove, or inspect trees without frequent repositioning. By combining compact size with impressive working height, these lifts give tree care crews the confidence to complete difficult jobs safely, quickly, and with less manual strain.

Comparing Compact Lifts vs. Bucket Trucks

Bucket trucks are useful for many jobs, but they are not always the right fit when space is limited. Compact tracked lifts step in to solve challenges that traditional trucks can’t, giving tree care crews more options on tough sites.

Key differences include:

• Access: Compact lifts narrow down to fit through gates and tight driveways where bucket trucks simply can’t go.
  
  
• Precision: Operators can extend horizontally to reach over fences or nearby structures without needing to constantly reposition.
  
  
• Safety: Instead of climbing or improvising when a truck can’t reach, crews can rely on outriggers and proportional controls built for arbor work.
  
  
• Efficiency: Faster setup and reduced repositioning save valuable hours, especially on multi-tree jobs.
  
  
• Property Protection: With a low overall weight and a  track-mounted design, our lifts reduce ground pressure and make the risk of lawn or driveway damage far less likely.
  
  

By switching from a bucket truck to a compact arbor lift for restricted-access sites, tree care companies can complete more jobs in less time while keeping crews and clients’ properties safe.

Real World Applications

The true value of compact tracked lifts becomes clear once they’re put to work on the jobsite. Residential projects often present the biggest challenges, with trees located in fenced backyards or along narrow property lines. In these situations, a traditional bucket truck may be too wide or heavy to enter, leaving crews with time-consuming alternatives. A compact arbor lift, by contrast, can pass through gates, set up quickly, and reach the canopy without disturbing the property.

Urban jobs present another test, where alleyways, tight driveways, and busy streets often limit space. Compact lifts offer both vertical height and horizontal outreach to complete trimming or removals in places where trucks cannot operate. Even large open spaces such as golf courses and parks benefit from the use of tracked equipment. By distributing weight across the ground, these machines reduce the chance of turf damage while still delivering the reach needed for tall trees. With options ranging from 51 to 88 feet, tree trimming lifts for sale from CTE North America are suited to a wide variety of real-world scenarios, giving arborists the tools to handle demanding environments safely and efficiently.

Safety and Productivity Gains of CTE Tracked Lifts

Built-in Stability
Compact tracked lifts are designed with outriggers and proportional controls that keep the operator steady, even on uneven ground. This reduces the risks associated with climbing or balancing on ladders.

Reduced Fatigue
By giving arborists a secure platform at working height, the physical strain of climbing is eliminated. Crews can focus on precision cuts and controlled removals without the added exhaustion.

Towable Without a CDL
All CTE tracked aerial lifts can be towed without a commercial driver’s license, unlike traditional bucket trucks that typically require one. This simplifies transporting equipment between jobs and cuts down on administrative requirements. 

Protecting the Crew and the Property
Safer operations mean fewer workplace accidents, and the lightweight tracked design minimizes the chance of damaging lawns, driveways, or surrounding landscaping.

Together, these gains lead to more completed jobs, reduced downtime, and a safer environment for every crew member on site.

Partnering with CTE North America

CTE North America, based in Willington, Connecticut, helps tree professionals work at height with equipment that blends innovation, safety, and reliability. That tradition continues with a focus on partnering directly with tree care companies that need dependable solutions for challenging jobs. By providing compact arbor lift options that handle everything from residential trimming to large-scale removals, CTE North America helps crews reach new heights while staying safe and efficient.

Request a Quote Today

Access challenges don’t have to slow down your tree care business. Compact aerial lift equipment give you the reach, stability, and maneuverability that bucket trucks can’t provide, making difficult jobs safer and faster to complete. Backed by decades of global experience and trusted by thousands of professionals, CTE North America delivers equipment that crews rely on day after day.

Explore our lineup of tree trimming lifts for sale and see how the right lift can change the way you work. Contact us today to learn more or to request a free quote.