It’s 7pm. You just got through the door.

After a long day on-site you had to squeeze a couple quotes in on your way home. You missed your kids ball game. “Next time, I’ll make it” you whisper to your wife. You would have, but today’s job took too long.

The two new inexperienced hires you have aren’t up to speed yet. Had to get it done. “If only the mini-skid had more capacity, I wouldn’t have to buck it up so small” you think to yourself. Your body stiffens up. You remember the near miss you had today with your handsaw while trying to manage the ground from in the tree. Damn, close call.

Then your phone buzzes. It’s a text from your lead hand. He’s a great climber but not the most reliable. “Not feeling well, can’t make it in tomorrow” the text reads. It’s only Tuesday.

You sift through QuickBooks on your phone as you throw back dinner. It’s late Spring and top line revenue is looking great. Then you are hit with those staggering numbers. Operating costs. Labour, hiring, insurances, leases, repairs, marketing and fuel. Your profitability gap is as narrow as a 36" backyard gate.

“If only I had more time in a day to get more done” you think to yourself. The idea of adding a second bucket truck crew pops into your mind. “Is that the only path to growth?” You ponder. Based on your current experience with one crew, the thought of doubling your daily headaches makes you lose your appetite.

The Reality of Tree Removal Businesses in Canada

I’ve spent the past four years working with the Canadian urban forestry sector.

I hear this story all too often. Business owners working extremely hard and trying their best to balance it all. Doing things by the book and running a legitimate operation only to be left with minimal take home profits after all is said and done each year.

Fortunately, if you are a removals-focused business, I can help.

Over 40 tree removal companies in Canada have changed the way they operate by investing in a Merlo Roto with a grapple saw.

What Is a Merlo Tree Removal Setup?

A 360 degree rotating tree removal machine that reaches as high as 112' to grab brush and big wood with grapple claws and then cuts it with an on-board bar and chain. Pieces are loaded directly into the chipper or placed safely on the ground for the crew to handle.

Pieces are kept rigid in place with no shock load, ensuring complete load confidence next to structures and sensitive areas. With a 40 km/hr max speed and approved for on-road travel, you can self-mobilize the machine from site to site while bypassing the fees and licencing that comes with an on-road vehicle.

While it is not a fit for every removal situation, its versatility covers a large percentage of real-world tree removal work while maintaining a lower acquisition cost compared to other grapple saw machines.

5 Reasons This Setup Can Transform Your Tree Removal Business

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Production and Efficiency

So long as you can get the machine within striking distance, it will remove a tree 2 to 4 times faster than traditional methods like cranes, bucket trucks, or climbing.
A tree that would take 8 hours takes 3. You can redeploy your crew in the afternoon to another job or pruning work.
Bottom line is you were able to make more revenue that day because of the machine.
Labour Retention and Hiring

Top labour wants to work with machines that reduce the physical load so they can extend their careers and still have energy for life outside work.
Mechanized tree companies become a destination to work for and help reduce turnover. You can protect your A players and be less dependent on inconsistent labour.
Safety and Risk Reduction

The machine reduces the need to send someone up into a tree.
More work is done from the ground. Less exposure to risk. Everyone goes home safe.
Brand and Marketing Advantage

Owning a Merlo Roto with a grapple saw separates you from your competition.
Most companies show up with the same equipment and methods. You don’t.
The machine becomes a rolling billboard, especially when customized with your logo and phone number.
Time and Stress

You get more done with fewer resources.
You can maintain your revenue with a leaner operation or increase it without adding more chaos.
And you might actually have time for your kids ball game.

Why the Merlo Roto Works Well for Tree Removal

Every detail on the Merlo makes it well suited for tree removal work.

The counterweight is a solid bar of steel on the chassis, not on the turret, which keeps the machine stable and compact. It maintains a strong capacity chart whether outriggers are fully deployed or adjusted.

The outriggers are independent and the working envelope adjusts automatically on the live load chart in the cab. This helps when setting up in tight areas or working roadside.

The low pivot point also allows the boom to tuck properly, giving the operator a clear 360 view when moving from site to site.

Is This the Right Fit for Your Tree Business?

While this all sounds good, it is important to properly evaluate if it fits your operation. That means understanding your type of work, how your crews are set up, and where you want to take your business. Seeing the machine in action on a real job site and talking to other owners using it is a key step. If you are not satisfied with your current situation and want to get more out of your tree removal business, it might be time to look at a different way of working , you must hit me up! - Greg Scott