Tree Surgery Access Guide: When a Tracked Spider Beats Climbing

Tracked spider MEWPs give arborists safe, quick access where rope and harness are difficult or risky. This guide sets out when a spider lift is the better choice, how to plan ground protection and outreach, and what to include in a practical rescue plan.

When a tracked spider beats climbing: a quick decision framework

Use a tracked spider if two or more of the following apply. Add a climber if you need rigging or fine pruning.

• The tree is dead, storm damaged or has weak unions or decay pockets that reduce anchor options.
  
• There are limited tie-in points or brittle species that make movement in the crown unsafe.
  
• Work is above glass, fragile roofs, conservatories or public areas that need predictable positioning.
  
• The job is near live roads, rail, water or power lines and controlled working is essential.
  
• Weather or time pressure makes repeated climbs inefficient.
  
• Access is confined or awkward, for example narrow side passages or soft lawns where low ground pressure is required.
  
• Aerial rescue would be complex without a platform.
  

Browse the range if you already know you need one: see the APS page for tracked spider lifts and related compact machines at Spider Lifts and the full category at Tracked Spider Boom Lifts.

Choosing the right machine

Pick the smallest machine that reaches the work with safe capacity and setup.

• Working height and outreach
  Typical suburban removals and reductions fall between 15 and 25 metres working height, with 7 to 12 metres of outreach. Larger street trees and churchyard veterans may require 30 metres plus. Check the up-and-over envelope, not just straight reach.
  
• Articulated versus telescopic
  Articulated spiders give helpful up-and-over for crowns. Telescopic booms suit straight reach along roads or over buildings. A jib can fine-tune position within the canopy.
  
• Platform capacity
  Allow for the operator, clothing, saws and small rigging kit. Check the safe working load and any restrictions at maximum outreach.
  
• Power and noise
  Diesel offers longer duty cycles. Hybrid and lithium options help on noise-sensitive sites or indoor atriums. Plan charging time and cable routes if you use mains charging.
  
• Tracks and levelling
  Non-marking tracks reduce lawn damage. Auto-levelling speeds set-up on slopes within the rated limits.
  

If you need a lighter alternative for very small tasks, consider a trailer mount for short duration pruning at Trailer Boom Lifts. For new or refresher operator cards, book IPAF Training Courses.

Ground protection that actually works

Spider lifts are kind on surfaces, but outriggers can still overload soft ground. Plan protection before delivery.

• Ground bearing pressure in plain English
  The machine’s weight is concentrated under each outrigger foot. Pads spread the load so the ground does not sink. On lawns and root protection areas, add ground mats to protect the surface and spread the load further.
  
• Pad selection
  Use pads that are larger than the outrigger foot and increase size if the pad indents the surface. As a rule of thumb, step up pad size on wet, soft or made ground. Keep pads flat, clean and centred. For pads and plates, see Outrigger Pads.
  
• Roots and heritage
  In churchyards and historic gardens, keep loads low and avoid repeated tracking over the same line. Use mats to form a temporary road. Do not set outriggers within obvious root buttress zones if you can avoid it.
  
• Approaches, gradients and thresholds
  Measure tight turns, steps and door thresholds. Temporary ramps can help where there are small level changes. Keep within the rated gradient for tracking and setup.
  

If in doubt, send site photos and measurements to the team for a quick sanity check via our Contact page.

Outreach planning made simple

Good positioning means fewer resets and a faster job.

• Read the load chart
  Outreach usually reduces as height increases or as the platform rotates over the side. Use the chart to position the chassis so that the work sits within the strongest part of the envelope.
  
• Work in quadrants
  Pick a starting position that lets you work a full quadrant of the crown before slewing to the next. Keep the turret clear of fragile areas, roofs and walls.
  
• Rigging and drop zones
  Plan the swing radius, drop zones and exclusion zones before elevating. Keep rigging anchors and lines away from the boom and platform. Agree voice or radio calls.
  
• Common mistakes
  Parking too close to the trunk, under-sizing pads, and trying to cover the whole canopy from one position. It is faster to reset once than to fight the reach all day.
  

Rescue considerations

Every aerial job needs a written rescue plan. Keep it simple, keep it visible.

• Roles and calls
  Name the rescue lead and the person who calls emergency services. Put the site address and grid reference at the platform base and in the vehicle.
  
• Using ground controls
  Train the ground crew to use ground controls and emergency lowering. Keep keys accessible. Demonstrate the system before starting work.
  
• Secondary guarding
  Know how any secondary guarding works and how to reset it after activation.
  
• Two-person minimum
  Never send an operator up alone. Maintain radio or clear voice contact.
  
• Plan B
  If the machine faults while aloft, use the emergency lowering. If that fails, call the supplier’s service contact, then emergency services if there is any risk to life. Keep the LOLER Inspections up to date so emergency systems are tested on schedule. For competency and refresher options, see Training.
  

Site safety and the public interface

Tree work often happens in public spaces. Keep the site neat and predictable.

• Chainsaw from a MEWP
  Follow the relevant MEWP and chainsaw training guidance. Use a suitable harness and anchor to the platform with work restraint, not fall arrest, unless a risk assessment states otherwise. See IPAF Training Courses.
  
• Weather limits
  Check the maximum allowable wind speed for the platform class. Stop if gusts exceed the limit, in rain that reduces visibility, or in lightning risk.
  
• Traffic and pedestrians
  Use a banksman, clear signage and barriers on live roads or near schools. Keep brash and timber within the exclusion zone.
  
• Neighbours
  Plan quiet hours, dust control and clear communication with property owners.
  

Logistics and delivery readiness

A perfect plan still fails if the machine cannot reach the work area.

• Access checks
  Confirm gate width and height, tight turns, slope, surface and any steps. Note parking for offload to avoid road obstruction. Photograph pinch points.
  
• Power lines and permits
  Notify the relevant authority where power lines, road space or parking suspensions are involved. Allow time for approvals.
  
• Delivery day pack
  Share the measurements, ground protection plan and rescue plan with the driver before the day. If you are buying or financing a machine, explore options at Finance and Aftercare.
  

If access looks marginal, ask the team for advice.

Task-to-machine cheat table

Use this as a starting point. Always check the manufacturer data for exact reach and capacity.

Typical task	Suggested working height	Suggested outreach	Notes
Domestic crown reduction, two-storey houses	15–18 m	7–9 m	Compact spiders fit side passages, low ground pressure helpful on lawns
Back garden removal over conservatory	20–23 m	9–11 m	Up-and-over envelope important, add mats and larger pads
Street pollard on live road	20–25 m	10–12 m	Telescopic reach along carriageway, traffic management required
Churchyard inspection of veteran trees	25–30 m	11–13 m	Low ground pressure and careful matting to protect graves and paths
Rail or riverside clearance	25–30 m	12–15 m	Stable positioning, clear drop zones, specialist permits likely
Large parkland dismantle	30 m+	14 m+	Plan multiple positions, check transport width for long approaches