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Grapple saw trucks: a plain guide for tree service owners

A grapple saw truck has a long boom with a grapple and a saw head. The operator grips a limb or trunk section, cuts it and lowers it, often without sending anyone up. It is used for trees along roads and rights of way. This guide covers the main types, which jobs they fit, how to think about buying or renting and what to ask a dealer.

By Umair Nawaz, Lirevon. Last reviewed: October 2026. General information with no brand names; Lirevon does not sell equipment.

What it is

The truck carries a long boom, often with a rotating grapple head and a hydraulic saw. The operator sits in a cab or at a control station, grips the limb with the grapple, cuts it and swings it to the ground. This lets crews remove limbs and sections without a climber under the tree.

It works best where trucks can park close, such as roadsides. It is less useful in backyards or on soft ground. For many small companies, hiring one on a specific job is more practical than owning one.

Types and sizes

Reach, saw size and grapple capacity vary a lot, so compare the maker's data and ask for a field demo.

Truck-mounted grapple saw

Size and style: Boom on a truck chassis

Fits: Roadside trimming and removals

Watch out for: Cost and size; needs open access

Large boom grapple saw

Size and style: Longer reach for tall trees

Fits: Utility and highway corridors

Watch out for: Specialist work; high cost

Trailer-mounted grapple

Size and style: Pulled behind a truck

Fits: Occasional use and storage

Watch out for: Less reach and set-up time

Skid steer or loader attachment

Size and style: Compact saw and grapple on a machine you own

Fits: Light trimming and clearing

Watch out for: Limited reach

Hired grapple saw service

Size and style: You rent the machine and operator

Fits: Big or rare jobs

Watch out for: Hourly rate and scheduling

What jobs it fits

Roadside tree trimming and removal.
Clearing trees along fences, rights of way and power corridors, with the right permission and utility rules.
Storm cleanup, where many trees are down along a road.
Large limb removal where the truck can park close.
Commercial contracts that need fast, repeatable work.

Not sure which jobs pay best? Our equipment guide and guide to estimating tree jobs help you match machines to work.

Comparison table

A quick side-by-side. It is general and not a ranking. The right choice depends on your trees, your sites and your budget.

Comparison of grapple saw trucks options
Option	Best for	Main plus	Watch out for
Truck-mounted grapple saw	Roadside work	Fast, no climber under tree	Cost and size
Large boom unit	Corridors	Long reach	Specialist cost
Trailer-mounted	Occasional use	Easier storage	Less reach
Loader attachment	Light clearing	Uses your machine	Limited reach
Hire a service	Rare big jobs	No ownership cost	Hourly rates

Buy or rent

Do not decide on feel. Put your own hours, rates and costs into the free equipment buy-versus-rent tool. Then think about these points.

Buy when

You have steady roadside or corridor contracts that need this machine and you can pay for the truck, training, service and insurance.

Hire when

You only need one for a big storm job or a single contract. Many companies hire a grapple saw crew.

Training matters

The operator needs training. Include training time and a supervisor in your cost.

Insurance

Ask your agent how this equipment and work type affect cover. Short explanation, not insurance advice.

Use the tool

Compare buy versus rent with your own numbers.

Safety and training basics

These are general points, not a training course. Always follow the maker's manual, your insurer and US and state safety rules. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Keep people out of the drop zone and the swing path.
Treat every power line as live. Contact the utility before working near lines.
Use traffic control if working near roads. Follow local rules.
Inspect the boom, grapple, saw and hydraulics before each shift.
Train every operator and follow the maker's manual.
Use a spotter and radio signals where visibility is limited. General information, not safety or legal advice.

Also see our job site safety guide.

What to ask a dealer

Take this list with you and write down the answers. Ask for them in writing. A good dealer will not mind.

What is the reach, saw size and grapple capacity?
What service does the boom, saw and hydraulics need?
What training does the maker or dealer offer?
What is the truck weight and which driver rules apply?
What parts wear first and how fast can I get them?
What is the warranty and what does it exclude?
Can I see a field demo or hire one first?

Compare at least two quotes, and use your own numbers when you check the cost. If you want your phone answered while you shop and work, see our services, pricing or ask for a free audit.

Common questions

What is a grapple saw truck?

It is a truck with a long boom, a grapple and a hydraulic saw. The operator grips a limb or trunk, cuts it and lowers it. It is used mostly along roads and open corridors.

Is a grapple saw truck worth it for a small tree company?

Often not at first, because the cost is high and the work is specialist. Many small companies hire one for a big job. Run your own numbers before deciding.

How much does a grapple saw truck cost?

Prices vary by size, age and condition, so get written quotes. Do not guess. Use the buy-versus-rent tool with your own numbers.

What jobs is a grapple saw best for?

Roadside trimming and removals, corridor clearing and storm cleanup where the truck can park close to the trees. It is less suited to backyards.

Can a grapple saw work near power lines?

Only with the right training, permission and utility rules. Treat all lines as live and call the utility if unsure. Check US and state rules.

What training does an operator need?

Operators need training on the machine, the hazards and your company rules. Ask the dealer what they offer. General information, not safety advice.

Can I rent a grapple saw?

Some dealers and contractors offer rentals or hired services. Availability varies, especially after storms. Ask early and get a written quote.

What is the difference between a grapple saw and a bucket truck?

A bucket truck puts a worker in a bucket near the tree. A grapple saw cuts from a distance with a boom and no worker aloft. They suit different jobs, and some companies use both.

This page is general information, not legal, tax or safety advice. Lirevon does not sell equipment, and no brands are named on purpose.

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