Altec Spider Lift: Best Budget Tracked Backyard Lift (Pro Arborist Tips)

I often hear the complaint from fellow arborists and DIYers alike: “I need a lift, but I can’t afford a full-sized bucket truck, and I don’t want to tear up my yard!” That’s precisely where the Altec Spider Lift, or similar tracked backyard lifts, comes into play. This guide will break down why these lifts are a game-changer, how to choose the right one, and pro tips for using them safely and effectively, especially when combined with logging, wood processing, and firewood preparation tasks. We’ll cover everything from initial assessment to safe operation and even some DIY maintenance tips.

Altec Spider Lift: Your Budget-Friendly, Backyard-Friendly Arborist Solution

Spider lifts, also known as atrium lifts or compact tracked lifts, are articulated and telescopic boom lifts mounted on a tracked chassis. This design allows them to navigate tight spaces, uneven terrain, and sensitive surfaces like lawns without causing significant damage. They are specifically designed for situations where space is limited and ground pressure needs to be minimized.

Why Choose a Spider Lift?

Accessibility: These lifts can fit through narrow gates (some as narrow as 36 inches) and operate in confined areas where traditional bucket trucks can’t reach.
Low Ground Pressure: The tracked design distributes weight evenly, minimizing damage to lawns, gardens, and other delicate surfaces. This is crucial when working in residential areas or on properties with valuable landscaping.
Versatility: Spider lifts can be used for a wide range of tasks, including tree trimming, pruning, tree removal, building maintenance, and even hanging holiday lights.
Cost-Effectiveness: While not cheap, spider lifts are significantly more affordable than full-sized bucket trucks. They also offer lower operating and maintenance costs.
Increased Safety: Compared to climbing, using a spider lift significantly reduces the risk of falls and other accidents. This is paramount in the arborist industry.

Understanding Key Concepts

Before diving into the specifics, let’s define some essential terms:

Articulated Boom: A boom that has multiple joints, allowing for greater flexibility and reach around obstacles.
Telescopic Boom: A boom that extends and retracts, providing variable reach.
Working Height: The maximum height the platform can reach. This is a crucial factor when selecting a lift.
Outriggers: Stabilizing legs that extend from the lift to provide a stable base. They are essential for safe operation, especially on uneven terrain.
Ground Pressure: The amount of force exerted on the ground by the lift. Measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Lower PSI is better for protecting sensitive surfaces.
Green Wood: Freshly cut wood with a high moisture content (often above 30%). It’s heavier and more difficult to split than seasoned wood.
Seasoned Wood: Wood that has been dried to reduce its moisture content (typically below 20%). It’s lighter, easier to split, and burns more efficiently.

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Spider Lift

Choosing the right spider lift involves careful consideration of your specific needs and budget. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the right decision:

1. Training and Certification

Formal Training: Complete a formal training course on the safe operation of spider lifts. This course should cover topics such as lift mechanics, stability, hazard identification, and emergency procedures.
Certification: Obtain certification from a recognized organization, such as the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) or the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
Regular Refreshers: Attend regular refresher courses to stay up-to-date on the latest safety procedures and best practices.

2. Pre-Operation Inspection

Visual Inspection: Before each use, perform a thorough visual inspection of the lift. Check for any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks, leaks, or loose components.
Fluid Levels: Check the fluid levels (hydraulic oil, engine oil, coolant) and top them off if necessary.
Tire/Track Condition: Inspect the tires or tracks for proper inflation and wear.
Outriggers: Ensure the outriggers are in good working order and that the pads are clean and free of debris.
Controls: Test all controls to ensure they are functioning properly.
Safety Devices: Verify that all safety devices, such as the emergency stop button and the tilt alarm, are working correctly.

3. Site Assessment

Overhead Obstacles: Identify any overhead obstacles, such as power lines, trees, or buildings. Maintain a safe distance from power lines at all times. Contact the utility company if you need to work near power lines.
Ground Conditions: Assess the ground conditions to ensure they are stable and level. Avoid operating on soft, uneven, or sloping ground.
Underground Utilities: Be aware of any underground utilities, such as gas lines, water lines, or sewer lines. Call 811 before you dig.
Traffic Control: Set up traffic control measures to protect pedestrians and vehicles from hazards. Use cones, barricades, and flaggers as needed.

4. Proper Setup

Leveling: Position the lift on a level surface. Use leveling jacks or shims if necessary.
Outrigger Placement: Extend the outriggers fully and ensure they are properly seated on the ground. Use outrigger pads to distribute the weight evenly and protect sensitive surfaces. I always carry a set of 12″ x 12″ x 1″ thick UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight) polyethylene pads. They are virtually indestructible and don’t absorb water.
Stability: Before raising the boom, double-check that the lift is stable and secure.

5. Safe Operating Procedures

Harness and Lanyard: Always wear a full-body harness and lanyard when operating the lift. Attach the lanyard to the designated anchor point on the platform.
Fall Protection: Never stand on the guardrails or attempt to extend your reach beyond the platform.
Smooth Movements: Operate the controls smoothly and avoid sudden movements.
Load Limits: Never exceed the rated load capacity of the lift.
Communication: Maintain clear communication with ground personnel using hand signals or two-way radios.
Weather Conditions: Avoid operating the lift in high winds, heavy rain, or other adverse weather conditions.
Emergency Procedures: Be familiar with the emergency procedures for lowering the boom and evacuating the platform.

6. Specific Arborist Considerations

Tree Limbs: Be aware of the potential for tree limbs to fall onto the lift. Use ropes and rigging to control the direction of falling limbs.
Sharp Objects: Be careful when working around sharp objects, such as thorns or broken branches.
Wildlife: Be aware of the potential for encountering wildlife, such as birds, squirrels, or insects.

Wood Processing and Firewood Preparation with a Spider Lift: Practical Applications

The Altec Spider Lift isn’t just for tree trimming. Its unique capabilities make it a valuable asset for various wood processing and firewood preparation tasks.

1. Felling Trees in Confined Spaces

Targeted Felling: When felling trees in tight spaces, the spider lift allows you to precisely position yourself for controlled cuts. This is especially useful when removing trees near buildings or other structures.
Rope and Pulley Systems: I often use the lift in conjunction with rope and pulley systems to guide the falling tree. By attaching a rope to the tree and using the lift to apply tension, I can control the direction of the fall and prevent damage to surrounding objects.
Sectional Dismantling: For very large or hazardous trees, sectional dismantling is the safest approach. The lift allows you to access the upper branches and remove them piece by piece, minimizing the risk of damage or injury.

2. Handling Large Logs

Lifting and Moving: Spider lifts can be used to lift and move large logs that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to handle manually. This is particularly useful for loading logs onto trucks or trailers.
Positioning for Splitting: The lift can also be used to position logs for splitting. By suspending the log in the air, you can easily access it with a log splitter and avoid having to bend over or lift heavy objects.
Loading Log Splitters: I sometimes use a small chain hoist attached to the lift’s basket to lift large rounds onto my horizontal log splitter. This saves my back and significantly speeds up the process.

3. Stacking Firewood

Efficient Stacking: The lift can be used to stack firewood efficiently, especially in large quantities. By lifting and placing bundles of firewood, you can create neat and organized stacks in a fraction of the time it would take to do it manually.
Optimizing Space: The lift allows you to stack firewood higher than you could reach on your own, maximizing the use of available space.
Accessibility: If you have a firewood storage area that is difficult to access, the lift can help you transport firewood to and from the area with ease.

Case Study: Removing a Hazardous Oak Tree

I recently used my spider lift to remove a large, hazardous oak tree that was growing too close to a client’s house. The tree was leaning precariously over the roof, and there was a risk of it falling and causing significant damage.

The Challenge: The tree was located in a tight space between the house and a fence, making it impossible to access with a traditional bucket truck. The ground was also uneven and sloped, which further complicated the situation.
The Solution: I used my spider lift to navigate the tight space and position myself safely near the tree. I then used a combination of ropes, pulleys, and controlled cuts to remove the tree section by section.
The Result: I was able to remove the tree safely and efficiently without causing any damage to the house or surrounding property. The client was extremely satisfied with the results.

Selecting the Right Wood for Firewood

Hardwoods vs. Softwoods: Hardwoods (oak, maple, ash) are denser and burn longer than softwoods (pine, fir, spruce). Hardwoods are generally preferred for firewood.
Seasoning Time: Allow hardwoods to season for at least 6-12 months before burning. Softwoods can be seasoned in as little as 6 months.
Moisture Content: Aim for a moisture content of 20% or less for optimal burning. Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of your firewood.
Wood Species:
- Oak: Excellent heat output, long burning, but can be difficult to split when green.
- Maple: Good heat output, relatively easy to split, burns cleanly.
- Ash: Excellent heat output, easy to split, burns well even when slightly green.
- Birch: Good heat output, burns quickly, attractive flame.
- Pine: Burns quickly, produces a lot of smoke, not ideal for indoor use.

Chainsaws, Axes, and Log Splitters: Essential Tools for Wood Processing

Having the right tools is essential for efficient and safe wood processing. Here are some of the most important tools you’ll need:

Chainsaws

Types: Chainsaws come in various sizes and power levels, from small electric models for light-duty tasks to large gasoline-powered models for felling trees.
Size: Choose a chainsaw that is appropriate for the size of the trees you’ll be cutting. A 16-18 inch bar is a good all-around size for most firewood preparation tasks.
Safety Features: Look for chainsaws with safety features such as a chain brake, hand guard, and anti-vibration system.
Maintenance: Keep your chainsaw properly maintained by sharpening the chain regularly, cleaning the air filter, and lubricating the bar and chain. I personally use a Stihl MS 261 C-M for most of my tree work and firewood processing. It’s a powerful and reliable saw that can handle a wide range of tasks.

Axes

Types: Axes come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for a specific purpose. Felling axes are used for felling trees, splitting axes are used for splitting firewood, and hatchets are used for smaller tasks.
Weight: Choose an axe that is the right weight for your strength and experience. A heavier axe will generate more power, but it will also be more tiring to use.
Handle Length: Choose an axe with a handle length that is comfortable for you. A longer handle will provide more leverage, but it will also be more difficult to control.
Maintenance: Keep your axe sharp by sharpening it regularly with a file or sharpening stone. I prefer using a Wetterlings splitting axe. It’s a Swedish-made axe with a high-quality steel head and a comfortable hickory handle.

Log Splitters

Types: Log splitters come in two main types: hydraulic and manual. Hydraulic log splitters are powered by a hydraulic pump and can split even the toughest logs with ease. Manual log splitters are powered by hand and are suitable for splitting smaller logs.
Tonnage: Choose a log splitter with enough tonnage to split the types of logs you’ll be working with. A 20-25 ton splitter is a good all-around size for most firewood preparation tasks.
Power Source: Log splitters are available with gasoline, electric, and hydraulic power options. Electric models are quieter and produce zero emissions, making them ideal for indoor or noise-sensitive environments.
Safety Features: Look for log splitters with safety features such as a two-handed operation and a log cradle.
Horizontal vs. Vertical: Horizontal splitters require you to lift the log onto the beam, while vertical splitters allow you to roll the log into place. Vertical splitters are generally easier to use for large, heavy logs. My go-to log splitter is a 22-ton hydraulic splitter with a Honda engine. It’s reliable, powerful, and easy to use. I added a log lift to it, which makes it even easier to handle large rounds.

Other Essential Tools

Measuring Tape: For measuring log lengths and stacking firewood.
Chainsaw Chaps: Essential for protecting your legs from chainsaw cuts.
Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes from flying debris.
Hearing Protection: To protect your ears from the noise of chainsaws and log splitters.
Work Gloves: To protect your hands from splinters and cuts.
Steel-Toed Boots: To protect your feet from falling logs and other hazards.
Wedges and Sledges: For splitting particularly tough logs.
Cant Hook or Peavey: For rolling and positioning logs.

Drying Firewood: The Key to Efficient Burning

Drying firewood, or seasoning, is crucial for efficient burning. Green wood contains a high moisture content, which makes it difficult to ignite and burns inefficiently. Seasoned wood, on the other hand, burns hotter, cleaner, and produces less smoke.

Drying Methods

Air Drying: The most common method for drying firewood is air drying. This involves stacking the firewood in a well-ventilated area and allowing it to dry naturally.
Kiln Drying: Kiln drying is a faster method of drying firewood. It involves placing the firewood in a kiln and using heat to remove the moisture. Kiln-dried firewood is typically more expensive than air-dried firewood.
Solar Drying: Solar drying is a method of drying firewood that uses the heat of the sun. This method is environmentally friendly and can be very effective, but it requires a sunny location and can take longer than kiln drying.

Stacking Techniques

Elevated Stacking: Stack the firewood on pallets or other elevated surfaces to allow for better air circulation.
Single Row Stacking: Stack the firewood in a single row to maximize exposure to sunlight and wind.
Criss-Cross Stacking: Stack the firewood in a criss-cross pattern to create a stable stack and promote air circulation.
Roofing: Cover the top of the firewood stack with a tarp or other waterproof material to protect it from rain and snow.

Drying Time

Hardwoods: Hardwoods typically take 6-12 months to season properly.
Softwoods: Softwoods typically take 6 months to season properly.
Factors Affecting Drying Time: The drying time will depend on factors such as the type of wood, the climate, and the stacking method.

Measuring Moisture Content

Moisture Meter: Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of your firewood. Aim for a moisture content of 20% or less for optimal burning.
Visual Inspection: Seasoned firewood will typically be lighter in color, have cracks on the ends, and sound hollow when struck.

Strategic Insights for Arborists and DIYers

Beyond the tactical steps, here are some strategic insights I’ve gained over the years:

Invest in Quality Equipment: Don’t skimp on safety gear or essential tools. Quality equipment will last longer, perform better, and keep you safe.
Prioritize Safety: Always prioritize safety when working with trees and wood processing equipment. Take the time to plan your work carefully and follow all safety procedures.
Continuous Learning: Stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and best practices by attending workshops, reading industry publications, and networking with other professionals.
Build Relationships: Build relationships with local suppliers, contractors, and landowners. These relationships can be invaluable for finding work and sourcing materials.
Marketing: Market your services effectively to attract new clients. Use online advertising, social media, and word-of-mouth to spread the word about your business.
Environmental Responsibility: Practice sustainable forestry practices by planting new trees, using environmentally friendly products, and minimizing waste.

Practical Next Steps

Ready to put this knowledge into action? Here’s a plan:

Assess your needs: Determine if a spider lift is the right tool for your specific needs and budget.
Research and compare models: Explore different spider lift models and compare their specifications and features.
Obtain training and certification: Complete a formal training course on the safe operation of spider lifts.
Invest in essential tools: Purchase the necessary tools for wood processing, such as a chainsaw, axe, and log splitter.
Start small: Begin with small projects to gain experience and confidence.
Practice safety: Always prioritize safety when working with trees and wood processing equipment.
Continuously learn: Stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and best practices.

By following these steps, you can safely and efficiently utilize a spider lift for a wide range of arborist and wood processing tasks. Remember to always prioritize safety, invest in quality equipment, and continuously learn and improve your skills. Good luck, and happy wood processing!