Tree maintenance has always leaned on cranes, MEWPs, and climbers. But a growing number of tree care operators are doing the same work — faster, safer, and with smaller crews — using a rotating telehandler.
We get a lot of questions from arborists and tree care companies about which MAGNI suits the job. Here’s a quick rundown of the two most common models for tree work, plus four video reviews from operators overseas who’ve already made the switch.
The two MAGNI models most used for tree work
For tree maintenance, it comes down to two things: how high you need to reach, and how heavy the limbs are. Two configurations cover most of the work:
Both run the full range of tree care attachments: grapple saws, work baskets, and standard forks for shifting rounds and gear around site.
Four operator reviews worth watching
Dave’s Tree Service (USA)
Dave breaks down five reasons he won’t go back to a crane for tree work:
- The MAGNI does five to six times more tasks than a crane
- Quick setup and fast transitions between jobs
- Crew sizes cut roughly in half
- Built-in safety systems stop unsafe operations before they start
- Real savings on labour and operating costs
Flower City Tree (USA)
Flower City’s review is all about speed and safety:
- Three to four times faster than using a crane
- Less damage to the surrounding area — saves around two hours of cleanup per job
- Workers stay out of the drop zone
- The Load Moment Indicator (LMI) gives the operator live readouts of load charts and safety parameters
- One operator plus two ground crew can do the work of a six to eight man crew
1st Call Trees (UK)
A UK arborist’s take on running a MAGNI day-to-day in tree care.
Forestry Journal review
An independent review from a respected forestry industry publication.
The common thread
Across all four reviews, the same themes keep showing up:
- Fewer people on site to do the same work
- Faster job turnover
- Less ground damage and less cleanup
- Operators and ground crew out of the drop zone
- Hard numbers on safety, not just claims
For NZ tree care companies looking at fleet decisions, a MAGNI doesn’t just replace a crane — it changes the shape of the crew and the day.
Want to talk it through?
If you’re weighing up a MAGNI for tree work — buying, hiring, or just sizing it against your current setup — get in touch. We’ll run through the numbers, talk attachments, and arrange a demo.