Working from the ground or perched 70 feet in the air, the arborists at The Davey Tree Expert Company work to ensure the health of our nation’s trees. While some jobs may entail landscape and golf course maintenance, The Davey Tree Expert Company’s more challenging jobs require moving large trees (up to 22 tons) and helping storm emergency response teams and utility companies remove fallen or severely damaged trees.

Established in 1880, Davey Tree serves customers throughout the U.S. and Canada with operations in more than 45 states and five provinces. The company’s employee owners are dedicated to providing the best customer experience in the industry, which can only be accomplished with the best team and the best equipment.

Across the nation, Davey Tree has anywhere from 1,400 to 1,500 aerial lift vehicles ready to go to work. Among the fleet’s newest additions are 200 Freightliner M2 106 day and crew cabs upfitted with single body units, including an over-the-center aerial lift, chip box dump body and a selection of tool boxes specifically customized for tree professionals.

“We just started using a Freightliner chassis two years ago,” explains Jeff Stevens, fleet operations manager for Davey Tree. “Freightliner was extremely competitive in its specs, pricing and availability when we needed them but, beyond that, its dealer and maintenance centers are abundant and extremely convenient for us. Plus, our drivers love the increased visibility of the M2 106. The low-profile dash, sloped hood and large windshield really allow our arborists to feel confident in the work they are doing.”

Davey’s trucks are equipped with Cummins ISB 6.7 engines and Allison 3500 RDS transmissions. The power is in the truck, but the aerial lift and wood chipper help get the job done. The Freightliners are upfitted with Altec LR756 and LR760E70 aerial lift devices and a customized Altec chip box for the professional tree trimmer. With this configuration, Davey Tree can be efficient and effective. The compact design over the rear axle allows easy access into even the tightest of job sites and, with the Altec upfit, trees can be trimmed and cleaned up all with one unit.

“We like to offer the Freightliner chassis because it’s not only durable and a great quality product, but the cab is extremely comfortable, the turning radius is impeccable and it makes for an easy upfit,” explains Andy Price, marketing manager for Altec. “We increased our use of Freightliner chassis a few years ago. Because of their quality, durability and service, we continue to utilize the brand.”

“Our primary goal as a company is to deliver exceptional results to our clients,” says Stevens. “When your dedicated team is working near utility lines or above a fallen tree, you want to feel confident that your team and equipment can get the job done. Our M2 106s give us that confidence.”