The adoption of grapple trucks and grapple saws transformed debris management in several ways for Bob Ray Co. Inc., an accredited, 55-year TCIA member company based in Louisville, Kentucky. For instance, the company was out in early May 2025 performing storm cleanup after tornadoes passed through the Louisville area. In years past, the company might have dispatched five to six three-person crews with bucket, chipper plus crane trucks.

“This time around, we had grapple-saw trucks in the mix and were able to do more jobs in less time than before, allowing us to clear more roads quicker,” says Joe Daddona, a grapple-truck operator with Bob Ray Company.

Enhanced efficiency and productivity
Grapple trucks with grapple-saw attachments drastically reduce the time required to process and remove wood debris, according to Daddona.

“A grapple saw can grasp, cut and move tree sections in a single operation,” says Bradey McCane, another grapple-truck operator for the company. “This eliminates the need for multiple crew members to cut and disassemble manually, which increases labor time and creates more hazard exposure.

McCane continues, “For example, a large oak blocking a road and on top of communication lines that once took hours to dismantle can now be processed in minutes with a grapple saw mounted on a knuckle-boom loader.”

Grapple trucks complement this by efficiently collecting and transporting (smaller-diameter) debris. “Their high-capacity arms can lift substantial amounts of material in one go, reducing the number of trips to our disposal sites,” says Tee Ray, company president.

Bob Ray Company uses grapple trucks with 60-yard, custom-fabricated beds and 50-yard trailer attachments, allowing operators to deposit debris directly into the truck. “This efficiency has substantially increased the company’s capacity to handle larger projects, including land-clearing operations,” says Jamie Draper, operations manager.

Improved safety
Safety is a paramount concern in arboriculture, where, Draper says, falls and equipment-related injuries are leading risks. Grapple trucks with grapple saws can eliminate the need for multiple ground workers and chain-saw operators for dangerous trees, including storm-related tree failures.

“The stick-control features of grapple saws allow operators to maintain a safe distance while cutting, reducing exposure to hazards on the ground if we had to saw up limbs manually,” says Chris Scamahorn, another grapple-truck operator for the company.

Grapple trucks further enhance safety by reducing manual labor in debris collection. “Operators control the hydraulic arm from above the grapple, avoiding direct contact with heavy or hazardous materials. This reduces the risk of cuts, back strain and other injuries associated with manual handling,” says Draper.

“Bob Ray Co. Inc.’s investment in these technologies reflects their commitment to minimizing workplace hazards, as outlined in the company’s safety policy,” Draper adds.

Cost effectiveness and profitability
“Mechanization has made Bob Ray Co. Inc.’s operations more cost effective and has reduced our carbon footprint,” says Tee Ray, whose father, Robert “Bob” Ray, founded the company in 1960. “By reducing labor requirements and expediting job completion, grapple trucks with grapple saws reduce operational costs. The durability of grapple trucks also minimizes maintenance costs, ensuring a strong return on investment.”

“For example, many jobs Bob Ray Company does involve clearing rights of way and driveways after weather events that impact our urban canopy in the Louisville area,” says Shawn McMullen, tree care supervisor. “The work often requires the ability to set up and remove large debris quickly during and in the wake of these events. We have taken trees off houses, communication lines, cars and businesses whose owners need quick, efficient action.”

Versatility across applications
Grapple trucks with saws are highly versatile, eliminating a chain-saw operator and enabling Bob Ray Co. Inc. to tackle diverse projects, according to Ray.

“In urban settings, their precision allows for safe debris removal near homes or deenergized power lines,” explains David Hartlage, ISA Certified Arborist for the company. “In rural areas, they excel at clearing large volumes of storm debris or processing logs from land-clearing operations.”

The company’s fleet includes two large custom-fabricated grapple trucks with bunching grapple-saw attachments for moving logs and direct-cutting mixed debris. A variety of other attachments ensure adaptability to job-specific needs, according to Troy Allen, arborist sales and assistant tree care supervisor.

“During storm recovery, grapple trucks are indispensable for clearing roads and public spaces, supporting rapid community recovery,” says McMullen.

Environmental benefits
Mechanization supports Bob Ray Co. Inc.’s commitment to sustainability, says Ray and the others. Grapple trucks reduce the carbon footprint by minimizing the number of trips to landfills, thanks to their high-capacity loads, according to Draper. The company also recycles green waste into mulch, logs or fuel chips, reducing landfill use and promoting eco-friendly landscaping.

On-site grinding, facilitated by grapple trucks and complementary equipment, enhances sustainability by repurposing debris locally. Bob Ray Co. Inc. incorporates two large horizontal grinders and conveyors in its mulching process to transform wood debris into marketable materials. Other equipment includes a large, diesel-powered whole-tree chipper with its mounted grapple and a fleet of four trucks to transport processed material.

“The ability to process debris into saleable, sustainable products, such as mulch, animal bedding, biochar, wood pellets, paper, fuel chips and saw logs, further reduces our environmental footprint,” says Ray.

Conclusion
“Safety, above everything, is why we do what we do. If we can become more efficient and decrease safety hazards along the way, we will buy in every time,” says Ray. “Efficiency is only as good as your safety measures. With grapple trucks and grapple-saw attachments, we have achieved a safer approach to debris management and have increased productivity as well. We call that a win-win for our industry.”

Daniel Shults is arborist sales marketing manager with Bob Ray Co. Inc., an accredited, 55-year TCIA member company based in Louisville, Ky.