Arbtalk.co.uk | Discussion Forum for Arborists

Originally Posted by chrisgilltreesurgery

As of 4th December 2011 EC Regulation 1071/2009 comes into force, which requires all vehicle/trailer combinations with a combined GVW (towing vehicle GVW + trailer GVW) of over 3500kg used for hire or reward to hold an operators licence. There is still an exemption for operators of vehicles that only carry their own goods in connection with their trade or business.

As now, a tachograph is required for all vehicle/trailers combinations for business use (except a few very specific exemptions).

In summary, if you operate a vehicle/trailer combination with a combined GVW over 3500kg from 4th December you will need:

Private use - Nothing
Business carrying own goods only - Tachograph
Business carrying other people's goods - Tachograph and operators licence

The punishment for operating without an operators licence or tachograph is a £5000 fine and a prohibition order at the roadside with the vehicle and trailer impounded.

Originally Posted by monkeybusiness

I don't think you need a tacho if your maximum permissable mass is less than 7.5 tonnes, you only carry your own equipment relavant to your trade and you operate within 50km of base. Depending on how it's registered/how heavy it is you will probably need a tacho in your mog, but you don't in your Canter if you stay within 50km of base (even when towing your 3.5 tonne trailer). Everyone keeps banging on about 3.5 tonne vehicles being useless for tree work - if you run them as you are with a big trailer there isn't much you can't take on day to day whilst staying legal and avoiding all the red tape that goes with the running of bigger trucks (providing your work is within 50 km of your base).

Originally Posted by Oldmilltrees

I see what you're getting at but you're a bit wide of the mark. A 3.5t van and 3.5t trailer will carry a lot of brush but we will have it loaded by 10:30 every day!
The only way you will achieve what you are alluding to is if you tow a chipper behind the trailer behind the Transit then chip into both and I'm sure the Police and VOSA would be concerned.
Although I'd love to see you reverse it up Mrs Miggins driveway.

Alternatively, two 3.5t vans, trailer and chipper. Or Unimog.

Originally Posted by monkeybusiness

Sorry, that's what I'm getting at - take 2 vehicles with a chipper behind one and trailer behind the other when the job is going to produce a lot of arisings. You'll carry more away than most other set ups, but without the essential paperwork exercise required elsewhere.

Originally Posted by monkeybusiness

Think of the profit - you can always get another mog if you decide it will make you money in the future. It is only a tool - if it isn't earning its keep then get it gone! I'd love a mog and have tried to justify one many times but I can't personally see how it would make me money over and above what my current set up does.

Originally Posted by Oldmilltrees

Cool, that's what I thought. I'm actually selling my Unimog and PTO chipper as its no longer used to capacity often enough and I'm replacing with two 3.5t vans and a 9" tow along chipper. I have a 3.5t trailer.
Breaks my heart to sell the Mog but needs must.......