How Tree Care Pros Handle Golf Course Tree Work With Vermeer's ATX 850

When a golfer steps onto a course, they expect a smooth, uninterrupted experience. For the tree‑care teams working behind the scenes, that means any work must happen quickly, quietly and without leaving a trace.

When luxury golf courses in southern California need tree work done and done flawlessly, they call Your Way Tree Service.

The company has built its reputation on precision, professionalism and the ability to work within tight time windows without disrupting play. For owner Jesse Montoya, that commitment is non‑negotiable.

But delivering that level of excellence requires equipment built for speed, agility and reliability. That's where the Vermeer's compact articulated loader (ATX) and a large brush cutter equipped with its SmartFeed System, plus field support from a trusted dealer, have become proven tools to complete tree removal services on time and budget.

Built on Precision

Your Way Tree Service specializes in tree removal and care on high‑end golf courses and residential environments where every movement matters. Narrow gates, delicate landscaping, irrigation lines and strict timelines mean that crews have to precisely remove trees and debris without disrupting existing landscaping.

"Golf courses don't give you a lot of room for error," Montoya said. "You need equipment that can get in, get the work done and get out without leaving a mark."

Montoya needed equipment that combines lifting power with minimal turf disturbance and could help Your Way Tree Service operators. His crews often need to safely move large, heavy logs and debris on a tight schedule before golfers are scheduled to return.

Montoya shared that he didn't want to feel pressured to get something right away but needed to find the right machine that would get the job done with the right financing options as he grew his business.

"When I go to a dealer, I don't want to get a machine if I don't fully understand its capabilities," Montoya said. "When I went to RDO Equipment Co., their team members were able to tell me everything I needed to know. They understood that I'm a business owner, too, so I needed to manage costs with operational needs."

Why Vermeer's ATX 850?

When Montoya first started to build his client list and schedule his jobs, he needed equipment that could work effectively across multiple job sites. After walking golf courses together and examining Tree Your Way's workflow, RDO team members recommended the Vermeer ATX 850, highlighting features including:

• high lifting capacity for large logs and debris;

• articulated steering that protects turf and irrigation;

• compact size for navigating gates and bunkers; and

• operator‑friendly controls that reduce training time.

"The ATX has allowed me alone to produce what used to take six to eight guys. My crew just piles the branches, and the ATX grabs them and goes, feeding our chipper with no problem."

Montoya didn't just like the ATX 850, he defined it as a game-changer with its ability to lift and load large logs with its telescopic boom.

"It's a huge difference when we're able to use one machine to quickly load 40‑yard bins with logs and branches," he said. "And when we're not loading bins, we're feeding branches straight into the chipper."

On the chipping side, the Vermeer BC2100XL, equipped with SmartFeed, keeps productivity high and downtime low.

"SmartFeed keeps the job moving. If debris gets stuck, the operator can adjust the cutter's RPM droop setting for the size of the material," he said. "When you're on a tight schedule, that makes a huge difference."

Montoya said the ATX 850 strikes the ideal balance of size, lift capacity and turf protection, making it the best ATX model for tree removal crews.

Tree Care Keeps Golf Courses Running Smoothly

With the ATX 850 and BC2100XL in his fleet, Montoya has been able to:

• access tight areas without damaging turf;

• move and process large trees efficiently;

• maintain clean natural barriers along fairways;

• stay on schedule, even with strict time windows; and

• keep courses open and golfers happy.

Montoya has even used the ATX 850 to expand his client list to remove, trim or plant new trees in residential areas.

"Clients don't want heavy equipment on their lawns, but when they see the ATX work, not one blade of grass is damaged," he said. "I can plant 10 to 15 trees every two hours. That machine is the way to go."

Partnership Built On Trust

Montoya describes RDO team members as business advisors, with whom he can discuss ways to expand his services. Recently, he acquired a Vermeer tub grinder to quickly remove stumps.

"Out of everything, after working with different companies, RDO has completely changed things for me," he said. "If something breaks down, RDO always finds a real solution. If there are no parts available, somehow, they make it happen — overnight if needed."

That reliability is business‑critical.

"If my machine is down, my guys can't work, and that kills production. But with RDO, when I'm down, I can be back working within 24 to 48 hours," he said.

Montoya said besides the on-site service, he's experienced the following support from RDO team members.

• Fast parts delivery, even if it means pulling parts from another store within the RDO network, which spans 12 states.

• Operator training and walk‑throughs.

• Regular check‑ins to ensure equipment performance.

"I couldn't be happier. I wouldn't go anywhere else for a chipper or any equipment," Montaya said. "RDO takes care of me."

Whether you're managing a golf course, a tree‑care business or a landscaping operation, the right equipment and support make all the difference.

For more information, visit RDOequipment.com.

(Article reprinted with permission from RDO Equipment Co. Lance Barker is an account manager of RDO Equipment Co.)