Lucas Tree Services success story with Monitor’s Morbark 1821 Wood Chipper

 “…they [Monitor] respect all our staff and give us the same level of service that they did 10-12 years ago”

At Lucas Tree Services in Melbourne, operational efficiency and reliability are more than just buzzwords — they’re essential to delivering consistent, high-quality tree work across Victoria. That’s why, when the team decided to upgrade their wood chipping capabilities, they turned to a brand they knew they could trust: Morbark Wood Chippers.

The team at The Arbor Age Australia met with one of our experts in tree care equipment, Stuart Samson and Sam from Lucas Tree Services to hear more about the 1821 Wood Chipper and how it has performed. Watch the full video below:

Wood Chipper Power and Performance Where It Counts

The Morbark Beever 1821 has quickly become a key part of Lucas Tree Services’ fleet. With its impressive 18-inch x 20.5-inch infeed opening and a rugged 170hp Cummins turbo diesel engine under the hood, this chipper is built to handle heavy-duty workloads without missing a beat. Whether it’s processing large limbs or reducing bulkier timber from removals and land clearing jobs, the 1821 is more than up to the task.

Company founder Sam Lucas says the decision to go with the 1821 came down to two things: reliable performance and proven durability.

“The power and throughput on this machine are unreal,” Sam explains. “It’s exactly what we need to stay productive on site — you’re not constantly babysitting it. Just feed it and let it do the work.

A Solid Partnership with Monitor

The team at Lucas Tree Services has worked with Monitor for several years now, and their experience has been consistently positive. From pre-sale support to after-sale service, Sam describes the relationship as ‘rock solid’.

“They’ve always been there when we’ve needed them, whether it’s advice, parts or backup,” Sam says. “It’s not just about the gear — it’s the people behind it that make a difference.”

Alongside the 1821, Lucas Tree Services has invested in several other machines from Monitor’s range, including the Morbark 1621X, the compact Morbark 1215, as well as CMC spider lifts and Rayco stump grinders. It’s a fleet that reflects the company’s no-compromise approach to equipment selection.

Morbark 1821 Wood Chipper Features

Photo of Morbark 1821 via Arbor Age (https://arborage.com.au/monitor-and-lucas-tree-services/)

• Dual infeed wheel with TorqMax™ top feed wheel compression system, hydraulic lift assist, spring assisted down pressure and manually applied hydraulic down pressure at the valve handle
• A reversing automatic feed system
• Enclosed engine with gauge panel, radiator fines screen and slide rails for belt adjustment
• Fuel tank sight gauge, drain plug and shutoff valve, and
• Hydraulic tank shut-off valve, drain plug and clean-out cover.

Real Results in the Field

What’s the outcome of bringing the Morbark 1821 into the mix? Faster job turnaround, less downtime, and more confidence when tackling complex jobs.

“It’s not just about having a big chipper — it’s about having a chipper that works hard, day in and day out,” Sam adds. “We’ve been really impressed.”

As Lucas Tree Services continues to grow and take on larger, more demanding projects across Melbourne and beyond, the Morbark 1821 has proven to be a powerful ally in the field — backed by the service and support of a trusted supplier.

Special thanks to The Australian Arbor Age, Prime Media, Sam Lucas, Lucas Tree Services

Talk to us to find the ideal wood chipper for your arbor business

To find out how a wood chipper could offer you a more efficient tree care solution, call Monitor on 1800 025 024 or contact us online.

See the Monitor Morbark range here