I'd like to set a few things straight. <**************snipped***************> In any event, there are a lot of high reach machines in the US. Mazzochi has some big ones, Rhine has 7 of them, longest is 163 feet without the attachment.
They are simple to set up, most come on the lowboy assembled. Others have boom trailers with quick-couples which makes erection simple and fast. A lot faster than a crane.
Separation and salvaging of materials is simplified . Recycling rates are vastly increased.
Personnel safety is increased as there are less people in the demolition zone, water is controlled from the cab on a lot of machines, no hose person in demo area.
I will say that Europe does have guidelines on the use of HRD machines to insure personnel safety, the US doesn't but does need to get on board quickly.