Many aerial jobs require a bucket truck. Unlike methods used in the past, such as using a rope and pulley system or a ladder, these vehicles provide a safer platform for performing needed repairs or maintenance. By using these vehicles, the work can be performed with relative ease. Because of its importance for use on aerial jobs, it is no surprise that many companies invest in bucket trucks. For someone who has never attempted to buy such a vehicle, it is important to have a good process to serve as a guide along the bucket truck purchasing path.
Determine Aerial Needs
The first and most important thing that anyone considering the purchase of a bucket truck should do is determine the aerial needs of their company. The exact type of vehicle that is needed to purchase depends on the type of work being performed. Although by name it would appear to be a vehicle used for lifting workers, there are many different configurations of these vehicles designed to meet specific work requirements.
One of the obvious differences is the working height and the capacity of the lift. Small models have a working height of 30 to 40 feet, while the tallest can have a working height of up to 160 feet. The working height is a huge factor when choosing the vehicle to be purchased as it must have the necessary working height requirements for the aerial jobs to be accomplished.
Any first time buyer might be thinking "Why not buy the tallest equipment possible to make sure that it meets any aerial height requirement?" Although this certainly can be done, it is important to remember that the higher the working height of the bucket, the higher the price tag will be on that vehicle. In addition, the cost to operate and maintain a large bucket truck in comparison to a smaller-sized one makes a huge difference.
The size of the vehicle in relation to the normal work location is also important. A tight construction area may not allow enough space to accommodate a larger vehicle, leaving it useless for that particular application.
Determine Needed Lifting Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of the lift also needs to be considered when choosing a bucket truck. The capacity of the lift must surpass the requirements of the planned aerial job. A basic vehicle is rated to lift the weight of one person carrying all necessary tools and equipment up to 400 lbs. There are bucket trucks that are rated to carry two people at a time. A good option if larger weight loads are needed is a type of lift called a "material handler." It has a tremendous amount of lift capacity due to a jib located next to the bucket that can be used for hauling material and equipment to the same height as the bucket.
Determine Boom Variations
Aside from the height and capacity variations, there are also two other major variations available on a bucket truck.
Telescopic Boom - The most common type of lifting arm is known as a telescopic boom. As the name implies, it is equipped with a telescopic boom that extends or retracts. This type of vehicle is easy to maintain and inexpensive. Its one drawback is that it only has a single joint that makes it difficult to maneuver in tight locations or in areas with overhead obstructions.Articulating Boom - Another variation of bucket truck design is the articulating boom. The unique feature of this type of boom is that is has three articulated joints. These joints allow the boom to fold or open to adjust the length. Because it has several pivot points, it is easier for the boom to be adjusted and positioned.Find a Dealer
Bucket truck dealers are not commonly found in vehicle lots around town. When it comes to finding a dealer that offers many options, one of the best places to look is the internet. When purchasing this particular type of commercial vehicle with so many available specifications, it is important to choose a vehicle matched to the specifications of the business. The internet is a good place to begin searching for a used bucket truck. With all of these commercial dealers from which to choose, it should not be difficult to find a used bucket truck with the exact specifications that are needed. The internet also allows for great price comparisons of potential bucket trucks listed with various dealers.
Carefully review the credentials and background of any internet dealer to make sure they have a good reputation in this area. The number of years they have been in business goes a long way in showing how well they take care of their clients.
Purchasing a bucket truck for the first time can be a little tedious and intimidating. Hopefully the above advice and information has made this task appear to be a little less daunting. Do the above steps and the experience of purchasing a bucket truck for the first time may be enjoyable enough to lead to many other such purchases!
Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. Click here to find out more about Used Bucket Trucks.
