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.
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