Aerial bucket trucks are not only built with power but also with adequate safety factors. That fact does not rule out problems from developing over time resulting from overloads, fatigue or accidents. One of the most effective solutions regarding this problem is regularly performed inspections and tests that can find developing problems at earlier stages and prevent any such problem from fully expanding into major damage and downtime.
Structural Tests and Inspection
It is essential for managers and business owners to have sufficient knowledge about the different tests and inspections that need to be done on bucket trucks in order to have a full grasp of the meaning of the reports and recommendations given by the independent technician who performed the examination.
Visual Inspection - A complete visual inspection is usually done to any of the truck parts that are accessible which includes: outriggers; chassis; pedestal; rotation bearing; turntable; lower boom; upper boom; elbow; bucket or platform; and winch. It may also include the load rating chart and placards such as MADDDC, upper or lower operation control, and electrical hazards.
Acoustic Emission– An acoustic emission (AE) test is a type of analysis designed for steel and fiberglass structures of the boom which is an accepted industry method for such an exam. The procedure includes attaching sensitive sensors to the structural components from the chassis sub-frame or outriggers up to the aerial lift’s bucket. The technician will then fill the bucket with a test load specified by fleet managers, usually 1.5 to 2 times the rated load. Sensors will then detect the sounds emitted by the forming defects and send this information to the computer system which will then yield a printed summary report.
Torque– A torque test is a type of critical examination done to all crucial fasteners in the bucket truck’s accessible points. These areas include: lower and upper rotation bearing; boom connections; platform mountings; connections on the gearbox; and boom.
Non-destructive Magnetic Particle, Dye Penetrant and Ultrasonic Inspections - Magnetic particle inspection is used on ferrous materials to identify surface cracks and this test is usually performed on plates, critical welds, etc. In the same area, an examination that is performed for non-ferrous material is called dye penetrant inspection. Ultrasonic inspection is the method used for accessible critical pins in order to detect flaws.
Functional and Operational - These tests are methods used to ensure that controls, pins, bearings, bushings, holding valves, cylinders, outriggers, bucket leveling mechanisms, etc., are properly functioning and operational. These thorough exams help the technician find worn truck parts that are critical for the bucket truck functionality such as worn bushings or pins, worn gearboxes or bearings, and fasteners that have loosened.
Dielectric (AC or DC) - The standard that had been specified by ANSI for dielectric testing requires up to 100 kv. This is intended to verify the strength of insulation on the upper and lower booms, tool circuits, upper control system, aerial bucket, and the bucket liners.
Finally, managing the efficiency of powerful and versatile equipment such as the aerial bucket truck is very essential in order to avoid severe damage and prolonged downtime. There are many independent authorized service centers that will conduct any necessary analyses and inspections. Their recommendations as a result of these tests will help keep every single fleet functioning and operating safely!
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