Easy Maintenance for Aerial Bucket Truck Users

Aerial bucket trucks are elevating work platforms that are mounted on trucks. These are commonly used in the fields of firefighting, electric distribution, and telecommunications. Bucket trucks have become essential in providing a wide range of important services that its operators have to follow certain procedures to make sure that their equipment are always in good, working condition.

Here are seven easy-to-follow maintenance tasks for bucket truck users:

Fun Ways of Using Bucket Trucks

Bucket trucks are generally used by those working in the field of electric distribution, telecommunications, and agriculture. However, there are also fun ways of putting this versatile piece of machinery into action.

Extreme sports aficionados and thrill seekers are said to have tried bungee jumping from a bucket at a height of up to 150 feet – but this is one activity that remains to be properly documented and is best left to professionals. There are also those that use these bucket trucks as forts when engaging in water balloon fights on a hot summer day.

Digger Derricks: Making Electrification Easier

Electricity is one of those necessities that people just can’t live without. In fact, a study conducted by World Net Daily in 2012 revealed that almost half of Americans said they couldn’t survive two weeks without this vital utility. Fortunately, agencies like the Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability strive to make electricity supply stable and reliable across the country.

Of course, generating power is just one part of the equation. Before people can benefit from electrical power, there first has to be a way to deliver it to homes across the nation—a job that electric poles fulfill.

Fruit Picking Made Easier

Springs signals the end of the cold winter months. However, not only does it mean that warmer days are ahead, it also signifies that fruit trees will once again be bearing fruit. Indeed, a couple of months from now, orchards across the country will be ready for harvest.

Of course, when harvesting season arrives, picking mature fruits as soon as possible is of utter importance. That’s why many orchards utilize so-called “cherry pickers” to make things easier.

Industries that Bucket Truck Dealers Serve

Remarkably versatile, bucket trucks fill a wide range of roles in many different industries. Each industry places unique demands on its equipment, and as a result, bucket trucks have rightfully evolved to fulfill a variety of purposes. Below is are some industries that bucket truck dealers serve:

Forestry, Tree Service, and Fruit Farming

Pruning, crown maintenance, hand pollination, and harvesting are just a few things bucket trucks are used for when working with trees. For most industries that work on trees, lift height is commonly the most important feature. As a basic rule, bucket trucks used in such industries must reach slightly higher than the trees themselves. Dump beds are a common feature, allowing workers to also carry tree trimmings, tools, and materials in the same truck.

Things to Check before Buying a Used Bucket Truck

Buying a used bucket truck can be tricky business, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. Use the inspection tips below to check any bucket truck before you sign off on a purchase.

• The vehicle identification number is your friend, and is one of the first things you should look for. Run the VIN through a vehicle history check online to check if the used bucket truck you are buying has been involved in an accident or was stolen.
  
  
• Walk around the vehicle several times to check for defects. Each turn around the vehicle should reveal new problems, and if the problems you spot start piling up, consider moving on to your next choice.
  
  

A Primer on Different Bucket Trucks

Did you know that there are different kinds of bucket trucks that cater to the various industries that involve workers or employees to carry out tasks several feet above the ground? Each type of bucket truck has a unique set of features that make it beneficial to the specific industry it is catering to.

Companies and individuals who depend on these bucket trucks to do their work properly must determine and understand the type of equipment they need so as to guarantee the satisfaction of their clients and the safety of their employees. There are three types of bucket trucks that they can use:

Rental Bucket Trucks Essential Amid Climate Change

Bucket trucks have seen increasing roles in the advent of climate change. Linemen have depended on this trusty equipment when they restored power after hurricanes like Irene and Sandy hit U.S. soil. With America seeing powerful hurricanes as early as the beginning of the century, it is safe to say that more will come – and the demand for bucket trucks will continue to rise.

Accommodating the high demand, from the power sector to the tree-care industry, centers that offer rental bucket trucks are more vital than ever before. Electric companies that have an existing fleet of this equipment can just rent additional units to cover loads of work that their current capacity cannot handle.

Acquiring a Used Bucket Truck on Finance

If your business specializes in work that must be done several feet up in the air, a bucket truck will be an optimal equipment to have. However, not every business owner has the capital to invest in a bucket truck that’s fresh off the factory, so going for pre-owned rigs that are under financing will allow you to better stretch your equipment budget.

Making the Cut

As with every other financing project, a good credit rating is something lenders look for when buyers want to pay for a vehicle on installment. Make sure that your credit rating is optimal, as these will allow you to qualify for the best deals in the market. If it’s not, it’s wise if you take some time to raise your rating at an ideal level before you make the purchase.

How Digger Derrick Fleets Can Help Facilitate Major Line Upgrades

Digger derricks are massive trucks that are incredibly useful for installing poles. With a powerful drilling auger capable of cutting through solid rock, a digger derrick can make holes big enough to set down many types of utility poles. The ability to dig uniform holes in the ground is a necessity for those constructing infrastructure as it ensures that the poles will fit snugly when they are inserted. This capability also reduces the work and manpower required.

Additionally, digger derricks are powerful enough to lift the large shafts of wood or metal used for electrical purposes. Massive infrastructure projects, like the one on Ohio, will no doubt require a fleet of digger derricks to ensure that the work is done properly and on schedule. To stay within budget, project managers in search of a digger derrick for sale or for rent can turn to a trusted dealer like Utility Fleet that offers high-quality utility vehicles from top brands at economical prices.

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Ticking Off the Checklist for the Bucket Truck

A fully upgraded and well-maintained used bucket truck can be a veritable addition to your business’ fleet. However, it does pay to have the rig you’re thinking of buying undergo inspection before it can go to action. Pre-deployment inspections of bucket trucks have a number of key stages to undergo, the most notable of which are listed below:

Testing for Toughness

A bucket truck up for inspection will usually have its bulk and structure passing through the proverbial fine-tooth comb. Established inspection standards require testing 13 systems, including the rotation bearings, the upper and lower booms, the hydraulics, and the outrigger arms. The truck’s load rating, especially on the bucket itself, will be tested as to whether it holds true to the labeling.

Taking Advantage of Bucket Truck Sales Gives Telecom Companies an Edge

Price is a key factor when consumers choose a carrier, but so is network coverage. For this reason, if MSPs want to outpace their competition, boosting and maintaining good network coverage are important. To achieve such goals, these MSPs can take advantage of bucket truck sales, which their technicians can readily use to do work on the transmission towers.

Bucket trucks sold by established companies like Utility Fleet allow workers to reach high areas. These trucks are similar to cranes and forklifts except that the “bucket” part of the equipment provides enough space for a worker to climb in. This bucket can then be controlled by another worker to serve as the operator, and he or she can lower or raise the bucket as needed.

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Using Digger Derricks: Safety Considerations for Electrical Linemen

The job description of electrical linemen puts them on the front lines and out into the field where they are tasked to install and maintain electrical equipment, power lines, and facilities. The nature of this profession demands that all linemen possess skills and knowledge that enable them to efficiently perform maintenance and repairs, as well as operate machinery like bucket trucks and reliable digger derricks.

Companies like Utility Fleet provide electrical companies with efficient used digger derricks, bucket trucks and other equipment integral to line work. Without adequate knowledge or training on the use of these machines, though, linemen are bound to use the mechanisms improperly and disregard safety measures, or else failure to troubleshoot simple problems that may arise.

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The Importance of Bucket Trucks in the Operations of Utility Companies

Elevated work platforms come in different forms and sizes. Although used for multiple purposes and in different industries, their basic function serves one specific goal. Reliable bucket trucks, cherry pickers, and boom lifts are needed to elevate people and equipment to higher altitudes and harder to reach places. Whether it is for telephone repairs, fruit picking, or any other utility service that requires lifting, various businesses greatly rely on these mobile equipment to get the job done.

A well-maintained bucket truck is among the most treasured assets of any utility company. Without such an equipment, the work of the company’s crew can be greatly impaired, in terms of both efficiency and safety. It is therefore important for these businesses to invest in reliable bucket trucks from noted dealers like Utility Fleet, to ensure they get the best value for their money.

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Bucket Truck Dealers: Providing the Right Vehicle for a Myriad Uses

Public construction projects often require substantial manpower, planning, and equipment. Whether it is a road development or the erection of a public building, the local government must prepare for these projects accordingly, ensuring they get the most qualified contractors for the job.

With its many uses, bucket trucks come with varying features and capacities to match each unique purpose. One can therefore expect reputable bucket truck dealers like Utility Fleet to carry a wide range of vehicles that would cater to several customers. Their fleet will have different boom types, working heights, transmission types, and fuel types to match various industry needs.

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Used Bucket Trucks with Fuel Efficient Features Will Help Save Costs

The widespread campaigns on fuel consumption reduction have led many vehicle manufacturers such as Terex to improve the designs of their products. Most modifications are geared toward improving fuel economy, primarily to help operators save on fuel cost. For instance, newer models of Terex hybrid trucks, including their bucket trucks, are now designed with less engine-idle time.

Almost all newer models of Terex trucks are now more efficient in consuming fuel, one reason why many industries look up to the brand. Fuel economy is among the targets of companies not only to maintain observance of certain regulations concerning energy use, but, just as importantly, to lower their expenses. Whether they are using brand-new or used bucket truck units, companies always try to find ways to cut down on their overhead.

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Bucket Truck Rental Is an Efficient Way to Avoid Unnecessary Costs

Lifting is a common task performed in various industries, including telecommunication and construction. Be it wire installation on poles or repair work on elevated walls, workers and tools have to be lifted to achieve the desired results. One equipment that makes this possible and efficient is the bucket truck, a vehicle with a bucket that holds people or objects, and can elevate them to certain heights.

Bucket trucks are not only for commercial use. Many local governments purchase a unit or two to provide immediate lifting services when necessary–for instance, when fixing power lines or cutting obstructing tree branches. However, some governments prefer leasing than purchasing for several reasons. One such example is the decision of the Marion City government, which recognized the benefits of bucket truck rental over ownership, as reported by Work Truck Magazine.

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Planned Bucket Truck Rentals Empower Utility Fleets of Skilled Linemen

With strategic bucket truck rentals, a company can have access to the latest models with advanced features without having to invest on its purchase. In addition to the cost of the units, the maintenance costs for bucket trucks would be a permanent expense that may not be justified by their occasional use. Some of the most reputable dealers of quality bucket trucks like Utility Fleet also offer rental services to meet such purposes.

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Sitting on a (Black) Gold Mine? Buy Used Bucket Trucks and Diggers

While gas drilling is a lucrative business venture, it can also be a very costly investment. Drilling a hole into the ground with the hopes of hitting gold can cost around $400,000, without taking all other expenses into account. Moreover, private drillers also have to take legal factors into consideration since they may have no rights to the land in the first place. Supposing these issues are straightened out, there is still the matter of cutting costs, since smaller scale oil or gas sellers don’t have the same operational resources as big companies do. In all likelihood, airports will not have a shortage of oil and gas buyers in their locale, so a small-scale operation may be expected to bring in big results. Smaller operations also mean that airports can rely on quality used bucket trucks and diggers on building derricks, since these vehicle can handle less extensive construction work.

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Common Uses of Bucket Trucks

You’ve probably seen at least one bucket truck in your lifetime, those curious trucks that have an arm sticking out of it. More often than not, you’ve seen them in action when linesmen are fixing telephone or electric wires, owing to vehicle’s telescopic arm. However, these trucks have a wide range of uses beyond utility repair. Below are just a few of them you might not have thought of:

Ice Storm Clean-ups: Bucket Trucks for Sale are Vital Commodities

Authorities of other towns and cities who think their utility crews aren’t as well equipped as Watertown might want to look for retailers that offer bucket trucks for sale, like Utility Fleet. Bucket trucks will prove invaluable in any storm repair job, especially in areas that are densely populated with trees, power poles, telephone lines, and the like.

Using state-of-the-art equipment for “simple” cleanup jobs may seem like a waste of precious resources, but some state authorities beg to differ. For example, New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation requires in-state utility crews to recycle, rather than dispose of, storm debris in affected areas. The Department even has guidelines for reusing downed telephone and power poles instead of sending them to a landfill, although the latter option is also allowed under specific circumstances. Picking these poles up and putting them back in place is something that can only be done with the help of aerial lift or boom trucks.

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Factors to Consider When Buying a Bucket Truck

With all their possible configurations and options, buying a bucket truck can be tricky business for some. Use the following guide to help you narrow down your choices next time the need to procure a bucket truck comes along.

1. Identify your usage requirements
   Are you buying a bucket truck for pruning trees, working on electrical distribution lines, working on high-voltage transmission lines, installing signs, or something else entirely? When looking for bucket trucks, you’ll often find that there are specialized trucks for different purposes.

Digger Derricks: Digging Towards a Better Future

Digger derricks are one of those heavy-duty machines that serve multiple purposes and used by different industries with varying requirements. As their name implies, these trucks have one primary goal, which is to dig. With the flexibility and reliability they bring to the table, one could only imagine the many different ways they are able to help not only businesses but also communities in different aspects.

Electric and telecommunications industries are some of those which benefit the most from digger derricks, as companies from these sectors install big, tall poles, where they hang all their lines and cables. They use digger derricks to create holes, large and deep enough to accommodate their poles. Moreover, these trucks save a huge amount of time as they are capable of digging a 10-foot-deep whole in one single attempt.

Understanding the Abilities of Bucket Trucks

One of the most common types of heavy-duty equipment people usually see on the road are bucket trucks. These machines, which are often used by various types of service providers like electricians, linemen and telephone repairmen, play a vital role in ensuring the job gets done accordingly. Here are some valuable abilities of these powerful machines.

The Different Types of Bucket Trucks

Bucket trucks are significant implements for different industries, as they can help them reach heights that are otherwise unreachable by normal means. Industries ranging from agriculture to utility can definitely make use of a machine that can give them a vertical advantage.

However, these industries have different needs, and not every company needs a bucket truck that will allow them to lay siege to castles. That’s why different types of bucket trucks have been developed to cater to these different needs.

Bucket Truck Safety Tips: Electric Line Safety

It is no secret that operating a bucket truck is a dangerous affair. However, that danger is increased exponentially when operators need to use one to repair electric lines. After all, these workers need to deal with both the risk of falling and electrocution.

Fortunately, there are many measures you can take to ensure the safety of your workers. Some of the ways you can keep workers safe include:

How to Keep Both Your Truck and Employees Safe

Let’s not beat around the bush: the world of construction is a dangerous place. Your workers put their safety at risk every time they show up for work. That’s why the OSHA is very strict with its safety training and guidelines (and rightfully so).

Although most of the attention on safety is aimed at employee safety, you also need to protect your other investments— bucket trucks, equipment, etc.—as well. Fortunately you can hit two birds with one stone when it comes to bucket trucks by following these tips:

Underlining Safety in Tree Trimming Work

Pruning off some branches will be essential when enhancing safety on a property. It is even more important when you and your team are tasked to temporarily lease a bucket truck for horticultural work. However, the experience of working with trees of staggering heights amplifies the danger of untoward incidents for workers. As such, they should be trained firmly through a number of core areas.

On the Market for Used Bucket Rigs

Imagine preparing to open a fruit-picking business in a large tract of land. You have the resources, a starting pool of employees, and the drive to see the business succeed. All you need are bucket trucks to reach greater heights, but what if you can only afford a couple of used rigs? How do you even find what you need in the first place?

Knowing Which Bucket Truck to Buy For Your Business

Many companies in the heavy-duty industries have need for a bucket truck in their line of work. There are many options to choose from the bucket trucks that are for sale that it can make any prospective buyer dizzy. To make the proper choice, the key thing to know is what you’ll be using the truck for.

Tree maintenance and orchard work will require a basic set-up of just a single bucket and a boom long enough to reach the top of your trees. This would probably be the most inexpensive because it is the most basic setup, without the special additions.

Different Safety Stops for Aerial Bucket Trucks

Used by major industries in compromising work conditions, bucket trucks should have safety controls established prior to usage. Aside from the certification processes done by the manufacturer, safety tests are also mandated by regulatory commissions like DOT and OSHA. Safe usage may also be observed through demos at the dealer's initiative. Here are some of the standard but rigorous safety checks:

General Understanding of Different Bucket Truck Sizes

Whether it is for repairs, decorations or any other task, the bucket truck's hydraulic system and safety lift lets its workers access elevated grounds, making work much easier for them. Like any other vehicle, bucket trucks come in different forms and functions. Companies that need this type of vehicle must understand first what makes one bucket type different from another.

The very basic factor in differentiating and selecting bucket trucks is its size. The varying sizes of these vehicles also indicate the overall use, function and limitations of a bucket truck. Smaller bucket trucks can be operated by one to two people, but tend to have a shorter reach when it comes to its lift, reaching only the top of trees or small houses. This type of truck can also carry just a limited number of people for safety reasons.

Rent or Purchase? The Lowdown on Digger Derricks

Digger derrick trucks are valuable pieces of equipment used to drill and prod poles or other components into the working environment. They are especially useful in heavy-duty industries across the country. On the fence about leasing or owning one? Here are two important things to consider if you should rent or purchase a digger derrick truck:

Bucket Trucks for Fixing Power Lines

Linemen in the U.S. make roughly $60,000 a year installing and repairing power lines. By U.S. standards, this is already above average; nevertheless, the fact remains that working with wires− live or dead− is dangerous. Not only do linemen face the danger of electrocution on a daily basis, they’re also at risk of falling from the height of a utility pole.

Normally, linemen have to climb up the actual pole to perform repair or installation work. Now, however, they have the option of working from the comforts of utility baskets. Bucket trucks have booms that can extend higher than the average utility pole. This secures the worker in place and makes using tools easier.

What to Look for in a Bucket Truck

A bucket truck can be an invaluable machine for you if you’re in the business of moving heavy objects, or in any utility job that requires mobility. Granted, brand new bucket trucks are costly, but they provide excellent used truck values, and large companies replace entire fleets every few years, so you can easily find a used bucket truck that fits your needs and budget.

What are the Common Types of Bucket Trucks?

Many industries often buy new or used bucket trucks for their business needs, such as in construction, landscaping, tree maintenance, electrical repairs, etc. Depending on the size and power of the bucket truck, it can lift or carry a wide variety of things, from human beings to heavy industrial equipment and containers. Here are a few examples of the types of bucket trucks available:

Right Height: Leasing a Suitable Bucket Truck

Whenever a ladder simply isn’t enough to support aerial work needs, workers turn to bucket trucks for their reliability, safety, mobility and versatility. While bucket trucks are indeed useful, such heavy equipment are extremely costly to purchase. Even businesses that work with heights on a daily basis, such as utility pole repair or window maintenance, might not find the acquisition of a bucket truck economical.

Benefits of Bucket Trucks in Industries

Bucket trucks are a form of aerial devices that allow people to reach high areas that are otherwise unreachable through the use of standard equipment like ladders. The appearance of a bucket truck resemble that of a crane or a forklift, except that the “bucket” part of the system provides enough space for a worker to climb in. Many industries like power line repair and building maintenance choose to rent or buy a bucket truck to gain the following advantages:

Going Multi-Purpose

Bucket trucks have long branched out from their origins as cherry pickers. The demands of various industries warrant the configuration and task requirements to change with the territory. All it takes is a bucket truck and a number of attachment parts, then off you go. Here are some notable examples of how you can retool your bucket truck for other uses.

Surprising Uses of Bucket Trucks

When people think about bucket trucks, they often assume that they are only useful for utility repairs, such as when a telephone pole goes down. While these trucks are indeed staples in the utility industry, you may be surprised to learn how versatile these vehicles are. Below are just some of the unexpected uses of bucket trucks:

Fruit Picking

While people can use a good old-fashioned ladder to pick fruits from a tree, a bucket truck is definitely the more efficient option. After all, pickers don’t want to have to worry about their safety so they can focus all their energy in gathering the ripe fruits.