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.
   
   
2. Identify your height requirementsBucket trucks come in a variety of height options. When considering your height requirements, look for a bucket truck with a boom that comfortably reaches your normal working height, but can still go a little higher in case unusual situations arise. Do note, however, that the cost of the truck increases corollary to its featured boom height—and you don’t want an expensive truck for work that’s just 10 feet off the ground.
3. Identify your reach requirementsNot all jobs will require you to go straight up. Occasionally, you may need to extend the boom off to the side of the bucket truck, such as working on a street-side billboard that’s 20 feet away from the curb.
4. Identify your lift capacity requirements
   Not all bucket trucks are created equal when it comes to their ability to lift loads off the ground. If you need to carry heavy loads with you, take those loads into consideration, as well.