The Many Faces of a Bucket Truck

For most people, Altec bucket trucks are recognized as the embodiment of electric company utility vehicles. It is such a common sight to see them parked beside utility poles with linemen working on electric lines or poles. The truth of the matter is that this aerial-lifting device is more than just an electric company utility vehicle. Any creative individual with one of these vehicles can make a living from it. With the right business strategy, these versatile vehicles can be quite a money-generating asset.

The money-making capability of a bucket truck is unquestionable. For their owners, it typically involves booking clients, getting to the proper location, operating the lift, and then receiving a fee for the services that were performed. The minimal charge for this type of usage is typically $250 dollars for just an hour of work.

There are numerous aerial jobs such as climbing ladders or using a rope and pulley that are very risky and require a great deal of physical effort. A bucket truck is much more convenient and far safer for workers to use to perform aerial jobs. These vehicles also allow for the faster completion of any task as compared to more traditional methods.

Many aerial jobs can be done more handily with this aerial device. Because of this, many bucket truck owners take advantage of such aerial jobs, especially those that are needed only on an occasional basis. Work like that is not conducive to purchasing a vehicle for such infrequent usage. Instead, the wiser choice is to rent a bucket whenever aerial work needs to be handled.

Jobs Requiring a Bucket Truck

So what jobs either require or can be simplified by using a bucket truck? These vehicles are used for so many different applications. Following is a list of just a few potential uses:

Tree Trimming- 

Trees require regular trimming particularly when they grow near power lines or buildings. Overgrown limbs can rub against buildings or power lines and cause problems from that action. On older trees, dead branches also need to be removed so they won't fall and damage anything or anyone below them

Street and Traffic Light Maintenance-

Work on street lights and traffic lights also require an aerial lift. Changing the light bulbs on an entire street could take forever even with a stand-alone aerial lift as relocation to every light would require a vehicle to move it. A bucket truck can provide a safe platform from which workers can perform their tasks without worrying about traffic on the street as they would be above all that activity.

Painting and Window Cleaning-

Painting the exterior of a building can be easily and safely accomplished with a bucket truck. Cleaning the exterior of windows by this means is actually a preferred way of completing such a task; it is safer and the job can be completed so much faster than other means of attempting this chore.
These are just a few of the many possible bucket truck applications. These vehicles have a long service life and are in constant demand for all these numerous aerial tasks. For anyone considering the purchase of one of these vehicles, it is a decision that will undoubtedly be a source of income for many years. All of this because of the many faces of a bucket truck - amazing!

Buying Bucket Trucks

Bucket trucks are the workhorses for many businesses across several industries. Without utility trucks, the telephone lines and electric lines you see all around wouldn't exist. Specifically, these aerial lift trucks are used to set up signs and lights as well as repair them. Bucket trucks are integral machines to different industries like power providers, painters, sign and light repair, tree trimming / forestry, and many more..

On your search for bucket trucks for sale, be extremely careful where you look. It's best to buy utility equipment from a dealer or directly from a fleet. Used utility equipment can drastically vary in quality, reliability, and safety. Don't jeopardize you or a worker's safety by buying a bucket truck in poor condition. Even used utility truck dealers can be suspicious regarding their practices. Surprisingly, many utility truck dealers don't specialize int utility trucks and sell cars, atvs, boats, and whatever else they can. It's best to buy from someone reputable and is known to sell quality used lift trucks.

 One of the oldest and established cherry picker dealers out there is Southwest Equipment. Our recommendation is that you should read reviews of the business before you venture to it. Customer reviews can provide lot's of good insight on the business practices and customer service of that particular store. Keep in mind that reviews can be manipulated and you should remain relatively objective in your approach, if you see something in person that correlates to a review, that should send up a big red flag.

Regarding cherry pickers, a.k.a. bucket trucks, it is best to purchase name brand equipment. Utility truck builders like Altec, ETI, Versalift, Hi Ranger, Terex, Aerial Lift of Connecticut, and Lift All are some of the best ones to look into buying. Usually, they are good quality trucks and have parts fairly easy to find/buy. Overall, Altec is the most popular and the largest brand. Altec's equipment is high quality and the maintenance is typically cheaper. There are several Altec dealers across the globe. The bigger brands typically sell utility equipment that is easy to work on.

Keep in mind, it's never smart to have an inexperienced mechanic work on your bucket truck. A good utility truck mechanic will go a long way in providing longevity to your fleet of trucks. Before you buy a truck, whether you're purchasing from an individual or a dealer, get it inspected by an independent mechanic. Make sure the mechanic is trustworthy and doesn't have an angle or agenda to steer you toward or away from buying it.

These tips should set you on your way to making a solid, informed decision on buying bucket trucks either new or used. Finding a good deal may take time and will definitely require patience. Stay focused and remove any and all emotion from buying and you will get that great deal you desire. Good luck!