Just looking to upgrade from a 95 f-800 utility truck with an AA600 boom. I know my current boom needs an inspection with cables and hoses for sure if not more. I'm looking at another pretty clean looking truck with the LRV-55 boom on it Its a 2001 Freightliner Chassis utility truck also. Are these booms any good? any common problems with them? The truck I'm looking at passes current inspection. I would really like the material handler with the one man bucket over-center boom. Thanks
Altec LRV 55 Boom... Are they any good?
- Thread starter RDAA
- Start date
Help Support Arborist Forum:
Oak Savanna
ArboristSite Operative
They are a good boom. I have a 2002 LRV-55. Only major thing I have had to do with it which can be a common problem with them is replace the bushings in the knuckle. I guess It's common wear after so many years of use. There was a measurement between the upper boom and the cheek at the turret when it is folded up. You will see that the upper boom will sit close to the lower boom near the turret when folded if the bushings are shot. I think the measurement from the cheek to the side of upper boom can't be any less than 2"?! I can call the guy who does my annual inspection and ask if you want. After they fixed mine they had to move the cradle over 2" to where it should be when boom is folded. Other than that it passes the boom inspection and dielectric test every year with no problems. The upper round boom on the altec has a little more bounce to it compared to a square upper boom on a versa lift or highranger etc.
Shoot I looked at it wrong its not a MH. But that doesn't shoot it down for me. My current truck needs 6-7 grand put into it. I have everything paid for but about three grand against the chipper. If I put 6-7 in my old truck it still is only worth 8-10 grand. I'd rather send it down the road and put the money towards something newer and better. The extra 5 feet would be sweet and the reach of the over-center would be awesome compared to non- over center. The way business has been going for me has been great. Full Schedule and no advertising other than word of mouth. Having the over center would be awesome being able to set the truck up once instead of three times.
I am going to pull the trigger on it if its what the guy says it is. When I go to look at it I think I am going to try to deal with him by having Altec inspect it. If it passes I will pay for the inspection if not He has to. I don't know if that will fly but it might be worth a try?
Oak Savanna
ArboristSite Operative
Sounds like a good plan. Altec will know exactly what to look for on that boom. If it's as good as he says it is and has nothing to hide, he should have no problem with that! Good luck.
Oak Savanna
ArboristSite Operative
That one will be. Not a material handler. That one should be double over center
Yeah there is a pick of it with the bucket sitting on the ground in front of the truck a few feet. I'm half way tempted to try and sell or scrap the boom on my f-800 and put a 16 foot bed with a hoist on it. It has been a very rock solid unit with the 5.9 p-pump cummins in it. I really know what I have for a chassis and not someone else's junk. I don't know if that's a crazy idea or not. I could make it a winter project out of it in my shop.
pro94lt
Addicted to ArboristSite
I love that pic.
