Bucket truck durability question

markct · Oct 20, 2009

i wasnt trying to imply that the rods were the same case as a garbage truck or other machinery, i agree that there is alot more at stake in this case, but chrome nicks and minor gouges are not a structural issue, wheres a rod end breaking off is, i would repair a rod end broke off on a garbage truck or backhoe, but i agree i wouldnt even consider it on a manlift of any kind. however i would have no worries repairing nicks on either, so what was it that caused the rods to need replacement? i doubt it was breakage but i could be wrong just asking

jzgator · Oct 28, 2009

What kind of deals are you coming across D Dawg?

What's your budget?

lxt · Oct 29, 2009

markct said:
replacing cylinder rods???? why? i repair heavy equipment and garbage trucks for a living so i see alot of hydraulics everyday and rarely do we have to replace a rod unless it gets bent from damage, or gets a gouge real bad from a rock such is common with backhoe cylinders but on a bucket truck i cant picture how you can damage them very easily way up in the air like that unless ya have very careless operators. small nicks,gouges, scrapes or rust pitting can be repaired with epoxys or with special alloys applied with a tig, replacement isnt often needed

he meant "boom pins" im sure, depending on the boom make this can be an often PITA part of maintenance!

LXT............

BlackenedTimber · Oct 29, 2009

New Mexico...? Atleast one good thing: No rain means no rust. Not to mention, I dont think that they are putting lots of salt and sand down for all the heavy snow they get there.

Good luck.

T

ropensaddle · Oct 29, 2009

I have worked Elliot,older asplundh,newer altec's, and what I own and have worked out of the last 15 years is a high ranger. All are good except early Asplundh they were dangerous.
Maintenance will always need done periodically,lines will blow etc. I really need to spend on mine but it works and I don't have the funds to replace drive cables and leveling lines like the book calls for but I do inspect them regular for wear. I grease regular and check for cracked welds but the book says leveling cables and drive cables should be changed every 3 years. I know personally that does not occur. Anyway what ever lift you decide to purchase get both a maintenance manual and operators manual if you are not well versed. It is little things that can cause big catastrophe's