Bucket truck newbie

[Rocko]

I recently purchased a GM top kick with a 50 ft double bucket pitman boom,over center(boom operates from the back).My question is do the outriggers have to be fully extended(truck off the ground) or just resting on the ground for stability. The truck has 4 outriggers.I would also appreciate any other help full operating tips.

 

[Industry]

I run a bucket Daily and have for 3 years. I don't like to extend them any more than it takes to start lifting the truck. Once it starts to move, stop. There are others who may say differently, but I guess the best bet is to contact the manufacturer and see what they say.

 

[chucknduck]

You don't want to extend the outriggers enough to lift the truck off the ground. The purpose of them is to help stabilize the truck when you are leaning to one side. The truck itself should bear most of the weight, extend them only enough to get rid of the small bubble in the bottom of the tires. If your on a hard surface, extend them less than if you are in soft dirt.

 

[Dadatwins]

I would advise you contact the manufacturer of the bucket you purchased and get an owners manual ASAP. There is a lot more to flying a bucket than just putting the legs down and it sounds like you may need to start at step #1 and work forward. Not meant to flame, but buckets are dangerous like other equipment and you need to know about weight limits and pre-inspection before worrying about putting the legs down. be careful