Buying a used bucket truck what to buy.

[Duffer]

Hey guys I am in the market for a bucket truck, looking for info on what type to buy, is there a difference in nacelle quality will look here in Canada and in the US. This is my first bucket truck that i am buying. any info you can give me will really be appreciated. The Duffer

 

[Ghillie]

What are your needs?

Do you need a chip body?

Tool storage?

Diesal or gas?

Insulated boom?

Terrain considerations pulling a chipper and full chip box?

How many hours do you plan on using it a week?

 

[Duffer]

Looking to get one with a chipper box with tools boxes and diesel and i will try to use it as much as i can,b Duffer

 

[sharkfin12us]

buying bucket

What are your needs?

Do you need a chip body?

Tool storage?

Diesal or gas?

Insulated boom?

Terrain considerations pulling a chipper and full chip box?

How many hours do you plan on using it a week?

Heres what i was told stay away from GMC hard to get parts.I bought a 1998 international off ebay for 39,000 with 56,000 miles on it.DT466E.I have a chip box 12 yard and aerial lift of conneticut bucket.The nice thing about the chip box you can just need one truck to do the job. Buckets that are good from what i have heard are ALTEC ,HIGH RAGERR AND AERIAL LIFT OF CONNETICUT.Rear mount with no box is nice if you have an another guy to drive a chip truck.If you get a rear mount i think you should get the elevator altec.If you can bring a mechanic with you that would help too when you look at these trucks i mean if you are buying used.

 

[Duffer]

Definetly will get a truck with a chipper box. is there different quality in the boom. a was told there is a difference ?

 

[Ghillie]

Definetly will get a truck with a chipper box. is there different quality in the boom. a was told there is a difference ?

There is a user on here (motor) that works on them (aerials) for a living. He will give you some good info on the aerials. Others will have good input too. Watch out for any that offer to let you pay them to pick one out for you.

Do a search on any brands you are looking at. There are numerous threads on the downfalls of each manufacturer.

 

[Duffer]

Hey guys any other inputs
Thankd Duffer

 

[Ghillie]

Take a look at what is in your area and then come back with specific questions like drivetrain and aerial mfg.

 

[Duffer]

Hey when you say its hard to get parts are you talking engine because the GM that a have seen has 3126 cat.
Duffer

 

[Duffer]

There one i am looking at.Ford Versalift Forestry Unit with single man bucket.

MODEL: F750 GVWR: 30,000 MILEAGE: 80,483 AXEL: Single ENGINE: Cat 3126 TRANSMISSION: 7 speed FUEL TYPE: Diesel BOOM: Versalift HEIGHT: 60’ over center

Duffer

 

[motor]

That's a good unit Duffer. Is it a VO-255? If so you'll be happy. The VO-55 is also a good unit. Good simple, durable unit.

Did you verify that the lift and truck are the same year?

Do yourself a favor and have a OSHA/ANSI inspection and Dietest done before you purchase it. The money you spend on that could be pennies if the unit needs major repair that's not noticed by the untrained eye, especially if this is your first bucket.

 

[HolmenTree]

I have never owned or run a bucket. But be warned to always keep your unit inspected and safetied by a reputable shop. Two years ago a Manitoba 30 yr in the business tree service owner was killed when the welds broke at the cylinder boom connection, and he only dropped 20 feet. This happening so close to home here gives me second thoughts of owning a well used bucket truck, even a new one for all that goes.

 

[motor]

You've got that right Holmen. Keep your inspections up to date. The money you spend on up keep will greatly out weigh an accident.

 

[sharkfin12us]

Hey when you say its hard to get parts are you talking engine because the GM that a have seen has 3126 cat.
Duffer

Nope im talking about the truck GMC. International is good.I have 1998 4900 model.Frieghtline good.Ford

 

[Duffer]

I will really have it inspected from front to back, I myself feel more comfortable in the tree. I guess it will be a learning curve, It's not a done deal yet but will let you all know,: Oh yes the Truck and unit are the same year,