Noob looking at Used Bucket Trucks? What are some of the more important details to lookout fopr

[Longinus]

I know my way around Trucks and tractors and stuff, but never messed with anything in a Bucket, Boom before. There are some vary reasonable used priced ones for sale around here, some seem to be to good? What kinds of hidden things should I be watching out for?

One seller says the lift controls from the truck do not work, and the saftey sensor goes off, but the controls from the bucket work fine? Doesn't sound like much but then, I don't know crap! So?........ any knowledge would be appreciated.

I would like a truck for a few kind of jobs, eaves, windows roofs, and tree stuff.

 

[gorman]

Save for something a bit more reliable. You're riding up in it.

 

[Longinus]

Ok but even then what kind of things to look for besides, Hyrdro lines, pumps, cracks or welds in the boom? How hard is it to fix stuff like controls, lift sensors and such? I mean I can fix most things, but I would rather not pay for a major reaming, where I was expecting a problem to be just a slight pain in the ass.

 

[gorman]

It should have a current inspection. If it doesn't, then you have to chance it or negotiate to have a licensed service rep inspect it.
If the seller is a dealer, then check the dealer's rep. If it's a private sale, look at the owner's operation. Do they run a tight ship? How does the rest of their equipment look?

 

[sgreanbeans]

Stay far away from the dealers, or if you do go to one of the several white wash rip off pros like Kid Cars in Roscoe, Ill or Schmiddy's in Clinton,Ill take a knowledgeable mechanic with you. They will burn you as fast as they can. Don't buy anything that does not function completely. That truck that has no lower controls, pass on it.

 

[treeclimber101]

You gotta know what your looking at an hearing ! And trust your gut . If your buying used you better damn well be almost a expert mechanic ! Or you run the risk and even if you were there are mechanical issues that have no pre breakdown signs ...... So you need a good heaping of good luck ! GOOD LUCK it jungle out there !

 

[Sean80]

If the controls don't work on the side of the truck, that means someone can't rescue you if you get hurt and are unable to use the bucket controls.

 

[rtsims]

If equipped with a pony motor, make sure it runs well. Check the truck out just like any other truck, from the ground up moving to the boom etc.. Check really well for rust, cracks, welds and any repairs visible. Run through all the functions with the ground controls first, then the bucket.