Bucket Truck Benefits

Construction, BusinessA Bucket truck has an additional aerial work platform known as boom lift, which is mounted on its back. This aerial work platform carries workers to higher areas without any difficulties. These boom lifts can be installed easily within a short span of time. Now, we can even find bucket trucks with lift baskets large enough for two people. Nowadays, many contractors use boom truck rental service, which are available affordably. Rental rates are hourly. Some important benefits of bucket truck are: Safety:Bucket trucks are designed effectively to prevent any damages for the workers, while working at higher elevations. It has a bucket like structure, which is designed for a person to stand in and work from it. To enhance the safety of the worker, presently articulated boom lifts are used when operating in tight spaces. Reliability:Modern bucket trucks are designed with several inbuilt features that offer high performance and can be operated with ease. Repair doesn’t occur frequently in these trucks due to the high quality fabrication. As a result less repair, these trucks provide more reliability. Lower maintenance cost:High quality design offers more protection for the truck, which ultimately reduces the repair and other malfunctions. Moreover, latest bucket trucks works efficiently for a longer period without any maintenance. Effective fuel consumption:Bucket trucks consume less fuel to perform more tasks efficiently, due to the top brand parts. Lower operating cost:When compared with other trucks, bucket truck needs only less cost for its operation. Ease of operation:They can be…

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Three Reasons to Buy a Used Bucket Truck from a Dealer

Bucket trucks are necessary for use in a number of industries, including the electrical, construction, and telecommunications industries, among others. Despite being largely in-demand, bucket trucks can be extremely costly, both the buy and to maintain. As a method of reducing costs, many businesses have turn to the more cost-effective alternative of buying a used truck. The two most common ways to save money when buying a used truck are to buy from auction, or from a licensed dealer. Although auctions are a cost-effective means for buying a used bucket truck, purchasing a truck this way can actually end up costing the buyer more in unforeseen costs. Experienced buyers understand that the most dependable method of buying a used bucket truck is through a reputable dealer within the industry. There are a number of reasons buying a used bucket truck from a dealer is more cost-effective and efficient than purchasing one at an auction, including: Equipment Quality. When buying from an auction, it’s difficult to know the true quality of a bucket truck. Auctions are unable to provide the guarantees delivered by dealers; additionally, buyers are unable to perform comprehensive inspections of the vehicles, leaving the quality of the equipment in question. In contrast, dealers are able to provide any and all information regarding the quality and history of the bucket truck, and perform complete inspections on all equipment in the lot. Below Book Value. At an auction, the price is determined through the bidding process. This means there is no set…

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Is your Company ready for Hurricane Season?

Atlantic hurricane season officially began this month; the six-month storm season runs through June 1 – November 30. The arrival of hurricane season, which comes on the heels of the severe weather which affected a number of states and resulted in historic flooding in Texas and Oklahoma, serves as a reminder to utilities and energy companies to ensure that their equipment is up-to-code and ready to handle severe weather. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the 2015 Atlantic Hurricane season will “likely be below-normal.” Despite the chance of a suppressed hurricane season, forecasters are still predicting a 70 percent likelihood of 6 to 11 named storms, 3 to 6 of which could become hurricanes (defined as storms with winds of 74 mph or higher), and up to 2 storms could be major hurricanes (defined as Category 3, 4 or 5 storms with winds of 111 mph or higher). There is also a 20 percent chance of a near-normal season and a 10 percent chance of an above-normal season. According to NOAA Administrator Kathryn Sullivan, a below-normal season doesn’t mean coastal areas are “off the hook.” “As we’ve seen before, below-normal seasons can still produce catastrophic impacts to communities,” she said. As hurricane season begins, electric and utility companies and co-ops are reminded of the importance of prepping their employees and their equipment for the possibility of severe storms. According to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), which represents 900 electric co-ops which provide power to customers…

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Atlas Truck Sales Looking for a Mechanic – Immediate Hire!

Atlas Truck Sales, a leading supplier of reconditioned Bucket Trucks and Digger Derrick Trucks, has an immediate job opening in our mechanics department! The ideal candidate will have hydraulic experience, but it is not required. Atlas Truck Sales is a family-owned and operated business which has been operating out of Channelview, Texas, since 1989.  We treat our customers and our employees with the principles of family that we were founded on. We keep our business small, allowing less cost for customers and fostering a positive and productive work environment for our personnel. To learn more about the position, please fax resumes to 281-452-0800 or call 281-452-6700.

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The Annual Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference

The annual Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference (EUFMC), which brings together fleet representatives from investor-owned electric utilities, electric cooperatives and electrical contractors, will be held at the Williamsburg Lodge and Conference Center in Williamsburg, VA, from May 31 – June 3. The Conference, which draws together fleet executives from over 60 companies across the United States, Canada and South America, is a two-day, interactive program which features presentations by industry experts, manufactures and fleets. Held every year since 1953, the EUFMC aims to provide a unique, open atmosphere where utility fleet professionals can view the latest fleet products and technologies and engage in open, roundtable discussions which promote transparency and cooperation between manufactures, suppliers, and fleet professionals. More than 250 representatives from over 100 manufacturers and service providers attend EUFMC annually. This year, the conference will focus on Fleet Strategies to Maximize Total Company Performance, and will feature keynote speaker Jim Piro, the president and chief executive officer of Portland General Electric (PGE). Topics to be covered at the EUFMC General Session include fleet electrification, safety, telematics, fleet standards for aerial equipment, and fleet finances, among others. The event also features a drive-through utility equipment demonstration and an equipment show with over 60 displays. Atlas Truck Sales: A Leading Provider of Utility Fleet Equipment Atlas Truck Sales is a leading provider of utility fleet equipment, including reconditioned digger trucks and bucket trucks, located in Channelview, Texas. We maintain one of the cleanliest inventories in the business, offer competitive pricing, and pride…

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Severe Weather Slams Houston

Severe weather hit much of Houston late Sunday night, punctuating a week that saw the city subjected to extreme winds and heavy rain. Multiple severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado warnings were issued for several counties throughout Sunday evening, and heavy rain hit the Woodlands, Spring, Tomball, Jersey Village, and other areas north of I-10. Sunday was one of several days that the Houston area was hit by extreme weather; thunderstorms late Friday night left many areas, including Sugar Land, Richmond, and Rosenberg, without power. In addition to power outages, several areas suffered downed trees and power lines following heavy winds and, in some areas, hail. Storms are projected to pick back up later in the week, with Wednesday, Thursday and Friday expected to see some form of thunderstorm. Bucket trucks are critical in maintaining the city’s infrastructure during severe weather conditions like the ones Houston has been experiencing. Storms can be problematic, particularly to those in the construction and electrical industry, as they struggle to sustain the city’s telecommunications and power supply. For these industries, the best way to be prepared for severe weather is to ensure that your company has the equipment needed for such emergency situations. For more information, check out our article explaining how to choose the bucket truck that’s right for your company, or call (281)-452-6700 to speak with one of our sales representatives. Photo by Sarah Worthy

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National Lineman Appreciation Day is April 13

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) has designated the second Monday of each April as National Lineman Appreciation Day, in a move that marked the first time the NRECA Board has formally recognized a day honoring lineman. In 2015, that means the day will fall on April 13. This isn’t the first time that strides have been made to recognize the lineman across America’s electric cooperatives; however, it is the first attempt made at implementing a lasting date. In 2013, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution designating April 18 as National Lineman Appreciation Day, to recognize “the profession of Linemen, and the contributions of these brave men and women to protect public safety.” In 2014, only a House resolution to mark the day was introduced, and there was no congressional action taken to designate the day, leaving a number of electric cooperatives to unofficially designate the day for their lineman. Following the lack of congressional action in 2014, the NRECA passed their own resolution in December of 2014, which the NRECA Board adopted unanimously. “It gives us a rallying point for our linemen,” said Kerry Kelton, NRECA Texas Director, who presented the resolution to the board December 11 on behalf of the Government Relations Committee. The resolution states that lineman deserve recognition as they “leave their families and put their lives on the line every day to keep the power on; work 365 days a year under dangerous conditions to build, maintain and repair the electric infrastructure; are the…

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Choosing the Bucket Truck That’s Right for Your Company

A bucket truck is a versatile, cost-effective piece of equipment that is used to perform a variety of tasks across a number of industries. Adding a bucket truck to your fleet is a cost-effective way to take on more jobs and increase productivity at the job site. Deciding which boom truck is right for your company can be an overwhelming process, particularly for companies new to the industry. The numerous amount of options and configurations can make choosing a boom truck a difficult and stressful process. Below, we’ve compiled a list of four things to consider before choosing a truck, to help the process be smooth and worry-free. Determine the Vehicle’s Use The first step in determining what type of bucket truck is right for your business is determining what the vehicle will be used for. Will the truck be used for tree trimming? Power line repair? Electrical utility? Construction? Boring into the ground? Deciding what types of duties the equipment will need to perform will play a large role in determining the type of truck you need. For example, if you’re trimming trees around power lines, a bucket truck may suffice; if your project involves excavating land, you’ll need a digger derrick. Lift Capacity and Working Height Requirements Before you buy a boom truck, look at the at the lift requirements for the projects you complete most often; this will give you a good idea of the lift capacity range you’re looking for. Additionally, look at the height needed…

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Boom Trucks: Renting vs. Buying

Bucket and Digger Derrick trucks are versatile, valuable pieces of industrial equipment used across many industries. For many companies, incorporating a boom truck in to their fleet is a great way to expand the business. Deciding whether to buy or rent a boom truck can be a confusing process; however, making the right decision for your company is vital to ensuring your receive the maximum return on investment. There are several factors to consider when making this decision, including what the company’s long-term goals are, and what the business’s financial situation is. Long-Term Goals The first factor to consider in the decision to buy or rent a boom truck is what the long-term goals are for the truck, specifically regarding frequency of use. Companies that are planning to use the truck sporadically, or throughout the lifespan of a singular project, are typically better of renting. However, companies that use boom trucks in their day-to-day operations, such as power companies, and will be using the truck on long-term or multiple projects, are better off buying. For these companies, the initial cost of buying the truck will eventually give way to the additional profit generated by the new projects that come in as a result of owning the truck. Financial Situation Another important factor to consider when deciding to rent or buy a boom truck is the company’s financial situation. When buying a truck, companies must shoulder more expenses at the beginning than those renting. While owning a truck eventually leads to…

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