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 for the types of jobs you most frequently perform – determine the minimum working height you’ll need for the majority of your projects, and go from there.
Additional Truck Features
In addition to lift capacity and working height requirements, there are other questions you’ll want to ask yourself regarding your normal projects, to determine the type of truck features required. Look at the types of projects you routinely perform. Where are they located? Are they typically in residential areas or remote ones? Are you typically working on projects that require a large lifting capacity? Do you routinely work on commercial projects? These questions will help you decide if you need a single axel truck or a tandem axel one, if a fiberglass or aluminum body is better for you, if four-wheel drive is required, and if you need extra accessories, like a 2-man basket.
Buy or Rent?
Once you’ve determined what type of boom truck is right for your company, you’ll have to decide if you’d rather buy a truck, or rent one. Typically, companies that use boom trucks in their day-to-day operations will see a better return on investment when buying, despite the higher cost upfront. Companies which only use these trucks sporadically are better off paying the fee to rent.
Atlas Truck Sales: Your Source for Quality Boom Trucks
Atlas Truck Sales specializes in the sale and rental of quality, reconditioned bucket trucks, and digger derrick trucks. Our experienced team can help you decide what truck is right for your business.