Reaching heights particularly electric cables, posts and other objects placed several meters above the ground is not an easy task. Doing this kind of job requires equipment that will not just let workers or individuals reach heights but help them stay there for as long as the job is done.  This equipment we are talking about is the bucket truck, and to be particular, cheap bucket trucks for sale.
Bucket trucks are available in different types and each of them is built on special purpose. These trucks are very helpful to businesses like electrical companies, cable, telecommunications, cleaning service such as window washing service on tall buildings and other business where reaching certain height is required.
Bucket trucks especially the brand new ones are very expensive, so if you are just starting out with your business and don’t have a budget yet for brand new ones, why not go for cheap bucket trucks? Yes, cheap in price but not in quality. Usually, these bucket trucks are second hand so it is just a matter of picking the best one. You can always check out the condition of these equipments before deciding to buy. Normally, big companies sell their old model bucket trucks in place of brand new ones and most of the bucket trucks being sold are in good condition not just on the exterior but also the engine and other interior parts.
If you are planning to purchase second hand bucket trucks and you don’t know anything about trucks then it would be best to bring a mechanic or someone who is good at checking bucket trucks along with you to help you look for good quality cheap bucket trucks for sale. If you want to do it yourself, then it is useful for you to take note of the important specifications that you need to know so you can decide for yourself, these are—the maker or manufacturer, the unit model, the year it was launched, gross weight, engine type, fuel type, transmission, and mileage. Consult a mechanic or an expert in bucket trucks to provide you with the details of the specifications so you would know what and which ones to choose. There are also other factors you need to consider but those are just minor like the boom maker, reach, and other details.
Cheap bucket trucks for sale are usually found at auto and truck dealerships and some can be found at auctions from big companies as well as car fairs for used vehicles and equipments.  You can also look for cheap bucket trucks online so you could have wider resources and options for these equipments that could help your business grow more. 
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Anyone who has ever experienced an outage of their land-line telephone, cable connection or electricity when storms or high winds have hit have reaped the benefits of how a bucket truck can save time for linemen who must repair damaged lines for their company.

Companies and the industries listed above that they represent are greatly dependent upon the help provided by this versatile vehicle for repairing overhead lines and cables. It's safe to say that everyone benefits from the service of bucket trucks. So what is the history behind this handy vehicle - and where is the future for it heading?

Early Design

The first version of the bucket truck was known as a "cherry picker" and came out during the early 1900's, just about the same time as the use of internal combustion engines became widely accepted. The principle used on the vehicle's lift goes back to its application by the Romans. They used structures that are identical to our modern cranes and lifts of today.

In the Orchard - and Beyond

Despite its popularity these days as a maintenance vehicle, the bucket truck didn't begin life in the garage of an electric company. On the contrary, it evolved from a vehicle know as the "cherry picker". During harvesting season, trucks equipped with platforms that could be lifted were used for harvesting fruit from high up on the trees. The platform served as a safe ground for the worker while harvesting. Although conventional ladders were originally used for fruit harvesting, 'cherry pickers' were much safer to use. The platform was wide enough for workers to move around with less danger of falling.

Another advantage from this new invention was the minimal risk to tree damage; ladders placed against the trees for workers to climb up to harvest the fruit frequently damaged the tree trunk. With this new vehicle, the platform could be conveniently positioned near yet right above the tree without disturbing it at all. It was a further convenience because relocation from one tree to the other was so much easier with this motorized platform version. Although the name 'cherry picker' was a misnomer since cherries were not the only fruit harvested, that name stuck with the truck for a long time.

It didn't take long for other industries to adapt the 'cherry picker' to their own usage. The electric utility company in particular found it to be a virtual blessing to the repair of damaged utility lines. It made the work of their employees easier, faster and much safer than the previous method of climbing a telephone pole and 'hanging' from it to complete any task!

Additional industries that picked up on and adapted their own versions of this vehicle are: forestry; sign and light; house painting and window washing; mining and construction industries to name a few. The application of different uses for this vehicle is virtually endless. As long as the task involves heights and requires a high degree of safety, then the bucket truck is the right truck for the job.

Current Trends

The current design for the bucket truck is the same and yet it is very different. The boom is still housed on a basic truck frame and still retains its basic functions. The difference here is the addition of an articulated boom to the design as well as varying locations for the boom on the body depending upon the needs of a particular industry.

The biggest difference in design lies in the vehicle's safety features. New bucket truck designs are significantly safer to use. Modern versions have insulated buckets to protect workers from electrocution risks when handling electric wires. Outriggers have been added to give a much greater measure of stability during any operation. These are just a few of safety features added to decrease risks when using these vehicles.

Thoughts of the Future

Due to the ever-increasing oil prices, operating a bucket truck gets more and more expensive. In answer to this change, design has evolved toward "green" bucket trucks that can save the owner/operator usage costs as well as make it friendlier to the environment. The hybrid version is an answer to vehicle function that allows saving of operational costs with an electric motor to operate the boom. Making the size smaller is making the vehicle more efficient while making it more compact and supplementing its function with additional features.

The future of the bucket truck reflects its evolution from a 'cherry picker' to the modern hybrid vehicle of today. Future designs will continue to reflect the manufacturers' response to the needs of the industries that rely upon this practical and reliable vehicle. It has indeed come a long way from its humble orchard beginnings!
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bucket truck for sale
bucket truck buying can be tricky
The owner of a bucket truck should have certain knowledge of this type of vehicle before operating it. In fact, if a bucket truck for sale interests you, you should learn a bit about it before making the purchase. If you are unsure about certain features of bucket trucks, you can ask the experienced staff at Utility Fleet. Not only can our expertise keep you from purchasing a vehicle that is not right for your company, but we can also help you determine if a bucket truck rental is better for you than buying.

OSHA has many guidelines surrounding boom trucks, and while most apply purely to the operation of such trucks, many rules should be kept in mind before you buy. Most regulations can be adhered to simply by taking a look at the bucket truck for sale that you are interested in. For example, guidelines state that all of the controls should be clearly marked so that the operator knows exactly what each lever, switch, or button does. Controls also need to be tested everyday prior to use. Make sure everything is in working order.


You should also be aware that truck operators are expected to adhere to the rules after the initial purchase of the truck. No amount of safety features or perfect performances on operations tests will stop a bucket truck from breaking or harming a worker when grossly misused. Make sure your employees understand the limitations of the unit, boom weight capacities, and the necessary protective gear to be worn, to name a few important guidelines. If you have any questions about a particular bucket truck for sale or the regulations regarding the vehicle, ask a reliable and trustworthy dealer.


Buying a bucket truck can be exciting because it often signals that your company is growing, taking on new projects, and improving the quality of its fleet. However, owning or renting boom trucks is also considered a responsibility, which is why an education regarding the regulations is important. Let Utility Fleet help you select the best truck for your company, and allow us to use our knowledge to answer any questions you have.
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First Post! 10/06/2011
 
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