Bucket Truck Buying Guide

Bucket trucks come in all kinds of sizes and configurations to allow for maximum versatility. These useful trucks help you and your workers to reach high spaces that would otherwise be challenging, for work on roofs, power lines, trees and other tall things. 

You’ll definitely want to put some thought into the features that you need for your work in order to select a good option. Below, you’ll find some things you’ll want to think about before you purchase a bucket truck.

Consider Job Capacity

First, think about what your regular jobs are going to require in a bucket truck. Knowing what types of projects you’ll work on will help you to determine the lift capacity you need, as well as how long the boom of the bucket truck needs to be. You need to get a truck that can handle at least 90% of the work you do for best results, and you can always rent a truck with more capacity to handle what your bucket truck can’t. 

Single Vs. Tandem Axle

Your next order of business is to determine which type of axle your truck should have: single or tandem. Single-axle trucks have a lighter gross weight and a shortened wheel base. These two features combine to make single-axle bucket trucks less damaging to residential property. On the other hand, a tandem-axle truck is necessary if you need more lifting and hauling capacity. Tandem-axle trucks are ideal for more commercial and heavy-duty work.

Standard Vs. Rear-Mount

Bucket truck booms come in two primary configurations: standard-mount and rear-mount. A standard-mount bucket truck has the boom crane mounted right behind the cab of the truck. This option is both more common and more affordable, and it also allows for cargo storage in the truck bed. A rear-mount boom is located at the back of the truck and it lets the operator drive the truck closer to the work area. These trucks will be more expensive, but they often have an enclosed cab to protect the driver.

Is a Jib Needed?

One more thing you should consider is if you want the versatility of a jib, otherwise known as a stinger, on your truck. The jib is designed to extend the length of your boom when necessary, but you can simply store it away when it’s not needed. The lifting capacity of your truck’s boom will be reduced with a jib, and its weight will be increased, but the extended reach can be worth it for some applications.

Come down to our Sanford, FL, dealership location to check out our wide array of new and used bucket trucks for sale. DeBary Truck Sales proudly serves all of our Florida customers as well as those of you coming from the Atlanta, GA, metro region.