Have You Ever Seen a Bucket Truck
Have you ever seen someone working high in a bucket attached to a long pole that is attached to a truck? I’m betting you have. If so, you have seen a bucket truck. Many times they are called “cherry pickers” or “aerial lifts”. Technically, bucket trucks are for working at heights that a ladder can’t get to safely. If you think bucket trucks aren’t very common, you would be wrong.
Bucket Truck History
Bucket trucks were originally used to pick fruits in orchards (fittingly, cherry picker). With technology growing, demand and adaptations also grew. When wiring for electricity and telephones in the 1920’s to 1950’s, bucket trucks were what revolutionized the industry. They made workers more efficient and linemen could get more done in one day than they could have done in 20 days.
Today’s Utility Trucks
Today, bucket trucks are used for thousands of jobs. Many of the jobs include line-work (telecomm, cable, electricity industries), forestry work, painting, sign & light repair / installation, window washing, photography, and much more. The increase of demand has also required utility equipment to adapt to each industry’s needs. Now, forestry trucks have cab guards, line trucks have insulated booms, etc. These specific trucks allow companies and workers to be the safest and most efficient they can.
Buying Bucket Trucks
Availability of bucket trucks is under the market threshold… meaning, it is hard to find good bucket trucks to buy or rent. If you are looking for quality equipment, I suggest renting or purchasing from a bucket truck reconditioner. What reconditioner you choose to do business with will be the deciding factor between quality and junk. Buying used is risky. Risk does not go well with the already dangerous part of operating a bucket truck. If you buy new, be sure to shell out the money. New trucks are expensive and similar to cars, they lose money as soon as you drive off the lot.
Conclusion
Now you know a little more about bucket trucks. Hopefully, you appreciate them a little more. If nothing else, bucket trucks are some of the most useful and practical machines in todays world. Cherry pickers are also relatively dangerous. Don’t forget to take the proper safety precautions before operating or being near a bucket truck.