Bucket truck advice

[Raven27]

Going to look at an d F700, 8.2 or 3 Detroit diesel. Guy says everything works as it should, the few pictures I got show high promise. Looks clean, good tread, not a rust bucket, it's a Teco boom. Not sure of chip box box, and he's unsure of mileage.PTO off the engine. He says it's an '80's truck, but it really looks clean so far

What should I look for?
Possibly having a remote insoection6 done, but the DOT inspection and boom certification will be $500. Including their travel costs, I think it's well worth the piece if mind, but feel the seller should eat the cost as they never did any inspections other than your normal vehicle inspection, am.i wring here? It's been off the road since last fall, but was in a bad car accident and was just told tree work is out forever for him, do he's selling stuff, I want the truck, I think, lol. I hope images that I have of the truck cone through

 

[Raven27]

Bear in mind I have a little bucket experience, but not enough to know what should say yes or no, other than normal mechanical things, I can see if hires look good, etc,...my business partner is very mechanically enclosed and will no more from that side, but as far as the boom,bucket safety, looming for advice to decide to go ahead with paying for that professional inspection, then potential purchase.

 

[CutHighnLetFly]

Find out how old the book is. 20 year service life is what is stated in the ALC manual I read, but I dunno if that's like a in universal standard. I THINK it is, but can't speak facts.

But I sub for a dude who boufht a 25+ year old boom,like and couldn't get it inspected

 

[CutHighnLetFly]

But best of luck on your search man!

 

[Z'sTrees]

The Detroit 8.2 is one to stay away from. I think the only positive thing I have heard is they are fuel efficient.

 

[Raven27]

Huh,well this thing is 37 years old!! Lol. Needs at least 4 tires due to dry rot. It ran and drove great, has a few issues, boom worked ,it is insulated. The truck is solid, 61,000+ miles. All the lights worked,back up alarm worked ? But back up lights didn't , wipers didnt works, high beams didnt work, brakes were solid. He's asking $6,500, no way of pay that ,but I don't know if it's worth investing in?? We like it, but if we can't get it inspected once things are fixed....., how low can you offer. Lol. The dude is a mess, broken back and neck from a car accident. Hes broken spirited selling all he's stuff ? But I'm hoping to capitalize in it , maybe

 

[ROYCE]

Your waisting your money. The only reason that your intrigued by this is because of the price. I don't think this is going to work for you in your market. You trees are too tall. This bucket is too small. You will find that your spending more money and time working on it then running it. In the time that you are running it, you will be wishing you had something bigger. Just my 2 cents. Also, I don't think any reputable inspection company will certify this for you.

 

[Raven27]

@ROYCE. I was kind of thinking that way too. Dont mind the 55' height, but the age and possible safety issues turn us off. Thinking just sticking with getting chip truck or big dump trailer and continue climbing everything for now.

 

[LiTreeService]

I agree with Royce. When it comes to a bucket there is no cheap way out. Your basically valuing your life at 6500. You want to feel confident everytime you go up in it. Not having your fingers crossed that nothing will happen. Today....

 

[Raven27]

Oh we passed on it and got a steal of a deal on a dump trailer.
14' x 8' deck over 14k the, scissor lift, built in trickle charger, roll up tarp, double axle, brakes on all 4, it's a 2012, but looks less than a year old. No rust, 7' ramps. Built in trickle charger, remote, great tires. Guy says it just doesn't get used. Looks damn near new, had to ask to look at title to make sure it wasn't stolen as this model sells for between $7,300-$8,300 depending if you can find a sale and want to travel a ways. This was close by, we got it for $5,300, picking it up today.

 

[ROYCE]

Oh we passed on it and got a steal of a deal on a dump trailer.
14' x 8' deck over 14k the, scissor lift, built in trickle charger, roll up tarp, double axle, brakes on all 4, it's a 2012, but looks less than a year old. No rust, 7' ramps. Built in trickle charger, remote, great tires. Guy says it just doesn't get used. Looks damn near new, had to ask to look at title to make sure it wasn't stolen as this model sells for between $7,300-$8,300 depending if you can find a sale and want to travel a ways. This was close by, we got it for $5,300, picking it up today.

Thats great! Does it come with a built in trickle charger?

 

[JeffGu]

Or, maybe, a built in trickle charger?

 

[Raven27]

Well aren't we a bunch of comedians