Bucket truck advice

C

Coolbreeze

We are moving forward to purchase a new or new used bucket truck. First, I'll start by saying the suppliers we contacted on the east coast were basically horrible in their response to us about their products. So the experience so far has been poor. Some salesmen did'nt even return calls. Anyway we looked at a Terex Hi ranger 60' with a 10' elevator, rear mount on a freightliner chasis shortest wheel base available. The truck had a nice area for plywood and a great tool box for equipment. I was impressed with the unit, but I need to get feedback from other professionals about what their experieriences are/were about buying and operating these trucks. Is one manufacturer better than another, how about service work. Operator ease of use...? The dealer was Dueco and they were the only ones to respond to us to set up the demo. I need sound advice on buying and/or building this unit. Thanks in advance
Pete (coolbreeze)
 
First off what is the unit going to be used for mostly? Pruning,line clearing or removals? If your looking for a rig to do pruning and line clearance type work the an over center unit like the Hi-Ranger you described is a good unit.If you are doing more removals then a non-overcenter unit would be a better type of rig as the max working height is away from the truck. I purchase my Hi-Ranger parts from Dueco and they have been fantastic about getting me the parts promptly. Whare on the east coast are you?
 
We use 3 Terex 75' units. they are mounted on International 7300 4x4 chassis. We love them. They are solid units with minimal problems. The only trouble we have are with the joystick in the bucket. if sawdust gets under it, and isn't cleaned/blown out on a regular basis the unit will run slow because the hydraulic valve isn't opening all the way. If a ton gets under there and the operator gets frustrated and yanks on the joystick the rods will bend and need to be replaced. Moral of the story keep under the joystick clean and free of sawdust.

There is also an updated all plastic joystick that is now available. It is called the Z kit.

Good Luck!
 
We are in Se Pa. Just on the outside of the big city. The unit will be used primarily for pruning and removals. We stay away from utilities.
 
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We are in Se Pa. Just on the outside of the big city. The unit will be used primarily for pruning and removals. We stay away from utilities.

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I would say an overcenter is the ticket.

Do you like 3 levers or a joystick for the controls?

Theres 4 major players in the industry who make awesome units.....IMO

Terex----Joystick
Altec----Joystick
Versalift----3 levers
Aerial lift of conn.---3 levers

I like Altec and Terex the best. A round upper boom is nice but I find the square Terex booms dont bounce as much, they seem more stable.
 
Dueco is an excellent company to deal with, which is probably why they are the only ones that responded to you. Very honest, and excellent service.
 
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