Bucket truck: level or all wheels on the ground?

countryboypa31 · Jul 18, 2013

I''m looking for a manual on proper bucket truck set up for a safety meeting topic. I've heard it say that you shouldn't have your wheels off the ground, but then its not always possible to get level. So which is more important getting it level or keeping all wheels on the ground?

Also does anyone have a link to a manual or something similar to gather info from for a safety meeting? And closely related bucket truck Aerial Rescue?

Menchhofer · Jul 18, 2013

Basic bucket set up from Altec manual states outriggers should normally be placed down to just to take bubble out of the tires. Tires remain on the ground to supply additional support.

bonner1040 · Jul 18, 2013

Bucket Truck Rescue
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tIvSG8tX6Y&feature=c4-overview&list=LLUDs4lJ-K-X8ZdTlMwBiISw

flyingsquirrel25 · Jul 18, 2013

Derrick, The bubble out of the tire is what high ranger says as well. That being said, whenever I set our trucks up that way and reach well over the side they come off the ground... Normal I guess but freaky. So I put them down a little farther to prevent that. Also anytime I have ever been on a slope that required more leveling (ie tires off the ground) I have always tried to put more cribbing under the tire and set it back down on top. But thats just me. Have you checked the TCIA tailgate safety book? I dont know if you will find it in a owners manual.

skew · Jul 18, 2013

I don't know what the manufacturers standards are but here is what I do:
There is a possibility of the truck "teetering" with one or more wheels off of the ground . I will raise the truck higher than needed for level then stack cribbing under the wheel and then ease it back down. Gives me better piece of mind- nothing worse than working with a setup you are not comfortable with.
Another consideration is how much downward pressure on say a sidewalk if you are going way over center. Spread the load with extra cribbing to be safe. I hope that helps.