Bucket Truck - Over Center Question

cedar · Nov 28, 2014

I am looking to replace my current non-over center, 55 ft. working height bucket truck with an over-center one. I am planning on buying a truck from the late 90's, early 2000's but was told by an equipment dealer that the manufacturers of over-center booms recommend retiring these units at 8 years. Because of this they only sell non-overcenter bucket trucks.

I would like to step up to an overcenter bucket truck but the newer ones are out of my price range. Thanks for the advice.

Menchhofer · Nov 28, 2014

I think someone is not being completely honest with you. Deal with someone else.

tomthetreeman · Nov 28, 2014

See my post in TreeBay.

cedar · Nov 28, 2014

Thanks Tom, but I'm looking for a flatbed truck. Has anyone here bought a truck from BTS equipment in Michigan?

tomthetreeman · Nov 28, 2014

Gotcha.

BIGTWIG · Nov 28, 2014

Cedar,

Why do you want a center mount flatbed truck? Wouldn't it be more advantageous to get a forestry unit if you're sold on a center mount? Wouldn't the rear mount be more capable, and you'd get a flatbed? Just curious, I'm not a bucket operator.

cedar · Nov 28, 2014

Your right, I'm looking for a rear mount. The truck I have now is a center mount on a 16' flatbed. Sets up quickly with 2 outriggers.

cory · Nov 28, 2014

cedar said:
I am planning on buying a truck from the late 90's, early 2000's .

One simple answer for a used rear mount over center 55' take down machine which will last essentially forever with basic maintenance: Aerial Lift of CT.

cedar · Nov 28, 2014

Is it true that parts for the ALC are 40% higher than parts for hi-ranger or altec or other lifts? Anyone have experience with Schmidy's or Tri-State. They seem to have the most rear mounts online.

AxeTree · Nov 28, 2014

Avoid both like the pleague many threads and plenty of un happy customers

cedar · Nov 28, 2014

I've seen a few of the posts on Tri-State but wasn't sure about Schmidy's. Too bad, they have some decent looking rear mounts.

AxeTree · Nov 28, 2014

What's your budget rear mounts really hold their value

cedar · Nov 29, 2014

For a late 90's model I was hoping to stay around 35K.

Jeff · Nov 29, 2014

cory said:
One simple answer for a used rear mount over center 55' take down machine which will last essentially forever with basic maintenance: Aerial Lift of CT.

Cory's right. For a non-elevator, 55' or 60' rear mount, it's really hard to beat an ALC Mini-Foot rear mount. Shortest, most maneuverable wheelbase chassis of any lift you can find. Bucket actually hangs off rear of truck. Stacked booms and upper controls NOT mounted between boom and bucket mean that you can easily work off both sides of the bucket.

I've run several in the past. Not mine below, just an image from Google.

JeffL · Dec 2, 2014

I love our 55' ALC. Frequently has merit over our 75' altec. The short wheelbase is certainly beneficial. Ours is on an international 4400?

AxeTree · Dec 2, 2014

You can aways buy a used forestry truck an have it rear mounted that's what I did well I rear mounted it but that way I got exactly what I wanted

frashdog · Dec 2, 2014

AxeTree said:
You can aways buy a used forestry truck an have it rear mounted that's what I did well I rear mounted it but that way I got exactly what I wanted

That's a great idea!
You will find quickly the rear mounts are rare and expensive.
Clearance companies don't buy them like they do the forestry bodies.

AxeTree · Dec 3, 2014

Tool box still not finished and a few guards missing

frashdog · Dec 3, 2014

That's awsome!
Where/who did you consult about mounting requirements?
Welded, bolted... Reinforce the frame at all?
Def need some sweet graphics with your tags!

AxeTree · Dec 3, 2014

it's all build to factory alc specs or heavier in some aspects no frame changes needed torque box is needed not s project for some one with out a lot of experience doing such work