Bucket truck wheelbase

burtonbc1400 · Jun 12, 2023

Hello,
I am just starting to look at bucket trucks, never had one before.
My main question at the moment is about wheelbase.
For those of you with bucket truck experience, what is a typical wheelbase? Obviously shorter is better, I just don't really have a reference to what is typical. I'm in a fairly hilly area and there are a lot of short corners around here. I just don't know what would be too long.
I'm looking at a 214" wheelbase truck at the moment and it seems long. But like I said I don't really have a reference.
Whats your prefernces and maximum limit for your area?
I'm mostly looking at overcenter forestry trucks (with the chip box) but I'm not apposed to rearmounts (could put mini skid in the middle?)
Thanks again you guys I appreciate your input.

SeanRuel · Jun 13, 2023

I have a pretty intense dislike of forestry buckets for resi tree work- great way to burn thru employees bc the brush almost always needs to get dragged 40' around truck and chipper then spun 180- way harder on groundies- my 2 cents

Treetopflyer · Jun 13, 2023

I was waiting for someone else to possibly say it first but why not look into a spider lift. You can put one 1⃣ on small chassis truck and get in super tight spaces

Treetopflyer · Jun 14, 2023

Spiders set up well on hills as well.. at least mine seems too

AxeTree · Jul 2, 2023

spiders are slow an fragile unless you
Need it for limited access I would do a rear mount bucket for maneuverability and the better reach no having to reach over the cab. Also they’re insulated. Most spider lifts are not.

96coal449 · Jul 2, 2023

Last two posts are both excellent advice.

Although I like the spiders for tight access areas, My preference is a rear mount bucket truck. A 75' elevator if you have a CDL or can find one on a non CDL chassis. I haven't operated one my self, but have witnessed what they can reach. Elevators seem to have the most side reach too.

When I first joined here, there was a non CDL elevator on an older International. I was wary of the age of the truck, and it's condition. Was afraid it would nickel and dime me with repairs. In hindsight, I regret not buying it ..... no need to worry about who has the CDL on the crew.