Bucket truck

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I don't own a bucket truck, I work for bartlett and have to say they maintain their vechiles (preventative maintenance, inspections, ect) very well compared to other companies that I've worked. I do realize how ever that they are a huge company and a lot varies from office to office and regionally as well. Working for many companies has also allowed me to fly all of the booms accept Mach 3, and I have to say that I feel like the ALC 75' was a flawed design for many reasons, the scissor lift elevators have many advantages.
 
holden4646 said:
Gotcha, makes sense. do you generally have to climb out of the bucket regularly? It's kind of hard to tell how high 60 feet is looking up at a tree from the ground. I'm going to pick up the truck Sunday so I guess I'll know what it's got when I get it just hope I can do most of my tree work from it
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Actually, its quite easy, get a clinometer app, and a measuring tape, or lean your pace for 60'.

Enjoy.
 
TimberJack said:
I feel like the ALC 75' was a flawed design for many reasons, the scissor lift elevators have many advantages.
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Yes, the scissor lifts are better, but… the ALC elevator design was out decades before any of the other companies had their scissor lifts out. They were good innovators, but then they didn't always keep up with their competitors.
 
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tomtrees58 said:
ALC 75' was a flawed design I don't think so the truck is like a rock no move at all
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ALC has the most sable and sturdy elevator setup out there. The scissor lift that versalift and altec use is very wobbly and unnerving to run... but it is more compact and can be used as a rear mount.
 
Things to look for on the alc are any cracked welds on the knuckle make sure all the grease fittings take grease. The cylinder rods are probably due for any upgrade, that will cost you about 5 grand.. the hoses should be changed if they look dry rotted. leave the boom in the air overnight and see if the lock valves hold. Check to see if the cables on the turret deck are tight and have dielectric grease on them. check the u bolts that keep it tied down to the frame for rust or looseness. also run the boom from the ground and look for excessive play anywhere. sometimes the alc boom makes a cracking or popping noise i've been told that that is from the epoxy in the fiberglass settling. check the rotation for any grinding noises or skipping on gears. But more than anything have it inspected by a reputable boom inspection company as your life depends on it costs about 450.00 to get it done
 
TheRoofMonkey said:
Keep your repel kit in the bucket even if its a short trip! Couple times I had to get down and was glad I had brought my stuff to do so.

I joined here because I am also weighing the pros and COSTS of owning a bucket truck. Here in Austin Texas, my 42' working height truck will reach most of our elms, and live oaks; but the MAINTENANCE is killing me!

So I am here to see if it is worth spending an extra $10k or $15K to up grade to a newer truck.

I have an old 89' Chevy, with a gas engine and a manual transmission. VersaLift 34' knuckle, insulated boom. I chose that old of a truck because I DID NOT want an electric over hydraulic system. When something simple goes wrong they seem to shut down. True I have no safeties what-so-ever on my truck, but I always use the outriggers and common sense. Plus I really love the complete speed control of hydraulic lever valves.

What do you all think, are the newer trucks worth the extra $20k? (I mean newer than 89 but still less than $30,000.)
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Wow, TheRoofMonkey, great first post. Welcome to the TreeBuzz forum!

You sound like a guy who has a lot of knowledge and experience to share, so please, don't be a stranger. I'd love to read more of what you have to say.

Tim

P.S. I can't help with the answers to your truck questions, but I find this thread interesting, nonetheless.
 
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