Fear / Hesistancy with Lift / Bucket

climbingmonkey24

climbingmonkey24

Carpal tunnel level member
Location
United States
So I've used a lift once in my life for one job, but I've never used a bucket. Don't own one yet, but I do know some people who do. My point is did you guys have any fear of the lift / bucket tipping over while you are in it, or failing. When I am climbing I know my gear is going to keep me safe, and I am in control. But with a piece of machinery you are putting faith in trusting it to work properly.

I've just not had enough exposure to buckets or lifts so obviously it's just that fear of not having done something to feel comfortable enough with it. Just curious what you guys thought / felt when you first had to go up in them.

When I first rented a lift I was very nervous about extending it all the way up. I've climbed higher than I wanted to extend that boom because like I said, it's the knowledge that I'm not tied in to the tree or anything and here I am 50 ft at the end of the boom and what if this happens, what if that happens, etc.
 
climbingmonkey24 said:
So I've used a lift once in my life for one job, but I've never used a bucket. Don't own one yet, but I do know some people who do. My point is did you guys have any fear of the lift / bucket tipping over while you are in it, or failing. When I am climbing I know my gear is going to keep me safe, and I am in control. But with a piece of machinery you are putting faith in trusting it to work properly.

I've just not had enough exposure to buckets or lifts so obviously it's just that fear of not having done something to feel comfortable enough with it. Just curious what you guys thought / felt when you first had to go up in them.

When I first rented a lift I was very nervous about extending it all the way up. I've climbed higher than I wanted to extend that boom because like I said, it's the knowledge that I'm not tied in to the tree or anything and here I am 50 ft at the end of the boom and what if this happens, what if that happens, etc.[/QUOTE

I have a lift,bucket and crane, you get used to all them, inspect daily, before use and get a yearly inspection. If your operating one you’ll know it’s feel how it reacts etc... if there’s something wrong or it doesn’t feel right you’ll know it. If something needs repaired, repair it ASAP. Don’t buy junk or you’ll pay in the long run.
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climbingmonkey24 said:
So I've used a lift once in my life for one job, but I've never used a bucket. Don't own one yet, but I do know some people who do. My point is did you guys have any fear of the lift / bucket tipping over while you are in it, or failing. When I am climbing I know my gear is going to keep me safe, and I am in control. But with a piece of machinery you are putting faith in trusting it to work properly.

I've just not had enough exposure to buckets or lifts so obviously it's just that fear of not having done something to feel comfortable enough with it. Just curious what you guys thought / felt when you first had to go up in them.

When I first rented a lift I was very nervous about extending it all the way up. I've climbed higher than I wanted to extend that boom because like I said, it's the knowledge that I'm not tied in to the tree or anything and here I am 50 ft at the end of the boom and what if this happens, what if that happens, etc.
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Just make sure not to cut a low piece big, have the tips touch the ground, and get the butt kicking back in your face/on the lift.
 
I recall feeling uneasy at first. This was maybe 18 years ago. Didn't like the sway and flex of the boom, especially at full extension. Also worried about outriggers sinking when I was maxing out side reach.

Caution and experience cured it all. Some flex is normal. Properly set outriggers with pads don't sink unless you're in a swamp. (Note: do not use bucket in swamp). Bucket is well maintained, and there is a safety margin built in. It becomes second nature.
 
I thought I was used to lifts. Then I contracted myself out to a guy for a job and he got me to use his lift. The bucket was old and slow, also very jerky. The bucket barely came up to the bottom of my hip. It was sketchy at full stick.
 
You'll aweken Swamp Thing
photo_9031741_thumb.webp
@Jeff 's sister had a thing going on with him and it just makes for uncomfortable conversations. Stay out the swamp yo.
 
macswan said:
oh fuck yeah, even worse than a lift. totally untrustworthy
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Dude I've collapsed some orchard ladders. They fall super slow!
True story, had a guy foot the 3rd leg of the orchard ladder on a paved surface. Looks over, sees a port-a-potty, walks away, and the leg immediately kicks out and I had to surf it down.
And I did.
 
I've been using buckets a lot for the past 4 years and I still sometimes get that tingle in my guts for a hot second when I've got both booms fully extended 75'. It's like my mind is screaming "this fucking thing is going to tip over!" I've also worked from and reached places I didn't think were possible when looking at them from the ground. I think as long as you're vigilant about setting up in a smart spot, terra firma, with your outriggers on pads you can do just about anything safely. I don't know what kind of testing they do with these trucks but I would assume they really push their limits in order to ensure our safety.
 
I've only rented lifts 10 times or so through the years. I was in a rented 45 foot tow behind last year cutting branches and then jerking them toward me to throw. All of a sudden I started thinking of how much side force I was adding to the bucket at full side extension. It wouldn't be hard to go over it's max specs.
 
Merle Nelson said:
I've only rented lifts 10 times or so through the years. I was in a rented 45 foot tow behind last year cutting branches and then jerking them toward me to throw. All of a sudden I started thinking of how much side force I was adding to the bucket at full side extension. It wouldn't be hard to go over it's max specs.
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Reading this makes me think about the time I rented a lift. There was a dent on a part of it from someone who dropped a tree branch on it and I asked the gentlemen if this was an issue and was told no it was just a dent nothing to worry about. Even so, how many people use that lift?
 
Merle Nelson said:
I've only rented lifts 10 times or so through the years. I was in a rented 45 foot tow behind last year cutting branches and then jerking them toward me to throw. All of a sudden I started thinking of how much side force I was adding to the bucket at full side extension. It wouldn't be hard to go over it's max specs.
Click to expand...
I think about that every time... because I do it every time. It's one of those stupid things you always get away with, until it kills you
 
Had a tow behind literally run down the road in our metropolitan when we were using it to fine prune boulevard trees completely wrapped in Xmas lights(downtown Minneapolis blocking a one way Saturday morning neighboring our pro basketball and baseball fields). I was down wind of it and the guy staging it had to run to use the outfitters for a brake. Rental shop laughed and said "oh yeah we've been meaning to fix that"
 
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