Help Me Decide on a Bucket Truck

TreeLogic

TreeLogic

Branched out member
Location
Coastal SC
Long time no talk everyone. I just secured a loan for a bucket truck and would really appreciate any advice you might have. If you've dealt with this company I'd love to hear reviews, though I've heard nothing but good things so far. I'm looking at these 2:

* 2002 GMC C7500 XT 55 - listed @ $42,000

2002 GMC C7500 Hi Ranger XT 55, 60' Working Height, 496 Gas, 5 Speed, Pony Motor, GVW: 29,260, Mileage: 62,515, Unit Reconditioned, Painted and Dielectric Tested

* 2000 GMC XT 60/70 Elevator - listed @ $60,000 (love to have the elevator but do I really need it?)

2000 GMC C8500 Hi Ranger XT 60/70, 75' Working Height, 454 Gas, 6 Speed, Air Brakes, GVW: 36,600, Mileage: 92,057, Pony Motor, Unit Reconditioned, Painted and Dielectric Tested



Pics are here: Forestry Equipment of Shelby

Both from Asplundh I believe, and not from the snow belt.


Thanks in advance. This will be my 1st bucket!
 
IMO, the elevator helps the most on pruning. Large removals in this area typically aren't over 80' and a 20 foot top or climbing up to rig the top out isn't a big deal. Not sure it trees are often larger in your location. Also, I would much rather have a 60 foot short wheelbase 4wd rear mount, then a 75' bucket. I run a 33k lb aerial lift of ct elevator everyday, its a pain in the [pick a different word] to put on a lawn, and once your stuck its a wrap there is no rocking. An f-800, or international even if it was 2wd with a 25k gvw with a short wheelbase would be mint.
 
We run a xt60/75 elevator on a tandem international with a 30 yardish chip box and a xt55 on a f750 and I'd light the xt55 on fire if it ment I could only use the elevator truck. The elevator takes most household hydro lines out of the picture and the extra manuvering you can do is insane. If an elevator is in your budget BUY it! Btw, as far as I know, at least on the highranger elevators, the booms are staggered differently with a longer upper which seems to give it sickening side reach.
 
Thanks guys. Thillmaine, I hear ya on the rear-mount. That would be my first choice but my current chip truck is nearing it's final days. I need something to chip into. Appreciate the thoughts. Keep 'em comin'.
 
I'd stay away from any of these old gas gmc trucks. I've had two and had nothing but trouble with them. Also Asplundh knows when to retire a truck. These trucks have been used and abused. The fresh white paint makes it look good, but you would be better off getting a newer diesel truck. I like the newer gmc 7500 trucks. 03 and newer are so much nicer than the 02 and previous. Right now I own an 06 and an 05 gmc with cat C7 motors. They have enough power to pull around a 10,000 lbs chipper and a full load of wood chips.

My buddy in Omaha has a rear mount xt 55 on a really new hino chassis, auto, with only 20,000 miles. I think he only wants 45,000 for it. PM me if interested.
 
Id buy a rusty original truck before one with a dupont restoration. Those are ridden hard and parked wet, then sprayed so they look all shinny. friend bought an asplundh truck and couldn't believe how rough they are on them. Me? Id get a rear mount and a newer chip truck. 60$k will get you close.
 
I hear what y'all are saying. It seems strange though that a company (Asplundh) would buy fleets and fleets of these trucks that didn't work well for them.

Yes I know there are companies that "recondition" and paint the trucks that are pretty much scams. But like I said, everything I've heard about Forestry Equipment of Shelby is top notch.

Here are the list of items replaced on each truck:

1) 2002 GMC 7500 - see attachment above...
 

Attachments

All hydraulic fluid has been drained, refilled, and filters replaced. These guys do a true reconditioning. And, they're within driving distance, so I can personally check the trucks out.

Anyway, not trying to sell y'all, just getting all the info to you. If you still think they're not good choices, I'm listening. Thanks again.
 
Having worked with a company (Trees Inc) that trimmed the trees back from the power lines. I would not trust a truck that has been retired from this type of work. the guys in my area would beat these trucks senseless. On one of the trucks something happened to the bucket (the basket the man works in) to where it would not stay level. They bandaged it up sent it back out, it malfunctioned again. So they sent it to the north of the state to recieve a boom and bucket from a "retired" truck. Still didnt retire it for another year I believe. The region these asplundh trucks came from may have a complete different culture, they may take care of their stuff. When the region I was in retired a truck it was more than likely no longer safe. if i were you id spend a little time browsing the Awakenings section of this forum, there are a few boom stories in there.
 
Asplundh buys gas engines for a reason. They know that their trucks are bought for a limited time duration. The gas option is significantly cheaper and it will last for the duration that they anticipate. The money they save goes towards the added fuel consumption that the gasser will command.

When they sell these trucks, the gas engine may be 85% worn out which suits them just fine. The equivolant diesel may only be 30% worn out which is not necessary to them because they are selling them anyway.

I'd look for an International with a DT466. That engine basically keeps America running. Just about everything you use in daily life has been moved by that engine at some point, from your money to the food you eat, the DT466 hauls it daily.

The Cat engines are very pricey but the parts network is top notch. International and Cummins both make good engines that are economical long term. Good luck with your purchase.
 
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I hear what y'all are saying. It seems strange though that a company (Asplundh) would buy fleets and fleets of these trucks that didn't work well for them.



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All about cheap cheap cheap. Cheap to buy, cheap to run (gas), then sell them worn out. They aren't like us who keep something for years.
 
If you need any more convincing, look at the auction results. Check out http://govocon.com/servlet/Search.do?auctionId=103013&categoryName=TRUCKS-FORESTRY+BOOM and watch how much these trucks are actually sold for. the 2002 xt55 was probably bought for under $10,000.

Just trying to help you out. At any rate, buy either and you'll probably be making money with it. You'll also probably be cussing yourself when the problems start happening with it.
 
FWIW I have a 99GMC LRV-50 bought from Treeswinger on TB, former Asplundh truck, and it's been very good to me. I can't bring myself to sell it.

I would NOT pay these asking prices, though.

I also bought a 2007 rear mount though Altec, a former Burford's truck, and so far so good with that one, too.

Rear mount is a far superior tree truck, but keep in mind the logistics of handling wood when making the purchase.

-Tom
 
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