I made too much money this year and need to spend some by the end of the year. My bucket truck is currently a 1992. No issues, yet. But is it starting to have a few minor problems. We are busy, and it looks like we will be all winter. I can not afford a brake down in the middle of peak season. I depend on the bucket too much.
ISO 75 Foot Bucket Truck
- Thread starter ROYCE
- Start date
I made too much money this year and need to spend some by the end of the year. My bucket truck is currently a 1992. No issues, yet. But is it starting to have a few minor problems. We are busy, and it looks like we will be all winter. I can not afford a brake down in the middle of peak season. I depend on the bucket too much.
DTS
Participating member
- Location
- Orange County,NY
Royce give a call to Martin Tree Service out of East Earl Pa Ask for owner Jeff he runs a couple of 75' high rangers and is always upgrading. He has a nice dodge 5500 chip truck listed today in tree trader. All his stuff is mint and garaged kept. It's worth a shot.
Yeah, maybe I should demo one. I called a company that sells them that is about 1 hr 2o mins away. But they didn't have a demo available.
The reality is I need both. A bucket and a lift. The model of our company is that I really need a bucket. If I purchased one, then I need to have a truck that can tow it. Right now I could get away with towing it with our log truck. But not if I split the crews in the busy season.
Gorman
Branched out member
- Location
- Rhode Island
Too much money made this year?!?! Argh, the agony! I can hold some for ya.
Honestly, its Friggan stupid. My business coach showed me how not spending money on things that I need will cost me in taxes. I either give it to uncle sam, or spend it on something we need. Forget about keeping it for a rainy day....they will tax me on that too. I hate taxes.
Lumberjack
Branched out member
How many hours are on your bucket truck? I would assuredly buy a used bucket from a known, long term source vs your other option. I have never dealt with Tri State, but I also don't plan on it based on what I've read on here as well as how he carries himself on Facebook.
Granted I would't set up a tree crew with a 1/2 ton truck, but a 3/4T+ would get it done.
I have this truck listed for sell in next month's Tree Trader, along with a 2006 F250, both are crew cabs and 4x4.
tc262
Branched out member
- Location
- SE Wisconsin
3/4 and 1 ton trucks are a whole lot more than one ton cargo vans. I picked up a diesel E350 for trailer towing and gear hauling duties. Its been working out pretty good and the vans seem to be 1/3 the price of a pickup.
Yeah, I guess I have to demo one to get a feel for what they are like. But I think I would look into the CMC lifts that are 82 feet tall, smaller basket, and really designed for the arborist.
Yeah, I looked into that as well. From U1S (former FEVA) It is 144K for a new lift on an old truck. But their is absolutely no warranty on the truck portion. Most of the trucks they had mounted a new lift on had aver 100K miles. (not a HUGE deal for a diesel)
One of my issues at present with purchasing a lift is having a truck to tow it.
92K for a new nifty life
5-6K for a decent new trailer to tow it on
30-40K for a decent truck to tow it with. (I would buy another chip truck that would have more versatility than just a pick up.)
That puts me a little out of my price range.
Who knew running a business with subject you to so many decision with many options.
92K for a new nifty life
5-6K for a decent new trailer to tow it on
30-40K for a decent truck to tow it with. (I would buy another chip truck that would have more versatility than just a pick up.)
That puts me a little out of my price range.
Who knew running a business with subject you to so many decision with many options.
Did they give you a number for just the lift mounted in your own truck? Sometimes you can find some pretty cheap cab and chassis.
Like this...Wonder how much it would cost to get a lift mounted in this. I could buy this now, and then get the lift mounted before spring. 380K miles though
http://newlondon.craigslist.org/hvd/5850240962.html
http://newlondon.craigslist.org/hvd/5850240962.html
Royce that is one SWEET looking Kenworth! You'd be head pimp in that truck!
I'll have to give you the same advice you gave me. Get the 75' bucket you want and don't settle for less. I'm still looking BTW. Wasn't able to score on the one you pointed out to me last, and now I'm waiting till spring. See what happens then. I'd like to see you sporting a 75' elevator on that pretty Kenworth. Damn I'd take my date to the prom in that!
Good luck ....
Jeff
Branched out member
- Location
- Marlborough, MA
Is your current ALC mid mount or rear, and what about the one you are considering? Same height, but if you're moving from a mid to a rear mount mini foot, that is a huge improvement and helps justify the cost.
When we were looking, we called FEVA directly. They have some used ones themselves, as well as leads on companies considering trading/replacing. They gave us several helpful leads.
When we were looking, we called FEVA directly. They have some used ones themselves, as well as leads on companies considering trading/replacing. They gave us several helpful leads.
