preferred bucket?

[kairon]

I'm hoping to be adding a bucket truck to my fleet this year. I've used ALOC buckets a lot and like them, but I have nothing to compare to.
My question is what bucket do you guys prefer and why?

 

[BostonBull]

Here are two recent threads a quick search found.

http://www.treebuzz.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=206688&page=0&fpart=1&vc=1

http://www.treebuzz.com/forum/showflat.p...true#Post212529

There are plenty more from 2009, and earlier.

 

[inztrees]

If that's what you have used and that's what you know how to operate then that's what you should get.

 

[BostonBull]

A few questions would be:

Forestry or rear mount?

Elevator?

Joystick or 3 levers?

Who is the closest for service?

New or used?

 

[kairon]

I'm used to ALOC but open to other options especially because I'll be getting something used. I'm looking to go with a forestry body non-elevator. I've noticed that in a forestry set up other booms seem to stick out off the rear a lot less then an ALOC. Also, top and bottom boom lengths look to vary on different buckets.
Thanks for all thoughts.

 

[BostonBull]

I prefer Altec for non elevator setups.

 

[inztrees]

Me too

 

[sharkfin12us]

I have owned ALOC for about 4 years now.Good brand.I have operated high ranger.I have heard high ranger is good.Altec .ALOC.Stay away for teco.

 

[kairon]

Thanks for the input.

 

[countryboy77]

well all i've ever run were altec and have had no problems with them but its all on what u prefer, but i will say unless you're real familar w/ a 3 stick and thats what u like then by all means get a joystick its alot easier to run especially w/ 1 hand while gettin by limbs and branches w/ the other

 

[TANNER]

Nope that's an opinion I will argue all day! I got started with an old 52 ft. Hi-Ranger. So when I got in an Altec with levers, don't get me it was weird. But no the 3 levers is allot more efcient.

I don't agree with you cant move enough directions. I can move two with ease. I can move three ways with both hands, but normally I prefer to only move or two directions at a time any way. The buckets that I have ran, it seems that it just don't run smoothly when you do. Well I can't say smoothly, but slowly.

I have just recently ran an Altec LRV with a pistol grip on the left hand side. When you are cutting on the right hand side you have to completely turn yourself to get to the controler. The pro to that is that the grip and cover is protected.

With the Altec LRIII, lever in front. When I am holding my saw and moving I can run the controls with either hand. "and can move at least two directions at once" I can cut from either side of the bucket and still reach my controller. The con to it is that the cover sticks out like a sore thumb. But with use and time it is like its never there.

One more thing is I have never liked the swivel on the grips, the old or new style.

Don't get me wrong they are both great devices, but I will take the levers any day!

 

[classictruckman]

I'd have to agree with you there Tanner, we have both pistol grip and 3 levers and I find the levers to be way more smooth to operate and the oil stays cooler with the levers.

 

[tomthetreeman]

I am totally used to Aerial Lift of Connecticut units, and I love them, but since I got the Altec LRV, I have to say, it's a better unit. Doesn't stick off the back of the truck, much more forward reach, and lots of options with the 180 degree over center motion. Downside is that it doesn't reach the ground (to clean out the bucket or grab a tool) unless you 'flip it over.' No big deal, IMO.

-Tom

 

[cory]

ALC rear mount for me, with levers, love it to the max. Super dependable workhorse.