Bucket Truck Questions

[hitekcountry]

How practical is it to use a bucket truck to paint a building? I have a large Victorian that needs painting. I could of course pay someone to do the job, but I was thinking it would be no problem for me to do it except for the height. That's where the idea of a bucket truck came in. The Idea is to buy a used one and do the work when the weather is to my liking.

Questions:
Does the truck engine have to be running all the time you're in the bucket?
Is the bucket a stable enough platform to do useful work?
What is the useful life of the bucket lift mechanism?
Are they dangerous when they get to the end of their useful life?
What to look for to determine if a unit has been well maintained or abused?

Yes I know I could rent lifts but that means I need to work straight through while I have the rental. I like to work at my own pace. The same reason you guys buy a tractor instead of renting one.

 

[Dana Warner]

I bought an older 1986 International s1700 with a 36' bucket. It was great for trimming all the trees in the yard. Just prior to selling it we power washed our 2 story house. My truck had to be running to provide power to the pto. There was also an emergency safety switch in the cab which ran a electric/hydraulic pump to get you down if the truck quit. The hydraulic system had what I think is call piloted rams which required hydraulic pressure to move. There was no way to lower the bucket without some pressure no gravity down. I had only one seal blow while I was using the bucket. It sprayed oil all the time while lowering the bucket. For me this worked fine and saved a ton of cash compared to renting. If I ever have another job that needs a bucket I will buy then resell again.

 

[hitekcountry]

Dana

That's good information. Thanks.

Are they setup to where you can start and stop the truck from inside the bucket, or do you just leave the engine running the full time you're working?

 

[k0ua]

Dana

That's good information. Thanks.

Are they setup to where you can start and stop the truck from inside the bucket, or do you just leave the engine running the full time you're working?

Most can be started/stopped remotely while you are in the bucket. To save fuel while you are going to be in on place for a long time. I have seen that remote start fail once or twice.. would not hurt to have someone in the house you could signal to go start the truck.. beats trying to shinny down the boom

James K0UA

 

[hitekcountry]

I have seen that remote start fail once or twice..

James K0UA

Now that could make for one interesting day!!

 

[tow653]

Most,you can lower without hydraulic power.

 

[big lar]

used to do tree work and used a company spare to paint my barn about 10 yrs ago. Mine was a 50' The econoline -type vans that cable tv cos. use are cheaper but don't have the height and do have air-bag stabilizers, but you are better off with the bigger trucks with outriggers stabilizers.

They are tricky to repair the hoses and hydralic systems if they go,though.

Good advice, to have someone nearby if the truck stalls (be sure to have a cell phone) And be sure to have safety belt or harness on -youll be stretching out with that paint brush!

Utility cos. usually pool their vehicles and hold auctions every so often so be on the look out for that type of sale.

I am rtired now so can't use a truck but like you was thinking of buying one, using it and reselling it. Where are you; perhaps we could partner up?

 

[hitekcountry]

I am rtired now so can't use a truck but like you was thinking of buying one, using it and reselling it. Where are you; perhaps we could partner up?

I'm retired also and like I said I have the time to do the job and also I have the complete setup of pro quality painting equipment. My only problem is the height. I'm not as comfortable on ladders as I once was.

Another use would be to repair and clean gutters. Also clean windows.

I'm in Calif. unfortunately.