If you’re in a business where you use heavy trucks and equipment, you should always ensure that your tools are safe and efficient in providing the best service they can give to your customers. When you see bucket trucks for sale, you shouldn’t always take the opportunity to buy one because you need it.
There are many different types of bucket trucks, and you must know each one. It is because each type of bucket truck has a specific purpose that may not be that much of use to you or your business.
Here is your ultimate guide to the different types of bucket trucks to know which would benefit your business.
Telescopic Bucket Trucks
Also known as squirt booms or stick booms, these are bucket trucks that feature a straight boom and have no hinges on them. Thus, they can only extend telescopically. Telescopic bucket trucks are great if you need a wider horizontal reach, which is useful when working in areas with limited access.
Articulating Telescopic Bucket Trucks
Nicknamed “knuckle/squirt booms,” articulated telescopic bucket trucks are known for their capability of unfolding, much like traditional knuckle booms. However, this type of bucket also has a telescopic feature which gives it a higher reach while reducing the tail swing on the opposite side where the load is placed, ensuring safety and avoiding unstable placement.
With this specific truck design, you don’t have to reposition your truck to cater to different positions, as the knuckle booms allow for extra flexibility. This increases productivity and gives added safety because it reduces unnecessary movement in the work area.
- Overcenter bucket trucks. This type of truck is an articulating telescopic bucket truck. The over-center boom allows any movement outside the truck’s center, which provides a more extended side reach and is very useful for different uses such as forestry, utility, and construction.
- Non-over center bucket trucks. Another type of articulated telescopic truck is a non-over center bucket truck. As opposed to its over-center counterparts, non-over-center variants cannot extend beyond the center of the truck. This means that it only has a limited reach. This type of truck is recommended for commercial uses that primarily focus on vertical reach or working height.
Material Handler Bucket Trucks
Aside from lifting workers and operators, material handler bucket trucks are also designed to lift a moderate load that does not need extra equipment or special rigging. Therefore, this type of truck can handle two jobs simultaneously.
Track Bucket Trucks
When your business involves dealing with different areas and terrain, this type of truck is the right choice. Track bucket trucks can handle any situation, including rough, uneven, or swampy terrain, as they can provide good traction, ground pressure, steering, and even suspension.
Insulated Bucket Trucks
There are two parts to an insulated bucket truck: the primary bucket and the boom covered with a dielectric fiberglass coating. The fiberglass coating aims to prevent electricity from being conducted through the metal boom, which may damage the equipment and is a safety hazard for the boom operator.
Generally, there are three insulating areas in the boom: the lower boom, the upper boom, and the bucket liner. Each part has different insulation ratings.
Non-Insulated Bucket Trucks
These types of bucket trucks have not insulated booms. Thus, it is not suggested to be used when working with electrical poles or any electrical work.
Every business that needs heavy equipment is bound to use bucket trucks. When purchasing any bucket truck, it is essential to remember that different variants can be of use to you and your business. So, remember to look at your options when you see bucket trucks for sale. And this way, you can have the best investment for your business.
