Introduction

Transportation is an absolute necessity in this modern world where people have to move from one place to another, either for running errands or reaching the workplace. In contrast, transportation isn't limited to our cars and bikes since trucks are an important niche component. The trucks are used to transport materials and offer versatile purposes, depending on their type. So, in this article, we are sharing about the bucket trucks and everything one must know about them. Let's start at trucking!

Bucket Truck – What Is It?

By definition, a bucket truck is a simple truck for utility purposes, integrated with a hydraulic boom that's often named the boom. The bucket trucks come with a man-carrying bucket at the other end, which helps protect the worker. This is because the boom is lifted (worker is lifted along with it) to make worker has complete access to the job area and can use the tools impeccably.

Bucket trucks have been used for a long time for conducting the regular aerial tasks in different industrial sectors, such as forestry, telecommunication, construction, signage, and utility. They are also regularly used in construction, and it wouldn't be wrong to say that they have become the common entity.

The prime reason for the popularity of bucket trucks is the strict Osha regulations that are mandating the reduction of scaffoldings and ladders. This reduction of equipment must be implemented to conduct off-ground jobs that can be unsafe and lead to accidents. According to the market intelligence reports, the global bucket truck market will create a $1.5 billion valuation by 2027.

This is because the end-user companies are increasing their spending on the smart infrastructure solution, which is leading to this surge in demand. Similarly, the OEMs are constantly working on diversifying and modifying the bucket trucks to create better operational technologies, higher safety standards, aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and preserving innovations.

Bucket trucks were first introduced back in the 1900s and were named the cherry-pickers because they were originally designed for the fruit-picking companies. As far as the orchard workers are concerned, the compensation claims have been increasing as compared to other industrial workers, given the higher percentage of ladder falls.

Similarly, the aerial work platform devices, such as lifted buckets, have not only increased the efficiency, but it has also reduced the chances and percentage of accidents. With this being said, different industries are utilizing the bucket trucks, such as construction, mining, forestry, and utilities because they have become indispensable for the workability.

Types of Bucket Trucks

Over time and past multiple decades, the bucket truck design has improved a great deal and is improving the working functionality. This is because some truck manufacturers are engineering the bucket trucks according to the customized needs of different industries, focusing on functionality, safety, and ease of use. In the section below, we have outlined different types of bucket trucks, such as;

Telescopic Bucket Trucks

These bucket trucks are usually named as stick booms and squirt booms and are being used in the heavy equipment industry. They have straight booms without any knuckles, meaning that you can only extend them telescopically. The prime advantage of using telescopic bucket trucks is an improved horizontal reach. These bucket trucks are perfect for access areas with strict limitations.

Articulating Telescopic Bucket Trucks

These bucket trucks are known as squirt booms or knuckle booms, given the unique property of unfolding the traditional knuckle booms, integrated with the telescopic features. This feature promises increased side to reach for higher elevations, but it also reduces the tail swing on the opposing side. This type of bucket truck enhances productivity, given the limitation of bucket repositioning.

Overcenter Bucket Trucks

These bucket trucks are integrated with the over center booms through which buckets can be moved beyond the trucks' center. This will enhance the side reach that tends to be beneficial for construction, forestry, and utility niches.

Non-Overcenter Bucket Trucks

As the name suggests, these bucket trucks cannot move beyond the truck's center and have restricted reach. However, the best thing about these bucket trucks is perfect for people who need to reach impressive heights.

Insulated Bucket Trucks

Utility crews and electrical cabling primarily use these bucket trucks. This is because they help in offering protection to accidental electrocution. Two of the trucks' components are designed with dielectric materials, such as fiberglass because they protect from electric shots. These two components include a bucket and boom.

Non-Insulated Bucket Trucks

These bucket trucks aren't designed with fiberglass construction, which means it doesn't offer protection from electrocution. These bucket trucks are usually used in areas where electricity is not needed. With this being said, these bucket trucks are made from steel.

Benefits of Bucket Trucks

The bucket trucks have usual performance as compared to standard trucks, given the utilization of an electric motor, which works as the main driver. However, the benefits of bucket truck exceed the mainstream applications, such as;

Fuel Efficiency

This is the biggest advantage of using the bucket trucks that they utilize the electric motors only to consume the electricity that's available in the batteries. Once the battery has been utilized, it is charged through an internal combustion engine.

Silent Operations

These trucks work through the electric motors, which create zero noise, which means there is no disturbance around. Even more, the workers will communicate with each other without shouting.

Maintenance

The bucket trucks' electric motors are designed with limited moving parts compared to the internal combustion engine. This means that the maintenance is very occasional. On top of everything, these trucks don't exhaust gases into the surroundings, which make it eco-friendly.

Costs

The costs and prices of bucket trucks differ with the type of bucket truck and the working area's height. However, the average cost of a standard bucket truck ranges from $37,000 to $140,000, which can be utilized in different industries, such as utility and maintenance.

Conclusion

The bucket trucks are perfect for workers in construction, mining, forestry, or utility industries. Over these decades, there have been multiple innovations in the industry, which has resulted in a variety of bucket truck types, aimed at serving unique purposes. With this article, we have tried to share information about different types of bucket trucks, along with benefits and costs. So, which bucket truck is the right vehicle for your industry?

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