5 Things to Look for in Used Bucket Trucks for Sale

This list is designed to help you find the right used bucket trucks for sale. There are lots of them out there but, only a few are in great condition and at a great price. Buying bucket trucks / cherry pickers can be a difficult task if you go in unprepared so make sure to study up.

1. Buy your bucket / boom truck from a reputable bucket truck dealer. - Don't buy equipment from car lots or other dealerships that don't specialize in commercial trucks. The reputation the dealer has will also play a big role. Trusted utility truck dealers can be found on the web in places like blogs or forums.
2. Know what you need before you shop. - Going in unprepared will cost you. Know exactly what you need in a forestry or line truck (i.e. Material Handler, working height, GVW,etc.). Options and heights can get expensive very fast. Don't forget about 4 wheel drive... If you work off road often, be sure to consider a 4x4 cherry picker.
3. Get knowledge on brands before you buy. - Some trucks are easier to work on or find parts for than others. With that in mind, it will cost you more to repair or service some equipment versus others. Remember, the longer your truck is in the shop, the more money you lose by not having it in service. Brands like Altec, Hi-Ranger, and ETI are the most popular and subsequently cheaper/ faster to work on.
4. Inspect the truck thoroughly before buying. - Inspect everything on your bucket truck before you buy. Cherry pickers are notorious for getting bumped, scratched, and beat up while at work. These kinds of damages can lead to rust or weakening of the body / chassis. If you don't know what to look for, I suggest getting the dealer to have it DOT inspected and/ or certified by the manufacturer.
5. Stay on top of the news in the industry. - Being informed of all the changes in the business will give you the tools you need to know when to pull the trigger on buying a new utility/ boom truck. Knowledge is power in this industry and it will also save or cost you money depending on how much knowledge you have. Study up and stay current with news from blogs like Southwest Equipment's blog.

These 5 steps will put you in a great position for finding quality used bucket trucks for sale. If this article helped you buy a bucket truck, send us a link or comment and tell us how it helped. Good luck buying a cherry picker to help your business grow.