Don’t Just Kick The Tires: What You Should Know About Buying A Used Bucket Truck

If you’re renting a lift or <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href="http://www.i80equipment.com/bucket-trucks-41.shtml">boom trucks</a> each time you need one, you know the incredible amount of money you’re shelling out. And, the cost of a new bucket truck is enough to make you want to reconsider the line of work you’re in. The solution to this problem is to buy a used bucket truck. This is actually the best answer to the problem because there are plenty of used, low-mileage trucks on the market with prices lower than those that are brand new.

You have several options when it comes to finding a <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href="http://www.i80equipment.com/bucket-trucks-41.shtml">used bucket truck</a>. You can get one at a dealership, an auto auction, an auto broker, or a used truck lot. No matter where you get your used bucket truck from, remember that, like almost everything else out there, you do get what you pay for. The truck at the auction may have no history and be several thousand dollars less expensive, but will it need repairs the one at the used car lot won’t need? And, if it does, will you really be saving money once you’ve paid for the repairs?

Buying a used bucket truck is like buying any other used vehicle. You have to know what you’re buying if you want to avoid being ripped off and throwing away a bunch of money. So, no matter who’s selling you the truck, there are a few inspections you’ll want to make before forking over the cash. Just because the truck has a state inspection sticker on it, doesn’t mean it’s automatically in good condition.

You’ll want to inspect the chassis first. Often, prospective buyers will check the brakes and tires and stop there. Don’t do that. Make sure you inspect the entire undercarriage. That means you’ll also want to look at the exhaust system, the steering box, the u-joints, the tie rod ends and the Pittman rod, the wheel cylinders, and all of the other parts underneath the truck. Often, when we’re buying a used vehicle we’re careful to check out the parts we can see, but forget how important it is to inspect those parts we can’t see as well.

If everything looks okay with the chassis, move on and inspect the truck’s body. Look at things like the sheet metal, all the lights, and the cab mounts to make sure everything works properly and nothing is rusted beyond repair.

The point is, when you’re buying a used bucket truck, you’re investing in your career. Take the proper steps to ensure you get what you need and not just someone’s hunk of junk they’d like to pawn off on somebody. Visit http://www.i80equipment.com for more information.