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What You Need to Know About Bucket Truck Inspections

Three agencies, including OSHA, DOT, and ANSI, require that bucket trucks be inspected to meet standards for operation that help ensure truck functionality and workers' safety. Regular inspections can pinpoint problems with trucks before these issues can grow worse and cause work to grind to a halt. When problems are detected early, fleet managers can save money on major repairs down the line, as well. Thorough inspections are crucial to keeping a fleet of bucket trucks operating at maximum safety and efficiency.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that bucket trucks undergo what are known as acoustic inspections of their basic structure, including their fiberglass and steel parts. To conduct an acoustic inspection, sensors are attached to a truck, and these sensors lead to a computer that can analyze the data received. Then the truck is loaded with a weight that goes beyond its load limit while sensors record the effects on its structure in the form of sounds made by the components, Data on these sounds is sent to the computer to be analyzed. These tests help to pinpoint where damage has occurred to a truck.

American National Standards Institute

New and Used Bucket trucks and their components must be dielectrically tested by professionals with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to make sure they meet standards for electrical insulation. The AC and DC tests conducted by ANSI ascertain that insulation on a truck's lower and upper boom, its bucket and bucket liner, control systems, and other components is of sufficient strength to be effective.

Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that bucket trucks pass structural inspections to make sure they can meet standards for operation in industry. The inspectors must be licensed by the DOT, and they inspect thirteen parts of a bucket truck for compliance with standards, including the chassis, the turntable, the platform, the outriggers, and the upper and lower booms.

The process of certification requires that any bucket truck that does not pass the testing performed by any of these three agencies be classified according to the particular problem that has been discovered. To achieve certification, a truck that has been found faulty in some way must undergo repairs and then be re-tested by the appropriate agency for compliance to standards. Inspections are both important and necessary for each truck in your fleet in order to keep your operations running smoothly, safely, and as cost-effectively as possible.

#bucket truck inspection #bucket truck maintenance

Rescue Training for Utility Workers

The first line of defense against utility workers being injured on the job is comprised of proper training and making use of appropriate safety equipment. The second line of defense against injury is just as important. It consists of utility crews receiving proper rescue training to help coworkers who find themselves in trouble. Rescue training – and confidence developed in practicing these skills – can make all the difference with crews and supervisors knowing exactly what to do in an emergency to save the life of a fellow utility worker.

Rescues from Pole Tops and Bucket Trucks

Utilities need to ensure that their workers receive training in rescues from pole tops and bucket trucks. Since more and more workers are wearing equipment to protect them from falls, rescue operations must make allowances for this equipment. Workers need to learn various skills in how to lower injured workers from great heights, and these techniques require regular practice. If a worker is shocked with electricity while working in an aerial bucket, then the crews on the ground, including the supervisor or the foreman, need to know exactly what to do to get the man lowered down to the ground, where first aid can be performed on him.

Rescue Equipment, CPR, and First Aid

As automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have become increasingly affordable, more and more utility companies are making the decision to purchase one for each of their crews. The AED is a device that can help to immediately save the life of a utility worker whose heart is in fibrillation without having to wait the time it takes for first responders to arrive. Even with an AED available, however, it's still important that workers learn CPR and first aid so they will be able to bring these skills to bear if they find themselves faced with an emergency situation.

Preparation is always the key that can make a difference in a life-or-death emergency situation. To that end, utility companies need to conduct rescue training for their workers on a regular basis, ideally once a year. When workers feel confident of their skills in this regard, they will attain a high level of preparedness and readiness should an emergency occur and quick action is needed. This high level of preparedness also helps to facilitate a calm and steady attitude should crews be required to lower an injured coworker from an aerial bucket, then act to save his life. Learn more about the machinery and equipment used at http://www.UtilityFleetSales.com.

viscosity 5 Important Properties of Hydraulic Fluid

Everyone who is familiar with hydraulic systems knows that when a hydraulic fluid has a high viscosity index, it allows for smoother operation of the system within a wide range of temperatures. Viscosity index, though, is only one important property of many that characterize the various kinds of hydraulic fluids that are available. These important properties need to be taken into account when one is choosing the right hydraulic fluid for a particular application.

Ability to be Filtered

It's important that modern formulations of hydraulic fluid have the ability to be filtered, that is, to remove contaminants that can stop up valves and cause system failure. A hydraulic fluid with good filterability can be filtered through today's systems without losing any of their performance ability.

Oxidation Stability

Additives to hydraulic fluid are able to protect against the tendency for the fluid to break down at high temperatures when it comes into contact with oxygen, and then reacts to it. With enhanced oxidation stability, hydraulic fluid can have a longer life cycle of usefulness.

Wear Resistance

Another useful quality of hydraulic fluid is wear resistance, which can be enhanced by the presence of additives that lend a protective film to mechanical parts. This coating works to reduce wear and tear that's caused by the friction of the metal parts coming into contact with one another.

Resistance to Foam

When air gets into a hydraulic system via leaks and interacts with the fluid under high pressure conditions, air bubbles can grow larger, and foam can result, which compromises performance and diminishes lubricity. Additives to hydraulic fluid which help resist foam do their work on air bubbles, making them easier to pop and less likely to grow larger.

Protection Against Corrosion

Some hydraulic fluid formulations include additives that offer protection against corrosion. Water can find its way into hydraulic systems as a result of condensation and cause rusting of system components. Additives that protect against corrosion work to reduce the impact of the corrosion process on metal parts.

A fluid whose viscosity is relatively low will not be as effective in protecting the parts of the system, and it won't work as well for sealing. On the other hand, a fluid whose viscosity is relatively high will offer more protection for parts and better sealing, but pumping it throughout a hydraulic system will be more difficult. When it comes to choosing the right fluid for hydraulic systems, it's important to strive for a good, workable balance of properties.

When considering purchasing a used or remanufactured utility vehicle, UTILITY FLEET SALES offers a remanufacturing process with over 300 items that includes, chassis, engine, hydraulics and more. Learn more by visiting their website.

The Importance of Outriggers for Bucket Trucks

Bucket trucks are vital tools in electric and telecommunications utility fleets all over the country, and they are also widely used in other industries like construction and the installation and maintenance of signs and lights. Operators of bucket trucks must have proper training and follow best practices with regard to safety. One of the most important safety tools associated with the bucket truck is its outriggers, which are extended to provide stability for the truck when it's properly positioned to do a job.

Using Outriggers

Outriggers are extensions attached to a bucket truck that need to be extended outward to provide extra support for the truck when a job is in progress. Outriggers are operated by hydraulic systems and must be carefully and properly placed. The person operating the bucket truck must do an inspection of the ground at the job site before activating the outriggers. The outriggers need to make good, solid contact with the ground, which shouldn't be muddy. The farther out the outriggers are spread, the more stable the bucket truck will be.

Using Outrigger Pads

Outrigger pads should be used on any kind of flat ground where the outrigger feet might possibly sink. Pads are also needed if the outrigger feet are small. The pads work to further distribute the weight of the load, enhancing overall stability for both the particular configuration of the vehicle and its load. Pads of varying sizes can be used to help distribute weight, and the smaller pad should always be positioned on top of the bigger pad.

Proper Positioning and Functioning

It is imperative that outriggers and outrigger pads be properly positioned before the bucket truck is used to perform a task, such as those that require the bucket to be lifted in the air, thus raising the center of gravity. Under those conditions, the risk of tip-over is high unless proper support is used. Outriggers should always be inspected before use to make sure they are not damaged in any way and that the controls are working properly.

Outriggers and outrigger pads are essential for providing additional stability to a bucket truck when it's performing tasks with its boom arm. The outriggers help to distribute the weight and compensate for the fact that the bucket truck has a higher center of gravity when its boom arm is in action. Truck operators must be familiar with and trained in the use of these necessary safety mechanisms.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems with Hydraulic Systems

There are a number of common problems with hydraulic systems that often present themselves for troubleshooting on bucket trucks or other vehicles whose functions are dependent on hydraulics. Utility vehicles like bucket trucks, digger derricks, and pressure diggers require well-maintained hydraulics in order to do their various jobs safely and efficiently.

Contaminants

The top reason that hydraulic systems fail is contaminants getting into the works. The presence of contaminants results in inefficiency, wear and tear on components, and early failure of the systems. Hydraulic systems must be adequately protected against contaminants to ensure reliable, lasting functionality. Contaminants can enter a system through drivelines that aren't installed correctly and that have leaky seals.

Lack of Training

Sometimes operators of bucket trucks and similar vehicles don't have sufficient training in what to look for that might indicate problems with hydraulic systems that need to be immediately addressed. Vital points to be aware of include when, exactly, a hydraulic system is in need of servicing, when they might be unwittingly damaging a system further with overflow relief techniques, and when systems need to be shut off to prevent further damage.

Improper Hoses and Lines

Another common problem with hydraulic systems is that the hoses and lines are not of the right type or size for the demands of the system. Hoses and lines are often too small, which results in excessive heat that causes damage to the components as well as the hydraulic fluid and means more frequent and costly replacements. Improper hoses and lines can also burst, causing failure of the hydraulic system.

Other Problems

System breathers can get clogged, which can result in cavitation, a process by which bubbles form and then implode, causing damage to components. Also, the relief valve might not be correctly calibrated. If the valve is set excessively high, then components won't be protected. If the valve isn't set high enough, then it will cycle too much.

Basic Maintenance

Hydraulic systems must always be turned off after use, so they don't produce too much heat, causing damage to components. When hydraulic systems have been serviced and parts have been replaced, it is vital to take measures to keep contaminants from getting in, such as flushing hoses, replacing the filters, and providing fresh oil.

It's essential to have the correct testing gauges, tools, and knowledge to efficiently troubleshoot hydraulic systems on bucket trucks and similar vehicles. When these systems don't perform up to standards, operators must strive to be quick to spot problems so as to prevent further damage.

Strength and Power of Digger Derricks

Digger derricks are massive utility trucks that are designed to dig holes and lift and set poles. They can also lift huge pieces of wood and metal. A digger derrick's most noticeable feature is its huge auger drill, which is capable of cutting through hard dirt and soil. Another useful feature is the set of clamps which it uses to lift and set heavy objects. These big trucks are widely used in the electrical and telecommunications industries. What makes them so strong?

Sheer Size

A digger derrick is a huge utility vehicle, and its large size is absolutely necessary, since it must wield a variety of attachments and accessories, including the auger and the boom arm which can, depending on the model, boast a sheave height of up 95 feet. The engine must also be very large, since it needs to be powerful enough to multiply torque and provide power to the hydraulic systems on the vehicle. Digger derricks also come equipped with winches, and they are able, depending on the model, to winch up to 50,000 pounds.

Hydraulics

Hydraulics are what makes digger derricks so powerful. The mechanics of the digger derrick pressurize hydraulic fluid and render it capable of instigating and controlling a tremendous amount of force. The hydraulics system on a digger derrick is what makes these trucks capable of operating articulating boom arms, lifting a worker in a bucket, and using an auger to easily drill through the ground.

Auger Drill

The flights on the auger are specially designed to work down through the ground, loosen the resulting dirt and debris as it cuts, and quickly move it up and out of the hole. The auger is a fast, efficient, and highly cost-effective way to dig, whether you need to bore out holes for telephone poles, holes for foundations in which to place poles for street lights, or holes that go down to the bedrock for foundation pilings. Augers can rotate at a variety of different speeds, whatever is required by the job at hand.

The digger derrick is a complete package of power and performance. While they are efficient and maneuverable, it takes highly trained and knowledgeable people to operate them, and operators must complete OSHA-certified training programs. Digger derricks are a marvel of technology and productivity, and it's impossible to imagine modern industry without them.

Safety: Operational Checks of a Bucket Truck Prior to a Job

Before using a bucket truck to do a job, the operator must conduct operational checks of the vehicle to make sure that it is functioning properly and safely. Operational checks entail working the controls of the bucket truck and ensuring that it is in the best possible position on the job site to accomplish its necessary tasks.

Movement of the Boom First, the operator must extend the outriggers so that the bucket truck will remain stable. He should examine the job site to be sure that the boom can freely move about the work area without encountering obstacles. Then, the operator needs to do an operational check of the actual movement of the boom by using the controls to raise it. The boom should then be maneuvered clockwise and counterclockwise to ensure that it is moving smoothly, without jerks.

Boom Safety

To check boom safety, the operator should start by switching off power to the boom's hydraulic system while the boom is raised. The boom truck should stay in position by means of holding valves, which are specially designed to hold the boom stable should the hydraulic system lose pressure. The valves accomplish this by retaining hydraulic fluid in the lift cylinders of the boom should a pressure loss happen.

Bucket Safety

Some buckets feature a quick release as a safety device. To check whether the quick release is functioning the way it should, the operator should first lower the bucket until it is down to the ground. The purpose of the quick release is to free the bucket from its self-leveling mechanism to where it can be manually maneuvered and tipped, if necessary, during an emergency. The quick release device is protected by another safety device to ensure that it doesn't get tripped accidentally.

Preparing for the Job

To wind up an operational check and prepare for the job at hand, the operator should re-engage the bucket with the self-leveling mechanism, then do a check of other bucket safety equipment, such as lanyards and belts, to make sure there's no damage or problematic wear and tear. The bucket controls need to be tested to ascertain that they will properly function in returning the boom to the cradle.

Operational checks are essential to the safe functioning of a bucket truck in the performance of its regular tasks. Operators must be dedicated and diligent in checking the function of all controls before the start of each and every job.

Ensuring the Stability of Aerial Lift Devices

Operating an aerial lift device that's attached to a bucket truck takes a great deal of knowledge, training, and skill. For safe operation, stability is the key, and stability is determined by a combination of weight and leverage. For bucket trucks, stability is the sum total of the truck along with a fully-mounted aerial device, along with its payload and the slope of the surface on which it is situated to do its work. Testing is performed to ensure stability of a variety of configurations.

On Level Surfaces

On level surfaces, an aerial device attached to a bucket truck is defined, for testing purposes, as stable when it can support and maintain a load of one and one half times the capacity for which it is rated, regardless of how the load is positioned, with the load being static and not in motion. If outriggers are used, then they're extended to the degree they need to be to ensure stability.

On Sloped Surfaces

A bucket truck with an aerial lift device achieves stability, as it's defined for testing purposes, as long as the degree of the sloped surface on which it rests doesn't exceed a certain amount, typically no more than five degrees. On sloped surfaces, an aerial device attached to a bucket truck is defined as stable when it is able to support and maintain a load of one and one third times the capacity for which it is rated, with the load placed in the direction that would be most likely to cause the truck to tip. Outriggers extended to provide leveling is part of this definition of stability, also.

Manner of Operation

The manner of operation of the aerial lift is also an important part of overall stability, in the context of working situations. Manufacturers' instructions for aerial lifts specify that these devices should be operated in a smooth way, without abrupt stops, reversals, or jerks that contribute to instability.

When Workers are in the Device

The truck should never be moved when the boom arm has been placed in a position to do work, with people in the basket. The only exception to this is if the equipment has been specifically rated to be capable of safely performing such a maneuver.

To ensure the stability of aerial lift devices while on the job, supervisors and workers alike must be familiar with proper safety procedures, and all equipment must be inspected and tested for stability. Aerial devices on bucket trucks should never be positioned, used, or operated in a way that departs from their manufacturers' specifications.

What You Need to Know about Hydraulic Fluid

Hydraulic fluid is essential to the functioning of your bucket truck, from manipulating the boom arm to moving the bucket into position so an electrical lineman can do his job. The functionality of your truck depends, in large part, on the condition of its hydraulic oils, which provide power, lubricate systems, minimize heat, and do away with contaminants. For the vehicle's systems to operate at their best, hydraulic fluid needs to be kept below a temperature of 140 degrees F and be as free as possible from contaminants.

A Terex Hi-Ranger Bucket Truck at Utility Fleet Sales

Temperature-Related Considerations Viscosity refers to the weight of the hydraulic fluid or, in practical application, to what extent the fluid will resist flow. The viscosity of hydraulic oil is higher when its temperature is low, and lower when its temperature is high. For winter applications, it can be advisable to switch to an oil with lower viscosity, or an appropriate agent that's specifically designed to thin it. Another important property is lubricity, which measures how well the oil can provide a protective coating on the surfaces of metal components. Without lubrication, the components in a hydraulic system would come in contact with one another and cause friction, which would result in excessive heat and the progressive deterioration of the components. The thickness of the protective coating is directly connected to viscosity, in that oils that are more viscous will provide a greater degree of lubricity. Dealing With Contaminants When it comes to hydraulic systems, contaminants are Public Enemy Number One. They can be chemical in nature, such as when improper agents are added to the fluid to thin it out, or when water gets into the system, causes corrosion, and negatively impacts the life of the components. Contaminants can also take the form of particulates like rust, sand, or shavings, which can interfere with the system's mechanical parts. One of the most vital functions of hydraulic fluids is to deal with the contaminants that can interfere with the functioning of the system. One way in which fluids handle contaminants is that they transfer them to the filter to be removed. Hydraulic fluids also contain various kinds of additives to deal with contaminants, depending on the job of the specific fluid. Additives to hydraulic fluid are heat sensitive and work best between the temperatures of 100 and 140 degrees F. Hydraulic fluids in a bucket truck have to withstand harsh conditions of heat and pressure while allowing the vehicle to do its various tasks and extending the life of its hydraulic systems. It's a tall order, to be sure, but today's hydraulic oils have been optimized over the period of many years to make them as efficient as possible. All vehicles at Utility Fleet Sales undergo over a 300 point inspection including the hydraulics... Learn more.

Whether the purpose is for putting up adornments, cutting trees or replacing old lights with new ones atop tall electric posts, the bottom line is you need to pick something reliable, be it brand new or pre-owned. If your community has a budget that is more than enough, investing in a new truck would be a wise move to make, provided that you pick something that is manufactured by a trusted brand. On the other hand, if you are running on a tight budget, then it would be best if you go for a second-hand truck. Aside from choosing a pre-owed truck that is made by a reputable brand, it is equally important to examine the condition of the truck and see if it has underlying problems. Moreover, you may also want to purchase aerial bucket trucks from reliable providers like Utility Fleet Sales, which carry pre-owned utility trucks that are factory-certified.

Another important aspect mentioned in the article is the hiring and training of the right people who will operate the trucks. To compliment qualified operators, it is also advisable to purchase used trucks that are ETI factory-certified. Trucks that have this certification meet their original operating and safety specifications and requirements, and their chassis exceed the standards of the DOT. Utility truck dealers like Utility Fleet Sales offer an extensive selection of quality, ETI-certified bucket trucks used in various industries. Getting a bang for the buck on bucket trucks is achievable as long as you conduct your due diligence and talk to the trusted providers.

Given this situation, it will usually take a while before power is restored to every area of the state. This is especially true if the entire city is affected. For one, institutions that need power immediately– hospitals, police and fire stations– are usually given priority over residential districts. Electric companies who want to increase the effectiveness of their services should consider getting a bucket truck for sale. Acquiring a good truck from dealers like Utility Fleet Sales will definitely help an underequipped electric company operate to full capacity. Having several units of bucket trucks means that the company can more swiftly provide solutions to any problems that may arise.

One can say that completely making landline obsolete is a bad idea until wireless technology has developed enough to provide the level of security that these landlines can offer. However, one of the most common problems that landlines will face is the need for immediate repair should they ever be damaged. Telecommunications companies who are looking to expand their services with their landlines should consider buying used bucket trucks for sale. Bucket trucks are vehicles that are specifically made for professionals who work with hard-to-reach implements, such as telephone lines. They provide safety and ease when necessary repairs need to be made.

Using ladders and other items from within the bucket to extend an occupant’s reach is a strict no-no. The bucket does not provide enough stability to use ladders and the like. If an occupant’s reach comes up short, it is best that they return to the lot and get a truck with a longer reach. Even Ground Always have users park sturdy Altec trucks over a flat surface to ensure their stability. Parking over rugged terrain can shift the balance of a truck, which may lead to the truck toppling over.

Once the tires are deemed safe, check the fluid (including coolant and hydraulic) levels of both trucks and top them off as necessary. Running a truck with less than the prescribed amount of fluids can cause it to go out of control and threaten the safety of your employees. Whether you need to rent or purchase used digger derricks or bucket trucks, you can use the quick inspection guide to see if the trucks are safe to operate. To assure yourself of the quality of the trucks you acquire, you should stick to dealing with reputable providers like Utility Fleet.

Why You Should Consider Buying Used Bucket Trucks

There are a lot of companies manufacturing bucket trucks on the open market: Altec, Terex, Versalift, and others. All of them produce very good products that unfortunately have one big drawback – they have a pretty big price tag when bought brand new. Expense may not be a concern for large companies but for small businesses hoping to buy one or two aerial lifts, a high price can be huge obstacle.

#terex bucket trucks #manufacturing bucket trucks #second-hand bucket trucks

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