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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-07-11 Origin: Site
Bucket trucks are essential for tasks that require working at height, from utility repairs to construction. These versatile vehicles ensure safety and efficiency, preventing accidents that traditional ladders cannot avoid. With the growing demand for smarter infrastructure, bucket trucks are continuously evolving. In this post, Shandong Aoheng Automobile Trade Co., Ltd'll explore the different types of bucket trucks and how they can benefit various industries.
Bucket trucks are specialized utility vehicles that feature an elevated platform, also known as a bucket, for workers to safely perform tasks at height. These trucks are equipped with a hydraulic lift system that raises and lowers the platform. The key components of a bucket truck include the boom (which supports the platform), the bucket itself, and the hydraulic system that powers the lift mechanism.
Bucket trucks are designed for various industries where working at heights is common, providing safety and efficiency. They are a vital part of many service operations, including utilities and construction.
Bucket trucks are indispensable in several industries due to their ability to lift workers safely to elevated positions. Below are some of the most common industries where bucket trucks are used:
● Utility Industry: For tasks like repairing power lines and maintaining electrical systems, bucket trucks are essential.
● Forestry and Construction: These trucks are used to prune trees, perform site inspections, and assist in construction projects requiring elevated access.
● Signage, Telecommunications, and More: Installing and maintaining signs, lighting, and communication systems often require workers to operate from heights. Bucket trucks provide a safe and efficient solution for these tasks.
Telescopic bucket trucks, also called "stick booms," have a straight, non-articulated boom that can extend in a telescoping manner. This allows for greater horizontal reach, making them ideal for situations where access is limited. They are particularly useful in confined spaces where flexibility and extended reach are needed.
Some of the notable models include:
● Elliott H110F
● Elliott E-Line Series (e.g., Elliott E160)
These trucks are perfect when working in environments where the truck’s base cannot be positioned directly beneath the work area.
Articulating telescopic bucket trucks combine the features of articulating and telescopic booms. This allows for increased side reach and the ability to work at greater heights, reducing the need for frequent repositioning of the truck. The articulation of the boom provides extra maneuverability, allowing workers to reach challenging angles and hard-to-reach areas.
Examples of this type include:
● Terex LT40
● Versalift VST-7500-E108
The additional flexibility offered by articulating booms helps improve overall productivity on job sites.
Overcenter bucket trucks are a type of articulating bucket truck. They allow the boom and bucket to extend beyond the center of the truck, providing a greater range of motion. This extended reach is valuable in industries such as forestry, construction, and utilities where the operator needs to reach areas that are beyond the truck’s direct line of sight.
One popular example is:
● Terex HRX55 Overcenter Bucket Truck
Overcenter bucket trucks are ideal for outdoor environments, providing flexibility when the truck’s position cannot be easily adjusted.
In contrast to overcenter bucket trucks, non-overcenter trucks cannot extend the boom beyond the centerline of the vehicle. These trucks are designed for more straightforward operations, often in fixed or easily accessible areas. Non-overcenter trucks are more commonly used for building maintenance and utility services where extensive reach is not a priority.
Popular models include:
● Terex TC55
● Terex TM125
These trucks are often used in environments where stability and simplicity are more important than maximum reach.
Insulated bucket trucks are designed specifically for work around electrical hazards. The key feature of insulated bucket trucks is that both the boom and bucket are made from dielectric materials, such as fiberglass, which help prevent electrical conductivity. This insulation ensures that operators are protected from accidental electrocution when working near live electrical lines or equipment.
These trucks are primarily used by:
● Utility Companies
They are essential for electrical line maintenance and other tasks that require interaction with high-voltage equipment.
Non-insulated bucket trucks are used when the work environment does not involve electrical hazards. These trucks are generally constructed with steel components rather than fiberglass. While they lack the protective features of insulated models, they are still efficient for many tasks that do not involve live electrical systems.
Common models include:
● Posi-Plus 800
● Versalift SST-36-NE
These trucks are versatile and can be used in various construction and maintenance tasks where electrical protection is not needed.
Material handler bucket trucks serve a dual purpose. Not only do they lift workers to elevated positions, but they can also lift materials. This makes them ideal for tasks that require both lifting personnel and moving materials simultaneously. Material handler bucket trucks are commonly used in construction, industrial applications, and tree trimming.
Track bucket trucks are designed to work in difficult terrain, such as swamps or rough, uneven ground. These trucks are equipped with tracks instead of wheels, which distribute the weight more evenly and reduce ground pressure. This feature allows them to traverse softer or unstable ground where wheeled trucks may struggle.
For example:
● Custom Truck’s Track Bucket Trucks
These trucks are invaluable in areas where access is limited by terrain or environmental conditions.
Bucket Truck Type | Key Features | Ideal Use Case |
Telescopic Bucket Trucks | Straight, non-articulated boom | Confined spaces, extended reach |
Articulating Telescopic Bucket Trucks | Increased side reach and flexibility | Hard-to-reach areas, high productivity |
Overcenter Bucket Trucks | Extended range beyond the truck's center | Forestry, construction, utilities |
Non-Overcenter Bucket Trucks | Simple boom motion | Fixed locations, building maintenance |
Insulated Bucket Trucks | Dielectric materials for electrocution protection | Electrical work, utility maintenance |
Non-Insulated Bucket Trucks | Steel components | General construction, maintenance |
Material Handler Bucket Trucks | Dual-purpose for lifting people and materials | Construction, tree trimming |
Track Bucket Trucks | Tracks for improved traction in rough terrain | Difficult terrain, swampy areas |
When selecting a bucket truck, the working height is one of the most critical factors. The working height determines the highest point at which a worker can safely perform tasks while inside the bucket. Different bucket trucks have varying height tiers, typically categorized into less than 50 feet, 50-59 feet, and over 60 feet.
Side reach, or the horizontal distance a boom can extend, is also an important consideration. A greater side reach allows for more flexibility in positioning the truck, especially when the work area is difficult to access. Some bucket trucks have the ability to rotate 360 degrees, enhancing their maneuverability.
Each bucket truck has a specific platform capacity, which refers to the weight limit the platform can safely carry, including the worker, tools, and materials. Knowing your job requirements and the number of people working in the bucket will help you determine the right truck for your needs.
Bucket trucks are available with three main fuel types: gasoline, diesel, and hybrid. Gasoline-powered bucket trucks are typically smaller and suited for lighter work. Diesel-powered trucks are used for heavy-duty tasks in industries like construction and agriculture. Hybrid models are becoming more popular for their fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Bucket trucks can be equipped with automatic, 2WD, or 4WD transmissions. Four-wheel drive is ideal for rough-terrain jobs, while two-wheel drive is sufficient for less demanding tasks. Automatic transmissions are the most common, but manual options provide better control in challenging driving conditions.
Tail swing is a consideration for articulated boom bucket trucks. It refers to how far the boom extends from the truck’s body. In tight spaces, an excessive tail swing can pose a risk to people or equipment around the vehicle. For confined areas, a telescopic boom might be a better choice as it requires less maneuvering space.
Bucket trucks come in various types, each suited for different tasks. Choosing the right one depends on your specific work needs, such as height, reach, and terrain. It's important to consider factors like weight capacity and fuel type. Always consult with experts and manufacturers when purchasing or renting to ensure you get the best option for your job.
A: A bucket truck is a type of aerial lift with a platform for workers, while a boom truck is a crane for moving heavy loads. Bucket trucks lift people, while boom trucks are used for material handling.
A: Bucket trucks have varying working heights: under 50 feet, 50-59 feet, and over 60 feet. The ideal height depends on the specific task and the truck model.
A: Yes, non-insulated bucket trucks are used in construction, maintenance, and other tasks where electrical protection isn’t required.
A: Yes, track-mounted bucket trucks are designed for rough terrain. They provide better traction and mobility on soft or uneven ground.
