And marketers are big into comparison shopping as they are literally making your shopping experience a user-friendly one. Why read a stack of product brochures and try to decode what’s important and what isn’t, when you can find a comparative chart online that will help you to zoom in to the finer detail faster.

But when it comes to buying, the Net becomes a little less user-friendly. There’s something about having a face-to-a-name that reassures us as buyers. The sales clerk may not be there the next time you shop, but the shop still is. And this helps build trust. The physical presence of a store will lull even the most hesitant shopper into a (false) sense of security. I am always more willing to part with my spending dollars, if I know that tomorrow I can always change my mind and bring back the product, and ask for a refund.

So where does this leave the shopper. To sum up, research online, shop in person, and hopefully, you’ll find just what you’re looking for. This approach is especially valid for speciality products and services. The more you’ve done a bit of your homework ahead of time, better the chances of tapping into their expertise. Shop clerks, from my expertise, take a shine to clients that have already figured out a thing or two. Who wants the client that walks in the door saying, “What can you tell me about..?” Product knowledge is so exhaustive that really, in all fairness, the shop clerk should be allowed to say: “Here’s the user’s manual, and here’s a pen and paper for you to take notes?”

Some companies not only provide you with comprehensive listings that make your search a lot easier, but they match this with an invitation to give them a call to find out more. You might think this is the norm, but it really isn’t. You have a lot of companies that give you their company’s history and vision and contact details online, but then ask you to trek across town, or across country to get a look at their full product range. And then you have companies that provide listings but have become faceless. The only way that you can contact them is by filling in an online form and taking an online ticket number.

I-80 Equipment have over 15 years servicing the Electric Utility and Telecommunications Industries, Sign and Light, and Tree Care. Check out their website (the www.i80equipment.com) today and then call them today, if you’re in the market for fully reconditioned, used bucket trucks, and a hassle-free process. forestry trucks

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I-80 equipment sells used bucket trucks for many different industries. The trucks they offer are reconditioned and offered to their customers at pre-owned prices. The aim of I-80 equipment is to help companies find quality equipment for their business without all the hassle. The valuable resources that I-80 equipment offers have helped many companies get quality trucks at a low and affordable price.

Financing can be a difficult process when it comes to making a major purchase of industrial equipment for a business. I-80 understands the frustrations facing these businesses. Sometimes equipment is needed immediately in order for a business to flourish. If the equipment is not obtained it may result in a downturn for the company. That is why I-80 equipment has specialists that are always ready to walk a new or existing client through the finance process.

To provide their customers with better service and more options I-80 offers financing to its clients. All the client needs to do is find the boom truck, digger derrick truck, crane truck or bucket truck that suits the needs of the company. The next step is to fill out the finance application with the necessary information and I-80 does the rest. I-80 will consult with the client and find the financing that is right for them.

The service that a client receives is very important to I-80 equipment. The company is always ready to provide service and support to any customer who requests help. This one on one contact with companies and clients is essential to I-80. This kind of support is one factor behind the growth and stability of the company. A client can contact the company by email, phone or simply filling out a web form. The company will then get back to the customer right away to address any questions or concerns they may have. This kind of customer service reassures the client that they are making the right decision by purchasing through I-80 equipment.

The client can receive customer support before the purchase of a bucket truck or other special equipment. After the purchase of their equipment they can receive the same support they received prior to the purchase. Not only does this reassure the customer that they are receiving a quality product, but they will receive I-80 equipments customer service as well. With the financial service as well as the customer support that is offered by I-80 the client can be assured they have made the right choice in choosing I-80 equipment.

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I-80 equipment sells reconditioned bucket trucks and other equipment. Each and every vehicle that is bought receives a complete overhaul before ever being sold. The quality and amount of work that goes into each vehicle allows I-80 to stand behind each one that is sold.

The first step in the overhaul process is that the vehicle is completely disassembled. This allows for each vehicle to be completely inspected when it arrives. Any extra boxes are cut off of the truck and it goes on to the next step. The bucket truck is then sprayed down completely with a very powerful degreaser. Once the degreaser has had a chance to clean the truck it receives a full power wash.

The next step in the process is for the truck to be placed into the body bay. The truck is sanded completely down to the factory primer. A 320 grit sander is used to rid the vehicle of every bit of the paint. Once this is finished the dents are pulled and any bad metal on the truck is replaced. The truck is now ready to be repainted. The boxes and chassis are sprayed with with Colar epoxy primer for protection of the vehicle. Next a 2.8 industrial emron paint is applied. The paint is heat treated to 100 degrees and then the bed liners and walkways are sprayed 100 mills thick with the same paint. All the paint is applied using a 120 gallon Linex machine. The use of this kind of machinery is what allows us to place a warranty on all the bed liners and walkways in each and every truck.

The truck is now ready to the assembly bay and be completely reassembled. All the broken parts are replaced during this process to ensure that the truck will be in good working order when it is received by the customer. The mechanics bay is the next destination for the truck. The mechanics perform a 77 point inspection on each and every vehicle that passes them. The list of mechanical parts that are checked during this process are: the engine, power tran, steering, suspension, brakes, electrical system, cab, body, tires, wheels and rims.

Once the reconditioning process is complete the boom trucks, crane trucks and digger derrick trucks are ready to be sold. None of the bucket trucks for go out on the floor for sale until they receive this reconditioning. The high standards that are placed on this process is what allows I-80 to produce quality vehicles for their customers.

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A very important step involved in the safety process involves a quick daily inspection of the equipment. A routine inspection should include: checking the vehicle for all necessary decals and stickers on or near the boom. They must all be clean and legible. The tire pressure should be checked and tires inspected for any damages. Look for any broken or damaged parts and for any oil and fluid leaks. All lights should be fully operational.

Once you have reached the worksite, it is highly recommended that you perform a quick inspection there as well. Watch out of holes and drop-offs and park on even ground if at all possible. Check for any overhead obstructions and always set the emergency brakes and wheel locks. It is not recommended that any aerial lift device be operated if wind gusts exceed 30 mph.

Be especially sure to stay clear of any electrical lines or other apparatus. Even if aerial equipment is insulated, it provides no protection at all in the event of any phase-to-ground or phase-to-phase contact.

While in the bucket itself, be sure to observe the following safety guidelines. Make sure all outriggers are properly positioned, and never use a bucket truck as a crane truck. Make sure the truck is on even ground and never move it while the bucket is raised. Be sure never to push or pull anything while in the bucket, and never put a ladder in the bucket itself. It is very important to stick to the precise use the truck was designed for.

Always be sure to wear fall protection while in the bucket. Don’t try to climb on the edges of the bucket, and also don’t try to climb down from it when raised. Keep both feet firmly planted on the floor of the bucket and make sure the floor is always free of debris.

While driving the truck, be sure to obey posted speed limits, and when in doubt, always slow down. Keep an eye out for low clearances and any overhead obstructions. If you are traveling over bumpy or uneven ground, drive very slowly, and never operate a truck that has been damaged in any way.

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Across the country, more and more utility companies as well as city and county governments are becoming interested in diesel-electric hybrid trucks for their fleets. While on the road, the hybrids run on a combination of bio-diesel and battery power. A hybrid is typically about 60% more fuel efficient than a regular diesel truck. This results in savings of $4,500 per year, per truck. Maintenance costs on the hybrids are also expected to be lower.

In addition, hybrid trucks have the ability to generate 25 Kilo Watts of electricity that can be used for homes while crews work on repairing outages. One truck can provide power to over a dozen homes. The bucket on these vehicles can be powered with an electric motor for up to two hours before the diesel engine needs to recharge the battery. This reduces noise and cuts fuel used just for these operations by 2/3.

Several utilities have pioneered the use of hybrid vehicles through pilot programs that are a partnership with the manufacturers of the hybrids. The utilities use the trucks for an extended period, then report back to the manufacturer on their likes and dislikes. The manufacturer can then consider the feedback and possibly incorporate it into future versions of the hybrid. There is a high level of interest in these pilot programs, because just about every entity that uses bucket trucks is looking for ways to save money.

With the success of hybrids already well-known in the passenger car market, it is probably only a matter of time before hybrid bucket trucks are widely available on the commercial market. It seems that almost everyone is trying to find ways to spend less on fuel while at the same time being more environmentally friendly. The new diesel and battery combination will probably spread all over the commercial trucking world, if it is found that bucket trucks can be effectively used this way.

While hybrid trucks are generally more expensive than their regular diesel counterparts, those trying to minimize their expenses might simply wish to wait a few years, and then purchases used bucket trucks and take advantage of the hybrid features that way. It shouldn’t be too many years before the hybrids become widely available, and if they perform as well as are expected, local governments and utility companies will be very interested in purchasing vehicles they need to buy anyway, with the added advantages of significant savings on fuel, environmentally friendly reduced admissions, and lower maintenance costs.

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OSHA regulations state that employers cannot force an employee to use unsafe equipment, so one of the best things you can do to protect yourself is to perform a thorough safety inspection before using lift equipment. Look for any leaks of air or hydraulic fluid, and make sure all emergency and operating controls are functioning. Also check personal safety gear along with outriggers and guardrails.

If you find any problems with any aspect of the equipment, OSHA requires that it be properly repaired before use. Mechanics should be familiar with the vehicle’s operating manual as well, and be sure to thoroughly inspect any vehicle that is returning to service from the shop.

Inspect the worksite as well; to be sure the truck can be parked on fairly level ground. and that there are no dangerous drop-offs or debris around. Even if the surface is level, be sure to set brakes, wheel chocks and outriggers each and every time.

Many lift accidents occur because the operator has not thoroughly read and understood the training manual. Contractors are required by law to provide manuals to all operators and mechanics. If anyone is unable to read the manual, a qualified person must provide training on manufacturer requirements, correct lift operation, and how to deal with hazards.

Two of the most common lift accidents involve tip-overs and electrocution, so always stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. Insulated buckets can protect you from currents passing through you and the boom to the ground, but provide no protection if you should touch another wire. You can prevent tip-overs by making sure you never drive with the platform elevated, and by staying within the height and weight load requirements as specified by the manufacturer.

Much of what needs to be done to prevent accidents can be accomplished simply by following all manufacturer and safety instructions every time you operate a lift. Always keep lift doors closed, and avoid standing or sitting on the edges, or using them for support in any way workers should wear protective gear, including a full-body harness and lanyard. If you are working in or near traffic, always put out cones and any pertinent signage so that motorists know you’re there.

Even though it seems somewhat obvious, make sure that only trained and qualified employees operate aerial lift equipment. Many accidents occur when an untrained worker “steps in” for a trained employee who is unavailable. It is always better to wait until the job can be completed using only properly trained workers.

Bucket trucks, crane trucks, digger derrick trucks and boom trucks have many uses and are important tools in getting many jobs done. If you follow the above guidelines, you will be a safe and effective operator and avoid potentially serious accidents.

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Yet another thing that adds to the complexity of bucket truck design is the repercussions of deregulation on the American electric utility industry. This deregulation has forced utilities to change the way in which their workers are utilized, and in turn, changes the way equipment is used as well. Since electric utilities are now expected to be more competitive, many are streamlining their crews, using fewer workers to get the same number of jobs done.

As utility crews get smaller, the demand for smaller aerial devices on a smaller chassis is increasing. Even though a smaller truck can translate into cost savings, these smaller trucks are also expected to perform more functions. And since these trucks will be fewer, yet working harder, the end users also expect less in the way of maintenance time and expense.

So, a designer needs to calculate optimum replacement times, and the manufacturer generally gets involved in helping to provide outsourced maintenance and rental and leasing options. They always keep in mind that vehicles are expected to be more productive, while costing less to run. Durability and reliability are key.

Safety however, is one of the designer’s biggest concerns. Since so many bucket trucks are used by electric utility companies, a designer is always aware that working with electricity is a dangerous business. At the same time, lengthy power outages are not tolerated by the public, so crews need to be able to work as quickly as possible. Designers are constantly looking at aerial devices in particular when thinking about how to improve safety on bucket trucks.

Most manufacturers of bucket trucks are also being proactive in providing information and training for their customers. One of the most important aspects of accident prevention is properly training those who will be the end users. Even the best-designed equipment can be involved in accidents if it is used incorrectly, or not used for its intended purpose.

With the changing regulatory environment, utility companies have to become more efficient, so they will spend their money on the bucket trucks that meet their needs best. This in turn spurs designers and manufacturers to look at ways in which they can design a safer, smarter vehicle that can handle the workload that the client has.

Even if maintenance crews weren’t getting smaller, bucket trucks that are smaller, safer and more efficient are still an excellent bet for those who need to use them. Manufacturers just need to be sure they stay on top of the market and its needs, so that projects they have in the pipeline are ones that can also match their customer’s needs and expectations. Making a truck that utility companies really want to buy is a winning proposition for all parties.

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The first step you need to take in order to become a dump truck driver is to take the test for the Commercial Driver’s License, or CDL. You can take this test at your local branch of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You will need to take both a written and driving test, and will need to schedule this in advance. Typically, DMV offers CDL tests one Saturday every month. If you have never driven any kind of truck before, it may be helpful to take a class that can help you prepare for both exams. These classes are typically one to two days long.

There are two types of CDL: Class A and Class B. Class A will qualify you to drive semi-trailer trucks, while a Class B CDL is usually the minimum required to drive a dump truck. Most employers find it more difficult to find Class A holders, so if you take the time to get one, you will probably be more sought-after.

Another thing you can do, especially if you lack experience in operating any type of heavy equipment, is to enroll in a heavy equipment operations course. These courses are frequently offered by your local community college. Or you can check with the National Heavy Equipment Operator’s School to see if they offer programs in your local area. Even though you may not wish to spend any money in order to get into this line of work, it is frankly very difficult to break in if you have no experience.

A good school will give you the background you need for an employer to be willing to hire you. If it is a reputable program, companies will know that they will have taught you the basics and give you enough practical training that you will be able to start working right out of the gate. Another bonus is that these courses will often train you to operate other types of heavy equipment, which will make you even more valuable to the company that hires you.

Costs at these schools run from $2700 to $6000 for a Class A CDL and $750 to $2400 for a Class B CDL. Some companies offer tuition reimbursement if you sign on to work for them, so be sure to ask about that.

If you cannot afford a school, or if there is none available in your area, look for companies that are willing to provide on the job training. You may have to search a bit, but there are companies out there that prefer to hire new drivers and train them to drive “their way.” This can be an excellent opportunity for someone with no experience.

Even though it requires some training, driving a buket truck is still a fairly well-compensated career in exchange for a small up-front investment. If you like to drive, but want to be home every night, it could be just the job for you!

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These types of trucks tend to be highly specialized to the task they are meant to perform. While the most common is the bucket truck used by power linemen working for electric utility companies, the basic bucket truck chassis can be used for a number of variations on the aerial lift truck. Some common types are derrick digger trucks, boom trucks and crane trucks.

Unfortunately for the cost-conscious buyer, these types of trucks can be very expensive when purchased new. This is especially true when a truck is customized to the buyer’s exact specifications. Fortunately, there is a cost-effective alternative for public utilities and private companies wishing to spend significantly less on their equipment. That alternative is to purchase used bucket trucks when possible.

This is often a good way to go, because these types of trucks have been built to be extremely tough and durable. If you look out for used bucket trucks that have relatively low mileage and that have been reconditioned, you may find exactly the truck you need at a fraction of the new price.

One way to shop for used bucket trucks is to go online. Simply type “used bucket trucks” into any search engine and you will get numerous results showing online retailers like I80. From there, it’s simply a matter of searching for the model you want within the price range you are looking at. Since you probably won’t be able to look at the truck personally, there are some things you should keep in mind.

One of the first questions to ask an online dealer is if the used bucket truck you are interested in purchasing has been inspected and reconditioned. You also need to find out if the truck meets OSHA standards for the type of work you wish to use it for. For these reasons, it’s important to go with a reputable dealer that will take the time to answer your questions. Also make use of features like i80’s video feeds and photo galleries of each truck. The more information you can get up front, the better.

1. You may just find the perfect vehicle for your needs at a fraction of what you were expecting to pay.

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Large electric utilities may need upwards of 500 trucks at any given time. They typically use a combination of bucket trucks, crane trucks, boom trucks, digger derrick trucks and various flatbed configurations. Many companies cover large areas, sometimes an entire state; which means they need to have trucks appropriate to any number of conditions and terrain.

Many large utility companies have found that it’s helpful to buy as many trucks as possible from the same manufacturer. Even if they are different styles, many of the parts tend to be the same, and mechanics get more accustomed to certain types of trucks, improving their efficiency in the long run.

Planning fleet sizes and needs is a complex process that involves working with internal customers to determine what their needs will be. Many utility companies don’t hesitate to share the cost of unusual or expensive equipment with those customers, especially if buying the equipment falls outside of their usual budget. One category of items that typically fall outside of the norm are elevators that are used to extend the aerial lifts on bucket trucks by 10 feet or more. Some utilities will also purchase trucks on their customer’s behalf and let the customer make payments. Each utility needs to look at what their customer’s needs are and balance it with budgetary concerns.

The larger electric utility companies will have numerous maintenance facilities around their area of operation and a full complement of mechanics at each one. They have realized that they can spend less on maintenance and have trucks back in operation much more quickly than if they use a third party for repairs.

The public utilities face a number of concerns. Aside from the ever-present specter of budget cuts, they are also dealing with an aging workforce that is retiring more quickly than it can be replaced. Experienced drivers, line workers and mechanics are all retiring at a rapid rate, and utilities are finding it difficult to hire enough workers with the requisite training and experience. This poses an additional challenge for fleet planners, as they try to make sure that all locations have an adequate number of experienced drivers and mechanics that can train and mentor the new ones.

Another work-force related problem is that many utilities have their mechanics work a second shift so they don’t have trucks out of commission during the day shift when most crews are working. The odd-hour shifts make it more difficult to attract workers, and often have to pay more as an incentive to work those hours.

Though there are many challenges facing the fleet planners of large electric utility companies, many are meeting those challenges by finding ways to utilize the many hundred s of bucket trucks, derrick digger trucks, and boom trucks effectively and efficiently.

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