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Those who design bucket trucks and other types of trucks for use by utilities companies and local governments have a uniquely challenging job. Designers need to always keep in mind the many and varied tasks these trucks will be expected to perform and yet never compromise on safety features.

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. Continue reading ‘Advances in Bucket Truck Design’ »

Though it’s not a career path considered by many, driving a dump truck can be an interesting and rewarding line of work. It can be difficult and dirty, but it can also be financially rewarding, and allows you to be an important part of some very interesting projects.

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. Continue reading ‘Becoming a Dump Truck Driver’ »

The electrical, telecommunications and construction industries have been hit particularly hard by the latest recession. Many of these companies are searching for new ways to cut costs, so they can either continue to expand, or even just stay in business. One area where these industries typically make large capital outlays is in equipment. Many companies of any size have a need for large numbers of bucket trucks, digger derrick trucks, crane trucks and boom trucks.

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. Continue reading ‘Buying a Used Bucket Truck’ »

Since large utility companies are among the biggest users of bucket trucks, they are faced with the challenge of using numerous trucks for a variety of purposes. Planning what kinds of trucks are needed for various tasks can be a challenging undertaking.

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. Continue reading ‘Using Bucket Trucks in a Fleet’ »

The electrical, telecommunications and construction industries have been hit particularly hard by the latest recession. Many of these companies are searching for new ways to cut costs, so they can either continue to expand, or even just stay in business. One area where these industries typically make large capital outlays is in equipment. Many companies of any size have a need for large numbers of bucket trucks, digger derrick trucks, crane trucks and boom trucks.

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. Continue reading ‘Buying a Used Bucket Truck’ »

Since large utility companies are among the biggest users of bucket trucks, they are faced with the challenge of using numerous trucks for a variety of purposes. Planning what kinds of trucks are needed for various tasks can be a challenging undertaking.

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. Continue reading ‘Using Bucket Trucks in a Fleet’ »