farmer52 Posted November 22, 2015 Share Posted November 22, 2015 I been thinking of buying a lift so I can trim trees and work on buildings, etc. around the PA farm. Initial thought was a boom lift but decent ones are over $10K. Another option is a bucket truck. Truck would not need license since it will only be used on the farm (no public roads).Found a 1995 Ford F450 w/7.3L and 1986 Ford E350 gasser on CL. F450 is about an hour away and the E350 is about 15 minutes away. Here are the listings:http://altoona.craigslist.org/bfd/5297197132.htmlhttp://altoona.craigslist.org/cto/5300879424.htmlAnother option is to rent a lift when needed. I will check prices and compare renting to purchase. Purchase would be preferred, then I can use it when there is a job to do. I know there is upkeep to an owned vehicle.Thoughts?Thanks! Quote Ken PRR Country and Charter member of the "Mack Pack" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
b61mack Posted November 22, 2015 Share Posted November 22, 2015 I was thinking I would like to have one too but I keep thinking if I had one I would have all my friends wanting to borrow it, so everybody would be using it more than I would. Ken I guess you know the E 350 is a van. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312526 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatcity Posted November 22, 2015 Share Posted November 22, 2015 you can get some side work putting up Christmas lites this time of year.and then charge again to take them down 1 Quote Success is only a stones throw away.................................................................for a Palestinian Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312530 Share on other sites More sharing options...
fxfymn Posted November 22, 2015 Share Posted November 22, 2015 Depends on how high you will need to get, but a tractor equipped with pallet forks and "work platform" might work as well with the plus of being multi-use. I use my L3430 Kubota as a lift quite often. Quote Money, sex, and fire; everybody thinks everyone else is getting more than they are! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312533 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post 1958 F.W.D. Posted November 22, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted November 22, 2015 Why not buy a Mack/Baker 75' Aerialscope? Win-Win. You get a CF Mack antique to play with and a lift truck that's practically bomb-proof. 4 Quote TWO STROKES ARE FOR GARDEN TOOLS Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312540 Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmer52 Posted November 22, 2015 Author Share Posted November 22, 2015 Carl,I have a tractor with a loader but I can't be on the tractor seat operating the loader controls and standing in the bucket with my chain saw at the same time.Randy,Find me a Mack Aerial......cheap! Quote Ken PRR Country and Charter member of the "Mack Pack" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312554 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted November 23, 2015 Share Posted November 23, 2015 Look at the local utilites and cable companies, they usually sell 6 to 8 year old 29 foot plus reach bucket trucks for anywhere from $7500 and up. Have a 2004 GMC G3500 Caravan chassis with a Verslift 31 foot bucket on it. I bought it from Optimum Cable, paid $8100 for it. It's in Virginia putting gutters on our new old house. 1 Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312562 Share on other sites More sharing options...
1958 F.W.D. Posted November 23, 2015 Share Posted November 23, 2015 Randy,Find me a Mack Aerial......cheap!Challenge accepted! The only thing about 'Scopes- single screw scopes are notoriously hard on brakes because they are so heavy. But if you're not fighting fire on a daily basis and also know how to downshift....You should be ok. 1 Quote TWO STROKES ARE FOR GARDEN TOOLS Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312566 Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmer52 Posted November 23, 2015 Author Share Posted November 23, 2015 Randy,I will be waiting for your report.How about this one?http://www.truckpaper.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=3897271 Quote Ken PRR Country and Charter member of the "Mack Pack" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312577 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason O Posted November 23, 2015 Share Posted November 23, 2015 Farmer52-Take a look at Central Penn auto auction in Lock Haven PA. They have Verizon equip auctions once a month or so. You can prob pick one up for less than 2000. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312579 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted November 23, 2015 Share Posted November 23, 2015 Farmer52-Take a look at Central Penn auto auction in Lock Haven PA. They have Verizon equip auctions once a month or so. You can prob pick one up for less than 2000.http://www.cpaautoauction.com/components/event/show/2015/12/17 Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312584 Share on other sites More sharing options...
1958 F.W.D. Posted November 23, 2015 Share Posted November 23, 2015 Ken that's a nice aerial ladder but I since you mentioned a bucket, I was thinking of a Mack "Aerialscope" like this.....Except single screw (a hell of a lot shorter.....) This is Philadelphia Fire Department Ladder 6 (back in the day) out of 43rd and Market. Photo by me. Mack sold hundreds of these to FDNY over the years as both the chassis and aerial devices were considered to be bomb proof. FDNY still buys them to this day except they are now built on Seagrave Chassis. 1 Quote TWO STROKES ARE FOR GARDEN TOOLS Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312602 Share on other sites More sharing options...
1958 F.W.D. Posted November 23, 2015 Share Posted November 23, 2015 Here's FDNY Ladder 44 on a second alarm in The Bronx, summer of 1993 I think, somewhere near 163rd & Walton Ave. Photo by me. Here is a newer Seagrave Aerialscope, assigned to Ladder Co. 31 (1216 Intervale Ave at 169 St.) Photo by me. Lemme see if I can dig up a few pix of a single screw..... Quote TWO STROKES ARE FOR GARDEN TOOLS Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312604 Share on other sites More sharing options...
1958 F.W.D. Posted November 23, 2015 Share Posted November 23, 2015 The Aerialscope has the designation of being one of the most versatile aerial devices designed specifically for firefighting. Capable of maintaining a 1000lb basket load while being able to flow 1000gpm at any angle or amount of extension is one of the things that makes them what they are, and the reason that FDNY has purchased so many of them throughout the years. The rear of a 'Scope, showing the basket and storage rack for several hundred feet of ground ladders.A side views of a single screw scopeCouple of scopes in action in BrooklynAny angle, any elevation, any extension, 1000lbs in the bucket while flowing 1000gpmYou can even use them below the level of the turntable (yes....still 1000lbs/1000gpm.) Photo credits to the unknown photographers. 1 Quote TWO STROKES ARE FOR GARDEN TOOLS Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312609 Share on other sites More sharing options...
gearhead204 Posted November 23, 2015 Share Posted November 23, 2015 Ken, you could just get a selfie stick and look down at sun bathing wimmins next door with you phone a lot cheaper than buying a bucket truck! I think they will get tired of the chain saw noise and will know what you are doing when they see no trimmed trees! 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312614 Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmer52 Posted November 23, 2015 Author Share Posted November 23, 2015 Randy,Thanks for the pics and education on aerialscopes! A single axle aerial would be great. What is a "typical" price for one in decent condition?Rob,No Poverty Hollow wimmin to look at. Unless you like "pigs". Jason/Paul,Central PA auction looks interesting. I will check it out. Thanks! Lock Haven is about 1-1/2 hours northeast of the PA farm. Quote Ken PRR Country and Charter member of the "Mack Pack" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312637 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted November 24, 2015 Share Posted November 24, 2015 Or you could copy this 1 Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312732 Share on other sites More sharing options...
68-f-model Posted November 24, 2015 Share Posted November 24, 2015 I would vote for something like this. I have seen them on Craigslist at a good price. Added bonus no one can borrow it without a heavy trailer and they can be drivable from the basket.Similar to this one but with all terrain tires. http://cleveland.craigslist.org/hvd/5313085245 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312737 Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHfred Posted November 24, 2015 Share Posted November 24, 2015 Ken, you could do all that work with a bucket but you could also wax the roof of your MH. Ok course, I don't know why because no one can see it.??? 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312744 Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmer52 Posted November 24, 2015 Author Share Posted November 24, 2015 Fred,There are many other "jobs" where I could use a bucket truck or boom lift (working on the MH roof, trailer sides, barn eaves, house roof, and the list goes on). I am getting too old to be climbing a ladder. Also since I am the only person at the farm, if something would happen..... Something could happen with a lift but should be safer than a ladder.Per Paul/Jason, I am going to Lock Haven in December and see what is on the lot. Quote Ken PRR Country and Charter member of the "Mack Pack" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312778 Share on other sites More sharing options...
66dc75 Posted November 25, 2015 Share Posted November 25, 2015 The dura lift and the versa lift are both good buckets but the onan genset is a total PITA to keep running and parts usually have to come from Cummins. Clutch pump or 12 volt electric over hydraulic pump is much better as is a dually truck. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312844 Share on other sites More sharing options...
yarnall Posted November 25, 2015 Share Posted November 25, 2015 I'd take an aerialscope or a bucket truck for my farm. It is not in my budget right now. I am going to try to use my B85 from Chicago, but it would not be as handy as an aerialscope. Ken, you could buy me a bucket truck if they go cheap at the auction. Mike Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312871 Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmer52 Posted November 25, 2015 Author Share Posted November 25, 2015 Mike,2 for the price of 1 sale? I will let you know prices if I attend. Based on the CPA website, they have monthly utility vehicle auctions.Actually I was hoping you or Yardo would buy me an aerialscope or similar vehicle for Christmas. Quote Ken PRR Country and Charter member of the "Mack Pack" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312904 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted November 25, 2015 Share Posted November 25, 2015 looks like a pretty good price,,,but whatta you gonna do with it??? bob Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42784-bucket-truck-bucket-lift-purchase/#findComment-312918 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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