Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Tips For Purchasing Boom Trucks

By Katherine Wooldridge


When buying any industrial machine, due care needs to be taken because these vehicles are normally so expensive that you cannot afford to be careless. Buying a secondhand industrial vehicle can help you increase your fleet if you do not have the cash for a new one. However, you need to be meticulous when buying used boom trucks for sale.

You can easily find a good buy. You cannot tell that if you do not know what to look for. First, you need to decide whether to use a private seller or a dealership. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but the majority of customers prefer the latter. Below are some more tips that you could use.

Know what you need the truck for. If you take a vehicle designed for aerial lifts and use it for digging, you will most likely damage it because its power specification does not meet that kind of job. Manufacturers are very specific on what each model is designed to do. However, some models are designed for a variety of functions. Before purchasing, confirm whether you need a digger, a bucket truck, a cherry picker, or an aerial lift truck.

It is recommended that any truck is used for its intended purpose. This will ensure that it lives to its set lifetime and you also save on maintenance cost. Hence, before you buy a truck ensure that it is of the right boom length, size, and weight. If you want one with a bucket or platform, then ensure that it comes with one.

Ensure that the hydraulic system is in perfect condition. Most heavy vehicles are operated using hydraulics, so if this is damaged, it means that the vehicle is useless until it is repaired. These repairs can be very costly, so it is advisable to avoid stalled vehicles that need major repairs. Test the truck and ensure that there are no leaks.

Ask for past maintenance records. A well-maintained vehicle can last many more years then the manufacturer recommended. However, if it is used carelessly and there is no proper maintenance, it may only last a few years. You should ask for these records so that you have evidence that the maintenance followed regulation and you are not buying something that the previous owner mismanaged.

Check if the vehicle meets safety requirements. Heavy industrial vehicles should comply with OSHA standards so read the safety manuals and confirm that the truck has all the requirements. While some issues might be minor and you could easily handle later, pay attention to the major ones such as multiple crane controls, safety harnesses, vehicle outriggers, safety control mechanisms, and non-conductive casing.

Make use of auctions. You definitely would love a good discount. However, most dealers will not give a good bargain unless it is an auction. Hence, know when auctions are carried out so that you can attend.

Once you get the truck you want, have a mechanic look at it. He/she should inspect the engine, mileage and other mechanical issues that you may not have been keen to suspect. This will ensure that you buy a vehicle you are confident with.




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