Saturday, February 17, 2018

Tips For Purchasing Boom Trucks

By Elizabeth Hogge


Buying any used vehicle comes with many challenges. As opposed to a new vehicle, you have to consider so many things or lest you end up with equipment that will stall after a month. Finances might be the main reason for going for a secondhand truck so that you can increase the size of your fleet. Hence, you do not want to spend more money necessarily when buying used boom trucks for sale.

It is for fear of losing money that many buyers prefer dealerships. However, whether you buy from a dealer or an individual, the most important factor is that the vehicle be in good condition. The tips below will guide through the process so that you find a truck that ca serve your needs efficiently.

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.

Check past maintenance records. Just because a vehicle is functioning does not mean that it will serve you long enough. What matters is the maintenance and usage history. If the previous owner maintained it properly, then all the paperwork should be available. Lack of maintenance records could be indicative of a problem.

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.

Contract a mechanic. Once you have identified what you need and that everything is perfect. Get a mechanic to have a final look and give his/her recommendations.




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