Tips For Purchasing Boom Trucks

By Jonathan Smith


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 advisable that you use a vehicle for the purpose it was intended rather than using it for other purposes for which it might not be equipped. When considering the use, think of factors such as truck size, boom length, and weight. You might also want one that comes with a bucket or platform. All specifications of the vehicle should meet your intended use.

Inspect the hydraulic system. This is one of the most important features to check because most of these vehicles are powered by hydraulics. Check it for leaks and try to operate it to ensure that the boom operates properly. If this part is damaged, then the truck is useless as it cannot perform its primary function.

Ask for past maintenance records. The vehicle might be functioning properly because it has been repaired for sale. However, it might have a poor maintenance history which makes it likely to break down once purchased. To be safe, ensure that it has been maintained professionally and regularly.

Ensure that all safety mechanisms are in place. As a buyer, you need to understand the OSHA standards and safety manuals so that you can know what to look out for. Some of the common requirements are non-conductive casing on the crane, vehicle outriggers, safety harnesses, safety control mechanisms, and multiple crane controls. Lack of such equipment might not stop you from purchasing the truck, but you need to know because it will drive up your cost.

Look out for auction days. Most dealerships allow buyers to pace their bids openly. Such deals could see you get a good vehicle at a very good price. However, this requires that you first research on their inventory. Once you know what you are targeting, you can then place a bid and hope that you win.

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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