Bucket trucks’ versatility and efficiency for work-at-height projects are well known. You may own this equipment if you frequently need to perform tasks at height. While these aerial lifts are designed to last for years, they may fail due to heavy use. Or you may need an aerial work platform with greater reach. In either case, you can rent the equipment from a trusted place. If you search online for “boom lift rental near me”, many service providers will show up in the results. Choose a rental provider who has experience, expertise, and a strong reputation in this field. Are you still holding on to your bucket truck? Here are signs that suggest it’s time to retire it and hire a better option.
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Frequent downtime
Unplanned downtime causes more losses to your business than scheduled equipment maintenance does. If your aerial lift frequently shuts down or requires repairs, it is no longer serving your purpose. It is affecting your operations. Generally, some components of this equipment age faster due to wear and tear. These include control panels, lift cylinders, hydraulic systems, and electrical wiring. These may fail over time despite regular servicing. Issues such as hose leaks and the boom getting jammed can happen more frequently. Remember, these breakdowns don’t just affect productivity. They also harm your reputation, increase the risk of contract penalties for delays, and more. Over time, the cost of lost productivity, labor, and repairs can balloon.
At the same time, it’s not easy to find replacement parts for old machines. This eventually affects your lead time and repair bills. You cannot rely on second-hand parts, as they don’t last long. Custom solutions can be expensive. So, it’s better to rent a machine if you don’t want to buy one immediately.
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Missing safety features
Aerial work platforms are designed to lift workers into potentially hazardous environments where they must perform specific tasks. This highlights the importance of safety. Older bucket trucks may not have advanced safety features. As a result, your workers and your business are exposed to various risks. For instance, your boom lift may lack insulation, which is a must for work involving live electrical lines. Fall arrest systems may be outdated. There may not be emergency buttons on the ground and on the platform. The bucket truck may not have systems to monitor tilt and slope conditions. Whether your equipment lacks these features or they are no longer functioning, you should switch to a new unit promptly. Rent one from the service provider. Otherwise, you are at risk of liability claims and legal complications.
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Expensive fuel and maintenance bills
The cost of owning an aerial lift doesn’t bother anyone initially. But the effects gradually appear on the balance sheet. Ongoing expenses, such as repair and replacement of parts, labor, and fluid changes, may dent your operational efficiency. Since engines wear out over time, they consume more fuel. With units rented from or elsewhere, you don’t need to worry about this aspect. Once your job is done, you return the unit. The agencies handle those aspects.
To be precise, watch out for signs that indicate your equipment needs to be retired. Don’t delay your decision because of cost concerns. In fact, not moving to another unit is a costly mistake. See more.
