(Manlift) To Buy or Not To Buy

[Rickey J]

I have an opportunity to purchase a towable manlift for a reasonable price. Now, I have been doing most of my work off a ladder or renting a lift when needed. My question to everyone that has a lift or bucket truck, have you found your self getting more use out of it than what you expected after purchase? I guess the reason I am asking is because I am kinda in the middle of the road. I have work I could use it on but its also just as easy to rent one or use the ladder. Just would like some thoughts.
Thanks,

 

[reQ]

Sometimes i wish i would have one, when i need to install a sign 35 ft in the air. its nice to have, but if you don' use it enough, i would just rather rent one when needed

 

[Billct2]

We had a bucket truck years ago and got rid of it because we decided to get out of servicing signs that we didn't install.
I've considered a towable lift but they always seemed expensive compared to the amount of times we rent one.
If we had one we would use it more, but for what it costs to rent I prefer that someone else maintain and insure it.

 

[studebaker]

Towable Manlift

I used to have one here at the shop. It sat around so much that I started renting it out to other sign shops, at a lower price that you could rent them from the rental agency. And I found out that you don't want to rent it out to ANYONE, they will tear it up and say "sorry, here's your rent money". I sold mine....

 

[Gino]

We have a bucket truck. Wish I would've gotten one y-e-a-r-s before I got this one. Once you have it, in no time at all it pays for itself. However, you start finding ways to use it and make good use of it. Heck, just the other week, we needed some plumbing work done and the guy was figuring this and that and I said, why not just run the piping up the wall, across the top and bring it down over there. Well, that's a lot of climbing. Not with this truck it ain't. So, I saved about $400 by letting the guy use the truck for 3 hours. Anyway, like that..... then you invent ways and can give better prices to customers, cause you don't hafta rent it.... you own it. It might sit idle for a week or so sometimes, but then I'll be using it 4 days a week.

One rule, I won't go out in any kinda bad weather. Still ain't nothing worth getting killed over.

 

[Rickey J]

We have a bucket truck. Wish I would've gotten one y-e-a-r-s before I got this one. Once you have it, in no time at all it pays for itself. However, you start finding ways to use it and make good use of it. Heck, just the other week, we needed some plumbing work done and they guy was figuring this and that and I said, why not just run the piping up the wall, across the top and bring it down over there. Well, that's a lot of climbing. Not with this truck it ain't. So, I saved about $400 by letting the guy use the truck for 3 hours. Anyway, like that..... then you invent ways and can give better prices to customers, cause you don't hafta rent it.... you own it. It might sit idle for a week or so sometimes, but then I'll be using it 4 days a week.

One rule, I won't go out in any kinda bad weather. Still ain't nothing worth getting killed over.

Thank you very much, Gino! I appreciate the feed back.

 

[Hero Signs]

We used to outsource our installs till the 2 man shop who did the work went out of business. I bought a 35 ft 1999 chevy. When i was a 2 man shop. Put another 2k in parts into it over the next 2 years but now it runs 3+ days per week and I have 3 full time and part time employee. If you are in a growing area I'd say do it. Saves time and so much safer. I bought a 556 truck last month and we are currently fixing it to go after more work and it cuts the cost of crane rental.

 

[visual800]

ive had 2 bucket trucks. an older one and then a newer one. they were a convenience but I was happier to see them go than when I bought them. Hoses bursting, fluid all over the place and the newer had the infamous 6.0 deisel that was an absolute POS. if it wasnt one thing with heavy equipment it was another. i got sick and tired of it. ill rent or slide another compnay some cash and let them do it. It is not worth the headache

 

[DSC]

Bucket all day!

I would say DEFINITELY go with a bucket..

Like Gino said, pays for itself every month EASY.. in one day..

We bought a second hand 1999?? CHEVY 3500 42" bucket and it rules. .

It's a dually and has the extra elbow to get the other 7 ft when needed. .If you can find one of those that will work..

A truck like that will get 99% of the work you need done..

Good Luck !!

 

[rjssigns]

For the rare occasion we've needed one we rent. Those towables are nice though. You can stuff them into spaces a truck will never go. They also don't tear up landscaping as much.

 

[fresh]

I would buy it if the price is right.

I have literally FOUR jobs right now that I could use it for.

One job we are using our 17' Little Giant ladder, but it would have been easier, faster, and safer to use a bucket truck to complete.
The second job we need to rent a tow behind. Actually, we should be there right now, but because we used ladders on the install yesterday, it took longer than I planned and we couldn't finish, so they are finishing up the install from yesterday right now, and won't be able to do the one planned for today until next week.
The third job I told the guy we can't install, and he claims he can reach with a ladder, so he's going to install it himself.
The fourth job I haven't even quoted, since the install is going to be as much as the sign, and its for a good friend, so I feel like a jerk saying "oh yeah, the little banner you want is $350, but I have to rent a lift, so its going to cost about the same amount to install it.

Anyway, there is no one dependable around me that has a bucket truck. We've been screwed over by two different "sign maintenance guys" with bucket trucks (who weren't cheap or anything either.) And the only other person who has one is always very busy and charges A LOT. Like, an insane amount to do anything. Change one face? That will be $400 please. For driving 10 minutes from his home and taking 30 minutes to swap out a piece of acrylic. IDK.

I'd say go for it, and make sure other local sign companies know you have it and are available for installs.

 

[TonyC]

My observations.....

I have owned bucket trucks since being in this business. I kept 2, one for working and one for lifting. With 42' bucket trucks we find we still have to rent lifts with 2 man baskets for many jobs. We also end up driving a bucket truck to jobs that only require door lettering and small things only needing a ladder. The maintenance as previously mentioned is a nightmare as the trucks get older.

I am selling both my trucks and opting for a truck with a utility bed, 24' trailer and a 45' lift with a 2 man basket. The money I save from rental and the ease of having 4 hands vs 2 on most jobs will more than pay for the rig in a couple years. I have thought this through every way possible and find this is the best option for us.

As far as charging the customer, we charge like anyone else would. Do not use the equipment for free or cheaper installations as a way of selling a sign. The equipment will make you money if you charge for it correctly. We charge $120 per hour for a lift and one man with a two hour minimum. Time is figured from leaving the shop to completion of the job.

 

[d fleming]

Love my bucket almost as much for the ability to tote 5 tons of tools and a generator as I do for not having to use a ladder to get high. I use it much more than I ever thought I would. Pull behinds have their place as well but if I had to choose one over the other I would definitely go with thew truck every time.

 

[Gino]

Ya know, in addition to all the work you can do with it, it makes putting up my Christmas decorations, much much easier. In fact, my wife in the last two years has added things just because I can get up high, now. Also, I'm the hit of the neighborhood helping out with all kinds of things. I enjoy doing this stuff. A company that we do quite a bit of work for asked me if I could do some work around their house of one of the big shots. Got invited in, had a few drinks and laughs afterwards, talked business and when I told him no charge, he slipped me $300 and said, just keep it and shut up..... Okay

All kinds of bennies with it.

 

[401Graphics]

I got a 97 Ford 4 years ago. paid only $3500 for it. I use it for myself, and also rent it out (with me). Other sign shops also hire me all the time for installs (including two big sign franchises)
https://www.facebook.com/thebuckettruck/photos_stream

 

[Rickey J]

Thanks to everyone for all the feedback. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it. I will now be on the look out for a bucket truck to add to my business.

Thanks again,

 

[GB2]

Whoa...what happened to the towable lift idea? Far less cost than bucket truck, far less insurance considerations and expense, much lighter and more maneuverable to get into places, two piece setup so if your truck breaks down you don't lose your lift too, far less maintenance, far less gas expense, no CDL license required....and on...and on....

 

[Rickey J]

Whoa...what happened to the tow-able lift idea? Far less cost than bucket truck, far less insurance considerations and expense, much lighter and more maneuverable to get into places, two piece setup so if your truck breaks down you don't lose your lift too, far less maintenance, far less gas expense, no CDL license required....and on...and on....

I have not ruled out a tow behind as of yet. I am looking into a couple of different options I have going. I also completely understand the additional cost and maintenance incurred with a truck. So, with that said yes, I am leaning towards a truck but I am not set on it.

 

[player]

Buy it. If you are getting such a great deal, you will be able to use it for some time and resell it for what you paid for it.

 

[401Graphics]

you dont need a cdl license for a truck under 26,000 gvw. my bucket truck is 15,000 gvw. I dont have special insurance either. According to the VIN its just a regular truck.
gas does suck though