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The Basic - purchasing an aerial device

Published in: Arbor Age
Date: 3/1/2001
By: Scudder, Dana

There are several things to consider when it is time to purchase an aerial device for tree trimming. Listed below are a few of the critical items you should look at when selecting your new aerial lift.

Travel Height: Overall travel height is very important. Depending on your geographical location and local area, you may want to consider a side-by-side boom aerial device for a low stow package. Your working locale will also dictate if you need a rear mount or a reverse mount (back of cab). The reverse mount allows for a hydraulic split chip/dump box. However, the rear mount with a flat bed body also has several distinct advantages if your work is mostly off the rear of the chassis. A rear mount provides easier platform access since the bucket stows on the tailshelf. This configuration also provides the lowest overall stowed travel height. Working off of the rear of the chassis also keeps falling debris from damaging the chassis, body, and aerial device.

GVWR: The next big choice is the chassis GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). While there are several options, two of the more popular choices are 25,900 GVWR and 33,000 GVWR. The main reason to select the lighter weight chassis is if you have requirements for a non-CDL driver. But the lighter models also limit some of your aerial device options. On a chassis with a low GVWR, you may have stability problems or payload capacity problems.

A 33,000 GVWR chassis will have one set of outriggers, no counter weight, and 400 lbs of platform capacity. All manufacturers can supply you with weight distributions showing payload capacities, as well as stability analyses showing maximum platform capacities. Consider how you will use this vehicle the majority of the time, and also where the vehicle will be used. The average experience of the operator(s) using this machine is also important. Operator experience level may also affect the aerial options you select.

Drive Systems: Here is another important option to consider. The most common and least expensive drive system is a hydraulic pump connected to a power take off (PTO) unit, which is directly coupled to the chassis transmission. Auxiliary engine drive systems can also be installed to supply hydraulic power to the aerial device. Auxiliary systems allow you to operate the lift without having to run the vehicle's engine. Emergency power (12-volt DC), also available as an option, allows you to intermittently use a small two-gpm pump to lower and stow the aerial device in case you lose hydraulics with either main system.

Other Considerations: Maintenance is another major item to consider. Review the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedules and determine what your inspection and labor costs will be. You may be surprised at how much maintenance can cost you.

Remember that every aerial device option, body configuration, and chassis size, will affect what work you can and can't do. Most manufacturers and distributors have demonstrators available to help you determine which application will work best for your specific business and in your geographical area.

Dana Scudder is National Sales Manager for Waco, TX-based Time Manufacturing--manufacturer of Versalift Aerial Devices and Digger Derricks.

COPYRIGHT 2001 Adams Business Media

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