Your preference on Bucket trucks?

[Jimmmy]

Thinking of purchasing my first bucket truck for tree trimming. Have removed trees before, but never with bucket truck. Looking to buy used and not sure on boom height and many other options available on these trucks. Probably will spend $35k-45k. I know that price range limits me, but was curious if anyone had any opinions or suggestions on this topic?

[Outdoors_Unlimited]

You'd probably get a better answer on Arboristsite, but my only suggestion, as big as you can afford.
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[Jimmmy]

Ok, thanks for the quick response. Is there any certain type of truck/boom and or any other options on these trucks I might want to avoid?

[knox gsl]

Not sure about brands but with my limited experience doing tree work I would want to go high as possible 70'ish and have a small kicker engine to run the hydros and have live hydro power in the bucket to run a saw with. I think most booms are fiberglass now so that shouldn't be an issue.

[RSK Property Maintenance]

Originally Posted by Jimmmy

Thinking of purchasing my first bucket truck for tree trimming. Have removed trees before, but never with bucket truck. Looking to buy used and not sure on boom height and many other options available on these trucks. Probably will spend $35k-45k. I know that price range limits me, but was curious if anyone had any opinions or suggestions on this topic?

i wouldn't spend that much on your first bucket truck, i would only spend 15,000-20,000 tops look on craigslist and make sure it was dot inspected recently and don't buy one with a second motor, buy a diesel with a forestry package. you want the boom hydro's pto driven in my opinion, try to get at least a 60' working height bucket, make sure its a one man bucket. i would get one with a chip box too, gmc or ford, or international would be your best bet. either get one with a cummins, dt466 or a cat 3126, there are a few other good motors, but do a lot of research about the motor before you actually buy one, i would want one under 26,000lbs so you don't need a cdl to drive it too. have fun and make sure you have a good fast chipper too, i like brush bandit 200's or 250's myself, they feed quick and you can tow them with a regular 1 ton truck no issues.

[GreenI.A.]

I'll also add to keep your eyes open for one with a boom crane as well.

[Jimmmy]

Very good to hear! Will look into some less expensive trucks. I was wondering about the CDL thing also, thanks for mentioning that. Appreciate all the information. I'm sure I will have more questions as I go. But this will definitely help me get started.