[TowerTalk] SUMMARY: "Bucket Truck" for Tower Work? (LONG)

[Jeff Maass]

Earlier this week, I posted a request for information on using a 
"bucket truck" for antenna work. I've repeated my question and 
the responses I received  below.

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****** The Question *******
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I'm beginning to shop for a crane to assist in the refit of my 
70' tower. I was looking at  hourly rental of a crane with a 
80-foot working  height with operator included.

A neighbor suggested that he could get me a weekend rental 
of a "bucket truck", where the  operator rides in the bucket 
while controlling the extension of the boom. This would 
seem to be ideal should any on-tower tuning be needed, as 
well as significantly cheaper than a crane/operator.

Does anyone have experience with using one of these 
devices for tower work? Problems (other than my hesitation 
to operate it without adequate training)? Caveats?

I'll be removing a small tribander and Hay-Gain 2-element 
40 and installing a KT34XA and Cushcraft 2-element 40.

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****** The Responses ******
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Bucket trucks are great.  You just balance the boom across 
the bucket and take it up. The only problem you may have 
is that most of them will only allow the operator to work at 
60'.  Check on the height limitations of the truck before any 
outlay of expenses.

In retrospect (re my last msg), don't try to operate the truck 
yourself if you have never done so before.  The tricky part is 
the balance.  Get a truck with an experienced operator.  
He can control it from down below if necessary.  In some 
case, you may get an operator who is willing to affix the 
antenna for you.  You can go up and do a final eyeball when 
he finishes.
  
***

Some eqpt rental places have these bucket lifts.  There are 
liquid fuel powered and electric models that look about the 
same.  I would opt for the electric one if you're in a residential 
neighborhood---they're almost silent.  What the rental co does 
is bring the unit out in the am, and pick it up in the pm.  Usually 
they're around  $250 or so/day.  Only thing to watch is the 
height limitation.  Also, they have dual controls (one set in the 
bucket, one set at the unit base.

***

Here in MD, I could not find a firm that would rent me one because 
of the liability issues.  I had to rent one with an operator.  He 
let me on the bucket but not "officially".  

***

I've used one of these a number of times.  I operated the 60footer. 
Operator controls the whole thing from up in the air, including: 
boom extension, boom elevation, boom rotation, up-and-down of 
small bucket arm, side-to-side of bucket, and wheels.  Don't move 
the wheels while the gizmo is extended, however, as the 
instructions state.  

I have used it to put antennas up, take them down, add tower 
sections (rohn BX), etc.  DEFINITELY the way to go.  Operation 
learning curve is easy.  Everything is marked on the panel.  If 
you have ever played a video game you won't have any 
problem.

***

Around here, the REA only charges $45/hour for their bucket truck 
with operator.  The cranes here go for about twice that.  Their 
newest truck is great, has a one handle "joystick" control that is 
easy to use, and the REA operator can take over from the 
ground if you need help.  Max reach is about 80 feet for this 
one.  I've had them help with tower work, large satellite dish 
work (broadcast industry), and setting 65' poles for my wire 
antennas.  Some of the trucks are dual bucket, so the operator 
can go up and be right beside you.

***

Jeff .... I have never used a bucket truck, but have used a crane 
holding me up there in a basket. It is OK for certain kinds of 
work, but not real efficient timewise if you are going to be 
removing and reinstalling beams.  Also, trying to control the 
bucket and also hold an antenna would be pretty difficult.  
The best thing by far, for me, has been to rent ($50/hr or so) 
a 100' boom truck and operator from one of the local neon 
sign companies.  With the crane, and one or two good climbers 
on the tower you can move and replace several antennas in 
just an hour or two. For my money, and safety, the sign 
company crane is much better than buckets, tram wires, or the 
like.

***

I couldn't find one to use myself, but did find  a local large sign 
company willing to do it at a good price of $65 per hour. 

***

A bucket truck is a great tool for tower work, providing that 
a) you can use it safely, or have a trained operator, and 
b)  that it is of adequate height.  Most of the ones I've seen 
don't get near 80 feet, although I'm sure they exist.  The last 
time I rented one, it was about $50/hr with the operator (at 
NY prices).

***

I rented one and used it to replace an element on an antenna at 
40 ft.  I did the work myself. My only complaint was that I don't 
like heights and being in the bucket (which wobbles around a lot) 
bothered me a lot.  I would not do it again.  I kept visualizing 
that thing going over sideways.  I would have felt better if 
someone who uses them all the time had been there and 
told me that the way we had the stabilizing "feet" set up 
was proper.

***

Some folks came with a 60' truck to take down my tower and 
beams. Works fine but the weight of the truck tore up my lawn.  
Be sure you have them come on a day when the earth is not 
rain-softened and keep them away from the septic system.

Some times you can "work a deal" for weekend service.  Try 
tree services.

Be sure to get all involved to sign a release of liability...the 
cheapest insurance you will ever buy.  Get a lawyer to draft it.

***

first off, a bucket that will reach to that height will bob like a 
sailboat. if you are not used to working at that height in a 
bouncy situation I would NOT try it!

as for lack of training... you might be a lot better off (and the 
xyl will be happier) if you find a local friendly utility guy who 
will spend a couple of hours with you... for a few bucks... now 
you have a person who knows what to do, and knows how to 
do it from a bucket!!

Also remember, the book and bucket get in the way of 
elements...

***

I don't recall seeing a bucket truck that would go that high, but 
surely they  exist.  However, I think the best, and safest, way 
to do what  you described is to use a crane with an 
experienced operator.  The tower worker needs to be  on the 
tower with the crane doing the lifting, etc.  Bucket trucks just 
aren't really intended for hauling beams up and down and would 
probably give you lots of grief.  What you want to do should be 
easily done in a half day rental period using a crane.  Bucket 
trucks are great for fixing elements and  getting to impossible 
places on your antenna or mast.

***

I used one (125' manlift)  to work on my 110' tower.  Had to 
repair the 40M beam....worked great!

Recommendations:

Use a qualified operator from a bonded, insured  and REPUTABLE 
company. Determine if they provide the body harness or if you'll 
need to go get one. Your climbing belt is not adequate to comply 
with OSHA rules regarding fall restraint.  If the company says 
you won't need one then go find another company...it's a good 
indicator of bad things to come.

Be 110% sure that heights don't bother you. These things move 
around (bounce, jiggle, sway) and the higher you get the worse 
it is.  If you're not comfortable on your tower then you'll be even 
less comfortable in a bucket.

Be aware that the truck will leave some sizable dents in your 
yard.....the bigger the truck the bigger the dents!

You'll need to get the truck up close to your tower.  An 80' 
manlift will need to be right next to the tower in order to provide 
adequate reach on a 70' tower.

You'll also need to make sure that there is adequate room for 
the lift arms to unfold.  Trees and buildings are the biggest 
nuisance.  The chosen company should come out and survey 
the sight beforehand.

Have a big check book......most companies want a 4 hour 
minimum.....including drive time.

***

I have never operated a bucket truck but I have had a similar 
experience with a backhoe. I needed to get a backhoe 
to dig my tower base and cringed at the cost of hiring a 
backhoe with an operator so I decided to rent a backhoe 
and do it my self. I too was leery of operating that thing 
since I had no experience so I took a few hours and practiced 
with it in the pasture after I got use  to how the controls 
worked and how touchy they were I dug my tower base and 
bases for 3 elevated guys points until I hit rock and had to 
hire a pro to finish HIHI. But the point of this is take the 
bucket truck to a safe area  ie no trees, power lines or 
buildings and play with it get use to the controls and feel 
of the thing and I'm sure you will be more confident when 
you get to working around the tower.

***

Me too, the truck I used was 135' and looked like an antique. 
Bald tires, rust, and all.  Boy, was I worried!

They did make me wear a harness that they supplied. I hid 
in the bottom of the bucket until it was at the top!
 
The truck I used had a telescoping mast. Whatever you do, 
don't look at the mast when it is all the way out!

It was $300 minimum here for a 135 ft boom.

***

Bucket truck work is really great.  I did a coax changeout of a 
triband beam feedline that was too high up the mast to reach 
standing on the lower beam beam-to-mast plate.  An operator 
came with the bucket and we rode up together.  That is 
definitely the safe and sane way to do it.

At 70', I recommend you get a two-man bucket; one place for 
you and one for the operator.  It's not where you want to be "without 
adequate training."

***

If you check out my QRP page (just follow the link at the bottom 
of this note) you will see a 72 foot tower being installed with a 
bucket truck. I am/was trained on this piece of equipment so 
I find it very useful. 

http://members.home.net/ve6yc

***

When I asked a local bucket truck rental  company about  using 
one of their trucks to dismantle an 80 ft tower and 3 attached 
tribanders, they asked if I had a driveway or otherwise reinforced 
ground beneath the tower.  They were VERY reluctant to consider 
using an 80 ft boom truck on undisturbed earth.

Are you familiar with the TROLLEY method of antenna installation 
/ removal?  Takes about an hour to do the rigging but then only a 
few minutes to raise or lower antennas.  That's how I have put up 
all my antennas.

Of course, if you don't like climbing masts, then it is tedious to 
remove the rotor and lower the mast, assuming your tribander 
and 2L40 are on a rotating mast.

***

Drive over to your local beverage store on Friday afternoon and 
wait until a large bucket truck pulls in. When the driver of the 
truck comes out of the store see what he purchased. I have 
secured the services of truck and driver all day Sat. for a case 
of Bud (24 cans). Who says I am not cheep.
                                                                     
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****** End of Responses **********
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Thanks to everyone who provided their experiences!

73,
Jeff Maass       jmaass@columbus.rr.com     Located near Columbus Ohio
         USPSA # L-1192       NROI/CRO    Amateur Radio K8ND
    Maass' IPSC Resources Page:  http://home.columbus.rr.com/jmaass


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