We were looking at activity on our website and discovered that lots of you are looking for information about hydraulics. Since hydraulic power is key to a number of pieces of utility equipment and how they work: Tiiger Pole Pullers and Cubes Bucket Truck Booms Digger Derricks we thought we would gather some of our best resources into a single place. Read on to learn more about utility equipment hydraulics, parts, and maintenance. Bucket Truck Bucket trucks have an extendable boom and a bucket (large enough to hold a person) attached at the end. The boom is raised and lowered … [Read more...]
Whether to Watch the Weather
Weather is something we cannot ignore in the bucket truck business. Tree trimmers get busy when high winds knock down trees, and utility companies respond when weather-caused emergencies occur. And now another hurricane season (June – November) is upon us. It doesn’t seem like that long ago that we were talking about 2017 and the monster hurricanes that hit Puerto Rico, Florida, and Texas – not to mention the devastation of some other Caribbean islands. With that in mind, here is what NOAA predicts for 2018. Boy, wouldn’t you like to have a job that allowed such room for error?! In … [Read more...]
To Buy (or Build) a Bucket Truck … That is the Question?
Bucket trucks are an important part of many businesses, including tree trimmers, foresters, sign companies, and of course, utility companies. So it’s important to find the bucket truck that’s right for you. Many companies sell new and used bucket trucks. Here’s a short list of the most popular brands. Hi-Ranger (which is now owned by Terex) Altec Teco Holan Reach All Versalift Which Truck Will You Buy? When buying a bucket truck, there are many options to consider – new, used, articulating boom, telescoping boom. You will want to consider how high you will need the … [Read more...]
Hydraulic Fluid 101
Actually, we should have named our blog Hydraulic Fluid 5606 since bucket truck manufacturers recommend fluids that comply with Mil spec 5606. It’s all about the viscosity – it’s low-viscosity aviation hydraulic fluid. Technically speaking, Mil-H-5606 is a U.S. specification for hydraulic fluids based on mineral oil. They are used in military 3,000 psi hydraulic systems. Their biggest drawback is their flammability, which is why they are no longer used in new commercial aircraft designs. However, many piston general aviation aircraft still depend on 5606 hydraulic fluid. The fluid … [Read more...]
What Solenoid Valves & Football Have In Common?
Solenoid valves are kinda like offensive linemen on a football team – sometimes underappreciated, and not noticed until something bad happens. A solenoid valve is a valve that is controlled by an electric current through a solenoid … I know, you’re saying, “No kidding.” The solenoid was invented in the early 1800’s by a French guy named Ampere. The solenoid is simply a wire wrapped around a metal rod. When an electric current is passed through the coiled wire, a magnet is created – an electromagnet. In the simplest solenoid, the magnetized rod (armature) moves up and down opening or … [Read more...]