Glossary term
What is Bucket truck?
Short answer
A bucket truck is a truck with a hydraulic boom and a platform that lifts a worker up to the tree, so no climbing is needed.
Bucket truck, explained for tree service owners
A bucket truck carries a boom with a basket at the end. A worker stands in the basket and is lifted to the limbs they need to trim or remove. It is faster than climbing for many trimming jobs, and it is safer in some cases, such as dead trees or trees along a street. The worker stays tied to the basket with a harness. Bucket trucks need a clear spot to park, a level base with the outriggers down, and enough room away from power lines. They are costly to buy and run, so many owners use the equipment buy-vs-rent tool before deciding. A bucket truck can also let a small crew take on more jobs per day.
Related terms
- Outriggers
Outriggers are extendable legs on a crane or bucket truck that spread the weight and keep the machine level and steady.
- Aerial lift
An aerial lift is any machine that raises a worker on a platform, such as a bucket truck or a lift mounted on tracks.
- Pole saw
A pole saw is a saw on a long pole that cuts high limbs from the ground, so the worker does not need to climb.
- Inland marine insurance
Inland marine insurance covers movable equipment, such as chippers, stump grinders and tools, while they are at job sites or in transit.
- Skid steer
A skid steer is a small, powerful loader that moves logs, brush and dirt and can carry attachments such as grapples or grinders.
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