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A bucket truck is typically a valuable workhorse for your utility repair needs. However, it isn’t always the right choice. For example, you might need to access a backyard or a tight urban jobsite where a truck is simply too large.
In certain scenarios, having bucket truck support equipment on hand ensures your team completes the job on time. Using compact access machines provides access to those hard-to-reach areas. They easily fit within narrow gates and underneath eaves with tight clearance.
Let’s check out a few utility repair tasks where a bucket truck just isn’t the right choice. For example, expect to need a different option when performing a transformer swap. The team at Skylift is ready to help you find the perfect machine for your utility maintenance needs.
Scenarios When a Bucket Truck isn’t the Best Option
Let’s examine three utility repair tasks where a bucket truck isn’t the best fit. This information provides a deeper understanding of why using bucket truck support equipment might provide a better option. It highlights why having compact access machines in your fleet provides flexibility.
Requirements for Tight Backyard and Urban Access
Sometimes utility repair work requires accessing a backyard or a tight urban location. In these situations, a large bucket truck just won’t fit! Narrow alleys and spaces between buildings are two examples of potential access problems. In short, you likely need bucket truck support equipment as part of your fleet.
Using a compact access machine with a telescoping boom provides similar functionality as a bucket truck. However, its smaller size lets you access any tough-to-reach locations during utility repairs. This capability especially matters for light-repair tasks, including transformer swaps.
When Avoiding Lawn Damage is Critical
Certain utility repair jobs require reducing the amount of damage to yards and landscaping. Obviously, a large and heavy bucket truck has the potential to create large ruts in any backyard. Once again, using a compact access machine simply offers a better solution for this situation.Skylift also offers ground mats for more damp terrain. These mats are mounted on our trailers and are quickly accessible.
While the frozen ground during winter provides some protection to lawns, large trucks are an exception. So, consider outfitting your fleet with sufficient bucket truck support equipment to protect jobsites. It’s a better approach for performing repairs without upsetting residents.
Repair Jobs with Both an Elevated Bucket and Digger Derrick
Some utility repair regulations require the presence of an elevated bucket when the project is using a digger derrick. A large bucket truck might not work in limited access scenarios. This is another situation that requires using a compact access machine combining smaller size with a telescoping bucket.
Compliance with any regulations related to utility repair is critical for municipalities. This issue amplifies the importance of building a flexible utility maintenance fleet including bucket truck support equipment. Ensuring your machines fit within tight areas, like backyards, becomes essential.
Exploring Suitable Compact Access Machines for Utility Repair
Skylift builds utility repair equipment known for combining industry-best functionality with small size. These include derrick diggers and mini linesman machines suitable for supporting or replacing bucket trucks on jobsites. Let’s explore the details.
The ML 47 Material Handler
Skylift’s ML 47 includes a telescoping boom with the needed reach for light utility repair projects, such as transformer swaps. Its compact size also fits underneath 7-foot eaves and through a standard 36-inch gate. It provides functionality and tight access for utility maintenance projects in backyards and urban spaces.
The ML 55 Material Handler
The Skylift ML 55 is perfect for utility repair situations requiring extended reach compared to the ML 47. Note that it has the same 7-foot eave and 36-inch gate clearance as the smaller machine. Its 1000-lb material handling jib and articulated telescoping boom simplify transformer swaps.
When building a flexible utility repair fleet, support your larger bucket trucks with efficient compact access machines. Skylift provides clients with a full range of material handlers and derrick diggers able to access challenging jobsites. They provide your bucket trucks with the necessary help. Contact our experienced team to request a quote.
