Any job that involves working high off the ground may require a bucket truck. This type of truck features a hydraulic pole (boom) that holds a man-carrying bucket.
In the telecommunication industry, these trucks are used to keep workers safe while installing data cables and TV cables. In addition, orchard workers rely on these trucks to harvest fruit safely and efficiently.
Safety
In addition to reducing risk, the integration of technology in boom and bucket trucks improves efficiency. For example, the SlopeMax passive safety system by Versalift increases productivity by allowing you to safely operate your bucket truck in sloped areas that would otherwise require you to use a crane to maneuver. This allows workers to reach jobsites faster and more efficiently, regardless of the operator’s experience or expertise.
The demand for boom trucks is increasing across several sectors, including construction, utilities, and transportation. Rising government spending on infrastructure development projects across the world is driving growth in these sectors, which is supporting boom truck market growth. Additionally, rapid stimulus spending in the shipping industry is boosting port infrastructure development, thereby propelling demand for boom trucks.
Various industries deploy boom trucks for tasks like building maintenance, window cleaning, and installation work. The construction sector is a major driver of the boom truck market, with increased investment in construction activities. The utility sector also relies on bucket trucks for performing maintenance on electrical networks, such as power lines, telecommunications, and cable.
When selecting a bucket truck, it’s important to consider its platform capacity and the weight of tools that will be transported in it. This will help narrow down your options, especially when deciding between articulated and telescopic models. For example, articulating booms can extend to a higher height without the need for a tail swing, which reduces the amount of time the machine must be moved around the jobsite.
Another factor to consider when purchasing a bucket truck is its ability to transport and stow tools on the ground. This is especially important when working in tight spaces where you cannot afford to have the tools fall off and cause a hazard to pedestrians or driving vehicles.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 slowed down the production of boom trucks, but in the second half of 2021, industrial activities resumed after mass vaccination drives and other initiatives were implemented. This helped businesses resume their normal operations, which boosted the demand for boom truck cranes in North America.
Efficiency
A boom truck is a utility vehicle with a hydraulic pole that has a man-carrying bucket at its end. The truck is used to lift workmen up so they can perform a variety of tasks high off the ground, including fixing power lines, repairing electricity transformers and installing data cables.
Boom trucks are indispensable to the power industry, as most of the overhead wires that carry electricity are managed and maintained by aerial devices. In addition, the demand for these trucks is increasing in the telecommunication industry, where they help technicians reach elevated equipment to troubleshoot and make repairs. The trucks are also used by city and state departments of transportation to maintain highway lighting, signals and signs. In addition, orchard workers rely on them to harvest fruit from the top branches of trees safely and efficiently.
Several technology innovations have improved the efficiency of boom trucks. For example, a hybrid boom truck reduces the engine’s idling hours by running the hydraulic system on battery power while the bucket is in use. This significantly cuts down on fuel costs and carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, it also eliminates engine noise and improves communication between crew members. This type of technology is also being used by telecommunication companies to lower costs while performing maintenance and installation of wireless infrastructure.
A key factor driving the growth of the boom and bucket truck market is urbanization. Rising population in the developing world leads to rapid urbanization, which requires the construction of new buildings and roads. These projects boost the demand for construction machinery, which in turn stimulates the boom truck market.
In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the industrial sector. However, as the virus started to recede in 2021, various industries regained their momentum. This accelerated the recovery of the boom truck market and is expected to continue to do so during the forecast period.
Boom truck manufacturers are focusing on developing advanced systems that will increase the productivity of their products. For example, Versalift is introducing an innovative lithium-ion auxiliary power system that uses advanced batteries to run the truck’s hydraulics while the bucket is in use. This allows linemen to operate the bucket without running the engine all day and saves on fuel costs, maintenance and repairs. In addition, the system alerts crews if it is possible that the bucket is loaded higher than the load chart. This feature is an important safety measure to ensure the boom truck remains safe for crew members.
Communication
For boom & bucket trucks to be effective in the field, crews must communicate clearly and efficiently. This is especially important if they are working in crowded areas with many other vehicles and equipment. This is why it is important for manufacturers to include a communication system that allows for easy and clear communication between the operator and the rest of the crew. The best systems use a radio network that transmits audio to each vehicle in the work area, allowing crew members to hear what others are saying and also respond promptly.
The market for boom and bucket trucks is expected to grow steadily during the forecast period, primarily due to government spending on infrastructure projects in several regions across the globe. A growing demand for these cranes in the construction and telecom industries is further propelling the growth of this segment. Moreover, the increasing use of these cranes for power line maintenance and tree care services is fueling the boom truck market.
A number of vendors in the boom truck market are deploying successful business strategies to boost their sales and profits. Some of these companies are focusing on new products, while others are expanding their distribution networks to reach more customers. Some of the key players in this industry are Altec Inc., Manitowoc Cranes, Palfinger AG, and Tadano Ltd.
Choosing the right boom truck for your needs depends on a variety of factors, including platform capacity and how long you plan to operate it. Platform capacity refers to the total weight of the occupants, tools and equipment that can be safely carried in the bucket. This capacity can be limited by the size of the vehicle, so be sure to check its specifications before making a purchase.
Another factor is the type of work you’ll be doing. If you’ll be operating the bucket truck on roads, look for models with a tail swing arc that won’t interfere with traffic. Also, pay attention to the maximum height and side reach of each model you’re considering.
Lastly, consider the fuel options available for your machine. Gasoline-powered models tend to be smaller and have lower working height and side reach capacities than diesels. Hybrid models are a good option for environmentally-conscious businesses, as they combine the benefits of an electric lift with a gasoline or diesel engine.
Security
Aerial lifts are an important tool for a wide variety of businesses, and boom trucks are especially crucial in the telecommunications industry. These vehicles are often used to install, repair, and maintain telecom cables in high locations. They can also help keep workers safe by allowing them to reach otherwise inaccessible areas. However, safety risks still exist with these machines. To combat these risks, companies must ensure that their employees are properly trained and that the equipment they use is equipped with the latest technology.
Boom truck vendors are constantly improving their products to reduce operating costs and enhance worker safety. For example, Terex recently announced a new system that helps prevent operators from falling out of the bucket by alerting them when their safety lanyard isn’t hooked to the attachment point. The system is available for the company’s LT40 trouble trucks and XTPro tree trimming aerials. It was introduced at the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition (ICUEE), now known as The Utility Expo.
A wide range of industries use boom and bucket trucks, including electrical power distribution lines, telecommunications, lighting, signage, traffic signals, and forestry. These vehicles are also used to perform building maintenance tasks. Their extendable booms allow them to access difficult-to-reach areas and safely perform jobs like window cleaning and facade inspections. They are also commonly employed to trim or remove trees located near construction sites.
Increasing infrastructure spending by governments around the world will drive demand for boom trucks in the coming years. This will boost the industry’s growth and create new opportunities for manufacturers. In addition, rising infrastructure renovation and repair needs are boosting the demand for specialized cranes.
In 2022, the global market for boom trucks will increase by 5%, and its revenue is expected to hit $1.75 billion by 2025. The market is growing due to a rise in telecommunications, power transmission, and transportation projects.
Companies are also increasingly replacing or upgrading their existing fleets to improve efficiency and meet government regulations. This can cause periodic spikes in the demand for bucket trucks. In addition, supply chain and inflation issues can impact the cost of parts and labor, which can further increase the operating cost per mile for these trucks.