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When it comes to construction projects, the right equipment is more than a convenience—it’s the backbone of productivity and safety. According to reports, 55% of injury-related truck accidents involve at least one mechanical failure. For contractors, this highlights how critical it is to choose the right truck with the right features, especially for heavy-duty tasks. A poorly chosen or worn-out truck can slow down projects, increase costs, and even put workers at risk.

That’s where the Digger Derrick truck for construction comes in. These trucks handle some of the toughest jobs in the field—drilling, lifting, pole setting, and material handling. But not every truck will fit every project. If you’re considering purchasing one, especially from used Digger Derrick truck dealers like Big Truck & Equipment Sales, you need to know what to look for so you don’t end up with equipment that fails when you need it most.

Let’s break down what matters most when choosing the right [...]

A 2019 Elgin Pelican CNG Street Sweeper by Big Truck & Equipment Sales

Urban roads carry more than just vehicles. Every day, thousands of pounds of dirt, debris, chemicals, and litter build up across city streets. According to studies, road dust alone can account for nearly 30% of the fine particulate matter (PM10) found in urban air. These particles are linked to respiratory problems, clogged storm drains, and faster wear on roads. Yet, one machine continues to work quietly in the background, making cities cleaner and roads last longer—street sweepers.

Street sweepers in urban infrastructure are not just about appearance. They’re about air quality, water safety, and preserving multi-million-dollar road investments. For municipalities, contractors, and companies managing private properties, overlooking their role can mean higher costs in maintenance, more frequent road repairs, and potential public health concerns.

So, let’s look at why used sweeper trucks are more than just a cleaning tool and why choosing the right truck can save both cities and businesses from hidden costs.

Street Sweepers Reduce Airborne [...]
A 2016 Freightliner M2 Altec AT37G 42' Bucket Truck

Over 70% of utility companies rely on used bucket trucks to handle high-reach jobs. But here’s the problem: a surprising number of these trucks hit the resale market with hidden mechanical issues, unsafe lifts, or outdated hydraulics. One missed detail can cost thousands—or worse, cause an accident.

If you’re eyeing a bucket truck for sale, don’t just kick the tires. A thorough used bucket truck inspection is the smartest move you’ll make before signing a check.

1. Start with the Boom and Bucket

This is where safety matters most.

Check the fiberglass for cracks, chips, or wear—even minor ones compromise electrical insulation. Test the boom’s articulation through the full range of motion. Listen for hissing, grinding, or lagging movement.

Next, examine the bucket’s weight capacity label. If it’s worn off or unreadable, that’s a red flag. Look at the liner condition, safety harness anchor points, and inspect for non-functioning bucket controls.

Pro tip: Ask for the last dielectric [...]

A 2016 Ford F550 Altec AT37G 42' Bucket Truck

700 deaths in 2022 alone, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. At the same time, equipment costs continue to climb, putting pressure on businesses that rely on aerial work.

Here’s the good news: used bucket trucks for aerial work are giving these industries a way to cut costs without compromising on safety, reach, or performance. With the right unit and inspection process, you can lift your crew with confidence—and stay under budget.

Why Used Bucket Trucks Are a Smart Investment

Used bucket trucks offer a lower barrier to entry. Yet many of these trucks still have thousands of operational hours left in them—especially when they’ve been fleet-maintained or come with service records.

Key Benefits at a Glance:

  • Lower upfront cost
  • Reduced insurance premiums
  • Faster return on investment
  • Access to higher-spec models that would be out of budget, new

You’re not just saving money—you’re buying a safer, more capable setup than you’d otherwise afford.

Safety Isn’t [...]
A 2015 Freightliner 114SD Super Products Camel 1200 Vacuum Truck

The U.S. generated over 292 million tons of municipal solid waste in 2018 alone, according to the EPA. Add to that the waste from industrial sites, sewers, oilfields, and construction zones—and the cleanup challenge becomes massive. That’s where vacuum trucks come in. However, new units can put serious pressure on budgets.

That’s why more companies and municipalities are looking at pre-owned vacuum trucks to meet demand without overspending. The catch? Not every used unit is worth the savings. If you don’t know what to look for, you could end up with a truck that underperforms, breaks down, or costs a fortune in repairs.

Let’s break down the top features you should be evaluating before buying a used vacuum truck—so your team can handle heavy jobs without setbacks.

1. Suction Power (CFM and Inches of Mercury)

Suction is the heart of every vacuum truck. Look at the two main metrics:

  • CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)– How much [...]
A 2016 Freightliner M2 Altec AT37G 42' Bucket Truck

When time is money and uptime matters, your bucket truck needs to work—period. However, if you’re stuck between investing in a new machine or saving on a used bucket truck, you’re not alone. Many fleet managers face this decision while juggling budget limits and work demands. The wrong choice can leave you overpaying—or worse, stuck with a truck that doesn’t pull its weight.

Let’s break down the real-world differences between used and new bucket trucks so you can make a smart call for your team.

1. Upfront Cost and Depreciation New Bucket Trucks:

The sticker shock is real. A new bucket truck will cost you top dollar—and it depreciates fast. In fact, like most vehicles, it can lose some of its value in the first year alone. You’re paying a premium for zero miles and a factory warranty.

Used Bucket Trucks:

Used trucks can be cheaper, depending on age and condition. You avoid the steepest part [...]

A 2014 Peterbilt 348 Vac Con VPD4211LHAEN-0 Vacuum Truck

Hitting a gas line during excavation can cost lives—not just money. According to the Common Ground Alliance, over 532,000 excavation-related utility damages were reported in the U.S. in 2019 alone, costing around $30 billion.

The root cause is traditional digging methods that tear through the ground without seeing what’s underneath.

That’s where vacuum trucks are perfect for precision excavation.

Why Traditional Excavation Misses the Mark

Backhoes and shovels might be fast, but they’re blunt tools in a job that demands accuracy. When utilities like fiber optics, gas lines, or water mains are buried just inches below the surface, even a minor miscalculation can cause a major setback.

Mechanical digging can:

  • Severe utility lines.
  • Delay timelines.
  • Inflate repair costs.
  • Put workers and nearby residents at serious risk.

Manual digging is safer—but painfully slow. That’s why smart contractors are switching to vacuum trucks for precision excavation—specifically for hydro-excavation.

How Vacuum Trucks Make Digging Smarter

Vacuum trucks use [...]

A 2015 International 7400 6x6 Altec D4065B-TR Digger Derrick Truck

Construction margins are tight. And with inflation pushing equipment prices up by nearly 20% since 2020 to March 2023, many crews are rethinking their spending strategy.

Yet one question keeps coming up: Can used drills and diggers for construction really keep up with demanding projects?

If you’ve ever shelled out top dollar for new equipment only to watch it sit idle during off-peak seasons—or worse, break down mid-job—you’re not alone. Today’s construction pros are done paying full price for what they can get for less—without compromising output or uptime.

Choosing Used Drills and Diggers For Construction That Work As Hard As You Do

Buying used isn’t about settling—it’s about buying smart. But it only works if you know what to look for.

Here’s what matters:

1. Service History Over Paint Jobs

Shiny doesn’t mean dependable. Ask for maintenance records and check for signs of frequent repairs or major overhauls. Good records mean fewer surprises on the jobsite.

2. [...]
A 2016 Altec DB37 Backyard Digger Derrick

In the U.S. alone, over 13 million large trucks are registered for business use, and thousands are bought and sold each year in the pre-owned market. But not every used truck deserves a spot on your job site.

At Big Truck & Equipment Sales, we know that a quality used heavy-duty vehicle isn’t just about paint or mileage—it’s about whether it can handle tough work from day one. Whether it’s a used vacuum truck for industrial spills, a digger derrick for utility lines, or a street sweeper truck for sale keeping municipal roads clean—performance is non-negotiable.

Here’s how we make sure every truck on our lot is ready to perform, not just park.

Our Selection Process: Performance First, Every Time 1. We Know What to Look For

Before we even think about putting a truck on our lot, it goes through a checklist based on the actual jobs it’s built for. Used vacuum trucks? We check tank integrity, suction [...]

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