Category: bucket trucks

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the problem: a surprising number of these trucks hit the resale market with hidden mechanical issues, unsafe lifts, or outdated hydraulics.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.

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 [...]

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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:

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.

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.

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 [...]

Did you know that in 55% of truck accidents resulting in injury, the vehicle involved had at least one mechanical failure?  This is exactly why buying pre-owned trucks requires more than just a glance under the hood. You need complete confidence in the vehicle’s safety, reliability, and performance.

Therefore, at Big Truck & Equipment Sales, we don’t believe in “good enough.” We hold every unit to high standards with a rigorous inspection checklist. We’ve built our reputation by refusing to cut corners, and that’s exactly why our pre-owned trucks stand apart from the rest.

We start with what matters most—the heart of the truck. Our mechanics check for:

• Compression levels
• Oil pressure
• Coolant leaks
• Emissions compliance
• Turbocharger operation (if applicable)

We also look at service history where available, to catch signs of past neglect. If the engine doesn’t deliver consistent output under load, [...]

Want to grow your fleet without draining your cash flow? Whether you’re eyeing a used bucket truck, a vacuum truck, or looking to buy sweeper trucks, the truth is: upfront costs can slow your business down if you don’t plan your financing the right way.

Here’s how to finance a used truck that supports your business goals—without sacrificing your bottom line.

You’ve found the truck—it’s the right model, condition, and price. But one glance at the sticker and you’re second-guessing the purchase. Sound familiar?

High-quality used equipment is in demand, and if you wait too long, you risk losing out. But you also can’t afford to take on a loan that traps you with sky-high payments or rigid terms.

That’s why how you finance a used truck is just as important as what truck you’re buying.

Big Truck & Equipment [...]

Hydro excavation is one of the safest, most precise ways to dig near underground utilities—but it comes at a price. Rates typically range from $375 to $475 per hour, which means any equipment-related savings can have a serious impact on your profitability. One of the smartest ways to conduct hydro-excavating on a budget without sacrificing performance is to invest in a used vacuum truck.

Depending on the truck’s age, brand, and condition, buying used can cut your upfront investment. That kind of savings doesn’t just help your bottom line—it accelerates your return on investment, shortens lead times, and gives you access to high-quality equipment that might otherwise be out of budget.

Let’s explore why used vacuum trucks make hydro-excavation more accessible, efficient, and profitable—especially for small businesses or growing fleets.

Let’s get something straight—hydro-excavation isn’t a luxury anymore. It’s a necessity.

Traditional digging methods with backhoes or manual shovels risk [...]

Keeping city streets clean isn’t just about appearances—it’s about safety, sanitation, and smart budgeting. Municipalities across the U.S. are under growing pressure to maintain cleaner streets while working within tighter budgets. That’s where used street sweepers step in as a cost-effective solution with proven results.

From California (CA) to Idaho (ID) and New Mexico (NM) to Pennsylvania (PA), public works departments are turning to high-quality used vacuum trucks and sweeper trucks to stretch every tax dollar without sacrificing performance. Whether it’s tackling urban grime, storm debris, or everyday street dust, these vehicles offer reliable service, lower upfront investment, and reduced long-term costs.

In this blog, we’ll explore how used street sweepers for municipal cleaning are helping cities clean smarter. Plus, we’ll look at popular units like parking lot sweeper trucks, vacuum trucks for sale in IL, WA, and GA, and what to look for when buying a sweeper truck for your city fleet.

When it comes to utility line maintenance and tree care operations, the right equipment can make all the difference. For companies looking to expand their fleet without breaking the bank, pre-owned bucket trucks offer the perfect solution. These workhorses are essential for safely reaching elevated job sites—whether it’s trimming trees, repairing power lines, or servicing telecommunications infrastructure.

In fact, over 70% of utility companies rely on used bucket trucks to handle high-reach jobs efficiently and cost-effectively. Why? Because buying new isn’t always practical—especially for contractors, municipalities, or growing businesses trying to manage overhead. That’s where pre-owned bucket trucks come in. With the right dealer, these vehicles provide the performance, reliability, and safety features of a new unit—at a fraction of the cost.

From trusted brands like Altec and Versalift to rust-free trucks sourced from municipal fleets, there are countless advantages to going used. In this guide, we’ll explore why pre-owned bucket trucks are ideal for utility and arborist work, [...]