Category: Trucks

The sticker shock on new trucks isn’t going away anytime soon. A brand-new heavy-duty unit can run between $150,000 and $300,000, depending on the model and application. For many businesses, that’s not just expensive—it’s unsustainable. Businesses are now considering used heavy-duty equipment as their first option. Let’s find out why.

1. Immediate Cost Savings That Add Up

Let’s break it down. A new vacuum truck may cost over $250,000. A similar used vacuum truck, fully operational, may cost a lot less. Big Truck & Equipment Sales even offers used vacuum trucks starting from $70,000, depending on the model, etc.

 

2. Better Availability—No Factory Wait Times

Order a new truck today, and you could be waiting months for delivery, longer for custom builds. That delay can hurt growth or even cost you contracts.

Used heavy-duty trucks, on the other hand, are often ready for pickup or delivery within days. That’s a big win for companies needing [...]

Unexpected breakdowns don’t just cause delays—they eat into profit. And for businesses running used bucket trucks or used vacuum trucks, skipping truck preventive maintenance can lead to major safety issues and repair costs that could’ve been avoided.

So, let’s break down how often you should service your vacuum or bucket truck—and what to check every time.

Why Truck Preventive Maintenance Matters

These trucks aren’t average pickups. They carry weight, run power equipment, and work under pressure. Letting maintenance slide means:

• Shorter equipment life
• More downtime
• Increased fuel use
• Safety violations during DOT inspections

Routine service keeps trucks safer, more efficient, and job-ready.

How Often Should You Service Your Bucket Truck?

For used bucket trucks, keep a tight maintenance schedule. Here’s what that looks like:

Daily or Before Each Use:

• Check hydraulic fluid levels
• Inspect the bucket and boom for cracks or wear
• Test all controls (ground and bucket)
• Look for leaks around cylinders and hoses
[...]

Need heavy-duty work vehicles but don’t want to sink six figures into a brand-new fleet? For small businesses, contractors, and service providers, new commercial vehicles often come with heavy price tags.

U.S. municipalities retire vehicles based on age or policy, not performance. That means many trucks are replaced on a schedule, not because there’s anything wrong with them. Cities often sell them off through auctions or fleet resellers. The result? Lower-mileage vehicles that have been well-maintained, ready for a new life in private business.

If you’re trying to grow your operations without crushing overhead, these refurbished municipal trucks can deliver serious value.

 

1. Government-Maintained Means Consistent Service

Municipal vehicles are on strict schedules for oil changes, brake checks, inspections, and repairs. City fleets don’t cut corners—because public safety (and lawsuits) are on the line.

So, when you buy refurbished municipal trucks, you’re getting machines that were:

• Routinely serviced
• Logged and inspected regularly
• Maintained [...]

If you’re in the market for a used commercial truck, you already know the stakes are high. New commercial trucks can cost anywhere from $80,000 to over $150,000, depending on the type and configuration. That’s a serious chunk of capital, especially for small and mid-sized businesses trying to grow without breaking the bank.

Buying used isn’t about taking chances. It’s about making smarter moves. If you’ve ever bought a lemon, you know the pain—unreliable performance, hidden maintenance issues, and downtime that costs more than the truck itself.

So, how do you know when a used truck is actually worth the money? Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Clear, Documented Maintenance History

The first sign of a smart buy? Records. You want a truck with a full, well-organized maintenance log. This should include:

• Regular oil changes
• Brake service
• Transmission checks
• Any major repairs or part replacements

A truck without records is a red [...]

Tree service companies rely on powerful, reliable equipment to perform demanding tasks like pruning, tree removal, and storm cleanup. Choosing the right truck directly impacts safety, efficiency, and service quality. With a range of specialized vehicles available, including used bucket trucks in WA, and forestry trucks, investing in the right tools can significantly boost your operation’s capabilities.

Bucket Trucks: The Tree Trimmer’s Essential

Bucket trucks are a staple for tree service professionals, allowing operators to reach heights safely and efficiently. These trucks come with hydraulic lifts and insulated or non-insulated buckets for various job types. Used bucket trucks are a cost-effective choice for smaller companies or startups looking to maintain professional standards without a large upfront investment. Brands like Altec are particularly trusted for their performance, durability, and ease of maintenance.

Altec Bucket Trucks: Built for Performance

Altec bucket trucks stand out due to their advanced engineering and proven field performance. Known for their smooth boom operation and enhanced [...]

When it comes to dependable aerial work, used Altec bucket trucks continue to be a go-to solution for utility companies, contractors, and arborists across the country. Combining proven durability with cost-effectiveness, these vehicles remain a smart investment for businesses that need to elevate operations—literally.

Proven Performance and Reliability

Altec has earned its place in the industry as a leading manufacturer of bucket trucks for aerial work. Even pre-owned, Altec bucket trucks are known for their solid construction and smooth hydraulic systems. Designed to endure years of demanding use, these trucks maintain high standards of safety and efficiency, making them ideal for tasks such as electrical line repair, tree trimming, and signage installation.

Cost Savings Without Compromising Quality

Opting for used bucket trucks provides significant savings over buying new. For small businesses or growing contractors, this allows access to high-performance equipment without the burden of large capital investments. Because Altec trucks retain their value and mechanical reliability, buyers often [...]

Purchasing pre-owned utility trucks can be a smart and cost-effective solution for businesses in industries such as construction, utilities, telecommunications, and environmental services. However, the process requires a careful approach to ensure you’re making a reliable and valuable investment. From evaluating the right vehicle type—like Altec bucket trucks or used vacuum trucks—to knowing where and how to shop, this guide covers essential tips to help you secure the best deal.

Understand Your Business Needs

Before diving into the market, clearly define your company’s operational needs. Utility trucks come in various forms and configurations, each suited for different tasks:

Altec Bucket Trucks: Built for Elevated Efficiency

Altec bucket trucks are a go-to solution for professionals who need safe and reliable access to elevated work zones. Equipped with extendable boom lifts and secure platform buckets, these trucks are specially engineered for tasks like electrical line servicing, telecommunication maintenance, streetlight installation, and tree trimming. The brand is known for its rugged build [...]

Getting your business on the road shouldn’t mean draining your cash flow. Commercial truck financing is more than just helpful—it’s essential for most businesses. Small businesses use financing to purchase equipment, including trucks. The right financing plan lets you keep your capital free for payroll, operations, and growth, without sacrificing access to quality equipment.

If you’re eyeing used bucket trucks, used vacuum trucks, or a street-ready fleet, here’s how Big Truck & Equipment Sales makes it fast and simple to get what you need.

 

Step 1: Know What You Need

Before applying for commercial truck financing, decide on the truck type and features that fit your operation.

Are you looking at:

• A used bucket truck for electrical work or sign maintenance?
• A used vacuum truck for environmental services or septic pumping?
• A street sweeper for municipal or construction cleanup?

Once you’ve picked the vehicle, financing becomes more focused. You’ll be applying for a [...]

Municipalities and industries alike depend on specialized vehicles to keep their operations clean, efficient, and compliant with environmental standards. Among these, vacuum trucks stand out as one of the most critical assets. Designed for high-powered suction and safe waste disposal, vacuum trucks play a vital role in everything from sewer maintenance to industrial cleanup.

Whether you’re overseeing a city sanitation department or managing a factory site, understanding the importance of vacuum trucks can help you make better decisions for infrastructure and environmental upkeep. Let’s explore why vacuum trucks for municipal and industrial projects are not just useful—but essential.

What Are Vacuum Trucks?

Vacuum trucks are heavy-duty vehicles equipped with powerful pumps that can extract liquid, sludge, and dry waste materials from difficult-to-reach places. The waste is then stored in an onboard tank and transported to treatment or disposal facilities. These trucks are typically used for:

• Sewer and septic cleaning
• Industrial tank cleaning
• Hydro excavation
• Environmental [...]

Keeping urban and industrial spaces clean is critical for public health, aesthetics, and environmental safety. Street sweeper trucks play a vital role in maintaining cleanliness across municipal roads, parking lots, construction sites, and commercial properties. But with so many models and features available, selecting the right one for your business can be overwhelming.

Whether you’re a city official, private contractor, or facilities manager looking to buy street sweeper units, this guide will help you make an informed and strategic investment.

1. Understand Your Cleaning Needs

Before investing in a street sweeper truck, clearly define your cleaning objectives. Ask yourself:

• What type of surfaces will you clean? (urban roads, industrial yards, parking lots, airports, etc.)
• What kind of debris is typical? (leaves, dust, gravel, construction waste, oil residue)
• How often will the sweeper be used?
• What is the square footage or area you plan to cover?

These questions will help you determine the size, suction [...]