Bucket truck extinction – could it really happen? There is a strong belief being presented in the commercial vehicle world that the obsolescence of this truck is very possible. Some viewpoints of the technology of this vehicle point that it could be happening; this is only partially true. In truth, advancements are right now being made and these trucks are not being eliminated. Instead, technology is working to enhance them to serve their primary purpose.
Importance – Now and in the Future
The importance of bucket trucks in the electrical and telecommunication industries make them difficult to be phased out. Some believe that this equipment will no longer be in existence in the future for many reasons, one primary one being the worldwide dependence on oil; holders of this viewpoint feel that most companies will just no longer be able to afford to operate them.
On the other hand, unless some type of flying device is invented that serves the same purpose and could levitate an individual from the ground to the desired height with a storage bin and additional items such as signage, electric transformers and hand tools, such “future vehicles” are probably still in the realm of science fiction and not actually a possibility in the foreseeable future!
Bucket trucks continue to be utilitarian pieces of equipment used for lifting and lowering workers to places that are too high for ladders to reach. By using these trucks, they can complete the work of linemen in a comfortable and efficient manner, allowing the workers to experience a smooth and safe ride while the device is in operation.
Performance – Now and in the Future
The performance of bucket trucks has constantly been transforming through innovative product designs. They have been developed to be safer, smarter and more reliable. Tracing back through their history, these trucks were originally used to pick fruit in orchards. With growing technology and adaptation, they grew for use not only for fruit harvesting but for hundreds of other jobs as well. The growing demand for this equipment for use at various worksites has led to the adaptation of these vehicles to meet the needs of each unique industry. The result is a revolutionized device with accessories such as cab guards, hydraulic outriggers and insulated booms that allow companies to be safe and more productive.
Because of the various tasks that bucket trucks can perform, engineers and those who design this equipment have unique and challenging jobs to increase the device’s performance while never compromising safety.
Deregulation in America created another impact on electric utilities. Many companies are streamlining their crews while trying to maintain a good productivity level. To lessen the impact that deregulation has created, a bucket truck on a smaller chassis was designed. There have been positive changes that have resulted from the use of this creation, such as savings for companies in maintenance costs and expenses, as well as an increase of the vehicle’s capacity to perform more functions.
Conclusion
The bucket truck will probably always be in existence. Most manufacturers have been proactive in enhancing various features of these vehicles. Because they are commonly used in dangerous industries, such as those that perform work near power lines, they will always need to be upgraded to be safer and provide optimum assistance in the work place. What may become extinct are any of the disadvantages about this truck that currently exist. Ever-growing modern technological advances will attempt to remove any drawbacks such as fuel costs, safety, maintenance costs, low productivity level and the need for more manpower rather than eliminate the actual vehicle.
Today, the bucket truck is expected to be more competitive and productive. There is no realistic reason to think that this vehicle will no longer be around in the future because the extinction of this vehicle seems to be more impossible than possible. Rest assured that the bucket truck will be helping workers for a long time to come!
Christopher Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. If you are interested in learning more about Bucket Trucks, go to the link shown here.
