1st post hope someone can help

Hey guys.... and gals...... I know this is a climbing forum,,,, but I need some help with buying a piece of equipment... I'm in northern Va and have owned a tree service for the past 10 years... Have been climbing since I was 18,,,, now 39.... Was also high voltage lineman for a while....
But anyway,,, to the question..... I am thinking about buying a bucket truck just for the simple fact I have been doing this so long it is taking a toll on my body.... I have made a decent living and am looking to put about 30k into one,,, but part of that will be financed.... Just wondering if some of you that have smaller companies can give me some helpful hints buying one and maybe some good or bad experiences with the first one you bought

I have run a lot of buckets during my years of all this but am leary about some of the ones I have looked at due to the unforseen weld cracks or cylinders on the verge of failing or in need of rebuilding... What percentage of jobs I will actually be able to get this thing to.... Insurance costs... Do any of you rent your buckets out and if so what are your liabilities and the customers ??

I apologize for so many questions but I am really considering this soon and I want the info to come from the people that know whats going on and not someone that's trying to sell me something... And I apologize if this is out of topic for this forum... Thanks much

Since this is a recreational tree climbing forum, why don't you wander over and ask the pros the same question:

http://www.treebuzz.com/forum/ubbthreads.php

Tom

Maybe he plans on using the bucket for Rec tree climbing!

Squirrel,

Because I use to be a customer service manager, I have to ask a question. Did you get the help that you needed?

Regards,
JimK

Treebuzz.com is THE place to go with professional questions. Gettin' tired huh? I second that emotion with 26 years in teh saddle and 55 years old.

teh customer service comment- what can I say? (you got me laughing)