So what is an aerial bucket truck, other than a piece of equipment used by city workers to hang decorative lights at Christmas? By definition, an aerial lift device is any vehicle-mounted device, telescoping or articulated, that is used to position personnel. Needless to say, that definition just doesn’t quite cover the scope of application of this utility vehicle!

There are countless functions for this aerial platform truck, although most people think that this unique piece of equipment is only used by telephone companies, electric companies and cable companies. The truth is this vehicle is a suitable piece of equipment for virtually any type of task that requires working at different unreachable heights. It can provide a steady and secure platform from which most anyone can work.

This high-reaching vehicle was primarily developed for orchards to make the task of fruit harvesting easier which is how it got the name of cherry picker. Before very long, it found its way into many other applications. From agriculture to construction to emergency vehicles, the bucket truck has a very unique duty to perform. Here are a few of the industries that make good use out of this high-rising truck.

Fire and Rescue – Imagine that you are on the top floor of a burning building. All the structures below are in flames, so there is no obvious way for anyone to access you from the ground. Your only hope for survival is to either risk your life by jumping from the roof and hoping that the firemen can catch you in their net - or you could get down safely through the use of an aerial bucket truck.

The aerial platform fire trucks are equipped with a hydraulically-operated boom with a basket on the end that is designed to give firefighters direct access to the top floors of a building and facilitate rescues. These vehicles can also come in handy not just during fiery situations but can also provide a helping hand for rescuing people and pets that are stuck in trees.

Telephone and Electric Companies - Imagine working 30 to 50 feet high off the ground while dealing with live wires and nothing to hold you but your willpower and a few ropes. Being a lineman is a dangerous job. The risks associated don’t just involve getting electrocuted; there's also a huge risk of falling from the pole.

Thanks to aerial lift vehicles, the job is a whole lot less risky. The bucket truck can provide a safe platform from which to work. Because the boom is hydraulically powered, it can be automatically lifted right from the ground and eliminate the need for dangerous pole climbs. Using this truck, the job of a lineman is a lot safer.

Construction and Home Improvement – Another industry that can make great use of these aerial trucks are the construction and home improvement industry. This type of work frequently requires working on unfinished structures at dangerous heights.

Imagine if you were tasked to paint a building’s exterior or perform roof repair or install a huge glass pane on a 2nd or higher floor. Just the task of climbing up and down the unfinished structure could be very dangerous, not to mention the set of tools that you would have to bring along with you as you get yourself to your work area. How much easier is this job with some assistance from the aerial lift truck!

The usefulness of this truck to safely carry anyone and lift them directly to where the work needs to be done cannot be overstated. The bucket can be used to lift someone to a roof or position them on the sides of structures. Yes, installing exterior decorations can also be performed with ease using the aerial bucket truck. That is the function of this vehicle, to work at great heights in safety. It is the perfect equipment for a lofty job!