The cherry picker, also known as a bucket truck, is one of the best pieces of equipment that has ever happened to the telecommunication and electric line industries. It has made the work of line personnel much safer and highly efficient. The cherry picker is not just for use exclusively by these industries; various other businesses that perform aerial jobs on a regular basis can benefit from them as well. Before deciding to purchase this machine from a dealer or an equipment auction, it is important to learn the uses of this equipment as well as its major parts.
Cherry Picker Uses
A cherry picker is used for lifting workers and material to certain tall heights, which is usually accomplished through an adjustable mechanical arm called a boom. The base of this component varies depending on the application; for industries that require the equipment to work at different locations, it is mounted on the rear end of a truck frame.
Major Components
It is also important to know more specific information about the various parts of this vehicle to be sure that any possible purchase includes exactly what is needed for specific tasks.
- Boom – This is the most predominant feature of the cherry picker. It is a steel support that connects the base support of the equipment and the platform where the worker is situated. Its length can be adjusted depending upon the required working height and there are two design variations for this component. The first one is the telescopic boom which can change lengths by extending subsequent sections within the main one in a manner similar to a telescope. The second design is an articulated boom, which can be adjusted by folding and extending the sections of the boom in a knuckle-like fashion.
- Bucket – The bucket is a pod made from non-conductive material such as fiberglass. Like the name implies, this component closely resembles an oversized bucket and is usually at the waist height of an average-sized worker. It is attached directly to the top end of the boom and serves as a safe platform from which workers can operate.
- Turret – A turret connects the lowest end of the boom and the chassis of the truck together. It can rotate at a 360 degree angle horizontally for adjusting the direction of this component. It is also equipped with a joint to allow vertical movement of the boom.
- Base – In most outdoor cherry picker applications, the boom is mounted on a truck. This allows mobility of the equipment since these vehicles can operate effectively in both off-road and paved road conditions. The engine of the base truck also provides the power to drive all the hydraulic components of the equipment.
- Outriggers – The size and weight of the boom is massive; because it can move towards any side of the truck, it can cause the equipment to lose balance and tip over. The purpose of outriggers is to provide additional support and increase the base of the truck to prevent tipping. Most cherry pickers have two sets of outriggers, one behind the cab and another set at the rear end of the truck bed.
- Hydraulic System – Another important component of this equipment is the hydraulic system which is composed of a pump, lines, and rams. Basically these three sub-components converts the power from the engine via PTO to the actual movement of the boom as well as the outriggers.
Knowing the individual components of a bucket truck is important, especially before purchasing one. The specifications of the components, as well as the model of the truck, varies from one manufacturer to another; some applications may require particular specifications. To be sure to purchase the right cherry picker, it is vital to first learn and know about its different parts!
