With the heavy loads bucket trucks carry and the heights they operate at, even a minor issue can escalate quickly when winter weather sets in.
Maintaining Bucket Trucks Through Winter What Every Crew Should Know By Mara Watts
Bucket trucks are among the most sophisticated piec- es of equipment in modern arboriculture, and their safe operation demands far more than basic familiar- ity. Skilled operators must be thoroughly trained in best practices, manufacturer specifications, and all applicable standards. Equally essential is consistent preventative maintenance and rigorous inspection – critical safeguards that ensure both worker safety and peak equipment performance. With the critical loads they move and the heights they reach, a seemingly small issue can turn det- rimental fast, especially once winter weather rolls in. That’s why staying on top of maintenance and inspections is so important. This article will guide you through the cruciality of routine checks and maintenance, the standards that matter most, and the practical actions that keep a bucket truck performing safely and smoothly – not just during peak season, but all year long.
WHY REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTIONS MATTER
Routine inspections and consistent maintenance are non-negotiable when it comes to bucket truck safety. They play a critical role in preventing acci- dents and ensuring crews rely on equipment that is safe, dependable, and efficient. These checks matter because they: •Inspect safety features; •Verify that the bucket can safely operate; •Ensure the boom can extend through its full range without issue; •Identify unusual wear or damage that could lead to a possible component failure; •Test and maintain the controls on lifting mecha- nisms to confirm they’re functioning properly; •And ultimately, keep the bucket truck at optimal performance.
ArborTIMES ™ Winter 2026 | 19
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