The cherry picker, also known as the bucket truck, is one of the best pieces of equipment that has ever happened to the telecommunications and power lines industries. It has made the work of the line personnel much safer and highly efficient. The cherry picker is not just for the exclusive use of these industries; Several other companies that perform aerial work on a regular basis can also benefit from it. Before deciding to buy this machine from a dealer or equipment auction, it is important to know the uses of this equipment, as well as its main parts.

Cherry picker uses

A cherry picker is used to lift workers and material to certain high heights, which is usually accomplished through an adjustable mechanical arm called a boom. The basis for this component varies by application; For industries that require equipment to operate in different locations, it is mounted on the rear of a truck frame.

Major components

It is also important to know more specific information about the various parts of this vehicle to ensure that any possible purchase includes exactly what is needed for specific tasks.

• Boom – This is the most predominant characteristic of the cherry picker. It is a steel support that connects the base support of the equipment and the platform where the worker is located. Its length can be adjusted depending on the required working height and there are two design variations for this component. The first is the telescopic arm that can be changed in length by extending back sections into the main one in a manner similar to a telescope. The second design is an articulated arm, which can be adjusted by folding and extending the knuckle-shaped arm sections.
• Bucket – The hub is a sheath made of non-conductive material such as fiberglass. As the name implies, this component looks a lot like an oversized cube and is generally waist-high for an average-sized worker. It is attached directly to the upper end of the boom and serves as a secure platform from which workers can operate.
• Turret – A turret connects the lower end of the boom and the truck chassis. You can rotate 360 ​​degrees horizontally to adjust the direction of this component. It is also equipped with a hinge to allow vertical movement of the boom.
• Based – In most outdoor cherry picker applications the boom is truck mounted. This allows for the mobility of the team, as these vehicles can operate effectively both in off-road conditions and on paved roads. The base truck engine also provides the power to drive all hydraulic components on the rig.
• Stabilizers – The size and weight of the boom is enormous; Because it can move to either side of the truck, it can cause the equipment to lose its balance and tip over. The purpose of stabilizers is to provide additional support and increase the base of the truck to prevent it from tipping over. Most cherry pickers have two sets of stabilizers, one behind the cab and one in the rear 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 convert the engine power through the PTO into the actual movement of the boom and outriggers.

It is important to know the individual components of a bucket truck, especially before purchasing one. Component specifications, as well as truck model, vary from manufacturer to manufacturer; some applications may require particular specifications. To make sure you buy the right cherry picker, it is vital to first learn and know its different parts.