Bucket Truck Operation and Safety-Behind the Boom: Our 2004 F-550 Diesel Bucket Truck in Action
Welcome back! Today we’re giving you an inside look at our 2004 Ford F-550 diesel bucket truck—an essential part of our daily electrical service work.
From Utility Truck to Powerhouse
Originally a phone utility truck, we converted this vehicle into a power truck used for high-reach electrical services. It’s now an indispensable part of our toolkit.
This F-550 is powered by a six-liter diesel engine and has logged about 280,000 original kilometers. It’s equipped with a 37.5-foot Altec boom, making it perfect for sign work, streetlight servicing, and accessing high service entrances.
Regular Use and Inspections
We use this truck every day, which means safety and maintenance are top priorities. Although the boom is not insulated or dielectric-tested—since electricians in our area only work on voltages up to 750 volts—we are still required to undergo annual boom inspections for safety compliance. The truck also needs yearly heavy-duty truck inspections.
The boom inspection includes:
- Load testing
- Hydraulic system checks
- Control inspections
- Replacement of any worn components
Licensing and Insurance
Operating this truck doesn’t require a special commercial license since it doesn’t have air brakes—just a regular driver’s license will do. However, specific insurance coverage and inspections are mandatory.
Under the Hood
One of the most critical maintenance items for this diesel truck is the turbocharger. It provides the boost pressure needed to haul the truck’s eight-ton weight, especially on hills. We use synthetic oil and regularly service the turbo to ensure it performs well.
Inside the Cab
The dashboard includes all the original gauges, including one for monitoring turbo boost. The control panel inside features switches for strobes and the PTO (Power Take-Off), which powers the hydraulic system.
To activate the boom:
- Engage the emergency brake.
- Turn on the PTO.
- Deploy the outriggers to stabilize the truck.
- Flip the switch to activate the upper boom controls.
Boom Controls and Safety Features
At the top, the boom is operated with a joystick that moves up, down, left, and right, along with a trigger for extending or retracting. The bucket platform also levels automatically and can be raised or lowered as needed.
Additional features include:
- Emergency stop button
- 120V AC power outlet
- Onboard hydraulic generator
- Remote engine and generator start/stop functions
When using the bucket, we always wear full-body harnesses, hard hats, and safety boots. The boom can reach up to about 40 feet working height depending on the operator’s height.
Demonstration Time
To demonstrate, we had a tree service worker—well-versed in boom operation—strap in and operate the lift.
- The outriggers were deployed on both sides to level and stabilize the truck.
- Once stabilized, the hydraulic controls were activated.
- Up he went! First with the lower arm, then with the main boom.
- From the top, he shut off and restarted the engine and generator using the remote buttons, showing how you can control everything from up high.
This boom is excellent for vertical reach and horizontal outreach—ideal for signs, poles, and lights. It doesn’t extend downward over the side, so it’s not suited for bridge work.
Daily Use and Compliance
Depending on your region (Canada or the U.S.), operating this type of vehicle requires driver logs and compliance records. We also keep the original Altec manuals and stamped operational procedures inside the cab.
Altec, by the way, is fantastic to work with—easy to order parts from and very supportive.
Wrapping Up
As part of our routine, we:
- Keep batteries in top condition (especially important for cold starts)
- Plug in the glow plugs during winter
- Perform regular engine, tire, and undercarriage maintenance
- Service the outriggers and boom as needed
- Use bucket covers to prevent water ingress
Thanks for joining us for this in-depth look at our bucket truck and how we use it for electrical projects. We hope you found it informative!
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