How to Rent a Bucket Truck

Renting a bucket truck can be a convenient and cost-effective solution for businesses looking to fulfill short-term equipment needs or when working with a tight budget. If you are interested in learning more about how to rent a bucket truck and the important considerations for a smooth rental process, explore the guide below.

4 Steps for a Successful Bucket Truck Rental

Follow these helpful steps for a frictionless rental process:

  1. Understand your needs: First and foremost, assess your project scope and equipment needs. Identify the type of work you’ll complete, such as tree trimming, repairing utility lines or installing signs. Determine the type of vehicle, bucket size and weight capacities you need. Consider boom lengths and working heights to ensure worker safety and project efficiency. Knuckle booms offer more maneuverability around obstacles, while telescopic booms offer a straight, vertical reach. Also, evaluate any space restrictions, such as nearby power lines, to determine whether you need a compact model.
  2. Compare rental options: Research local rental companies in your area. If you know the make and model you want, ensure potential providers have the equipment available. If you’re not sure which model will best suit your needs, connect with customer support teams to determine availability. Consider features like fall protection systems and emergency descent controls. Also, inquire about attachments such as tool trays to enhance efficiency.
  3. Review rental agreements: Review all policies and agreements regarding your equipment. Evaluate responsibilities for fueling and maintenance, and determine any additional obligations. Consider elements like insurance requirements and billing frequency. Ask any questions and clarify all information before signing.
  4. Schedule your delivery: Once you finalize your rental agreement, you can work with your provider to schedule delivery and pickup times. Inspect your equipment upon arrival to ensure everything is up to standard. Verify that the boom and bucket operate smoothly, and ensure all workers have proper training before operating the equipment.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Bucket Truck?

Bucket truck rental fees will vary depending on several factors. Explore key considerations to get a better idea of total expenses below.

Base Cost

The base cost of a rental is typically the figure you’ll receive when requesting a quote or the number listed on the equipment provider’s website. Dealers typically calculate these costs based on the rental duration, equipment type, size and capacity. Generally, prices will increase as size increases, and you can expect to pay a higher base price for newer models. Additionally, bucket trucks with more advanced capabilities will be more expensive.

For example, an insulated distribution bucket truck with a working height of 52 feet will likely have a higher base price than a distribution bucket truck with a working height of 45 feet.

Delivery and Pickup Fees

If you require your rental provider to deliver and pick up your equipment, you may encounter additional charges. The distance your provider travels to deliver and retrieve equipment, as well as the accessibility of your worksite, will often impact your expenses.

Fuel Spending

Some rental agreements denote fueling responsibilities to the renter. Depending on your agreement specifications, you may need to account for spending during the rental period and refueling before returning the equipment.

Maintenance

The best rental companies take pride in caring for their equipment, so you can feel confident that you’ll have access to a well-maintained machine when you work with a reliable provider. However, it is critical to discuss maintenance and repair responsibilities during your rental period.

Some providers offer on-site services as part of their base price, while others expect you to deliver necessary care. Depending on your rental duration and the extent of maintenance, these costs can impact your overall spending.

When to Rent a Bucket Truck

While buying equipment can come with its own benefits, renting unlocks unique opportunities. You can rent a bucket truck to do the following.

Access Cost Savings

For many businesses, cost savings are one of the biggest advantages of renting equipment. Many businesses need bucket trucks for short-term tasks like tree trimming, utility line repairs, lighting maintenance or telecommunications work.

Renting allows you to access the equipment required for short-term needs at transparent and more affordable prices. The rental process allows you to save money up front. Depending on your provider and agreement, you can also save costs on maintenance, repairs, and storage space when your equipment is not in use.

Find Your Ideal Equipment

Renting is a great way to “try before you buy” a machine to determine which capabilities and features will best accommodate your needs. Rentals allow you to get hands-on experience with newer technology and controls, with the peace of mind of being able to return something if it’s not right for your fleet. You can ensure a bucket truck’s capacities and technologies are suitable for your demands before making a purchasing decision.

Embrace Flexibility

Rentals enhance worksite flexibility. If you need specialized equipment for a one-time application, rentals ensure you can complete tasks quickly and at a fraction of the cost of owning. For example, insulated bucket trucks are ideal for electrical work, while high-reach models are ideal for work on utility poles or high buildings.

Additionally, if you’re operating during peak seasons, rentals can ensure you can meet changing demands. You may need an extra bucket truck for a few weeks, but otherwise be able to maintain efficiency with your current fleet. Rather than adding an unnecessary long-term expense, a rental empowers you to tackle more at one time to optimize scheduling and improve your bottom line.

Where to Rent a Bucket Truck

Your equipment provider directly impacts your rental experience. A reliable dealer should offer transparent pricing, deliver peace of mind and have a support team to address any questions or concerns that arise. Consider equipment availability, experience with rentals, support offerings and customer reviews when evaluating providers.

Custom Truck One Source works with professionals throughout the United States and Canada. We have various locations across North America, allowing you to explore our bucket truck rentals in person before entering an agreement.

We also offer in-house and in-the-field services to ensure you have access to support anytime you need it. Our 24/7 call centers can connect you to equipment experts to troubleshoot issues or initiate repairs.

Rent a Bucket Truck From Custom Truck One Source

Custom Truck One Source is your one-stop shop for bucket truck rentals. Our team provides quality equipment to those in the telecommunications, waste, oil and gas, rail, forestry and construction industries. Our vast equipment lineup consists of various equipment sizes, attachments and capabilities to meet even your most challenging demands.

When you need to expand your fleet, trust Custom Truck One Source to help. With 24/7 support, flexible financing and nationwide locations, you can rent with confidence. Browse our bucket truck rental options or reach out for assistance.