Bucket Truck Rates?

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frogneck77

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Shelton,CT
I have a client who runs a property management company managing 10 large shopping centers. Currently we are doing the electrical maintenence on 2 of these. We have recently had a lot of work(and a fair amount in the foreseeable future) requiring large boom lifts-i.e. bulb and ballast changes on 40' poles,etc. The client just told me we should consider buying a bucket truck or lift to be more competetive in our rates. We have been charging him a fair rate labor and materials plus the rental fee. The large lifts from a well known rental company are @$400-$500 per day assuming a one day rental. Can anyone tell me what companies charge that own this equipment? I am trying to make an informed decision as to whether or not a bucket truck or boom lift would be a wise investment. Any feedback would be appreciated.
 
frogneck77 said:
The client just told me we should consider buying a bucket truck or lift to be more competitive in our rates.
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I bet he did!

I own two bucket trucks, but mostly because I'm a gadget guy. They are sorely underutilized and are becoming expensive to maintain. I'm keeping them anyhow, but I can no longer recommend that a guy buy one like I used to. If you continue to get lots of this type of work, you may have no choice but to buy one. I certainly wouldn't make the leap for one customer. You need to have the truck engaged at least 9 days a month, all year long, by my math for it to make business sense.

By the way, check into monthly rentals. Often you can rent a boom lift for a month for just a shade more than renting it for a week.
 
A know a guy with a landscaping company who would cart it around on a big trailer. 9 days a month-WOW.Thats alot more than I would think. MD-do you base your rate for truck usage on what the current rental fee is?
 
I will echo MDShunk's comment.

I do have 55footer bucket truck which i have that for more than 8 years but you have to understand if you going to own it you will have use it often if you can to get the return of the investment.

but really how often you will run into this kind of sisuation ?? if once a month or so or have do large number of useage it will really add up fast.

I know from my past expernice i did change one med size parking lot luminaires it took me 2 days to change the bulbs and ballast if smoked the reason why it took me two days becasue some of cars are in my way and the best time to change bulbs is night nite when the lot is empty you can really move along the way but have to watch out when you work in dark area unless you got one of the spotlight on the truck itself and have extra light on the bucket.

and if not going to used often it canbe cheaper to rent by either weekly or monthly rates than the daily rates after you see the diffrence there.

or can ask for short term lease too sometime you can get this way too.

Merci, Marc
 
frogneck77 said:
MD-do you base your rate for truck usage on what the current rental fee is?
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Nope, not at all. Matter of fact, it's way cheaper (for the customer) for you to rent. Owning a bucket truck is a convenience item.
 
Skunks right on this one,
It is very hard to justify a bucket truck, that being said I just bought one in December. My thinking is that it gives me one more advantage over some of my competition. It allows me to quote some projects that I might not have been able to before, or do things I did before just a little safer now. I liken it to a large conduit bender, a person doesn't use it much but there are jobs you just can't do without one. Separates you from your competition just a little.
 
frogneck77 said:
A know a guy with a landscaping company who would cart it around on a big trailer. 9 days a month-WOW.Thats alot more than I would think. MD-do you base your rate for truck usage on what the current rental fee is?
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Most of the landscape trailers are only rated @ 5,000 lbs.. I had one moved in DC (rented 45' lift). Cost $90 each way..
 
sbrn33 said:
My thinking is that it gives me one more advantage over some of my competition.
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I think that is true to a great extent. Somewhat of an "advertising expense". Businesses with large parking lot poles and lighted signs also have a boatload of regular-ordinary inside electrical work, and being able to service their lights may get you a foot in the door for the gravy work. I never really thought of it from that perspective until you just brought it up.
 
Marc-
I am trying to get all the work at all of the properties, Im just wondering if I should change my invoicing to read lift usage instead of lift rental and charge him the same price- I wish I knew how much hes paying the other electrician that does some of the other sites? The joys of business!
 
If you need a bucket truck, give me a call. I have a few of these in my fleet:

gerken.jpg
 
I once had a deal worked out with a sign company. They could reack the 65' poles @ a Mall.. They drove past the Mall several times a week, so it was a win win type of deal...
 
captaincrab55 said:
Most of the landscape trailers are only rated @ 5,000 lbs.. I had one moved in DC (rented 45' lift). Cost $90 each way..
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The rental company charges $100.00 each way- I would have to check on the capacity of my friends trailer- Probably make a bucket truck a more practical option
 
WOW, My little 42 footer might reach the first stage on that one. I put that at around 170' with quite a bit of room to go. Think they have their harness on?
 
ED- Ive rented a tow behind before- A JLG @ 30 footer, and I found it to be great in open areas but difficult to use in areas with lots of cars. They rent them at a HD near me for under $200.
 
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