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Finding a replacement part for your bucket truck can often be problematic, especially if you have an older model. Bucket truck parts aren’t exactly something you can run out to your local auto parts store to pick up. However, purchasing an entirely new piece of equipment may not be practical, especially if you are dealing with a minor issue.

Where to Find Replacement Parts for Your Bucket Truck

All is not lost, however. There are few places you can look for bucket truck replacement parts. Here are a few suggestions.

Finding Parts Online

You can find almost anything for sale on the internet, and replacement parts for bucket trucks are no exception. You can with your favorite search engine. Typing the part you need into Google, Bing, or Yahoo will bring up plenty of relevant results. Unfortunately, many of these results won’t necessarily be parts for sale.

Other online resources such as Ebay and Craigslist will often yield better results. The parts listed on these sites are actually available for purchase and may be significantly cheaper than from other venues.

Junk and Salvage Yards

Finding a junkyard that actually has a bucket truck with compatible parts is as rare as winning the lottery. If you can locate one, consider yourself lucky (and also consider buying a lotto ticket). However, if you are in search of replacement parts for the truck rather than the bucket on your vehicle, a salvage yard may have just what you are looking for.

Parts for heavier trucks may be difficult to find at a salvage yard, and if you do find them, they may be quite expensive. However, if you are looking for replacement parts for a smaller truck, you may have a good chance of finding.

One drawback to purchasing parts from a junkyard or salvage yard is the reliability of the parts. It is important to note that the source of your part is in a salvage yard for a reason, and that reason is not that the vehicle was running reliably. Be very careful when purchasing any second-hand replacement parts. The last thing you need is a bucket truck that is unsafe or unreliable.

Bucket Truck Re-conditioners

A business that reconditions used utility vehicles is a great place to inquire about replacement bucket truck parts. The major advantage to using a re-conditioner to acquire the necessary repair parts for your truck is that they already have connections with a variety of parts departments and may be able to quickly track down the part you need. Make sure you use a re-conditioner with a positive reputation for honesty and integrity. Always ask politely for help, and remember that a re-conditioner is in business to make money not offer charity.

Parts Dealers and Vehicle Manufacturers

If you are unable to find the parts you need through these channels, you may have to get your parts from a company that deals specifically in utility vehicle replacement parts. These providers will usually be more expensive. However, the parts will be reliable and usually come with a warranty.

Some options include Altec, Hydra-tec, and Dur-a-lift.

Contacting the original manufacturer of your bucket truck may be the only way to find suitable replacement parts, although it may be impossible to find parts for older vehicles through these means.

Conclusion

When you find yourself in need of replacement parts for a bucket truck, always weigh the cost of the part against the value of your equipment. This is true no matter which source you use to buy your parts. If your bucket truck has seen better days, or the part you need is rare or impossible to find, it may be time to find a replacement truck rather than a replacement part.

For help with finding a new or used bucket truck, contact Utility Auto Sales.