Sometimes, it is best to use both a bucket truck and a crane, for heavier or more fragile signs, or more complex installations.
Selecting the right equipment
When selecting the right type and size of equipment, it is important for installers to know their market and consider the types of projects they usually work on. This will help determine what will best accommodate their average workload.
If they select a truck that is too large, there will be a lot of unnecessary wear and tear on the unit, as it would only be used at its maximum capacity a few times per year. Not to mention, the crew would be transporting an extra-large unit to jobsites up to five days a week.
The best approach is to choose a more nimble, more versatile unit that is cheaper to operate with less wear and tear. In the event the installation requires an extra 6 m (20 ft) of reach, the company can rent a piece of equipment that suits their needs or hire someone with a larger crane to assist with the job. In the long run, it is more cost-effective to rent out a larger, second-party crane on an as-needed basis than to buy an oversized unit outright.
Ultimately, the decision of which equipment to use depends on the characteristics and location of the sign. For example, a boom has the capability to extend over top of grassed areas. Not only will a larger truck maximize on reach, but it will also avoid causing damage from driving over the grass and landscaping.
Improving installation site safety
The use of mobile cranes and bucket trucks have added safety and professionalism to the sign industry, compared to the days of using ladders, block and tackle pulley systems, scaffolding, and other manual pieces of equipment. Not only were these makeshift lifting methods hard on the body, but they also had the potential to cause a lot more accidents on the job.
Now, with bucket trucks and cranes more readily available to technicians, they can safely lift and install heavy sign components, without having to worry about strain or injury.
Conclusion
Safety and efficiency should always be top priority for sign installations. Using the right equipment, such as bucket trucks and cranes, contributes to both of these important factors. Further, considering the size, weight, composition, fragility, and location of the signs they are installing will help companies decide which types of equipment are best for them to use for projects, as well as ensure their jobs are done successfully, every time.
John Labonte first entered the sign industry at just 13 years old, when he began working for his father at Denis Labonte Signs. He started his career in sales (quoting), fabricating, and installation, working alongside his father six days a week, until Denis decided to retire and sell the business in 2004. After exploring other avenues, Labonte realized signs were his true passion, and opened John Labonte Signs Services Inc. in 2007.
