Cable Placer vs. Bucket Truck - which is best for fiber installation?
Broadband access for communities that want to participate in today's modern economy is a must-have. And the infrastructure it requires is fueling one of the country’s fastest growing career paths: broadband fiber installer.
Driven in a large part by demand and the lack of internet access in much of rural America, local and state programs are funding broadband and lineworker training to fill the increasing need for the fiber optic technicians required to fill that access gap.
The result: high-paying & in-demand jobs. Fiber installation has become a lucrative career and offers great income and stability for independent contractors.
If you want to build something for yourself (and your family) and are considering going out on your own, one of the biggest investments you'll make initially is getting yourself the right truck.
We’ve been selling fully reconditioned bucket trucks to fiber and cable installers for years and offer hard-to-find cable placer upfits that will make your work more efficient, easier to maneuver and significantly safer than standard bucket trucks.
Why you might want a cable placer truck vs. a bucket truck:
The boom and basket of a placer truck can operate while the truck is moving so it can be 30% more efficient when stringing cable than a bucket truck;
The steel cage basket gives you more flexibility to move and reach your work as well as easier tool management (if you’ve ever dropped a screw in a fiberglass bucket, you’ll know what I mean);
The basket joystick can be operated with one hand allowing you to adjust your position with one hand free (vs. hydraulic controls which require two); and,
Our trucks have been upfitted with Atkinson two-way intercom speakers which allow the driver and the installer to communicate easily and more safely (honestly, one of the most important things).
To be clear, if you’re operating in a high energy environment (i.e. power lines or high voltage lighting), an insulated, fiberglass bucket is your best bet. If you’re installing fiber, a cable placer truck will make your life easier, safer and more profitable.
We’ve built our reputation on working with independent contractors and are committed to making sure you get your hands on the right piece of equipment - for your line of work.
Check out our current inventory here and holler at us if you have questions.
“This was my first time purchasing a truck sight unseen and it was a lot easier than I expected. Really Good Equipment’s responsiveness & communication throughout the process gave me the confidence to trust in their ability to deliver. Literally, nothing could have gone better.”