Plastic Composites Co. and Versalift East, LLC Teamed Up

Plastic Composites Co. and Versalift East, LLC teamed up together to offer new chain saw scabbard to our online store bucket truck accessories category.

The lighter weight fiberglass scabbard design improves durability in the field and eases maintenance. The many rivets have been replaced with only two low profile screws positioned out of the way. Screws allow rapid insert replacement in the field when the chain-saw-resistant liner eventually wears out. The holster may be re-used.

PCC also re-designed the scabbard to be mounted both inside and outside the bucket. The Model 400 Polyethylene saw scabbard design provides a intermediate duty plastic backboard and holster while incorporating the new rapidly-replaceable resistant liner. Both the fiberglass and polyethylene scabbards are available on our online store for more information please go to store.versalifteast.com click on bucket truck accessories and view many other products we have to offer. Keep your tools and yourself safe while working up high. Check out the Scabbards today.

Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update

From the US Energy Information Administration, http://www.eia.doe.gov

As fuel prices continue to rise, evaluating your engine options may a good idea. Because, whether you buy a vehicle that runs on gas or one that runs on diesel can be a very difficult decision.

Currently, gas is less expensive than diesel, but not by much. Generally speaking, if your vehicle is used in a local, low mileage operation, then a gasoline truck may suit your requirements better. Diesel engines tend to be more economical over longer distances and are therefore better suited to high mileage operations. Diesel engines are also more suitable for heavier work and typically have longer engine life.

There are a number of issues that need to be taken in to consideration, like purchase price, noise, re-sale value, idle time and effect on the environment. Another important consideration is vehicle performance.

Diesel powered vehicles are more expensive and noisier than their gas powered counterparts. Diesel powered vehicles retain their value due to the economies and the longer engine life. The new style of diesel engines produces less “smog”, although overall the levels released are still higher than gasoline engines. However gasoline engines release more of the carbon dioxide gases which have been directly attributed to global warming.

Regarding vehicle performance, let’s look at the following example:

Cable Company “A” has a fleet of gas powered vans with aerial buckets. These gas powered vans typically get about 6 miles to the gallon and cost about $50,000 each including the lifts and all of the upfitting. Vehicle Manufacturer “B” is offering a diesel powered van that gets between 20 to 25 miles per gallon, but costs about $20,000 more than the gas powered equivalent.

At what point does the economy of the diesel overcome the increase in cost required to purchase the diesel?

Using the National Averages of $3.562 for gas and $3.907 for diesel, there is a difference of $0.345 per gallon between gas and diesel. As you can see the case for Gas vs. Diesel becomes more obvious the more mileage that your vehicles run.

10,000 miles per year at 6 miles per gallon = 1666.66 gallons of gas per year x $3.562 per gallon = $5,936.64 per year in gas fuel cost.

10,000 miles per year at 20 miles per gallon = 500 gallons of diesel per year x $3.907 per gallon = $1,953.50 per year in diesel fuel cost.

20,000 miles per year at 6 miles per gallon = 3333.33 gallons of gas per year x $3.562 per gallon = $11,873.32 per year in gas fuel cost.

20,000 miles per year at 20 miles per gallon = 1000 gallons of diesel per year x $3.907 per gallon = $3907.00 per year in diesel fuel cost.

30,000 miles per year at 6 miles per gallon = 5000 gallons of gas per year x $3.562 per gallon = $17,810 per year in gas fuel cost.

30,000 miles per year at 20 miles per gallon = 1500 gallons of diesel per year x $3.907 per gallon = $5,860.50 per year in diesel fuel cost.

Obviously, real numbers may vary due to a variety of factors, but a case can be made for Company “A” to consider buying some diesel powered vehicles, even if the diesel powered vehicles have a significantly higher purchase price. Especially, if company “A” keeps their vehicle for 7 to 10 years. 

In closing, there are many issues to consider when making a decision whether to purchase gas or diesel powered equipment, these are but just a few. In the future, fuel prices are sure to rise, as are the taxes on fuel. So, be prepared.

Advantages of Using Dielectric Grease on Electrical Connections

Dielectric grease is non-conductive grease. Because it is non-conductive it does not enhance the flow electrical current. Electrical conductors should not be coated with dielectric grease prior to being mated. However, dielectric grease is often applied to electrical connectors, particularly ones which contain rubber gaskets, as a way to provide a non-conductive lubricant and sealer for the rubber portions of the connector.

The widest use of dielectric grease is in high-voltage connections associated with spark plugs. The grease is applied to the rubber boot of the plug wire. This helps the rubber boot slide onto the ceramic insulator of the plug. The grease also acts to seal the rubber boot, while at the same time preventing the rubber from becoming stuck to the ceramic. Generally spark plugs are in located in areas of high temperature, and the grease is formulated to withstand the temperature range expected.

Another common use of dielectric grease is on the rubber mating surfaces or gaskets of multi-pin electrical connectors used in automotive and truck engines. The grease again acts as a lubricant and a sealant on the non-conductive mating surfaces of the connector. It is not recommended to be applied to the actual electrical conductive contacts of the connector.

In our process of up fitting trucks we coat the completed terminals of junction boxes to reduce the possibility of corrosion to the terminals. We also coat the rear of our toggle switches for the same reason.

Because it doesn't conduct electricity, dielectric grease is used in many electrical applications to ensure a sound metal-to-metal connection. It provides lubrication and protection without adding any significant bulk.

Where would I start with bucket truck specifications? Do I start with the chassis, the body, or the aerial device?

Starting with the chassis could limit the options of the type of aerial device you might want installed.  So I would recommend starting with the aerial device and work from there.  Most manufactures have chassis requirements for their aerial devices and have a set GVW that the aerial will be stable on when in operation along with safety requirements from ANSI.

What are some of the features that are available in looking at the aerial device portion of the specifications? The aerial device may include emergency power, engine stop/start, bucket sizes, outrigger configurations and side reach of the aerial device.  There are many options to choose from and knowing how the unit will function in a work day could help you design a better unit overall.

Once you have the aerial device portion set, the next thing to look at is the chassis. Due to the fact that the aerial device requires certain axle capacities for the front and rear, and certain frame requirements, the chassis needs special consideration when purchasing.  After the aerial device chassis requirements are satisfied you can move onto the cab portion.  There are many options like the aerial device, such as, power windows, power door locks, CD players, GPS systems to name a few.

Next we’re going to look at the body. Most body manufactures can design a body around the equipment with the guidance of the installer.  There are two bodies typical used for a bucket truck, a line or service body and a flatbed body.  A flatbed body typical comes with under-body boxes or a cross box mounted behind the cab area, depending on the aerial device selected.  A line or service body is the most common bodies used for aerial devices.  These bodies have side compartments with shelves, material drawers, and hooks inside them to store equipment.

In closing, there are many more components to look at and review. These three major components will help get you started.  However, the individuals going to use the end product should be asked questions about the usage of the bucket truck.  It is recommended that you contact a dealer that sells and services aerial device equipment for more guidance.

Utility/Service Body Applications - Steel and Aluminum

When writing specifications for work trucks with service bodies the costs can add up very fact if one is not careful. Several things need to be considered:

1. What type of use will the the truck and body be subject to? 
2. How long will the truck be in service ?  Most service body manufacturers carry a 5 year plus warranty covering rust and corrosion. 
3. What payload are you considering ? 

Bodies made from steel are almost twice as heavy as aluminum. Aluminum bodies cost more than steel. The weight saving of aluminum could possibly save money in the cost of the chassis selection. It also could improve the fuel economy over steel. Not too many manufacturers offer aluminum bodies so it would be advisable to work with a company that has at least 10 years or more of successful manufacturing experience. It is also advisable to get feedback from some of their users.

All steel bodies have been the mainstay for users over the years and there are a large number of manufactures to choose from. It is suggested that a good two sided zinc coated steel be specified for protection against rust and corrosion. Also check into the various warranties offered. Once a supplier has been determined it is important to work closely with the manufacturer to select standard compartment and door sizes. If special sizing is required the body costs will increase due to special set-ups and smaller runs when manufacturing.

Body options can also be costly. For example ball bearing rollout compartment drawers can cost at least $100.00 plus depending on the size and complexity. If a body calls fo 5 or 6 drawers, the cost for that option could easily exceed $1000.00. Friction type slid out drawers are also available at a considerable cost saving.

Rubber Fenderetts is another costly option to avoid. They are usually installed on the wheelhouse are of the body with a large number of fasteners. The more fasteners the more costly to produce and the better the chances for rust to occur. You will save money and premature failures if steel fenderetts are specified.

Rust Proofing of Bodies... over the years with the advent of zinc coated steels and improved body primers, rust proofing is not required for longer life and is a waste of money. Even in the high salt regions, bodies wil perform very well without the extra cost for rust proofing.

Your Versalift East Engineering Staff can help you make good decisions in body designs and money saving tips when making your body selections.