How Much Does Bucket Truck Rental Cost?

Last Updated on March 14, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Renting a bucket truck provides affordable, temporary access to aerial work platforms for a variety of industries. But what should you expect to budget for bucket truck rental costs?

Rental rates vary significantly based on the type of truck, lift height, equipment features, and rental term. This guide will break down the average bucket truck rental prices and what impacts your total cost to rent a bucket truck.

A bucket truck, also known as a cherry picker or aerial lift, is a versatile piece of equipment used for elevation access jobs. The truck has an articulated arm, or boom, with a bucket or work platform on the end for lifting personnel up to overhead work areas.

Common rental uses include construction, tree trimming, electrical and telecom work, sign installations, and facility maintenance.

Renting provides an affordable alternative to purchasing bucket trucks outright. You pay only for the time needed versus taking on ownership costs like insurance, maintenance, and storage.

Having access to different truck configurations through rental companies also supports completing diverse jobs safely.

How Much Does Bucket Truck Rental Cost?

The primary factors that drive the cost of hiring a bucket truck are:

• Truck type and capabilities
• Rental duration
• Additional equipment and services

Daily bucket truck rental rates typically range from $200 to $500 per day. A 32 to 45 foot straight boom truck rents on the low end of around $250 per day. Larger trucks with articulating booms, higher reach, lifting capacity, or specialty equipment rent for $350 to $500 daily.

Weekly bucket truck lease rates average $1,200 to $2,000 per week, with monthly rentals offering the biggest discounts at $3,500 to $7,000 per month. Long-term rentals of 3 months or more can drop to $2,500 to $5,000 monthly.

Expect to pay additional fees for:

• Insurance – Damage waiver is 10% to 20% of the rental price.
• Delivery and pickup – Each way is $75 to $200 depending on distance.
• Safety training – Around $75 per operator to cover OSHA rules.
• Fuel – You cover gas or diesel costs during the rental.

Common rental uses for bucket trucks include:

• Construction – Hoisting materials and workers up to unfinished buildings.
• Tree care – Pruning and removal services safely above houses.
• Electrical utilities – Power line maintenance and repairs after storms.
• Telecommunications – Cable and fiber optic installations on utility poles.

Custom Truck, for example. Offers a wide range of bucket trucks for rent, with customization services. It provides general information about rental costs, and customers can request a quote online.

RentalYard lists available bucket trucks for rent, sorted by location, manufacturer, model, and daily/weekly/monthly rental price. It provides a platform for users to search for and compare rental options.

Renting provides flexibility without the overhead of purchasing a bucket truck. Companies can scale their fleet up or down as demand fluctuates. Rental trucks may also offer newer equipment with the latest safety features.

Factors Affecting the Cost to Rent a Bucket Truck

Several factors determine your bucket truck rental rates:

Type of Truck and Capabilities

Articulated boom lifts provide the greatest horizontal reach and range of motion for accessing irregular or hard-to-reach areas. Their knuckle or flex booms allow the bucket to move around obstacles. However, their complexity comes at a higher rental cost.

Straight or telescoping boom lifts only extend straight up vertically, but provide ample height for tasks like construction or tree trimming. Their simplicity makes them more affordable to rent.

Other specifications that increase rental pricing include:

• Lift capacity – Trucks that can hoist heavier loads rent for more.
• Working height – Maximum reach affects pricing.
• Drive type – 4×4 trucks cost more than standard 2WD.

Rental Duration

The longer you rent a bucket truck, the lower your per day cost will be. However, most rentals are limited to a 7-day minimum term. Here are typical durations and per day rates:

• Daily – $250 to $500 per day
• Weekly – $175 to $300 per day
• Monthly – $100 to $250 per day

Review the rental company’s terms and conditions for their policies on longer rentals to maximize savings. Avoid overpaying for equipment you won’t use the entire rental period.

Additional Equipment and Services

Safety equipment like harnesses and cones add $50 to $150 depending on the quantities needed.

Also read our articles about the cost of a mini excavator, a Bobcat Skid Steer, or a Semi Truck.

Delivery and pickup fees range from $75 for short distances to $200 for longer transport. Or avoid the delivery fee if you arrange to pick up the equipment yourself.

Fuel costs are typically covered by renting companies for shorter rentals. On longer rentals, you may need to cover fuel expenses yourself which can add $50 to $250 per rental period.

Rental insurance starts at 10% of the rental cost. Or you may pay $100 to $300 per day for full damage coverage for expensive lifts.

Choosing the Right Bucket Truck

Selecting the right rental equipment for your aerial work project is critical for productivity, safety and managing costs.

Consider height requirements – Measure rooflines, tree limbs or lines you need to access to determine the minimum working height and reach needed. Choose a truck that meets but doesn’t exceed your needs.

Evaluate the terrain – For uneven ground or sites without firm surfaces to set up on, rent a 4×4 truck. Make sure the bucket truck can handle the job site conditions.

Lift capacity should suit the loads you need to raise, whether equipment and tools or workers. This ensures you rent equipment rated for the work.

Operator training may be mandatory depending on local regulations. Even if not required, request training to ensure your crew uses the rental equipment properly.

Never skimp on safety equipment like harnesses, cones, and gear to protect operators and civilians around the job site.

Where to Rent a Bucket Truck

Major national rental chains like United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, and Hertz Equipment Rental offer the most extensive bucket truck rental fleets across the U.S. Their large inventories provide delivery almost anywhere.

More localized rental companies can also provide boom lifts and cherry pickers. Search for “aerial work platform rental” or “bucket truck rentals” in your state or region to find specialized providers.

If you need a bucket truck right away, equipment rental companies like Home Depot and Lowe’s often stock mid-size straight boom lifts. Just watch for daily or weekend rental minimums.

For longer-term rentals, you may find the best bucket truck lease rates by contacting local utility contractors like Asplundh Tree Service or power companies in your area to use their rental pool.

Wherever you rent, compare rates across multiple vendors and factor in all fees before choosing a provider. Avoid less transparent vendors who tack on hidden charges. And ask suppliers about longer term discounts if your project stretches across months instead of days or weeks.

Tips to Reduce Your Bucket Truck Rental Costs

Here are some strategies to help minimize the expense of hiring a bucket truck:

• Rent for weekly or monthly terms to reduce per day rates
• Pick up the equipment to avoid delivery fees
• Purchase supplemental insurance to lower damage waivers
• Avoid renting more reach or capacity than your work requires
• Provide your own fuel instead of prepaying for it
• See if longer rentals of 3+ months qualify for discounts
• Clean the equipment before returning it to avoid cleanup charges
• Negotiate rates for multi-truck rentals or repeat business

With reasonable rates starting around $250 per day, renting a bucket truck is an affordable option compared to buying. By optimizing your rental term, selecting ideal specs for your specific work, and avoiding unnecessary fees, users can access aerial platforms at the lowest bucket truck rental price.

Renting makes bucket trucks accessible for projects of all sizes. For overhead work requiring access equipment, a rental bucket truck can help you work safely and productively within budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Can a Bucket Truck Hold?

Bucket trucks can lift between 200 to 500 lbs in their buckets. The maximum load capacity varies based on the model and size of the truck. Smaller, straight boom bucket trucks may only hold up to 300 lbs, enough for 1 or 2 workers and their tools.

Larger articulated boom trucks can lift up to 500 lbs for multiple workers plus heavy equipment and materials.

The capacity should be clearly labeled on the bucket truck. Only load up to the maximum weight limit to ensure safe operation. Exceeding the load rating can cause the boom and bucket to fail.

Other specifications like the working height and horizontal reach do not affect the lift capacity – only the bucket’s load rating matters. So just because a truck can reach 45 feet or more overhead does not mean it can safely hold 500+ lbs in the platform.

When renting a bucket truck, make sure to select a model with a bucket capacity that suits your workload. Trying to lift too much weight too high creates major safety hazards.

What Are the Cons of Bucket Trucks?

While bucket trucks provide great height access, there are some downsides to consider:

• High upfront cost – New bucket trucks cost $50,000 to $100,000+ to purchase.
• Extensive training required – Only qualified operators with OSHA certification should use the trucks.
• Many safety considerations – Improper use can lead to falls, electrocution, tipovers, and collapse.
• Length and limited maneuverability – Boom trucks don’t fit everywhere due to their long wheelbase.
• Challenging transportation – Moving them requires escorts, special permits, and planning safe routes.
• Expensive maintenance – With complex mechanical systems, repairs, and parts can become costly.
• Frequent inspections required – Bucket trucks need maintenance checks and certifications.
• Limited productivity – They only lift a few workers at a time up to the work area.

For infrequent overhead work, renting a bucket truck avoids the ownership burden while still providing access when you need it.

Can You Lift With a Bucket Truck?

Yes, you can use a bucket truck to lift and lower materials and tools in addition to raising workers up to an overhead work area.

However, the bucket’s load capacity, typically ranging from 200 to 500 pounds, must not be exceeded. Don’t try lifting anything heavier than the truck’s maximum rated load.

The operator should also follow safe procedures, such as:

• Attaching loads to the grab hook or tie-off points in the bucket
• Keeping the load stable and balanced
• Raising and lowering smoothly, with no jerky motions
• Spotting the area below when lowering materials
• Not standing under suspended loads

With proper use, a bucket truck’s platform can safely lift modest loads within its weight limit. However, the buckets are designed primarily for lifting workers, not as a crane for heavy materials handling. Make sure to choose the right equipment for any lifting work required.