Bucket truck help

[RedMF40]

I picked this up cheap and got it running. Been sitting at least five years. Actually runs well but I’ve yet to fire up the genset, can’t tell if it’s free or not.

What I’ve done so far:

Bought a new battery
Jiggled some wires that looked important
Tried to “jump” the generator switch under the dash, just got sparks. It’s a lighted switch but has not lit up yet.
Power washed the truck

I don’t believe I’m getting any power to the generator. Is there a way to jump the connections at the solenoid

with a spare battery so I can at least see if it turns over?

I want the truck for some tree work of which there’s plenty around my place. It’s a ‘96 F Superduty. See attached pics and thanks in advance for any help. Gerrit

 

[a49deere]

And you question is?

 

[RedMF40]

And you question is?

Here's the question for those who don't want to read through.

"I don’t believe I’m getting any power to the generator. Is there a way to jump the connections at the solenoid with a spare battery so I can at least see if it turns over?"

 

[joeysmith]

Yes
Or check for voltage there
Possibly a master disconnect switch for the generator?

 

[Tony in SD]

My construction company has had a hundred some bucket trucks over the past 30 years. The most reliable buckets are powered from the trucks engine. They are the only ones we buy. In my humble opinion, you have bought one of the most troublesome buckets you can buy. Telsa buckets that are powered by an Onan generator are very problematic. Especially when they have a little age on them as this 30 year old truck has. You will constantly need repairs for the Onan Generator and/or associated wiring. Also with any bucket truck that age, the hydraulic hoses are almost certain to be brittle and will need replacement sooner than later. That said, if you use it with the old hoses, make sure you have the windows rolled up so when the hydraulic oil will not get into the cab when a hose fails. BTDT.
Most bucket truck manufacturers have a detailed book specific to that truck behind the seat. But who knows if it is still there.

 

[Mule Meat]

If it were sitting for 5 years. My first move would be to have someone qualified to work on Tesla buckets and Onan generators to do a good inspection on it. Especially the electrical wires going to the outlets and to the basket on the boom. Shorted out power wires could have you doing a dance at the very least.

You say the truck is a 1996 model. Depending on the year of the generator. It could possibly be Fuel Injected. If so everything will need to be in order for it to run. Jumping the solenoid may not work to get it to run.

 

[a49deere]

Here's the question for those who don't want to read through.

"I don’t believe I’m getting any power to the generator. Is there a way to jump the connections at the solenoid with a spare battery so I can at least see if it turns over?"

Sorry, I guess I couldn't concentrate on the post after reading the troubleshooting technique" I JIGGLED SOME WIRES THAT LOOKED IMPORTANT"

 

[RedMF40]

Thanks for the replies. I’ll do a little more troubleshooting when I can get to it. Since I paid less than scrap value and the truck actually runs, I should be ok if I have to send it down the road. I’d like to fire up the genset at least and take it from there. The plan was to knock out a few projects and get rid of the truck as soon as possible. Bought it from a local homeowner who was using it around his place. And he’d bought it from someone who was using it on their farm. Said everything was in working order when he parked it but you know how it goes. I do have the manual for the lift and the generator. I see the generator-powered bucket trucks come up for sale occasionally and they are priced pretty cheap. Based on Tony’s comments it sounds like there’s a reason for that. Thanks again, I’ll check back with any progress.
Gerrit

 

[Blackhole49]

Sorry, I guess I couldn't concentrate on the post after reading the troubleshooting technique" I JIGGLED SOME WIRES THAT LOOKED IMPORTANT"

I'm with you a49. I missed the description between the pictures. When I'm adding photos, I try to do all my writing first, hit enter a couple of times, then add photos. That way I don't have any verbiage between the pictures.

 

[1948CaseVAI]

If you "send it down the road" I would recommend you do your best to make sure to not take on any liability for the servicability of the bucket. Maybe weld the arm in the down position or something.

 

[SkipperII]

I am a certified inspector/repairman for manlifts. Fiberglas that has set, with moss growing one it deteriorates at a rapid pace. No way would I put my signature on that manlift, I have looked at a couple like that in the past, for friends, with absolutely no guarantee of safety, only that they function. The power company would have removed the boom and cut it up, and sold the truck.

 

[tomturkey]

I am a certified inspector/repairman for manlifts. Fiberglas that has set, with moss growing one it deteriorates at a rapid pace. No way would I put my signature on that manlift, I have looked at a couple like that in the past, for friends, with absolutely no guarantee of safety, only that they function. The power company would have removed the boom and cut it up, and sold the truck.

SkipperII, thanks for the safety brief, always good of experienced people to remind the unexperienced what safety problems may lurk with a specific machine. With that said we that are operating "old iron" would never be allowed in the workplace. No backup alarms or lock outs. No seat switch shutdowns, no rollover protections, no pto guards so many to mention. We all operate at our own risk and ofcourse if we sell a tractor, there are few if any guarntees, buyer be aware. jmho gobble

 

[RedMF40]

I am a certified inspector/repairman for manlifts. Fiberglas that has set, with moss growing one it deteriorates at a rapid pace. No way would I put my signature on that manlift, I have looked at a couple like that in the past, for friends, with absolutely no guarantee of safety, only that they function. The power company would have removed the boom and cut it up, and sold the truck.

It would be great if you could guarantee that this one functions. Homeowners like me often rely on pretty sketchy equipment hoping to knock out some big work. At this point in life I’ve had my hands on just about every kind of broken down and worn out machine imaginable. Often the salvage yard is the next stop. Not especially proud of that, just putting things in context. Thanks for your concern. I’ll be careful.

 

[showcrop]

If you "send it down the road" I would recommend you do your best to make sure to not take on any liability for the servicability of the bucket. Maybe weld the arm in the down position or something.

I know that lawyers will try to get money for their client and themselves from anything that looks possible, but I am having trouble finding any real likelihood of liability here.