The basics
What it is
Three related jobs. Upfit is taking a chassis and installing the aerial device, derrick, crane, body and lights. Sales is a new or used unit from a dealer. Rental is a unit for a few weeks or months, for a storm, a project, or a busy season.
We help you spec it, source it and check it, and we make sure the questions that matter get asked before the money moves.
The point
Why it matters
A truck is a chassis and an equipment package, and they have to suit each other. The aerial device adds weight and changes where it sits. A92.2 says axle loads of the fully loaded vehicle must not exceed the maker's gross axle weight ratings, and that changes in weight distribution can hurt stability.
Then there is the paperwork that comes with the truck. An insulating unit is only insulating if the test record says so. A rental with no inspection history is a risk you inherit on day one.
Read the ID plate before you read the quote.
Who it is for
Who needs it
Anyone who needs a truck that works, with papers that hold up.
- Fleets adding trucksA new crew means a new unit. Getting the spec right the first time is cheaper than correcting it later.
- Fleets replacing old unitsThe A92.2 major structural inspection comes due after 15 years of service. Some owners weigh repair against replacement around then.
- Storm and project workA short-term unit, fast, with its papers current.
- Buyers of used unitsYou are buying the inspection history as much as the iron.
- Rental customersThe agreement decides who inspects and who keeps the records. Under A92.2 the user, which includes a lessee, has duties too.
Before you buy or rent
What to specify and ask for
Short list, long consequences.
The chassis
- GVWR and the front and rear GAWR, against the finished weight with the body, tools and crew
- Wheelbase and cab to axle length for the equipment you plan to mount
- Engine, transmission and PTO provision, and electrical capacity for the loads
- Brake type, and tires rated for the axle loads
- Whether the finished GVWR crosses 26,001 pounds, which puts a CDL on the driver
The equipment
- Aerial, derrick or crane type, working height and rated capacity
- Insulated or not. If insulated, the category and the qualification voltage you need for your lines
- Platform capacity, jib and winch ratings, auger and stabilizer details
- Body, storage and lighting for the work
- Who does the mounting, and how the weight check is handled
The papers
- ID plate photos: category, qualification voltage, test date, serial number
- The maker's manuals, which belong on the truck
- The installer's initial inspection and test records
- The latest dielectric test report and periodic inspection report
- The last DOT annual, and the service history
- Scale ticket with front and rear axle weights
When it comes up
How often
Not a schedule. These are the moments to check.
- Before the truck goes to workThe installer or dealer has to do the initial inspection and test. For an insulating unit that includes the electrical test after the aerial is on the chassis. Get the record before the first job.
- When the unit changes handsA92.2 puts duties on the dealer or installer to tell the maker who the new owner is and to tell the owner of their responsibilities. Make sure the maker has your name so safety bulletins find you.
- At the 15 year markThe major structural inspection, with a load test, and every 10 years after, or as the maker says.
- Before any rental goes out or comes inCheck the dates: last periodic inspection, last dielectric test, last DOT annual. If any is stale, fix that first.
- Lead timesThey depend on chassis supply and the upfitter. We do not quote a number we cannot back up. Ask us, and we will get you the real date.
The rulebook
Standards the work follows
Whoever builds it, these rules ride along.
- ANSI/SAIA A92.2Responsibilities of manufacturers, dealers, installers, owners and users. Initial inspection and test, axle load and weight distribution limits, manuals on the unit, ownership notice to the maker, and the 2021 changes on service entities and new-owner duties.Editions we have read. Check the current edition.
- ANSI/ASSP A10.31Digger derricks, including the qualification test and owner duties.
- OSHA 1910.67(b)(2) and 1926.453(a)(2)A field-modified aerial lift has to be certified in writing by the maker or an equivalent entity, such as a nationally recognized testing laboratory, as conforming and at least as safe as before.
- Chassis maker's body builder guideEvery chassis maker publishes limits and instructions for mounting equipment. The upfitter works to them.
- 49 CFR Parts 567 and 568Federal certification rules for vehicles built in more than one stage. They put certification duties on the final-stage manufacturer, so ask the upfitter how they handle it.
- 49 CFR 383.5 and 390.5Where a CDL starts (26,001 pounds GVWR) and where a vehicle is a federal commercial motor vehicle (10,001).
- 49 CFR 396.17The DOT annual. A unit coming into your fleet should have one dated within the last 12 months or get one.
The route
How a job goes with Convoy
One call covers it. We find the options, pass along quotes and check the papers.
Tell us the job
What the truck will do, what voltage lines you work near, how many, how soon, buy or rent.
We find options
Units and builds that fit the spec. We pass along quotes and details.
We check the papers
Plate info, test and inspection records, scale weights, manuals. If something is missing, we ask for it.
Delivery and dates
Your due dates for the new unit go on the list: inspection, dielectric test, DOT annual and service.
The paperwork
What you get back
A file you can hand a customer or an inspector.
- A one page spec: chassis, equipment, ratings, category and voltage
- Photos of the ID plates
- Scale ticket with axle weights against GVWR and GAWR
- The installer's initial inspection and test records
- The dielectric test report and the last periodic inspection report
- The last DOT annual report
- Manuals on the truck, confirmed
- Ownership notice to the aerial maker, done or flagged
- First due dates on your list
Keep the file with the unit for its life. When it sells, the next owner will ask for it.
Straight answers
Questions we get
Plain answers first.
Can you find me a truck?
Yes. Tell us the job, the voltage you work near and whether you want to buy or rent. We find options that fit the spec, pass along the quotes and check the papers before you sign.
Can I rent an insulated unit for a 69 kV job?
Only if the ID plate shows a qualification voltage for it. The rating is the line's phase to phase voltage. A 46 kV unit does not go on a 69 kV system. Insulation is also a second layer behind PPE and work procedures.
Who does the inspections on a rental?
It depends on the agreement. The lessor often handles the inspections, and the user has operating duties under A92.2. Read it and ask. We can help you read it for the items that matter.
Can you modify my truck?
Changes that affect stability or the mechanical, hydraulic or electrical systems need the maker's approval. OSHA also expects field modifications of an aerial lift to be certified in writing. We would have it done by someone who can document it.
New or used?
Either can be right. Used means the history matters more. Ask for the plate, the test and inspection records and the scale weights.
Need upfit, sales and rental? Get a quote.
Tell us what you run and where it sits. We come back with a price and a plan. A rough list is fine.