Bil Jax

[ClimbingFool]

Anybody use a Bil Jax instead of a bucket truck ? what do you think of them. No DMV fees like a vehicle or weight fees. The nice ones have articulating wheels, 4x4 and from what I hear, they are pretty versatile.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Meh...

 

[CurSedVoyce]

Carl (Lumberjack) has a manly lift like the trailer-able Bil-Jax. Genie brand I believe. I can see how they could work good in limited access stuff.

 

[Burnham]

I've used one a couple of times to access radio and solar panel installs/maintenance work on fire lookout towers. I'd not be totally enthusiastic for tree work...awfully easy to hit an outrigger with a chunk, seems to me.

 

[CurSedVoyce]

Here are some pics from back when of Carl's unit Greg
https://www.masterblasterhome.com/showthread.php?9487-Equipment-Pic-Thread&p=199739&viewfull=1#post199739

 

[MasterBlaster]

It's too delicate and exposed.

Great for changing light bulbs.

 

[flushcut]

I have used the towable ones quite a bit, they are ok but limited in reach (side reach) and yes very fragile ("it must be Italian"). For me they worked well for rigged removals and your set up position must be planned to a T otherwise you are going to have to reset.

 

[ClimbingFool]

I guess if a guy could buy one cheap enough, they would be good for those days when you just don't feel like climbing that nasty dead tree. I see some pros and cons to them, but you have that with bucket trucks also.

 

[Burnham]

Nothing is perfect for all jobs, every time.

 

[Tucker943]

I don't like them. I've used mostly Genie lifts, up to 100 feet. Not really my scene. But, they do have a time and a place.

 

[brendonv]

I ran a tuepen mostly, different bird. But I kinda have the idea. Great for backyards, move very very slow, very fragile. A big disadvantage is not being able to go over center. After running a rear mount bucket truck, that surely is a nice advantage.

 

[MasterBlaster]

I guess if a guy could buy one cheap enough

If they're anything like a Spiderlift, they're extremely expensive.

 

[ClimbingFool]

I ran a tuepen mostly, different bird. But I kinda have the idea. Great for backyards, move very very slow, very fragile. A big disadvantage is not being able to go over center. After running a rear mount bucket truck, that surely is a nice advantage.

yes they are. I ran rear mount 75' Techo for 14 years and loved it. Wasn't over center, but it could reach anywhere a over center 55' 60' could..

Butch, there not to bad.You can find ones in good shape 60' for about 30 to 40 Gs. Spidy's are about double that I think. Little over priced in my opinion.