If your job requires you to inspect, clean or repair bridge structures you know that not all bridges are the same. And this means that different bridges and tasks require different bridge inspection units.
When you need an under bridge inspection unit you have a number of options, which are determined by the type of bridge and type of task. It’s not nearly enough to simply rent the most affordable unit you can get by with. Safety, efficiency and sufficient capability should always trump cost factors when it comes to bridge work.
Buckets, Platforms, Trucks and Tractors
What are your options? Again, it depends on what you need to accomplish and where you need to base your under bridge inspection unit.
Buckets
Depending on the type of work being done and what type of surface is under the bridge, a simple bucket truck can often be sufficient for the job. In other words, if the bridge isn’t too high and the area beneath is safe to park a vehicle and work from it, this can be a great approach.
Bucket trucks are perfect for the maintenance, cleaning and repair of bridge-mounted structures such as highway signs or lights, and they’re also great for the inspection and repair of bridges and pedestrian overcrossings. These units can range in capacity from a one-man bucket with a 40-foot reach to a two-man bucket with a reach of up to 60 feet or more.
A variety of the bucket-on-a-boom is the aerial platform truck. These trucks typically extend up to 35 feet vertically to reach your overhead projects and under bridge areas. Aerial platform trucks are perfect for inspecting overhead structures such as traffic lights and road lighting systems, as well as the inspection and repair of girder bridges.
When it’s not possible to base your under bridge inspection unit underneath a bridge or overpass, an articulated boom crane with a bucket is the perfect match. These units are typically truck-mounted and are perfect for bridge inspections and repairs. This is because of the extensive reach that provides plenty of access for inspectors and workers in a one, two or three-man bucket.
Platforms
These units allow for multiple workers to access forty feet from one set up position. These units can often deploy off both sides of the truck and are perfect for all basic bridge inspections. The platforms can range from 20 feet in length to as much as 66 feet or more.
The beauty of a platform as opposed to a bucket is the ability to facilitate a larger number of workers and ease of access across the platform without continually having to be repositioned. These make great units for large under bridge inspection, cleaning, maintenance or repair projects.
A platform-based under bridge inspection unit is typically mounted on a truck and is parked on the shoulder or one lane of a bridge roadway. Depending on the size of the unit, the boom reach can be as great as 72 feet down and up to 75 feet horizontally underneath the bridge. While most platform under bridge inspection units are smaller than this, it illustrates the impressive capacity of these workhorses.
Trucks and Trailers
Depending on the type of unit you choose to employ, under bridge inspection units can be either truck-mounted or on a standalone trailer. Trailer-mounted units are towable inspection equipment that can get workers safely into places that are otherwise unreachable. Trailer-mounted, self-propelling, and self-erecting under bridge inspection units and can give personnel safe access to the underside of bridges.
Truck-mounted units are capable of maneuvering around bridges and the obstacles and barriers that may be present. Another advantage is the capability of being fitted for railroad access, which allows easy access to railroad bridges and overcrossings.
Your Source for Professional Under Bridge Inspection Equipment
There are a wide range of capabilities available with different under bridge inspection vehicles. However, determining the best choice for your bridge inspection project usually depends on the structure itself and the terrain you are working on.
And, although pricing is a consideration, your specific project needs and required capabilities should be the primary deciding factors for your under bridge unit choice.
This is why having a professional firm to guide your through the process of renting or buying the right vehicle and equipment for your project is key to making the best choice.
We provide quality under bridge equipment throughout all the Western States, including California, Washington, and Oregon. Our inventory of snooper trucks and under bridge access platforms include the state-of-the-art self-drive access platform, the Truck Mounted Hydra Platform HPT43.
We take a great deal of pride in being the only company in California that offers total under bridge access. By offering high quality customer service, we have managed to build long-lasting relationships with our esteemed customers. And we intend to keep it that way. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
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