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Way to go! keep us updated on the progress with pics and details. Much can be learned by watching a project from start to finish.

Thanks guys.  I'm really happy with my purchase.  I'll deffinately be taking pics along the way.  I'm hoping to have the cage cut off and the ladder rack built by the end of the weekend.  I guess I'm not gonna make it to Myrtle Beach RT, just to much to do. 

Chris, i my are there alot of ranch style houses, i thought I could just raise it up over the peak and do the back then do the front. They rotate 360 degrees so I think if you just back it in the driveway you should be able to shoot the whole roof with no ladders. I think this is the way I'm going to go. if anybody can see any downfall from building my rig in the back of a small bucket truck please let me know. Thanks, Doug 

Chesapeake wrote:

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DBKeifer wrote:

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Looks like you'll have plenty of room on that rig for everything you'll need. I have not build a rig yet, but i am thinking about starting off with a small bucket truck. Try to eliminate using laters. The trucks I have been looking at have a height of 25 to 35 feet. What do think of that idea. There should also be plenty of room in the back for a tank and compressor. Thanks, Doug

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I never considered buying a bucket truck, but it isn't a bad idea.  I have seen other contractors on other boards that use them.  A bucket truck would be very useful for some jobs in my area, but for the most part, it would only allow me to hit one side of the roof.  You would deffinately have plenty of room for your tank, compressor, hose and reels. 

 

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Ladders don't break down unless you drop them. What are you going to do when a hose breaks and it takes you longer to get to the pump and shut it off? How about a hydraulic hose burst while you are over the roof? This thing is going to suck fuel like it had a stake in OPEC. You can't extend over the entire roof from the driveway on most homes. That would be too far of a reach for it to be counter balanced correctly. If most of your homes are ranch style those are the easiest to do. 5850 could shoot those from the ground, or walk no ladder no lift.

That is a lot of expense and liability for something that I think you will find that you rarely use.

The idea of using one that gets you to the roof then get out and walk is good. I have a F250 with a utility bed and I find that the compartments are either too short or too shallow. Definately not enough room for hose reels. Take a good look at the cost before you buy one.

 

Lifts are great when you need them, but Pat is probably right about not needing them very much.

Most homes you will not be able to access with a 35 foot reach. You have to remember that the booms usually only have 2 pivot points on them so after you use the one pivot to get the height you need, (remember you will be in the driveway) the second section will not extend the length of the house.

Customer will not be too keen on letting you drive on the grass. Those trucks are heavy. I used to service about 10 on a regular basis.

If the driveway is on an incline that is also going to reduce the amount of reach that you have.

Trees and power lines pose a very serious access problem to quite a few roofs. Not to mention the safety concerns.

You need to be relatively close to the roof surface when you are spraying or you will have WAY TOO MUCH OVERSPRAY! With many of the homes I have done, you would not be able to get close to half of the rear roof unless you drove on the lawn. If they have septic systems, you don't want to be driving that truck on their lawn.

My brother has an 80 foot Altec Aerial Lift for his tree trimming business. There are many times that he can barely access the trees around a customer's house because of the logistics of the property and he has more than 2 time the reach that you would have.

I'm not saying that this type of truck couldn't be usefull or make your life easier from time to time, but most guys starting out in this business can't afford to lay out the extra expense for something that would be considered a luxury.

I haven't run into a home yet that I could not do with a ladder. I have done a couple of million dollar homes.

If you are light on cash, save the extra money. Use some of it on the equipment that you use every day. Spend more on your pump, hoses, nozzles, hose reels, ect. They are the things that make you money. Use some of that money on marketing.

I spent $1,000 on a truck when I started and I still use that truck all the time. If you followed that pattern, you would have $5,000 to spend on equipment and marketing or to get you through the winter months.

Everyone has to make their own decisions. I just think you could cut back on your expenses a little and not have it affect your business growth.

Brian

An Articulating boom, 4wd, with turf tires is the best man lift.
Look at the Genie brand, we rent them when we need them.
Maybe one roof in 300 here in Florida requires one, so why buy one ?

Doug,
I agree with Brian. If I feel comfortable walking it I do. I can better control overspray when I am up there close to the work. If you do get on the roof make sure your ladder is secured to the gutter with a bungee strap or ladder hold outs. Sometimes  dragging your hose across it will cause it to move or maybe even fall leaving you trapped on the roof.

When I stay on the ladder to spray I try to cover an area about 10 or 12 feet to either side of me then get down and move the ladder to the next section. This also helps control overspray.

If a roof is too steep but you think you just have to get up there try to find some hooks for the top of your ladder (usualy one section of an extension ladder) that go over the top of the ridge. We Firefighters call it a "Roof Ladder".
Be safe,
Patrick

http://www.badgerladder.com/products.aspx?CatID=92

Thanks for the suggestions Pat. I have a lot to learn and you guys are great for sharing all your secrets and experiances. Thanks 

So long as there is no heavy moss, I don't even notice the difference when the roof is wet. I use a decent shoe and it grips pretty well. Search roof cleaning shoes and you will find a lot of good info. I posted the link to the ones I use.

Brian