What Reconditioning a Used Bucket Truck Includes | Monster Equipment
"Reconditioned" shows up on a lot of used truck listings. It should mean the truck was inspected, repaired and prepared for work, not just washed. But it doesn't mean the same thing at every dealer. This guide explains what reconditioning covers at Monster Equipment, how our shop work fits in, and the questions to ask before you buy any reconditioned utility truck.
Monster Equipment is a family-owned dealer and service center at 1223 Porter Rd in Sarasota, Florida, founded in 2010. We sell reconditioned bucket trucks, cable placers, sign trucks and sign cranes, pole trailers and forklifts, and our sales and service share the same yard.
Reconditioned vs "Used As-Is"
A used as-is truck is sold the way it came in. A reconditioned truck has had work done to put it back in working order. The difference shows up in:
- how much of your own shop time the truck needs before it goes to work
- whether known problems were fixed or just disclosed
- how the truck looks on the job, which matters for customer-facing crews
Every unit is different, so the work done varies. Always ask what was done on the specific truck you're buying.
What Our Reconditioning Process Covers
Inspection first
Reconditioning starts with an inspection of the chassis and the aerial device or body. That tells us what needs attention. Our shop inspects hydraulics at no cost and quotes repairs before work begins, the same approach we use for customer trucks.
Mechanical and diesel work
Our shop handles diesel engine work in house, including diagnostics, injectors, turbos, fuel systems, DPF and DEF service, and engine repair. Many of the trucks we sell are medium-duty diesels, so this matters.
Hydraulics and the aerial device
The aerial device is what you're really buying. Our shop works on pumps, hoses, cylinders and boom circuits. Ask about the specific unit's hydraulic condition, and look at the boom, turret, controls and outriggers yourself.
Electrical and suspension
We also handle starting and charging systems, lighting, sensors, modules and wiring, plus springs, air bags, shocks, bushings and chassis work.
Paint and body
Our Reconditioning & Paint lays out how a refinish moves through the shop:
- Walk-around and quote. There's no charge to inspect.
- Prep and rust repair. Bodywork is done as needed before anything is primed.
- Booth prime and paint. Primer and a full finish coat are applied in the booth.
- Reassemble and detail. The truck is reassembled, detailed and ready for the yard.
That process covers bucket trucks (boom, turret, body and cab), utility and service bodies (compartments, doors and exposed steel), in fleet white or a specified color. We offer the same paint service to customers who bring us their own trucks.
What Reconditioning Looks Like on a Listing
Each listing describes the truck's specs and condition. A good example is our reconditioned 2014 Ford F550 with an Altec AT40S sign boom (stock 47288), whose listing notes a new engine, along with a 45 ft working height, a 2-man basket and 97,111 miles. Browse current units:
If a listing doesn't say what was done, call us and ask.
Questions to Ask Any Dealer About a Reconditioned Truck
Use these whether you buy from us or someone else.
About the work
- What specifically was repaired or replaced on this unit?
- Were the hydraulics inspected, and were any leaks repaired?
- Was any engine, transmission or aftertreatment work done?
- Was the truck repainted, and was rust repaired first?
About the aerial device
- Is the boom insulated or non-insulated, per the data plate?
- If insulated, when was the last dielectric test, and can I see the report?
- Do the upper and lower controls both work?
- Are annual inspection records available?
About the paperwork
- Do the VIN and boom serial on the listing match the truck?
- Is the mileage on the listing the same as the odometer?
- Is the title clean and ready to transfer?
About after the sale
- Is an extended warranty available? (Our NTP extended warranty page lists eligibility and terms.)
- Is financing available?
- Can the truck be shipped to my yard?
Why Sales and Service on One Yard Matters
Because our sales lot and our shop share the same yard on Porter Road, the mechanics who recondition a truck are the same people who service customer trucks every week. That means the people preparing a unit for sale already know the common problems on the Altec, Posi-Plus, Terex and Elliott equipment we carry, and on the Ford, Ram and Freightliner chassis underneath. It also means that after you buy, you can bring the truck back to the same shop for maintenance, hydraulic inspections or paint. Our posted shop hours are Monday to Thursday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM and Friday 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Call ahead to schedule a walk-around.
Inspect It Yourself, Too
Reconditioning reduces risk. It doesn't replace your own inspection. Our used bucket truck inspection checklist covers what to look at, and our guide to buying a used bucket truck walks through the process. You're welcome to visit the lot on Porter Road or send your own inspector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does "reconditioned" mean the truck is like new?
No. A reconditioned truck has been inspected and repaired to working order, but it's still a used truck with miles and hours. Ask what was done on the specific unit.
Do you paint every truck?
Not necessarily. Paint depends on the unit's condition. Ask about the truck you're considering, or ask for a paint quote.
Can I bring my own truck for reconditioning or paint?
Yes. Our shop does paint and body work and diesel, electrical, suspension and hydraulic repairs on customer trucks. Hydraulic inspections are free and repairs are quoted first.
Are your trucks sold with a warranty?
Sales are final, but NTP extended warranties are available on eligible trucks. See our extended warranties page.
Where are your trucks located?
Our yard is in Sarasota, FL. Some units are located elsewhere, and each listing shows its location. We sell nationwide.