re: What’s up with Bucket trucks

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We have a few utility:bucket trucks at the local hotel. I guess they in town due to expected outages due to ice/snow. Anyway why do they always raise the bucket when not in use? What’s up with that?

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Not trying to be rude but you’re fricking retarded.

I mean, the raised buckets on bucket trucks......

Yes, it's been 30 years, but I used to drive a bucket truck as part of my job, and that is how we used them at night. There was a covere made to fit over the top to keep water from getting in.

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I’ve heard there is a fiberglass “break” in the boom that makes them insulated

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Worked at GSU/Entergy for 20 years in fleet and substation maintenance. There are no “breaks” in the booms. The entire upper and lower boom inserts are made of fiberglass. All hydraulic hoses within the booms are made of non-conductive material as well. Standard hydraulic hose is reinforced with internal wire braid and absolutely cannot be used anywhere in the insulated sections.
The booms/hydraulics are subject to annual dielectric and stress testing to assure that the operator is protected. And, yes, you can override bucket controls. All aerial work platforms have ground control override. That’s the first option in getting an injured worker to the ground.
Previous suggestions of preventing tool theft are basically correct. As far as vehicle theft, I guess it technically could help prevent theft. But, if you have the provisions to start the truck, you can surely engage the pto pump and lower the boom to transport position.