Month: November 2015

Altec was honored to host the 2015 Crane Operator and Rigger Skills Championship held at this year’s International Utility and Construction Equipment Expo (ICUEE) in Louisville, KY on September 29, 2015; an ICUEE first. Put on by the Crane Institute of America Certification (CIC) and hosted by Altec on the K-lot during the first day of the show, the championship drew a large crowd despite the pouring rain. The 14 contenders from around the country showed everyone their true talent while negotiating obstacles and running the AC45-127S through the tight course.

The best-in-class Altec AC45-127S boom truck crane was selected for this competition for a variety of reasons. Operators loved the new patent-pending dual-entry tilt cab which provided them the best vantage point to conduct their work during the event. The side-entry of the cab made switching between competitors quick and effortless which helped to keep the event’s momentum going. “One operator commented saying that if it wasn’t for the time-keepers, he would have spent more time in the cab to stay dry,” said Dan Brock, Altec Crane Market Manager. “They really liked the cab’s features and all the room inside of it.”

Dan went on to say that “when Altec was initially approached about supporting the event and providing a crane we knew that these operators were going to be the cream of the crop, and we didn’t want to disappoint. That left us with an easy decision; the AC45-127S which is currently our highest capacity unit. The machine’s solid feel and features like the dual-entry tilt cab and our new Hirschmann LMAP (Load Moment and Area Protection) computer with easy to read, full color display made it an easy choice. From bottom to top, starting with the SafetyTech DICA outrigger mats chosen for the event up to the boom tip, we wanted to make sure nothing was left to question. We are very thankful for the opportunity to show off Altec Cranes at such an important event.”

Crane Institute of America Certification, along with event partners and co-sponsors awarded the top prizes to the Nation’s best crane operators. The returning champion from 2014, Kenneth Bowyer of ALL Crane Rental, took home first place defending his position and received a $10,000 cash prize. First runner-up was Eric Gaut of Craneworks in Alabama receiving $2,000 and second runner-up was Jose Villanueva of Bay Ltd. out of Texas who took home $1,000.

The Crane Operator and Rigger Skills Championship marked one of many highlights for Altec at the ICUEE show this year. Altec would like to send a special thanks to Crane Institute of America Certification for the opportunity to participate in supporting the event and their continued efforts to provide our Nation with safe and confident crane operators. As noted in the keynote speech by Dr. Jeanne Fredericks during the awards dinner the night of the crane competition, “By 2018, it is predicted that the industry will see tremendous shortages of crane operators.” She went on to say that “we need to educate parents about the well-paid, rewarding jobs in construction.” Altec agrees with Dr. Jeanne’s comments and will continue to listen to customers and the industry to ensure the best solutions are available to support safety, productivity, and operator convenience. With these, Altec believes we can continue to build our Nation and set a solid foundation for future crane operators to follow.

As featured in the November-December issue of Lift and Access

 

The Results are in: 2015 LLEAP Award Winners Named

Lift and Access originally introduced the Leadership in Lifting Equipment and Aerial Platforms (LLEAP) Awards to recognize products, components, and accessories that are innovative or have advanced the lifting and access industry.

Now in its 10th year, the LLEAP Awards program continues to bring well-deserved recognition to new products that raise the industry’s performance and safety. The LLEAP competition considers five categories of entries: Three categories are types of lifting or access equipment, and the other two focus on unique OEM features and innovative industry-related components or services.

To be considered in the 2015 LLEAP competition, a product, major product improvement, or accessory must have been available in North America and have been introduced or delivered to the market between June 1, 2014, and May 31, 2015.

Below are the top two products in each category, voted on by a panel of judges who have strong experience and are deeply involved in fields related to lifting equipment. Read more about the LLEAP Awards in the November-December issue of Lift and Access.

Cranes

Gold: Altec AC40-152S Dual-Rated Boom Truck

Altec Inc.’s new AC40-152S boom truck is engineered as a dual-rated product whose crane mode of operation complies with the ASME B30.5 standard and whose aerial mode of operation complies with the ANSI A92.2 aerial-lift standard, when the unit is outfitted with optional equipment.

When the unit is configured for aerial operation and outfit­ted with optional equipment, the operator can send crews aloft to heights of more than 220 ft. When it is configured for crane opera­tion, the user has all the benefits of a 40-ton telescopic-boom crane with a 152-ft. maximum main-boom length.

The dual rating minimizes setup time and the amount of equip­ment needed on a project.

The AC40-152S’s other innovative features include a patented Dual Entry Cab that provides safe access throughout the upper­works’ entire range of rotation. The optional 20° tilt feature delivers a clear view overhead.

Altec’s new LMAP system displays load on the hook, rated capacity percentage, boom length and angle, and load radius. It also lets the operator define audible alarm set points for area protection.

The patent-pending, quick-attach platform reduces installation time with a lightweight bracket that secures to the main boom, the end of the jib, or the optional composite reach extension. Once the bracket is attached to any of those locations, the operator can simply extend the boom until the bracket engages the platform.

Longer outrigger cylinders that allow easy setup on uneven ter­rain, reduce the amount of cribbing needed, minimize setup time, and enable more payload space on the truck.

Judges’ Comments

• Delivers impressive capacity at extreme height in small stowed package.
• Having aerial lift and crane functionality in one machine will greatly increase project efficiency.

View the complete list of LLEAP Winners.

There are a number of uses for bucket trucks, including the ones listed in this article. Various industries use bucket trucks, digger derricks and cranes on a daily basis. Determine your need, know your equipment, operate safely and have fun!

• 1:   Electric Utility & Telecom
• 2:   Lighting & Sign Maintenance
• 3:   Construction
• 4:   Forestry, Tree Care & Landscaping
• 5:  Fire Rescue
• 6:  Exterior Painting
• 7:  Window Washing
• 8:   Fruit Picking
• 9:  Animal Rescue
• 10: Photography & Film Making

Search for your solution in our online inventory.

The time has come to purchase a digger derrick for the business; however, buying a new one is out of the question. The only option left is to purchase used Digger Derricks. There are questions as to whether the business will get full value from a used digger derrick. There are many reasons why purchasing a used vehicle is worth the investment. Following are some of those reasons:

• Many Good Quality Trucks – The economic downturn created problems for many people a few years ago, leaving bad memories such as job losses and repossessed property. These unfortunate events have opened up better opportunities for others. As a result of this crisis, the market is filled with gently used Digger Derricks for incredibly low prices. Therefore, buying one of them right now is a golden opportunity that shouldn’t be misses.
• Less Risk – With the current economic condition, buying used Digger Derricks is also advantageous. This is true because any business owner considering such a purchase knows the costs as well as the risks of purchasing a new digger derrick in this kind of economy. Buying a used version of this vehicle is a much better chance to take.
• Shorter Loan Term – When financing used Digger Derricks, buyers do not have to be concerned about the burden of an expensive loan for a long period of time because these trucks generally have a shorter loan repayment period.
• Low Depreciation Rate – Another advantage of buying used Digger Derricks is the lower depreciation rate. With a new truck, depreciation can be as much as 30 percent in the first three years. With a used version, depreciation is still applicable; however, the value of the truck takes longer to depreciate.
• Lower Insurance Premiums – Insuring the truck is the next cost for any vehicle owner. Insurance rates are typically higher for property damage coverages over the first few years; this obstacle is avoided with the purchase of a vehicle that is beyond those first years of ownership. A lower premium cost is one benefit of buying used Digger Derricks.
• Affordable Price and Flexibility – Another obvious benefit of used Digger Derricks are their affordable price. One of these vehicles can cost as much as 50 percent less than the truck’s original price. There are many other ways any business can use the money saved.

The advantages listed above are what to expect when choosing to buy a used digger derrick. Since the digger derrick has already been used by a previous owner, the possibility of getting a poorly functioning truck still exists. Following are some ways to ensure finding a quality vehicle when purchasing used Digger Derricks.

• Purchase Fleet Trucks – Increase the chance of buying a quality used digger derrick by purchasing fleet Digger Derricks. Fleet trucks are run by utility companies that have strict regimens in maintaining their vehicles and they sell their used Digger Derricks in good condition.
• Check the Odometer Reading – The odometer records the number of miles the truck has traveled over the years of its operation. When buying used Digger Derricks, avoid vehicles with high odometer readings as this means that the truck could require major maintenance costs in the near future.
• Check the Maintenance History – The maintenance history is a record of repairs and servicing the truck has undergone over its lifetime. Make sure that any used Digger Derricks that are considered for purchase have been regularly serviced and does not show involvement in a major accident.
• Use a Reliable Dealer – The internet is the best place to look for used Digger Derricks. Make sure to be cautious, however, as there are some deceptive dealers on the internet. Be sure that the dealer is associated with a major manufacturer and has a good reputation.

By following any or all of the suggestions listed above, the reasons should be clear why buying a used digger derrick now is a wise choice to make. Any doubts that previously existed about buying used Digger Derricks should be gone by now and the question of “To Buy or Not to Buy” yields a very definitive answer – Yes!