When it comes to aerial jobs, no equipment can provide the highest level of safety and efficiency better than an Altec Aerial Device. Sometimes referred to as a cherry picker and originally built for the purpose of harvesting fruit on orchard farms, today’s “bucket trucks” are utilized by almost every industry that has the need for aerial work. Aerial devices are often called many different names, such as man lift, squirt boom, bucket truck and aerial personnel carrier.
Reliability
Due to the nature of aerial device usage, reliability is always an important issue when choosing a manufacturer. As the design of this vehicle has developed throughout the decades, many manufacturers have come and gone. The longest operating manufacturer of aerial equipment is Altec.
- Oldest and Most Influential – Altec is the oldest and most influential company in the business. Since its start in 1929, Altec has paved the way for future equipment designs and features. Its reputation does not solely rest on longevity; it remains highly regarded because it produces well-made and reliable bucket trucks.
- Pioneer of Modern Safety Features – Altec has also pioneered many of the safety features seen on the modern aerial work truck. Safety is paramount, especially considering the bucket truck is designed to lift a person many feet in the air and sometimes under dangerous conditions. Altec aerial lifts are equipped with safety features designed to protect operators from potential hazards on the job site.
Controls
As mandated by OSHA, Altec trucks are equipped with two control panels. The primary control is located within the bucket, while the secondary control is accessible at the base of the truck. The primary control will allow the aerial worker to control the bucket, while the secondary control can only be used to override the primary controls in case of an emergency or if the worker is incapable of operating the primary controls.
Insulated Booms
To protect the aerial worker from electrocution, Altec bucket trucks that are used for power line maintenance and repair are equipped with insulated booms. The insulation is designed to protect the truck’s occupants from electrocution in case the boom comes in contact with a live wire. Some Altec vehicles that are not designed for working near power lines are also equipped with insulation but have a lower insulation rating.
Aftermarket Services
Altec offers aftermarket services when you are ready to dispose of an existing asset or purchase a used piece of equipment. Altec also has authorized service centers all over the United States and Canada with a large supply of high quality, affordable aftermarket parts available. The same high quality production is maintained on Altec’s aftermarket parts; therefore, when equipment has been serviced, the same quality and reliability can be expected from the truck’s performance.
When properly maintained and operated, bucket trucks are a safe and reliable type of equipment, and most operators would agree that the brand of the truck is perhaps the most important factor to consider. When purchasing an aerial device, consider the reputation of the manufacturer, the overall production quality, and the after-market support of the product.
For more information on Altec products and services, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.
Happy New Year! As we all work to achieve our personal goals for 2019, it is important to focus on resolutions that keep yourself and your equipment safe. These New Year’s Resolutions are a great checklist to ensure your equipment is in optimal condition and safe to operate on the job site.
Winter weather and adverse road conditions can challenge even the most seasoned operators. Although newer trucks often have enhanced handling features, drivers should still rely on basic, time-honored skills to avoid winter driving accidents.