Month: April 2019

Chriso Lee says the Altec Heartland product line has been a game-changer in his work as a certified tree safety professional and certified Arborist for ArborWorks Inc. Located in California, ArborWorks specializes in hazard tree removal, utility line clearance and vegetation management.

Solely operated by a radio remote control, the Altec Heartland product line allows equipment operators to work outside of the drop zone with a clear line of sight. With minimal setup time, these units increase job site safety and productivity.

“This unit takes some of the most dangerous work and effectively removes what we perceive to be the majority of the danger related to human exposure. With the TGS units now on scene we’re able to do four to five times the amount of work that we can traditionally do,” Lee said.

The Altec Heartland product line consists of an Effer knuckle boom (articulating) crane, a 360-degree continuous-rotation grapple saw (33-inch jaw opening, 14-inch cutting depth, 3,300-pound maximum lift capacity). The unit is entirely operated by a radio remote control, allowing operators to cut limbs and branches without ever having to leave the ground or touch a piece of the tree. The EC225-6S-FG model provides an additional seven feet of cutting height and has a rear-mounted configuration, allowing operators to set-up 10 to 12 feet closer to the tree.

In addition to the Heartland unit, ArborWorks has found Altec’s commitment to service an instrumental benefit to customers and their business.

“Our experience working with Altec has been amazing. There’s no way that we could do what we do for our customers without the support that we get from Altec. Altec is always working to be innovative and apply some of the latest technologies to help make this work safer,” Lee said.

For more information on the EC175-5S-FG or EC225-6S-FG and other Altec equipment, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

What is the LS Series Material Handling Attachment?

The LS Series Material Handling Attachment is a new product option for Altec’s LS models designed for the lights and signs industry. The attachment mounts on the existing boom-tip structures of any LS60, LS63, or LS87 unit to install electronic message boards as part of an existing sign.

The material handling attachment helps customers avoid damage to signs or buildings by installing from underneath an existing sign rather than reaching from above with a crane or other lifting mechanism. As a result, this may eliminate the need for additional crew members or equipment, which can ultimately help customers reduce costs and time spent on a project or job site. Also, by installing from underneath an awning or building soffit, customers do not have to worry about the winch load line hitting the building.

Katherine Niebuhr, Altec Lights & Signs Market Manager, says this product was created as a solution based on customer feedback.

“Providing customers with the ability to install boards underneath existing signs or building features with the same unit they already have on the job site is a novel idea. We listened to our customers, saw their frustrations, and were able to provide a solution that fits their needs,” Niebuhr said.

How it Works

The material handling attachment can be installed on the LS unit by using the quick disconnect process to remove the platform. This product is installed using the same brackets and pins as the platform. Once the attachment is mounted to the boom-tip brackets, it can be used to pick up a sign.  The sign can then be secured and lifted for final installation. The product can also be operated with radio controls to provide the operator with a clear line of sight and the ability to control loads.

Design Features

The material handling attachment was designed by Altec engineers to streamline the sign installation process for the lights and signs industry.

The product includes the following features:

• Adjustable side-to-side load arms to support the load as needed
• Minimum of eight anchor points provided for securing the load to the attachment
• Removable load arms to facilitate stowage
• Crane loop to facilitate stowing/un-stowing from the truck
• UHMW protective pads to protect the load from damage
• Bolt-on storage solution that is easily secured for travel

Increased Efficiency, Productivity and Safety

This new material handling attachment provides another means of lifting signs and equipment into position, resulting in increased productivity, safety and job site efficiency.

Jason Cox, a Colortech installer says the material handling attachment has changed the company’s approach to sign installation for the better. By allowing for a more substantial lift and reducing the number of crew members needed on the job site, Jason and his team have been able to achieve a greater sense of job satisfaction and safety.

Colortech is a sign and graphics company located in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

“Before using this attachment, we would have to bring our forklift along or tear the entire sign apart and use a crane or some other method of lifting. This attachment has saved us a lot of time,” said Cox.

The Future of Sign Installation

Altec Lights and Signs Sales Manager Mark Kruger says the material handling attachment was engineered with a customer-first approach.

“This product is yet another example of Altec’s commitment to improving work practices and advancements for those working in the lights and signs industry,” Kruger stated.

Kruger added, “We are focused on creating products that are a direct result of customer-driven innovation.”

For more information on the material handling attachment and other Altec equipment, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

Download Information Sheet

Improper platform inspection and maintenance can put you and your crew at risk and could lead to serious injury. Inspecting the platform for wear and damage is an important step in the pre-operational check, which should be completed every shift. Here is a checklist of several items to pay attention to during inspection.

Note: Altec recommends speaking to one of our experienced Service or Parts Representatives before making any repairs to your truck. Call 1-877 GO ALTEC and select Option 4 for technical support and troubleshooting in the field.

Altec only assumes responsibility for platform repair performed by Altec personnel.

As the public power utility for the Lower Florida Keys, Keys Energy Service is headquartered at the southernmost point of the United States in Key West. This unique location can make getting equipment parts difficult.

Walter Cashwell, Fleet Supervisor at Keys Energy Service, says that despite this, Altec always comes through to provide what they need.

“Sometimes getting parts down here can be a challenge. We have never had that problem with Altec,” Cashwell said.

From custom equipment to parts and customer service, Altec provides an array of reliable support to help Keys service more than 28,000 customers.

Jamie Curry, Fleets Service Lead at Keys, is appreciative of Altec’s customer-first service approach.

“You pick up the phone, dial the number and whoever answers the phone knows what they are talking about. For us, that kind of service makes or breaks a company,” said Curry.

Shawn Edmonds, a Keys Journeyman Lineman, describes how Altec’s equipment design helps the utility company to operate more efficiently.

“The forty-eight-foot Altec service bucket for our applications in the service department helps tremendously around different work areas. The unit is built on a smaller chassis which allows us to be more easily accessible into tighter spots. It saves time on restoration work.”

Altec offers a complete line of aerial units for the electric utility, telecommunications, tree care, construction, and lights and signs markets. Through innovation and customer solutions, our equipment provides you with exactly what you need to get your job done. Whether it’s on the line with an insulating or non-insulating aerial device, telescopic or telescopic articulating, and overcenter or non-overcenter, our specifications will meet your every need — or we will customize and build to make our equipment fit your application.

For more information on Altec products and services, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

Bill Mueller, Fleet Supervisor at Baltimore Gas & Electric, Maryland’s largest natural gas and electric utility, appreciates Altec Sentry’s commitment to supporting customers in safety and training efforts.

“Training is offered both online and in-person for our technicians and keeps us up-to-date with all the new technology. Altec always steps up to the plate, and either does what we need them to do or comes up with better ideas to help us with any of our safety needs,” Mueller said.

Keeping crews safe on the job is a top priority for Altec. The Altec Sentry program was created to train operators of Altec equipment on safety practices for the electric utility, telecommunications, and contractor industries. This program uses the highest safety standards to prevent on-the-job injuries and fatalities.

BGE’s fleet consists of Altec aerial devices, light-duty, and compressor trucks. Bill says that during his 40-year tenure with BG&E, Altec has been a reliable partner in keeping up with constantly changing technology needs that support safe work practices.

“Altec’s engineering unit is outstanding, and they help us out with innovation, whether for new safety idea or product feature services. The technology is advancing very quickly, especially with the safety equipment, and Altec is keeping up with that as they integrate everything into their truck bodies,” Mueller said.

Altec Sentry offers training designed to help employers train and certify equipment operators on the safe and proper operation of aerial devices (insulating, non-insulating and tree care), digger derricks, chippers, and cranes.

For training information or to order materials and videos, please contact us at 1-205-408-8260 or contact an Altec representative online.