Altec Develops a Lanyard Detection System for Aerial Devices 

Altec has developed a Lanyard Detection System that promotes safe unit operation by helping to ensure line workers are “clipped in” while conducting work from the platform. This operator aid helps reduce the risk of falling from the platform by reminding users to attach their lanyard before working at height.

This system is available on the following model and platform package combinations:

  • AA, AN and AM aerials with single one-man (211) or single two-man (217) platform packages
  • AN67-E100 and AN67E-E100 aerials with single two-man (217) platform package
  • Retrofit compatible with 2016 & newer AA, AN and AM aerials with single one-man (211) and single two-man (217) platform packages

Lanyard Detection Systems helps to ensure that operator lanyards are attached prior to operating the aerial from upper controls. The systems are available in two configurations – Lanyard Alert and Lanyard Interlock.

Units equipped with Lanyard Alert will detect if the lanyard is not attached and sound an audible alarm at the platform when the ISO-Grip interlock is engaged. The unit operation will not be prevented and the aerial will continue to operate but with the audible alarm sounding.

The Lanyard Interlock system goes one step further to ensure safer jobsites by disabling upper controls operation if the lanyard is not detected, in addition to sounding an audible alarm when the ISO-Grip interlock is engaged.

One key feature of both Lanyard Detection Systems is Anti-tie down, which uses electronic sensors to detect and prevent the system from being permanently defeated. Anti-tie down helps ensure a safe jobsite, in circumstances where operators leave a lanyard or other device attached to the fall protection anchor.

Lanyard Detection Systems provide the following benefits to users: 

  • Reduces the risk of a person falling from the platform
  • Prevents operation of the aerial upper controller (Lanyard Interlock)
  • Universally compatible with existing lanyards
  • Factory installed solution, eliminating the need to self-install components or the time required to send the vehicle to a third-party installer
  • Maintenance-free power supply, no need to maintain or replace a battery
  • Risk of abuse reduced by anti-tie down functionality
  • Reduced risk of OSHA jobsite fines

“Altec has created the first and only Lanyard Detection System for insulating aerials that can prevent accidental unit operation when the lanyard is not secured. This feature goes a long way towards promoting repeatably safer jobsites for those working at height,” says Ryan Hulleman, Altec’s Large Aerial Market Manager.

For more information on the Altec Lanyard Detection System and other Altec product options, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

Altec Digger Derrick Radio Remote Tips and Tricks

Do you know how to maximize the use of radio remotes on your Altec digger derrick?

Read below to find out how.

Check Your Batteries 

First and foremost, think about the batteries in your radio remote. It is best to swap in a fully charged battery at the beginning of each workday. It minimizes downtime, unnecessary trips to the battery charger and provides uninterrupted control of your Altec digger derrick.

We understand that your focus is on the job at hand, so Altec derrick radios are equipped with an inactivity timeout to conserve battery life. After five minutes of inactivity, the radio will turn off, and the operator can perform the radio start-up procedure when ready to operate the digger derrick again. The radio timeout feature helps the radio and operator increase productivity at the jobsite.

Assess Your Remote’s Connectivity 

Whenever the radio is turned on, it requires the operator to perform a start-up procedure to link it to the digger derrick. The procedure is different on each radio and is available in the operator manual provided with your derrick. It is important to hold the start/link button through two full beeps before releasing it. You may encounter connectivity issues if you are too quick to release the link button.

Did you know that the radio remote has a tilt sensor? If the radio is tipped for longer than two to five seconds past 75 degrees, the remote will unlink from the derrick. This functionality is a safety feature to help prevent unexpected machine operation. If you find that the radio is not working, your first step should be to perform the startup procedure.

Are you having an issue with the radio intermittently working with your derrick? Go to the receiver mounted on the turntable of the derrick. Perform a visual inspection of the connections and antenna to ensure they are fully seated. Also, if you haven’t put in a fully charged battery, consider doing so.

Should you find you need additional support, please call 1-800-GO-ALTEC.

Are you interested to learn more about what an Altec digger derrick can do for your business? Call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

Altec Celebrates 2020 Summer Corporate Interns

At Altec, we live and work by a set of values that place the customer first and view people as our greatest strength. Throughout our history, we have maintained a consistent culture that has helped us earn the confidence of our customers and associates worldwide.

That’s why today, Altec is an innovative, financially sound company setting the standard of excellence in design, manufacturing and service. We are dedicated to ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment that hosts a diverse team of associates and interns. We believe these individuals truly represent the best our industry has to offer.

In 2020, despite a global pandemic, Altec remained committed to hosting our summer internship program. While our interns could not work with our teams in person, they were given the opportunity to work virtually from home. These interns joined meetings, completed team projects and learned the ins and outs of working in a corporate environment. In addition, these students participated in weekly video calls with Altec Leadership.

To give an in-depth look at what an internship with Altec is like, interviewed Jessika Wren, who interned with our Information Services department this summer.

2020 Altec Summer Corporate Interns:

Joseph Blalock

  • College: The University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Major: Accounting
  • Hometown: Trussville, AL

David Brooks

  • College: Auburn University
  • Major: Management Information Systems
  • Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Laura Ethridge

  • College: Auburn University
  • Major: Accounting and Information Systems Management
  • Hometown: Hoover, AL

Brianna Foster

  • College: The University of Alabama
  • Major: Accounting
  • Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Rishik Hombal

  • College: Case Western Reserve University
  • Major: Computer Science
  • Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Tara Livingston

  • College: Boston University
  • Major: Computer Information Systems
  • Hometown: Athens, AL

Siddarth Nathella

  • College: Purdue University
  • Major: Mechanical Engineering
  • Hometown: Blacksburg, VA

Kennedy Schwefler

  • College: The University of Alabama
  • Major: Marketing
  • Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Logan Sheaffer

  • College: The University of Alabama
  • Major: Marketing
  • Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Haley Woodruff

  • College: The University of Alabama
  • Major: Management Information Systems
  • Hometown: Madison, AL

Jessika Wren

  • College: The University of Alabama
  • Major: Management Information Systems
  • Hometown: Gardendale, AL

How Do I Schedule an Altec LS49 Equipment Demo?

Designed for the lights and signs industry for both installation and maintenance, the LS49 is a non-insulating two-stage telescopic aerial device. With a working height of 49 feet and a side reach of 41 feet, this unit is ideal for crews who work in tight spaces that need versatility and flexibility at the jobsite. The state-of-the-art innovative platform has 600 pounds of platform capacity and 180 degrees of platform rotation. Short jacking outrigger capabilities coupled with a minimum 19,500-pound GVWR chassis, helps keep a small working footprint while still giving operators a large working envelope.

Wondering if the LS49 is right for you and your business? Contact your local Altec account manager today to schedule a demo.

Altec Equipment Demo FAQs:

Does it cost me anything?

  • No, demos are free of charge.

Do I come to you, or do you come to me?

  • Altec will come to you.

What does a product demo look like? How long do they last?

  • The length of a demo varies. Contact your local Altec account manager to see what works best for you.

Interested in scheduling a demo but don’t know what to do next? Call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

Need Help? Please contact us at 1-877-GO ALTEC, option 1.

Copyright © 2026 Altec Industries. All Rights Reserved. "Altec" is a registered trademark of Altec Industries, Inc.

Altec Inc.

210 Inverness Center Drive
Birmingham, AL 35242-4834
Phone (205) 991-7733
Fax (205) 408-8601

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