Altec Inc

Month: March 2025

Warm Weather Equipment Maintenance Tips

Posted on by kphillips

As the seasons change, it’s time to prepare your fleet for warm weather. Depending on the climate your unit operates in, seasonal adjustments may be needed to ensure your equipment functions efficiently. Use the equipment maintenance tips below from Altec’s Service Training Team to make sure your bucket trucks, digger derricks, cranes and other equipment is running safety for springtime.

Hydraulic Fluid

Hydraulic fluid viscosity thickens in cold weather and thins as it warms up. It’s important to ensure your hydraulic fluid levels are appropriate for summer conditions.
“Always make sure the proper oil is used. When in doubt, consult the manual or call tech support for guidance,” said Jeff Hodges, Altec service trainer.

The unit’s filtration system should be checked to ensure hydraulic fluid can flow freely. Filters should be changed at regular intervals.

“Per the Altec Maintenance Manual, the return line filter should be changed every 6 months,” Hodges said. “Always check the screen at the top of the reservoir for foreign objects.”

Cooling Systems

Summer heat can put a strain on your unit’s cooling system. In addition to checking filters, make sure cooling system components are clean and working properly.

“If it has an oil cooler you need to make sure the oil cooler itself is clean for proper airflow and cooling,” Hodges said.

Spring Cleaning

Keeping your equipment clean is crucial for optimal performance. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time leading to potential issues.

“Always check inside the boom for birds’ nests and critters,” Hodges said. “It’s important for dielectric integrity and safety to prevent thermal events during dielectric testing.”

Check Your Altec Maintenance Manual

Units should be maintained using the Altec Maintenance Manual to ensure testing and procedures are completed at recommended intervals. The Preventive Maintenance Checklist can be found in the back of every Altec Maintenance Manual.

Get Support from Altec’s Service Maintenance Training Team

Altec provides Service Maintenance Training to our customers to keep crews safe and reduce downtime. Our extensive training options are designed to help your mechanics gain equipment and preventive maintenance knowledge to maintain your fleet safely and effectively. You can choose between a variety of instructor-led, webinar and online training options. Contact our team here, or get more information on 2025 training below.

Training Overview
2025 Training Catalog
2025 Schedule

Safety Spring Cleaning: Tidy Up Your Training Records and Equipment Essentials

Posted on by kphillips

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, spring is the perfect time to reset. Spring cleaning should go beyond dusting off shelves—it’s also an opportunity to ensure your safety systems, training records, and essential equipment are in top shape for the busy season ahead. Use these spring cleaning equipment safety tips from Altec Sentry to get your fleet refreshed for the season.

Clean Up Your Training Records

Training compliance isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s a critical component of workplace safety and operational readiness. Now is a great time to:

  • Review Certification Expirations. Ensure all team members are current on their required training. Check for any upcoming expirations and schedule refresher courses early.
  • Audit Your Documentation. Are your records accurate, accessible, and complete? An organized training file helps demonstrate compliance and ensures readiness for audits or inspections.
  • Onboard New Hires Properly. Spring often brings new projects and additional staffing. Make sure every new employee completes their safety and equipment training before getting to work.

Remember, Altec Sentry’s operator training programs help employers satisfy their OSHA and ANSI equipment training requirements.

Re-Evaluate Your Equipment: Chocks and Outrigger Pads

While you’re reviewing records, don’t forget to inspect the physical tools that help keep crews safe. Two of the most overlooked, but absolutely essential, items on any vehicle are wheel chocks and outrigger pads.

  • Wheel Chocks: These small but mighty tools are a frontline defense against vehicle rollaways. Every vehicle should be equipped with the proper chocks, and operators should know how and when to use them.
  • Outrigger Pads: These pads must be used on asphalt, unpaved surfaces, and soft surfaces. They provide a stable base for vehicles with outriggers, distributing weight evenly and reducing the risk of tipping or ground instability. Just like with chocks, each vehicle should be stocked with the right outrigger pads for the job and terrain.

This spring, take time to answer these questions:

  • Are chocks and outrigger pads in place and in good condition?
  • Are they stored properly and easily accessible?
  • Do all team members know how to use them correctly?

A Safer Season Starts with Preparation

Spring cleaning isn’t just about a tidy shop—it’s about a safer, more efficient work environment. Keeping your training up to date and your equipment inspection-ready can prevent incidents, protect your crew, and keep your operations running smoothly.

Need help with training records or equipment checklists? Altec Sentry is here to support your safety goals. Let’s make this season your safest one yet.

Ready to get your safety program in shape for spring? Log into Altec Connect and Sentry Online today to review training records, assign refresher courses, and ensure your team is prepared. Need additional training or equipment support? Contact our team. We’re here to help you build a safer, more compliant operation from the ground up.

Let’s make this your safest season yet—start your safety spring cleaning with Altec Sentry.

Buy Used Equipment with Confidence: 5 Questions to Ask

Posted on by kphillips

Used electric utility, telecom and tree care equipment can make a great addition to your fleet. It can come at a significantly lower price than new equipment, making it a cost-effective solution for some buyers, and it doesn’t carry the lead times of new equipment. However, buying the wrong piece of used equipment can lead to snowballing costs and quickly become a major headache.

When buying used, how do you know you’re getting a good deal? More importantly, how do you know you’re getting a reliable piece of equipment that brings value to your fleet? Next time you’re shopping for used electric utility, telecom or tree care equipment, use the questions below from Altec NUECO to make sure you’re getting the right unit for your fleet.

    • Is this the right piece of equipment for the job?
    • How old is the truck?
    • How was the truck maintained?
    • Who are you buying from?
    • Is there a warranty?

Is this the right piece of equipment for the job?

Consider the application you’ll be using the machine for. Is it within the capacity of the machine? If you anticipate that you’ll find yourself regularly working near a machine’s maximum reach or capacity, it may be worth considering another model. Conversely, a smaller machine also has benefits if it fits the application.

Everyone loves a good deal, but even the best deal doesn’t matter if the machine you purchase isn’t the right piece of equipment for the job.

How old is the truck?

The age of the truck is certainly a large factor when purchasing used equipment—and it can impact more things than you might initially expect.

Most obviously, the age of the truck will play a large part in its condition, but it can also impact serviceability. Before purchasing, be sure to inquire about service support and parts availability as some OEMs may have discontinued support of dated models.

How was the truck maintained?

While you won’t always know the previous owner of your equipment, how well a unit was maintained plays a large role in its value. A seller may not have or be able to release specifics on the previous owner’s service history, but they should be able to give you an accurate assessment of the condition of the vehicle and equipment.

Some retailers also offer reconditioning and inspection processes so you can be confident you’re getting high-quality equipment. Altec NUECO offers Altec certified pre-owned equipment, which undergoes extensive inspection, repair and reconditioning. From day one, you can put these units to work knowing you can get the job done safely and efficiently.

Who are you buying from?

Different used equipment vendors offer different types of equipment and value to the customer. Equipment purchased from an auction is often sold as-is but may be available at a lower price point with a convenient buying format. Equipment sold by dealers typically undergoes some level of reconditioning and service to get the equipment in retail-ready shape.

Used equipment sold through the OEM, such as Altec NUECO, will generally offer the most extensive reconditioning and certification, such as the Altec certified pre-owned program. Altec NUECO also sells select equipment as-is for customers who need equipment quickly at a lower price point.

Is there a warranty?

When buying used equipment, a warranty can give you the confidence to buy and protect your purchase. Make sure to inquire about the specifics of a seller’s warranty program, including duration, what is covered and what is not. Altec Certified Pre-Owned units come with a 30-day warranty to protect your purchase and give you the confidence to buy.

Buy Used Equipment with Confidence

When you’re ready to buy used, keep the questions above handy so you can shop and buy with confidence and consider purchasing from Altec NUECO.

Altec NUECO specializes in used bucket trucks, used digger derrick trucks, used crane trucks, used telecom equipment and used parts for these vehicles. For more information on buying from Altec NUECO,  contact us today  or check out our available inventory.

View Our Inventory

Altec Showcases Newly Redesigned Service Crane with Fiberglass Body at Work Truck Week® 2025

Posted on by kphillips

Birmingham, Ala., March 1, 2025 — Altec Inc. is excited to unveil its newly redesigned service crane with a 6,000-lb capacity at Work Truck Week® 2025. Featuring an innovative fiberglass body, this advanced unit delivers unmatched performance, durability and efficiency for operators across the work truck industry.

The fiberglass body’s lightweight design offers up to an 1,100-lb payload increase on average compared to steel bodies, along with enhanced corrosion resistance, reduced maintenance, and fuel savings. Extensive storage includes 53-inch tall by 23-inch deep compartments, full-width shelving, and lockable dividers, providing operators with the space they need to maximize productivity.

Customers using the redesigned service crane have noted a significant transformation in their operations. One customer shared, “The increased payload allows us to carry more tools and materials, complete multiple jobs in a single trip and avoid downtime from returning to the shop.”

Exclusive Altec Advantage
The benefits of fiberglass are so compelling that Altec has transitioned its entire fleet of mobile service vehicles to this design. Altec technicians across the United States rely on this lightweight, durable solution to efficiently serve customers in diverse industries.

“Our newly redesigned service crane reflects Altec’s dedication to innovation and meeting customer needs,” said Justin Chandler, Altec sales manager. “With increased payload, secure storage, and enhanced handling, it’s a versatile solution for today’s demanding work environments.”

About Altec
Altec is a global leader in equipment and services for the electric utility, telecommunications, lights and signs and tree care markets, serving customers in over 100 countries.

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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