5 Parts to Have on Your Truck This Hurricane Season
As hurricane season approaches, it is important to get your trucks stocked with the supplies you need if a storm or other natural disaster affects your area. When a hurricane is headed your way, here is a quick list of some items that Altec’s Mobile Service Technicians recommend having to prevent downtime and keep you up and running.
Respond to natural disasters, like hurricanes, with the peace-of-mind knowing you’re equipped and ready for whatever the long day of recovery brings.
Call 877-GO ALTEC and select option 1 to speak with an experienced parts representative.
Please Note: Maintenance should only be performed by trained and qualified mechanics.
Load Lines
From lifting transformers on a material handling aerial to placing poles on a digger derrick, load lines take a lot of wear and tear during storm recovery. The common, yet incorrect, practice of “flipping” a damaged load line on the drum can potentially lead to a disaster. Once your load line has been damaged, it should be replaced immediately. Some signs that your load line needs to be replaced include fraying, cuts or other damage to the rope or rope eye.
Note: This part number is for commonly used load lines. Check with your Parts Representative to ensure you have the correct size and type for your unit.
Hydraulic Fluid and Filters
970230889 – 5 Gallon Biodegradable NC Oil
The Altec Service recommends changing your hydraulic oil every three to six months dependent upon the type of equipment you have. When your equipment is pushed to capacity, a failure in the hydraulic system such as a blown seal or hose can cause a rapid loss of fluid. Altec Non-Conductive Hydraulic Oil is great to have on-hand when your equipment is being pushed to the max.
Note: Not all hydraulic oils are non-conductive. During storm recovery, supplies and parts are sometimes shared between utilities, tree care and telecom companies who might not use non-conductive oil. To ensure you and your fleet remain safe around energized power lines, be sure the oil used and stored on your truck is non-conductive.
Spare Digger Derrick Pole Tongs
Derrick pole tongs are often damaged due to extreme or incorrect usage during a natural disaster. While pole tongs are designed to be used only for guiding poles, they may become damaged and need replacing if used improperly to lift, pull or clamp poles tightly. Altec offers replacement pole tongs as well as interchangeable sizes of tongs to fit your unit.
Note: A serial number is necessary to ensure the correct pole tong part number.
Hydraulic Hose Repair Kits
A leaking, damaged or blown hydraulic hose can lead to major down time during storm recovery. This set of non-conductive hoses with reusable fittings is made to help you repair a hose on the spot. This set includes the most common sizes of non-conductive hoses along with adapters and “field” fittings that do not require crimping.
Complete O-Ring Seal Kits
This kit allows users to handle most hydraulic leaks without ordering specific seal kits for fittings and valves. A high-powered hydraulic leak is traveling under tremendous pressure and can be dangerous if not checked correctly. Indicators of a hydraulic leak include: unexplained loss of hydraulic fluid, “wet” hoses and fittings, and puddles of fluid.
Note: for optimum safety, never check for a hydraulic leak with your hand.
