Altec Inc

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Introducing the TS40H-4P: Four Drum Puller

Posted on by kphillips

The TS40H-4P is the latest in Altec’s overhead cable handling products.

The TS40H-4P is the latest in Altec’s overhead cable handling products. This trailer-mounted, four-drum puller is Altec’s first product focused on the transmission and sub-transmission pulling markets. With streamlined controls, easy serviceability and the pulling capacity you need, the TS40H-4P delivers the Altec quality our customers know and expect.

Used to string bull rope or pull in the overhead, the TS40H-4P holds 15,000 feet of 5/8-inch rope per drum, with the option for 22,000 feet of 7/16-inch rope per drum. In some cases, the TS40H-4P can be used to pull in the conductor as well. Its Kubota engine is tier 4 final, meaning no DEF or DPF is required.

Key features of the product were designed with safety and efficiency in mind.

Fold Down Walkways Allow Easy Access

Fold down walking platforms on each side allow easy access for inspecting and servicing the equipment. The ability to fold up the platforms also gives it a smaller profile during travel.

The drums are hydraulically coupled with switches at the operator station, reducing the need for operators to get on and off the machine to manually couple or uncouple the drums during use. This significantly increases operator efficiency and safety.

High Quality Hand Brakes Are Easy to Use

The hand brakes are the first in the industry designed to allow ease of use during multiple pulling applications, including helicopter stringing operations. The number of turns required to fully actuate each brake has been significantly reduced, giving operators a more responsive controls experience with less operator fatigue.

Central Greasing System Means Easy Serviceability

For serviceability, the product has a central lubrication system that is standard for the drums and arbor bar bearings. All grease zerks for the drums and arbor bar bearings are conveniently located in a single location on the curbside and covered to protect them from the elements. This eliminates the need to climb around the equipment for standard maintenance, prioritizing safety by reducing slip trip and fall hazards and improving efficiency for service and maintenance.

Standard Features Include:

  • Full operator’s station with protective screen and adjustable seat
  • All controls for machine are centrally located at operator station
  • 15,000’ of 5/8 Synthetic rope per drum
  • Front and rear hydraulic jacks
  • Pull force up to 4,000 lbs.
  • Pulling line speed 4 mph.
  • Hydraulic drum engagement system
  • 74hp Tier 4 Final engine
  • Manual front jack override
  • Side access platforms
  • Central lube system for drums and arbor bar
  • Tarp cover system for rope protection
  • Lockable storage Box
  • Four grounding locations
  • Umbrella and holder
  • USB power outlet
  • Remote oil drain for ease of service
  • Battery charging studs and battery cut-off switch

To learn more about the product, visit the product webpage, contact your Altec account manager, or call 1-877-GO-ALTEC. More information on Altec’s range of cable handling equipment can be found here.

Altec to Debut AC65E to Construction Market at CONEXPO

Posted on by kphillips

Altec AC65E-155S

In its introduction to the construction market, Altec’s new AC65E-155S will be on display at ConExpo March 14-18 in Las Vegas. At the show, Altec will feature a variety of cranes including the AC40E, AC45E, and the AC65E.

The latest addition to Altec’s equipment lineup, the AC65E is a dual-rated solution that offers both class-leading lifting capacity as well as industry-first personnel platform capabilities. The unit features 130,000 pounds of maximum lifting capacity with 155 feet of main boom length and can reach a platform working height of 215 feet when configured as an A92.2 compliant aerial device.

A two-stage hydraulic articulating jib brings boom truck operators features that are typically reserved for larger cranes. Previously found exclusively on machines much larger than the AC65, this jib allows for exceptional up and over lifting capabilities without sacrificing minimum pick radius.

The jib can be articulated from 0 degrees to -80 degrees with rated load on hook. The main boom features two selectable extension modes to maximize capacity both close to the machine and at larger radiuses.

The machine also features a 12,500-pound hydraulically removable counterweight that increases load capacity at high-radius picks and allows for an easy, one-man installation and removal from inside the cab. Swing-out-and-down style outriggers allow for the machine to be extremely rigid, aiding in operator confidence and providing a solid feel even when at the limits of the load chart. 22 inches of outrigger penetration and four span options provide the flexibility needed to set up on even the most difficult jobsites.

In addition to being the only machine in its class under 40 feet in length, it can also be configured to comply with federal bridge laws, meaning it can travel without any permits. As with all Altec products, the AC65E-155S is backed by the industry’s leading national support network and warranty protection.

Experience the Total Altec Value

Altec is a leading provider of products and services to the electric utility, telecommunications, tree care, lights and signs, and contractor markets. We deliver products and services in more than 100 countries throughout the world, helping our customers reach higher.

ln addition to the design, manufacture and sale of highly specialized mobile equipment, Altec works directly with its customers to create solutions to meet their ever-changing needs. If used equipment is more suitable, Altec also offers a used equipment solution through its National Utility Equipment Company, providing previously owned units. Altec Capital, a financing department, is available to assist in custom tailoring financing options designed to help customers acquire their equipment.

If a customer is not prepared to add additional units to their fleets permanently but could use extra equipment for a specific job or while another piece of equipment is being serviced, Altec provides a rental option, Global Rental Company, Inc. Altec also offers comprehensive service, as well as a robust range of tools and accessories to complement equipment. Altec offers equipment disposition services through JJ Kane Auctioneers, as well.

To learn more about how Altec can help you reach higher and support you during the life of your equipment and beyond, visit our booth F9152 on the Festival Grounds, or contact us at 1-877-GO-ALTEC.

Save Space and Time with Klein Grips from Altec Supply

Posted on by kphillips

Designed to save space and time, Klein’s new distribution and transmission grips are now available from Altec Supply.

The new Klein wide range distribution and transmission grips are made in the USA and feature a large opening in the handle to accommodate a wide variety of hooks on hoists, winches and tackle bolts. The grips also include Klein’s innovative one-handed design that allows for single hand operation.

Not only do these grips save time with their one-hand design, but they also save space on your truck. The Klein 16744 serves as a two-in-one product and can cover the need for separate 4500 and 4600 grips.

Below, check out the specifics for each grip.

Image of Transmission Grip

Wide Range Transmission Grip

  • Securely pulls ACSR, AAC and bare copper cables
  • Holds cable sizes from 0.68-inch to 1.42-inch (17.3 mm to 36.1 mm)
  • Fine sawtooth jaw geometry provides greater grip strength
  • Spring closes grip on cable to hold the initial position
  • Max safe load of 12,000 lbs.
  • MFR # 16499 (Altec # 970835667)

Shop Now

Image of Distribution Grip

Wide Range Distribution Grip

  • Wide Range Distribution Grip pulls No. 6 copper to No. 477 ACSR 0.162 to 0.883-inch (4.11 to 22.42 mm) cable
  • 20% lighter than the KT4500 grip
  • Spring closes grip on cable to hold the initial position
  • Max safe load of 5,000 lbs.
  • MFR # 16477 (Altec # 970820090)

Shop Now

Image of Distribution Grip Hot Latch

Wide Range Distribution Grip with Hot Latch

  • Wide Range Distribution Grip pulls No. 6 Copper to No. 477 ACSR 0.162 to 0.883-inch (4.11 to 22.42 mm) cable
  • 20% lighter than the KT4500 grip
  • Spring closes grip on cable to hold the initial position
  • Includes a latch to help maintain cable position in the grip jaw
  • Max safe load of 5,000 lbs.
  • MFR # 16477-20 (Altec # 970828719)

Shop Now

Image of Wide Range Distribution Grip, EHS Wire

Wide Range Distribution Grip, EHS Wire

  • EHS Jaw holds a wide range of cable from 0.162-inch to 0.883-inch (4.11 to 22.42 mm)
  • 50% lighter than the KT4600 grip
  • Alternating sawtooth jaw geometry provides greater grip strength
  • Spring closes grip on cable to hold the initial position
  • Max safe load of 5,000 lb.
  • MFR # 16477-24 (Altec # 970832159)

Shop Now

Image of Wide Range Distribution Grip, Tree Wire

Wide Range Distribution Grip, Tree Wire

  • Securely pulls HDPE-coated cable commonly known as tree wire or fire wire; holds cable sizes from 0.162-inch to 0.883-inch (4.11 to 22.42 mm)
  • 50% lighter than the KT4600 grip
  • Spring closes grip on cable to hold the initial position
  • Max safe load of 5,000 lb.
  • MFR # 16477-28 (Altec # 970832161)

Call 1-877-GO-ALTEC

Altec Supply Makes It Easy to Get the Tools You Need

Altec Supply offers a wide range of tools and accessories you need to get the job done. We have a dedicated team of account managers who are ready and able to help you select the right tools and accessories for your needs.

With our multiple warehouses, Altec Supply has a wide variety of the industry’s best-selling items, including Klein grips. In-stock orders typically ship within one business day, getting you the items you need when you need them.

To check out more tools and accessories, visit the Altec Supply Store, contact your account manager or call 1-877-GO-ALTEC.

Meet the Team: Jason Schneider, Mobile Equipment Mechanic

Posted on by kphillips

At Altec, we are committed to being there for our customers throughout the life of their equipment. Our talented team of equipment mechanics help us uphold that promise every day. In this video, Jason Schneider shares his typical day as a mobile mechanic and how past experience led him to Altec.

Altec Careers

At Altec, we believe in teamwork and know that together, we can dig deeper and reach higher, and we care about our people, our families and our customers.

No matter where we go, across the nation or the globe, we know one thing holds true: our equipment, our services and our solutions are used to advance our communities and improve other people’s lives.

Does a career at Altec seem like the right fit for you? Altec is currently hiring service technicians at locations across the country. If you’re interested in joining Team Altec, check out our current job openings here. To learn more about Altec’s military veteran talent community, click here.

Altec Innovation Challenges Encourages STEM Exploration 

Posted on by kphillips

Year after year, STEM employment continues to be among the fastest growing job sectors in the United States. Hosted annually, Altec’s Innovation Challenge encourages high school students to explore areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 

 Now in its fifth year, the Altec Innovation Challenge invites local high school students to team up and address a real-world problem with innovation that benefits their local community. Teams then get to hone their presentation skills by sharing their solution, with the winning team receiving $10,000 to implement their project. 

 Currently, Innovation Challenges are held in Birmingham, Alabama, sponsored by Altec’s corporate office, and in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, home to one of the company’s manufacturing facilities. 

Solving Water Pollution in Elizabethtown, Kentucky 

Elizabethtown’s Innovation Challenge saw 40 teams submit proposals. Of those, nine teams were selected to present their solution, with 60 students representing four local high schools. Presentations were then judged based on impact, feasibility, implementation plan and sustainability. 

Students from LaRue County High School receive a check for winning the Innovation Challenge in Elizabethtown.

 LaRue County High School students Sage Garris, Carter Peace, Conlee Crossno, and William Wooton took home the top prize for their solution to solve top water pollution in Kentucky lakes and ponds. Their solution used an autonomous watercraft prototype which will be used to collect waste from the bodies of water. A full-scale version will be launched in Freeman Lake when complete.  

 Chad Sarver, corporate training manager at Altec’s Elizabethtown manufacturing facility, said the event served as a considerable showcase of regional talent and is a great way to unite local workforce and education leaders.  

 “The Altec Innovation Challenge provides students with the opportunity to effectively collaborate, think outside the box, use innovative approaches to solve real-world problems and demonstrate their capabilities to local leaders,” said Sarver. “This event helps develop the next generation of innovators in the region, which is becoming more and more crucial as our region undergoes a wave of economic development.” 

Connecting Students with the Community in Birmingham, Alabama 

In its flagship location, the Innovation Challenge in Birmingham brought teams from Birmingham City Schools to compete for the top prize. Taking first place was the team from George W. Carver High School of Rafael Avelino, Ashley Pender, Alexandria Hall-Chambers, Devarion Thomas and Ariyan Riggs.

The winning team from George W. Carver High School receives a check from Altec to implement their project plan.

 In the last two years, four Carver students were taken by gun violence. In the city of Birmingham, 59% of criminal homicides involving guns were committed by someone 25 years or younger. To help address this problem, the students proposed the creation of the neXsim mobile app. Through the neXsim app, local students will be able to organically create clubs led by adult mentors based on their interests, allowing those students to have productive after-school activities that help them develop skills and talents and avoid situations that could potentially lead to poor decisions. 

 “We decided that a good way to get them off of that path is to provide them with positive pathways,” Riggs said. “We conducted a survey of students and found that over half of those interviewed were not involved in extracurricular activities because they had other commitments outside of school, or were not interested in what is offered at Carver. The algorithm will be similar to that of a dating app, matching students up with people and clubs that have similar interests that they do.” 

The group hopes that this app will eventually be used by all interested students in the Birmingham area. 

 Congratulations to all participating students and thank you for your hard work and dedication to improving our communities.  

JEMS BG: A Smarter Way to Eliminate Generator Jobsite Idling

Posted on by kphillips

When it comes to reducing environmental impact and noise pollution, addressing jobsites where enclosed step vans operate is a major opportunity. The most common solution has been the on-board diesel generator running for up to 6-8 hours at the jobsite. JEMS BG (Body/Generator) offers a better solution: using advanced lithium-ion batteries that are integrated with the generator to supply power to the jobsite with uninterrupted productivity.

Using JEMS BG in your fleet can improve your operating expenses by reducing your fuel cost associated with running the generator and maintenance cost necessary to keeping the generator up and running.

Different Application, Same Proven JEMS Platform

JEMS BG integrates with the generator to eliminate jobsite idling and delivers uninterrupted productivity. Lithium batteries deliver power to electrical accessories in the back of the van, manhole ventilation, and jobsite tools, and are optimized for daily performance.

JEMS BG includes the intuitive JEMS operator display to manage JEMS and easily monitor status, battery level, and alerts.

Zero Compromises in Productivity in all Climates

The product offers convenient Level 1 and 2 plug-in options and continues to perform in harsh climates using advanced battery warming technology. Using an advanced control system, JEMS provides uninterrupted power by automatically switching between batter and generator, only running generator when necessary to recharge batteries.

Experience a quieter, safer and emissions-free jobsite today with JEMS BG. For more information, visit the Green Fleet website or call 1-877-GO-ALTEC.

Get Total Control with GMT TTC System for Grapple Saws

Posted on by kphillips

In the tree care industry, precision is a necessity. When working in tight spaces—and against gravity—control of a cut piece is invaluable for efficiency and safety. To improve control on the job site, Altec now offers the GMT grapple saw with TTC system.

The TTC system, short for total tree control, gives operators just that—complete control of the piece that has been cut. Previously, cut pieces would automatically tilt down. With the TTC product, cut pieces remain upright until the operator is ready to tilt downward, allowing an operator to control the tree rather than gravity.

“The TTC product features a braking system in the linkage above the rotator. When activated, it locks that linkage and the tilt cylinder,” said DC Creekmore, Altec tree care product specialist. “Once I grab and cut, it holds that piece upright. I can move that crane out of the way, and once I’m free and clear of obstructions, release that system to tilt down.”

Not only does the TTC system offers operators the benefit of complete control when working in congested spaces, it also improves operator efficiency. With the TTC system, operators can make larger cuts and keep those cuts upright, when previously they would have made numerous small cuts to complete the same task.

This new and improved head is available on the complete line of Altec Effer Knuckleboom Cranes with grapple saws, including 60-, 68-, 92- and 120-foot cutting heights. For more information on the TTC head, contact product specialist DC Creekmore at dc.creekmore@altec.com.

Altec Worldwide Distributor Conference

Posted on by Jay Salillas

Altec Worldwide hosted their first Distributor Conference in Bangkok, Thailand November 7 – 11, 2022. With presence from countries including China, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Poland, Philippines, and Taiwan, the conference was successful in bringing Altec advocates together.

The agenda included presentations from both the local Altec Worldwide team and the AMT team based in Shanghai. With participant engagement as a goal, smaller breakout sessions were scheduled where distributor’s questions and in-depth conversations were encouraged. As a team-building exercise, a Chao Phya River Trip was organized for the group to tour Wat Poh temple, the Temple of Dawn, and travel the canals surrounding Bangkok. Altec partnered with our local Thai distributor, Chainant, to host a unit demonstration with five aerials including the AT37G, TA50, AT41M and an Elevator on the last day of the conference.

 

Moving forward, Altec Worldwide strives to host a distributor conference biennially in different locations across the globe.

Altec Offering JEMS Retrofit Solutions

Posted on by kphillips

As the world increases its focus on clean energy, the need for fleet electrification solutions is increasing rapidly. To meet the growing desire for electrification solutions, Altec is now offering JEMS retrofit solutions for approved configurations.

JEMS is the Preferred Solution for Medium/Heavy Duty Fleet Electrification

Altec’s Jobsite Energy Management System, or JEMS, provides a method to eliminate idling and reduce noise at the jobsite while still offering customers the benefits of a traditional chassis operation when needed.

Without having to idle the engine at the jobsite, JEMS delivers battery power to auxiliary chassis applications such as cab comfort AC and heat, jobsite tools and electric power take-off (ePTO) for the aerial device. When JEMS is activated, a vehicle produces zero jobsite emissions with zero reduction in performance.

Not only does idling release unnecessary emissions into the environment, but it also creates unnecessary wear and tear on a vehicle—just an hour of idling is equivalent to driving 25 miles. For large fleets, the cost of idling can add up quickly—both environmentally and in dollars and cents spent on maintenance and fuel.

Learn More About Approved Retrofit Configurations

Retrofits are offered for Altec equipment that has already been delivered to the customer. Currently, JEMS S and JEMS SE are available for retrofit on select chassis. JEMS S offers cab comfort, while JEMS SE offers cab comfort and ePTO for service aerial devices. To find out of if your equipment can accommodate a JEMS retrofit, contact your account manager, or call 1-877-GO-ALTEC.  To learn more about JEMS, click here to visit the Green Fleet website.

Grounds and Jumpers: What to Know About Buying from Altec

Posted on by kphillips

When you need ground and jumper sets, Altec Supply is ready to meet your needs. We stock multiple styles of clamps from a variety of manufacturers. Altec has the expertise to assemble grounds and jumpers for many of your work applications.

Each assembly comes with heat shrink on each end of the cable which contributes to making your grounds and jumpers highly durable. Altec utilizes a Finn crimping tool which provides a 360 degree circular compression, creating maximum strength for the assembly.

Altec Supply stocks many standard sizes as well as offering custom length assemblies. All grounds and jumpers are tested and certified before leaving our warehouse, ensuring our commitment to provide high quality products.

Click the image below to download a flyer to prepare for your next grounds and jumpers order from Altec Supply.

About Altec Supply

Altec Supply offers a wide range of tools and accessories you need to get the job done. Most in-stock orders ship within one business day, getting you the items you need when you need them. To check out more tools and accessories, visit Altec Supply Store to shop our entire Tools and Accessories Catalog, or call 1-877-GO-ALTEC.

Altec Green Fleet Participates in Grant to Deliver Clean Fuel Benefits to Rural Communities

Posted on by kphillips

Altec is proud to participate in Drive Clean Rural USA, an eight-state pilot program funded by the Department of Energy. Participating county governments and private fleet partners will receive assistance from Clean Cities coalitions, as well as industry partners. Support for participating counties and partners will include free technical assistance, fleet consulting, help developing a clean fuel transition plan, demo vehicles, and more.

“This grant is important because it delivers opportunities for rural partners to learn and develop their own path to realizing actual near-term benefits from advanced vehicle technologies and cleaner transportation,” said Mark Bentley, Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition Executive Director. “Fleet operators want to reduce their emissions in a cost-effective manner and we are lighting the path to cost savings instead of cost burdens.”

Altec’s Green Fleet is helping participating operators experience first-hand how they can reduce noise and harmful vapors at jobsites, while also gaining operational efficiency, lowering chassis maintenance costs, and reducing fuel consumption.

“Altec is a valued member of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition,” Bentley said. “We share a goal of helping fleets implement advanced technology that saves company’s money and provides a cleaner work environment for vehicle operators and the public.”

Reduce Idling with Altec’s Jobsite Energy Management System

Drive Clean Rural USA embodies the philosophy that there isn’t a single, unanimous clean fuel path that makes sense for every community and fleet partner, which is why vehicle demos, fleet assessments and individualized clean fuel planning is part of the program.

Altec’s Jobsite Energy Management System, or JEMS, provides a method to eliminate idling and reduce noise at the jobsite while still offering customers the benefits of a traditional chassis. Without having to idle the engine, JEMS delivers battery power to auxiliary chassis applications such as cab comfort AC and heat, jobsite tools and electric power take-off (ePTO), which allows for battery powered operation of the aerial device. When JEMS is activated, a vehicle produces zero jobsite emissions with zero reduction in performance.

Not only does idling release unnecessary emissions into the environment, but it also creates unnecessary wear and tear on a vehicle—just an hour of idling is equivalent to driving 25 miles. For large fleets, the cost of idling can add up quickly—both environmentally and in dollars and cents spent on maintenance and fuel.

“Options to electrify transportation extend beyond battery-powered vehicles and charging infrastructure,” Bentley said. “ACFC is excited to work with industry partners like Altec who are delivering immediate cost savings to their customers by eliminating engine idling and enabling battery-powered jobsite activity.”

For more information on JEMS and Altec’s electrification solutions, visit altec.com/green-fleet.

Maximize Savings With Tax Benefits on Year End Purchases

Posted on by kphillips

The end of the year is fast approaching. Thanks to Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation tax benefits, now is a great time to purchase the equipment your company needs. Below, learn more about these tax benefits and how to maximize your savings while selecting the right equipment for your business.

What Bonus Depreciation Means for End of the Year Savings

Bonus depreciation allows businesses to deduct a more significant percentage of the cost of their purchased assets the year they are acquired instead of depreciating them for years.

Currently, bonus depreciation is at 100%, meaning if you purchase a piece of equipment by the end of the year, you may be able to deduct the full amount of your purchase.

According to the official website of the IRS, bonus depreciation “applies to business property acquired after September 27, 2017, and placed in service after September 27, 2017, and before January 1, 2023.”

Starting in 2023, bonus depreciation will be reduced to the following rates:

  • 2023: 80%
  • 2024: 60%
  • 2025: 40%

In order to receive your savings from this deduction, all your equipment must be purchased and put into service by December 31, 2022, at midnight. Due to continued supply chain challenges, consider purchasing or leasing as soon as possible to meet this deadline.

 Financing Options for your Business

If you’re interested in applying these tax benefits to your purchases, our knowledgeable finance experts at Altec Capital are ready to help you find the best options to achieve significant savings. If you want to take delivery at year-end, any equipment purchased through Altec Capital can be secured with no up-front down payment.

Altec Capital Financing offers deferrals up to 90 days, aggressive financing rates and variety of lease options

What Type of Financing Option is Best for Me to Receive Bonus Depreciation?

When choosing financing options, consider capital leases or equipment finance agreements.

Capital Lease 
For accounting purposes, the Capital Lease is treated as if the asset were purchased. This type of lease is similar to an installment purchase and includes a bargain purchase option of $1 at the end of the term. With the same tax treatment as a loan, you can depreciate the equipment while deducting the interest portion of the payment. At the end of the term, there are no sales tax implications since there is no transfer of ownership. Learn more here.

Equipment Finance Agreements
An Equipment Finance Agreement is a loan product that helps increase your overall profitability. An EFA benefits customers who desire immediate equipment ownership yet want to pay for the equipment over an extended period of time. Learn more here.

About Altec Capital

Altec Capital’s focus is meeting customers’ unique equipment financing needs. Not only does Altec Capital finance equipment, but it also helps customers manage and maintain their equipment fleet. While our core business is financing Altec products, Altec Capital also offers financing for light duty trucks and other non-Altec, third-party equipment.

Most importantly, financing with Altec Capital is easy. Altec Capital offers a single source solution for all your financing needs, which means no more managing multiple banking relationships. Altec Capital offers various forms of leasing. Be sure to ask about our signature product, the fair market value lease, which can shorten life cycles and save money, and its innovative e-signature and web-based application process make it easy for customers to obtain financing.

For more information on Altec Capital’s financing options or fourth quarter tax benefits, call (888) 408-8148 or email finance@altec.com.

Meet OSHA and ANSI Training Requirements for Tree Care Operators with Altec Sentry

Posted on by kphillips

For tree care professionals, tree removal or pruning can be time consuming and comes with many risks. At Altec, we understand the challenges our tree care customers face, and are here to help you keep your crews safe on the job.

“Any time an operator picks themselves up off the ground in an aerial unit, they’re introducing risk to their job,” said Andy Netzel, Altec Sentry business manager. “Altec Sentry’s goal is to help operators operate safely and efficiently, and make sure they get home at the end of the day.”

While innovations in equipment and technology have helped reduce some risk on the job, comprehensive safety training is still important—and required. For nearly 20 years, Altec Sentry has helped employers train and certify Altec equipment operators on safe and proper operation.

Many of the risks in tree care are unique to the industry, which is why Altec Sentry created a customized safety training course for tree care operators.

Meet OSHA and ANSI Requirements with Sentry Training

Completing training with Altec Sentry meets the ANSI and OSHA requirements for becoming a trained aerial device operator. To be fully trained, operators need to become familiar with each aerial device they operate. This requires learning the unit operating instructions and characteristics, as well as demonstrating proficiency in actual operation of the unit.

Altec Sentry offers many different safety training courses, including a tree care specific training that covers:

  • Safety Statements and OSHA Regulations
  • Tree Care Aerial Device Daily Unit Inspection
  • Aerial Unit Travel Considerations
  • Job Briefing
  • Unit Setup and Pre-Operational Inspection
  • Unit Operation
  • Line-Clearance Tree Trimming
  • ISO-GripTM System

In addition to equipment training, it’s also important to be well versed in drop-zone safety to reduce risks for operators and bystanders. Altec Sentry offers Tree Care Drop Zone training to teach operators how to establish and safeguard drop zones, as well as NCCCO certification programs for operators of mobile cranes and digger derricks.

“We offer a tree-care specific training because we recognize the inherent risks involved in the industry,” Netzel said. “Periodically, we review and update the training to ensure that it is fresh and relevant to tree care operators and the rest of the industry.”

Train Your Trainers

For customers looking to take ownership of their safety program, Sentry offers a Train the Trainer program. Sentry will instruct a customer’s safety liaison through training that they can then administer themselves to their organization’s operators; the customer trainers use the same materials as Sentry trainers and meet all OSHA and ANSI training requirements. Sentry will also assist customers in documenting and maintaining records of employees who have completed training.

“These customers will have an in-house, Altec-trained and Altec-supported trainer,” Netzel said. “Every time that customer hires new operators or a group of operators, they can get trained right away from that group of in-house trainers.”

About OSHA and ANSI Training Requirements

OSHA requires owners of vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating aerial devices to instruct their employees in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to the operator’s work environment. Furthermore, OSHA directs that employers follow ANSI industry practices to properly qualify aerial device operators. Training requirements defined by ANSI include general training, familiarization, and retraining. General Training is required for all operators and includes instruction on unit inspection, proper aerial applications, recognizing and avoiding hazards, and hands-on device operation among other topics.

Contact Sentry Today

To learn more about how Altec Sentry can help your crews work safer and smarter, visit altecsentry.com or call 1-877-GO-ALTEC.

Extended Warranties and Prepaid Maintenance—Are They Worth It?

Posted on by kphillips

It’s a familiar happening—your phone rings with a call from an unknown number. You answer it, only to be greeted by a message about your car’s extended warranty, and frustratedly hang up the phone.

While extended warranties may have gotten a bad reputation as of late thanks to the endless stream of robocalls, the plans can actually be quite valuable, especially when paired with prepaid maintenance plans.

Altec offers both extended warranties and prepaid maintenance plans. When paired together, these plans help customers better budget for the future, avoid surprises and get the most out of their fleet’s equipment.

About Altec’s prepaid maintenance

Altec’s prepaid maintenance plans cover industry required preventive maintenance, dielectric testing and DOT certifications. Prepaid maintenance is available with the purchase or lease of new equipment. It can also be added at any point throughout the lifecycle of your existing asset. Learn more about prepaid maintenance here.

About Altec’s extended warranty

Even with the best maintenance programs, some unplanned downtime is inevitable. Available on both new and used equipment for up to eight years from the in-service date on most models, an extended warranty is owned and managed by Altec as an extension of Altec’s limited warranty.

Our extended warranty plan protects you from the repair costs associated with defects in materials and workmanship after the standard warranty expires. Learn more about Altec’s extended warranty here.

Prepaid maintenance and extended warranties work best together.

In utility, telecom, construction and other industries where companies operate fleets of specialized equipment, trucks undergo wear and tear on a daily basis. With such high use, breakdowns repairs are unfortunately inevitable.

An investment in a maintenance program encourages routine and proactive service work, meaning any equipment issues can be caught early and repairs can be scheduled accordingly, instead of reactive and expensive breakdown repairs. Adhering to a truck’s maintenance and inspection schedule is a key component of a successful safety program, and is often also required as part of regulatory compliance.

When repairs are needed, Altec’s extended warranty program will help cover costs, reducing the chance of surprise expenses added to your budget.

Altec is here to help.

A fleet manager’s to-do list is a long one and remembering to schedule maintenance doesn’t have to be another item on the list for those with the Altec prepaid maintenance plan. Because different equipment types might have different industry service requirements and maintenance schedules, keeping up with the unique needs of the fleet can be time consuming.

For customers utilizing Altec’s maintenance compliance program, Altec’s team of service professionals will help manage the scheduling for your planned maintenance activities.

The bottom line: Are prepaid maintenance plans and extended warranties worth the cost?

Whether your fleet is large or small, keeping vehicles properly maintained is a time-consuming venture that can turn costly quickly. Repairs on equipment can vary wildly in cost, with the cost of critical component repairs routinely ranging upwards of thousands of dollars. Altec’s prepaid maintenance program will help avoid surprise breakdowns, and with the extended warranty plan, you’ll be covered by the original equipment manufacturer and won’t be faced with a costly repair that wasn’t in the budget.

Platform Elevator Saves Time and Frustration for Operators

Posted on by kphillips
Altec's 24-inch platform elevator optimizes operator reach within the work zone.

Altec's 24-inch platform elevator optimizes operator reach within the work zone.

There are many challenges that come with line work, running the gamut from dangerous to inconvenient—or both. Possibly one of the biggest causes of headaches and wasted time, as well as potential safety concerns, is maneuvering between and behind phases on congested poles.

To solve this problem, Altec offers a 24-inch platform elevator, available on a wide variety of aerial devices, including the AA, AN, AM or TA models. It’s also available on ATM/ME/P/PE models.

Save Operators Valuable Time—and Frustration

It’s a common problem in crowded areas. An operator maneuvers up to the worksite, only to stop work and reposition the boom—or sometimes worse, the truck—to reach more challenging areas required of the job. In congested work areas where space is limited, time spent repositioning while minding the boom, the knuckle, potential traffic hazards and other constraints can add up quickly, causing lost time and frustrated operators.

With the 24-inch platform elevator, operators can reduce the time they spend readjusting the boom or truck. The elevator allows operators to move the platform up to 24 inches in a vertical plane without moving the boom, saving valuable time and frustration. The elevators also allow operators to approach the worksite at different angles and helps them reach the back side of a pole when necessary, increasing their range of work within this environment. The increased maneuverability also brings safety benefits, reducing the risk that operators consider attempting unsafe work practices possibly used previously with non-platform elevator aerials.

Don’t Sacrifice Space or Capacity

Since the goal of the platform elevator is to make it easier for operators to maneuver in the physical work environment, it was important to keep the elevator footprint as small as possible. The platform elevator is operated by a two-stage cylinder and fits within the confines of standard controls, which keeps the platform envelope compact—an important factor when working in highly congested areas.

See How the Platform Elevator Can Improve Efficiency and Safety for Your Team

For more information on the 24” platform elevator, reach out to your account manager or contact 1-877-GO-ALTEC.

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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