Altec Inc

Category: Article

Customer Testimonial: City Light & Power

Posted on by kphillips

When City Light & Power gets a new contract, time is of the essence. The Denver, Colorado, based company maintains utility grids on military bases across the country, in addition to other projects such as municipal contracts for street lighting and utility construction.

The company holds contracts on 10 military instillations across the country and with each contract comes a need for new crews, tools and equipment—all in a set transition period.

“When we get awarded one of these contracts, it’s essentially a brand new business,” said Tony Lecara, City Light & Power vice president. “We typically don’t have a footprint in the state we get. We’re going out and hiring folks, and we have to start tooling up and getting equipment. We have a transition period and once it finishes, we have to be ready to go for any outages to occur.”

To make it happen, City Light & Power utilizes the total Altec value, including equipment, tools, service and financing.

“It allows a small operation like us to operate as if we have twice the employees,” said Walt Jones, purchasing and fleet manager. “The partnership we have forged with Altec is like adding headcount to your team to get the job done.”

Every step of the way

When Marty Maxfield, CFO, joined City Light & Power, the company ran a request for proposal to consolidate its fleet. Many factors went into CLP’s decision to choose Altec. Altec’s family-owned attitude and core values was something the leadership team at City Light & Power related to, and Altec’s ability to provide services to the company at bases across the country was invaluable.

“From my standpoint, it was an easy decision,” Maxfield said. “When you get a culture fit like that, when you get the attention you need when growing the busines and making an acquisition like that … You get the service that’s imperative in the business we’re in, and a focus on safety was important as well.”

For each new contract, Altec works with City Light & Power every step of the way. Altec Supply helps the company get the tools it needs for its equipment, organizing it by pallet so that it’s easy for crews to stock on the truck. Much of the company’s investment has been financed through Altec Capital, and Altec’s Service team is available nationwide for maintenance and repairs. When rental equipment is needed, City Light & Power has worked with Global Rental to meet those needs.

“It’s an amazing network of support, and I can’t be successful unless I have that type of partner I can rely on—and I do,” Jones said. “We are so time critical on some of these projects. We have a specific date we have to hit, and a monumental amount of things have to be done by that date. Everything that Altec has said they would do within the time needed, they did.”

Are you interested in seeing how Altec can help your company? Call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

How the Opti-View Riding Seat Can Improve Work for Your Crew

Posted on by kphillips

During a long day on the job, little things can add up—both in time and operator fatigue. Designed with efficiency and safety in mind, Altec’s Opti-View® riding seat for E-Series digger derricks offers operators an unobstructed view of the boom and improved multifunctioning controls.

“We always strive to help our customers work safely and more efficiently,” said Michael Newman, digger derrick market manager. “The Opti-View riding seat checks those boxes.”

The seat is available on all E-series models, including DM45E and DM47E. Check out these three ways the Opti-View riding seat can improve work for your operators.

An unobstructed view

With traditional riding seats, the control panel is directly in front of the operator. When working in closer proximity to the truck or when trying to position the winch hook, these controls can block an operator’s view, requiring them to move to get a better look at what they’re doing. Over the course of a long day, time spent repositioning for a better view can add up.

In the Opti-View seat, controls are located on either side of operator, giving them an unobstructed, clear view of the boom and winch line in all situations. 

Easy ingress and egress allow for easy operator access

In traditional seats, operators enter from the side. The Opti-View seat offers central ingress and egress, creating an unhindered path that makes it easier to enter and exit the seat.

Multifunction joysticks and updated controls make operation seamless

The E-Series control system brought the newest generation of the Opti-View seat to the market, meaning it has updated joysticks and functionality, and gives operators enhanced control of the machine.

The seat features two primary joysticks, rather than the six joysticks that are on standard derrick control panels. The two-joystick setup is similar to that of other equipment such as excavators, with each joystick operating multiple functions.

Responsive pole guide controls allow operators to adjust the speed of the pole guides based on force used on the joystick. Unlike the previous generation of Opti-View, the E-Series update also allows you to have independent or simultaneous control of upper and intermediate booms so that operators can extend them separately or simultaneously. Unit function interlocks are operated via a trigger on the primary joystick which replaces the foot pedal found on standard riding seats.

“The E-Series Opti-View seat really allows operators to finely control the machine,” Newman said. “Once learning the layout, operators can multifunction very fluidly and be very productive with the derrick.”

‘It was a no brainer to put the seat in operation’

Introducing new equipment to operators is the ultimate test of a product, said Andy Ross, supervisor of fleet equipment at Pepco. The Exelon company delivers energy to approximately 894,000 customers in the District of Columbia and Maryland. When Ross demoed the Opti-View seat, it was an immediate hit.

“I brought it to one location to demo and the guys loved it,” Ross said. “It was one of the easiest transitions I’ve had in a truck.”

The unobstructed view and ease of access were major selling points for his operators. The only criticism Ross received, he said, was that he didn’t get the seat sooner.

“The view and comfort of operating it and the layout of the controls make it very user friendly for our operators,” Ross said. “Our operators don’t have to look up over the top of the control panel, which can be difficult depending on where they were working. It was a no-brainer to put the seat in operation. It’s been well received, and I don’t think there’s anything that could be done to make it better.”

To learn more about Altec digger derricks and equipment, call 1-800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

How a Fair Market Value Lease Can Save You Money

Posted on by kphillips

As interest rates rise and material, fuel and equipment costs increase, maximizing savings and conserving working capital is more important than ever. With a Fair Market Value lease from Altec Capital, fleet owners can keep the monthly cost of equipment low, from payments to maintenance costs.

What is a FMV Lease?

FMV leases offer the flexibility of ownership and the lowest monthly payment with terms that match the useful life of the equipment.

With an FMV lease you can improve operations and productivity without the expense of buying the equipment outright or a high down payment. At lease maturity, you may opt to return the equipment and lease a new unit, however, customers can continue to lease on a month-to-month basis or purchase the equipment at its fair market value.

Operate a Truck During its Highest Useful Life

FMV lease terms range from 36 to 120 months, so customers can utilize a truck for its highest useful life. Once that term ends, customers can return the truck and lease a new piece of equipment, avoiding costly repairs and increased maintenance costs that can occur with older equipment.

A shorter life cycle often leads to lower repair cost and frequency, which means less downtime. This allows customers to spend more time in the field focused on operations and maximizing profits.

Fair Return Provisions

Altec believes in complete satisfaction in all aspects of a customer’s experience. Lease holders can rest assured that the same Altec customer service they expect will be provided throughout all phases of the lease, including the end of lease return process. Altec Capital account managers work hand in hand with customers to reduce end of lease expenses. Altec Capital’s ultimate goal is to create an end of lease customer experience that is seamless, equitable and fair.

Experience the Benefits of a New Truck

The FMV lease is ideal for customers who are eager to experience the latest innovation in new equipment. When FMV lease holders return their equipment at lease maturity they can then finance a brand new piece of equipment, complete with the latest technology. For many customers, the regular upgrade to a new piece of equipment boosts employee morale.

By working with Altec Capital, your account managers are monitoring current lead times for new equipment along with the term of customer leases, helping customers place orders that most closely match maturity schedules and life cycles.

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’s 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, call (888) 408-8148 or email finance@altec.com

Cribbing and Blocking: Protect Yourself

Posted on by Axis Admin

 

Proper cribbing and blocking helps operators set up cranes or other equipment safely on a variety of ground surfaces. Blocking provides a foundation for heavy loads such as outriggers. Cribbing is used to support the outriggers at greater height than blocking can provide.

These measures will help protect you from injury and guide you in choosing the right method of supporting your outriggers or stabilizers. Your safety is Altec’s number one priority, and we want you to know how to safely use your equipment.

For more information refer to OSHA’s standard on cranes and derricks in construction (1926 Subpart CC).

Terms To Know

  • Ground conditions means the ability of the ground to support the equipment.
  • Support materials means blocking, mats, cribbing or similar supporting materials or devices.

Selecting Material

  • Material must be physically capable of handling heavy loads induced by the unit outrigger.
  • Material must not be cracked, deformed, rotten, bent, worn or damaged.
  • Select material that is larger than the foot of the outrigger.
  • Material should be of sufficient thickness, width, and length to prevent shifting, toppling or excessive settlement of the load.
  • Material must be free of oil, grease or debris and kept dry to prevent slippage.

Use of Cribbing and Blocking

  • Personnel should wear steel-toed boots, gloves and eye protection when handling cribbing and blocking.
  • Material must be placed on a firm level base or foundation to properly disperse the weight of the load.
  • Ensure no debris is under the cribbing or blocking which may prevent it from resting firmly on the ground or surface.
  • It should be placed directly beneath the outrigger and stacked to avoid slipping.
  • Frequently inspect cribbing and blocking during unit operation for settling, slippage, cracking, bending, crushing or shear failure.
  • Cribbing should never be taller than twice the width of the blocking base.

General Calculations to Determine the Correct Blocking Size

  • Rule of 5: Take the maximum lifting capacity in tons of the unit such as 50 tons, divide that by 5 = 10 sq. ft. of cribbing or blocking.
  • Rule of 3: Take the square footage of the cranes floats and multiply by 3. Such as a 2×2 float = 4 sq. ft. Take 4 sq. ft. x 3 = 12 sq. ft. of cribbing or blocking.

Examples of Soil Types and Load Bearing Capacities

 

SOIL TYPE LOAD BEARING CAPACITY
Virgin Ground 22 psi
Asphalt 29 psi
Compressed Crushed Stone 36 psi
Clay/Silt Soil, Firm 43 psi
Mixed Granular Soil 51 psi
Firm Compacted Gravel 58 psi
Firm Compacted Gravel (more compacted) 72 psi
Firm Compacted Gravel (more compacted) 109 psi
Brittle Weathered Rock 145 psi
Concrete 1000 psi

*check the load chart or consult the unit manufacturer for the maximum outrigger down pressure for a single outrigger.

Outrigger Pad/Float Size in Square Inches

 

ROUND
24 inch diameter 452 square inches
36 inch diameter 1017 square inches
48 inch diameter 1808 square inches
SQUARE
24 X 24 576 square inches
36 X 36 1296 square inches
48 X 48 2304 square inches

 

Specific Calculations to Determine the Correct Blocking Size

Maximum outrigger down pressure* ÷ outrigger pad/float square inches = amount of pressure per square inch on the blocking material.

Example:

62,800* ÷ 1296 (sq. outrigger pad 36×36) = 48.5 lbs psi

Now consult the soil type chart above. With 48.5 lbs psi, the unit can be safely set up on “Mixed granular soil” or any soil with a higher load bearing pressure than 48.5 lbs psi.

 

OSHA Alliance LogoThrough the OSHA Alliance Program, Altec developed this content for information purposes only. It does not necessarily reflect the official views of OSHA or the U.S. Department of Labor.

Get Your Truck Ready with Customized Truck Kits

Posted on by kphillips

Your new truck has arrived, and your team is ready to get to work. However, if you don’t have the tools you need to stock it, getting that truck on the job may be a complicated process.

“When a truck comes in, customers don’t necessarily have everything ready, especially for a newer vehicle or a new to the fleet vehicle,” said Chris Knapp, Altec Supply sales manager.  “Warehouse teams then have to organize tools, possibly ordering from multiple manufacturers with different lead times.”

To save customers valuable time and money, Altec Supply offers customized truck kits that will arrive when your new unit does. These kits can be added to new, used and rental equipment so that your truck is ready to go to work when it arrives.

Get Your New Truck Ready to Work

Rather than waiting for various orders from various manufacturers to trickle in, a truck kit from Altec Supply comes complete with the tools you need to get the job done.

“When it’s all wrapped up in one, the tools show up right when the truck shows up, and all customers have to do is pull the tools out of boxes and put it in the bins they want, and out they go,” Knapp said.

Truck kits can be configured to include a range of tools and supplies from shovels to electrical test equipment based on the needs of the customer.

Combat Supply Chain Challenges

As global supply chain challenges continue, truck kits are even more valuable to customers.

Altec Supply account managers can help customers navigate longer lead times and stock shortages. As a truck is being produced, Supply account managers monitor manufacturer lead times to make sure products are ordered and will arrive before a truck’s completion.

“We’re aware of manufacture lead times and can order in an appropriate time to make sure the kit is complete when the truck is ready,” Knapp said.

Additionally, Altec has increased its ready-to-ship inventory at regional warehouses across the nation. Tools and supplies are stocked based on customer needs, meaning Altec has what you need when you need it.

If a tool is unavailable due to supply chain challenges, Altec Supply account managers assist customers with finding an alternative product. In many cases, this is a chance for customers to try a new and improved tool they may not have realized was available to them.

“We’ve got our finger on the pulse of what’s in stock and what lead times are,” Knapp said. “We’re here to help you get your kits in a timely manner.”

Get Personalized Assistance Outfitting Your Truck

Whether you’re looking to stock your truck with tools and accessories or to purchase items such as utility sunblock and bug spray, Altec’s Supply Store is your one stop shop for all the items you need.

For more information on truck kits or to explore tools and accessories available from Altec Supply, visit altecsupply.com or call 1-877-GO-ALTEC, option 1. You can also contact Supply via email at tools@altec.com.

Improve Efficiency and Safety with New Quick-Attach Aluminum Platform

Posted on by kphillips

Altec is committed to providing our customers with the equipment they need to work more safely and efficiently without sacrificing performance. Altec is pleased to launch the new quick-attach aluminum platform for dual-rated products.

Compatible with the AC40E-152S, the AC45E-127S, and the upcoming AC65E-155S, the two-man platform offers customers improved rigidity and ease of installation while reducing weight to allow for additional unit payload. This new platform maintains the traditional capacity of 1,200 pounds when used on the AC40E and AC65E and 800 pounds when used on the AC45E.

“This platform was designed based on direct feedback from our customers,” said Zak Hilliard, Altec Cranes market manager. “We believe they will enjoy the increased durability and ease of use of this platform, while maintaining valuable machine capacity.”

Platform quick-attach system improves customer experience

All Altec Dual Rated Products feature the improved quick-attach system for pinning on the platform to the boom tip or jib tip. This system features a single pin that is installed for secondary retention to further increase the strength of the system and aid in quick installation.

Integrated kickstand for easy installation

To further improve jobsite safety and aid in simple installation, the new quick-attach system features an integrated kickstand built into the platform yoke. The kickstand is easily deployed to not only balance the platform before attaching it to the boom, but also to place the yoke at the ideal height for quickly lining it up with the boom tip.

Increase operator safety with optional lanyard interlock

All platforms on Altec Dual Rated Products can be upfitted with the optional Lanyard Interlock System designed to promote safe operation. This system takes dual rated product safety to the next level by sensing whether the operator has their lanyard attached to the platform. If the operator is not tied off, the system will alarm and disable upper controls.

To keep operators from attempting to bypass the lanyard detect system, Altec engineered an anti-tie down function with electronic sensors that help prevent the use of shortcuts to permanently defeat the system.

To learn more about the platform, call 1-877-GO ALTEC or contact your account manager.

How Much is Jobsite Idling Costing Your Fleet?

Posted on by kphillips

As the world continues to increase its focus on vehicle electrification solutions, finding ways to reduce or eliminate emissions has become a priority for both individuals and companies alike. In the last two decades, many states and counties have identified reducing unnecessarily idling as an effective way to reduce emissions.

Consumer vehicles alone generate around 30 million tons of carbon dioxide annually just by idling. To combat this, many states have passed laws that limit idling between three and five minutes. Even more states have passed regulations for vehicles such as school busses and vehicles over 10,001 pounds—including bucket trucks and digger derricks.

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

Reduce emissions and save money with JEMS

For more than 10 years, Altec’s Jobsite Energy Management Systems (JEMS) has been helping customers save money and reduce their emissions by preventing unnecessary idling at the job site. JEMS is an integrated plug-in system that uses stored energy from a lithium-ion battery to eliminate idling at the jobsite and deliver power to jobsite tools such as a truck’s hydraulics, jobsite tools and cab comfort.

JEMS delivers power for your daily jobsite requirements, depending on jobsite application, and can be conveniently charged using plug-in charging (Level 1 and 2), jobsite charging, and mobile charging. When JEMS is activated, a vehicle produces zero jobsite emissions with zero reduction in performance.

Since its inception, JEMS has saved customers:

  •  More than 2 million gallons of fuel
  • More than $10 million in fuel savings based on today’s cost of fuel
  • More than 75 million idling miles
  • More than 50 million pounds of CO2

Calculate your fleet’s cost of idling

To calculate how much idling is costing across your fleet, fill out the form here to utilize Altec’s jobsite idling calculator. By entering the average number of hours a truck in your fleet idles daily, as well as how many trucks are in your fleet, the cost of idling calculator will project fuel costs, maintenance costs and the total cost of idling. The calculator also projects your fleets annual CO2 emissions.

If you are ready to take the next step in reducing your cost of idling and electrifying your fleet, visit Altec’s Green Fleet website, or contact Altec at 800-958-2555.

Why Fleet Maintenance is a Necessary Part of Your Safety Program

Posted on by kphillips

Whether you know it or not, fleet maintenance has a big effect on your safety program. Complex equipment such as aerial devices, cranes and digger derricks are built to work hard in tough environments, designed to exacting national standards and intended to reward owners with a long service life. They are also a large investment that needs to be protected by following the manufacturer’s guidance for safe operation and maintenance.

It’s likely your safety team is hard at work enforcing safe work rules, implementing programs, compiling safety metrics and tracking OSHA reports. Meanwhile, a poorly maintained piece of equipment may be creeping closer to failure, threatening to undo all those efforts keeping workers safe on the job.

Make Maintenance Programs a Priority

Fortunately, Altec’s unit maintenance manuals give you extensive guidance on preventive maintenance schedules and detailed instructions on performing the important tasks that keep your equipment safely in service.

Your fleet needs the right kind of maintenance program, with inspection intervals timed for the severity of operating conditions. Heavily used units need more frequent inspection and maintenance. Think of the difference between a New York City taxicab and Grandma’s Crown Vic. Which one will need more preventive maintenance or repair?  Of course, sitting idle in the garage can also pose problems, but a well-designed fleet maintenance program will consider that too.

Take Your Training Seriously

Fleet programs are part of the equation, but there are human factors, too: the people using the equipment and the people maintaining it. Both groups could introduce risk or mitigation effects into overall operational safety. In large part, this depends on your effectiveness in two key training areas—training your operators and training your technicians.

Train Your Operators Properly

Trained operators break less equipment because they use it correctly. Too often, employers condone work methods that misuse and abuse equipment. This essentially trains operators to damage equipment, and it puts everyone at the job site at serious risk of injury.

Train Your Technicians Properly

Letting untrained technicians inspect and maintain complex equipment gives a dangerous false sense of security. If you don’t have trained mechanics who follow Altec’s maintenance procedures, call Altec Service. We have the resources to help keep your units safely in the field, protecting your workers and getting the job done.

Altec is Here to Help

Building a connection between your fleet maintenance and safety teams is a solid move toward protecting your workers. Start by asking the question, “How are we training our technicians and operators?”

If you need help, contact Altec Service to discuss maintenance training options. For operator training, contact Altec Sentry. Let our experts help you fix and operate your Altec units properly, putting your safety program on a better path toward prevention.

How to Get the Most Capacity out of Your Digger Derrick

Posted on by kphillips

Digger derricks are designed to tackle the most demanding of jobs, from transmission and distribution to backyard infrastructure. Whether you’re setting poles or moving material, these five tips can help you get the most capacity out of your digger derrick.

Get Familiar with the Capacity Chart

Altec’s digger derricks are a durable, reliable piece of equipment, but it’s important to stay within the limits outlined on your machine’s capacity chart. Altec offers derricks with 10-foot load ratings that range from 3,800 to 30,000 pounds.

Each machine’s capacity chart includes model and serial number, included options, use type, rated unit capacities and deductions. Load charts are provided by load radius, or the distance from the center of rotation to the load line, as well as by associated boom angles.

Altec’s derricks are equipped with a hydraulic overload protection system (HOP) to prevent conditions that excessively overload the booms. At approximately 110% of rated hydraulic capacity, the HOP system should engage, stopping the functions that increase the overload including winch raise, boom lower, boom extend, and digger dig. The complementary functions are all available to lessen the load on the boom and disengage HOP.

While the HOP does prevent significant overloading, if the system is forced to engage, operators have already overloaded the machine, which can cause excessive wear and tear.

Extend the Upper Boom First

The booms of Altec’s digger derricks are controlled independently, so operators can choose which boom to extend in what order. The upper boom of Altec’s digger derricks are often made of fiberglass and nested inside the steel intermediate boom.

Many operators assume the steel boom is stronger and extend it instead of first extending the fiberglass, but this reduces your derrick capacity. When extending the intermediate boom without extending the upper boom first, the derrick is now supporting the weight of an upper boom that’s not being used. Instead, fully extend the upper boom first, and then extend the intermediate boom as necessary.

Remove Accessories When Not in Use

Accessories attached to the boom reduce the machine’s capacity. For example, a platform with liner reduces capacity by 165 pounds, and an 8-foot material handling jib reduces capacity by 150 pounds.

Even though a reduction of 150 or 165 pounds may not seem excessive in comparison to total capacity, it can be the difference in having to reposition the derrick to complete a job. Removing unused accessories also reduces the boom tip profile when working in congested areas.

Understand Two Parting

When a load exceeds the winch capacity or winch line rated working strength, but is within the capacity of the unit, two parting is required. Check out this short video for more information. Two parting is also explained in the unit operator’s manual.

Consider the Winch Placement

Altec offers digger derricks with turntable or boom tip winches. The winch placement is determined before the truck is built as part of the work order. Boom tip winch configurations typically have less capacity as the boom must support the weight of the winch and supporting structure.

Consider these tips as you approach taller and heavier infrastructure, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your account manager to learn more about Altec’s derrick models and features.

Part of the Team: Jason Savin

Posted on by kphillips

After spending time flipping houses with his dad, Jason Savin knew what he wanted to do when he graduated high school—work with his hands. His girlfriend’s father works for Altec, and based on his glowing reviews, Savin decided to apply for a job.

“He always was talking about how he loves his job and he gets to work with his hands every day, and it’s just an awesome place to work,” Savin said.

He got the job and quickly found that Altec’s culture was the perfect fit.

Pride in His Work

Savin works at Altec’s Indianapolis Operations Center prepping trucks to be painted. He takes great pride in his work knowing that each and every Altec associate plays a key part in providing the high-quality equipment Altec is known for.

“Currently, I wash the trucks before the paint department gets them, so I’m the first line of defense against any dirt, muck, or anything like that,” he said. “I know that everything I do affects the person directly after me, which in return affects our customer.”

Part of the Team

One of Altec’s core values is teamwork, which Savin has experienced firsthand since he started his job. His colleagues immediately welcomed him with open arms and encourage him to grow and learn more every day. Those people, he said, are his favorite part of the job.

“I’ve made so many connections and bonds with the people here,” Savin said. “I’m only 18 and everyone here is older than me, but they’re still so welcoming. Everyone is trying to give me a helping hand and give me more knowledge.”

For other high school students planning their next step after school, Savin’s message is simple—especially for those considering a career with Altec.

“I know this is going to be a big step for you, but everything about this place is here for you,” he said. “They’re here for you 100 percent.”

Altec Careers

At Altec, we know if we put our minds and hearts and backs into something, we can do anything. We care about people. We look after each other.

And 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? If you’re interested in joining Team Altec, check out our current job openings here.

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

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Altec Inc.

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

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