Electric Utility – Page 2

Key Takeaways from EUFMC 2025

Posted on June 25, 2025 (June 25, 2025) by kphillips

The nation’s premier educational conference and fleet forum, EUFMC gathers those who manage, operate and maintain utility fleets to view the latest in fleet technology and discuss current topics in fleet management. Below, see four key takeaways from the event and how Altec is supporting customers as they navigate industry trends.

Increased Demand Drives Increased Need for Productivity

Driven by increasing energy use, aging infrastructure and storm hardening needs, transmission and distribution demands continue to increase rapidly. With energy needs expected to double in the next 20 years, utilities must prioritize efficiency and productivity to meet demand. From equipment design to products and services offered, OEMs continue to innovate with purpose to meet customer needs.

Safety Remains a Top Jobsite Priority

While there is an increased need for productivity, it cannot come at the expense of safety. Safety remains the top priority on the jobsite, driving manufacturers to deliver solutions that offer both increased efficiency and advanced safety features.

Show attendees got a preview of Altec’s next generation aerial device that delivers on both of those priorities with a host of new safety features and efficiency improvements. Expected to launch later this year, the unit will be on display at Utility Expo this fall.

Telematics and Connected Products Continue to Gain Popularity

As equipment becomes more advanced, so does the jobsite data that can be gathered. What was once limited to solely chassis data now includes unit data, as well, presenting a complete picture of a unit and its performance. However, data alone doesn’t always tell a complete story, which is why digital solutions that interpret this data are rapidly gaining popularity.

With Altec Insights, unit data can be used to evaluate work practices, prevent unplanned downtime, improve purchasing insight and more. Altec Insights also includes remote diagnostic capabilities, allowing fleet managers to mitigate unnecessary service calls and identify equipment that is at risk of going down soon. Altec Insights is also available for Altec’s Jobsite Energy Management System, helping fleet managers understand JEMS performance and identify corrective actions to maximize JEMS utilization.

As Electrification Environment Evolves, Fleets are Still Eager for Solutions that Increase Sustainability and Maximize Cost Savings

As electrification demand shifts due to infrastructure development and legislative priorities, fleets are still eager for solutions that improve sustainability through reduced emissions. Altec’s JEMS system eliminates unnecessary engine idling at the jobsite by using lithium-ion batteries to power the electric power-takeoff (ePTO) and auxiliary chassis applications. Not only does JEMS reduce emissions, but it also reduces fuel consumption and engine wear and tear to maximize cost savings. It also offers a safer jobsite by eliminating engine noise from idling equipment.

To discuss how Altec can support you as you navigate these and other industry trends, contact your account manager today.

Staying Safe in the Heat: Summer Safety for Bucket Truck & Digger Derrick Operators

Posted on June 24, 2025 by kphillips

Summertime, and the living is easy—but it brings unique risks to linemen. As summer temperatures soar, working outdoors in or around heavy equipment like bucket trucks and digger derricks becomes significantly more hazardous. Heat stress, UV exposure and equipment-related risks all increase during the summer months.

Whether you’re operating machinery, performing maintenance or supervising a crew, summer safety is everyone’s responsibility. Below, check out safety tips from Altec Sentry to keep your operators and equipment working safely this summer.

Heat Stress: Recognize, Prevent, Respond

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. Key symptoms to watch for include:

Heavy sweating
Fatigue or dizziness
Headache or nausea
Rapid heartbeat or confusion
Hot, dry skin (in cases of heat stroke)

Preventive Measures

Hydration: Drink water every 15–20 minutes. DO NOT wait until you’re thirsty. Wearing rubber gloves, sleeves, and FR clothing in the heat is no joke!
Rest Breaks: Take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas regularly, especially during peak temperature hours (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.).
Proper Clothing: Wear breathable, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothes (as much as you can given other safety considerations).
Acclimatization: New-to-the-heat workers should gradually increase exposure over 1–2 weeks.
Buddy System: Encourage team members to monitor each other for signs of heat-related illness.

If a team member shows signs of heat stroke:

Call 911 immediately.
Move them to a cooler area.
Remove excess clothing.
Apply cool water to their skin and use fans if available.

Equipment Safety in the Heat

Hydraulics & Fluid Checks

High temperatures can affect hydraulic fluid viscosity. Check fluid levels and condition daily.
Inspect for leaks and ensure all fittings and hoses are secure.

Tires and Rubber Components

Heat can increase tire pressure. Check inflation daily to prevent blowouts.
UV radiation can degrade rubber hoses and seals. Inspect for cracking or brittleness.
Boom and Aerial Components
Verify dielectric testing is up-to-date for insulating booms.

Operator Comfort and Focus

Fatigue from heat can reduce situational awareness which is a key factor in utility and construction accidents. Employers should:

Rotate duties to limit continuous exposure.
Install shade canopies or cooling vests for extended jobs.
Encourage mental check-ins to ensure alertness when performing aerial work.

Fire Prevention and Fuel Safety

With dry conditions and heat, fire hazards increase. To mitigate this risk:

Avoid refueling when equipment is hot.
Store fuel and flammable liquids in approved containers, away from direct sunlight.
Clear brush and dry debris from around parked equipment.

Storms and Lightning: Summer’s Unpredictable Threat

Summer also brings sudden storms and lightning.

Cease operations immediately if thunder is heard. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap before resuming.
Lower all booms and secure equipment during storms.
Never seek shelter under or near a bucket truck or digger derrick.
Know your unit’s max allowable wind speed for operation.

Daily Safety Checklist Additions for Summer

In addition to standard pre-operational checks, add these checks in hot weather:

Hydration supplies available (water coolers, electrolyte packets)
Shade structures or cooling areas available
Heat illness signs posted
Sun protection (sunscreen, hats, UV sleeves)
First aid kit includes cold packs and electrolyte tablets

Operating bucket trucks and digger derricks safely during the summer means planning ahead, staying alert, and watching out for one another. Heat doesn’t just zap energy; it can create deadly conditions. Stay cool, stay hydrated and stay safe!

Improve Jobsite Safety with Altec Supply’s Pole Hole Cover

Posted on June 17, 2025 (January 9, 2026) by kphillips

Safety is always the top priority on the jobsite. As the industry more commonly uses vac trucks to remove excess dirt around ground holes at the jobsite, these holes can become a sneaky hazard as they blend into surrounding terrain and are challenging to see—especially at night.

To address these ground hole hazards and prevent dangerous falls, Altec Supply has developed a Pole Hole Cover to be installed over holes when operators are not actively setting a pole in the ground. These Pole Hole Covers are yellow in color and highly visible. Anchors allow them to be secured to the ground. They can be customized with your account manager.

Protect Your Crews Today

Altec Supply Pole Hole Covers are easy to store, easy to carry and easy to use while making a big impact on jobsite safety for operators—and anyone else who may be on or near the jobsite. Altec Supply has a variety of sizes in stock and ready to ship now. To customize your order, contact your account manager today. Don’t have an account manager? Contact us here.

Learn More

Altec Supply Makes It Easy

When you purchase tools and accessories through Altec Supply, you’re partnering with an end-to-end tools and accessories solution trusted by industry professionals. Altec offers unparalleled customer support, expert advice and easy access to everything you need to get the job done—and get it done right.

Altec Announces Partnership with LineWise

Posted on June 10, 2025 by kphillips

As grid and energy constraints increase the need to stay online, live phase handling is becoming a necessary tool in transmission power line maintenance. To better serve mutual customers in this space, Altec is pleased to announce a partnership with LineWise Utility Products, a division of Diversified Product Development. LineWise designs and manufactures job specific utility products by collaborating with the utility industry.

This new partnership will greatly improve the customer experience when using LineWise products on Altec equipment, as Altec will now work closely with LineWise to facilitate improved LineWise load charts on Altec equipment. For example, when outfitted with the LineWise HLL-10-4000, an Altec AC40E shows an 11 percent increase in max wire holder height, a 15 percent increase in high reach load radius and a 9 percent increase in max side reach relative to today’s charts.

This also allows Altec customers to source LineWise products directly through Altec Supply, providing maximum flexibility for customers looking to add a Phase lifting attachment into their fleet.

“We are very excited to see this partnership come to fruition,” said Ryan McGiboney, Altec cranes market manager. “Both of our companies pride ourselves on putting customer needs and experience first and foremost, from product design to delivery. We believe this partnership will better support our mutual customers who employ live phase handling, one of the fastest growing work practices in the transmission space.”

For questions regarding this partnership, contact your Altec account manager today. If you don’t have an account manager, contact Altec here for more information.

Altec to Display the Latest in Equipment Innovation at EUFMC

Posted on May 29, 2025 by kphillips

With a small beginning in 1953 as a regional gathering of fleet managers, Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference is now regarded as an essential opportunity for learning and growing for fleet professionals, manufacturers, suppliers and service providers alike.

At this year’s show, Altec will feature the latest in equipment innovation, including Altec Insights for JEMS and a sneak preview of its next generation aerial device.

Solutions to Achieve Your Electrification Goals

Even as the electrification environment continues to evolve, there is still a clear desire for electrified solutions to achieve sustainability goals and reduce operating expenses. Altec offers a variety of electrified solutions to help customers meet these goals.

Altec’s Jobsite Energy Management System, or JEMS, uses batteries to power jobsite applications, eliminating idling on the jobsite. Not only does this decrease emissions, but it also reduces fuel consumption and engine wear and tear. Altec also offers all-electric solutions optimized for specific applications. These ZEV solutions feature a fully integrated battery system that requires only one charging port to charge both the chassis and aerial equipment.

Learn More About Electrification Solutions

Smarter Anti-Idle Starts with Altec Insights for JEMS

To complement Altec’s electrification solutions, Altec Insights is now available for JEMS. Altec Insights for JEMS puts actionable information at your fingertips, helping you understand your fleet performance and identify corrective actions to maximize JEMS utilization.

Integrated into Altec Connect, Altec Insights for JEMS replaces the former JEMS Connect dashboard. These insights give you visibility into utilization, fuel savings and other important metrics, as well as access to remote diagnostics across your entire JEMS fleet. Using data directly from the jobsite, Altec Insights for JEMS allows you to view Diagnostic Trouble Codes and Vehicle Status alerts to better understand your equipment from wherever you are.

Download More Information

See Altec’s Next Generation Aerial Device

Attendees at the show will get a sneak preview of Altec’s next generation aerial device. This product is an update to Altec’s best-in-class aerial and features innovations in safety, operational efficiency and serviceability. Expected to launch officially in Q4 2025, the unit will also be on display at The Utility Expo in October. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting new product.

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Altec Insights for JEMS: Smarter Anti-Idle Starts Here 

Posted on May 27, 2025 (June 2, 2025) by kphillips

How much time is your fleet spending idling unnecessarily at the jobsite? How much is that costing you in fuel and emissions? How can you eliminate unnecessary jobsite expenses and harmful tailpipe emissions and improve jobsite safety?

Altec’s Jobsite Energy Management System eliminates unnecessary engine idling at the jobsite by using lithium-ion batteries to power the electric power-takeoff (ePTO) and auxiliary chassis applications. With Altec Insights for JEMS, you can take your fleet’s JEMS performance even further.

Altec Insights for JEMS puts actionable information at your fingertips, helping you understand performance and identify corrective actions to maximize JEMS utilization. Integrated into Altec Connect, Altec Insights for JEMS replaces the former JEMS Connect dashboard. These insights give you visibility into utilization, fuel savings and other important metrics, as well as access to remote diagnostics across your entire JEMS fleet.

Maximize JEMS Utilization

Altec Insights for JEMS delivers metrics you need to optimize your JEMS fleet. In the easy-to-use dashboard, you can:

Track fuel savings and identify missed opportunities for savings.
Compare anti-idle hours with total jobsite hours by individual asset or fleet.
Receive quarterly and annual reports with clear utilization insights.
View a list with metrics to identify high and low performing JEMS assets.

Remote Diagnostics

Using data directly from the jobsite, Altec Insights for JEMS allows you to view Diagnostic Trouble Codes and Vehicle Status alerts to better understand your equipment from wherever you are.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes provide easy to understand fault information including severity, potential impact and cause, as well as a recommendation, so you can troubleshoot remotely and potentially avoid unnecessary service calls.

Altec Insights for JEMS also helps maximize battery health and longevity with battery and override event notifications, as well as suggested corrective actions.

Get a Picture of Your Entire JEMS Fleet

Altec Insights for JEMS allows you to get a clear picture of your entire JEMS fleet so you can make decisions backed by jobsite data, maximize your fleet savings and optimize JEMS performance. To learn more, visit altec.com/JEMS or contact us today.

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What are the Benefits of Financing with Altec Capital Instead of a Bank?

Posted on April 1, 2025 (April 1, 2025) by kphillips

Financing equipment with a bank can often be a tricky and lengthy process. If you’re looking for an easier way to finance, Altec Capital is here to streamline that process and get your equipment to you and in the field as soon as possible.

Our finance and equipment teams are expertly trained to help you decide which option will help benefit you and your business the most. Below, check out the key benefits of financing your equipment with Altec Capital.

KEY BENEFITS

Streamlined communication
OEM understanding of your equipment and industry
Finance additional services in one payment
Flexible options and terms to help you maximize your fleet

Streamlined Communication with a Single Source

Altec Capital makes financing simple by channeling all of your information and communications directly to our team. Unlike working with your local bank, at Altec, everything from your initial inquiry to your application and your lease documents can be filled out and signed online.

Tim Tavel, PowerGrid’s Vice President, says Altec Capital has made financing equipment easy for his company.

“I gave them all the requested information and they took care of everything else we needed,” Tavel said. “It’s hard to find a service like that anywhere else.”

No One Knows Your Equipment like the OEM

As the original equipment manufacturer, Altec provides a direct advantage to customers financing your equipment. Because we build the equipment you purchase, we are able to best understand the ins and outs of your business and the value your assets bring to it. In addition to this, our equipment experts can recommend services and maintenance based on the build of your equipment.

Jeffrey Schneider, Manager of Transportation at Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, has been working with Altec Capital for a decade. For Schneider, a constant is Altec Capital’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

“The people at Altec Capital are what make the difference,” Schneider said. “It’s nice to be able to have open conversations and know everything will be taken care of.”

Add the Extras to Complete Your Fleet

Not only does Altec directly provide your equipment and financing, but we also offer many other services that span the life of your equipment. Altec is here to support you every step of the way with service, rental, financing, safety training, tools, parts, fleet management and more. To make billing easier, our fleet management services can be included in your monthly lease payment, allowing you to make a single payment to a single source each month.

This includes:

Altec Service: The industry’s most extensive fleet of mobile service vehicles and technicians covering both the entire United States and parts of Canada
Altec Sentry: Our safety training organization that offers OSHA and ANSI-certified training options
Altec Supply: A one-stop shop for ordering tools, supplies, accessories, replacement parts and more for your bucket truck or boom truck crane
Altec Fleet Services: Proven fleet management solutions and digital products such as Altec Connect that focus on the objectives most important to you: safety, compliance, performance and economics

Flexible Financing Options and Terms

Overall, financing with Altec Capital provides many advantages for any customer that purchase, rent or lease equipment. Our unmatched flexibility makes it easier to get your trucks into the field, improving your cash flow. We also offer a variety of lease options, allowing you to choose the financing option that makes the most sense for your business.

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

Warm Weather Equipment Maintenance Tips

Posted on March 26, 2025 (March 26, 2025) 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 March 25, 2025 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 March 18, 2025 (March 18, 2025) 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

Elevate Your Safety with the Ronin Titan Power Ascender Lift Kit

Posted on February 3, 2025 (April 28, 2025) by kphillips

When working at height, safety and efficiency are non-negotiable. Whether scaling transmission towers, conducting confined space rescues, or performing heavy lifting in demanding environments, having the right tools can make all the difference. That’s where the Ronin Titan Power Ascender Lift Kit comes in.

Revolutionizing At Height Work

The Ronin Titan Lift is the world’s smallest and lightest powered ascender, specifically engineered to enhance safety and productivity for professionals working at height. Designed for human ascension, confined space rescues, and material handling, the Titan Lift is a game-changer for industries requiring precision and reliability.

Key Benefits of the Ronin Titan Lift:

Supports Fatigue Reduction: Minimize physical strain during ascension and improve efficiency in challenging environments.
Smallest and Lightest Design: The Titan Lift’s compact and portable construction allows for easy transport and operation.
Impressive Load Capacities: With safe working loads of 400 lbs for human ascension, up to 600 lbs for two-person rescue, and a range of 400 to 1600 lbs for material lifting, this device is built to handle a variety of applications.
Automatic Rope Containment: Secure rope containment prevents accidental detachment, ensuring safer and smoother operations.
Remote Control Operation: With a 300 ft remote control range, the Titan Lift provides enhanced safety and operational flexibility.

See the Titan Lift in Action

Curious about how the Titan Lift can elevate your work? Check out the demo video here. Witness the ease of operation, advanced safety features, and unmatched efficiency that the Titan Lift offers.

Why Buy from Altec Supply?

When you purchase the Ronin Titan Lift Kit through Altec Supply, you’re not just getting a world-class tool; you’re partnering with an end-to-end supply solution trusted by industry professionals. Altec offers unparalleled customer support, expert advice, and easy access to everything you need to succeed in your work.

From purchase to after-sales support, Altec ensures you have everything you need to perform at your best. We provide access to the latest tools and equipment, backed by the expertise of a dedicated team—and you can find all your essential tools in one place, saving time and effort.

Order Yours Today

Don’t miss the opportunity to transform your approach to at-height work. The Ronin Titan Power Ascender Lift Kit is now available at the Altec Supply Store. Request a demo today.

Vehicle Status and DTCs Now Available for JEMS

Posted on January 31, 2025 (January 31, 2025) by kphillips

As connected vehicle technology continues to evolve, more equipment data is available than ever before. While that data has traditionally been used for historical reporting, JEMS Connect can help you get ahead of the curve and use that data to identify and prevent future downtime.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes and Vehicle Status are the latest feature enhancements in JEMS Connect. These features allow you access to real-time diagnostics and insights that could impact JEMS performance and remote troubleshooting to identify, address, and resolve issues remotely.

Vehicle Status

Vehicle Status is a valuable tool for supporting crews in the field. Vehicle Status information allows for easy remote trouble shooting and provides you with an overview of truck functions to reduce downtime and mitigate nuisance unit down calls.

For example, Vehicle Status could alert you that the JEMS Disconnect is active, preventing the system from engaging. Viewing this status remotely allows you to skip the service call and get your crew back to work.

DTCs

Unit DTCs provide details on potential unit faults. For example, a Low Battery DTC can alert you to a unit that has not been charged. This could indicate that the unit has not been plugged in for an extended period of time, which is not ideal for JEMS performance or battery life.

Together, Vehicle Status and DTCs allow you to get a full view of your equipment from where you are and identify any easily resolved errors.

View Vehicle Status and DTCs Today

Vehicle Status and DTCs are available in JEMS Connect. To view, navigate to the unit, select analytics and view the DTC Log or Vehicle Status tabs.

To begin viewing Vehicle Status and DTCs in your JEMS Connect account, you may have to apply a firmware update to your unit. Fleets can use their AXIS service tool to easily apply the firmware upgrade while at the truck. JEMS units completed after February 1 already have the latest firmware applied. For more information on this firmware upgrade, contact 1-877-GO-ALTEC.

About JEMS

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 operation of the aerial device. When JEMS is activated, a vehicle produces zero jobsite emissions with zero reduction in performance.

Get Connected: Electronic APN Notifications Now Available for Altec Connect Users

Posted on January 17, 2025 by kphillips

Altec is excited to announce Altec Product Notice email notifications for Altec Connect users, making it easier than ever to receive this important information.

What are APNS?

Altec Product Notices are Altec-generated documents that require specific action or provide information about products after they’ve been delivered to you. APN types include a variety of information such as items that require immediate action, items that may require future action, best practices and more.

Receiving and completing APN actions plays a vital role in maintaining your equipment’s efficiency and safety. If you are not the original owner of your equipment, it is especially important to register your equipment and sign up for Connect to ensure you receive these critical equipment updates.

Notification Setup

To configure your notifications, begin by signing up or logging into Altec Connect. Next, click the drop down in the gray header next to your name and click on “My Account.” After the account profile page is loaded, select notifications in the left-hand navigation. A new option called Safety Notices and Recalls is now available.

To turn on email notifications, click on whole fleet and confirm to turn on all safety notices and recall notifications. If you need to turn these notifications off, you can do that here, as well. You will need to confirm that you wish to turn off all safety notices and recall notifications.

Receiving and completing APN actions plays a critical role in maintaining your equipment’s efficiency and safety. For more information or with questions about Altec Connect, contact altec.connect@altec.com.

Reaffirming Your Commitment to Safety: A New Year’s Resolution

Posted on January 15, 2025 (February 14, 2025) by kphillips

2025 offers a fresh start—a time to reflect, reset, and renew commitments to the principles that guide us. For Altec equipment users, this is an ideal moment to reaffirm the importance of and commitment to safety. With the inherent risks of the industry, a comprehensive and renewed focus on safety not only ensures the well-being of employees but also supports reliable service for customers. Below, see tips from Altec Sentry that you can leverage the New Year to strengthen your organization’s safety culture.

Unified Commitment: From Leadership to Operators

Safety must be a universal priority, embraced at every level of the organization. Leadership sets the tone by modeling a commitment to safety, demonstrating that it is a core value rather than a mere checkbox. When executives and managers prioritize safety in their communications, decisions, and actions, it fosters a culture where employees feel empowered to do the same.

Operators play a critical role in daily safety practices. Encouraging operators to participate in safety discussions and initiatives builds a sense of shared responsibility. This collaborative approach ensures that safety becomes ingrained in every task, from routine operations to complex projects.

Refreshing Equipment Safety Practices

The start of a new year is an excellent time to revisit and refresh essential safety protocols—particularly those involving equipment safety. Bucket trucks, digger derricks, and cranes are vital to the industry but also present significant risks if not operated safely. Operators should be encouraged to adopt a renewed mindset toward:

Inspections: Regular pre-trip and pre-operation inspections can identify potential hazards before they escalate.
Defensive Driving: Operators should focus on situational awareness, adherence to traffic laws, and anticipation of potential risks.
Proper Set Up: Ensuring that all equipment is properly set up at the jobsite contributes towards safe operation.
Safe Lifting Practices: Conduct inspections of your unit’s winch rope and rigging components as they are often overlooked. Consult load charts and plan your lifts!

Providing targeted training sessions or workshops on these topics can help operators sharpen their skills and maintain a proactive approach to safety.

Open Door Policy for Questions and Concerns

A culture of safety thrives when employees feel comfortable voicing their concerns and seeking clarity. Establishing and reinforcing an open-door policy allows operators to bring forward questions, report near-misses, and suggest improvements without fear of retribution. This transparency not only builds trust but also enables organizations to identify and address potential risks before they result in incidents.

Moving Forward Together

As the calendar turns, organizations have an opportunity to set the tone for a safer, more collaborative year. By uniting leadership and operators under a shared commitment to safety, refreshing critical practices, and fostering open communication, the industry can continue to protect its most valuable asset—its people. Let 2025 start with a powerful reminder that safety is not just a priority but a fundamental value that drives every decision and action.

About Altec Sentry

Keeping crews safe on the job is important to us. For nearly 20 years, Altec Sentry has helped employers train and certify Altec equipment operators on safe and proper operation. We are committed to your safety and believe that industry-leading equipment deserves industry-leading training—that’s exactly what Altec Sentry provides. For more information on virtual and in-person safety training through Altec Sentry, visit altec.com/safety.

Altec Insights Expands to Include E-Series Cranes

Posted on January 6, 2025 (January 14, 2025) by kphillips

Altec Insights is now available for E-series cranes. Designed to promote a safer jobsite, Altec Insights is a digital product that uses data from equipment to deliver simple, actionable insights to improve equipment usage and jobsite safety.

Boom truck cranes are specialized pieces of equipment that offer operators more information and feedback on unit status than nearly any other type of equipment used in the utility industry. This information, such as zone rated capacity charts, available capacity, load on hook, load radius, and boom setup are vital for operators to properly setup and operate the equipment.

With Altec Insights for E-series cranes, this information is synthesized and combined with Altec expertise to deliver information and recommendations via configurable notifications and reports. This information can then be used to answer three fundamental questions regarding jobsite safety and fleet performance.

1. Is the machine being used correctly and safely?

Insights for E-series cranes includes Insights for unit setup, configuration, and operating modes, and creates events when a unit is setup or used outside of the designed parameters. Operating a crane with improper setup or overriding safety systems risks damaging the unit and property, and, most importantly, personal injury. Insights helps provide context to facilitate crew discussions to ensure the unit is being used correctly and operated within the safety systems of the machine.

2. Is it the right piece of equipment for the job?

Constantly having to tear down and move a crane to make a pick can be frustrating. Frequently needing multiple setups on a single jobsite or routinely operating at the margins of a unit’s load chart can be indicators that the wrong piece of equipment is being used. Altec Insights offers historical event information on both a unit and fleet basis, allowing fleet managers to optimize the efficiency of their existing fleet by sending the right piece of equipment with the right crew to the right jobsite.

3. How can we mitigate and prevent downtime?

Unit Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) and Vehicle Status information offer unparalleled visibility to equipment health. Having a historical log of a unit’s DTCs drastically reduces technician’s time spent on diagnosing an issue or attempting to replicate a symptom encountered in the field. Additionally, Vehicle Status gives foremen, fleet managers, and service technicians a near real-time snapshot of the machine’s setup, configuration, and chassis information.

This powerful information can be used to prevent unnecessary downtime and service calls for things like an unintentionally activated emergency stop. In situations where the unit does require service, it allows you to make an informed decision on whether to service it in the field, what to bring to fix it, or if the machine needs to be brought back to the yard for repairs.

Learn More About Insights for E-Series Cranes

Altec Insights-equipped E-series cranes are available for purchase from Altec or for rent through Global Rental. All previously purchased E-Series Cranes equipped with a telematics control unit (TCU) support Altec Insights.

Are you interested in seeing what Altec Insights for E-series cranes can do for your business? Call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.