Category: News Articles

Recognizing our responsibility to the environment, Altec, Inc. believes that every effort should be made to conserve energy and natural resources. We also believe that energy efficient operations are in the best interest of Altec, our customers and the environment. Energy management plays a key role in our business as we strive to maximize sustainability, strengthen our competitive position and provide our customers with the highest quality product and services.

Altec has made great strides in the field of energy-efficient products with the introduction and expansion of the Green Fleet product line. Altec JEMS® (Jobsite Energy Management System) is our integrated plug-in system that uses stored electrical energy to power the aerial device, hydraulic tools and exportable power sources. The energy storage system is recharged by plugging into shore power or by the truck’s internal combustion engine. Earlier this year, Altec introduced the JEMS 4 Series, an updated system that provides significant reductions to the carbon footprint, enhances engine life and reduces engine maintenance by automatically eliminating unnecessary idle time. In 2017, Altec will continue its development of new technologies in the field of plug-in electric vehicles and work trucks. We look forward to introducing our latest developments next year.

Beyond environment-friendly equipment, we know sustainable practices are paramount at our offices and manufacturing facilities. Altec’s efforts to reduce energy use and prevent pollution support our commitment to associates, the environment and the communities where we operate. Altec has implemented several programs and policies in our corporate sustainability efforts.

At our service body plant in Burnsville, NC, Altec recycles 99% of the waste generated by the facility. The plant recycles all sheet steel, brass, copper and aluminum in addition to pallets, cardboard, office paper, aluminum cans, plastic bags, PVC pipe, silicone tubes and more. For the remaining 1%, the Burnsville Facility has just one roll-off dumpster on site for non-recyclable materials such as food waste.

The Altec Massachusetts Service Center in Shrewsbury, MA is Altec’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) facility. The Service Center features a state-of-the-art recycle wash bay wherein water is filtered and reused to wash vehicles, instead of discharging wash water into a sewer. The facility’s HVAC is set on occupancy cycles to decrease usage during night-time hours and the Service Center features all motion sensitive, LED lighting. The efforts at Altec’s first LEED facility save costs while having a positive impact on the environment.

We are also operating our first solar energy systems at the St. Joseph, Missouri facility. These systems are helping us evaluate potential usages at other facilities throughout the company. In addition, the majority of our facilities have installed LED lighting to reduce energy consumption and the carbon footprint while increasing the light quality for associates’ work environment.

In 2017, Altec will continue our sustainability efforts to include a focus on associate-specific tasks to conserve energy; these will include: powering down computers nightly, optimizing office space with regards to lighting and heating/cooling meeting rooms, utilizing natural light instead of overhead when available, conserving water usage and more.

Sustainability is at the forefront of the way Altec does business. At Altec, we strive to generate environmental stewardship solutions that contribute to sustainable change through our products and work practices. We look forward to sharing more of our sustainability practices in the New Year.

How can an Altec Extended Warranty help your business?

Altec is a custom-built company; whether it’s custom-built equipment, financing or service options, Altec is committed to offering everything our customers need to be successful in their jobs.

To be successful, we know it’s important your equipment stays up and running. Altec is dedicated to designing and manufacturing quality, industry-leading products that offer solutions for any jobsite need. With hundreds of parts on a truck, there is always a possibility for component issues over the life of the equipment. The Altec Extended Warranty is an extension of Altec’s Limited Warranty and protects you from the repair costs associated with component failure after the standard Limited Warranty expires. The Altec Extended Warranty covers these potential issues for 5 years with a one-time, fixed amount.

The Altec Extended Warranty also helps you budget a fixed amount for repairs to your Altec equipment for a set period of time.

“In my opinion, it’s easier and more financially sound to make the commitment up-front and not worry about incurred costs down the road – some that could amount to $10,000 or more,” says Travis Bruner, Director Fleet Operations at Pike Electric.

David Gundlach, Fixed Asset Manager at MasTec, notes, “The major benefit for us is that it stabilizes cost. With the Altec Extended Warranty, we know what the expected costs are going to be versus having up-and-down, rollercoaster costs. This allows us to plan and budget around a flat line instead of planning against the unknown.”

With the Altec team fully behind your equipment, there are major benefits to the Altec Extended Warranty. Below are 10 reasons the Altec Extended Warranty can help your business:

 1. Peace of Mind

The Altec Extended Warranty gives customers peace of mind and protects a strained budget from unforeseen problems that can occur with a unit. By leveling costs with the Altec Extended Warranty, customers are less likely to exceed their budget because the costs are known upfront, minimizing risk.

 2. Reasonably Priced

Altec’s 5 year Extended Warranties are competitively priced, administered by the equipment manufacturer and the cost of one major unit repair could exceed the price of an Altec Extended Warranty.

 3. Travel Coverage Available

Altec offers travel coverage for a mobile service technician (MST) to go directly to the unit and make a repair. This eliminates unforeseen expenses and saves time for customers who typically have to travel long distances to have their units serviced. Altec has more than 300 MSTs that can travel to any location to make unit repairs. Travel coverage allows an MST to come directly to the customer’s unit, supporting them like they have their own personal mechanic in the field.

 4. Backed by the Manufacturer

Altec’s Extended Warranty is unique in the industry as it is managed and administered by Altec, as opposed to a 3rd party company that might not be familiar with the units they are covering. With the full support of Altec’s Service team (parts, shops, mobile, technical support and technical training), we know these units better than anyone in the industry and can get customers back up and going without delay.

 5. Variety of Coverage Packages

Altec offers various coverage options because we know each customer has different needs and resources. An Altec Extended Warranty can encompass travel, labor, material and expenses and each customer can customize a plan to fit their needs. For example, customers who prefer mo-bile support might choose a package with travel coverage. Altec works with customers to find the best Extended Warranty plan to optimize the investment.

 6. Comprehensive Coverage

Altec’s Extended Warranty remains consistent over the life of the contract. Items such as hy-draulic cylinders, valves, gearboxes and even electronic driver boards are covered throughout the term of the warranty.

 7. No Deductibles

Altec’s Extended Warranty Plan does not have a deductible. At Altec, we’ll make it right for you without additional “hidden” charges.

 8. Ease of Use

When work is performed through Altec Service, all it takes is a call and we take it from there. When customers purchase an Extended Warranty, it is noted on their contract and Altec handles all of the necessary paperwork.

 9. No PTO Hour Limits

The Altec Extended Warranty is calendar based and does not have usage limitations. PTO hours are not a factor with Altec’s Extended Warranty; regardless of usage, Altec will cover the unit and installed equipment for 5 years.

10. Additional Service Options

In addition to Extended Warranty, Altec has Service contracts available that cover preventative maintenance, annual inspection and dielectric testing. These additional options further aide customers as they determine the long-term cost of equipment ownership and also helps ensure the equipment is regularly serviced. Also, Altec can identify available chassis extended warranties, help with the selection process and obtain a chassis extended warranty on the customer’s behalf, resulting in full asset coverage.

Call 1-877-GO-ALTEC or submit the following form to request additional information.

Extended Warranty Request

On Saturday, October 8, 2016, as Hurricane Matthew was passing through the Carolinas, storm recovery was taking place in Florida and Georgia. To support the crews working in the field, Altec Supply Account Managers Mitchell Vinson and Jason Sellers loaded the Altec storm support trailer with supplies leaving Birmingham, Alabama for Statesboro, Georgia.

Shortly after crossing the Georgia state line, the truck’s dash lights began flashing. The truck lost horsepower just as Mitchell was able to exit in Bremen, Georgia, to pull into an Exxon gas station. While at the gas station, Mitchell and Jason began calling local services in the area for help. Being 5:00 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon, Mitchell and Jason could not locate any assistance. As a last effort, Mitchell reached out to Brent Bridier at the Altec Alabama Service Center to ask if he knew of anyone that could assist them. Brent passed along Altec Mobile Service Technician (MST), George Harvey’s name and phone number.

Mitchell reached out to George and described why he was passing through Georgia and the problems they had encountered. Because George does not specialize in chassis repair, he connected with Ryan Corn, another MST who had previous experience servicing chassis for transmission trucks. While working over the phone, it was determined the truck had a bad fuel filter. George told Mitchell he would pick up a filter and be at their location within 15 minutes.

When George arrived, the truck would not start, so he proceeded to take off the fender cover to replace the fuel filter. After installing the new fuel filter, George asked Mitchell to get the truck up to cruising speed on the interstate to ensure everything was okay. “George followed us for roughly 30 miles, talking with me on the phone just to ensure everything was okay,” says Mitchell. George also gave Mitchell the phone numbers of two other Altec MSTs, Danny Pincus and Bob Wells, and called the guys to let them know that Mitchell was in route to Statesboro with potential vehicle trouble. Mitchell said George called several times late into the evening just to make sure there were no other issues with the truck.

Mitchell went on to describe George as being friendly, knowledgeable and excited to be able to assist them. “George made this trip a success!”

Meet George Harvey

George Harvey has been with Altec as a mobile service technician for more than 20 years. He begins each day checking his schedule for conference calls and meetings and then sets his goals for the day. This includes making contact with each customer for the day to advise them of his service plan and to verify the location and time for when he should be there to do repairs. A typical MST’s day may include picking up parts, shipping warranty parts back, updating service requests, ordering parts, filling out preventative inspection paperwork, conducting dielectric tests, and more.

George says what he loves most about his job is being able to provide complete customer satisfaction through his service. “With the strong relationships I’ve built with my customers, they have full confidence in me that I will get their unit repaired quickly; it means a lot to me that my customers are driving in a safe and well serviced truck to get home to their families every night.”

Another memorable storm situation for George was Hurricane Katrina back in 2005. He was called to help service a unit for Tombigbee EMC in Pearlington, MS and met a family with four young kids who were sleeping on the ground because their house had been torn in half from the storm. George was able to service Tombigbee’s unit which was then hooked up to a donated camper for the kids to sleep in. “I’ll never forget the looks on the little girls’ faces and the tears in the crews’ eyes when they saw their smiles. No words can ever explain what I felt that day, but it’s why I love doing my job.”

When asked how the MST program helps customers, George responded, “MSTs are the face of Altec to the customer: helping them understand how the equipment operates, making repairs or just answering question about the units. Even if the unit is not an Altec, we still try our best to help. At the end of the day, it’s not about another job or customer, it’s about the relationship, friendship and letting the customer know we stand behind the equipment we provide.”

George Harvey lives in Villa Rica, GA with his wife Lisa and enjoys spending time with his seven grandchildren. He noted it was a pleasure getting to help someone from the Altec team and was more than willing to assist in the time of need. “I went there not knowing what was going to happen with the truck, but it didn’t matter; I knew I had to get the truck back on the road so Mitchell and Jason could help those affected by the storm.”

Altec is so thankful for George’s dedication to the customer and Team Altec. George is a great example of the value our MSTs provide in servicing Altec equipment every day.

Utility and tree care companies have been hard at work in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. Hundreds of thousands of people lost power during the storms and thanks to many brave men and women, power was restored quickly for those affected by the natural disaster.

After any storm, Altec wants to help utility and tree care companies in any way we can, whether that’s through rental, parts, supplies or service. Beyond the services we offer, innovative equipment is the best support Altec can provide for our customers who rely on our units during storm cleanup. Following Hurricane Matthew, there were several types of Altec equipment that were most helpful during the restoration efforts. Below is a list of the most popular Altec equipment that was used after Hurricane Matthew.

Material Handling Aerial Devices

Popular among utilities, trucks like the AA55, a non-overcenter articulating aerial device, were heavily used for rebuilding power lines using the material handling capabilities.

A major benefit of this unit is the extended reach option. This allows the platform to touch the ground, eliminating the need to stow the boom each time a lineman needs to get out of the platform, or gather additional materials to restore the power lines.

Extended reach allowed linemen to set up farther away from the jobsite if, for example, a tree or other hazard was blocking the area the crew needed to access. Travis Bond, Fleet Manager at MDR Powerline Construction, notes, “For us, the extended reach made it possible to reach over flooded ditches to access power lines that had fallen.”

MDR had 17 crews at work, each with two aerial devices. “Because the AA55 is a personnel lift and material handler, we were able to spread crews out by setting up one aerial device per pole,” says Travis. “The hours following a hurricane are crucial and spreading the crews allowed us to restore power that much faster.”

Digger Derricks

Altec Digger Derricks, like the DM47B, were widely used as utilities began digging holes to set new power poles. Optimized for lifting and setting 50-55 foot poles, the DM47B is built to handle the majority of the structures utilities rebuilt after Hurricane Matthew. Because the unit is mounted on a single axle chassis, it made it easy for linemen to fit the trucks into tight spots and the optimal payload capacity allowed for needed storage in boxes and bins.

Rob Slayman with Sumter Utilities in South Carolina says the DM47B was a major asset when working in flooded areas. “The digger derrick was critical to our restoration efforts and allowed us to reach each jobsite safely and efficiently. With the pin-on platform, we were able to use the DM47B as both a digger derrick and aerial device. This eliminated the need for an extra truck on site and helped get the power back on quicker.”

MDR Powerline Construction used the remote control option, which allowed linemen to operate the unit either up close to enhance visibility or from a distance if the area was hazardous. “The remote control is a great tool because you can be right where the work is and don’t need to be on the truck to operate it,” explains Travis. “Also, at times, what would’ve been a two-man job became a one-man job because crews could operate the controls from a position within easy reach of the pole.”

“We also utilized the DB37, a small backyard digger, when dealing in wet, marshy areas,” says Travis. “These tracked units offered great stability when working in soft areas.”

Cranes

Cranes were a major help during the restoration efforts, as sometimes utility or tree care companies needed to remove heavy trees that had fallen on top of houses or buildings.

The AC38-127S was heavily used during storm cleanup. The unit has an automatic transmission and is the perfect mix of compactness with optimal curb weight and maneuverability. Ideal for the tree care industry, the unit features LMI reel and anti two block guards, LMI wire which is run inside the boom, polycarbonate front and upper cab glass and plenty of storage bins with rigging boxes.

Adam Congrove with Arbor Nature bought his first Altec crane, an AC38-127S, one week before Hurricane Matthew.“We’ve been using it all day every day since it was delivered and it’s been working great,” says Adam. “We’ve bought six aerial devices from Altec over the years and we’ve always been happy with the quality of the trucks – that’s the main reason we decided to buy a crane from Altec.”

Much of Arbor Nature’s work requires a crane, and the closest day trade crane rental is a little over an hour away. Having their own crane gives Arbor Nature more flexibility, versatility and increases efficiency; they will likely use the AC38-127S on jobs that don’t necessarily require a crane, but a crane is more useful and efficient to get the job done.

Woodland Tree Service of Memphis, TN travelled to Hilton Head, SC to help with storm cleanup. Terran Arwood, President of Woodland Tree, says, “It’s difficult when you’re working in an area where people don’t know who you are or what your reputation is, so you have to get your foot in the door. Obviously, by having dependable and well operating equipment, people understand you’re legitimate. With our AC38-127S, we went from one job to multiple jobs in the span of time we’ve been working after Hurricane Matthew.”

Small Aerial Devices

Trucks like the performed smaller jobs or helped assist some of the larger aerial devices. Often referred to as “trouble trucks”, the AT37G was helpful when minor replacements, such as a blown fuse or transformer, needed to be made.

Sumter Utilities used backyard aerials in neighborhoods and yards for hard-to-reach spots without tearing up grass, shrubs, etc. “The was extremely useful in tight areas where we couldn’t drive our other aerials,” notes Rob.

Tree Care Equipment

Popular among tree care companies, trucks in the LR7 Series helped with the bulk of the tree care work. In fact, tree care companies are still working to clean up after Hurricane Matthew, some saying work could continue for 2-3 more weeks.

With an impressive fleet comprised of LR7 Series aerial units, AF1472 chip dump bodies and AF1360L chip dump bodies, Bartlett Tree played a major part in the cleanup following Hurricane Matthew. Steve Johnston, VP Southeast Division Manager for Bartlett Tree, says the best help to them was Altec’s stock program. “Within a day or two, Altec delivered eight trucks that we’d planned to take delivery on in the future. They had more equipment available for delivery than any supplier I’ve ever worked with before and I’ve been in this industry for 29 years.” Bartlett used their existing fleet and the additional eight trucks for cleanup from Savannah, GA to Raleigh, NC. He adds, “It’s been a busy couple of weeks.”

Various types of equipment were heavily used after Hurricane Matthew. Work horses like the AA55 and DM47B were major assets to utilities, while cranes like the AC38-127S and forestry units in the LR7 Series were beneficial to tree care companies. Altec is thankful to the companies and crews who worked day and night to restore cities following the strongest hurricane we’ve seen this year.

To learn more about Altec’s products and services, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

For nearly 20 years, Altec Sentry has helped employers train and certify operators on the safe and proper operation of equipment. Beyond training, the Sentry team is available to answer your questions regarding the safe use of equipment. Below are the top five most frequently asked questions.

1. What kind of training do I need to be an aerial device operator?

ANSI A92.2 requires two types of training for anyone who will operate a mobile elevating work platform: General Training and Familiarization. Qualified operators who have received General Training must also receive Familiarization before they operate an unfamiliar unit.

If you’d like to learn more about the training you need to be an aerial device operator, contact an Altec Sentry representative at (205) 408-8260 or email sentrypost@altec.com.

All aerial-equipped units from Altec Industries come with an A92.2 Manual of Responsibilities. To purchase a copy of the full ANSI A92.2 Standard or the A92.2 Manual of Responsibilities, visit http://shop.saiaonline.org/.

2. How often do I need training?

Altec Sentry considers operator training to be a 5 year qualification. Operators need to stay aware of changes in safety regulations and equipment, and periodic retraining provides an excellent way to keep them up to date.

3. What kind of maintenance or inspections should I carry out prior to operating my unit?

You must inspect your aerial device and test its operation before each shift. If a problem is found, correct it before placing the unit in service. A good habit of pre-shift inspections will often identify small problems early, before they become costly or unsafe. Along with the operator’s pre-shift inspections, equipment owners must also follow the manufacturer’s guidance for preventative maintenance and inspection. These are both vital for safe equipment operation.

4. How do I know how much I can lift?

Units with a material handling option have load capacity charts operators must reference before lifting. These load charts are installed on the unit and provide lifting capacities based on unit stability and structural capacity. Prior to lifting a load, you must determine the weight of the load and rigging to ensure it does not exceed the load capacity chart value at any point during the lift. Boom angles and distance from the load will change during the lift. You need to plan for those changes to be certain your load never exceeds available unit lift capacity.

5. What steps do I need to take to properly set up my equipment?

Every worksite is different and requires careful inspection to identify potential hazards before setting up your equipment. In addition to a worksite survey, these precautions need your attention before and during each use of your aerial device:

• Complete the required preoperational inspection
• Check for overhead obstructions and electrical conductors
• Maintain adequate clearance from obstructions and electrical apparatus
• Comply with all manufacturer load capacity requirements
• Use outrigger pads on soft or unpaved surfaces
• Properly set the outriggers and level the unit, as required by the operator’s manual
• Wear appropriate fall protection and attach it to the designated anchor point
• Keep platform gates and doors closed and latched while aloft
• Stop operating if a malfunction is suspected or an unsafe condition occurs

Finally, if the platform or elevating assembly becomes snagged or prevented from normal motion, and control reversal does not free the platform, all platform occupants should be removed before attempting to free the platform or elevating assembly.

Responsibilities of the OEM

Responsible manufacturers encourage their employees to think about safety as they design and build equipment. They consider the conditions on the jobsites, where it will work, the operators who will use it and other factors with unique implications like weather and geography to make equipment that is as safe as reasonably possible. They also look to improve their products by innovating new equipment and technologies to make the jobsite safer.

Load moment indicators (LMI), for example, have been enhancing jobsite safety for years. New technologies have made these systems increasingly accurate and user friendly. Advancements in LMI technology have paved the way for applications like Altec’s radio remote control with load moment and area protection (LMAP) display.

The portable remote control shows a crane operator the same information he or she would see in the cab, so a crane can be run from the ground or an elevated position. The information displayed on the radio remote increases the operator’s situational awareness, thereby improving overall jobsite safety, productivity and operator convenience.

With safety in mind, manufacturers look to those intimate with the equipment to better understand the environment and how it is used. Fleet managers, operators and foremen have a unique and important outlook on the work and the equipment required to get the job done. A little goes a long way in this regard, and many manufacturers see the value in approaching the task of equipment safety from different angles. In some cases, it is not a new technology that paves the way for developments in safety, but rather a new approach.

Products commonly accepted in the workplace are not always the best or safest way to accomplish a specific task. For example, the traditional, stand-up boom truck has a control station on each side of the pedestal, allowing work from either the curb side or street side. This traditional setup can inhibit access to the bed by requiring operators to exit the control station and climb down a set of steps to ground level, then climb up another set to reach the truck deck. Altec’s walk-through control stands let the operator step directly from the control platform onto the deck, improving safety.

Equipment Use

New technology and approaches are two avenues toward enhancing safety. Is there a third? Yes. There is also a fourth, fifth, and some would say an infinite number of ways to improve safety.

“How is the equipment used?” is another example. It’s looking at the common applications and trying to understand how the work might be done more safely.

That thinking could lead someone down many paths, as described previously (new technologies, a new way of looking at things, etc.). Another path would be to question whether the company or owner-operator is using the right piece of equipment. That is exactly the thinking that brought forth one of the most significant changes in truck-mounted telescopic-boom equipment during recent years: dual-rated units.

When personnel are lifted and positioned at height, OSHA calls for the use of an aerial device or similar conventional means of reaching the work area.

OSHA recognizes dual-rated units as multi-purpose machines that, based on setup and configuration, can comply with both the ASME B30.5 mobile crane standard and the ANSI A92.2 aerial lift standard.

That means an operator can use the multi-purpose machine as a crane to move a suspended load of more than 2,000 lbs., and then reconfigure the unit to position personnel for elevated platform work, such as de-energized transmission construction.

Dual-rated equipment gives users a standards-compliant way to perform both tasks: moving loads of more than 2,000 lbs. as a crane with a certified operator and positioning personnel as an aerial device.

Crews Also Keep it Safe

When it comes to the day-to-day operation of the crane, safety is in the hands of the operators and crews. Inspecting and testing the unit, planning lifts and anticipating work hazards before each shift are just a few of the tasks operators need to complete. Beyond the basic tests and inspections, operators must be properly trained in using the specific crane they operate.

Phil Doud of Altec Sentry explains: “Even if someone is a certified crane operator, they still need qualification on the manufacturer-specific crane they use. This requires additional training on the characteristics and procedures for that manufacturer’s product.”

At the end of the day, operators and crews are ultimately responsible for safely operating the crane on each and every lift.

Equipment safety depends on everyone in the chain. Manufacturers should create quality products, be it through advanced technology, new ways to accomplish old tasks, or understanding the rules and design standards. Employers are responsible for purchasing a purpose-built unit that fits their company’s work practices. And operators and crews should be well qualified and execute the highest level of safety on the jobsite.

“Safety is not something that comes from others; it comes from all of us working together,” says Josh Chard of Altec Safety. “It’s a culture we create as a team with the goal of getting the work done in the safest, most productive manner. In our industry, this requires high quality, innovative equipment, selected by people who understand the work, maintained and used by qualified workers, with all of us focused on our part in the safety chain.”

Contact Altec Sentry for additional information on safety training.

Due to the overall growth of the boom truck crane market and its subsequent expansion into more industries, the notion that "one size fits all" no longer applies. Advancements in technology and the increasing number of work applications have pushed truck mounted crane users to demand customized equipment that can serve specialized needs across multiple jobsites. No matter what the company’s experience is with boom trucks, properly selecting specifications, features and options when ordering a crane ensures it maximizes the company’s return.

Crane users are finding it increasingly beneficial to be proactive when deciding what they want. "We are firm believers that you should build the perfect piece of equipment from the ground up with everything you can to make the job easier and more efficient," said David Happ, Operations Manager at Marquis Tree Service. With this in mind, crane manufacturers are investing more in technology and innovative solutions.

Increased capacities and boom lengths are only part of the equation in the evolving boom truck crane marketplace. In recent years, customers are finding the real growth in the market to be around increased options tailored to their unique needs. Crane manufacturers are listening, and the future is customization.

Different work applications demand varying degrees of customization. For example, tree care companies might require custom storage solutions for slings and cribbing, while oil and gas companies might require cargo space and capacity for transporting well head components. Many electric utility customers require application specific options, such as personnel platforms, radio remote controls, jibs and accessories. A boom truck crane, in many cases, is a significant investment and will be in a fleet for many years. Why not purchase exactly what you truly need and want?

Marquis Tree Service designed a flatbed customized for their Altec Crane, allowing them to add critical additional storage space on the crane. The company also added a custom lighting package to aid their workers at night and improve jobsite safety.

Sussex Crane bought a 38 ton boom truck and upgraded the outrigger configuration by adding extended vertical down-jacks. With this upgrade, Sussex requires less cribbing during set-up on the jobsite, allowing the crew to not only reduce set-up time but also minimize operator fatigue by avoiding the need to haul and install the cribbing. Sussex also designed a small and seemingly simple customization for its crane: an iPod docking station in the crane cab. This option increased operator comfort and made for a more enjoyable day on the job.

In addition to the increased work efficiency associated with a crane customized to the user’s unique jobsite needs, many buyers are looking to customized equipment to better represent their company and increase brand awareness.

Sussex Crane recently purchased a boom truck crane with a custom-painted green boom with its logo on the side; the crane has a unique appearance and is instantly recognizable in its market. Changing the aesthetics of a crane can have a huge impact on the company’s identification in the market and helps differentiate them from the competition.

Not only can custom cranes save companies money in the long run, they can save them time. Happ explains benefits of the easy set up and use of Marquis Tree Service’s custom boom trucks.

"If you can customize a piece of equipment that saves five minutes of set up and you’re setting your equipment up three to four times a day, any customization will pay for itself in a few months,” he says. This also eases employee stress, increases job efficiency and allows the company to accept more jobs.

In addition to time, Marquis has reduced costs over the years by simply adding extra storage to their crane, eliminating the need for a support truck and the inherent costs associated with an extra vehicle on the jobsite.

Customization also allows a customer to purchase equipment that mirrors the truck that is being replaced, resulting in less training time required and more time working to complete jobs.

Jeffrey Meredith, Vice President of Sussex Crane, explained, "I think some people could be scared by the word ‘custom’, possibly because they don’t think they have the time or just don’t understand the process. When I purchased my crane, the sales and engineering team guided me through the whole process. We even had meetings to go over details where I was able to visualize my truck, change the colors and adjust features.” He adds that deciding on a custom crane was an excellent experience.

Still, there are some situations when a stock unit is the ideal purchase, such as when a buyer needs a unit quickly and is adding only a few simple boxes. Otherwise, a custom crane can save time, money and add value.

"I think there was a place in the industry ten years ago where cranes could be a single use piece of equipment. Now, they are multi-functional, custom work stations that can serve multiple purposes, providing a greater benefit to customers across multiple applications," said Carlos Batista, Market Manager for Altec.

Crane users are gradually rejecting the status quo of the ‘one size fits all’ crane for purpose built units customized to their specific needs. Regardless of a company’s motivation, custom cranes offer lots benefits to all.

For more information about Altec Cranes and other Altec equipment, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

View Our Crane Inventory

The Altec AT37/41/48 MPS Series offers 9 different telescopic/articulating aerial models that provide a choice of personnel or material handling options. Customers can also purchase the aerial units with a steel platform for work requiring a non-insulating product. The models in the series offer working heights of 42 feet, 46 feet and 53 feet, respectively.

“All of the models in Altec’s new AT MPS Series can be mounted on a 19,500 lb GVWR chassis,” says Eric Welty, Altec Market Manager. “This new series allows us to offer the benefits of a lighter chassis without compromising working heights or lifting capacities.”

The AT41 MP models, offering 46 feet of working height, allow up to 4,200 pounds of payload capacity on a 19,500 lb GVWR chassis.
The new models feature the introduction of Altec’s unique Solar Powered LED Lighting System for illumination of the platform controls during nighttime operation. This new lighting package optimizes vision and enhances safety for work performed at night.

The Series provides options for a 24 inch platform elevator and has the ability to place either a single man (24 inch x 30 inch) or two man (24 inch x 48 inch) end mounted platform on any of the models.

The new series expands Altec’s product line, providing additional solutions to your various work practices.
For more information on the AT MPS Series and other Altec equipment, call 1-800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

Altec Boom Truck Cranes and Dual Rated units are known for their many safety features, and this new offering is no different. Altec’s new radio remote now displays the same critical information that operators have come to rely on with the Altec Load Moment and Area Protection System (LMAP). The same layout of information from the LMAP will now be visible on the portable remote which can be used when running the machine from the ground or from an elevated position. The information displayed on the new remote increases the situational awareness of operators, improving overall jobsite safety, productivity and operator convenience.

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Features and Benefits of the New Radio Remote with LMAP Display

• The large and easy-to-read full color display shows unit configuration, outrigger position, load capacity, slew angle and jib and platform installation, to name a few. These critical parameters inform the operator of the unit’s configuration which enables the safe and productive use of the machine.
• Easy to access, ergonomic controls provide smooth and confident operation. The user defined settings such as engine speed, function speed, and the emergency stop, are positioned to allow seamless operation when transitioning from the lower controls to the remote.
• The new system has dual batteries allowing the operator to ‘hot-swap’ batteries from the bottom of the remote without losing power. Low battery level lights on the top of the display will warn the operator when each battery is getting low, and again when it’s time to change them. A convenient battery charging station located inside the chassis cab eliminates remote down time.
• Additional provisions such as hard-wired functionality will be available for those wanting the added benefits of direct communication and on-board charging of batteries. Customers can also choose their preferred unit function control layout.
• LMAP system warnings are also displayed to alert the operator of needed service. Optional equipment warnings, such as wind speed, can also be displayed.

The new radio remote is currently available on all Altec Boom Truck Cranes. To learn more about Altec Cranes and equipment, call 1-866-966-2969 or contact an Altec representative online.

Altec, Inc. is excited to announce that the St. Joseph Manufacturing Plant was recently honored with the 2015 United Way Spirit of Community Award. The award honors one exemplary business each year for outstanding community service and support of United Way of Greater St. Joseph. The recipient business is determined through an analysis of community involvement, leadership donors, corporate support and per capita giving through United Way.

“The award is the most prestigious United Way recognition” said Kylee Strough, United Way President. At the Annual Meeting, Strough spoke to Altec’s support over the years noting Altec has long held United Way employee campaigns, has grown by $100,000 over the course of the last two years and raised in excess of a quarter of a million dollars ($266,990) in 2015. Last year the average employee gift was $401.59, and more than 35 Altec employees gave to United Way at the Crystal Circle level with a gift of $1,000 or more.

Strough thanked Altec for organizing an entire team focused on the United Way Campaign that shares stories and invites all employees to give. “United Way and giving back are part of the culture and core values at Altec,” said Strough.



“We are truly honored and humbled by this recognition from the United Way of Greater St. Joseph,” said Jon Styslinger, President of Altec. “United Way does outstanding work in helping to improve the lives of those in need in communities throughout the United States. Altec’s long relationship with United Way, and the commitment and support our associates provide to the United Way cause, is something that everyone at Team Altec takes great pride in.”



United Way is a non-profit agency that aims to improve lives through the caring power of community by focusing on education, health and financial stability. United Way invites the community to LIVE UNITED by giving, advocating and volunteering. United Way of Greater St. Joseph operates seven Initiatives/ Programs and supports 18 local Partner Agencies and has been serving area residents for 100 years.

Altec, Inc. is committed to serving the communities in which we operate and will continue with our ongoing efforts to support local charities.

We provide products and services to electric utility, telecommunications, tree care, lights and signs and contractor markets. A large piece of what we do is manufacture truck bodies for bucket trucks, digger derricks, mobile cranes, and the like. Which is why we are more than a little interested in how manufacturing is evolving as we move into a custom economy.

A Little History

Henry Ford is widely (and wrongly) credited with having invented the assembly line. While he can’t rightly own that distinction, he can be credited with creating the first plant to mass-produce and sell automobiles that middle class citizens could afford.

Ford built his operation around the notion of systemically lowering cost and minimizing waste. He structured his Model T assembly line in the sequence that the automobile would be built. Prior to that, manufacturing took place in batches.

Fast forward to post-war Japan. Kiichiro Toyoda, the son of inventor and early Japanese industrialist, Sakichi Toyoda, took what he had learned from his father’s automation of the Toyoda Loom Works and applied it to what was considered a high-risk venture at the time – the manufacture of automobiles.

The Toyota Production System (TPS) would spring out of a powerful tradition of inventiveness and out-of-the-box thinking. Built around the notions of: not overburdening the plant, keeping effort consistent, and eliminating waste, TPS took the notions Ford had developed to the next level. But it would be an employee, Taiichi Ohno who would fine-tune the TPS model creating the precursor to Lean Manufacturing. When asked where he found his inspiration, he laughed and replied that it had been Henry Ford’s book. Full circle.

The New Paradigm: Custom Manufacturing

As you can see, automotive manufacturing has led the way towards streamlined, incredibly efficient manufacturing systems.

So what’s next? Answer: custom manufacturing.

While there has always been a certain level of customization offered consumers in the automotive markets, (after all, you can pick your paint color and accessories package), those customizations have largely been off-the-shelf, plug-and-play solutions. In other words, the lines are already set up to produce a Sunset crimson, Ford Escape with the Light Stone interior, a 2.5L i-VCT I-4 engine, and 19″ Painted Luster Nickel Alloy wheels. But the custom economy we will see ramping up over the next few years takes the notion of “custom” to a whole new sphere. And, upon pondering, you’ll see that it’s the natural evolution of manufacturing – just in time for the natural evolution of what customers want.

So what are the factors of this so-called “evolution?”

1. The digitization of virtually all information. They’re calling it IOE, the Internet of Everything. And it’s happening fast. Already, online advertising has become personal. Already, you can use your phone to talk to your refrigerator at home. Bottom line, information is flowing at the speed of light and it’s changing the way we do everything.

2. Lean Manufacturing. Fact is, we’re just getting better and better at making things. By creating a lean and agile manufacturing approach, companies are able to be more responsive on a level unheard of just a decade ago.

3. Just-In-Time inventory (JIT). Okay, so there’s nothing really new about pursuing JIT. What’s new is our ability to achieve it at deeper levels in the manufacturing process.

The result of all of these influences is a manufacturing scenario where a customer can ask for virtually any design change and have the product (in our case, electric utility vehicles) manufactured and delivered in little more time than it takes to produce a standard model. At Altec, seamless communication between customers, our engineering department working in sophisticated 3D modeling platforms, and on-the-floor plant management have made this level of customization a reality, and it’s only going to get easier.

So, what’s next in the custom economy?

That just might be where Chuck comes in. You see, Chuck Hull invented the 3D printer, and we can only imagine where that technology will take us next.

To learn more about Altec products and services, please contact an Altec representative today.

“The challenge was to deliver the most working space while maintaining a small footprint, develop a system that could be quickly deployed by a single person,” said Patrick Powell, a past co-op and now full-time engineer at Altec’s body manufacturing plant in Birmingham; surprisingly enough this was not about an Altec truck.

Patrick participated in Altec’s Co-op program from 2013 to 2015 while studying mechanical engineering at The University of Alabama. During his last semester at Alabama, Patrick was tasked with a top-secret senior design project. Jeff Allen, Director of Sports Medicine at The University of Alabama, had the idea for a collapsible tent to limit distractions and offer better privacy to injured players during medical examinations. Allen consulted the Dean of Alabama’s College of Engineering, who tasked Patrick and three other seniors with designing the tent.

Patrick and his classmates began the process of designing the tent on June 26th. Once designed, the team began building the tent with manufactured components donated by Altec. The team worked all summer to complete the tent and it was ready for the second Alabama home game. Allen came up with the idea in late May and never dreamed it could be completed during the football season.

The tent is a major success at The University of Alabama and has been brought to every home and away game since its introduction. Unique design elements include the frame which is anchored and connected to the trainer’s table, the synthetic covering which keeps out rain and allows in enough natural light for trainers and doctors to see and the accordion shape of the tent which can be raised in just seconds and does not obstruct the view of fans. The tent has been patented and the design team is already working on pricing models for production.

Patrick’s tent has been recognized on the local and national level and has already garnered a lot of interest from many NCAA and NFL teams. With the National Championship game on Monday, January 11th, the tent is sure to draw even more attention – last year the sporting event had a television audience of 33 million!

Patrick graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Alabama this past December and immediately began working at Altec as a design engineer. Altec would like to congratulate Patrick and we’re looking forward to hearing what the future holds for your innovation!

Introducing Altec’s new fully hydraulic derrick series, the DH45H, DH48H and DH50H. The Altec “H” Series derrick is a fully hydraulic derrick that incorporates a high-flow piston pump into the hydraulic system. The variable displacement pump generates a maximum flow of 43 gallons per minute. Because flow is provided by a single variable displacement piston pump, maximum flow is available to any function for superior multi-functioning which includes 4-function boom operation. Additional benefits of the “H” series derrick is 50 percent reduction of heat generation during heavy digging, 20 percent reduction of heat generation during continuous winch operation and reduced fuel consumption.

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Features and Benefits of the “H” Series Derrick

The standard 8-lever riding seat comes with a swing open control console for front entry access that improves ingress, egress and operator safety.

The standard single-handle riding seat comes with an open front, full-view seat that provides superior multi-functioning through the use of the “T-style” handle and best-in-class ingress, egress and boomtip visibility.

The zone rating system provides live operator feedback about the stability of the unit through indicator lights located on the boom for improved jobsite productivity and safety.

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

Altec is pleased to announce the release of the DT105.

The DT105 is the largest derrick in the DT Series, boasting a sheave height of 105 feet. The DT105 can be used for a wide variety of applications, but is an ideal unit for transmission maintenance and construction.

Standard features of the DT105:

At Altec, we are dedicated to continuous improvement of products and services. These standard features will bring value and ease of use to Altec customers.

The DT105 will be available for purchase January 2016. Please contact an Altec representative online for more information or give us a call at 1-800-958-2555 for new equipment sales.

The DRM12he is a 12 inch controlled-feed drum style chipper and is operated with hydraulic power from the tow vehicle creating a Modular Production System (MPS), thus removing the need for a traditional engine.

The absence of the engine eliminates routine repair and maintenance expenses associated with combustion style engines and offers a more efficient uptime. The MPS provides hydraulic and electrical connections from the chipper to the tow vehicle by utilizing a quick connect system that makes hooking and unhooking fast and easy.

The DRM12he also provides the following features:

• Push button start/stop
• A cutting drum that stops in less than 10 seconds after power is stopped
• On board diagnostics for hydraulic system oil level, temperature and filtration
• Weight savings of over 1,100 pounds for a normal 12 inch drum chipper

The DRM12he is equipped with the Altec Panic Bar System and other popular features that made our standard 12 inch drum chipper, the DRM12, a customer favorite.

For more information on the DRM12he and other Altec equipment, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.