Category: News Articles

CA-PAR Electric

CA-PAR Electric, an electrical contractor based in Covington, Louisiana, offers ongoing utility work and storm recovery services to electric utilities, electric co-ops, federal, state and industrial facilities. The company and its business units, Tempest Energy and Tempest Storm Rentals, partner with Altec to make sure their work crews, customers and communities receive the best care and service in the aftermath of destruction from natural disasters.

Stephanie Cain, CA-PAR Electric’s CEO, says Altec equipment helps them work quickly to get jobs done on time and within the budget.

“Altec fills a need for us with the buckets and the diggers primarily,” said Cain. “They help us do our work efficiently and safely – the process with Altec has been very easy.”

Jeffery Seamen, a CA-PAR Electric Crew Lineman, mentioned that having smaller digger trucks helps the crew get into tighter spots to set poles, such as a backyard or an alleyway. From there, they’ll bring in a bucket truck to finish the job and get their customer’s power back on.

Tempest Energy

Tempest Energy, CA-PAR’s storm response and restoration electrical utility division, relies on Altec equipment to help get jobs completed for their customers. The company continues to do business with Altec because of Altec’s quick response to their needs.

Bill Cain, CEO of Tempest Energy, said the quality and effort Altec puts into every aspect of the business gives him the confidence he and his team need to succeed. Thanks to Altec, Cain says they can get in front of clients, work with contractors and help their customers feel they’ve got the support they need to get jobs done.

“That is one thing you can take off the table,” said Cain. “We’re not gonna have to worry about the equipment side of things – Altec’s got it taken care of.”

Mike Zappone, Tempest Energy VP of Sales & Marketing, says having Altec equipment is great for their customers to see; it shows Tempest company is taking their job seriously.

“I can go in with a great deal of confidence that that Altec emblem is on our equipment,” said Zappone. Mike says that his customers know that Tempest is committed to getting the job done right because they’re partnering with Altec.

Altec is committed to helping its customers, no matter what the request, or need, may be – and customers see that.

“The support that I get from the sales staff, from the repair staff, from corporate, from finance – it’s all-encompassing and makes my job easier,” said Joe Boggs, Director of Fleet Operations at Tempest Storm Rentals. “Without them, it just wouldn’t work.”

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

As many operators will tell you, a full day spent operating a boom truck crane can be exhausting. Uncomfortable seating, unpredictable and sometimes jerky controls and unexpectedly having to troubleshoot equipment can make for a frustrating time.

With this type of experience in mind, Altec designed the AC40E-152S and AC45E-127S. Developed from customer feedback, this next generation of cranes comes with all-new world-class electric controls, updates to the operator interface, added operator creature comforts and improved dependability.

Altec Crane Market Manager Zak Hilliard says the new E-Series controls give operators a smoother swing and best-in-class multifunction performance.

“Our team designed these updated controls to give crane operators a better experience and more confidence while in the seat, resulting in more efficient work and less discomfort after a long day on the job,” Hilliard said.

Let’s take a look at how these cranes can provide you with a more comfortable, productive and reliable work environment.

Performance

When it comes to performance at the jobsite, updated controls increase operator confidence allowing operators to better focus on tasks.

E-series controls have been established on many of our digger derricks and other products. The E in E-series stands for electric over hydraulic CAN (controller area network)-based controls. CAN-based is an automotive and agricultural industry standard for control systems.

The E-series cranes have a redesigned gearbox, rotation bearing and controls system. As a result, the starts, stops and glide swing are smooth. Overall, both better meterability and improved swing performance increase operator confidence, control and jobsite productivity.

All the updated controls: 

• Give electronic control to all functions
• Allow functions to run the same whether there is a load on the hook or not
• Work consistently regardless of the temperature outside; controls will feel the same whether it’s below freezing or on a hot summer day

These features allow the crane to operate similarly from the riding seat as they would from the radios – giving operators a consistent experience.

Other upgrades to controls include keypads in the cab and at the tail shelf, along with new European-style joysticks.

The joysticks have integrated horn and winch speed adjustment, reducing the number of times you take your hands off the controls, keeping you more efficient. There’s also a click the operator can feel through the joystick to indicate winch speed as well as boom swing speed.

Because they are electronic, the CAN-based joysticks are smooth and predictable and easier for the operator to use during a full day of operation.

Safety

With the launch of these new cranes, Altec has also integrated the Smart Zone system into the LMAP (Load Moment and Area Protection) system.

The LMAP system allows for safe unit “short-jacking” by calculating the boom position and outrigger deployment, giving operators improved jobsite setup flexibility and safety.

Hilliard says this feature automatically prevents unsafe rotation positions where the operator hasn’t fully deployed all the outriggers to support the capacity needed in a particular position.

“If the unit rotates into an area where there is not capacity for the load on the hook, the boom will come to a gradual stop. This prevents instability, safeguarding the site, set up and crew,” Hilliard said.

Comfort 

Updated seating, improved controls and radio remotes on the AC40E-152S and AC45E-127S cranes make for an overall more enjoyable operating experience that will result in:

• Decreased operator fatigue
• Increased operating confidence
• Minimized functions that don’t require operators to take their hands off of the joysticks

When operators first sit down, they’ll notice that they can adjust the seat with slide, armrest raise and recline functionality.

These seat improvements include:

• A headrest
• Adjustable armrests
• Integrated heat for cold weather

This seating will keep you comfortable on those days when you are sitting for hours on end.

Reliability

With deadlines, project completion dates and waiting customers, the last thing you want in the field is downtime, which can be costly. Keeping this in mind, Altec designed these cranes to be robust and easy to use with more information than ever before for diagnostics and calibration.

According to Hilliard, these improvements have significantly reduced inspection times, ultimately decreasing service costs and improving up-time.

“In addition to eliminating pilot lines, we were able to simplify and consolidate the number of valves in the system, greatly reducing leak points and troubleshooting time,” he said.

These reliability improvements are supported by integrating the Altec AXIS Service Interface for enhanced calibration, diagnostics and troubleshooting. Technicians will now be able to find problems like a disconnected harness, a bad module/sensor in just a few minutes.

This also means that our Altec Service Technicians can more quickly diagnose and troubleshoot cranes. Because the AXIS Service Interface is used across many of our products, our technicians are already familiar with the technology. The AXIS Service Interface on E-series cranes helps customers get their truck back on the job and maximizes up-time.

Altec’s new E-series cranes are available to rent through Global Rental or financed with Altec Capital Services. Through ACS, we can offer a skip payment plan with a 90 day no payment included with your lease.

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

When was the last time you jumped in the car, threw it into gear, and sped away, irritated that you’re running late—again? Then suddenly, your muttering is interrupted by a loud ding: that not-so-subtle reminder to buckle up.

How about our favorite weekend chore? Have you ever dragged out the mower, checked the oil and fuel, grabbed the starter and pulled and pulled and pulled—and nothing. The lawnmower would not allow you to proceed.

Seat belt alarm does not stop the vehicle from operating and turns off after several seconds.

Similar to those systems, fall protection safety systems help protect workers from falling from height. On truck-mounted aerial devices, proper personal protective equipment (PPE) means wearing a full-body harness and fall-arrest lanyard hooked to the designated anchor point.

While PPE can save your life when worn correctly, it can be dangerous when not properly inspected, maintained, fitted and secured—or if you override its function or even fail to attach it to the anchor point. It is a good choice to add a lanyard detection option since it provides another reminder for operators to connect their lanyards.

Increasing Safety with the Altec Lanyard Detection System

Altec was presented with an opportunity to remind operators about safety, so we engineered the Altec Lanyard Detection System for insulating aerials. Our optional fall-prevention solutions are factory installed and compatible with existing lanyards. Plus, the system’s maintenance-free power supply means you will not need to periodically check and replace batteries.

As in our examples with vehicle seatbelts and lawnmowers, these safety systems provide protection in one of two ways:

• A Lanyard Alert system blasts an alarm at the platform when the ISO-Grip interlock is engaged, but a lanyard is not attached. The unit will continue to function, but the alarm will sound until the operator is properly secured.
• Under the same conditions—when the lanyard is not attached and the ISO-Grip is engaged—the Lanyard Interlock system not only sounds an alarm but actually prevents operation of the aerial upper controller.

Either one of these factory-installed lanyard detection systems is available right now on most large aerial devices.

To keep operators from attempting to bypass the lanyard detect system, Altec has also engineered an Anti-tie down function with electronic sensors that help prevent the use of shortcuts that could bypass the safety system. This feature works with both the Lanyard Alert and Lanyard Interlock systems to reduce the risk of misuse and help improve jobsite safety. Now you can be confident your operators are reminded to clip in correctly before operating an aerial device.

OSHA Guidelines

Lack of fall protection consistently tops the OSHA’s list of most-cited violations each year and OSHA and ANSI have established guidelines to decrease the risk of injury from falls at height.

Put simply, OSHA urges operators to:

1. Plan ahead to get the job done safely.

Always take precautions to prevent falls. Begin by deciding how the job will be done, what tasks will be involved and what safety equipment is needed to complete each task.

2. Provide the right safety equipment.

Always use PPE and never override a safety feature. To prevent falling from truck-mounted aerial devices, keep your feet firmly on the floor of the platform. Wear a full-body harness with a fall-arrest lanyard firmly attached to the anchor point.

3. Train everyone to use it.

It’s critical that operators are trained in the proper use of safety equipment. Altec also delivers a variety of OSHA and ANSI compliant instructor-led and online training courses for aerials, derricks and cranes.

For more information, take a look at these essential safety resources, including fall protection measures, industry-standard updates, new crane regulations and other links to regulatory guidance.

Expanded Availability on Altec Units

Recently Altec has expanded our Lanyard Detection System offerings to various pieces of Altec equipment. The Lanyard Detection System is now available on select AA, AN, AN Elevators, AN-OC, AM, A Class and LR8 units.

For more information on the Altec Lanyard Detection System and other Altec product options, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

Have you taken advantage of the recent Altec Connect updates? Our platform provides a more focused experience that allows our customers to view and search fleet information, order replacement parts, view Altec Product Notices and more.

In conjunction with our Supply Store, Altec is dedicated to serving as a “one stop online shop” for ordering tools, supplies, accessories, replacement parts and managing your fleet information.

Let’s take a look at the most recent update inside Altec Connect –receiving service job status notifications.

If you’re an Altec customer, you can now choose to receive notifications, by email or text, when there are changes to the status of your service job.

Customers will receive notifications for the following changes to your service job(s):

• Service Requested
• Assessing Equipment
• Generating Estimate
• Waiting – Customer Approval
• Service in Process
• Waiting – Parts
• Service Complete
• Closed

In addition to the status change and key service job information, a link to the respective Service Job Details page in Altec Connect will be included in each notification as an option to view further details.

If you would like to receive notifications, please contact your local service representative.

 

Altec Connect allows a user to look up a wide array of information about their customer account. Keep in mind – different user roles control what a user can and cannot see. A user can be assigned predefined roles for common use cases, or a custom role may be created to accommodate any use case a user may have.

Interested in learning more about what equipment information you can see?

Check out these site features:

Unit-specific information:

• Altec product notices
• Electrical and hydraulic schematics
• Operator and maintenance manuals
• Parts pages and schematics
• Pre-delivery photos

Replacement parts:

• Validate part usage per specific unit BOM
• Check parts inventory availability
• Order parts by part number
• Track orders online

Service information:

• Check service job status
• Service history
• View and print invoices

To learn more about these Altec Connect features– contact your representative or send an email to altec.connect@altec.com.

Altec is partnering with Arkansas State University-Beebe in Searcy, AR and the State Technical College of Missouri in Linn, MO, to launch the Altec Technician Education Program. These institutions are two of the most highly rated tech schools in the United States with state-of-the-art training equipment. The program will begin this fall and will provide students with the opportunity to achieve a certificate or associate’s degree. Students will learn how to troubleshoot, repair and service equipment that Altec customers use to build and maintain utility lines.

In addition to learning that will take place in the classroom, the Altec Technician Education Program may also involve a paid internship in which students will work side by side with seasoned technicians in Altec’s Mobile Service Group or Service Centers. These technicians are essential workers, helping to make sure Altec equipment is ready to continue maintaining our nation’s critical infrastructures. Our equipment is used to help keep America moving forward by ensuring the lights in homes, hospitals, grocery stores and businesses stay on.

Program Details

Recipients of our education program will receive funding to help pay for expenses at one of
our two partnered schools. These students will learn the skills needed to enjoy a rewarding and successful career as a member of Altec’s Service Team. Those who attend the State Technical College of Missouri will participate in the Medium Heavy Truck AAS program. Individuals joining ASU-Beebe at the Searcy campus will earn a Diesel Technology Certificate.

Hands-On Training

This program offers extensive training in a variety of skills. These skills are valuable to anyone looking to seek work as an Altec Technician.

Program attendees will receive instruction in:

• Proprietary Altec systems
• Electrical systems
• Hydraulic systems
• Computer diagnostics
• Following safety, environment and workplace guidelines
• Chassis: inspection, diagnostics and repair
• Training on specific product lines

How to Apply

Limited seats available. Apply now by scanning the QR code below, filling out this application. Reach out to our team via email at corprecruiter@altec.com for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please note, to be accepted into the program, applicants will need to provide an official high school transcript or certificate showing high school equivalency. Applicants will also need to complete a free application at either Arkansas State University-Beebe or the State Technical College of Missouri. To make sure all application requirements for the Altec Technician Program are completed, we have provided a checklist.

Good luck to all of our applicants! We look forward to receiving your application.

For tree trimming professionals, cutting down trees can be time-consuming and come with risks associated with working at heights and around power lines. This is especially true when it comes to right-of-way clearing work required by most public utilities.

According to Andy Price, Altec’s Tree Care Market Manager, “Through customer feedback, Altec developed a product with an industry-leading approach to safety while performing utility line clearance.”

The MT66-E76 is a remote-controlled insulated (46kv) tree trimming unit with a cutting head designed and built by Altec.

Price continued, “This unit was engineered with the worker in mind. With a combination of features new to the industry, operators can remain outside the danger zone, while safely cutting most problem limbs, even those with incidental line contact.”

This innovative technology from Altec signals a shift in protecting workers, something the rest of the tree care industry hopes to see more of in the coming years.

Chriso Lee is Vice President of ArborWorks Inc., a California-based tree care company specializing in hazard tree removal, utility line clearance and vegetation management. Lee said his company’s experience with the MT66-E76 has been revolutionary for tree trimming around power lines.

“The MT66-E76 has the ability to reduce and even eliminate human exposure to the hazards that are unique to our industry while expeditiously executing some of what used to be the most dangerous tasks.

“With this technology, we’re able to remove tree branches that are over, near and around energized conductors without endangering human life,” he said.

Lee continued, “The MT66-E76 will become the standard for accessible trim work in the utility setting.”

Altec’s MT66-E76 has the ability to:

• Eliminate the need to de-energize and ground to complete trimming
• Lessen the time it takes to trim limbs with incidental line contact
• Reduce the time to trim problem limbs overhanging power lines

Unique Design 

With three methods of articulation for ease of positioning, the MT66-E76’s cutting head design is exclusive to Altec. The unit’s insulating boom, permanently installed cutting head, radio remote control system and elevator providing 76 feet of maximum reach all combine for an inventive piece of equipment that can be used in both the electric utility and tree care industries.

The MT66-E76’s unique design gives operators the ability to cut and control an 8-inch limb with the grapple or cut and drop 14-inch limb, all while maintaining a safe distance away from the tree. For added operator and equipment safety, the unit also includes an insulating boom.

Safety

The MT66-E76’s insulating boom and remote-control feature enables reliable production in the safest manner possible. Because all work can be completed remotely with the MT66-E76, it allows workers to have the lowest exposure to risk than any other known trimming equipment.

In addition to this, because of the unit’s remote controls, the operator can complete any job with minimal physical output.

Sean Graziano, a Tree Care Product Specialist at Altec, has 16 years of experience in the tree care and utility safety industry. He is also an ISA Certified Arborist; a TCIA Certified Tree Care Safety Professional and a USOLN Certified Utility Safety Professional.

According to Graziano, the MT66-E76’s remote control feature not only makes tree care removal safer but allows industry veterans to continue work, even after years of strenuous work.

“If they’ve been doing tree care work for a long time, their body is going to wear out naturally because of the intense nature of the job,” he said.

”Their experience is still really valuable and with the MT66-E76, they can do something like this and it just puts no physical strain on them. It’s makes light work out of what is traditionally very difficult,” Graziano continued.

Even while maintaining a safe distance from the drop zone and work area, workers can cut and move a 150 lb. limb away from an energized line. In the past, this would be almost impossible with a man in a bucket with a traditional saw.

How Does this Impact Cost Savings for Your Business?

The unique design and improved safety features on the MT66-E76 can ultimately reduce costs for business owners.

In place of a larger-sized team, the MT66-E76 can potentially utilize a three-man super crew. The unit’s permanently installed cutting head allows for quick set up, further reducing time spent on the job site.

Overall, this unit allows for a smaller crew and more efficient work practices. By structuring a crew with aerial lift and chip truck to minimize crew size, many businesses will see a reduction of total operating costs typically associated with line-clearing equipment.

When considering the future of tree trimming, this unit leads the way for crews to shorten working times, reduce costs, and above all, increase safety, something that we can all agree is top of mind for all working in the tree care industry.

Are you interested in seeing what the MT66-E76 can do for your tree care business? Call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

 

When customers finance or lease equipment from Altec Capital, they are required to carry physical damage insurance on their units.

Physical damage insurance covers the cost to repair or replace equipment in the event there is damage to it through some type of event such as a: Wreck, fire, flood etc.

If an Accident Occurs, How am I Compensated for My Equipment?

In the event of a total loss, most insurance companies cover equipment at the actual cash value of the truck. If your particular year model of truck is selling for $100K at the time of the accident, you would get a check for $100K.

At Altec Capital, customers have the option of obtaining physical damage insurance for the equipment they finance through either Altec Capital or their own insurance company. If you have a choice, why would you purchase physical damage insurance through us?

Benefits of Purchasing Physical Damage Insurance through Altec Capital

Under the Altec Capital insurance program, if the unit is five years old or newer, it is covered at replacement value.

If a new truck of that model is currently selling for $150K, the customer will get a check for $150K.

After five years, it goes to cash value for the equipment.

Keep the Value of your Equipment

Because we are the OEM, we offer the advantage of knowing the equipment and its value. In some cases, insurance companies don’t understand our equipment well enough to value it properly.

That can end up costing customers thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars when the insurance company doesn’t correctly determine the value.

Many companies face a common scenario: the payoff on a unit is $100K, and the insurance company says it is only worth $90K because they don’t know the equipment.

If this happens, the customer has to come out of pocket for that additional $10K. At Altec Capital, we work with the insurance company to properly calculate the value of the equipment and protect the customer.

Avoid High Accident Costs

Accidents could cost a large, self-insured customer hundreds of thousands of dollars in unexpected costs to their budget each year.

Covering that equipment with our insurance program:

• Provides you protection from big-budget hits
• Makes accident costs more predictable
• Gives you peace of mind knowing your costs are being taken care of by professionals.

Ultimately when it comes to managing your physical damage insurance, Altec Capital:

• Streamlines the claims process
• Works with the insurance company on the customer’s behalf
• Often provides a cheaper cost
• Offers a lower deductible than other insurance companies

The sole focus of Altec Capital is to create value for our customers through personalized services and solutions. With business consultants located throughout the United States, we can mobilize our resources to accelerate results and leverage our alliances and partnerships to help deliver innovative solutions to our customers.

Are you interested in seeing how Altec Capital’s physical damage insurance program can save your business money? Call (888) 408-8148, finance@altec.com, or contact your Altec Capital Account Manager for more details on the program and the benefits it can provide to you and your company.

Have you taken advantage of the recent Altec Connect updates? Our platform provides a more focused experience that allows our customers to view and search fleet information, order replacement parts, view Altec Product Notices and more.

In conjunction with the new Supply Store, Altec is dedicated to serving as a “one stop online shop” for ordering tools, supplies, accessories, replacement parts, and managing your fleet information.

Let’s take a look at the most recent update inside Altec Connect – viewing and downloading pre-delivery inspection photos.

The following images will show online for Altec built units:

• Front view
• Street-side front corner view
• Street-side View (Compartments Closed)
• Rear View
• Curb-Side Rear Corner View
• Curb-Side View (Compartments Closed)

How to Access Pre-Delivery Inspection Photos

To view and download your pre-delivery inspection photos:

• Log in to Altec Connect
• Navigate to the search bar
• Go to the My Fleet Page
• Search for the unit you would like to see photos for
• Select the unit
• Go to the Photos tab to see the images

Note: Not all units will have photos available. Please contact your account manager for any questions you have about this.

Altec Connect allows a user to look up a wide array of information about their customer account. Keep in mind – different user roles control what a user can and cannot see. A user can be assigned predefined roles for common use cases, or a custom role may be created to accommodate any use case a user may have.

Interested in learning more about what equipment information you can see?

Check out these site features:

Unit-specific information:

• Altec product notices
• Electrical and hydraulic schematics
• Operator and maintenance manuals
• Parts pages and schematics

Replacement parts:

• Validate part usage per specific unit BOM
• Check parts inventory availability
• Order parts by part number

Service information:

• Check service job status
• Service history
• View and print invoices

To learn more about these Altec Connect features– contact your representative or send an email to altec.connect@altec.com.

Altec is committed to providing outstanding products and service to each and every customer every time. “Customer First” is not only a fundamental core value to our company but a work practice that drives everything we do.

Every associate is considered an integral part of Team Altec and our teams work each day to continuously make improvements so that Altec remains an industry leader in quality. Our goal is to provide high-quality products on time to our customers consistently. Here are five ways Altec prioritizes quality.

1. Listening to Our Customers

We are listening to our customers.

We take information from:

• Customer interactions
• Customer meetings
• New equipment surveys
• Equipment inspections
• Warranty claims
• Service calls, etc.

We feed that information back to our teams to make improvements and hold Rapid Continuous Improvement (RCI) events to develop, implement and track solutions.

Amaron Giordano, President and Owner of A Tree Trimming Service, has purchased multiple pieces of equipment from Altec for his company. The tree care business, located in Hollywood, Florida, specializes in tree trimming, tree removals, stump grinding and more.

When it comes to the buying process, Giordano said, “The account manager I worked with is amazing went above and beyond for my company and me. The in-service process is one of the reasons I purchased through Altec.”

Ultimately, our goal is to leave every customer satisfied with service and quality that goes above and beyond expectations.

2. Detailed and Consistent Quality Checks

Teams are creating configurable digital check sheets to prevent issues from repeating. These check sheets can be customer and model-specific. They can also be shared across plants to improve consistency across builds. Work instructions are updated regularly to improve quality and clarity.

Our quality team reviews every warranty claim. Our technicians have the ability to attach pictures and files to aid teams in identifying root causes so that they may be corrected quickly.

3. Pre-Delivery Experience

Altec is working to improve in-person and virtual pre-delivery inspections.

Numerous steps are also taken to improve quality before the inspection process takes place.

Electrical and hydraulic reliability teams have been established to:

• Set standards
• Continuously update work instructions
• Improve training and controls

4. Delivery Experience

We are working closely with drive-a-way providers to improve the delivery experience for our customers. We are setting high-quality standards and expectations with our providers to deliver clean equipment in good condition. Altec is also investigating the expansion of its internal delivery team to provide more control of the delivery experience.

5. Reducing Lead Times

We are working hard to reduce lead times without sacrificing quality. Our teams are responsibly managing the controlled growth of our manufacturing in response to high demand.

As quality continues to be a top priority, Altec is:

• Leveraging relationships with key suppliers to get core materials quickly
• Ramping up hiring and training at our locations
• Shifting engineering resources to create efficiencies that will result in improved lead times

Are you interested in learning more about Altec’s commitment to improving quality for our customers? Call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

With explosive demand for mobile data services and high-speed, large-network coverage, the 5G infrastructure market continues to grow exponentially, requiring capital expenditures to construct, enhance, service and maintain networks nationwide. In addition to 5G growth, the deployment of rural broadband is rapidly increasing.

Fiber networks will be the backbone for both services. To build the fiber backbone, customers will need equipment to do above-ground and underground installations.

Construction of small-cell infrastructure is often labor-intensive, time-consuming and challenging.

To complete this type of construction, crews need:

• Larger platforms
• More working height than traditional telecom equipment provides
• Insulating equipment to install antenna above/near power lines
• Smaller poles and smaller holes compared to distribution poles
• More material-handling capabilities to lift and mount equipment

It also requires installation of poles, radios, distribution boxes, meters, and antennas—antennas that can weigh between 50 and 350 lbs. and require specialized mounts for safe installation.

Fortunately, Altec has the right tools, equipment and services to get the job done.

Equipment to Support 5G Installation and Maintenance 

As customers build their 5G and rural broadband infrastructures, we are meeting the pace by engineering improvements in operator interface at the platform, along with specific tools to install small cells, radios, antennas and more.

Our telecommunications equipment—including reel trailers, small digger derricks, pole carriers and reel lifters for fiber—is designed to help you perform more work in less time with practical operator functionality, efficient operation and unsurpassed safety.

Products Designed to Meet Your Needs

With several features that aid operators in the cable placing process, the new AT238P is a great addition to your fleet with an articulating telescopic, elevated working platform at 38 ft and platform capacity of 400 lbs.

The T40P is designed to increase productivity and reduce the overall cost of building and maintaining overhead telecom lines. With a closed-center, electric-over-hydraulic control system the T40P is an industry work horse and delivers predictable, consistent and smooth operation.

Looking for a telecom unit that’s ready to drive? Check out our current list of available new and used inventory.

In addition to our traditional telecom equipment (such as the AT235, AT200A, AT238P, T40P, AP45A, RL2-90 and RL8-84), sometimes non-traditional needs are identified.

For example, the AT48M and TA55/60:

• Have a higher reach
• Can install above/near power
• Can lift and mount heavier equipment

The AT48S and AT248F can store expensive, large, or odd-shaped equipment.

When it comes to installing poles and mounting equipment, the following Altec digger derrick models can help your operators work safely and efficiently:

• DC47
• DM47B
• DB37
• DB41B
• DR41B

Still, to support other parts of the 5G business, additional equipment may be necessary.

For example, you may need to uncover existing utility infrastructure, build towers and monopoles and mount equipment, haul spools of fiber, utilize pull-behind fiber-splicing trailers and use hydro-excavation and air excavation machines to dig holes and set poles.

The HD35A-22 and HD35A-30 can prep for the construction of monopoles/towers. The AC23, AC30, and AC40 can erect the monopoles/towers and mount equipment.

Various bodies, capsules, and service trucks can store parts and maintenance vehicles.

Support for the Life of Your Equipment

Not only does Altec directly provide your equipment, 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.

This includes:

• The 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 Capital offers financing solutions with market expertise, industry knowledge and unparalleled quality of service.
• Altec Sentry, our technical support and training organization, offers service training for a wide range of equipment.
• Altec Connect, a one-stop shop for ordering tools, supplies, accessories, replacement parts and more for your telecom equipment.
• Global Rental Company, our rental solution, offering the widest range of equipment solutions in the market with flexible terms, “in-house” financing and rent-to-own options
• Altec Fleet Services provides proven fleet management solutions focusing on the objectives most important to you: safety, compliance, performance and economics.

For more information on Altec’s 5G solutions, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

Jason Johnson, a Mobile Service Technician based out of Birmingham, Alabama, has been with Altec for over seven years.

As a father of four, Jason Johnson knows how important family is when it comes to choosing a career.

After starting out working in Altec’s Birmingham Service Center, Jason transitioned to his current role as an Altec MST. We sat down with Jason to discuss what it means to be a part of Team Altec.

Family Life

Before coming to Altec, Jason worked for a tree care company and a local municipality as a mechanic. When he found out his first daughter was on the way, he knew he had to make a change that would give his family the peace of mind they so desperately needed.

“Before I didn’t have much of an income, we were living paycheck to paycheck; now I have the stability to provide the type of life that my family deserves,” Johnson said.

Jason said that now his family life is different because of the stability they have because of Altec.

Making a Difference 

In addition to the support and improved quality of life he and his family feel as a member of Team Altec, Jason enjoys knowing he is positively impacting his customers.

“I love the fact that at the end of the day, they call me directly whenever they have an issue, and I do all I can to help them. If I can’t help them over the phone, I’m on my way to them,” Jason said.

Beyond his day-to-day work as a mobile service technician, he looks forward to future opportunities at Altec.

“Due to the things that I’ve learned throughout the years, I know that one day I’ll be able to move up and be able to contribute in other ways than I do right now with Altec,” he said.

Altec Careers

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

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

Does a career at Altec seem like the right fit for you? If you’re interested in joining Team Altec, check out our current job openings here.

Understanding boom tip continuity is one of the most important safety considerations when performing live line work from an aerial device.

Check out these tips to consider for safe work practices when it comes to boom tip continuity:

1. Know Where the Boom Tip is– On Altec insulating aerial devices, bands of arrows mark the insulating portions of the booms. The boom tip area includes every component beyond the uppermost band of arrows.

You must consider everything at the boom tip electrically connected, including the:

• Platform
• Controls
• Jib
• Winch rope

2. Understand How Contact Occurs – If any part of the boom tip contacts an energized or grounded object, consider the entire boom tip to be at the same potential as that object. If the boom tip contacts another object at a different potential at the same time, such as a phase, neutral, or grounded object, current can flow through the entire boom tip, including the person in the platform. Insulating liners cannot protect the person in the platform from contact, directly or through the boom tip, with either two conductors or a single conductor and grounded equipment.

3. Protect Yourself at the Boom Tip – Properly cover exposed, energized parts, and maintain minimum approach distances from any energized components which are not properly covered.

For your primary protection, you should use:

• Insulating gloves
• Insulating sleeves
• Hot sticks

Other tools which are maintained, rated, and tested for the voltages should also be included when performing live line work. Note the material handling jib is not a “hot stick.” It is a conductive part of the boom tip and must be used with other rated and insulating protective equipment when handling energized components.

4. Pay Attention to Your Surroundings – Stay aware of potential contact areas near the boom tip so you can guard against contact with energized or grounded components. This will help protect yourself and others while working from your Altec insulating aerial device.

For more information about boom tip continuity on your aerial device, contact the Altec Sentry Safety team online.

Have you taken advantage of the recent Altec Connect updates?

Our platform provides a more focused experience that allows our customers to view and search fleet information, order replacement parts, view Altec Product Notices and more.

Let’s take a look at the most recent update inside Altec Connect – viewing inspection paperwork & schematics for your units as well as how to bulk download invoices.

View Inspection Paperwork

The most recent preventative maintenance, dielectric & DOT forms are available online from our Service team at Altec Connect.

To access your inspection paperwork:

• Search the unit you are looking for
• Click on the header to open more information about the unit
• Once on the page, select the documentation tab

Here you will find copies of the unit-specific schematics & manuals, as well as any inspection forms. If you click on the link to any of these, it will open a copy of the form or manual in a new tab for you to download or print.

You can also view any relevant inspection paperwork by looking at the service job. Simply locate the service job you are looking for, and the same paperwork will be available on that screen.

Invoice Downloads

The other new feature that is available is the ability to do a bulk download of multiple invoices, so you do not have to download them one at a time.

To use this feature:

• Go to the invoices page on Altec Connect
• Select the button that says download multiple invoices and select the invoices you would like copies of
  Once you have selected them all, hit the download button

There, you will have the option to download each as an individual PDF or as one single combined PDF.  Once you have made all your selections, you will get an email from connect@altec.com with a link to access your downloaded invoices.

Learn more about this feature in Altec Connect – contact your representative or send an email to altec.connect@altec.com.

Digger derricks offer incredible versatility at the work site – digging holes, setting poles and personnel use are common around the country. While the first derricks were offered with body-mounted control stations, today’s models offer a variety of control options, including radio remotes. From our smallest backyard derrick, the DB37, to our largest transmission derrick, the DT105, Altec’s electric-over-hydraulic derrick model line offers radio control solutions to meet your needs.

Increased Jobsite Safety 

Our radio options offer full control of the derrick and allow the operator the flexibility to get the best position for the task at hand.

By keeping the operator on the ground, the freedom to reposition enables the operator to:

• Distance themselves from hazards
• Improve their view of derrick operation
• Reduce slip, trip and fall risk

Additionally, every radio comes standard with a tilt sensor that deactivates the radio in case of drop or fall.

We offer two radio options – Hetronic and Scanreco, which are available with load indication as an operator aid for quick reference of the machine’s loading. The radio can be attached to a platform docking station for upper controls, eliminating the need to run mechanical controls to the boom tip.

Michael Newman, Altec Market Manager, said, “Our customers continue to identify solutions to mitigate slip, trip and fall hazards. A radio remote reduces trips to and from the riding seat, and it offers an unhindered view of the work at-hand.”

On Altec electric-over-hydraulic derricks, radios can be added in addition to a riding seat or body-mounted control station. In many instances, units are being ordered with radios as the primary control station, which has many benefits, including freeing up the curbside for an additional pole rack.

Ease of Use for Operators 

The next generation of line workers were raised in the era of computers and video games, and they are eager to work with the latest technologies that make the work easier, faster and safer. Operators find it easy to use the joystick controls for metered unit operation, even while wearing gloves, for precise operation even in tight working envelopes.

Employers who offer options like remote operation can gain an edge in recruiting new operators and retaining current employees.

See our most popular derricks available with radios: DB37, DB41B, DM47B, DH48E, DH50E, D3060E, DT65E,and DT105.

Are you interested in seeing what Altec remote controls can do for your business? Check out our full line of digger derricks to learn about their features and options.

You can also contact us online or call 800-958-2555 to speak with an Altec representative.

Many businesses are establishing aggressive corporate sustainability goals to reduce the environmental and health issues that come from idling emissions. Also, states across the nation are implementing idling regulations and/or laws.

Not only are businesses recognizing the emissions risk due to idling but also the increased cost to their fleet operating budget from idling. Annual fuel and maintenance costs due to idling one truck alone can be close to $10,000.^1-5 This is a significant amount of savings when this cost is applied across a conservative fleet size of 15 medium/heavy duty trucks. For example, a fleet of this size can see annual idling costs of $150k.

If you’re looking for a simple solution that will reduce your fleet’s idling at the jobsite, support sustainability goals and idling regulations/laws, and improve your fleet’s operating budget, consider choosing Altec’s JEMS (Jobsite Energy Management System).

What is JEMS?

JEMS is an integrated plug-in system that uses stored electrical energy from a lithium-ion battery to power the hydraulics (such as the PTO aerial device), jobsite tools, cab comfort (AC and heat), and offers exportable power. The energy storage system is recharged through the following convenient options: plug-in charging Level I and II (SAE J1772) jobsite and mobile charging.

Altec’s 10+ years of developing, supporting and innovating jobsite idle mitigation technology has allowed our JEMS system to be recognized as the market leader for reducing idling at the jobsite.

JEMS has:

• Eliminated over two million jobsite idling hours
• Eliminated over 65 million “idling” miles of engine wear
• Avoided over 43 million CO2 lbs. unnecessarily emitted

Altec’s Latest JEMS Product Updates

Altec recently launched the JEMS S/SE/ and LE models. All the new JEMS models include the jobsite anti-idle feature; however, the SE (small aerial with ePTO) and LE (large aerial with ePTO), also includes an electrified PTO (ePTO). Altec’s new JEMS products include configurable options to offer our customers the JEMS solution to meet their work application and preferred payback period.

The introduction of Altec’s JEMS S/SE and LE offers ample energy for daily work and is designed for operation year-round. The updated Altec JEMS delivers a simplified, easy to use operator interface.

The easy-to-use JEMS in Cab Display gives the operator the ability to:⁶

• Engage JEMS with the touch of a button
• Monitor the charging level
• Receive proactive system alert notifications

Monitor your Jobsite Performance and Savings with JEMS Connect

The JEMS performance can be tracked and analyzed through the JEMS Connect dashboard. The intuitive dashboard allows you to easily identify opportunities to optimize your fuel and maintenance savings.

Operators can view the following metrics from the dashboard:

• Jobsite anti-idle performance
• Fuel and emissions savings
• Other key metrics to optimize your fleet’s jobsite anti-idle

Having visibility into this data ensures you’re maximizing JEMS performance and reducing your operating expenses.

In addition to these features, Altec offers financing through Altec Capital Services. When it comes to financing solutions, ACS customers can expect market expertise, industry knowledge and an unparalleled quality of service.

For more information on how JEMS can help reduce your fleet’s operating budget and achieve your fleet electrification goals, visit https://www.altec.com/products/green-fleet/ or contact Altec at 800-958-2555.

References:
1. Edison Electric Institute (EEI); Transportation Electrification; Utility Fleets Leading the Charge, June 2014.
2. ORNL – RNL: Lascurain, M.B.; Franzese, O.; Capps, G.; et al. (2012). Medium Truck Duty Cycle Data from Real-World Driving Environments: Project Final Report (ORNL/TM-2012/240). Work performed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. DOE
3. U.S Energy Information Administration for current fuel price: https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/
4. OEM Recommended DPF Cleaning Intervals
5. Mancilla, K. (2018, November 9). How to Maintain Your Boom Truck. Retrieved from https://blog.beaconfunding.com/business/how-to-maintain-your-boom-truck/
6. Altec Internal JEMS data on file.