Category: News Articles

On the Fourth of July as we celebrate Independence Day, it provides an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the true meaning of our citizenship. To be American is about so much more than simply a place that we call home. It is about a deeply felt commitment to the higher principles of liberty, self-governance and equality.

Independence Day reminds us to be grateful for the blessings that our freedom represents and for the opportunities that it provides. We are all humbled in remembrance of the courageous men and women who have served and sacrificed to preserve and protect our liberties.

America is working through a challenging period in our history. We have always overcome difficult times through our continuing commitment to construct a great nation that is built on freedom, national unity, and social justice. We must widen the circle of opportunity for all citizens through that same hopeful vision of liberty and equality.

As we embrace the challenges before us, I am confident that we will remain a nation that is caring to our neighbors in need and generous to those who are struggling. Patriotism comes in various forms, but it always involves serving something bigger than ourselves.

May you and your family enjoy a Fourth of July holiday filled with thankfulness and gratitude for living in this great nation of opportunity, promise and hope.

God Bless you, and God Bless America.
-Lee Styslinger, III

Jeffrey Meredith is the Vice President of Sussex Tree, Inc, a family business started by his father, Jeff Sr. The Delaware-based tree care company is known for its exceptional service and high-quality work.

Once Sussex purchased their first crane, an Altec AC38-127S, Jeffrey realized that it helped increase his team’s efficiency. “The cranes have been tremendous additions because we’ve been able to do a lot more work with less. We’re getting better and better at finding where we can use cranes to get work done.”

This upgraded efficiency created a ripple effect that increased Sussex’s profitability. Jeffrey indicates that the company has grown year after year while only adding a handful of employees over time. “We’re able to keep the overhead a little smaller while increasing the company’s overall revenue.”

According to Meredith, the AC38-127S saves Sussex Tree money by decreasing hours spent on the job. “Some of the jobs we do would take us 50% longer without a crane.”

With a crane cab and a comfortable seat, the AC38-127S truck mounted crane is ideal for tree care work or any job that requires extended operating intervals. A 76,000 lb maximum lifting capacity coupled with a main boom length of 127 ft allows the operator to remove and lift even the tallest trees. For an added bonus, the unit’s LMAP (Load Moment Area Protection) system allows the operator to define audible alarm set points, preventing overload and increasing overall safety.

In addition to efficiency, Meredith mentions he’s afforded the luxury of flexibility thanks to the unit. As the AC38-127S is a truck-mounted crane, it eliminates the need for road permits, enabling the team at Sussex Tree to move freely from one job to another.

Beyond the unit itself, Meredith is grateful for his relationship with Altec. and appreciates how well Altec has helped him maintain his company’s equipment. “From a service standpoint, they’ve always done a good job taking care of us.”

He also feels comfortable sending his crew out in an Altec unit because of the, “Well thought out safety features the equipment is designed with.”

“You guys do a really good job evaluating and engineering things into your product before their release, taking away some of the guesswork that may potentially turn into a safety issue,” Meredith said.

All in all, Meredith is confident in the AC38’s ability to get the job done. “There are very few situations that we get into that one of our two cranes can’t get us through.”

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

To meet the needs of China’s electric utility industry, Altec has designed the TA50-HA and TA60-HA aerial devices. The insulating units are manufactured with a fully hydraulic, 190-degree horizontal rotating arm and 180 degrees of platform rotation. The units also offer an additional 0.61 m of platform elevation.

Chitra Ranganathan, Altec’s Asia Pacific Market Manager, says, “The combined articulation of the platform and the horizontal arm gives the operator the ability to swing around or between utility poles to access hard-to-reach areas. This minimizes unit set-ups, thus increasing productivity and efficiency on the job site.”

The TA50-HA features a working height of 17.0 m and a side reach of 12.3 m, while the TA60-HA provides a working height of 20.0 m and a side reach of 14.2 m. The units offer either a 498 kg material handling capacity with a 220 kg rated platform or a maximum capacity of 280 kg without a jib. The platform features an increased width to allow two operators to work comfortably on the short side of the platform. A lower fiberglass boom insert protects operators on the ground from dielectric hazards.

The TA50-HA and TA60-HA provide the following features:

• Fiberglass Upper Boom and Lower Boom Insulation
• Continuous Rotation
• Articulating Arm for Upper Boom Compensation
• Hydraulic Platform Rotation and Tilt
• Full Pressure, Open Center Hydraulic System
• A-Frame Primary Outriggers
• Altec ISO-Grip® Control System
• 4-Function Single Handle Upper Control
• Outrigger Motion Alarm and Outrigger Interlocks
• Back-Up Alarm
• One Set of Hydraulic Tool Circuits at Platform
• Diagnostic Pressure Test Quick Disconnect Couplings
• Emergency Stop Valves at All Upper and Lower Control Stations
• Lower Boom Lifting Eye

For more information on the TA50-HA and TA60-HA, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

For the third year in a row, Altec encouraged hard-hat-wearing workers all around to strut their scruff as the search for the best beard took place in the 2020 Beardo contest.

Nearly 3000 votes were cast toward submissions of 33 epic beards, but the king could not be dethroned. Hugh Rae, a Line Crew Forman for Idaho Power Company, took home the prize for best beard for the second year in a row.

Hugh wanted to prove that he and his beard, dubbed “the face mullet” in the 2019 contest, were still the best around. Once voting was open, Hugh rallied his friends and encouraged them to vote by posting on his social media profiles twice every day. Hugh won by a landslide, earning 58% of the total votes in this year’s contest.

Are you curious about what goes into growing, caring for, living with and working with the winning beard?

Altec asked Hugh some questions about his beard and here is what he had to say:

Q: What do you love most about your beard?

A: That my wife loves it.

Q: Do you have any advice for anyone trying to grow their beard?

A: Patience and a good beard barber.

Q: How often do people ask to touch your beard and what is your response when they do?

A: All the time. I tell them, “go ahead!”

Q: Do you see yourself ever shaving your beard?

A: Never! 

Hugh’s beard may have been the mane attraction, but nine other beards joined the ranks.

The following people received prizes from Altec for their placement in the top 10:

• James McPartlan
• Josh Taylor
• Jason McKinney
• Don Collingham
• Jake Wade
• Jonathan Curts
• Paul Thompson
• Bart Colligan
• Levi Rowland

Congrats to our top ten and thank you to all who entered to win or shared the contest! Now, get to work on growing your beards for next year’s competition, maybe you can defeat the king and win the title of best beard in the land.

Running an electric utility cooperative is like putting together a giant puzzle with many pieces. Challenging – yet rewarding. Managing staffing needs, organizing daily operations, communicating with customers and financing equipment are all parts that come together to make for a successful operation.

Whether you’re new to the co-op industry or a lifelong veteran, you know that financing equipment is a piece of the complex but exciting process of managing an electric utility business.

Streamlining the Purchasing Process

Here’s an all too familiar scenario – you’re ready to finance your equipment and get to work but still have to go through several steps with your bank before you can get the keys in your hands. It’s the end of the day, and you’re still dealing with piles of papers.

Whether you’re purchasing, renting, or leasing, Altec Capital can help you streamline that process into a seamless experience. Our team will work with you to reduce administrative pains associated with financing equipment. By participating in our digital finance experience, you can forget driving to and walking in the bank. Save gas, time and money by filling out your paperwork online with assistance from your Altec representative.

Custom Financing Solutions 

When considering how you want to finance equipment, it’s important to think about your co-ops driving needs. Do you have cash flow issues? Are you looking for competitive pricing? How big of a fleet are you looking to build or maintain?

At Altec Capital, we craft a program that works specifically for you and your priorities. Whether it’s looking at the lowest cost of capital, income statements, or service needs, our finance group can help you find a solution that works best for your co-ops work practices.

As a bonus, each lease is acted on independently, giving you the flexibility to lease different pieces of equipment as you see fit.

“By leasing through Altec Capital we are able to turn over our equipment more frequently reducing the overall cost of the unit,” said Michael Heinen, General Manager of Jeff Davis Electric Coop in Jennings, Louisiana.

Heinen added, “The Altec Capital FMV lease option allows us to get new equipment with the latest technology. Our linemen are much happier driving a new truck every five years and not concerned about downtime.”

In addition to custom lease options, Heinen says that Altec and the Capital financing team has always been a consistent help in times of need.

“Altec Capital gets me the equipment I need, when I need it and supports my requests along the way. A normal bank just would not do that,” Heinen said.

OEM Relationship 

When financing equipment, other lenders tend to give their customers a cookie-cutter plan. They often aren’t familiar with the details of a customer’s work, or the type of equipment the customer is purchasing. At Altec Capital, we are a part of and directly connected to, Altec – your equipment’s original manufacturer.

In working with Altec, we provide financing options that include provisions for warranty, service and much more. With decades of experience helping customers in the electric utility industry, our team has the knowledge and resources to help you keep your co-op running efficiently.

“The quality of the equipment and the service I get from Altec is excellent. If I need somebody here, they are here. They never stop looking for ways to help me,” Heinen said.

Why Choosing Altec Capital Matters

Overall, financing with Altec Capital provides many advantages for co-ops that purchase, rent, or lease equipment.

Key benefits: 

• Streamlined purchase process
• Custom financing solutions
• Full turnkey services due to the strong relationship between Altec and Altec Capital

“Servicing our leases through Altec Capital has been very simple. They are easy to work with. Hats off to the Altec and Altec Capital team,” Heinen stated.

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

Have you taken advantage of the recent Altec Connect updates?

Our platform provides for a more focused experience that allows our customers to view and search fleet information, order replacement parts and view Altec Product Notices as well as service requests.
Let’s take a look at the most recent update inside Altec Connect – viewing and managing invoices.

View & Manage Invoices

Invoices are now available on Altec Connect. If you would like to see a copy of an invoice or track shipping on a recent order – look under the My Account section and select the Invoices option.

You should see several types of invoices, including:

• Service
• Parts
• Rental

The invoice section gives you visibility in the recent activity in your fleet. Also, by using the advanced search feature, you can sort invoices by specific type.

Do you only need to see parts, tools and accessories invoices? Select the show/sort/filter options button and then select the parts option in the type dropdown menu. Click apply and you should see all of the available invoices within that selection.

Once you have applied the search filters – click on the invoice for review. You will be able to download a copy of the invoice and view tracking information.

Need Support Online?

Do you have any questions about invoices or payment instructions? Please connect with us by completing the invoice support request form in the invoices section. We will have a support team member reach out for guidance.

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

Have you taken advantage of the recent Altec Connect updates? Our platform provides for a more customer-focused experience that will allow customers to view and search fleet information, order replacement parts and view Altec Product Notices as well as service requests.

Now, let’s take a look at the two most recent updates inside Altec Connect – viewing warranty contracts and training links online.

View Warranty Contracts Online

Standard New Unit Warranty, Extended Warranty and Service Contracts are now available on Altec Connect. If you’d like to see what contracts you’ve purchased for a unit or if the contract is still active, just search for the unit and select the Services tab. You should see if the contract is active or expired and what is included in the coverage. The warranty contract section gives you visibility and shows that the in-service date was uploaded and alerts when the contracts are expiring.

Also, if you make a warranty claim – you will know in advance if it is within the active time frame.

Training Links Online

You can now link to our online training website from Altec Connect, as well as find the schedules for our in-person training for Maintenance and Operator Training in one location. It was recently added in the left-hand navigation at the first of the year. Online training is always available for easy access by clicking the link in the navigation menu area as well.

Learn more about information about Altec Connect and how it can benefit your business – visit our website at connect.altec.com.

As featured in the January 2020 edition of Crane Hot Line.

Knuckle Boom Cranes at Core of Company’s Success

By Mike Larson

Over The Top Lifting (OTT) is a successful family crane-service business built on knuckle boom cranes. Brothers Keith and Brian Malia founded OTT in the Bronx, New York, in 2016, after years of working in construction. The company now also has a yard in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Both facilities include storage space clients can rent to safely leave loads until they’re ready for delivery to a jobsite. “We can offer turnkey service, store a load, deliver it to the work site, and lift it into place,” said Malia.

The Malia brothers started OTT with just one truck-mounted knuckle boom crane. Today, not quite four years later, the company’s fleet has grown to five knuckle boom crane trucks. OTT recently took delivery of an Effer 1750 assembled by Effer’s exclusive dealer in the U.S., Altec Industries, and expects to add more cranes to its fleet in 2020.

OTT’s current knuckle booms range in capacity from 614,805 ft.-lbs. (85 tonne-meters) to 1,518,930 ft.-lbs. (210 tonne-meters), and all are equipped with hydraulic jibs.

The OTT fleet serves customers throughout the five boroughs of New York City, plus parts of New Jersey and Connecticut.

Its wide range of clients includes everything from HVAC contractors, machinery movers, and steel erectors, to curtain wall installers, roofers, vehicle recovery companies, cell tower installers, and tree-care companies.

Keith Malia told Crane Hot Line why OTT has standardized on knuckle boom cranes. “In metro New York, there are few wide-open spaces. The buildings abut or sit close to each other, and many of the streets are narrow. A knuckle boom crane fits into tight spaces more easily than a straight boom crane and can work 360° more easily because it has no tail swing.”

Malia adds that the knuckle boom’s ability to tuck in the boom and swing is also important.

“New York safety rules don’t let a crane swing over an occupied building unless the top two floors are evacuated and other precautions are taken,” he says. “So the knuckle boom crane has a distinct advantage because you can fold its boom until you’ve swung into alignment with the building you’re working on, then go up and over.”

Right now, said Malia, knuckle boom cranes are exempt from the NYC Dept. of Buildings, Cranes, & Derricks’ requirements for equipment pre-certification.

“Knuckle Booms’ fast setup plays a vital role in keeping the fast pace of construction moving in NYC,” he said.

But perhaps the largest advantage of knuckle boom cranes is their ability to extend the boom straight out horizontally with a load on the hook. Malia said that even OTT’s 85-tonne-meter crane can reach out to a 100’ radius with 2,500 lbs. on the hook.

“You can reach straight in through a window or between slabs to pick or place a load,” says Malia.“That’s really helpful during construction or renovation. We’ve even delivered a large couch through the window of an upper-story apartment.”

Malia says the knuckle boom cranes’ radio remote controls make operation versatile and efficient. “The operator can choose to be in the best vantage point for each lift,” he says. “He can choose to be on the ground at the picking point or up at the placement site.”

In addition to the crane operator, OTT’s typical crew includes a combination rigger-signaler. All of its operators and rigger-signal persons are NCCCO certified. That’s a total of about a dozen employees.

OTT’s knuckle booms stay on the move, each averaging one to two jobs per day. In New York, they travel on an annual permit; in Connecticut, said Malia, the permitting requirements vary by truck weight and axle spacing. Setup takes just minutes.

“We can be up and running in just 10 minutes from the time the truck pulls to a stop onsite,” he said.

What key things does OTT consider most important when buying a knuckle boom crane?

“Support and service are numbers one and two,” said Malia, “followed by product reliability, variety of sizes in larger models, and lifting performance.”

Malia believes the future is bright for lifting work in New York. “At least three to five years of busy construction lie ahead in metropolitan New York,” he said.

OTT is building its fleet to take advantage of the opportunity.

Learn More

Start your year off right with the 2020 Altec Wall Calendar! Every year Altec designs a calendar that showcases our equipment, associates and customers. This year’s calendar features photos of our customers and their Altec equipment.

Purchase a calendar here on the Altec Merchandise Store. Please note the calendars will not ship until the end of the year. The estimated ship date is 12/30/19.

Happy New Year! To all of our customers, we appreciate you, your support and partnership with our team. Thank you for trusting Altec to be your equipment and service provider. We enjoyed celebrating 90 years with you and look forward to serving you with Teamwork and Continuous Improvement in 2020.

Photos for this year’s calendar were sourced from Altec fans on social media. Our fans are the best and we are so grateful that you send and tag us in such great photos. Keep it up and you just might be asked to be in next year’s calendar. Follow Altec on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more fun customer photos and updates.

Featured photos source:

January
Tyler Garcia @t_gar30 on Instagram

February
Bryan N on Facebook

March
@altecinc

April
Andrew Hobbs @thehobbsboy on Instagram

May
Quinn Kohler @qkohler on instagram

June
@treesandthings319 on Instagram

July
@shewheelsgood on Instagram

August
Tyler Hurd @tyler_141 on instagram

September
Frank Moreno @h_v_t_c on Instagram

October
Colby Easterberg @colbyeasterberg on Instagram

November
Chase Patterson @cpatterson52 on Instagram

December
Brian Farchette @cabletech75 on Instagram

Mowbray’s Tree Service, located in San Bernardino, California, has over 40 years of experience in vegetation management. They use a large fleet of Altec equipment to manage and maintain rights-of-way, prevent emergencies and develop long-term vegetation plans for their clients.

Mowbray’s Safety Director Ricky Mowbray says his company’s partnership with Altec has been vital to their success in the industry.

“Without Altec’s support, we wouldn’t be able to perform these large jobs. All the support they give to us is unheard of, in my opinion, with other vendors that we have used,” Mowbray said.

The Mowbray team is passionate about safety, both for the communities they serve and for their team members. They give credit to Altec for helping to keep them safe.

“Altec is the best I’ve ever seen, and they’ve always helped us out. We couldn’t get where we are now without Altec. It makes it easier for our guys to get into the trees. It’s a safer way to do it instead of having them climb up the trees,” said Mowbray’s Fleet Asset Manager Robert Amador.

Amador continued, “the equipment is all dielectrically tested; we like that. It’s safe, easy to work on, and if we have any issues, Altec has always been able to help us out right away.”

Building up their dependable fleet was a huge undertaking, but Mowbray says Altec Capital’s financing services made the process easier.

“The amount of support we get from Altec Capital is the reason why we are able to purchase all these units and put them to work. Other banks do not come anywhere close to what Altec Capital has done for us.” Amador said.

“Our growth expectation is to always try to get better for the next year. We don’t want to be the biggest, but we want to be the best, and with Altec, we’ve always had that.”

Altec Capital Service is the industry-leading and captive finance company for Altec, offering economic and convenient financial solutions. By taking the time to form relationships with our customers, Altec Capital is able to help tree care businesses meet their equipment needs.

For more information on Altec equipment or services, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

The China Electricity Council (CEC) hosted the 2019 Linemen’s Rodeo for the National Electric Power Industry from November 18 – 22, 2019, in Huzhou, China. The vocational skills competition for distribution line workers (10 kV line live operation) hosted representatives from 26 provincial power companies in China.

In addition to the competition portion of the event, the CEC invited professionals from the United States and Russia to perform live line work demonstrations. These demonstrations allowed Chinese linemen to learn new work practices as Chinese power companies continue to focus on safety and work efficiency.

Representing the United States was Mike Gilley, Altec Sentry Training Specialist. Using an Altec AT37GW, he performed a fuse changeout using the cutout method. This demonstration taught linemen how to isolate an energized line to replace a fuse safely. The representatives from Russia also used the Altec AT37GW, demonstrating how to replace an insulator on a live line.

Mike Gilley has 26 years of live line work experience, working his way up the ranks from a lineman to a field supervisor to Safety Director. Gilley worked for Duke Energy and Davis H. Elliot before joining Altec’s safety and training team two years ago. Gilley is on the advisory board of Southeast Lineman Training Center who partners with China State Grid Technical College, the largest utility company in the world.

“From the linemen that competed in the rodeo to the executives at the power companies, everyone was interested in learning about new work practices and the safety benefits they could bring to China,” says Gilley. “Seeing that commitment to safety at all levels of each organization was the most powerful moment of my visit to the CEC Linemen’s Rodeo.”

Altec was the first American company to introduce comprehensive mechanized live line work concepts, methods, and equipment into China. As a leader in the design and manufacture of insulated equipment for the utility industry, Altec is committed to supporting China as they develop their standard live line work practices.

For more information on Altec products and services outside of the US, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

The Altec Innovation Challenge is an annual competition that encourages students to use technology to solve real-world problems with a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) solution while exposing students to STEM-related careers. The program added a second location for this year’s program in Elizabethtown, KY.

The goal of the initiative is to encourage Hardin County, Elizabethtown City (KY) & Birmingham City (AL) Schools students to innovatively solve real-world problems while benefiting their school and community through the use of technology.

Altec Chairman and CEO Lee Styslinger III said the Innovation Challenge provides opportunities critical to the economy.

“Altec is proud of our partnerships with teachers and volunteers in our communities to provide local students with the training and the opportunity to develop useful work skills in the critical areas of STEM – science, technology, engineering and math,” said Styslinger.

Styslinger continued, “Businesses are dependent on this next generation of workers to develop these important skills to ensure the U.S. economy continues to grow and Americans continue to prosper from that growth.”

What is the opportunity value of a STEM-related career? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics – the average annual income is around $84,000. The STEM job market has grown by three times year over year versus non-STEM jobs between the years 2000 and 2010 in the United States. Currently, it is projected that 2.4 million STEM jobs will go unfilled.

Battling Plastic Bottle Waste in Birmingham, AL 

During the Altec Innovation Challenge finals on Friday, October 4th, four teams presented their problems and proposed solutions to a panel of eight judges, including representatives from Altec, Birmingham Ed Foundation, Venture for America, The University of Alabama, Innovate BHAM, Birmingham Business Alliance, Central Six AlabamaWorks, and the Birmingham Office of Innovation and Economic Opportunity. The proposals were judged based on community impact, possibility of implementation and sustainability.

Matt Smith, Special Assistant to the Birmingham City Schools Superintendent, said Birmingham’s school system was excited to partner with Altec for this initiative.

“We are consistently and continually looking for ways to challenge our students to be thinking innovatively, and we recognize that this is one way to prepare our students to be globally competitive in the 21st century,” Smith said.

Altec associates volunteered with student teams to offer advice and assistance with the development of the proposals and with project management plans.

“This challenge helps create heroes and mentors for the participants, as well as an opportunity to have fun in learning with their fellow classmates,” said Lee Styslinger III, Altec CEO.

The four finalist teams represented George Washington Carver High School, Huffman Middle School, South Hampton K-8 and Woodlawn High School. Each group presented a problem directly affecting their school or community.

Mychoal Woods, a teacher at George Washington Carver High School, said the students that participated in this challenge “have learned so much about the power they have to actually invoke and create change.”

“This is the catalyst for change for years to come for all of them because each of them played a very significant role in this,” said Carver Teacher Mychoal Woods.

The Changemakers, a group of juniors and seniors from George Washington Carver High School, took home the $10,000 prize to implement their idea – reducing the amount of plastic bottle waste produced at their school. They will accomplish this by issuing reusable water bottles to every student and installing bottle filling stations throughout the school.

Jamari Dixon, a student that participated in the challenge, described his positive the Altec Innovation Challenge has had on him and his peers.

“I’m excited to share this moment with my classmates, but I am most excited to help make a change in my school,” participant Jamari Dixon said.

Cooking Up Plans for a Raised Vegetable Garden in Elizabethtown, KY 

Eleven teams from five schools within the Hardin County and Elizabethtown school districts participated in Altec’s Innovation Challenge on Friday, November 22nd. Students were asked to address real-world problems by bringing science, technology and engineering to life through an innovative student-driven, project-based approach that ultimately benefits the community. More than 50 students participated in Altec’s Innovation Challenge.

The Innovation Challenge is guided by local teachers, Altec staff and community volunteers. The competition helps encourage students to develop work skills such as collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and communication.

Chad Sarver, General Manager at Altec’s Elizabethtown manufacturing facility, indicated that these types of skills are essential to students entering today’s workforce.

“No matter what career aspirations a student has, there are common foundational skills required to succeed in the job market,” said Sarver.

Sarver continued, “Our goal is to help students develop the confidence needed to think outside the box and anticipate questions while also developing their technical knowledge.”

Winning the top prize, students from Central Hardin High School presented their solution to food insecurity with plans to build and maintain 21 raised garden beds. The beds will be used to grow various vegetables, which will benefit several nonprofits in our community.

“Once we heard about this opportunity, the students immediately knew what project they wanted to tackle. They’ve worked extremely hard to prepare, and we’re extraordinarily proud of all they accomplished,” said Derek Smith, agriculture advisor and faculty sponsor for the winning team.

Schools from both districts were well represented, delivering projects that addressed energy conservation, pollution, school safety and more.

Teresa Morgan, superintendent of Hardin County Schools, said that the Hardin County School District, “is incredibly proud of our students who chose to participate in today’s Innovation Challenge and grateful for community partners like Altec.”

“Through opportunities like this, we’re bridging the gap between classroom instruction and career readiness,” Morgan said.

Teams from the different Hardin County, Elizabethtown City (KY) & Birmingham City (AL) Schools worked with Altec volunteers, community groups and school faculty members to identify a problem that could be solved using a STEM-based solution.

In total, the Altec Innovation Challenge had over 100 students from 20 different schools participate in this year’s program. The winning teams won $10,000 from Altec to implement their plan. Plans for the 2020 competition are in the works. Stay tuned to our website for more details to come in the next few months.

Bucket trucks are an essential asset to any company operating in the electric utility or telecom industries. Also known as aerial devices, Altec bucket trucks are available in a variety of models, insulating, non-insulating, telescopic, telescopic articulating, and overcenter or non-overcenter. Wondering how a bucket truck could benefit you or your business?

Check out the advantages these units offer:

Improved Productivity

When it comes to features key to job site productivity (reach, capacity, and/or payload), many of our aerial devices are industry leaders. As an example, Altec’s AT37/41/48M offers class-leading working height and jib capacity, all while capable of being installed on a 19,500lb GVWR chassis. No matter what your needs are, Altec can customize and build an aerial device to fit your needs for maximum job site efficiency.

Lower Operating Costs

Altec bucket trucks come in several makes and models, but all are designed to help reduce overall operating costs. As an example, Altec’s Jobsite Energy Management System (JEMS) is an integrated plug-in system that uses stored electrical energy to power the aerial device, tools, and exportable power, and provide cab comfort. The energy storage system is recharged by plugging into shore power or by the truck’s internal combustion engine. JEMS reduces engine idling and fuel consumption at the job site, which saves unnecessary wear and tear on the engine, and lowers operating costs through fuel savings and less maintenance.

Safety and Reliability

Altec has pioneered many of the safety features seen on the modern aerial work truck. Safety is paramount, especially considering the bucket truck is designed to lift a person many feet in the air and sometimes under dangerous conditions. Altec aerial lifts are equipped with safety features designed to protect operators from potential hazards on the job site. In addition to integrated safety features, Altec’s Sentry program provides operator training for aerial devices. These training courses are OSHA/ANSI compliant and are available both online and in-person.

A company operating in the electric or telecommunication industry, which is heavily reliant upon the bucket truck, can appreciate the importance of the many benefits of this vehicle that allow an operator to perform necessary tasks both safely and efficiently. Overall, an Altec bucket truck can add considerable value to your business and work practice.

For more information on Altec products and services, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.