Category: News Articles

The new Altec Connect site provides for a more customer-focused experience that will allow 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 two most recent updates from the site – shopping lists and parts research:

Shopping Lists
• Each user account has the ability to create and store Shopping Lists. Shopping Lists allow you to save items you frequently purchase or multiple items you frequently purchase together to make the re-ordering process easier.
• Many parts associates find this helpful because they keep Altec supplied items in their local garages. They can add all these items to a “stock” shopping list, so when they do stock re-orders, it is as simple as checking the boxes of which items you want and adding it to the cart.
• This is also a great way to “create your own kit” if you frequently re-order the same sets of tools, parts or supplies for a crew or team.
• Users can easily add to their shopping list from any page that they can view a part with by clicking the “Add to List” link below the Add to Cart button

Parts Research with Photos
• Finding the part you need for you truck is now much easier with the new Altec Connect! You can view your as-built Bill of Materials that will list all the items for your unit.
• You can keyword search, verify you have the correct part by seeing a photo of it, seeing if it is in-stock, view your company’s price and place an order all on the same page.
• You can also search by Altec part number and quick get the same information, as well as any related items to that part.
• Once the item is in your cart, checkout is now only 3 easy steps, and the parts are on their way to you!

To learn more about Altec Connect, call 1-877-GO-ALTEC or contact your local Altec Account Manager online.

The AC30-53T is a tractor-mounted telescopic boom truck crane designed with versatility and jobsite flexibility in mind. Features such as a lowest in-class fifth wheel height combined with a low auxiliary outrigger profile and integrated trailer supply hoses make this unit ready to serve a wide range of work applications.

Review the instructions listed below to learn how to test the
AC30-53T’s safety functions:

PTO/Parking Brake Interlock

Activating the PTO requires the parking brake to be set.

How to test the Parking Brake interlock:

• Start the engine and place the transmission in neutral or park as required.
• Ensure the parking brake is not set and try to engage the PTO.
• If the PTO engages, the parking brake interlock is not functioning properly.

Outrigger Interlock System

The outrigger interlock system helps remind the operator to set the outriggers. The system requires the outriggers to be deployed before the boom will move from the stowed position. The outrigger interlock system does not assure unit stability.

How to test the outrigger interlock system:

• Configure the crane for operation, but leave the outrigger stowed
• Then, attempt to raise the boom.
• If the boom moves out of the stowed position, the system is not functioning properly.

Outrigger Motion Alarm

The outrigger motion alarm helps alert personnel in or near the work area that the outriggers are in motion.

How to test the outrigger motion alarm:

• Operate each outrigger control and verify the alarm sounds.
• If the alarm doesn’t sound while the outriggers are in motion, the system is not functioning properly.

Outrigger Selector Control

The crane’s outrigger selector control enables crane function and blocks outrigger function, or enables outrigger function and blocks crane function.

How to test the outrigger selector control:

• Properly set up the crane.
• Place the selector in crane mode and carefully check if the outriggers function.
• Next, place the selector in outrigger mode and carefully check boom functions.
• If either the outrigger or booms move, the control is not functioning properly.

Altec Sentry offers training designed to help employers train and qualify equipment operators on the safe and proper operation of aerial devices (insulating, non-insulating and tree care), digger derricks, chippers, and cranes.

Visit Sentry’s website to access operator safety and maintenance courses. For questions about Sentry training or to register for a class, email sentrypost@altec.com.

Some of the most popular items featured on Altec Connect are our die-cast model trucks. These model trucks make for great gifts or display items for your home or office.

 

The following models are available for purchase on Altec Connect:

• Altec 1:34 Scale Die-Cast Tree Trimmer Truck
• Altec 1:34 Scale Die-Cast Aerial Bucket Truck
• Altec 1:34 Scale Die-Cast Digger Derrick Truck
• Altec 1:34 Scale Die-Cast AT40G Truck

It’s easy to find the die-cast trucks and any equipment you may need on Altec Connect.

1. Go to https://connect.altec.com/store
2. In the Search bar, type “die cast truck”
3. Select the item you want and check-out
4. Log in to your existing account, or checkout as a guest, to complete your transaction

 

Altec Connect is your one-stop online shop for ordering tools, supplies, accessories, replacement parts and managing your fleet information. If you would like to create and Altec Connect account, register at https://connect.altec.com/pages/registration

 

To learn more about Altec Connect, call 1-877-GO-ALTEC or contact your local Altec Account Manager online.

 

United Electric Company is a full-service electrical contractor based in Louisville, KY and Cincinnati, OH.

Mark Hatcher, Vice President of United Electric Company, says that Altec products and services are essential to the success of his company.

“All of our fleet is Altec. We’ve had great service with the Altec guys, and the product is good,” said Hatcher.

United Electric’s work with the city of Louisville, including maintaining every streetlight in the city, requires a sizable fleet. According to Hatcher, this fleet consists of AT40Gs, AM55s and TDA58s. Altec’s expansive catalog of equipment allows Hatcher and his employees to find the right units needed to get the job done.

United Electric’s relationship with Altec is not limited to purchasing equipment. Hatcher and his team have worked with Altec NUECO to find new life for the used equipment that no longer meets their needs.

“We had a couple of trucks that we weren’t using sitting in the lot, so we decided to send them to the auction,” Hatcher said.

Within two weeks, Hatcher received notification that the trucks had sold, and credit from the sale was available to him. He was able to use this credit to purchase a new unit.

“It’s simple, it’s very easy to do, and it takes the headache out of us trying to take the money and put it back in. It’s already there,” said Hatcher.

Altec NUECO specializes in used equipment and is the only supplier of Certified Used Altec equipment and parts needed to maintain your unit.

For more information on what Altec NUECO has to offer, contact an Altec representative online or call 1-866-617-1569.

The hydraulic overload protection system or HOP for short helps prevent conditions that can structurally overload the booms. At approximately 105% of rated hydraulic capacity, the HOP system should engage – stopping the functions that cause the overload.

The HOP protects:

• Winch raise
• Jib raise
• Boom lower
• Boom extend

How to test the HOP on an LS60

If activated, the load indicator will register in the HOP Red Zone of the gage. The overload condition can be reduced by reversing the function that engaged the HOP system. When the overload condition is relieved HOP is reset and all functions are active again.

With the unit properly set up and the booms out of stow, press the HOP test switch to activate HOP. Perform winch raise, jib raise, boom lower and boom extend functions.

If any of these functions are operational the HOP system is not working properly.

Altec Sentry offers training designed to help employers train and qualify equipment operators on the safe and proper operation of aerial devices (insulating, non-insulating and tree care), digger derricks, chippers, and cranes.

Visit Sentry’s website to access operator safety and maintenance courses for many of our products. For questions about Sentry training or to register for a class, email sentrypost@altec.com.

Altec had another great year with our customers at the 2019 ICUEE show, showcasing a wide variety of products and services that support the electric utility industry. This show occurs every two years in Louisville, Kentucky. This year, Altec celebrated 90 years of service to our customers.

At ICUEE, our customers had the opportunity to visit Altec’s booth to see demos, climb on units and meet with the teams that build and support our products.

During the day, Altec was one of the largest exhibitors at ICUEE and showcased in multiple locations. The Altec Dome, our largest space, offered a relaxing atmosphere where customers met with account managers, engineers and executives to discuss their equipment needs.

Our other exhibiting spaces featured product demonstrations, opportunities to run the units, and booths where customers met with representatives from Altec Capital, Altec NUECO, Global Rental, Altec Supply, Altec Worldwide, Altec Sentry and JJ Kane.

In the evenings, Altec hosted a customer appreciation event where customers enjoyed dinner, refreshments, giveaway prizes, special recap videos from the day and a message from Altec’s CEO, Lee Styslinger III. Customer giveaways included t-shirts, hats and die-cast digger derricks.

To help celebrate Altec’s 90th year, Lee Styslinger Jr. spoke at the customer appreciation event and thanked our customers for their support. Altec’s first digger derrick, (built in1975) was also on display at the dome.

Thank you to all of our customers that attended the show and stopped by our booths and hospitality events. We look forward to seeing you again at ICUEE 2021!

Have you had your eye on a piece of Altec equipment but decided to wait until next year to purchase it? To maximize savings and close out the year on a high note, consider buying now and financing through Altec Capital. When financing equipment during the 4th quarter, Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation are options that help leasees save money through increased tax benefits.

With an Altec Capital Lease, businesses are able to deduct 100% of the cost of certain assets in the first year of purchase for tax purposes.

Whether it’s a tax deduction or a lease, our knowledgeable finance experts are ready to help you and your business find the best options to achieve significant savings.

What type of lease is best for me?

TRAC Lease

This type of lease allows for all of the advantages of leasing while retaining the option to purchase the equipment at the end of the lease term for a pre-determined balloon payment, called a terminal rental adjustment clause (TRAC). TRAC leases are popular with companies that want lower monthly payments but desire the benefits of ownership at lease maturity. The TRAC lease has lower monthly payments than traditional finance options due to depreciation benefits retained by Altec Capital. These benefits are passed on to the customer in the form of a lower payment compared to traditional loans.

Benefits:
• Improved cash flow
• Lower monthly payments
• Limited upfront costs

Fair Market Value Lease (FMV)
An FMV lease minimizes equipment lifecycle costs and maximizes equipment utilization. This lease is ideal for companies that desire the latest technology and equipment on the market. The FMV is essentially a long-term usage agreement with terms ranging from 3-10 years.
Benefits:
• Typically has the lowest monthly payment
• Provides terms to match needs and lifecycle objectives
• Conserves working capital
• Eliminates end of lease risks
• Can have significant tax advantages

Eric Bishop, Altec Capital Eastern Regional Manager, says looking at lease types and tax deductions are a great way for customers to cut down on the overall cost of financing a piece of equipment.

“Our team at Altec Capital wants to make sure our customers take advantage of every opportunity to save money,” Bishop said.

Using a tax lease in the 4th quarter is a great way to take advantage of the best rates of the year from Altec Capital. These favorable depreciation deductions will deliver tax-saving benefits to many businesses in 2019. Please note that all qualifying assets will need to be financed and placed in service by December 31.

Call (888) 408-8148 or email finance@altec.com if you have any questions about Altec Capital lease options or 4th quarter tax benefits.

Let’s take a look at the units equipped with an Optiview system. On this machine, the lower control panel has two joysticks, one for boom functions and one for winch and digger functions. Once you become familiar with the controls, you can use both controls at the same time.

These joysticks are spring centered but not locked in the center position. However, there is an interlock triggering the joystick. It must be engaged before boom movement will occur. The red emergency stop button controls the operation of all functions. Press the control down to engage the emergency stop. Turn the control clockwise to disengage. The lower controls are activated by moving the lower/upper radio switch to the lower control position.

Note: The upper controls cease to function when the lower controls are in the override position.

The foot throttle will accelerate the truck’s engine from idle to a preset higher engine RPM. For optimum performance of the hydraulic system, use the foot throttle when operating boom, winch, or digger functions. The joystick on the right controls boom functions and the joystick on the left, controls digger and winch functions. To extend the upper boom, move the joystick to the right, to retract move it to the left.

To extend the intermediate boom press the button on top of the joystick and move right. To retract, press the button and move left. To raise the boom, pull the joystick back. To lower, push forward. To rotate the boom, simply rotate the joystick in the desired direction.

To operate the digger clean function, move the left joystick left. For dig function, move the joystick to the right. To pay out the winch line, move the left joystick forward. To retract the winch line, pull back. Remember, during extension of the booms, the winch line must be paid out to compensate for the increased rope length between the winch drum and the sheave. This prevents damage to the boom tip and breaking of the winch line.

The DM47B also has a series of switches to operate the machine’s accessories. They are operated in the same way as the controls at the stand-up multi-lever console.

Altec Sentry offers training designed to help employers train and qualify equipment operators on the safe and proper operation of aerial devices (insulating, non-insulating and tree care), digger derricks, chippers, and cranes.

Visit Sentry’s website to access operator safety and maintenance courses for many of our products. For questions about Sentry training or to register for a class, email sentrypost@altec.com.

Have you ever needed to purchase a piece of tree care equipment fairly quickly but weren’t sure how or where to get it?

If so, Altec has sales options that can help you find the products you need to get the job done in a timely manner.

Online and Phone Stock Sales 

Altec has an extensive selection of factory-direct new and used stock tree care equipment available for you to order online or over the phone. Tree Care equipment such as the LR7 Series, AT37G and TDA58 aerial device are popular industry options. When looking for these stock options online, streamline the equipment search with filters such as chassis manufacturer, model year and recently reduced price.

Quick Turn Orders

Altec’s stock program proactively serves the industry based on market demands. As a result, the specific unit type you need may not be available for immediate purchase from our stock inventory. If this is the case making a quick turn order through Altec. For stock products that are pre-engineered, our quick turn order process leverages Altec’s raw inventory to deliver your equipment to you in as soon as five weeks

Short Lead Orders

If you’re on a tight timeline and looking for custom tree care equipment, Altec’s short lead order option may be the right fit for you. Available for delivery in as soon as five months, Altec’s short lead order program is ideal for customers who want to add custom features to a pre-engineered truck. Choosing a pre-designed truck allows our team to save time on the initial design to and focus on the custom features that matter most to you. LR7 Series (Front Mount, Rear Mount, Elevator, Non-Elevator Utility, Forestry) products are available with our short lead order program.

Solutions from Start to Finish 

In addition to these options, Altec also offers financing, parts, service and operator safety training. Whether you’re clearing a right of way or removing trees from a home, we want to make sure you are fully prepared to get to work. This can also include outfitting your new equipment with additional products such as fire extinguishers and safety cones.

For more information on these sales options and other Altec tree care equipment, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

 

Since 1929, Altec has been building innovative and dependable truck bodies. Built using advanced engineering, technology and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, Altec Bodies can add tremendous value to your fleet. With options such as body only mounts and corrosion-resistant surfaces, our bodies can be designed to your exact specifications. Available for a wide range of industries, including electric utility, gas utility, construction, lights and signs, telecom and tree care, our bodies are equipped to handle a variety of work practices.

From design to fabrication, Altec is building the highest quality, most dependable bodies to meet customer demands.

Check out 6 ways Altec bodies can add value to your fleet:

1. Custom built bodies – Altec is an industry leader in custom built bodies. Our engineers will work closely with you, even traveling to your location, to help you develop your body specifications. We offer options that go beyond the standard, so you can truly find a solution that works for your fleet.
2. Materials to fit your specific needs – Altec is the only body manufacturer to offer all three industry materials, Fiberglass, Steel and Aluminum. Whether it’s lightweight, cost-efficient or corrosion-resistant, Altec can provide and recommend the best material to fit your needs.Each material has a benefit, depending on your work application:
   • Fiberglass – lightweight, and corrosion resistant
   • Steel – a lower cost and heavy-duty solution
   • Aluminum – like Fiberglass, this material is lightweight and corrosion resistant. It is also more customizable than the other materials.
3. 3-D Body Preview – As part of the custom build process, Altec can create a 3-D design drawing of your body before its manufactured. This ensures the truck is designed to your complete satisfaction before ever cutting metal.
4. Body Supplier – In addition to providing bodies for equipment, Altec offers body-only mounts for any vehicle or truck you need to get the job done.
5. Nationwide service network – Need service for your body and truck? Get the help you need with one phone call to the Altec Service, the most complete and comprehensive service and support organization in the industry. With service center locations throughout the United States and Canada, we are equipped with the technicians, tools, and equipment needed to get your truck up and running. Our extensive fleet of mobile service vehicles and technicians covers the entire United States.
6. Turnkey solution provider – from start to finish – our team can provide you with one invoice and take care of any body or equipment needs you may have. This includes financing, parts, service and even auction services once you no longer need your equipment.

To learn more about Altec Bodies, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

In 1958, the term Lamplighter was trademarked by Jay Eitel, the inventor of the “cherry picker” – also known as the modern bucket truck. This term was coined to describe the “bucket” on an aerial device.

The Lamplighter trademark is officially defined as, “lifting equipment comprising an electrically operated extensible boom structure rotatably mounted upon a supporting framework carried by a selfpropelled vehicle in which the boom structure carries a workman’s basket which is adapted to be lowered into a position adjacent to the driving station of the vehicle.”

Now owned by Altec, the term “Lamplighter” is more than a trademark, it is a celebration of decades of industry leading equipment and services that support the “lamplighters” of today.

In their own way, Altec’s bucket trucks, and the lineman that operate them are the modern version of the lamplighter. Beginning as early as 1890, lamplighters walked the streets of their cities to light gas lamps one by one. A career as a lamplighter was honorable and earned a good living.

Just as the traditional lamplighters climbed up their ladders to brighten their cities, our linemen climb in the buckets of their aerial trucks to restore and maintain power for millions of people worldwide. Whether it’s assisting with storm recovery efforts or maintaining local power lines, these men and women are servants in their communities and are known for their hard work, dedication and grit.

Last year marked the 60th anniversary of the Lamplighter trademark. Over six decades later, Altec remains committed to ensuring the safety and efficiency of these “lamplighters” of homes and businesses across the globe. Our bucket trucks are leaders in the electric utility industry and are supported by Altec’s large network of safety, service and parts offerings.

It is our priority to provide the best possible level of support to local electric utility companies and the linemen that depend on our equipment to get the job done. Going forward, we will continue to support this industry and its workers with innovative product design and integrated safety features.

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

A daily plug-in charge cycle maximizes battery life and performance. This is also the most efficient and cost-effective way to restore battery charge and it is the only method of balancing the charge in the cells of the Hybrid battery.

To accomplish plug-in charging:

• Park and turn off the vehicle in a safe location before connecting the charging cord
• Remove the key from the ignition switch
• Check to make sure the hybrid disconnect switch is not pushed in

If the disconnect switch is pushed in the hybrid batteries are disconnected and will not charge. Using a suitable extension cord, connect the vehicle to a dedicated 120 volt AC circuit of proper amperage. Consult your operators manual for the required circuit amperage.

During plug-in charging the green battery flashes on the JEMS display. Fully charging the Hybrid battery system may take up to 8 hours depending on the initial battery charge level. Although leaving the vehicle plugged in up to three days is okay, if the unit will be left for extended periods disconnect the charging cord. Unplugging the charge cord terminates the charging event. The vehicle will not start with a charging cord plugged in. A power charging icon will appear if an attempt is made to start the engine while still plugged in.

Altec Sentry offers training designed to help employers train and certify equipment operators on the safe and proper operation of aerial devices (insulating, non-insulating and tree care), digger derricks, chippers, and cranes.

Visit Sentry’s website for the latest OSHA/ANSI interpretation letters and safety videos for many of our products. For questions about Sentry training details or to register for a class, email sentrypost@altec.com.

 

Since May 2017, Altec has been the US distributor of Effer cranes, and the partnership between Altec and Effer has been a great success story. This partnership combines Altec’s strength in sales, service, parts and support with the quality of the Effer product line. This mixture of quality and support brings new solutions, less equipment down time and a higher degree of customer satisfaction to the knuckle boom crane market.

Known for their strength and versatility, Effer articulating (knuckle boom) cranes boast a lifting capacity of up to 300-ton meters— and the best-in-class power to weight ratio.

From helping you select and purchase the crane that’s right for you to providing assistance throughout the equipment’s lifespan, Altec is your one stop shop for Effer knuckle boom cranes.

Purchasing your crane

Altec sells and supports the entire line of Effer knuckle boom cranes. No matter if you’re looking to buy new or used, Altec is ready to help you find the best crane for you and your company.

What options does Altec offer?

• Altec NUECO specializes in used equipment and is the only supplier of Certified Used Altec equipment and parts needed to maintain your unit
•  Altec Capital provides the added convenience of purchasing and financing through a single company.

Service, Parts, Fleet Management and Safety

The Altec Service houses the most complete and comprehensive service and support in the industry. Our service center locations throughout the United States and Canada are equipped with the technicians, tools, and equipment needed to get your Effer knuckle boom crane up and running. Altec’s extensive fleet of mobile service vehicles and technicians cover the entire United States.

Through Altec Sentry, our technical support and training organization, Altec offers knuckle boom service training. During this training attendees have the opportunity to learn skills needed to perform preventive maintenance inspections, intermediate troubleshooting and repairs.

Visit Altec Connect to order tools, supplies, accessories, replacement parts and more for your Effer knuckle boom crane. You can also submit claim reimbursements and manage fleet information through the online shop.

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

A digger derrick is a piece of equipment used to dig holes, set poles and work with a variety of materials. These machines typically handle anything from transformers to cross arms and backfill material such as dirt or rock. While digger derricks are known as the workhorse of the utility industry, they are also often used to complete construction and telecom jobs. Altec’s digger derricks come in a variety of models and sizes to meet a wide range of work applications for these industries.

Altec’s line of digger derricks are:

• Hydraulically operated outfitted with a fiberglass third stage
• Equipped with high speed winches
• Either mounted on a chassis or track vehicle
• Used in underground and overhead work applications

How does it work?

A digger derrick uses a hydraulically powered auger to bore into the ground, creating a hole. From the West Virginia hillsides to the Arizona desert, the auger is used in a variety of environments.

Ground type is a major factor in the success of digging a hole. Soft sand or dirt is easy to dig, and a seven-foot hole can be dug in less than fifteen minutes. Harder soil, heavy clay, or even rock makes digging more challenging.

To determine the size of the hole this piece of equipment can dig, you first need to review the specifications of your unit. The sheave height of a digger derrick determines the unit’s optimal digging radius and what size pole the unit can lift. Altec digger derricks have sheave height’s that range from 36.7 to 105 ft, the largest in the industry.

The digger derrick uses a winch to pick up and move materials. Pole guides help the machine properly set poles into the hole created by the auger.

How to choose the right Digger Derrick

Altec digger derricks are available in three model types – distribution, transmission and backyard.

How do each of these derricks benefit me?

• Distribution derricks are the perfect fit when you need distribution sheave height and more lifting capacity to get the job done. These derricks are considered the everyday workhorse in our digger derrick line.
• With greater reach and higher lifting capacities for the big jobs, our transmission derricks are the units of choice when you’re looking to maximize lift capacity.
• Backyard derricks are the key product for those tight area and hard to reach jobs.

Safety

All Altec digger derricks come standard with a lifetime structural warranty. Standard safety features like five function hydraulic overload protection, pole guide interlocks, auger and boom stow protection combine for a piece of equipment that is both rugged and versatile. Features such as the insulating, fiberglass third stage and radio remote controls ensure the operator’s safety.

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

Scott Beicke, owner of Tree Care of New York, has worked hard to build and grow his business, and over the past two years alone, the company has experienced incredible growth. He and the company’s business manager, Jordan Jozak credit much of that success to the support they receive from Altec.

“When you deal with Altec, you aren’t just dealing with a company. It’s not just a customer to a customer relationship. You’re dealing with people, and that’s what really matters with us,” Jozak said.

That relationship goes well beyond just the basics of Altec sales and service. It includes Altec training operators on equipment with Sentry Online, updating them with useful product details, providing the quantity of equipment desired precisely when it’s needed, and even working with them on financing through Altec Capital.

“From start to finish, Altec really does provide something for every aspect of our company,” Jozak said.

By developing personal relationships with our customers, Altec is able to provide customer service that exceeds expectations.

“I don’t have a salesman at Altec; I have Jeff Smith and Scott Hughes and Tim Greenfield. I know them personally. I’ve been to dinner and to lunch with them. I’ve been on jobs with them,” Beicke said.

In addition to receiving personalized service and support, Beicke has adopted many of Altec’s values and applied them to Tree Care of New York’s work culture. Some of these values that have inspired Beicke and his team are, customer first, enjoyment of work, integrity, people are our greatest strength and teamwork.

“Altec partnering with us and helping us has been tremendous for the growth of our company. We’ve adopted a lot of the same culture, which is way beyond the value of the dollar.” Beicke said.

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