Category: News Articles

The American National Standards Institute or ANSI, makes operator training requirements part of their standards for utility service, construction and other industrial equipment. ANSI A92.2 applies to vehicle-mounted aerial devices while a A10.31 covers digger derricks. This course explains the operator training requirements and ANSI A92.2 and A10.31.

ANSI Requirements

“Only trained and authorized personnel shall be permitted to operate the aerial device. Only personnel who have received instructions by a qualified person regarding the inspection, application and operation of aerial devices, including recognition and avoidance of hazards associated with their operation, shall operate an aerial device.”

OSHA’s General Duty Clause

“Each employer shall furnish to each of his or her employees, employment, and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing, or are likely to cause, death or serious physical harm to his or her employees…”

“Each employer shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this act.”

Altec Sentry

Altec Sentry offers equipment owners and employers flexible options to help ensure their operators are properly trained and in compliance with applicable OSHA and ANSI requirements. Sentry provides industry-leading training to match Altec’s industry-leading equipment.

Want to learn more about the OSHA and ANSI training requirements for aerials and digger derricks? Check out this free course from Altec Sentry.

The course on OSHA and ANSI training requirements for aerials and digger derricks covers:

• ANSI A92.2 and A10.31 training requirements
• Risks associated with not providing quality equipment operator training
• Differences between General Training, Familiarization and Retraining
• OSHA’s definitions for Accident, Incident, and Near Miss

With Sentry Online, it’s easy for you to train and qualify your operators with more than 200 online courses for cranes, aerial devices, digger derricks and chippers.

Visit Altec Sentry Online to view all online courses.

Strength and speed most accurately describe Altec’s T40P. This large cable placer is versatile and ideal for providing safe and efficient operation at any job site. A true work horse in the aerial telecommunications, construction and maintenance industries, the T40P offers the best value in the market.

Work Practice

The T40P aerial is a large non-insulating telescopic cable placer for mobile cable placing operations. It utilizes a closed-center, electric-over-hydraulic control system to deliver predictable, consistent, smooth operation. Double acting hydraulic cylinders are used to position the platform, lower and upper booms, as well as the reel lifter. The unit has a working height of over 40ft and a side reach of over 29ft, allowing the operators to access hard to reach work locations. The end-mounted zinc plated steel platform has dual pulling eye and fairlead sockets on both sides of the platform that provide improved flexibility in cable placing work. The operators can easily change the fairlead from one side of the platform to the other, helping make them more productive at the pole. The unit has the option to add a single station reel lifter assembly capable of handling and transporting reels of various sizes and weights.

Design

Introduced to the market in 2015 as an updated version of the proven A40P, the T40P was designed by Altec engineers to maintain a solid and durable design.

Power

Rance Hill, Fleet Manager for Ervin Cable, says the T40P’s pendant mounted capstan controls, cargo space and payload abilities make cable placing work easier for his team.

“It’s a powerhouse – you have no issues getting it to do what you need it to do. It’s a beast,” said Hill.

Stringing Components

The T40P’s stringing system comes partially from the discontinued A-T40C. Equipped with a strand carrier and reel lifter, electro/hydraulic strand and reel brakes, and a full stringing system including bull wheel and tow line, the T40P is best in class and will continue to set the standard for years to come.

For more information on the T40P and other Altec equipment, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

The new Altec designed Outrigger Pad is an 18 x 18 in pad made of bright yellow nylon. At 7 lbs. it is lightweight and has several distinguishing features including an integrated handle, a debossed bearing area and a pad load rating of up to 45,000 lbs. The new nylon material increases strength and stiffness while reducing overall pad weight.

For use on a variety of equipment including Altec Aerials, Digger Derricks and more, this product is instrumental in vehicle safety. The high visibility of this pad reduces slip, trip and fall risks while reducing operator strain during equipment setup.

Additionally, compared to a wooden outrigger pad, this pad will not absorb water. A dry wood outrigger pad of an equivalent area weighs 20 pounds before water ingress from field use.

Altec Market Manager Michael Newman says due to its durable and highly visible design, this new Altec Branded Outrigger Pad is the best in the market.

“The Altec Outrigger Pad is an innovative approach to an otherwise stagnate product market. The integrated handles, engineered shape, weight savings and high visibility of the yellow nylon material offers a tremendous amount of value to our customers,” Newman said.

Wondering how to choose the correct outrigger pad for your equipment? Check out this article from the OSHA and Altec Alliance Program to learn how to safely select the best material needed for your job site applications.

Altec Supply offers full-lines of the Tools & Accessories you need from a full line of reputable suppliers. We also offer a supplier catalog of our most in-demand Tools & Accessories, so be sure to download our catalog or visit our online store. Altec Supply is committed to efficiently and cost-effectively meet the needs of our diverse customer base. 

For more information on the Altec Outrigger Pad and other parts from Altec Supply, call 800-958-2555, contact an Altec representative online or visit Altec Connect. 

Designed for the tree care industry, the EC505-6S+3S-FG knuckle boom (articulating) crane is Altec’s latest addition to the Heartland product line which has an extended reach of 92 feet. The Altec Heartland product line consists of an Effer knuckle boom crane, a 360-degree continuous-rotation grapple saw (33-inch jaw opening, 14-inch cutting depth, 3,300-pound maximum lift capacity) and radio remote controls.

These units were designed to allow operators to cut limbs and branches without ever having to leave the ground or touch a piece of the tree. The EC505+6S+3S-FG model provides an additional 24 feet of cutting height over Altec’s 225 model and is a rear-mount configuration, allowing customers to set-up close to the tree.

The Gierkink GMT 035 Grapple Saw allows for a grapple to hold branches while the enclosed saw cuts the branch at an operator’s command. By using the radio remote control system to keep workers on the ground, this unit increases safety and efficient job site operation.

Altec Tree Care Market Manager Andy Price says the EC505 is the first Effer crane offered by Altec that has the option of including a larger grapple saw featuring a 20 inch saw bar.

“Having the Effer 505 configured to utilize a grapple saw allows customers 92 feet of reach, the highest of any Altec grapple saw product to date,” said Price.

For increased safety and efficiency, a standard feature on all Heartland products is the Engineered Grapple Connecting Arm, an Altec patented device that connects the unit’s upper boom to the grapple saw. When attached, the Engineered Grapple Connecting Arm allows for greater access to tree canopy and helps to prevent cut pieces from striking the crane boom.

In addition to the grapple saw and connecting arm, the EC505 features a quick hydraulic disconnect system that allows a single operator to connect and disconnect all four hydraulic lines at once.

The EC505 provides the following features:

• Gierkink GMT 035 Grapple Saw
• Engineered Grapple Connecting Arm
• Scanreco Radio Remote Controller
• Elliptical Shaped Saw Bar
• Grapple Storage Rack on Truck Bed
• Quick Disconnect for Hydraulic Hoses at Boom Tip
• Turf Mat Storage Rack
• Cab Guard and Heavy Duty Front Bumper
• Abrasion Resistant Hydraulic Hoses

For more information on the EC505-6S+3S-FG and other Altec equipment, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online

Dave Baransky, owner and manager of Greater Heights Tree Care, noticed a big difference when he began working with the Altec EC225-6S-FG. Part of the Heartland product line, this unit uses a remote control and grapple saw to cut and hold a branch or limb. Once the piece is removed it can then be put directly onto the chipper feed table.

“It was definitely a game changer. Once we had it, we learned how to use it and what we could do,” Baransky said.

The Altec Heartland product line consists of an Effer knuckle boom (articulating) crane, a 360-degree continuous-rotation grapple saw (33-inch jaw opening, 14-inch cutting depth, 3,300-pound maximum lift capacity) and radio remote controls. These units were designed to allow operators to cut limbs and branches without ever having to leave the ground or touch a piece of the tree. The EC225-6S-FG model provides an additional seven feet of cutting height and has a rear-mounted configuration, allowing operators to set-up 10 to 12 feet closer to the tree.

Because their line of work requires so much time removing unstable trees, Baransky appreciates that the Heartland keeps workers at a much safer distance from the trees and out of the “danger zone.” In addition to providing a safer jobsite, the equipment also allows workers to complete the work with less physical exertion.

Before the Heartland, a hard day of work often meant Baransky and his fellow employees needed the next day off to rest. Now with the Heartland, there is no down time required before getting right back to work.

“At the end of the day, we still have energy to go do stuff. Days where we used to work until nine o’clock at night and go home deadbeat tired, we’re finishing up at five o’clock and enjoying our families,” Baransky said.

For more information on the EC225-6S-FG, EC175-5S-FG or other Altec equipment, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

Altec Connect is your one stop online shop for ordering tools, supplies, accessories, replacement parts and managing your fleet information. In an effort to continuously improve and listen to our customers, Altec has released new features now available on the Altec Connect website!

These new offerings include:

Product Notice Reporting

You now have the choice to submit claim reimbursements, or simply notify Altec that the notice is complete. Product notices such as a MAB, CSN, PUN, SIL or SCN can be managed on Altec Connect. This functionality allows for quick and accurate fleet data management.

Online Invoice Review
All past, current, paid and unpaid invoices can now be viewed online in Altec Connect. These invoices can be filtered by invoice type. Shipping information and credit memos can be reviewed as well. For easy record keeping, lists of invoices are available for export. In addition, you will now have the ability to report an issue with an invoice.

Altec Connect invoice options:
• New Equipment
• Parts, Tools & Accessories
• Service
• Rental
• Rental – Damage & Repairs
• Rental – Tolls
• Used Equipment
• Transportation
• Training

Administration of Altec Connect users
You can now appoint an administrator for your company to manage your Altec Connect users. Company administrators can add and deactivate users as well as update what access each user has on Altec Connect, allowing for quick and easy self-management of users.

If you would like any of the above features added to your account, please contact us at altec.connect@altec.com

If you do not have an account but would like to create one, 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.

Across Utah, Arizona and New Mexico lay a stretch of 27,000 square feet of breathtaking scenery, snow-capped mountains, canyons, mesas and unique rock formations. Affectionally known as the Navajo Nation, this land is home to approximately 190,000 members of the Navajo Tribe.

Of these members, 15,000 of these homes do not have electricity. This makes up 75% of all households in the United States without power. To combat this lack of electric service, the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) commissioned the Light Up the Navajo Nation pilot project.

During this six-week project, 26 line crews from all across the United States worked from April to May installing power lines and bringing electricity to more than 200 Navajo families. By donating their time, equipment and resources, this project was completed at no cost to the Navajo families. Established in 1959, the NTUA is the sole utility provider for the Navajo Nation, offering electric, natural gas, water and wastewater services.

Denise Becenti, Government and Public Affairs Manager for the NTUA, said this project has been life changing for the Navajo Nation.

“We heard from families that told us how thankful and grateful they are to have electricity, refrigeration, to be able to buy a gallon of milk for the first time and put it in the refrigerator without having to worry about whether or not it’s going to spoil in a few days,” Becenti said.

Through donating funds, time and equipment, Altec partnered with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority to assist in this project.

Roger Stash, his wife and three sons are members of the Navajo tribe that have lived without power for many years. Now, thanks to the NTUA and the Light Up the Navajo project, the Stash family can turn on lights in their home for the first time.

“It’s very exciting because we have waited so long for this, my kids are so happy because they get to do their homework in the light now,” Stash said.

Stash continued, thanking the crews that volunteered their time to give their home electricity, “I really appreciate what they are doing, getting power in two days is really quick.”

Becenti said the Navajo community is grateful for all of the resources these utility companies and their crews have donated to the project. She says this initiative has been successful and hopes the Light Up Navajo project will continue in the future.

“We are truly grateful for the communities that sent their crews here to the Southwest to unknown territories to be a part of a project that the these families will remember for years to come,” Becenti said.

At Altec, we understand what it takes for you to get the job done, reliable equipment that delivers the results you need, when you need it. With no deductibles or tapered coverages, our Extended Warranty plan minimizes the worry of unexpected repair costs and gives you peace of mind. Altec’s Extended Warranty is unique in the industry as it is managed and administered by Altec. Many other extended warranties are run by 3rd party companies that might not have as much familiarity as the OEM with the units they are covering. With the full support of Altec’s Service team (parts, shops, mobile, technical support and technical training), we know these units best and can get customers back up and going without delay.

The Altec Extended Warranty plan protects an Altec-purchased vehicle for up to an additional four years beyond the end of the standard one-year Limited Warranty. We offer various coverage options because we know each customer has different needs and resources. From parts to travel and labor, our plans help each customer protect their equipment investment.

Wondering what an Altec Extended Warranty plan would look like for you or your business?

Check out this helpful guide detailing our Extended Warranty coverage options:

Materials

The Materials coverage option is our most basic Extended Warranty package and includes any parts needed to complete the repair of a covered Altec component. These parts can be shipped directly to the customer or installed by an Altec service technician (where the customer would only be responsible for labor and travel if applicable.)

The Materials coverage plan is the most cost-effective choice for anyone just looking to offset the cost of parts for a repair.

Materials & Labor

For many businesses, simplicity is essential when dealing with maintenance and repairs. With this warranty package, Altec assumes the responsibility of parts and labor, allowing you to focus on what matters most, reducing downtime and getting back to work.

With the use of our OEM national service network and genuine OEM parts, our Extended Warranty Plans help you level costs and minimize any risks associated with unpredictable repairs you may be faced with while owning your equipment.

Materials, Labor & Travel

The Materials, Labor & Travel option is our most extensive Extended Warranty package. This plan covers all manufacturer components and allows our Mobile Service Trucks to travel to you to perform any repairs. This package is ideal for those who want to have all their bases covered when it comes to unforeseen costs.

Overall, Altec’s Extended Warranty program balances affordability with a full line of coverage essential for your equipment to do the work it is intended to do.

To learn which Altec extended warranty package is best for your business, please call 877-GO-ALTEC or submit the following form to request additional information.

Extended Warranty Request

Operators should always be aware of any parts or components on their truck that need to be replaced or repaired. Whether it’s due to weather or constant wear-and-tear from traveling on roads or to various job sites, bucket trucks will require maintenance and replacement of parts during the vehicle’s lifespan.

To maintain optimal function and longevity, and to prevent extensive damage, the truck should be serviced periodically.

Eventually, parts will wear out and require a replacement. Some components such as tires and brake pads should be replaced more frequently than others. These parts should be checked regularly.

There are several ways operators decide when the appropriate time is to replace specific parts. Below are some of Altec’s guidelines when surveying the vehicle for potential repairs.

 Scheduled Replacement

In every Altec-manufactured vehicle, Altec includes a suggested part-replacement schedule designed to assist operators in correctly servicing their truck. These schedules are typically based on the total mileage or kilometers driven by the vehicle and include various repairs such as oil changes, tire rotations and filter replacements.

As maintenance intervals vary, it is important to consider be sure to use the vehicle-specific schedule.

In some circumstances, a bucket truck can continue to run and function after a component is past its expected life; however, Altec recommends replacing the part as close the recommended time as possible. Although parts may function properly for months past the schedule, fatigue from the cyclic loading could cause the part to suddenly fail without warning, causing extensive damage. Replacing parts on time is a safe rule to follow that will protect you from costly repairs.

Replacement Markers

Some parts on a truck have replacement markers which indicate when the part should be replaced. One common example can be found on tires which have markings etched into the rubber at specific points. Once the tire has worn down to the specific mark, it should be replaced.

Brake pads have a similar device called the wear indicator. A wear indicator is a small piece of metal that sits a few centimeters below the pad. After enough friction has worn down the pad, the wear indicator emits a high-pitched squeak when pressing the brakes indicating the part should be replaced.

Many other components have their own replacement indicators. Check your vehicle-specific manual to learn more about these parts.

Abnormal Performance

Some parts may wear out before the expected life is met. This can often be self-assessed by observing the vehicle’s functionality. Signs of a damaged component could include low power generation, black smoke, puffing of the muffler, or shaky steering.

Operators who are familiar with the truck and its components can search for parts that could be causing poor performance. If the operator is not knowledgeable in components, it is best to take the truck to an authorized service center to prevent any further damage.

Visible Damage

Before a truck is driven, it should be inspected for any damage to its equipment. Things such as dripping oil underneath the engine, leaks along the hydraulic fittings or cuts on the tires should never be ignored. These often mean damage has occurred that can lead to long-term failure or compromise the safety of the vehicle. Upon noticing these issues, operators should take the truck in for repair as soon as possible.

While bucket trucks are designed to be durable, wear and stress is inevitable and parts will have to be replaced eventually. Part replacement should be carried out per the manufacturer’s schedule or whenever a part has worn down. Be conscious of your truck as it may be time for a replacement!

For quality used parts for your Altec bucket truck, digger derrick, crane or other unit, call our Birmingham office at 866-413-6738 or contact an Altec representative online.

Despite a vast market, finding certified, used utility vehicles can be a challenge for many businesses. When it comes to finding first-tier, used bucket trucks, Altec NUECO is the best source for you and your company. With several years of assisting those in search of used bucket trucks, Altec NUECO knows how to best find a vehicle right for your business.

NUECO begins your search for used bucket trucks by asking a series of questions to help guide the process:

• At what height do you generally work?
• At that height, how much movement is required?
• Do you need a telescoping boom or a traditional hinge-style?
• What is your budget for a used bucket truck?

With first-class sales experience, NUECO is able to help you and your team find a used bucket truck that works for your business based only on what you need. As the only provider to offer Altec certified pre-owned equipment, NUECO can guarantee that an Altec bucket truck will perform well into the future.

To see how NUECO can assist in your search for used bucket trucks, call the expert sales team at 866-617-1569 ALTEC or contact an Altec representative online.

Altec Connect comes with a host of new and improved benefits that make managing your fleet much easier. Truck owners can now order parts online, view invoices, check service requests, equipment service history and much more. Altec Connect can also be used to view product manuals for any equipment you own or rent.

Find your vehicle-specific manual in Altec Connect in five easy steps:

1. Log into your Altec Connect account, click “Equipment” on the top-left side of the screen.
2. From the dropdown menu, select “My Fleet.”
3. Select the vehicle you want to see.
4. Click “Documentation” in the five options under the unit information.
5. Select “Operator’s Manual” or “Maintenance Manual.”

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

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

Altec is traditionally known as a manufacturer of equipment that supports the electric utility industry, but over the past several years, we have expanded our offerings to support the tree care industry in various ways. From companies that maintain and manage our nation’s right of way to small lawn care businesses providing landscape maintenance, Altec is a one stop shop for a wide range of tree care and spray work applications.

In introducing the Heartland product line, Altec is poised once again to become the industry leader, offering a solution that allows tree takedowns to take place with increased safety and efficiency. This product line consists of an Effer knuckle boom (articulating) crane, a 360-degree continuous-rotation grapple saw (33-inch jaw opening, 14-inch cutting depth, 3,300-pound maximum lift capacity) and radio remote controls. These units were designed to allow operators to cut limbs and branches without ever having to leave the ground or touch a piece of the tree. The EC225-6S-FG model provides an additional seven feet of cutting height and has a rear-mounted configuration, allowing operators to set-up 10 to 12 feet closer to the tree.

If you aren’t familiar with this game-changing product, don’t just take our word for it — take a minute and watch this testimonial from Lance Wallace at Wallace Tree and Landscape and decide for yourself.

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

1980 marks Altec’s entry into the mobile crane market. Almost forty years later, Altec now leads the industry in quality, safety and performance.

Altec cranes offer a wide range of work applications such as power utility repair, tree care, cargo moving and sign, machine and billboard installation. These diverse applications are the result of the growing number of industries that now use Altec’s cranes in their standard operations.

As the need for cranes continues to increase, it is essential that these devices are operated safely and efficiently.

Safe, Efficient Crane Operations

Safe crane operation begins with thorough planning. Before work begins, an operator should determine lift capacity, assess the machine’s capability and identify proper equipment placement.

Before lifting, operators must ensure the object’s weight will not exceed the machine’s capacity. The crane should not be used to determine load weight; instead, weighing the load should be done before the lift occurs.

“A competent operator would determine the load capacity of the crane and its rigging to ensure the planned lift would not exceed capacity at any point,” states Altec Sentry Trainer Phil Doud.

Mark Kruger, Altec Lights and Signs Sales Manager, recommends using the machine’s load chart to determine the crane’s weight and load radius. The chart provides accurate and detailed estimates of the weight the machine can safely bear.

Identifying the best place to set up a crane is another important part of an operator’s initial planning. When setting up, operators should note any overhead obstructions such as powerlines, lights or signs that could hinder the vehicle. Creating a reliable plan can even help to prevent time-consuming unit relocations during a job.

Kruger states that operators should take time to, “know and understand the manufacturers intended uses and purposes for the machine they are using.”

He later adds, “Trying to work on a seventy-foot structure out of a sixty-three-foot aerial does not make for an efficient and safe job site.”

During the planning process, operators should carefully plan for both the movement and placement of the load. Doud points out that efficiency does not mean fast. Operators should always take time to be thorough in their work.

If done correctly, planning prevents costly equipment damage and ensures the safety of on-site workers.

Pylon Structures

When installing signs and equipment onto pylon structures, cranes are commonly used for their reach and capacity. Taking appropriate precautions and paying attention to details can help prevent malfunctions or injuries when working on pylon structures.

Kruger and Doud both say that surveying the work site should be the first step no matter the job. Workers and operators should be aware of overhead obstructions such as electrical wires, towers or additional signage. Electrical wires are a particular concern due to high voltage on or near the work area. OSHA requires cranes in construction to maintain a 20-foot clearance from energized conductors.

Open Spaces

Performing installations on building fronts in open spaces can present a number of unique challenges different from pylon structure installations.

After surveying the area and locating overhead obstructions, the crane should be set up where the operator decided upon during the planning period. Once the machine is in operation, Doud recommends to never lift the load over personnel or to allow anyone to enter the ‘fall zone’ where a falling load could injure or kill.

When working in an elevated location, be sure to inspect, wear and attach your personal fall protection equipment to an appropriate fall protection anchor point.

OSHA Regulations

Recent OSHA construction regulations require certification for operators of cranes capable of lifting more than 2,000 pounds.  Certification helps ensure operators have met a basic standard of general knowledge and skill in safe crane operation.  However, when operating a specific machine, nothing can replace experience and training. In fact, OSHA now requires employers to document an evaluation for their operators on a wide range of skills, knowledge and demonstrated abilities, and to make the documentation available at the worksite.

A second and often overlooked qualification requirement is for a qualified rigger whenever workers are within the fall zone or are involved in hooking, unhooking, guiding or connecting a load.

One final requirement from OSHA is for a properly trained signal person to be present when an operator does not have a full view of the point of operation or the direction of travel.  In addition, either the operator or the person handling the load may determine that a signal person is required because of site-specific safety concerns.

At Altec Sentry, we believe that trained operators are safer operators. For more information on Altec products, operator training and other services, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

Jason Cox, a sign installer at Colortech, a sign and graphics company located in Green Bay, Wisconsin says Altec’s equipment and customer service have allowed his team to achieve a greater sense of job satisfaction and safety.

Cox says the new Altec LS Series Material Handling Attachment has changed Colortech’s approach to sign installation for the better. The material handling attachment has allowed for a more substantial lift and reduced the number of crew members needed on the job site.

“Before using this attachment, we would have to bring our forklift along or tear the entire sign apart and use a crane or some other method of lifting. This attachment has saved us a lot of time,” said Cox.

The LS Series Material Handling Attachment is a new product option for Altec’s LS models designed for the lights and signs industry. The attachment mounts on the existing boom-tip structures of any LS60, LS63, or LS87 unit to install electronic message boards as part of an existing sign.

For more information on the material handling attachment and other lights and signs installation Altec equipment, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.