Category: News Articles

Chriso Lee says the Altec Heartland product line has been a game-changer in his work as a certified tree safety professional and certified Arborist for ArborWorks Inc. Located in California, ArborWorks specializes in hazard tree removal, utility line clearance and vegetation management.

Solely operated by a radio remote control, the Altec Heartland product line allows equipment operators to work outside of the drop zone with a clear line of sight. With minimal setup time, these units increase job site safety and productivity.

“This unit takes some of the most dangerous work and effectively removes what we perceive to be the majority of the danger related to human exposure. With the TGS units now on scene we’re able to do four to five times the amount of work that we can traditionally do,” Lee 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). The unit is entirely operated by a radio remote control, allowing 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.

In addition to the Heartland unit, ArborWorks has found Altec’s commitment to service an instrumental benefit to customers and their business.

“Our experience working with Altec has been amazing. There’s no way that we could do what we do for our customers without the support that we get from Altec. Altec is always working to be innovative and apply some of the latest technologies to help make this work safer,” Lee said.

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

What is the LS Series Material Handling Attachment?

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.

The material handling attachment helps customers avoid damage to signs or buildings by installing from underneath an existing sign rather than reaching from above with a crane or other lifting mechanism. As a result, this may eliminate the need for additional crew members or equipment, which can ultimately help customers reduce costs and time spent on a project or job site. Also, by installing from underneath an awning or building soffit, customers do not have to worry about the winch load line hitting the building.

Katherine Niebuhr, Altec Lights & Signs Market Manager, says this product was created as a solution based on customer feedback.

“Providing customers with the ability to install boards underneath existing signs or building features with the same unit they already have on the job site is a novel idea. We listened to our customers, saw their frustrations, and were able to provide a solution that fits their needs,” Niebuhr said.

How it Works

The material handling attachment can be installed on the LS unit by using the quick disconnect process to remove the platform. This product is installed using the same brackets and pins as the platform. Once the attachment is mounted to the boom-tip brackets, it can be used to pick up a sign.  The sign can then be secured and lifted for final installation. The product can also be operated with radio controls to provide the operator with a clear line of sight and the ability to control loads.

Design Features

The material handling attachment was designed by Altec engineers to streamline the sign installation process for the lights and signs industry.

The product includes the following features:

• Adjustable side-to-side load arms to support the load as needed
• Minimum of eight anchor points provided for securing the load to the attachment
• Removable load arms to facilitate stowage
• Crane loop to facilitate stowing/un-stowing from the truck
• UHMW protective pads to protect the load from damage
• Bolt-on storage solution that is easily secured for travel

Increased Efficiency, Productivity and Safety

This new material handling attachment provides another means of lifting signs and equipment into position, resulting in increased productivity, safety and job site efficiency.

Jason Cox, a Colortech installer says the material handling attachment has changed the company’s approach to sign installation for the better. By allowing for a more substantial lift and reducing the number of crew members needed on the job site, Jason and his team have been able to achieve a greater sense of job satisfaction and safety.

Colortech is a sign and graphics company located in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

“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 Future of Sign Installation

Altec Lights and Signs Sales Manager Mark Kruger says the material handling attachment was engineered with a customer-first approach.

“This product is yet another example of Altec’s commitment to improving work practices and advancements for those working in the lights and signs industry,” Kruger stated.

Kruger added, “We are focused on creating products that are a direct result of customer-driven innovation.”

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

Download Information Sheet

Improper platform inspection and maintenance can put you and your crew at risk and could lead to serious injury. Inspecting the platform for wear and damage is an important step in the pre-operational check, which should be completed every shift. Here is a checklist of several items to pay attention to during inspection.

Note: Altec recommends speaking to one of our experienced Service or Parts Representatives before making any repairs to your truck. Call 1-877 GO ALTEC and select Option 4 for technical support and troubleshooting in the field.

Altec only assumes responsibility for platform repair performed by Altec personnel.

As the public power utility for the Lower Florida Keys, Keys Energy Service is headquartered at the southernmost point of the United States in Key West. This unique location can make getting equipment parts difficult.

Walter Cashwell, Fleet Supervisor at Keys Energy Service, says that despite this, Altec always comes through to provide what they need.

“Sometimes getting parts down here can be a challenge. We have never had that problem with Altec,” Cashwell said.

From custom equipment to parts and customer service, Altec provides an array of reliable support to help Keys service more than 28,000 customers.

Jamie Curry, Fleets Service Lead at Keys, is appreciative of Altec’s customer-first service approach.

“You pick up the phone, dial the number and whoever answers the phone knows what they are talking about. For us, that kind of service makes or breaks a company,” said Curry.

Shawn Edmonds, a Keys Journeyman Lineman, describes how Altec’s equipment design helps the utility company to operate more efficiently.

“The forty-eight-foot Altec service bucket for our applications in the service department helps tremendously around different work areas. The unit is built on a smaller chassis which allows us to be more easily accessible into tighter spots. It saves time on restoration work.”

Altec offers a complete line of aerial units for the electric utility, telecommunications, tree care, construction, and lights and signs markets. Through innovation and customer solutions, our equipment provides you with exactly what you need to get your job done. Whether it’s on the line with an insulating or non-insulating aerial device, telescopic or telescopic articulating, and overcenter or non-overcenter, our specifications will meet your every need — or we will customize and build to make our equipment fit your application.

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

Bill Mueller, Fleet Supervisor at Baltimore Gas & Electric, Maryland’s largest natural gas and electric utility, appreciates Altec Sentry’s commitment to supporting customers in safety and training efforts.

“Training is offered both online and in-person for our technicians and keeps us up-to-date with all the new technology. Altec always steps up to the plate, and either does what we need them to do or comes up with better ideas to help us with any of our safety needs,” Mueller said.

Keeping crews safe on the job is a top priority for Altec. The Altec Sentry program was created to train operators of Altec equipment on safety practices for the electric utility, telecommunications, and contractor industries. This program uses the highest safety standards to prevent on-the-job injuries and fatalities.

BGE’s fleet consists of Altec aerial devices, light-duty, and compressor trucks. Bill says that during his 40-year tenure with BG&E, Altec has been a reliable partner in keeping up with constantly changing technology needs that support safe work practices.

“Altec’s engineering unit is outstanding, and they help us out with innovation, whether for new safety idea or product feature services. The technology is advancing very quickly, especially with the safety equipment, and Altec is keeping up with that as they integrate everything into their truck bodies,” Mueller said.

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.

For training information or to order materials and videos, please contact us at 1-205-408-8260 or contact an Altec representative online.

For the second straight year, Altec sought out the best beard among our followers with the 2019 #Beardo contest. In 2018, Judson Fisher and his beard were named the first ever winners of the contest. With over 150 beards submitted as entries, the decision was tough. However, one contestant, Hugh Rae, took the contest to the next level with his beard titled "Face Mullet."

Altec was blown away by Hugh's beard! To reward Hugh and his beard, he will receive a brand-new YETI cooler as well as the title of the 2019 #Beardo Winner. 

Hugh Rae works for Idaho Power Company as a Line Crew Forman. We were able to chat with him and learn more about his beard.

Q: When did you first begin growing your beard?
A: I had to start shaving when I was about thirteen, and I always had facial hair until I joined the army. Of course, they made me cut it off during the time I was with them. I basically haven’t had a naked face since I got out of the Army. I’ve had all kinds of different mustaches, goatees, and about three years ago, I started growing this beard. You know, my wife loves it, so I'll keep it.

Q: What kind of maintenance goes into your beard?
A: I've got a guy that is my barber. He is the only one who has ever cut this beard. I've been going to him for three years. He gives me a haircut and beard trim for about $15 once a month. Then I wash it and put beard grease in it every day.

Q: What is the worst thing that has gotten stuck in your beard?
A: I'd have to say cockleburs. They are these weeds that are about the size of a walnut. They stick to everything, and I got into a patch one time.

Q: In your work crew, is there any leverage to be gained from having a beard?
A: In my crew, the seniority goes to beard length. Every single guy on my crew has a beard. Basically, the apprentice has the smallest beard, and it works its way up through the journeyman ranks based on lengths. There's one other foreman that has a gnarly beard, but I think I have him beat finally. Now I've got [the highest rank].

Altec thanks everyone who entered to win or shared the contest! In the meantime, let your beard grow out and lookout for next year's contest!

As an impending storm approaches, it is common to see bucket trucks on the move. One of the primary purposes of the bucket truck is to be the backbone of the emergency response teams in storm-stricken areas. The operators of these trucks and their teams are the unsung storm heroes!

Part of a Team

The bucket truck is a critical emergency vehicle in a storm because of its ability to assist in multiple areas. The aerial device mounted on a truck frame allows it to be utilized in a variety of applications as needed. The hydraulic boom and bucket can elevate aerial workers and their equipment so they can provide the required emergency services quickly and safely.

Before the Storm

The role of a bucket truck during a storm actually begins before impact. In an attempt to minimize property damage, one of the bucket truck's primary purposes is to provide a safe platform for workers to secure structures that could potentially topple from the force of strong winds during the storms. This can include the disassembly of signs and removal of tree branches that could break from strong winds, heavy rain and sheets of ice.

During the Storm

The most demanding work for the bucket truck occurs during the storm itself. When a storm hits, it is vital that basic services such as electricity and telecommunications stay intact. Compromising the telecommunication lines can render emergency services useless, and power allows residents to maintain comfort within their homes during times of extreme heat or cold. Strong gusts of wind and heavy snow can cause extreme stress on overhead lines, so bucket trucks remain on standby to provide a safe aerial platform for restoring disrupted service as soon as possible. These vehicles respond through rain, sleet and snow to provide the necessary help. Bucket truck crews routinely sacrifice their comfort and wellbeing to assist communities impacted by storms.

After the Storm

As the storm subsides, the job of the aerial bucket truck has only just begun. This truck is critical for post-storm clean-up, maintenance and repairs. Damaged structures, utility lines, signs and street lights can be safely repaired by a skilled lineman using a reliable bucket truck. As line crews take to the field, they leave their family and friends behind, often for weeks on end without a proper place to sleep or a hot meal.

Next Storm Location

Once the power is restored, the job of the bucket truck is far from over. These emergency vehicles travel in packs to the next location where the storm is headed to provide the same necessary services all over again. To survive these harsh conditions, bucket trucks that are used to respond to storm crises should be well-maintained and fully equipped, so they are ready to respond as they are called.

This information hopefully provides some insight into the world of bucket truck emergency response teams and how they keep us all safe and comfortable during a storm. The next time a storm hits and first-responder bucket trucks are on the road, thank a lineman for their efforts. Recognize these vehicles and the crews that operate them as unsung storm heroes as they travel on to their next mission!

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

Over the years much has changed. But even more, has not. We are as we have always been a company led by values, powered by people and inspired to be a source of opportunity for those who depend on the performance of our products.

A “bucket truck” is a truck-mounted aerial device used to lift or elevate workers above the ground. This equipment consists of an articulating and/or telescoping boom with an attached platform or bucket. Aerial devices have various names such as man lifts, boom trucks, squirt booms, cherry pickers, personnel carriers ,and material handlers. Only trained personnel should be allowed to operate bucket trucks as there is a high risk of danger when using this equipment.

Use Extreme caution when working in or around an aerial device. When working near live utility lines, only authorized workers should approach the truck, to avoid the risk of electrocution. Falling from the bucket and contacting live lines are potential hazards for bucket truck operators.  Operators must be trained in the safe use of their aerial device and fall protection equipment to avoid serious injuries or even death.

OSHA and ANSI have established guidelines to decrease the risk of injury when using an aerial device; a link to the OSHA site is provided for current updated information. Although not all-inclusive, listed below are some guidelines to avoid harmful risks in the working area:

Training

• Train your workers. Properly trained workers are safer on the job because they can identify and avoid hazards.

 Energized Power Lines

• Assume all power lines could cause  electrocution and maintain at least a ten-foot clearance from them.
• If there is a need to work closer than 10 feet from a power line, call a qualified lineman.
• Use a spotter to help maintain appropriate clearances from energized components.

Falls

• Always take precautionary measures to prevent falls.
• Always use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lanyards and helmets.
• Don’t lean over the edge of the bucket or stand on anything within the platform.
• Always wear the proper PPE.  For fall protection on truck-mounted aerial devices, wear a full-body harness and fall-arrest lanyard, hooked to the designated anchor point.
• Don’t climb or sit on the bucket’s edge. Keep your feet firmly on the floor of the platform.

Tools

• Tools for the aerial lift should be connected to non-conductive tool hoses to avoid electrocution.
• Inspect tool hoses for any wrinkling that could indicate a potential for hose failure. Avoid allowing the wire braid from black tool hoses to come in contact with electrical lines; they are highly conductive and could cause an arc which could create a hole in the hose and allow hydraulic oil to escape causing a potential fire hazard.

Using aerial lifts safely requires owners and operators to understand and follow the aerial device manufacturer’s guidance and applicable federal, state and local regulations. 

Lift safety is essential in preventing different usage-related accidents from occurring. OSHA and ANSI have created regulations to identify potential hazards and minimize accidents. Operators of aerial devices are continually surrounded by potential hazards; therefore, the identification and prevention of these lurking hazards is an essential element of aerial lift safe work practices. Paying attention to these risks is absolutely necessary to avoid accidents!

See how Altec can provide you with the safest equipment possible by calling 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.

When it comes to aerial jobs, no equipment can provide the highest level of safety and efficiency better than an Altec Aerial Device. Sometimes referred to as a cherry picker and originally built for the purpose of harvesting fruit on orchard farms, today’s “bucket trucks” are utilized by almost every industry that has the need for aerial work. Aerial devices are often called many different names, such as man lift, squirt boom, bucket truck and aerial personnel carrier.

Reliability

Due to the nature of aerial device usage, reliability is always an important issue when choosing a manufacturer. As the design of this vehicle has developed throughout the decades, many manufacturers have come and gone. The longest operating manufacturer of aerial equipment is Altec.

• Oldest and Most Influential – Altec is the oldest and most influential company in the business. Since its start in 1929, Altec has paved the way for future equipment designs and features. Its reputation does not solely rest on longevity; it remains highly regarded because it produces well-made and reliable bucket trucks.
• Pioneer of Modern Safety Features – Altec has also 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.

Controls

As mandated by OSHA, Altec trucks are equipped with two control panels. The primary control is located within the bucket, while the secondary control is accessible at the base of the truck. The primary control will allow the aerial worker to control the bucket, while the secondary control can only be used to override the primary controls in case of an emergency or if the worker is incapable of operating the primary controls.

Insulated Booms

To protect the aerial worker from electrocution, Altec bucket trucks that are used for power line maintenance and repair are equipped with insulated booms. The insulation is designed to protect the truck’s occupants from electrocution in case the boom comes in contact with a live wire. Some Altec vehicles that are not designed for working near power lines are also equipped with insulation but have a lower insulation rating.

Aftermarket Services

Altec offers aftermarket services when you are ready to dispose of an existing asset or purchase a used piece of equipment. Altec also has authorized service centers all over the United States and Canada with a large supply of high quality, affordable aftermarket parts available. The same high quality production is maintained on Altec’s aftermarket parts; therefore, when equipment has been serviced, the same quality and reliability can be expected from the truck’s performance.

When properly maintained and operated, bucket trucks are a safe and reliable type of equipment, and most operators would agree that the brand of the truck is perhaps the most important factor to consider. When purchasing an aerial device, consider the reputation of the manufacturer, the overall production quality, and the after-market support of the product.

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

As we develop new products, we realize it can be hard for our customers to visualize exactly how a product works. This could not be more true for products like Heartland. To give our customers an up-close look at practical and productive uses of our equipment, we hosted our first Tree Care Summit this fall.

In partnership with Arborwear, the day and a half event took place in Chagrin Falls, OH, a central location for our customers across the United States. Altec had products on-site for both viewing and demoing, including:

• AC38-127S
• AF1360 MPS
• DRM12he (Engineless Chipper)
• EC-175-5S-FG (Heartland)
• EC-225-6S-FG (Heartland)
• Effer 505 (Heartland)
• Effer 655 (Heartland)
• JT75
• ST550 Spray Truck
• Serco 8500 Log Loader Crane

“To have our customers at the event to see the products in use was extremely beneficial for them,” says Andy Price, Altec Tree Care Market Manager. “For example, outside of product videos, most of our customers had never seen the Heartland unit take down a tree. At the Tree Care Summit, they had an opportunity to operate the controls to see how easy it can be to take down a tree completely by way of a remote control.”

The next Tree Care Summit may be coming to a town near you! Be on the lookout for announcements on where the next event will take place.

Are you interested in having a Tree Care Summit in your area? Let us know!