How the Opti-View Riding Seat Can Improve Work for Your Crew

During a long day on the job, little things can add up—both in time and operator fatigue. Designed with efficiency and safety in mind, Altec’s Opti-View® riding seat for E-Series digger derricks offers operators an unobstructed view of the boom and improved multifunctioning controls.

“We always strive to help our customers work safely and more efficiently,” said Michael Newman, digger derrick market manager. “The Opti-View riding seat checks those boxes.”

The seat is available on all E-series models, including DM45E and DM47E. Check out these three ways the Opti-View riding seat can improve work for your operators.

An unobstructed view

With traditional riding seats, the control panel is directly in front of the operator. When working in closer proximity to the truck or when trying to position the winch hook, these controls can block an operator’s view, requiring them to move to get a better look at what they’re doing. Over the course of a long day, time spent repositioning for a better view can add up.

In the Opti-View seat, controls are located on either side of operator, giving them an unobstructed, clear view of the boom and winch line in all situations. 

Easy ingress and egress allow for easy operator access

In traditional seats, operators enter from the side. The Opti-View seat offers central ingress and egress, creating an unhindered path that makes it easier to enter and exit the seat.

Multifunction joysticks and updated controls make operation seamless

The E-Series control system brought the newest generation of the Opti-View seat to the market, meaning it has updated joysticks and functionality, and gives operators enhanced control of the machine.

The seat features two primary joysticks, rather than the six joysticks that are on standard derrick control panels. The two-joystick setup is similar to that of other equipment such as excavators, with each joystick operating multiple functions.

Responsive pole guide controls allow operators to adjust the speed of the pole guides based on force used on the joystick. Unlike the previous generation of Opti-View, the E-Series update also allows you to have independent or simultaneous control of upper and intermediate booms so that operators can extend them separately or simultaneously. Unit function interlocks are operated via a trigger on the primary joystick which replaces the foot pedal found on standard riding seats.

“The E-Series Opti-View seat really allows operators to finely control the machine,” Newman said. “Once learning the layout, operators can multifunction very fluidly and be very productive with the derrick.”

‘It was a no brainer to put the seat in operation’

Introducing new equipment to operators is the ultimate test of a product, said Andy Ross, supervisor of fleet equipment at Pepco. The Exelon company delivers energy to approximately 894,000 customers in the District of Columbia and Maryland. When Ross demoed the Opti-View seat, it was an immediate hit.

“I brought it to one location to demo and the guys loved it,” Ross said. “It was one of the easiest transitions I’ve had in a truck.”

The unobstructed view and ease of access were major selling points for his operators. The only criticism Ross received, he said, was that he didn’t get the seat sooner.

“The view and comfort of operating it and the layout of the controls make it very user friendly for our operators,” Ross said. “Our operators don’t have to look up over the top of the control panel, which can be difficult depending on where they were working. It was a no-brainer to put the seat in operation. It’s been well received, and I don’t think there’s anything that could be done to make it better.”

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