What is a Digger Derrick?
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.