1,000+ Linemen Participate in International Utility Competition

The threat of severe thunderstorms didn’t put a damper on the 34th International Lineman’s Rodeo, which broke attendance records on Oct. 14 in Bonner Springs, Kan. More than 1,000 linemen from around the world competed in team events and individual journeyman and apprentice events, demonstrating the extreme skills necessary to safely complete their jobs.

Linemen competed in pole climbing, hurtman rescue, and multiple mystery events, which this year included a rope tying event.

Terex and Utility One Source (UOS) sponsored the Apprentice Hurtman Rescue Competition by providing four Hi-Ranger TC55 aerial devices and one Hi-Ranger TL55 aerial device. The purpose of the Hurtman Rescue is to demonstrate speed while safely lowering an injured worker (represented by a mannequin) who is unconscious at the top of the pole. Kaleb Chapman of Jackson Electric Membership Corp., in Atlanta was the fastest apprentice with a time of 00:43:33 and zero deductions.

In addition to the aerial devices used in the Hurtman Rescue Competition, Terex also displayed a Commander C4047 digger derrick. The hydraulic digger derrick offers a 47.4-foot sheave height in the turret mount (TM) winch configuration and 46.8 feet in the boom tip (PG) winch configuration. Both configurations provide 17-26 feet of digging radius.

“Terex supports the International Lineman’s Rodeo because it reinforces the importance of training for developing qualified, skilled workers. Properly trained personnel and properly maintained equipment contribute to safe, and likewise productive, work performance. Every person in the operations chain plays a critical role in achieving that goal. From stocking the right tools, to thorough inspections and maintenance, to selecting the right equipment for your fleet, each is equally important,” said Ted Barron, vertical market product manager.