Terex Utilities displayed two popular aerial devices used for everyday transmission and distribution operations at two shows in early March. The Optima HR55 Overcenter aerial device and TL48 articulating telescopic aerial device each featured innovations that aid operators or solve challenges for utility fleets owners.

Attendees at NTEA Work Truck Week, March 8-11, in Indianapolis, Indiana, saw an Optima HR55, which is frequently used for construction and maintenance of distribution lines. The aerial device is equipped with two available operator aids, including the Positive Attachment Lanyard (PAL) warning device and Load Alert. Featuring a side mounted platform, the material handling unit has a working height of 60 ft. and side reach of 48.3 ft.

PAL is an integrated system that signals the operator with audible warnings if his or her lanyard is not attached to the anchor point when the aerial device is operated. Terex Utilities first introduced PAL in 2017 after running a pilot program with a leading electric utility cooperative. Meanwhile, Load Alert monitors and analyzes the truck’s jib and platform capacity and boom positions on Terex aerial devices. It provides visible and audible alerts when an overload is detected.

The TL48 aerial device, which is typically mounted on a lower cost, lighter weight chassis, such as a Super-Duty class vehicle, was shown at TechAdvantage, March 7-9, in Nashville, Tennessee. It has a Category "C" rating per ANSI A92.2 and boasts great side reach and material handling capacity, while maintaining vehicle payload and jib capacity to get the job done.

“One of the biggest coming challenges for electric utilities is electrification of heavy-duty fleets, including bucket trucks and digger derricks,” Joe Caywood, director of Marketing for Terex Utilities said. “The TL48 was equipped with the latest HyPower SmartPTO by Viatec, which Terex and Viatec launched at The Utility Expo last fall. SmartPTO eliminates noise and carbon emissions while also lowering operating costs and extending the life of utility equipment by reducing engine operating hours.

Terex now offers HyPower SmartPTO by Viatec on a variety of its Hi-Ranger telescopic, overcenter, and non-overcenter aerial devices as well as Commander and General digger derricks.