MENU
SEARCHEstablished in 1945 with the advent of the Tel-E-lect digger derrick, the company’s product line now includes the Terex Commander 4000, 5000 and 6000 digger derricks, as well as the Terex General 65, 80 and 95 models.
The first Tel-E-lect trucks utilized the truck’s differential to mechanically turn an auger, which was suspended from the end of an A-frame boom and was raised and lowered by the truck winch line to drill a hole. (Photo: Terex Utilities)
The year 2015 marks 70 years of utility professionals using Terex digger derricks on power grid construction and maintenance projects to quickly and efficiently bore holes and set poles in the ground.
Terex digger derricks are designed for use in electric, utility infrastructure (power line and transmission) and telecommunication applications, including digging holes, hoisting and setting utility poles and lifting other jobsite materials.
“We are truly honored to be celebrating Tel-E-lect’s 70th anniversary this year,” said Jim Lohan, Terex Utilities vice president of sales and marketing. “Since 1945, the utility industry has seen its share of good and bad times, and through it all, Terex has been right there with its customers, providing the right equipment solutions for their utility jobsite challenges.”
Established in 1945 with the advent of the Tel-E-lect digger derrick, the company’s product line now includes the Terex Commander 4000, 5000 and 6000 digger derricks, as well as the Terex General 65, 80 and 95 models.
Tel-E-lect digger derricks were first engineered and built by Leroy C. Lindquist, owner of the Minnetonka Manufacturing Company which manufactured parts for the Telephone and Electric (Tel-E-lect) utility markets in Hopkins, Minn. At the time, Lindquist worked with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company to develop a machine run by power take-off (PTO) on a truck’s transmission to dig holes for telephone poles. The first Tel-E-lect trucks utilized the truck’s differential to mechanically turn an auger, which was suspended from the end of an A-frame boom and was raised and lowered by the truck winch line to drill a hole.
The first Tel-E-lect trucks utilized the truck’s differential to mechanically turn an auger, which was suspended from the end of an A-frame boom and was raised and lowered by the truck winch line to drill a hole. (Photo: Terex Utilities)
Click here to learn more about the history of Terex digger derricks.
From Aug.11-14, Terex Utilities is offering NCCCO Digger Derrick Operator Certification in Watertown, S.D. Training includes a one-day review session and written and practical exams. Click here for additional details.
Streamlight has launched its Portable Scene Light III (PSL III), which delivers up to 10,000 lumens, and the LiteBox 1Million, a long-range search light that delivers one million candela.
Read More →
EUFMC 2026 registration has surpassed last year’s fleet registration record, and the event will deliver a variety of topics during its educational program, Driving Safety, Sustainability & Technical Expertise.
Read More →
Work Truck visited with Ismael Daneluz, vice president of sales and service for PALFINGER North America, to discuss where the company is headed in 2026. In this video, he discusses new products and a strategic growth outlook.
Read More →
AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.
Read More →
DICA’s new Ranger HD, Defender MD, and Titan mat systems deliver scalable, high-performance ground protection solutions. All are being exhibited this week at CONEXPO 2026.
Read More →
Through a new partnership, Huddig customers in the United States will gain access to an expanded sales, service and aftermarket infrastructure, leveraging Terex Services’ branch locations.
Read More →
Still managing your motor pool with spreadsheets and manual approvals? Loyola University replaced outdated processes with automated fleet management, eliminating overtime and saving up to $50,000 annually. See how they did it.
Read More →
48% of field service leaders are investing in AI to manage customer communication and self-service. Get the latest on how fleets are using AI and thinking about the future.
Read More →
For fleet managers, fuel is one of the biggest line items in the budget — and it's one hybrids can shrink without changing how your people work. Download the eBook to see the numbers, understand the technology, and get a step-by-step guide to making the switch.
Read More →
What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.
Read More →
