Terex Utilities introduced a Terex Z-60 Substation Utility Boom (SUB) concept that will be used to assess the market need through a series of field tests throughout the year.

The Z-60 SUB is designed for substation work and other applications where an insulated device is needed, and an articulating z-boom is a more effective option than bucket truck.

Examples include working in tight areas where a trucks footprint is too large or applications where a higher level of boom articulation is needed. Its dielectric features isolate the boom tip from the chassis ground, reducing the need for boom tip bonding.

Terex Z-60 Substation Utility Boom Features

Featuring a fiberglass fly jib section and fiberglass platform with swing gate, the Z-60 SUB complies with ANSI A92.2 standard for Category E insulating rating of 20 kV.

The standard fiberglass platform has floor grating and optional cutouts for increased visibility and water egress. The platform capacity is 500 lbs, with a 2-person occupancy. Based on the Genie Z-60 FE, the Z-60 SUB is hybrid-powered, assisting utilities in their goal of achieving sustainable fleets.

It has two modes of operation:

1. In all-electric mode, the unit can work a full shift on a single battery charge.

2. In hybrid mode, it has more than a week’s worth of run time with a single diesel tank. The hybrid system automatically senses if the batteries need to be charged and will use the 24 HP diesel engine and power generator to recharge the batteries.

This system will charge depleted batteries to 80% in approximately four hours. The unit can also be charged using 120v wall power. In addition, it uses regenerative braking to recover energy that is in turn used to recharge batteries.

Precise Positioning and Maintain Traction

At 8 ft 2 in. wide, the Z-60 has an 18 ft 8 in outside turning radius, 24 ft 3 in up and over clearance, and a working range that takes the platform 10 ft below grade.

Dual parallelogram and fully proportional controls enable precise positioning, further enhanced with a 5 ft jib with a vertical rotation of 135 degrees.

Full-time active oscillating axle helps maintain traction, while 45% gradeability and 13 in ground clearance improve maneuverability in rough terrain.