Terex Utilities sponsored the Hurtman Rescue competition at the International Lineman’s Rodeo, held October 16, 2021 in Bonner Springs, Kansas. The event, which focuses on highlighting safe work practices, draws the most skilled journeyman and apprentice lineworkers from around the world.

During the Hurtman Rescue, workers demonstrate how to quickly and safely lower an unconscious worker from the top of a pole. For the contest, Terex Utilities provided two Optima HRX55 units, one Optima HR55 and one TL48.

Georgia’s Jackson Electric Membership Corporation and Omaha Public Power District of Nebraska won first place. The journeymen who made up the Jackson EMC team were Jeff Sutton, Kaleb Chapman, and Jeremy Adams. They beat out more than 120 other teams with a finish time of 1:41:81. Apprentice Ted Gyhra of Omaha Public Power finished the task in 48:69 ahead of more than 180 other apprentices.

The Optima Series of distribution trucks delivers responsive boom speeds, maximum side reach, and low ground access. Both units have working heights of 60 ft. and 42.8 ft. non-overcenter side reach at 116 degrees lower boom angle. Optima HRX55 features X-Frame outriggers and HR55 has A-Frame outriggers.

The TL48 Telescopic Aerial Device, introduced earlier this year, features side reach and material handling capacity. It achieves 53 ft. working height on a super-duty class vehicle, while maintaining vehicle payload and jib capacity.

During the conference and trade show that preceded the Lineman’s Rodeo competition, Terex Utilities displayed a BTA spiral auger tool and a Commander C4047 digger derrick in custom pink colors. The equipment, which traveled from the Utility Expo in Louisville to Kansas, was used to promote Breast Cancer Awareness during the month of October. Visitors were invited to sign a banner to help raise funds for breast cancer research. For every signature collected, the company will donate $2 –up to $5,000—to Susan G. Komen, Great Plains chapter in South Dakota.