From lifting wires to electrical poles to craning to material handling, the utility industry requires numerous material lifting solutions.
Manufacturers who understand the needs and challenges of their customers are investing in research and development to create products designed to address those needs and challenges. Below are the latest developments in material lifts designed for the utilities industry.
Altec
Altec Batwing Portable Guard Structure attaches to Altec digger derricks or cranes and acts as a single-conductor guard. This T-6061 aluminum overhead safety mechanism ensures conductors stay off roadways and provides utility crews with a new, faster way to secure power lines when installing or maintaining them. The Batwing kit includes all required items: mount for attaching to a truck’s digger/crane (D3060 models only), mast, main Batwing turret, extensions, and carrying case.
Axionlift
The Axionlift has updated its line of knuckle cranes. The three new models (the A65, A100, and A155) of Axionlift articulated hydraulic knuckle crane come available with numerous options, which contribute to the crane’s versatility. Due to this versatility, these lifts are used in many industries including utilities. The range features a horizontal reach from 31.2 feet to 47.2 feet and a lifting moment from 41,951 ft.-lb. to 105,617 ft.-lb.
Bobcat Equipment
Bobcat has introduced the all-electric and award-winning Bobcat S7X skid-steer loader . Powered by a lithium-ion battery, the loader uses electric drive motors and ball screw actuators for lift and tilt functions instead of hydraulics. By eliminating the hydraulics, the S7X has 50 percent fewer components, simpler componentry, and 96 percent less fluid than traditional diesel-hydraulic loaders. The loader comes equipped with Bobcat’s advanced display technology, which transforms the machine’s main window so the operator can view both the jobsite and operation information.
Caterpillar
Caterpillar has made several advancements to their line of medium wheel loaders (Cat 950 to 882). The new loaders feature improvements to the integrated brake system, new engine RPM deceleration, auto differential lock to recover or maintain traction, an integrated tire pressure monitoring system, customizable operating settings, and a standard job-aid widget to help operators in load-and-carry operations by automatically placing the bucket at the optimal height for stability and maximum material retention. Now linked to the work tool center, improvements to the zero-angle work tool widget enable the setting of different zero angles for different work tools and attachments.
CM Labs Simulations
The latest advancements in material lifting aren’t restricted to in-the-field operation, but also training. CM Labs has launched the Forklift Safety+ Add-On Module. The new training module provides teachable moments, which provide instant feedback to the trainee. The training system provides the company’s latest advancements in replicating real-world scenarios, including driving on wet/slippery surfaces in confined spaces.Columbus McKinnon
Columbus McKinnon’s popular Yale YK and Shaw-Box SK electric wire rope hoists are now available with open loop vector control. Open-loop vector control units come equipped with Magnetek brand IMPULSE•G+ Mini variable frequency drives. The open loop vector comes in a 460V configuration and has a maximum capacity of 130 tons.
Liftmoore
New advancements to the Liftmoore 6040DX WP Hydraulic-Powered Crane include WiFi diagnostics and histogram and wireless proportional controls. These features provide real-time crane stats at the fingertips of the operators. With WiFi diagnostics, technicians can diagnose issues and confirm the operating parameters of all the crane's sub-systems. The 6040DX WP has a maximum capacity of 6,000 pounds and a 40,000 ft.-lb. maximum moment rating. Extensions of 22 feet and 30 feet are available.
Manitowoc
The new Manitowoc MDLT 1109 combines high-performance lifting (11.1 tons at 262 feet) and compact transport. Key advancements to the crane include the use of the eight-foot K850 mast family, which is smaller than the 13-foot mast available on the former MD 1100, resulting in fewer trucks and faster assembly. It includes the latest Potain technology including the P+ load curve, Potain crane control system, Potain CONNECT telematics, and Cab-IN internal mast operator lift. Its Manitowoc Crane Control System offers full graphic display, ergonomic controls, and a jog dial for easier navigation
With these new advancements, utility companies and contractors will be able to complete their work with greater productivity, efficiency, and safety.
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