Terex Utilities showcases multiple new products and technologies at The Utility Expo

“New product launches began rolling out in early 2021. We are introducing more new products and technology than at any time in the company’s history. The Utility Expo will be the first-time many industry professionals will get to see these products in person,”

said Joe Caywood, Director of Marketing.

Among the equipment to be featured during daily demonstrations at the show is an Optima HR55 equipped with many options to aid the operators and users. Frequently used for construction and maintenance of distribution lines, the Optima HR55 is designed to provide reliability, efficiency and simplified operation and maintenance.

“Through the years, many of these innovations came to fruition based on market need. We listen to feedback from customers and work with them to develop solutions to real-world challenges,”

said Caywood.

Two examples are the Positive Attachment Lanyard (PAL) warning device and Load Alert.

PAL is an integrated system that signals the operator with visual and 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.

“Many other options equipped on the show demo unit are intended to reduce slips, trips and falls—high visibility grab handles, steps and outrigger pads, and bucket liner with interior step,”

said Robert Hasegawa, Product Manager.

Other features aid setup procedures. For example, sag lights illuminate if the outriggers are not in the stowed position; Brigade Backeye 360 is a camera system providing 360-degree view of the truck from inside the cab; and Crossfire is a system that equalizes inner and outer tire pressures on dual tire trucks.

Demos of New Products

In addition to the Optima HR55 equipped with popular options, three new products are included in the demos.

The General 65 MAX, introduced in June 2021, is the strongest digger derrick in the transmission market. It boasts greater capacities through all boom angles, but especially in the work zone for digging and lifting at low boom angles. The General 65 MAX will be equipped with the new Extreme Duty Digger Auger, available for dirt or rock conditions.

The TL48 Telescopic Aerial Device, released in April 2021, features industry leading 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 to get the job done. It will be equipped with SmartPTO, a simple and reliable idle reduction option, which increases fuel savings, and minimizes noise and air pollution by utilizing stored plug in electric power to operate the equipment.

The Genie Z-45 Substation Utility Boom (SUB), introduced to market in January 2021, is like no other device available for power substation applications. Purpose-built, it provides insulation and maneuverability for enhancing work practices used in substations. Featuring a fiberglass fly jib section and fiberglass platform with swing gate, the Z-45 SUB complies with ANSI A92.2 standard for Category E insulating rating of 20 kV, as measured between the boom tip and the chassis. Based on the Genie Z-45 XC, the telescopic articulating boom has a maximum platform height of 45’6” and horizontal reach of 24’9”.

Continuously monitored load weighing enables dual work zones with capacity of 660 lbs. at maximum reach or 1,000 lbs in the maximum capacity zone. The load sensing system will also disable boom function if the platform is overloaded. Utility workers will also have greater control of platform positioning with zero tail-swing, 355-degree rotation, full time 4-wheel drive, traction control, drive at height capability, and excellent up-and-over reach.