Utility Equipment Blog

I bought my first bucket truck…..now what?

2012-12-18T11:50:00.000-05:00

After I bought my first bucket truck several years ago, I found myself asking, now what. Sure I know what the truck does and I know how to go up and work on the jobs, but what do I really know about the truck and aerial.

How am I supposed to know everything I need to do? What is the required maintenance and inspections that need done? These manuals that came with it are as clear as mud.

I figured my best option was to really apply myself and study these manuals front to back. Well at least I read through them. That has got to put me ahead of most. I had some ideas, but also some conflicting items. I tried to make a chart and a plan, but it just seemed like it was not working out right.

I swallowed my pride and contacted the dealer I bought the truck from. I remember how he explained everything to me when I bought the truck. I discovered that he was an amazing resource to turn to. He knew what the manufacturers and ANSI requirements were, and quickly put me on the fast track to bucket truck maintenance and inspections, and all I had to do was ask.

Several years later, I run my own electrical contracting company with a fleet of bucket trucks, digger derricks and trouble trucks. I reflect back on that first truck and am truly thankful that I made that phone call that day.

Glen

General Electrical Contractor

Visibility on the Job Site

2011-06-14T07:23:00.001-05:00

Whether it be day or night, having effective visibility on the job site, whether along the road or other areas is essential to the workers safety. Night work has it set of challenges but also with the spring mornings we are having excessively bright sunlight on the horizon when the motorists commence about their day. Work vehicles equipped with the 360 degree amber lights, front and rear amber safety lights and arrow stick lights at the rear are the benchmark of the industry today. Though it may seem to be lit up like a Holiday Season display, in most cases more is always better. Then adding to any unit high conspicuity reflective stripes with bright colors enhances the unit with red-white on the rear of the unit, front bumper areas and then along the sides of the unit adds to the total visibility. Adding to the area of the unit illumination, it appears that the use of LED type lamps and the effective visibility is enhanced to the human eye over the past generation safety lights, thus adding to the visibility. Having all the illumination placed at a normal driver height from a passenger vehicle view point certainly would add that extra part to the safety. Maintain the light systems for optimum safety, when these are not working properly get them repaired in a timely manner to insure your safety.

How Technology Changes an Industry

2011-05-25T08:51:00.000-05:00

Back in the early 2000's I started to work in the IT field with the utility equipment industry. An old boss back at a previously company stated, "No one will ever buy a bucket truck from the Internet!" Oh how times have changed! Not only did we create a website for that company, it became one of the main sources of income by drawing in people that would have never found or heard of them otherwise.

It’s true the business world is very different now in the age of the Internet. Although the utility equipment industry is still somewhat old school, the need and want for technology is all around. The questions always being asked are: “How can we make it better?” “How do we get the data to the customer in the most accurate and fastest way possible?”

These are our goals here at Versalift East. We want to give our customers as much information as we possibly can, while still staying competitive. We have an online inventory system that keeps our website up-to-date all the time. New equipment specifications are spelled out to give website visitors all the data they need to help in their product purchase decision- making process.

Versalift East uses video to show a unit in working order, interior details, the boom in action, etc. All of our videos can be seen on our YouTube Channel. We have also produced other videos such as safety and product demonstrations.

We have created this blog to give customers fresh ideas and to answer those common questions. Employees from all departments participate with these blog articles in order to give a well rounded view of different aspects of the utility truck/equipment segment. We have other informative segments on our website in the "Other" section of our menu on our main website. We have industry related new articles, interesting utility equipment related photos, and section for other useful websites.

Versalift East joined the networking social media with its page on Facebook. If you haven't joined us on Facebook yet, we encourage you to "Like" us! We talk about industry related topics and other events and happenings going on at Versalift East.

Our online store continues to grow, adding a way for people to be able to find parts and accessories 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our store contains common Versalift parts such as bucket leveling shocks, replacement decals, and control panels and non-specific parts for all aerial units like saw scabbards, bucket covers, hydraulic tools, augers, winch rope, lighting and safety equipment to name just a few. Peter and Greg in the parts department are always looking for more products to add to the store to give our customers everything they need.

The Versalift East website also has an online support feature. If a customer has a question about a certain product or service, they can chat live to an agent right on the website.

One of our newest advances is our new Diamond Partner program, where customers who purchase a certain amount of units from Versalift East have a login and they can access all the history to their units on the website. They have access to digital manuals, parts ordering, safety bulletins, engineering drawings, unit specifications and more. We are very proud of this program and continue to grow its capabilities.

Versalift East will continue to move forward in technology to meet the needs of our customers. We invite you to visit our website at www.VersaliftEast.com and see what we can offer. Can't find what you are looking for? Please contact us at info@versalifteast.com and we will be happy to help.

Drafting and Designing in Today’s Environment

2011-05-18T10:28:00.000-05:00

It’s to no surprise that in the past ten years technology has advanced significantly. From computers to cell phones, technological advancements have help save lives, educate students more efficiently, and has helped business produce better products.

Drafting and Design in general has been advanced both virtually and physically. From the days of manual drafting to computer aided drafting, technology has help drafting and design produce more improved drawing that are both more detailed and easier to interpret.

In the recent years Parametric Solid Modeling (3D) has made a permanent impression in the manufacturing field. Designing in 3D has helped with getting products to market quicker, reduced material costs and helped technicians with assembling products on the shop floor.

In the past few years many companies have released their own program of 3D Parametric Solid Modeling. Some are geared towards different industries, ex: Architecture, Electrical circuit boards, Plant design to consumer product design.

Just recently Versalift East implemented SolidWorks 3D design software into their system. With both AutoCAD and Solidworks, engineers have been using both these for production design and drafting.

Many other companies that Versalift East purchases products from have been using SolidWorks for their design software. Reading Truck, Dakota, Knapheide as some to just name a few.

In a recent design, Versalift East used SolidWorks to design a flip up cone holder. By designing this in 3D it allowed the engineer to both reduce the design phase and reduce the need for multiple prototypes to ensure fit and function was correct.

3D design has even allowed the introduction of the 3D printer. A device that can create physical solid objects within a machine that produces a product right from the 3D solid model.

From a drafting board to 2D design and now 3D making its way to industry standard, many business have benefited from this.

Check back with Versalift East’s online store to purchase the flip up cone holder and many other products. http://store.versalifteast.com/

Key To A Durable Long Lasting Finish

2011-05-10T07:03:00.000-05:00

The first step in a high quality finish is to wash the vehicle with hot, soapy water to remove water soluble contaminants. Listed below are some of the more common things that a vehicle finish may be exposed to:

Dirt, Mud
Tree Sap
Road Salt
Bird Droppings

In addition to the contaminants listed above other types of materials may also be removed using the method listed above. These would include:

Polyglycote
Some Waxes and Polishes

Once all water soluble contaminants have been removed the next step in surface preparation is solvent cleaning. This step is designed to remove solvent soluble contaminants:

Grease/Oil
Road Tar
Waxes and Polishes
Silicone

Then we prepare the body and parts for paint. Next, the body and parts are primed using a 2 part epoxy primer and finished with a polyurethane top coat. Finally the unit reassembled and detailed for delivery.

Tire Life = Money

2011-05-03T15:41:00.000-05:00

One of the main reasons you should keep your tires properly inflated besides highway safety, is money, plain and simple. Tires aren’t cheap: In fact, they’re the second or third largest expense for most truck operators, right behind fuel and labor. So how you manage your tires can have a big impact on your company’s bottom line.

Here’s a list of good overall tire-care tips:

Use tire air equalizers to spot under-inflation
Have tire pressure checked regularly
Maintain proper inflation in all tires including the spare
Pull tires when they reach a tread depth of 6/32nds
Dual tires must be the same size (since manufacturers' recommendations are different, check their manuals for tire service data)
Align axles when mounting tires
Have an alignment check done as part of your yearly scheduled maintenance, or as soon as you feel a pull in the steering while driving

I put air in the tire, now where did it go?

Cupped Tire Wear

Proper tire inflation is critical because it’s the air inside the tire that carries the weight of a vehicle. It also absorbs shock and keeps the tire in its proper shape so it may perform as designed. Inflation pressures also influence handling, traction, braking, load carrying capability and fuel economy.

Most tire manufacturers agree that a tire is considered “under-inflated” when the air pressure is at 80% or less than the recommended level. For every 10 degree drop or increase in temperature your tires can loose or gain up to 3 psi.

Tires flex when they roll which bends the tire’s rubber and steel cords used within the rubber on the sidewall of the tire to provide additional strength and operating characteristics. This flexing generates heat and adds to the tire wear resulting from the friction created between the road’s surface and the tread as the tire rolls along. Heat is a tire’s worst enemy.

If a tire isn’t properly inflated, it doesn’t roll as smoothly or as easily as it was designed to. As a result, it will have an uneven, irregular “footprint” – that portion that contacts the road surface. This inconsistent shape leads to increased wear, reduced traction and performance, plus handling and ride problems.

The concentrated flexing caused by under-inflation leads to premature wear, and fatigue and failure of the steel cords. There is a direct correlation between how much a tire is under-inflated and how much faster it wears out.

Over-inflated Tire

When overinflated, however, excessive wear occurs at the center of the tread because it will bear the majority of the vehicle’s weight. Along with making for a harsher ride, overinflated tires don’t ‘absorb’ the impact of road hazards, such as potholes, as well and increase the risk of sustaining a puncture or impact damage.

So before you go down the road, or up in the air, check your tires and their pressure. It’s for your safety and will benefit you and/or your company in the end.

Dielectric Testing

2011-04-27T07:04:00.001-05:00

Dielectric Tester

Dielectric testing is an evaluation process performed by applying voltage to an aerial device that exceeds the normal operating voltages surrounding the working area. The purpose of the test is to determine if a component’s insulation is adequate enough to protect the user from electric shock. This testing procedure is performed on all insulated aerial devices. The manufacturer of an aerial device typically conducts dielectric testing at the end of the production process. A special device known as a dielectric tester is used to perform this type of test.

Almost all aerial devices leak a certain amount of electrical current due to a variety of different factors. This very small amount of current is considered to be safe for users of these components. Under certain conditions the insulating materials or mechanisms can breakdown and allow dangerous amounts of electrical current to come into contact with the user. This type of insulation failure can sometimes cause serious injury or death. Dielectric testing is necessary to ensure that the insulating mechanism of an aerial device will withstand voltage variations under normal operating conditions.

Dielectric Testing

A dielectric test is performed before the vehicle is delivered new to a customer. An additional dielectric test is required to be performed once a year for the aerial’s yearly inspection. Also anytime an aerial’s insulated section has been repaired or any component on that unit has been replaced. Some end user’s have higher safety standards and require a test done more frequently. Check with your manufacturer or your service center to see if your aerial device is due for an inspection and dielectric test.

Advantages of Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil

2011-04-19T07:30:00.001-05:00

Evergreen 22 Environmentally
Safe Utility Biodegradable
Hydraulic Oil

The Evergreen 22 biodegradable hydraulic oil, standard in all new Versalift East products, has many advantages other than biodegradability. Here are a few of those advantages and some observations about the oil’s properties.

Although biodegradable, spilled Evergreen 22 should be contained and absorbed as much as possible just like you would do with a petroleum based product. The difference is that the remainder of the spilled Evergreen 22 can be flushed away with water since it will break down almost completely in a one month period. Grass that has the bio oil spilled on it will show recovery in a week if flushed with water in manufacturer’s testing. No need to dig up soil.
While biodegradable, Evergreen 22 is not water soluble which is an important quality. A key function of hydraulic oil is to keep water out of suspension, demulsify, so it can be drained out of the bottom of the hydraulic tank if it collects. Water in suspension would cause rust in the system. A water soluble oil would not have this key property.
Evergreen 22 is designed specifically for high dielectric resistance. Important when used in an insulated aerial device.
Evergreen 22 is a plant based synthetic oil, not petroleum based like mineral oil.
Evergreen 22 contains additives such as antifoaming, antirust, anticorrosion, demulsifier, anti-wear, and oxidation stability to provide long service life. Just like in any quality petroleum based hydraulic oil.
Viscosity index is a measure of how viscosity changes with temperature. Evergreen 22 has a high viscosity index which indicates lower change in viscosity over a wide range of temperature. Compared to a leading petroleum based ISO 22 hydraulic oil, Evergreen 22 is actual more viscosity stable (higher viscosity index) over the full range of operating temperature.
Pour point is -36 degrees Celsius for Evergreen 22, -30 degrees Celsius for the petroleum based competitor.
Testing for Evergreen 22 includes its effects on seal life. Evergreen 22 passed test on Buna, neoprene, and Viton seal material.
It is safe to mix Evergreen 22 with petroleum based hydraulic oil if needed. This also allows you to change your older system from petroleum based to biodegradable Evergreen 22 by dumping and refilling, no special flushing of the tank and lines is required.
Disposal of biodegradable oil depends on you local recycler. Check with them as to whether you should store separately or can mix with petroleum based waste oil. It all depends on their recycling method. Don’t pour it down the drain.
Price per gallon is similar, no extra up front cost.

In summary, Evergreen 22 biodegradable hydraulic oil has all the good properties of its petroleum based competitors without some of its bad characteristics. Evergreen 22 can be purchased 24/7 from our online store in quantities of 5 gallon pail, 55 gallon drum or a 275 gallon tote. Online store website is http://store.versalifteast.com - look for Biodegradable Oils category.

Care of Fiberglass Booms

2011-04-14T08:59:00.001-05:00

Fiberglass booms should be wiped down daily with a lint free cloth. This practice both cleans the boom and allows the operator to inspect the boom for any damage or items requiring repair. In the event any chips, scrapes or abrasions are found, that would permit water to be absorbed into the fiberglass, the boom should be repaired in accordance with the manufacturers requirements.

Fiberglass booms should never be steam cleaned. This practice may actually damage the boom by allowing the high-pressure water and steam to penetrate the fiberglass. Booms should be washed with a mild dish-washing detergent. Never use an abrasive type cleanser or anything that will compromise the dielectric value of the boom. The boom will need to be elevated and allowed to air dry after the unit has washed.

If the boom does have deposits of creosote or grease a more aggressive chemical, such as Donar Chemicals Electra Clean, may be used. The booms need to be thoroughly rinsed and allowed to air dry after the use of any type of cleaner.

Once booms have been cleaned, it should be coated with a good quality fiberglass wax. Boom wax is available from companies such as Hastings, Kearney and Donar. This coating of wax will help to keep the booms clean and shiny, preventing grease, road salts and creosote from adhering to the boom. This will also assist the boom with shedding water during storm work.

Fiberglass booms should be dielectrically certified after the booms have been cleaned to insure the dielectric values of the boom have not changed. A dielectric test should also be performed anytime a boom has been repaired or a component that passes thru an insulated portion of the boom has been replaced. This test will insure the repair procedure and the replacement items used, have not affected the insulated value of the boom.

Items such as saw scabbards should be removed for any dielectric tests. These items should also be washed periodically to insure they do not track any residue across an insulated portion of the booms. It is important not to place any aerial accessories in a manner that may affect the dielectric value of the boom.

If you have any questions about boom maintenance or repairs, you should contact your aerial service center or the aerial manufacturer for assistance.

Reducing Fleet Fuel Costs

2011-04-05T07:23:00.001-05:00

Chassis choice can reduce the fleet procurement costs while realizing a major windfall savings from fuel and long term ownership costs. It may be worth the time and effort to look beyond procurement to the users and to the actual job function. Below are examples of the same job being approached with two differently specified aerials and chassis doing the same job however there is tremendous long term cost of ownership savings.

Short term fleet fuel costs can be realized by increasing operator awareness. Below are five simple bullet items that can be reinforce at tailboard meetings, posted in the ready rooms or safety good operation meetings.

Jackrabbit starts waste fuel and save less than 3 minutes per hour driving, but can result in using 40% more fuel, reducing drive line costs as well.
Speeds over 60 mph drastically impact fuel efficiencies - cars traveling at 75 mph use 20% more fuel. Trucks traveling at 75 mph use 50% more fuel and they also emit 100% more carbon monoxide, 50% more hydrocarbons and 31% more nitrogen oxides.
Excessive idling can add to your fleet fuel costs by as much as 50% and can shorten engine oil life by 75%, driving all fleet operating costs.
Extra parasitic weight places unnecessary strain on your vehicle's engine and greatly affects a fleet’s fuel consumption driving operating costs.
Proper tire inflation improves fuel mileage. Statistics show improperly inflated tires can cost up to 2 weeks worth of fuel per year. Fleet tire costs follow not far behind fuel costs. Tire inflation can save in two big ways effecting the bottom line helping to control the cost of ownership.

Plastic Composites Co. and Versalift East, LLC Teamed Up

2011-03-30T14:14:00.001-05:00

Plastic Composites Co. and Versalift East, LLC teamed up together to offer new chain saw scabbard to our online store bucket truck accessories category.

The lighter weight fiberglass scabbard design improves durability in the field and eases maintenance. The many rivets have been replaced with only two low profile screws positioned out of the way. Screws allow rapid insert replacement in the field when the chain-saw-resistant liner eventually wears out. The holster may be re-used.

PCC also re-designed the scabbard to be mounted both inside and outside the bucket. The Model 400 Polyethylene saw scabbard design provides a intermediate duty plastic backboard and holster while incorporating the new rapidly-replaceable resistant liner. Both the fiberglass and polyethylene scabbards are available on our online store for more information please go to store.versalifteast.com click on bucket truck accessories and view many other products we have to offer. Keep your tools and yourself safe while working up high. Check out the Scabbards today.

Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update

2011-03-24T06:43:00.000-05:00

From the US Energy Information Administration, http://www.eia.doe.gov

As fuel prices continue to rise, evaluating your engine options may a good idea. Because, whether you buy a vehicle that runs on gas or one that runs on diesel can be a very difficult decision.

Currently, gas is less expensive than diesel, but not by much. Generally speaking, if your vehicle is used in a local, low mileage operation, then a gasoline truck may suit your requirements better. Diesel engines tend to be more economical over longer distances and are therefore better suited to high mileage operations. Diesel engines are also more suitable for heavier work and typically have longer engine life.

There are a number of issues that need to be taken in to consideration, like purchase price, noise, re-sale value, idle time and effect on the environment. Another important consideration is vehicle performance.

Diesel powered vehicles are more expensive and noisier than their gas powered counterparts. Diesel powered vehicles retain their value due to the economies and the longer engine life. The new style of diesel engines produces less “smog”, although overall the levels released are still higher than gasoline engines. However gasoline engines release more of the carbon dioxide gases which have been directly attributed to global warming.

Regarding vehicle performance, let’s look at the following example:

Cable Company “A” has a fleet of gas powered vans with aerial buckets. These gas powered vans typically get about 6 miles to the gallon and cost about $50,000 each including the lifts and all of the upfitting. Vehicle Manufacturer “B” is offering a diesel powered van that gets between 20 to 25 miles per gallon, but costs about $20,000 more than the gas powered equivalent.

At what point does the economy of the diesel overcome the increase in cost required to purchase the diesel?

Using the National Averages of $3.562 for gas and $3.907 for diesel, there is a difference of $0.345 per gallon between gas and diesel. As you can see the case for Gas vs. Diesel becomes more obvious the more mileage that your vehicles run.

10,000 miles per year at 6 miles per gallon = 1666.66 gallons of gas per year x $3.562 per gallon = $5,936.64 per year in gas fuel cost.

10,000 miles per year at 20 miles per gallon = 500 gallons of diesel per year x $3.907 per gallon = $1,953.50 per year in diesel fuel cost.

20,000 miles per year at 6 miles per gallon = 3333.33 gallons of gas per year x $3.562 per gallon = $11,873.32 per year in gas fuel cost.

20,000 miles per year at 20 miles per gallon = 1000 gallons of diesel per year x $3.907 per gallon = $3907.00 per year in diesel fuel cost.

30,000 miles per year at 6 miles per gallon = 5000 gallons of gas per year x $3.562 per gallon = $17,810 per year in gas fuel cost.

30,000 miles per year at 20 miles per gallon = 1500 gallons of diesel per year x $3.907 per gallon = $5,860.50 per year in diesel fuel cost.

Obviously, real numbers may vary due to a variety of factors, but a case can be made for Company “A” to consider buying some diesel powered vehicles, even if the diesel powered vehicles have a significantly higher purchase price. Especially, if company “A” keeps their vehicle for 7 to 10 years.

In closing, there are many issues to consider when making a decision whether to purchase gas or diesel powered equipment, these are but just a few. In the future, fuel prices are sure to rise, as are the taxes on fuel. So, be prepared.

Advantages of Using Dielectric Grease on Electrical Connections

2011-03-18T05:52:00.000-05:00

Dielectric grease is non-conductive grease. Because it is non-conductive it does not enhance the flow electrical current. Electrical conductors should not be coated with dielectric grease prior to being mated. However, dielectric grease is often applied to electrical connectors, particularly ones which contain rubber gaskets, as a way to provide a non-conductive lubricant and sealer for the rubber portions of the connector.

The widest use of dielectric grease is in high-voltage connections associated with spark plugs. The grease is applied to the rubber boot of the plug wire. This helps the rubber boot slide onto the ceramic insulator of the plug. The grease also acts to seal the rubber boot, while at the same time preventing the rubber from becoming stuck to the ceramic. Generally spark plugs are in located in areas of high temperature, and the grease is formulated to withstand the temperature range expected.

Another common use of dielectric grease is on the rubber mating surfaces or gaskets of multi-pin electrical connectors used in automotive and truck engines. The grease again acts as a lubricant and a sealant on the non-conductive mating surfaces of the connector. It is not recommended to be applied to the actual electrical conductive contacts of the connector.

In our process of up fitting trucks we coat the completed terminals of junction boxes to reduce the possibility of corrosion to the terminals. We also coat the rear of our toggle switches for the same reason.

Because it doesn't conduct electricity, dielectric grease is used in many electrical applications to ensure a sound metal-to-metal connection. It provides lubrication and protection without adding any significant bulk.

Where would I start with bucket truck specifications? Do I start with the chassis, the body, or the aerial device?

2011-03-13T21:23:00.001-05:00

Starting with the chassis could limit the options of the type of aerial device you might want installed. So I would recommend starting with the aerial device and work from there. Most manufactures have chassis requirements for their aerial devices and have a set GVW that the aerial will be stable on when in operation along with safety requirements from ANSI.

What are some of the features that are available in looking at the aerial device portion of the specifications? The aerial device may include emergency power, engine stop/start, bucket sizes, outrigger configurations and side reach of the aerial device. There are many options to choose from and knowing how the unit will function in a work day could help you design a better unit overall.

Once you have the aerial device portion set, the next thing to look at is the chassis. Due to the fact that the aerial device requires certain axle capacities for the front and rear, and certain frame requirements, the chassis needs special consideration when purchasing. After the aerial device chassis requirements are satisfied you can move onto the cab portion. There are many options like the aerial device, such as, power windows, power door locks, CD players, GPS systems to name a few.

Next we’re going to look at the body. Most body manufactures can design a body around the equipment with the guidance of the installer. There are two bodies typical used for a bucket truck, a line or service body and a flatbed body. A flatbed body typical comes with under-body boxes or a cross box mounted behind the cab area, depending on the aerial device selected. A line or service body is the most common bodies used for aerial devices. These bodies have side compartments with shelves, material drawers, and hooks inside them to store equipment.

In closing, there are many more components to look at and review. These three major components will help get you started. However, the individuals going to use the end product should be asked questions about the usage of the bucket truck. It is recommended that you contact a dealer that sells and services aerial device equipment for more guidance.

Utility/Service Body Applications - Steel and Aluminum

2011-03-07T16:27:00.001-05:00

When writing specifications for work trucks with service bodies the costs can add up very fact if one is not careful. Several things need to be considered:

What type of use will the the truck and body be subject to?
How long will the truck be in service ? Most service body manufacturers carry a 5 year plus warranty covering rust and corrosion.
What payload are you considering ?

Bodies made from steel are almost twice as heavy as aluminum. Aluminum bodies cost more than steel. The weight saving of aluminum could possibly save money in the cost of the chassis selection. It also could improve the fuel economy over steel. Not too many manufacturers offer aluminum bodies so it would be advisable to work with a company that has at least 10 years or more of successful manufacturing experience. It is also advisable to get feedback from some of their users.

All steel bodies have been the mainstay for users over the years and there are a large number of manufactures to choose from. It is suggested that a good two sided zinc coated steel be specified for protection against rust and corrosion. Also check into the various warranties offered. Once a supplier has been determined it is important to work closely with the manufacturer to select standard compartment and door sizes. If special sizing is required the body costs will increase due to special set-ups and smaller runs when manufacturing.

Body options can also be costly. For example ball bearing rollout compartment drawers can cost at least $100.00 plus depending on the size and complexity. If a body calls fo 5 or 6 drawers, the cost for that option could easily exceed $1000.00. Friction type slid out drawers are also available at a considerable cost saving.

Rubber Fenderetts is another costly option to avoid. They are usually installed on the wheelhouse are of the body with a large number of fasteners. The more fasteners the more costly to produce and the better the chances for rust to occur. You will save money and premature failures if steel fenderetts are specified.

Rust Proofing of Bodies... over the years with the advent of zinc coated steels and improved body primers, rust proofing is not required for longer life and is a waste of money. Even in the high salt regions, bodies wil perform very well without the extra cost for rust proofing.

Your Versalift East Engineering Staff can help you make good decisions in body designs and money saving tips when making your body selections.

Safety Tips When Operating Aerial Equipment - “Do’s & Don'ts”

2011-02-23T12:48:00.008-05:00

Training: Only those authorized and who have received general instructions, regarding the inspection, application and operation shall operate such equipment.

Operator of equipment must familiarization themselves with the manufactures Operators Manual prior to the use of equipment. Particular reference must be made to the operator responsibility.

Work-site Safety: Before equipment is used, the work-site shall be surveyed for hazards such as:

Un-tamped earth fills
Ditches
Drop offs
Debris
Overhead obstructions
Weather conditions

Safety: The two main risks associated with operating aerial equipment.

Electrocution caused by operating too close to power lines.
Injuries caused by falling as a result of equipment failure or the operator performing an unsafe or unstable maneuver.
A safe attitude is very important when operating equipment.

The Do’s and Don’ts: The following illustrates unsafe conditions that may occur during the use of aerial equipment.

Hydraulic System Cleanliness

2011-02-17T15:41:00.006-05:00

The cleanliness of a hydraulic system on mobile equipment is as important as the care of the engine and chassis oils. Contamination in a hydraulic system will wear pumps, valves and cylinders prematurely. The accumulation of particles will wear the system. This in turn will breed more wear and shorten service life.Sources of contamination could be some residual left in the system from manufacturing or normal component wear, but more likely from the tool circuit, tank breather or fill cap.

Most filters have a built in bypass to protect the filter from rupturing and spilling all trapped particles into the system. If the filter is not serviced, new particles pass the filter and circulate throughout the system.

Water is a contaminant. It can lead to rust in the system and a breakdown of the oil properties. More importantly it will effect the dielectric properties. Other contaminants could be gas content or acidity.

Oil sampling on a periodic basis is a good idea to assure a clean system, as well as regular filter service.

Regular filter service, proper oil levels and oil sample tests will insure a long serviceable hydraulic system. If you need parts such as filters or hydraulic oil, you can order online at our parts & accessory store: http://store.versalifteast.com.

Utility Tool & Trailer, Inc teams up with Versalift East!

2011-01-13T12:16:00.005-05:00

Utility Tool & Trailer, Inc. is excited to announce the addition of Versalift East Inc. (VEl) as our newest full-range supplier. VEl now has the ability to sell any and all products in our Commercial line as well as take customer requests for new products. VEl will continue to focus on expanding our Commercial line and our customer base by providing our line to any/all customers and as such will be a reliable point of contact for almost all of the northeastern United States.

About Utility Tool & Trailer, Inc.

UTT was founded by Arthur Giersbach in 1935 under a simply idea: to create a line of specialty equipment exclusively for phone and electrical line contraction companies. 70 years later, UTT is a lot larger and whole lot better. Our niche markets now cover military, commercial, utility and service/support industries. Our 78,000 square foot manufacturing, prep and paint facilities house our workforce which averages more than 18 years of service with us.

We've grown beyond anything Arthur probably ever imagined, yet there are a few things we won't change: our spirit of product innovation and our focus on the special needs of niche markets. Our cornerstone of delivering a better line of time-tested trailers and equipment is still at the core of everything we do. It's a pretty simple formula, but it's been working since 1935.

John Weiland
Director of Commercial Sales & Marketing
Utility Tool & Trailer, Inc.

View the complete line of Utility Tool & Trailer on the Versalift East website.

You can also now purchase UTT Accessories 24/7 through the Versalift East Online Store!

Cold Weather Aerial Operations

2011-01-10T20:43:00.005-05:00

Winter Time in the Cold Areas bring challenges to aerial equipment operators in numerous ways, cold weather operations truly test all equipment operations and the personnel involved. Taking a look at one specific area is the aerial unit set up when parked on ice or snow covered ground for aerial operations. If we recall, the ANSI A92.2 requirements are based on the truck/aerial unit being parked on firm level ground and/or up to a 5 degree slope for operations. Most all of the tests performed by an aerial provider where testing is done on a dry and clear surface. Most of the year, the units operate on a similar surface in the day to day work. What happens when the major winter storms hit our region? Though ice and snow are firm in nature of their content when packed, the area of concern is the unit loosing grip to the ground now ice and snow packed covered during aerial operations with the booms off to the side at extended reaches. Extra steps should be taken to secure the truck with using cleated wheel chocks properly sized for the tire diameter along with outriggers pads that would grip the given ice or snow covered surface. Units that are stabilized with the truck suspension and/or torsion bars, suggested practice to use cleated wheel chocks properly sized for the tire diameter on all four wheels to prevent a sliding movement of the truck tires during aerial operations. In all work vocations of aerial unit operation, whether electric provider, tele-communications or tree work along with many others, when the major winter storm hits our area, the companies' operations continue to work in the toughest of situations with down power lines, trees falling onto lines and many other opportunities. Keeping the operators safe and without doubt of the ice and snow making their work further unsafe is something no one can afford. Stay safe, take the extra measures in your work set up, there is no substitute for taking a few more minutes for your own and your teams' safety.

Versalift East now dealer for Posi-Plus Equipment

2011-01-06T09:59:00.001-05:00

Versalift East located in Bethlehem , Pa. has been appointed the exclusive dealer for POSI+ Material Handlers, Cable Placers and Cable Handlers. Versalift East will represent POSI+ in the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and West Virginia.

The POSI+ Line of Champ Material Handlers are heavy Duty construction with high lifting capacity. The Square Boom provides minimum deflection. Features include full feathering hydraulic controls, full pressure hydraulics, over center articulation, increased side reach and a large range of options.

The POSI+ Line Runner Cable Placers are designed for extended reach and built for optimized operator performance. Features include a ergonomic work platform, joystick controls, an electro hydraulic system, increased deck space, high side pull capacity and customized configurations and options.

The POSI+ Line Driver Cable Handler features a self-powered trailer model and single and 2- reel truck mounted models. They include remote control; action, high payload capacity, powerful torque for fast and efficient overhead life-cycle and reliable radio remote control.

Specifications and all models can be found by visiting the Versalift East website. POSI+ Products are backed up with the best warranty in the industry. Versalift East will provide outstanding service on POSI+ Products including sales, engineering, installation, and field service after the sale.

Versalift East is pleased to announce that we have established two important Distributor Relationships

2011-01-06T09:55:00.001-05:00

We are now a Full Line Reading Distributor. This includes their line of Steel and Aluminum Service and Custom Line Bodies, Dump Bodies and Hoists, Stake Contractor and Landscape Bodies, Crane Bodies, Dry Freight and Citi-Van Bodies and Products for Pickup Trucks including Caps, Toolboxes and Ladder Racks. We also have ready access to all the nationwide inventory of Reading's Bailment Pools which can provide fast work truck service.

We also are a Full Line Distributor for Effer Utility Cranes. Effer has led the way in innovation and design. Effer features a range of over 40 models of truck cranes, available in many hundreds of variations, featuring lifting capacities from two to two hundred ton, and with as many as five different boom configurations.

Shortly we will be listing both product lines on our website with complete product information. Please contact us if we can be of any service for both your Reading and Effer Crane needs.

Commercial Drivers License (CDL) – Air Brakes, or No Air Brakes.

2006-10-16T11:35:00.000-05:00

When looking at utility vehicles, especially aerial bucket trucks, the is a huge demand for units that do not require a CDL license. There has been confusion and many different opinions as to what qualifies a truck to be over CDL or under CDL.

After talking with the Ohio State Patrol, I think I have the final answer. The law states that if a vehicle has a GVWR of 26,000 lbs or under, it does not require a CDL license. If a vehicle has a GVWR of 26,001 or greater, it requires a CDL. There is not mention of air brakes. However, if a vehicle is 26,001 lbs or over and it also has air-brakes, then you also need an air-brake certification.

So in short, any driver can drive a truck at 26,000 GVWR with air brakes and still be legal. However, if the truck is 26,001 GVWR and has air brakes, you will need a CDL and also an air-brake certification.

Over-center vs. Non-Over-center

2006-06-13T19:42:00.000-05:00

When looking at an Articulating Bucket Truck, there are two main designs to consider. The first, and most common, is a Non-Over-center bucket. The NOC bucket will articulate and extend to a full 90 degrees (straight up in the air). This is a great design for electrical work as you are generally close to the truck. The limitation to the NOC bucket truck is that the amount of total side reach is the length of the upper boom and no more.

For a more versatile and maneuverable bucket truck, the Over-center unit will provide almost twice the side reach.

The term “Over-center” refers to the position of the upper boom when it is fully extended and actually breaks past the 90-degree mark…it goes over center. This function will give an operator the ability to extend the lower and upper boom out vertically, thus having almost twice the amount of side reach…the full length of the lower and upper boom extended.

The over center models are perfect for applications where the operator needs additional maneuverability and added side reach. For instance, many arborists utilize the over center bucket trucks as well as utility workers who need the additional flexibility.

The easiest way to determine if a bucket truck is over-center or not, is to look at the position of the upper and lower booms. If they are stacked on top of each other, 99% of the time, it is a NOC boom. If they are side-by-side, then 99% of the time it is an OC boom.

Some bucket trucks also have a lower boom that breaks over center. For instance, the Lift All LOM-10-55 has a lower boom that will break 10 degrees past the center mark…or 100 degrees.

Heavy Equipment Leasing

2005-11-28T08:41:00.000-05:00

Leasing heavy equipment for your business is an excellent choice. According to industry research, approximately $4,457,296,184 of heavy equipment is leased each year by businesses in the United States. These businesses lease heavy equipment because they know that leasing offers numerous advantages over other type of financing, including tax deductions, balance sheet management, immediate write-offs, great flexibility, customized solutions, better asset management, improved cash flow, flexible end of term options, easy upgrades, and fast processing.

Heavy Equipment Leasing Facts
Leasing allows you to structure a financing program that addresses your key business issues, including: cash flow, budget, transaction, and cyclical fluctuations. For example, some heavy equipment operators request seasonal leases, which allow them to schedule their payments during their busiest months.

Call us and talk to our leasing specialists to get you to equipment you need now, without breaking the bank.