Contributed by Altec, a TCIA Gold Annual Sponsor

TCI EXPO is an opportunity to look closely at equipment, ask questions and consider how different configurations could fit your business. Getting the most out of those conversations starts with knowing what to evaluate beyond maximum height or lifting capacity.

At this year’s show, Altec will display backyard lifts, chassis-mounted aerial devices and material-handling equipment at Booth 509. The lineup provides examples of several features worth comparing —  from compact access and side reach to setup controls and working heights.

Backyard Lifts: Balance Access with Reach

For crews working in backyards or properties with narrow access points, equipment width and weight are key considerations. Just as important is the space needed to set up and reach the work area once the equipment is onsite.

Two Altec Teupen backyard lifts will be on display:

• TC79AJ: A brand new Altec Teupen model, the TC79AJ offers nearly 79 feet of working height and 41.7 feet of side reach. The unit weighs 6,592 pounds and measures just under 2.9 feet wide in its smallest configuration with a fiberglass one-person platform, adjustable crawler tracks, automatic leveling stabilizers and a radio remote-controlled boom system.
• TC73AiC: This backyard lift offers a working height of 73.4 feet and side reach of 43.6 feet. Like the TC79AJ, it includes an insulated one-person platform, adjustable crawler tracks, automatic leveling stabilizers and a radio remote-controlled boom system.

When comparing backyard lifts, consider travel dimensions alongside the operating footprint and working envelope. Ask how track adjustments, leveling features and controls function, and consider what different jobsite conditions require.

Warranty coverage also belongs in the comparison. New Altec Teupen backyard lifts, including these two models, come with a two-year warranty. Buyers should review what that coverage includes and the services it provides.

Chassis-Mounted Aerial Devices: Compare Positioning and Capacity

For chassis-mounted aerial equipment, height is only one part of the decision. Side reach, platform capacity and vehicle positioning all affect how well a unit fits the jobs your crews perform.

Altec’s LR856 and LR860-E70 RM, both part of its LR8 Series, feature insulating upper and lower booms. Their specifications illustrate different reach options:

• LR856: A platform height of 56.3 feet and maximum side reach of 44.4 feet
• LR860-E70 RM: A platform height of 70.3 feet and maximum side reach of 48.4 feet

Both units include the Altec ISO-Grip control system and a 400-pound platform capacity. The optional LevelReady™ Setup Slope Interlock System prevents boom movement until the unit is set up within its allowable slope limits.

During a demonstration, ask how setup requirements and operating limits apply to your typical jobsites. Also, distinguish between platform height and working height when comparing specifications across equipment.

The Altec AT40G will also appear at TCI EXPO in a forestry flat deck configuration with a cab guard. It offers a platform height of 40.6 feet and nearly 30 feet of side reach. Its low-power fiber optic controls reduce the number of hoses and valves in the design.

Look beyond the aerial device itself when reviewing a configuration. Consider how the truck layout, equipment storage and available workspace would fit your crew’s daily needs. Fleet managers can reach out to their local Altec account managers or visit the Altec website at altec.com/about-altec/contact-us to schedule an equipment demo.

Material Handling: Evaluate the Equipment Within Your Workflow

Material-handling equipment deserves the same attention to jobsite fit. Reach, capacity, attachments and operator visibility should be considered alongside how the crew plans and performs the work.

Altec will display the Palfinger PK M13A loader crane and the HIAB H708-FG knuckle boom mounted grapple saw configuration. The Palfinger PK M13A’s robust boom system, precise hydraulics and high lifting capacity make it equally effective in forestry and refuse environments, tackling tough jobs where reliability matters most. The HIAB H708-FG will give attendees the opportunity to learn more about Altec’s knuckle boom mounted grapple saws, which allow equipment operators to work outside of the drop zone with a clear line of sight, reduce setup time, increase productivity and work safely. The HIAB H708-FG is a brand-new configuration and the largest tree care FG crane Altec has offered. These give attendees an opportunity to discuss different approaches to lifting and handling tree material.

When evaluating these options, ask about capacity at the reaches your jobs require, attachment compatibility, setup space and operator training. Discuss how each configuration would work with your existing equipment and crew responsibilities.

Ask About Support After the Purchase

Maintenance and service can have a significant effect on equipment ownership. Before making a decision, ask about inspection requirements, parts availability, technical support and training.

Altec’s nationwide service network, parts support and training resources are topics attendees can explore with its team. Ask specific questions about service options in your area and how maintenance or repairs would be handled.

Bring Your Jobsite Questions to TCI EXPO

The most useful equipment conversations start with real examples. Bring details about your typical access restrictions, reach needs, crew size and current equipment so manufacturers can explain the capabilities and limitations of the models you are considering.

Visit Altec at Booth 509 at TCI EXPO to see these models and discuss how their features relate to your tree care operations. Use the opportunity to compare configurations, ask about ownership requirements and better understand what would fit your work.