news-articles – Page 2 – Altec Australia

Is June 30 EOFY for Your Business? Don’t Leave Money Behind

Posted on June 1, 2021 (June 1, 2021) by tlunsford

Time is running out to take advantage of tax incentives offered by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). We’re also getting very close to the end of the 2020/21 financial year, so here is your reminder to make the most of what budget you may have left over.

If you are considering purchasing new assets and have not done so yet, temporary full expensing could be the option for you. Temporary full expensing allows for the total cost of an asset to be claimed as a tax deduction in the year of purchase. This means that by increasing tax deductions within a year, your business’s taxable income is reduced, giving your cash flow a boost.

There is no limit to the cost of the asset under temporary full expensing. If your business has an aggregated turnover of under $5 billion, you can take advantage of this incentive. It is important to note that assets must be purchased, installed, commissioned, and operating in your business between 6 October 2020 and 30 June 2022.

For more information, visit the ATO website. Alternatively, avoid the jargon and get in touch with our sales team. They can provide you with a bespoke solution for the best way to utilise your budget. Call 1300 1 ALTEC or contact an Altec representative online today!

Altec’s AT46P Takes EWP Safety to New Heights

Posted on April 22, 2021 (June 1, 2021) by admin

Altec is excited to announce the release of the AT46P. The newest Elevated Work Platform (EWP) in Altec’s product line features increased unit capacities as well as advanced safety features. The unit was designed specifically for the Australian market with the help of leading utility and vegetation management companies across the country.

The AT46P is an articulating telescopic EWP with a working height of 15.4 metres and a side reach of 9.3 metres. The 762 x 1,219 mm bucket has a 300 kilogram capacity which allows two operators to work efficiently with a fully packed apron.

Also featured on the AT46P are two brand new safety systems. Altec’s Load Management System monitors the bucket’s load in real-time and prevents the operator from being in an increasingly unstable state once maximum capacity is reached. To avoid extending into traffic or pedestrian walkways, Altec’s Virtual Wall System increases versatility by enabling crews to complete jobs without repositioning the unit.

“We took a customer-centric approach when designing the AT46P and visited with several customers in Australia to understand their unique work practices, needs, and expectations,” says Chitra Ranganathan, Altec’s Australia Market Development Manager. “The key features seen on the AT46P are a direct translation of what we heard: larger bucket, increased bucket capacity, a load management system that aids operator safety, and a virtual wall system for efficient unit operation.”

The AT46P provides the following features and options:

Altec ISO-Grip® Single Hand Control
Insulation per AS1418.10 – 2011, 66kV (ext.)/66kV Dry & 33kV/33kV Wet
Compensated Articulating Arm
Fiberglass Upper Boom and Lower Boom Insulator
Hydraulic 180° Bucket Rotation with Bucket Tilt
2-Person Bucket with 300 kg Capacity
Fiber Optic Emergency Stop Valves at all Upper and Lower Control Stations
Altec Load Management System
Altec Virtual Wall System with Short Jacking
Bucket Lighting System
A-Frame or Out and Down Front Outriggers

To learn more about the AT46P or any other pieces of Altec equipment, call 1300 1 ALTEC or contact an Altec representativeonline.

Altec is a leading equipment and service provider for the electric utility, telecommunications, contractor, lights and signs, and vegetation management markets. The company provides products and services in more than 100 countries throughout the world.

Introducing Altec’s Load Management System

Posted on March 29, 2021 by admin

Whether you’re an operator or depot manager, overseeing the safe and efficient operationand maintenance of elevated work platforms (EWP) is a top priority. Using a quality load management system can help you avoid overload incidents, extend the equipment’s life, and reduce maintenance costs. Altec’s Load Management System actively monitors EWP load capacity with a reliable system to avoid accidents and enhance safety on the job site.

During operation, the Altec Load Management System monitors the load on the platform. If the platform approaches the load capacity, visual and audible alarms notify the operator of a potential overload. If the unit reaches the maximum capacity, the system shuts off any function that would increase the overturning moment, such as arm raise, boom raise/lower, boom extend, and winch raise. The system can recover from overload with an override switch.

To assist the operator with monitoring the load, Altec’s Load Management System features a display bar on the unit console which shows the percentage of capacity used on the platform.

While an overload certainly can cause serious harm to EWP operators, it can also damage equipment, resulting in increased maintenance costs and a shorter unit lifespan. The Altec Load Management System helps lower maintenance costs by assisting with the management and proper use of the EWP. Because the system provides real-time feedback based on working loads, operators can adjust how they lift loads. By making these adjustments, operators can decrease maintenance and reduce wear and tear, thereby extending the life of the EWP.

“When we talked to EWP operators and depot managers about their specific needs, job site safety was their priority,” says Chitra Ranganathan, Altec’s Australia Market Manager. “Altec’s customer-focused product development process led us to develop the load management feature with real-time display.”

To learn more about Altec’s Load Management System, call 1 300 1ALTEC or contact an Altec representative online.

Supporting the New Needs of the Arboriculture Market

Posted on January 14, 2021 (January 14, 2021) by admin

It is clear that 2020 shaped up to be a year like no other with demands placed on all of us and Australians showing incredible resilience. The arboriculture sector in particular has been impacted, with crews having to work in smaller numbers while being asked to increase their efficiency and operate under strict hygiene protocols. The normal demands of the arborist job have increased significantly, putting even more pressure on those already operating in a high-stakes environment.

With all the uncertainty and additional demand placed on arborists, crews need to know that they are working with the best tools for the job. It is up to equipment manufacturers to provide them with equipment and solutions that are robust, efficient, and bespoke.

Throughout the challenges of 2020, Altec has continued to work with customers to provide custom solutions to their requirements. The demands of the vegetation management sector have led us to organise routine service and maintenance to suit dynamic schedules, facilitate quick response breakdown support, and provide flexible rental solutions for companies that have had to scale up or down to meet new requirements. The Altec Team is committed to working closely with customers to make sure that they are back on the job as soon as possible.

Our customers have shared the economic impact COVID-19 has had on their business such as budgets cuts and contract suspensions. Altec listened and brought a new offering to the market – a Rent to Purchase (RTP) solution. Our RTP offering allows customers to rent a unit over a certain period of time, and when that rental period is up, they can purchase the unit. The unit is custom built to the customer’s specification, ensuring they get precisely what they require. This means that customers are able to get a bespoke solution with favourable pricing terms, providing greater access to Altec’s range of products. Altec’s RTP solution gives businesses more options, allowing them to continue working while providing financial flexibility.

Altec designs, manufactures, and sells insulated, truck-mounted EWPs that are built to the bespoke requirements of each customer. Altec units are built to operate in tough conditions and allow quick set up and movement, meaning crews are able to work efficiently. The AT30G and AT37G units are staples in the fleets of our arboriculturist clients.

To learn more about Altec’s products and services, call 1300 1 ALTEC or contact an Altec representative online.

The Exciting Advance of 5G in Australia

Posted on September 24, 2020 (June 1, 2021) by admin

While 2020 has consisted mainly of uncertainty and bad news, the 5G rollout in Australia has progressed and promises an exciting future. The new technology will provide mobile users with greater data speed, lower latency for increased responsiveness, and an ability to have more devices connected at once.

To date, the rollout has featured the initial establishment of 5G with antennae installed in city centres, along transport corridors, and at airports. The next deployment phase will see 5G technology rolled out in suburban areas, which introduces new and exciting opportunities for Altec customers. This phase of the rollout is expected to happen in the first half of 2021 and will involve installing small 5G antennae on existing electricity infrastructure, namely line poles. Given the nature of this work, we expect to see an increased demand for insulated units that will allow companies to conduct telecoms work around powerlines. Deploying antennae will also require material handling capabilities, which Altec offers on a number of our EWPs.

Altec Australia’s close association with our US-based parent company allows us to leverage their experience from the 5G rollout already underway in that country. In the US, Altec customers in the electrical works sector are now branching into telecoms work, and telecoms contractors are performing work traditionally completed by electrical contractors. We expect the Australian market to follow the same trend and are well-positioned to anticipate and meet our customers’ requirements.

5G deployment will require agile units with a small footprint to keep traffic disruption to a minimum. The Altec AT37G with a working height of 13 metres is perfect for pole top work, and with optional spring lockouts, it can be deployed and moved around swiftly to increase work efficiency. If a new line pole needs to be installed, our pole borers allow operators to dig holes and set poles. Altec’s D4050B pole borer offers a sheave height of 15.1 metres while the track-mounted DR42B offers a 12.9-metre sheave height and the ability to drive off-road to access hard-to-reach areas.

Altec Australia offers new, used, and rental solutions for all of your EWP and pole borer needs. To learn more about Altec’s products and services to support 5G rollout, call 1300 1 ALTEC or contact an Altec representative online.

ATO Asset Write-Off Eases Equipment Purchases

Posted on September 3, 2020 (June 1, 2021) by admin

The Coronavirus pandemic has posed operating and investing challenges for many Australian businesses, leading to a period of great uncertainty. Fortunately, there are new opportunities on the horizon, and Altec is pleased to be able to support our customers with their product and service needs.

In efforts to reduce the pandemic’s economic impact, the Australian Government and Australian Tax Office (ATO) have announced various stimulus and recovery efforts. The ATO announced that the instant asset write-off has been extended to December 31, 2020. The threshold amount for each asset is $150,000 (previously $30,000), and eligibility for the write-off has been expanded to cover businesses with an aggregated turnover of less than $500 million (previously $50 million). The write-off can be used for new or used equipment and for more than one asset.

The ATO asset write–off makes Altec equipment easier to purchase for businesses financially impacted due to the coronavirus pandemic. Altec is ready to support both small and large companies get the equipment they need to carry on their essential work.

To learn more about how this asset write-off can help you acquire new or used Altec equipment, call our team at 1 300 1ALTEC or contact an Altec representative online.

Choosing the EWP for Your Work Application

Posted on June 10, 2020 (June 16, 2020) by admin

Are you in need of an elevated work platform (EWP)? There are a few things to consider if you have been assigned the not-so-simple task of selecting the EWP for your company. If you are a first-time buyer, or relatively new to the industry, this guide serves as a great starting point to help you identify an EWP that fits your company’s work application.

Getting Started

First, it is important to ask: Who is the best person to choose this piece of equipment? Before you invest in a new or new-to-you piece of equipment, include the correct people in the decision-making process. Talk to operators and depot managers to understand their unique work requirements and product feature preferences.

Determine Your Needs

Next, decide what you need this machine to do. Will it be used for building utility infrastructure, servicing utility poles, maintaining street or traffic lights, trimming trees and limbs, or a combination of several duties? Are you already using a piece of equipment? If so, what more would you like this machine to help you accomplish? For example, a utilities company may have a unit with the appropriate working height and adequate storage space but needs to lift two operators in the air when working on utility lines. Selecting an EWP with a two-man platform, like Altec’s AT37M/P or TA55, would provide a solution for that need.

Working Height and Side Reach

It is also important to consider the physical locations of where you will work. When comparing specs, make sure the maximum working height and side reach of the unit meets the requirements of your work location. For example, if you have to set-up your EWP several meters from the job site and your tallest job is 10 meters, you may need to consider an EWP with a working height of 13 meters or more.

Material Handling

Does the work require that you lift materials such as cross arms, conductors, or signs? Material handling on EWPs allows the operator to safely and efficiently raise these components with a jib. The jib supports the weight of the materials, which leaves the capacity of the bucket solely to personnel and prevents damage to the edge of the bucket from manually lifting materials.

The use of material handlers eliminates operator injury from manual load handling and reduces the need for additional personnel or equipment on site. Before selecting an EWP with material handling, understand the weight of materials that need to be lifted and ensure the material handling capacity fits your needs. Altec’s material handling capacities range from 450 kg to 680 kg.

Safety Features

Because EWPs are designed to lift human beings in the air, a manufacturer’s commitment to safety is paramount. Additional safety features offered on an EWP might be a major consideration when making your selection.

Altec’s Load Management System monitors the load capacity of the EWP. In the event the boom becomes overloaded, the system shuts off any function that might cause an increasingly dangerous state on the EWP. The system has a display that shows the percentage of capacity used on the platform so the operator can stay within the EWP’s safe working limits.

Body Type

Once you have determined what type of unit is needed for the job, you will want to choose the correct body. Altec offers steel, aluminum, and fibreglass configurations to fit a variety of applications. For many operators, the EWP serves as the office space, material storage unit, and company car.

It is important for the operator to feel comfortable while having the appropriate layout and space to efficiently execute their jobs. Altec’s body design process begins with a list of your requirements and the body is built from there.

New, Used, or Rental

After you decide which EWP is best for your company, you may need to explore different options for acquiring the equipment, including new, used, or rental. At Altec, we offer all three solutions.

New equipment from Altec is custom built to each customer’s specifications. Our sales and engineering teams work directly with you to identify the best Altec unit to help you complete your work. For some of our customers, the ability to customise an EWP has allowed them to eliminate support units on the worksite, which enhances their efficiency and decreases their need to purchase and maintain additional equipment.

Altec’s used equipment options are a great solution for customers who want a tried-and-true unit that is ready-to-roll and sold at a reduced price. Our used equipment inventory features retired units from our rental fleet to cycle in newer units.

Finally, renting equipment can be a cost-effective way to obtain the equipment you need without a long-term financial commitment. This allows your company to maintain capital and take on profitable projects.

While there are several considerations when creating specifications for an EWP, this list will help point you in the right direction. No matter what piece of equipment you decide to purchase, the Altec team is available to speak directly with you to answer any of your equipment questions.

For more information on Altec’s EWPs, call 1 300 1ALTEC or contact an Altec representative  online.

Track-Mounted Borer for  Tight Access &  Rough Terrain

Posted on March 26, 2020 (June 10, 2020) by admin

The  DB41B is a track-mounted pole borer that provides easy access to confined work areas. Built to serve the electrical utility and telecom markets, the DB41B provides best-in-class lifting and digging capacities, while also delivering multi-functioning speed and performance. The unit can easily set and service poles up to 16 m and lift up to 2,720 kg. The unit also has continuous rotation and an unlimited work zone.

With its ability to drive on front-to-back and side-to-side slopes of up to 15 degrees, the DB41B can traverse a variety of terrains. The track carrier has retractable tracks, which can reduce the minimum width of the unit to less than 90 cm to allow easy passage through pedestrian gates and tight spaces.

As with all Altec Pole Borers, the DB41B is engineered and tested to ensure it is built to last. The DB41B comes standard with Altec’s Load Moment and Area Protection (LMAP) safety feature, which keeps the unit’s operations within the limits of the load chart. If the maximum load capacity is reached, the machine locks out, and a horn and red LED light engages to notify anyone in the vicinity of the machine that it is overloaded.

The DB41B also provides the following features:

49.6 hp petrol engine
Hydraulic tilting pole guides
Maximum pick capacity of 2,720 kg
Full-function radio controls for driving the track carrier
Hydraulic side load protection (HSLP) during borer operation
Ground pressure below 7 psi
86 cm x 121 cm cargo deck with a 1,065 kg capacity to help haul equipment and transformers
Australian standards compliant control system which interlocks when running the unit from the platform
Optional jib winch that offers 450 kg material handling at any position

For more information on the DB41B and other Altec equipment, call 1300 1 ALTEC or contact an Altec representative online.

Altec Joins Arboriculture Australia

Posted on February 17, 2020 (February 17, 2020) by admin

Altec is excited to join Arboriculture Australia, a registered not-for-profit membership-based organisation, which focuses on raising standards and safety in the vegetation management industry. Altec joins our customers, Active Tree Services, Eastern Tree Services (ETS), TreeServe, Ausgrid, and Citywide, in becoming an Arboriculture Australia member company.

For Altec, the Arboriculture Australia membership allows us to stay at the forefront of the industry’s latest trends and updates. This can include updates to safety standards and changes in work practices. In addition, the membership further facilitates discussions with vegetation management experts, a critical component of Altec’s product development process. Altec works with everyone from top management to end users at vegetation management companies to design and build products that are optimal for the job at hand.

We are looking forward to learning and growing with the Arboriculture Australia group this year. To learn more about Altec’s vegetation management solutions, call 1 300 1ALTEC or contact an Altec representative  online.

The Altec Rebuild Process

Posted on February 4, 2020 by admin

Australian law dictates that Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs) and pole borers must be rebuilt once the equipment is ten years old and every five years after that. Altec conducts rebuilds on all brands and models of EWPs and pole borers. If the unit is not built by Altec, we work with the original manufacturer to source genuine OEM parts. Altec adopts a custom approach for new unit builds, and the same is true of the Altec rebuild process. We understand that each customer has different requirements, and we adjust our service to accommodate each of their needs.

A thorough rebuild process improves crew and operator safety, which is why our experienced team goes the extra mile to ensure the unit performs at its best. After conducting a detailed visual inspection of the unit to note all apparent areas requiring repair, our service team performs a dielectric test to establish a baseline for the unit.

Next, the unit is stripped and undergoes a thorough inspection of all parts and components. This inspection includes an acoustic test to ascertain the structural integrity of the unit. Following the acoustic test, the Altec team provides a comprehensive list of all elements that need to be repaired, refurbished, or replaced. Altec’s rebuild team works with each customer to advise them on the next steps to meet their business objectives while maximising value and highlighting safety.

When the scope of the rebuild work is agreed upon, various elements of the unit are repainted, fibreglass work is completed, and all critical components are refurbished or replaced. The Altec rebuild team does not stop at just the EWP or pole borer but ensures that all additional elements on the truck are in top shape. This includes checking that all lockers function correctly, and all accessories, such as cable holders, are cleaned and in working condition. The cleaning and refurbishment element is the most time-consuming element of the rebuild process and requires acute attention to detail.

Then, the team reassembles the unit, taking as much care as with new builds. The team understands the nuances of different equipment brands and models and adjusts their approach to suit the characteristics of the EWP or pole borer. Altec has excellent relationships with OEM companies and can provide customers with the peace of mind that all the latest updates have been made to the unit.

After being reassembled, all units undergo further testing, such as stability and dielectric, which are carried out by independent inspectors. This way, the customer is ensured that the rebuilt unit is properly certified and will continue to serve them faithfully.

Once the unit is back in the field, Altec provides future support as needed. The Altec team provides part sourcing services, unit servicing, inspections, and testing throughout Australia.

For more information on equipment rebuilds with Altec, call 1 300 1ALTEC or contact an Altec representative online.

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