Keeping business booming: How boom trucks can help sign operators work safer and smarter

by carly_mchugh | 5 May 2023 11:03 am

By Kayla Phillips

Behind every sign colouring the sky is a dedicated crew of installers, as well as the equipment that helps them get the job done. Boom trucks, the industry’s work horses, are dual rated for crane and personnel lifting, taking companies and their projects to new heights.

Whether it is setting up quickly, reaching higher and further, lifting heavier loads, or dealing with awkward or hard-to-reach signs, today’s equipment is designed with operators’ needs in mind, reflecting the current demands of the industry.

Over the years, innovations in boom truck technology have allowed professionals to work safer and smarter through all types of projects and installations.

Maximizing safety and efficiency

At the end of the day, equipment manufacturers and operators share common goals. When it comes to successful installations, safety is the most important, followed by a focus on efficiency. Some equipment manufacturers offer the following features on their boom trucks, in order to meet industry needs.

To help installers work more effectively, certain pieces of equipment come with outrigger configurations which allow for short jacking. When using this function, the outriggers are fully extended outward on
one side of the truck, and do not extend on the other. The installer then works on the side of the truck with full outrigger extension. This allows for setup in tight spaces when work would otherwise block parking or lanes of traffic.

Some manufacturers have trucks with a material handling attachment, which helps installers avoid damage to signs or buildings. The attachment allows them to install from underneath an existing sign, rather than reaching from above with a crane or another lifting mechanism. Adding this accessory to a truck may eliminate the need for additional crew members or equipment, which can ultimately help operators reduce costs and time spent on a project or jobsite. Further, by installing from underneath an awning or soffit, operators do not have to worry about the winch load line hitting any sign or structure above.

Additionally, some truck models come standard with hydraulic overload protection (HOP). The HOP system monitors boom lift cylinder pressure and helps prevent operator errors from causing excessive and possibly damaging overloads. During operation, a load indicator displays the percentage of hydraulic capacity in use, giving operators a real-time view of what the HOP system is monitoring. If the cylinder pressure reaches a preset maximum limit, the system stops certain boom and winch functions to prevent excessive overloads. The remaining functions stay active, so the operator can relieve the overload condition, which automatically resets the HOP system.

Some products also offer other helpful features, such as radio remotes. In a typical two-person sign install, distractions can be everywhere. With one installer on the ground and another working traditional controls at the base of a crane, communicating over the noise of the machinery can be a challenge. Couple this with the additional obstacles common on an active jobsite and the potential for unsafe situations increases.

Radio remotes connect wirelessly and allow operators to get close to the pick, instead of being confined to the lower controls at the base of the crane. The remotes are metred for precise movement, and the range covers most jobsites, making them easy to connect and use, even for newer operators.

“Sometimes operators have to fit the trucks into tight spaces, and they cannot necessarily get the best vantage point in terms of understanding where their load is,” says Nathan Mulcahy, lights and signs market manager for Altec. “These remotes offer full flexibility for the operator, improving safety and efficiency.”

Simplifying functions for operators

While equipment innovations can improve safety and efficiency, it is important to keep things simple. For many sign companies, installers are not assigned to certain trucks and use the equipment that best fits the needs of each job.

Companies want their employees to understand and utilize this equipment, so any new features should be both intuitive and easy to use with proper training.

Obtaining new installation equipment

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the equipment manufacturing industry as a whole is still feeling the impacts of supply chain challenges, which is causing a shift in purchasing behaviour.

“Having equipment discussions early and often is a good way to understand what you need and when you need it,” says Mulcahy.

Whether a company is thinking about expanding their fleet or replacing their aging equipment, it is important to make sure the capabilities match the unique needs of each jobsite. They should also consider the following questions:

• How often do we service our equipment? Regular maintenance and inspection are paramount for safety and optimal performance of equipment. They also help prolong its usable life. However, if a company foresees the end of their equipment’s lifespan coming closer, they should start having conversations about future options as soon as possible.
• How will we train our operators? Some manufacturers offer online and in-person training options that help companies qualify and familiarize their installers.
• How often do we reach above a certain height? Consider how often installers reach over 18.2 m (60 ft). It might be more economical to invest in smaller, more versatile equipment and rent larger machinery as needed.
• What are our local regulatory requirements? Certain trucks might require drivers to have a commercial driver’s licence (CDL) or a crane certification.
• What functions are important to our installers? With the increase in performance and safety enhancing features, having a clear picture of what is important during installations can help companies choose the right equipment and accessories for their specific needs.

Conclusion

Thanks to recent innovations in safety and productivity, boom trucks can offer more value to sign companies and their employees, making these work horses a key piece of their fleet—and their team.  

Based in Birmingham, Ala., Kayla Phillips is a marketing communications specialist at Altec, a provider of products and services to the lights and signs, electric utility, telecommunications, tree care, and contractor markets.

Source URL: https://www.signmedia.ca/keeping-business-booming/

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