Work Horse Series: AA55

While there are many products that are integral to the success of electric utility work, few match the AA55. With a focus on reliability, productivity and safety, the AA55 is often considered one of the work horses of the electric utility industry.

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Particularly popular among utilities in the south and northeast, the AA55 is a prolific and dependable tool for many utilities, performing an array of work; from replacing transformers and cross-arms to restoring powerlines after storms, the AA55 is truly a versatile aerial with vast capabilities for the electric utility industry.

Work Practice

The AA55 has a working height of 60.1 feet and a platform capacity of 700 pounds. It is designed with a compensated boom, which allows the operator to maintain the same basic position relative to the ground as the lower boom articulates through its typical working positions. This innovative design allows for smooth and productive operation while traveling vertically and working in and around utility poles. The AA55 is appropriately equipped to easily handle the various line maintenance construction and pole applications that oftentimes create positioning challenges.

Pilot Operated System

The pilot operated system on the AA55 allows operators to perform up to three boom functions at a time without affecting the machine’s operating speed and enhancing productivity in the process. Utilizing a high-efficiency, pressure-compensated design, this system optimizes performance in all temperatures, making the AA55 ideal for operators from Fargo, ND to Miami, FL. The pilot operated controls also increase unit efficiency, which can positively affect a company’s bottom line. The system is designed to run the unit only upon demand, which reduces heat and fuel usage while minimizing wear and tear on the equipment.

Extended Reach Option

The AA55E is an extended reach version of the unit that allows the operator to rest the platform on the ground or access the side and rear compartments, eliminating the need to re-stow the platform onto the cargo bay.  This addition also provides up to 43 feet of side reach, which effectively increases the amount of work area while reducing the need to reposition the chassis.  This extended reach option thereby increases efficiency and minimizes time required to perform jobs.

Chain and Rod Leveling System

Altec’s chain and rod leveling system provides a lifetime leveling system with no removal required for inspection. The system automatically levels the platform as the upper and lower booms articulate from the stowed position to the work site and back. As long as the aerial is properly lubricated and maintained, the leveling system will not require replacement for the life of the aerial.

Additional Standard Features

The AA55 features a hydraulic jib extension as standard and a platform rotation of 90 and 180 degrees. Altec’s fiberglass booms are strong, durable and built to last; in fact, the boom structure used on our personnel models is the same as the one used on our material handling models. These heavy-duty, robust booms make the AA55 a reliable tool with built-in safety features that go above and beyond the normal guidelines for our industry.  Altec’s ergonomically designed ISO-Grip single handle controller is the perfect example of this philosophy, providing additional safety and a smooth ease-of-operation.

Eric Welty, Altec Market Manager for Aerials, describes the current AA55 as “the result of a long legacy of very versatile and productive units.” The culmination of these units has led to the development of similar products, which provide great value to our customer base. Ultimately, the AA55 is indeed one of the work horses of the electric utility industry.