Remote-control security truck helps keep workers safe around power lines
Published in: The Frederick News-Post
Date: 4/25/2005
By: Ed Waters Jr.
When working around high-voltage lines, safety is always paramount.
Rick Stumpf, the owner of Dixie Electric and Tony’s Trenching, has gone a step further by purchasing the first remote-control utility truck in the area.
Although Constellation, the former BG&E utility firm, has some similar trucks, Mr. Stumpf’s International truck with a “bucket” and boom is the first, perhaps in the state, for a small independent company.
During a demonstration at the company’s headquarters behind Stover’s Hearth and Patio on Baltimore National Pike, Mr. Stumpf explained that being on the ground with a remote control system means the operator can see what is happening in the air — transmission lines — as well as on the ground.
The traditional system of a person in a control seat running the boom sometimes means that person cannot see everything as the visibility is blocked by the boom itself.
And someone in the bucket at the end of the boom may not have a view of everything that is going on.
“Service work has really picked up for us,” Mr. Stumpf said.
Especially when using drilling equipment attached to the boom, a person on the ground can see better and control the drill and other equipment from a safer position.
“We do a lot of work for Allegheny Energy,” Mr. Stumpf said, noting that his firm is certified to work with the utility company.
In some cases, especially with very high voltage lines, Allegheny Energy will have his firm work on “cold” lines — getting the holes dug for the poles and attaching all the wires — and then making the lines “hot” or with power.
The boom is a 52-foot unit, but Mr. Stumpf purchased an optional section that can be added to make it reach to 60 feet.
Although he works with such firms as Allegheny Energy, he also has worked with a landscape firm, drilling holes for planting large trees or shrubs, to holes for the support foundations for portable classrooms for the school system.
The vehicle was outfitted at Altec, located near the Frederick Municipal Airport.
“It is great because everything was done here locally. I can get service right away and even the truck can be serviced at Grimes Trucking,” Mr. Stumpf said.
He said he had looked at 12 different companies that offered similar remote control systems, but chose Altec because he wanted to keep the money in Frederick County, and Altec had the products and services needed.
Everything, from the starting and stopping of the truck itself, to lowering the outriggers that steady the truck to the boom, various parts and equipment all can be controlled by a unit used by someone away from the vehicle. Control also is by someone in the seat at the base of the boom or in the bucket, though someone in the seat or bucket can shut off the control on the ground for safety.
“They customized the truck for us,” Mr. Stumpf said, noting that a section in the rear of the truck’s bed was supposed to be metal, but Altec made it a removable section of wood so transformers could be lifted more easily onto the bed and secured.
One of the operations that really pleased his employees was an electrical system to reel in large wires. Crew members can now stand back a safer distance as the lines are pulled in.
“With the remote control system, you really could have just one person doing the entire job, but I always have at least two on the job for safety,” Mr. Stumpf said.
COPYRIGHT 2005 The Frederick News-Post