The Future of Utility Truck Accessories
Without the right accessories, a utility truck is just a truck. It’s those accessories that turn the vehicle into a job-ready asset, helping lineworkers execute their tasks more safely and efficiently.
Multiple trends are currently influencing utility truck accessories, spurred by technological advances, changing work profiles and COVID-related aftereffects.
For instance, the shortage of chassis during the pandemic prompted the industry to focus on working smarter with less. As truck shipments slowed due to chip shortages and manufacturing delays, fleet assets were tasked with performing multiple jobs, a trend that continues to evolve and influence how trucks are equipped.
“One truck would have an air compressor on it, another one might have a welder, another one might have a generator. Now, those are all being combined on one chassis,” said Chuck Hamilton, director of marketing/OEM sales at BOSS Industries (https://bossair.com).
Mounting Flexibility
Years ago, prior to the introduction of environmental and safety regulations, installers could reroute exhaust lines and other mechanical components to install onboard equipment. That’s clearly a big no-no today.
Instead, manufacturer designs now center on flexibility to support multifunctional trucks, leveraging advances that have reduced the size of components like compressors and hydraulic tanks. Because cooling systems are more efficient, hydraulic systems can drive both cranes and air compressors with smaller tanks. Certain other advanced, efficient equipment is smaller, too, allowing the components of underdeck, PTO-powered gear to be mounted where they fit best.
“We’re able to make things smaller, more compact and lighter to save space,” Hamilton said. “Now you can mount all the pieces almost anywhere to accommodate the chassis.”
Situational Awareness and Habit Reminders
A bird’s-eye view from 360-degree cameras with object detection functionality can enhance driver safety and reduce accident risks. The system stitches together a single image from multiple cameras placed around the vehicle, alerting the operator to nearby people and vehicles with simple, on-screen visual cues. Numerous fleets are elevating this option from nice-to-have status to standard on crewed units.
“It’s like having a spotter everywhere at once, which is handy when you’re driving your truck through tight roadways and active jobsites,” said Jason Rowe, product manager for Terex Utilities (www.terex.com/utilities).
Additional smart accessories quietly reduce task load at the beginning and end of each job. Rowe said that trucks equipped with automatic boom-latch/over‑stow protection, clear outrigger/slope guidance, and storage/lighting aids that users can operate while wearing gloves contribute to a safe working environment.
Technology is also playing an increasingly larger role in enforcing ideal work habits. Interlocks ensure safe vehicle conditions before an operation can proceed. For example, if a tire-pressure sensor detects low pressure, the truck won’t start. Fleet professionals should expect to see more equipment safety devices that could impact future operations.
Per Hamilton, “In the perfect world, the interlocks protect the end user that’s operating the tool, and we’re looking at how to incorporate safeties into our products that integrate into that vehicle chassis.”
Platform Transition
While heavy-duty trucks dominate much of the utility fleet scene, changes appear to be on the way. More fleets may transition to midsize vans where it makes sense; these smaller vehicles are a better fit for densely populated areas and may be more welcoming to a diverse driver base. Fleets may also be able to integrate electric accessories into smaller vehicles, particularly EVs.
Compressor Specs
Analyzing tool operating specs can save money on both air compressor sizing and tool life-cycle costs. The 185-cfm compressor has been the industry standard for years, yet it may be the wrong choice to support modern pneumatic tools. In some cases, a smaller compressor (e.g., a 90-cfm unit) will be less expensive – and rightsized for the tools.
“You want to select a compressor that is matched to the performance requirements of the tools or a job it’s used for so that the tools will run and last longer,” Hamilton advised.
Lighting and Telematics
LED advances offer users new ways to work with lighting for improved safety and efficiency. For instance, Omaha Public Power District mounts 24- to 40-inch-wide light bars on the front and rear of its fleet’s aerial and digger trucks, providing significantly more illumination than previous options, according to Michael Donahue, the utility’s fleet department manager.
Lastly, telematics systems deliver live data to both outage and field crew management systems, giving systems operators and crew managers real-time visibility into their fleet vehicles and working locations. A combination of live and historical data aids fleets in supporting safety, maintenance and operations.
About the Author: Gary L. Wollenhaupt is a Colorado Springs-based freelance writer who covers the transportation, energy and technology sectors for a variety of publications and companies.