Maximizing Access, Minimizing Impact

As commercial and residential development expand across the U.S., utilities must keep pace with infrastructure installations, maintenance and repairs. This work can require crews to traverse challenging terrain that traditional vehicles weren’t built to handle.

One effective solution? All-terrain utility vehicles.

“With the infrastructure growth that we’re going to have over the next few years, we can’t build our ATUVs fast enough right now,” said Aaron Cox, rental and business development manager for Terramac (https://terramac.com), which manufactures tracked and wheeled off-road utility vehicles.

Modern ATUVs range in format. Some are side-by-sides with upgraded commercial power trains, electrical systems and protective equipment, similar to consumer-grade products. Further along the spectrum are purpose-built machines – think six- or eight-axle buggies, tracked crawlers, and tank-like vehicles with oversized amphibious tires.

These motorized carriers fill the gap where traditional trucks can’t navigate rough terrain or meet environmental requirements. They are designed to tackle steep inclines and areas with sensitive terrain, addressing an ongoing industry need.

“As we get into more difficult access situations, utilities are trying to go through rugged terrain and not have to build any infrastructure to get out there,” said Frank Gangi, product manager for tracked vehicle manufacturer Prinoth (www.prinoth.com).

Sensitive Soil
For worksites with ground compaction restrictions, crews can effectively spread loads using tracked ATUVs or vehicles with low-pressure tires. Traditional truck tires, on the other hand, could get stuck in mud when rain turns the soil soggy.

“In some cases,” Gangi explained, “you need low ground pressure so that you’re not taking your on-road trucks into spots where they can destroy the ground.”

Strict permitting requirements may also be in effect where utilities build specialized infrastructure in greenfield locations. Cox pointed out that, when “building data centers, you can get in there with a low-ground-pressure vehicle and leave hardly any footprint at all.”

Spec’ing Considerations
ATUV versatility can be surprising. Prinoth’s largest crawlers, for example, offer an alternative to using helicopters to drop equipment into tight spots. As Gangi noted, “You can take these larger machines into rough areas, and because of the size of the hoist that they can put on it, they can replace a helicopter.”

But versatility is merely one item to consider. Given the significant investment required to own and operate an ATUV, utility fleet decision-makers will also want to consider the following aspects as they navigate the spec’ing process.

Sizing: Ensure the payload is appropriate for the work profile. A machine that’s too big can be as problematic as one that’s too small. “Make sure it’s fit for your application; otherwise, you’re wasting money and energy for something that you just don’t need,” Gangi said.

Multi- or single purpose: Certain vehicles – like dump crawlers – are purpose-built, while others are outfitted with permanent attachments (think aerial lifts and digger derricks). In addition, some can be spec’d as flatbeds that support interchangeable attachments, such as generators, compressors and hydroseeders.

Parts availability: Tracked ATUVs will almost certainly experience breakdowns due to rough use, and waiting for replacement parts could put a project behind schedule. Terramac stocks parts at its two U.S. locations, according to Cox, who noted that it’s “very uncommon that we’re not able to overnight a part.” 

Occupant protection: Check whether the ATUV’s rollover protective structures are certified for the utility’s use. Factor in the weight of attachments/accessories so that gross vehicle weight meets trailering requirements. Falling-object protection criteria should be standard, or additional guards can be installed to achieve certification.

Ground clearance: Assess the terrain where the ATUV will operate. Will it be expected to travel over rocks and stumps?

Incline: Make sure the ATUV is properly rated for any known restrictions or required incline grades.

Vehicle speed: This will affect productivity when traveling around job sites.

Operator specifications: Spec the cab for driver safety, comfort, and communication via radio and suspension seat. If the use case is highly utilitarian, don’t spend more than necessary for a basic machine.

Trailering: Consider trailering the ATUV to job sites. Spec its weight and dimensions to ensure a proper fit with the fleet’s trailers.

Maintenance ease: Identify service intervals, grease point locations and other operational requirements that will become part of the fleet’s service schedule.

Customization: Work with an upfitter to equip the vehicle with any needed attachments and features. Confirm that it is rated to handle the load and fits within the fleet’s prescribed towing limits.

Monitoring Health and Performance
Many ATUV manufacturers offer telematics capabilities to capture vehicle health and performance data, which can be integrated with the utility’s fleet management software. Users can set alerts for service due dates and annual inspections.

Cox, who manages Terramac’s fleet of 70 rental vehicles, said he’s familiar with what fleet managers go through. “I have to track our assets across the country, and our phone app makes it easy to keep up with services for each machine.”

Prinoth offers a telematics connection program, Gangi said, or fleets can plug into diagnostics and electric controls to manage vehicles through their existing systems.

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.