Skylift goes big with mini-derrick

Skylift, Inc., a manufacturer of truck-mounted aerial devices and specialty equipment for utility pole and transformer installations, traffic signal maintenance and tree trimming, had its Mini-Derrick Super 5000 on display at October's International Construction and Utility Equipment Expo (ICUEE) in Louisville. Known as a backyard machine, the unit can glide through standard gates due to its 36-inch width when stowed.

Allen Raines, national sales manager of Wisconsin-based Utility Equipment Leasing Corp., said he has about 20 of the units in his fleet currently and that they are a "unit of choice," for his customers. "People are getting picky about big machines coming into their yards, so they like this machine.

"It has an ease of operation, good design, it's compact and user-friendly," Raines said. "Utility line contractors really like (it)."

The Super 5000 has a reach of 40 to 48 feet and a maximum capacity of 5,000 pounds. It features an operator's platform with controls, an integrated bed with a 3,000-pound capacity, a pin-on bucket and a heavy-duty auger. Insulation comes in the form of category C 46 KV with a fiberglass boom. Four outriggers provide stabilization for the unit and it has dual-sided pole carriers.

Raines said there's a big push for transmission work right now and that the rental business is fairing well. "Utilities can't buy new equipment," he said, noting the economic downturn, "so, they're renting and refurbishing utility equipment."