Power distribution companies have a responsibility to keep homes and businesses operational – and every minute counts during an outage. That’s why quick, easy and safe access, both into the worksite and while working at heights, is so important.
Aerial work platforms are routinely operated to lift linemen and construction workers hundreds of feet above the ground to install and maintain transmission and distribution systems, sometimes while working on live lines with the power on. In those work environments especially, the importance of safety cannot be understated.
Simultaneously, the projects need to be completed as efficiently and productively as possible , both to maintain the supply of power and to keep their costs at a reasonable level for all parties involved.
Fast and efficient access
For many projects, accessing a location to begin operations can be its own challenge. Your team may have to cross or set up on uneven, off-road terrain – or in a tight space with little room for your equipment footprint. These problems are compounded when transporting multiple pieces of equipment.
An aerial platform typically comes with its own transport built on a chassis. This means the entire unit can be driven directly onto location without bringing along a separate crane or counterweight. Fewer pieces of equipment at site also means less equipment shuffling, which leads to a quicker setup time.
In the air, you may need to reach over and around challenging obstacles. The Bronto’s articulated boom and cage can reach horizontally to the side to access phases or arms of towers that could normally be reached only by going off-road. For transmission lines with two towers, the aerial can be lined up in the middle of the towers so the power lineman can work on both sides while remaining in the air.
Safety and control
Working in the air near overhead power lines is challenging because of the inherent risk. Confident and efficient utility work requires excellent cage stability and a reliable set of controls.
Many teams choose devices with a dual rating. Dual rated devices attempt to fulfil the features of both a crane (designed to carry materials) and an aerial platform (designed to carry people). Experts dispute whether designing a safe dual rated device is even possible, because the requirements are entirely different.
Brontos are designed from the ground-up as an aerial platform, and don’t need a dual rating. This means you can get to work without running a crane test – or compromising on safety – because Brontos are built to carry personnel.
When it comes to reliable controls, modern Brontos come with the fifth generation Bronto+ control system, which ensures that movements are accurate and smooth. Bronto+ also monitors cage load in real time, and adjusts the amount of allowable outreach to match. This eliminates the possibility for operator error and ensures maximal safe reach is attainable at all times. If the lineman enters a danger zone, a built-in safety system will kick in and stop movement.
A far-reaching aerial designed from the ground up for access, fine control, and safety translates into significantly higher productivity.
Key benefits of aerial platforms:
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Exceptional vertical and horizontal reach
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Compact design and easy manouevrabiltiy
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Quick set-up
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Easy-to-use and intuitive control systems
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High cage load capacity
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Comprehensive global service and support
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Customizable for individual needs
Aerial platform range examples
The SI-HDT-C-range utilises top-class engineering for you to work safely and efficiently in an electrifying environment. With a working height of up to 67 metres, the insulated aerial platforms are designed for work at sub-transmission and transmission lines up to 765 kV. The Bronto SI-HDT-C platforms have a combined cage and material handling load up to 450 kg and the easy-to-use and precise Bronto+ control system to keep you operating safely and efficiently.
Key features
- Designed for work at sub-transmission and transmission lines up to 765 kV (ANSI A92.2).
- Enable bare-hand maintenance, inspection and repairs while the line is energized.
- A sharp-edge corona ring around the boom provides consistent voltage gradient along the length of the boom.
- Boom leakage detector indicating the actual current.
The Bronto XR range is a great example of our customer-oriented product development as it is designed by the operators for the operators. With a working height up to 70 metres and working outreach up to 41 metres, the XR range aerial platforms allow you to access even the most challenging places without ever having to compromise. The easy to use and precise Bronto+ control system keeps you safe at heights, allowing you to focus on the task at hand.
Key features
- Larger work envelope for maximum productivity.
- Optimized transportation dimensions and weight.
- Reduced cost of ownership.
- Sky-Jib with automatic and manual operation.
- Extremely reliable outreach regardless of the external circumstances.
Customer Success Stories
Manitoba Hydro, one of the largest electricity distributors in Canada, was searching for the farthest-reaching aerials on the market to improve the efficiency of their work on tall transmission lines. The search led them to Bronto Skylift.
When Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) needed to replace an older 150’ truck- mounted aerial lift to work on transmission lines, safety and reliability were top concerns. When the time came to purchase a replacement they chose the Bronto S230XR truck-mounted aerial boom.
To meet the challenge of placing 250’+ structures in tight, high-traffic urban sites, M.J. Electric turned to the Bronto S295HLA. With 170 ft of vertical reach, 105 ft outreach, and compact setup, the unit outperformed crane options—offering safer, faster access with flexible boom articulation.
Partner network to keep your fleet running
Your aerial platform is a long-term investment and you want the best possible uptime. For optimal performance, higher resale value and most importantly your safety, it pays off to take the best possible care of your Bronto platform.
We offer a wide range of services and extensive US service network to support you throughout the lifetime of your equipment. From our service offering, you can find everything from training and remote services to complete service agreements, refurbishments and overhauls.
Sales Manager North America