The Utility Expo Comes Back Stronger with More Space and More Product Innovations

According to show organizers, the Utility Expo (formerly known as ICUEE) taking place September 28-30 in Louisville, KY, is already on track to be bigger than any previous edition, thanks in part to a new outdoor layout with more space for overhead and underground utility equipment, allowing for more new product introductions and demonstrations. The event will host more than 900 exhibitors across 1.4 million sq. ft. of space, 85% of which is outdoors.

The Utility Expo is billed as the largest trade show for utility professionals and construction contractors seeking insights into the latest industry technologies, innovations and trends. The biennial event is known for equipment test drives and interactive product demonstrations.

Following is a look at just a handful of the companies exhibiting at this year's show. To learn more, visit www.theutilityexpo.com.

Crane Industry Services, CM Labs Team Up on Training

CM Labs will be unveiling a new training solution for utilities plus showcasing its full fleet of earthmoving and lifting equipment training packs.CM LabsCrane Industry Services (CIS), a full-service training provider serving the utility, energy, government and construction markets, will highlight solutions for both skilled trades workers and leadership. Attendees of The Utility Expo can participate in a brief, free assessment of their crew’s communication and feedback skills, emotional intelligence, processes, accountability and cohesion. Results will be delivered on site and can be compared to aggregate industry data.

CIS will be co-locating at the event with CM Labs Simulations, developer of Vortex training simulators, which CIS uses as part of its training programs. The simulators are designed to enable operators to  build transferrable skills and to help employers capture metrics to make re-skilling and up-skilling an efficient part of a workforce development plan.

CM Labs will be unveiling a new training solution for utilities, plus showcasing its full fleet of earthmoving and lifting equipment training packs on the portable desktop Vortex Edge Plus, as well as the immersive, motion-enabled Vortex Advantage simulator.

Ditch Witch Vacuum Excavator Keeps a Low Profile

The Ditch Witch HX30G vacuum excavator delivers high-profile power in a low-profile package that easily navigates congested and height-restricted urban environments.

The HX30G is powered by a 31-hp Vanguard gas engine and features a 542-cfm blower, 3,000-psi water pressure and 4.2-gpm water flow. It comes with a 500- or 800-gal. tank, as well as a variety of trailer configurations, including the new VT9 trailer that doesn't require a CDL to transport the 500-gal. tank configuration. 

An optional jib boom provides a wide range of motion, with a hose restraint to keep the hose from jumping during operation. The hose storage system allows for storage directly inside the unit frame when the hose isn’t needed.

Fecon Showcases Vermeer-exclusive Mulching Tractor

Fecon’s new model 225VST mulching tractor -- manufactured specifically for Vermeer and available only through Signature Level Vermeer Dealers -- will be showcased in the Vermeer booth at The Utility Expo. 

Fecon’s new model 225VST mulching tractor is manufactured specifically for Vermeer and will be on display in the Vermeer booth.FeconThe 225VST features a Tier 4 Final/ Stage V Cummins QSB4.5 engine that delivers 200 hp and 576 ft.-lbs. of torque at 1,500 rpm. Its hydraulic system delivers 80 gpm at  5,000 psi to the mulcher circuit to power the Fecon RK8620 Bull Hog mulcher. The Power Management system manages engine and hydraulic outputs, ensuring strong cutting power in all materials when needed and providing balanced track power for pulling through tough ground and working slopes. 

Balanced weight distribution over the length of the tracks and an oscillating track design keep the track engaged on all terrains for consistent ground pressure in all working conditions.  Other features include a spacious operator’s cab with wide angle visibility to the tracks and mulcher; side door entry and three-point egress from the ROPS/ OPS/FOPS cab; and Bull Hog body design that allows for improved backfeeding characteristics and processes material faster with fewer passes.

Felling Debuts Drop Deck Air Ramp System

Felling Trailers has long provided a controlled flow air ramp system for large-capacity 20,000- to 100,000-lb. trailers. It is now expanding its offering to the drop deck lineup with the debut of the new Air Ramp Slider Track System for the FT-20 I and FT-24 I Drop Deck (DDI) series trailers equipped with air brakes.

The Felling Air Ramp Slider Track System is now available for the FT-20 I and FT-24 I Drop Deck (DDI) series trailers equipped with air brakes.FellingDebuting at The Utility Show, the DDI Air Ramp System operates via an airbag system that works off the same supply as the air brake system. As a result, any air brake-equipped truck can operate a Felling trailer with air ramps without an external power source. The air power mechanism is comparable to those used on the larger capacity trailers but is scaled to a lighter duty cycle.

The slider track system works with the pivoting of the ramps as they are raised or lowered. Its design allows the ramps to move laterally along the trailer's full width, providing the flexibility to change ramp placement based on the equipment being transported. 

Jaraff Displays New Land Clearing Options

Jarraff Industries will display three enhanced land clearing options at the Utility Expo.

The Jaraff All-Terrain Tree Trimmer and LineBacker Brush Cutter are now available in Quad Track configurations.JaraffBoth the All-Terrain Tree Trimmer and LineBacker Brush Cutter are now available in Quad Track configurations, enabling increased mobility, improved stability, more traction and lower ground pressure. The Mini-Jarraff Urban Tree Trimmer for residential and municipal tree trimming now comes with a Tier 4 engine, plus offers remote control for a dynamic range of operation, including a 360° rotation, 180° rotating saw head for precision cutting and a 55-ft. vertical reach.

Manitowoc Rises to the Occasion with Three Crane Models

Manitowoc will display three of new offerings for the utilities market at The Utility Expo, including the Grove GHC110 telescoping crawler crane that just launched in July.ManitowocManitowoc will have a tall presence at The Utility Show with three new crane offerings  for the utilities market. It will be the first time these cranes will be displayed at an in-person trade show.

Launched in late 2020, the National Crane NBT60XL boom truck has a 151-ft. main boom with expanded load charts, practical transportability with 16,000 lbs. of hydraulically removable truck crane-style counterweights and a deluxe tilting cab (up to 20°) with heated seat and Bluetooth/AM/FM radio and speakers.

Available in 40- and 45-ton versions, the NBT45-2 boom truck offers 127- and 142-ft., five-section boom options with load charts boasting double-digit percentage increases over predecessor models with no change in GVW. An available factory-fitted NTC Performance Package includes four-position outriggers, wireless windspeed indicator, two-camera system and wireless outrigger controls.

The Grove GHC110 telescoping crawler crane, which just launched in July, features a 110-ton capacity and is fully self-rigging so it can get to work quickly after being unloaded. Its undercarriage includes 36-in. triple bar grouser shoes with the option to choose flat tracks. The hydraulically extendable tracks offering a choice of three spans in symmetrical or asymmetrical positions without pinning the tracks.

Subsite Cuts Through Interference with Latest Locator

Subsite Electronics' Marksman HDD Guidance System is designed for use in high-interference environments.Subsite ElectronicsSubsite Electronics will cut through the noise with the Marksman HDD Guidance System, designed for performance in high-interference environments. According to the company, the system offers the "widest range of frequencies in a single beacon available on the market."

To help operators drill more efficiently, the system's Bore Path Analyzer scans the most usable frequencies and selects the best option to avoid interference. The Marksman offers improved communication between the tracker and beacon at extended depths (130+ ft.), while the beacon’s dual power mode ensures consistent performance across housing sizes.

Streamlined controls offer a choice of user-friendly interfaces, plus a single toggle control and no extra buttons or triggers further enhance ease of use. 

Terex Utilities Electrifies with New Product Offerings

Terex Utilities will show multiple new products and technologies for the electric utility market. Product launches will include:

• General 65 MAX digger derrick boasting greater capacities through all boom angles, especially in the work zone in low boom angles, digging and liftingGenie Z-45 Substation Utility BoomGenie
• TL48 Telescopic Aerial Device, which achieves a 53-ft. working height on a Super-Duty class vehicle while maintaining the required vehicle payload and jib capacity
• Purpose-built, insulated Genie Z-45 Substation Utility Boom (SUB) featuring a fiberglass jib section and fiberglass platform with swing gate, zero tailswing, 355° rotation, self-propelled steering and up-and-over capability
• HyPower SmartPTO utilizing stored plug-in electric power to operate aerial devices and other equipment
• New Foundation High Production Auger with standard heavy-duty 1-in. flighting and optional extra-heavy-duty 1 1/2-in. flight 

TT Technologies Shows Compact Drill

TT Technologies' Grundodrill 5X compact directional drill provides 11,000 lbs. of thrust/pullback and 1,200 lbs.-ft. of torque.TT TechnologiesTT Technologies will display the Grundodrill 5X compact directional drill, which delivers 11,000 lbs. of thrust and pullback and 1,200 lbs.-ft. of torque.

Powered by a 56-hp Kohler Tier 4 Final engine, the drill features a single pushbutton stake-down system and independent front and rear lift. An all-weather 7-in. touchscreen display shows real-time bore data and operational performance.

Venco Venturo Launches New Workforce Packages

Venco Venturo Industries, LLC is announcing its commercial vehicle upfitting program has been extended to include new Workforce service body packages. Having just opened the Venturo Truck Equipment Center (VTEC), the company is now starting the roll-out of its new work truck packages, many of which are designed to enhance productivity and safety for utility fleets.

Venco Venturo's commercial vehicle upfitting program has been extended to include new Workforce service body packages.Venco VenturoInstalled by a team of skilled mechanics at the upfit facility, the new packages are available in a variety of configurations and options. Workforce25, Workforce45, Workforce55 and Workforce66 packages range from 10,000- to more than 33,000-lb. GVWR chassis and offer service cranes from 5,000- to 11,500-lb. max capacities, 25,000- to 66,000-ft.-lb. ratings and 25- to 30-ft. hydraulic boom extension. All four packages include the VLC Crane Control System and a BOSS BA440 air compressor.