What IS a Cable Placer Upfit?
We’ve been selling refurbished bucket trucks to fiber & cable installers for years and one of the things our customers struggle with is finding Cable Placer Trucks. They’re TOUGH to come by - especially post pandemic.
That’s why we got into the UPFIT business - taking an existing Bucket Truck and converting it into a Cable Placer truck. An upfit is a quicker and more cost effective way to get what you need vs. waiting for a new truck and, the placer system makes the truck easier to maneuver, more efficient and significantly safer than standard bucket trucks.
What Really Good Equipment (RGE) Cable Placer Upfits Look Like
They come to us as a pre-owned Altec AT235s.
We then put each truck through our 80+ point reconditioning program (getting it as close to new as possible) AND install systems that we custom build in-house to deliver ALL the functionality required for placer use.
What that means is…
The bucket operates while truck is moving (in gear) AND all parking brake functions work as a placer should;
We install brand NEW Atkinson two-way intercom speakers;
Every truck has a brand NEW (old style) joystick that your operators will be familiar with; and,
All trucks have NEW pulling arms and a NEW steel cage placer basket.
Why you might want a cable placer truck vs. a bucket truck:
The boom and basket of a placer truck can operate while the truck is moving so it can be 30% more efficient when stringing cable than a bucket truck;
The steel cage basket gives you more flexibility to move and reach your work as well as easier tool management (if you’ve ever dropped a screw in a fiberglass bucket, you’ll know what we mean);
The basket joystick can be operated with one hand allowing you to adjust your position with the other hand free (vs. hydraulic and electric controls which require two hands); and,
Atkinson two-way intercom speakers allow the driver and the installer to communicate easily and more safely (honestly, one of the most important things).
To be clear, if you’re operating in a high energy environment (i.e. power lines or high voltage lighting), an insulated, fiberglass bucket is your best bet. If you’re installing fiber, a cable placer truck will make your life easier, safer and more profitable.
Over the years, our proprietary RGE placer system upfits have proven to be the industry gold-standard and are unmatched in quality, functionality and full-on good looks (cause that’s important). We’ve built our reputation by standing by our products100% and hold our work to the highest standards.
Check out our customer reviews and holler at us if you have questions.
“The truck is GREAT! It’s been in the field for a few days and I’ve gotta tell you…everyone wants one. We are very pleased and look forward to purchasing more trucks from you soon. Really Good Equipment is our go-to shop.”