Altec Industries — Key Facts
- Founded: 1929
- Headquarters: Birmingham, Alabama (USA)
- Ownership: Private (American-owned)
- Primary markets: Electric utilities, telecommunications, tree service, municipalities
- Price range: $65,000 (AT37G new) to $400,000+ (large digger derricks)
- OEM financing: equipment lenders (through dealers)
- Used equipment: $35,000–$180,000 (large active secondary market)
- Largest dealer: Custom Truck One Source (Kansas City, MO — 40+ US locations)
About Altec Industries
Altec Industries was founded in 1929 in Birmingham, Alabama, and has remained a private, American-owned company for nearly a century. This makes Altec one of the longest-tenured specialty truck-mounted equipment manufacturers in the United States. The company's primary manufacturing operations remain in Birmingham, Alabama, with additional facilities in St. Joseph, Missouri — making Altec equipment genuinely American-made.
Altec's primary customers are investor-owned utilities (Duke Energy, Dominion Energy, NextEra Energy), municipal utilities, telecommunications contractors (AT&T, Comcast, Frontier), tree service companies, and government agencies at all levels. The brand is so trusted in the utility industry that many utility companies specify "Altec or approved equal" in their equipment procurement contracts — creating significant market leverage.
Altec's product lines include aerial work platforms (bucket trucks), digger derricks, cable placers and stringing equipment, and specialty material handlers. The company holds dominant market share in the utility aerial market alongside Terex/Hi-Ranger, making Altec one of only two brands that utility companies consistently specify.
For equipment financing, Altec's brand recognition is a significant advantage. Strong brand means better resale values, and better resale values mean lenders are more willing to finance — and at better rates. Independent specialty lenders who regularly finance utility equipment know the Altec brand well and have a clear view of collateral values.
AT Series — Aerial Trucks (Telescopic Boom)
The AT series are the workhorse bucket trucks of the utility and tree service industries. These are single-person aerial work platforms on telescoping booms mounted to truck chassis. The telescopic design extends in a straight line, maximizing reach and simplicity. AT series trucks are used for utility line maintenance, tree trimming, streetlight work, telecom line work, and municipal infrastructure maintenance.
The "G" designation indicates a ground-level controls version (common for tree service). The "P" designation indicates platform model. The "200A" designation indicates full insulation for hot-line utility work.
| Model | Working Height | Max Side Reach | Insulated | Chassis | New Price | Used (5–8 yr) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT37G | 37 ft | 25 ft | Optional | Single-axle | $65,000–$85,000 | $28,000–$48,000 | Most common entry model |
| AT37-G BT | 37 ft | 24 ft | Optional | Single-axle | $68,000–$88,000 | $30,000–$52,000 | Body and tool body version |
| AT40G | 40 ft | 28 ft | Optional | Single-axle | $72,000–$95,000 | $32,000–$55,000 | Popular for tree/municipal |
| AT40P | 40 ft | 28 ft | Optional | Single-axle | $78,000–$102,000 | $35,000–$60,000 | Platform version |
| AT235 | 40 ft | 28 ft | Optional | Single-axle | $75,000–$98,000 | $33,000–$58,000 | Updated AT40 platform |
| AT48G | 48 ft | 32 ft | Optional | Single-axle | $88,000–$115,000 | $40,000–$70,000 | Good all-around height |
| AT55G | 55 ft | 35 ft | Optional | Tandem-axle | $105,000–$138,000 | $50,000–$85,000 | Popular utility model |
| AT60G | 60 ft | 40 ft | Optional | Tandem-axle | $118,000–$155,000 | $55,000–$95,000 | Extended reach |
| AT200A | 60 ft | 40 ft | YES — 46 kV | Tandem-axle | $145,000–$185,000 | $65,000–$115,000 | Fully insulated for hot-line work |
LRV Series — Forestry and Landscape Aerial Trucks
LRV stands for "Line Right-of-Way Vehicle." These are specifically engineered for tree trimming and utility line clearance work. The defining feature is the over-center design — the boom can reach below the bucket, allowing the operator to work below the unit. This is essential for branch removal and tree pruning where you need to work on branches at or below the truck's position. Tree services doing commercial utility line clearance work almost universally use LRV-style trucks. Standard AT trucks cannot work below grade.
| Model | Working Height | Over-Center | Below Grade Reach | New Price | Used (5–8 yr) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LRV55 | 55 ft | Yes | Yes | $118,000–$155,000 | $52,000–$88,000 | Most popular tree service model |
| LRV60 | 60 ft | Yes | Yes | $128,000–$168,000 | $58,000–$98,000 | Extended reach version |
| LRV65 | 65 ft | Yes | Yes | $148,000–$192,000 | $68,000–$115,000 | Large commercial tree work |
AA Series — Two-Man Platform Aerials
The AA series are two-man rated aerial platforms — the platform is rated for 500 lbs (two workers) with both upper (in bucket) and lower (at turntable) controls. This allows the truck to be repositioned while a worker remains in the elevated platform. Used by electric utilities for distribution line work requiring a ground helper and a bucket worker, and by tree services for large removals where a second person in the bucket speeds work significantly.
| Model | Working Height | Platform Capacity | Insulated | New Price | Used Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AA55 | 55 ft | 500 lbs (2-man) | Optional | $128,000–$168,000 | $55,000–$92,000 | Popular utility 2-man |
| AA75 | 75 ft | 500 lbs | Optional | $168,000–$215,000 | $72,000–$118,000 | High reach 2-man |
| AA100 | 100 ft | 500 lbs | Optional | $215,000–$278,000 | $95,000–$155,000 | Very high reach |
| AA150 | 150 ft | 500 lbs | Optional | $295,000–$385,000 | $135,000–$210,000 | Transmission line work |
DM Series — Digger Derricks
Digger derricks combine two functions: an earth auger (the "digger") that drills holes for utility poles and anchors, and a hydraulic knuckle-boom crane (the "derrick") that sets poles, handles transformers, and rigs heavy loads. They are essential equipment for electric utility distribution line construction — nearly every new utility pole in the United States is installed with a digger derrick.
The key specification is auger torque, measured in foot-pounds (ft-lb). Higher torque means the auger can drill larger diameter holes in harder ground. A DM47 at 45,000 ft-lb handles most residential distribution pole work. A DM1185 at 118,000 ft-lb is used for large transmission line pole installation.
| Model | Auger Torque | Max Lift Capacity | Boom Length | New Price | Used Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DM47 | 45,000 ft-lb | 12,000 lbs | 47 ft | $95,000–$135,000 | $42,000–$72,000 | Entry-level digger |
| DM47B | 45,000 ft-lb | 12,000 lbs | 47 ft | $98,000–$140,000 | $44,000–$75,000 | Updated DM47 |
| DM55 | 55,000 ft-lb | 15,000 lbs | 55 ft | $135,000–$178,000 | $58,000–$98,000 | Most popular mid-range |
| DM65 | 65,000 ft-lb | 18,000 lbs | 65 ft | $158,000–$210,000 | $68,000–$115,000 | Large distribution work |
| DM685 | 68,000 ft-lb | 20,000 lbs | 68 ft | $178,000–$235,000 | $78,000–$128,000 | Heavy-duty version |
| DM785 | 78,000 ft-lb | 22,000 lbs | 78 ft | $210,000–$275,000 | $92,000–$148,000 | Large transmission |
| DM100B | 100,000 ft-lb | 25,000 lbs | 100 ft | $268,000–$355,000 | $118,000–$178,000 | Heavy transmission |
| DM1185 | 118,000 ft-lb | 28,000 lbs | 118 ft | $295,000–$395,000 | $130,000–$195,000 | Transmission line work |
UN/UH Series — Utility Aerial Devices
The UN and UH series are non-overcenter utility aerials — standard boom configuration for basic utility maintenance. These are simpler and lower-cost than the AT series, designed for straightforward utility work that doesn't require the articulating or over-center capability. Widely used by municipal utilities and smaller operations where cost is a primary factor.
| Model | Working Height | New Price | Used Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UN35 | 35 ft | $65,000–$85,000 | $28,000–$48,000 | Basic utility maintenance |
| UN41 | 41 ft | $72,000–$95,000 | $32,000–$55,000 | Popular for municipalities |
| UH35 | 35 ft | $68,000–$88,000 | $30,000–$52,000 | Hydraulic version |
| TA40 | 40 ft | $75,000–$98,000 | $33,000–$58,000 | Telescopic aerial |
| TA55 | 55 ft | $92,000–$120,000 | $42,000–$70,000 | Extended reach utility |
LS/Material Handling Series
Altec material handling aerials are designed for distribution line construction — lifting and placing transformers, moving equipment, and rigging materials while providing elevated work platform access. These combine digger derrick-style material handling with aerial reach capability.
| Model | Function | New Price | Used Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS45E | Articulating/telescoping combo | $165,000–$215,000 | $72,000–$118,000 | Line specialist |
| LS50 | Material handler/aerial | $148,000–$195,000 | $65,000–$108,000 | Distribution line work |
| LTS | Lightweight telescopic | $88,000–$115,000 | $40,000–$68,000 | Telecom/fiber work |
Cable Placers and Stringing Equipment
Altec manufactures cable pulling and tensioning equipment for overhead line construction — stringing wire and cable from pole to pole for new transmission and distribution line construction and upgrades.
| Model | Function | New Price | Used Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC105 | Cable placer, 105,000 lb capacity | $145,000–$188,000 | $62,000–$98,000 | Medium transmission |
| PC110 | Cable placer, 110,000 lb capacity | $158,000–$205,000 | $68,000–$108,000 | Standard production |
| PC200 | Heavy cable placer | $215,000–$278,000 | $92,000–$145,000 | Transmission line construction |
| TS35 | Tensioner/stringing unit | $88,000–$118,000 | $38,000–$62,000 | Light tensioner |
Altec vs Elliott vs Terex/Hi-Ranger — Comparison
| Feature | Altec Industries | Elliott Equipment | Terex Utilities/Hi-Ranger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1929 | 1951 | 1933 (Terex), 1947 (Hi-Ranger) |
| Headquarters | Birmingham, AL (USA) | Omaha, NE (USA) | Westport, CT (Terex corporate) |
| Ownership | Private, American | Private, American | Terex is publicly traded |
| Primary market | Utility, telecom, tree | Utility, telecom, tree | Utility, telecom, municipality |
| Aerial trucks | AT, LRV, AA series | B, V series | TM, HR, HTA series |
| Digger derricks | DM series | D series | RS series |
| 40-ft aerial (new) | $72,000–$95,000 | $75,000–$98,000 | $70,000–$92,000 |
| 65-ft digger (new) | $158,000–$210,000 | $155,000–$205,000 | $165,000–$215,000 |
| OEM financing | equipment lenders | Limited | Terex Financial Services |
| Dealer network | Large (CTOS, regional) | Moderate | Moderate (CTOS, regional) |
| 5-year residual value | 42–52% | 38–48% | 38–48% |
| Parts availability | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Market reputation | Utility gold standard | Well regarded | Strong in telecoms |
Altec is the gold standard of the utility aerial market — decades of proven reliability, superior parts availability nationwide, and preferred vendor status with major investor-owned utilities. Many utility companies won't even consider alternatives for their primary fleet. Elliott Equipment Company (Omaha, NE) is well-respected and some contractors prefer Elliott's boom geometry for telecom and fiber work. Terex (Westport, CT) offers slightly lower prices in some configurations and certain municipalities have standardized on Terex equipment.
For financing, all three brands finance similarly through specialty lenders. Altec has a slight edge in resale value due to market dominance — this translates to slightly better loan-to-value ratios from lenders. Custom Truck One Source (CTOS) sells all three brands and can provide side-by-side comparisons for buyers evaluating their options.
Licensing Requirements for Altec Equipment
CDL (Class A or B)
Most Altec aerial trucks and digger derricks on tandem-axle chassis exceed 26,001 lbs GVWR and require a Commercial Driver's License. Class B covers vehicles 26,001–80,000 lbs GVWR. Class A covers combination vehicles (truck + trailer). Required before driving any truck that meets the threshold. CDL training: $2,000–$5,000.
OSHA 1910.269 (Line Clearance Tree Trimming)
For tree trimming work within 10 feet of energized power lines. Requires specific training on electrical hazard awareness, approach distances, rubber glove work procedures, and emergency procedures. Cannot be waived — working near energized lines without this training is an OSHA violation.
Aerial Lift Training (OSHA 1926.453)
All aerial lift operators must be trained and authorized by their employer before operating aerial lifts. Training must cover safe operation, fall hazards, electrical hazards, and load capacity limits. No specific license — employer-based training and documentation required. Annual refresher recommended.
Utility Credentials (for utility work)
Working for or with electric utilities often requires utility company-specific safety training, background checks, and authorization. Duke Energy, Dominion, Eversource, and other utilities have their own qualification programs for contractors. Plan for 60–90 days of qualification process before starting utility work.
ISA Certified Arborist (tree service)
Not legally required but strongly recommended for tree service companies using aerial equipment. International Society of Arboriculture (Champaign, IL) certification ($395 exam) improves insurance rates and commercial contract eligibility. Many municipalities require ISA certification for tree removal permits.
Insurance Requirements
Aerial trucks require commercial auto insurance (higher rates than standard commercial vehicles due to elevated risk), general liability ($1M–$2M), and equipment-specific umbrella coverage. Utility company contracts typically require $2M–$5M general liability minimums. Budget $8,000–$25,000/year for insurance on a single aerial truck operation.
Financing Altec Equipment
Altec's strong brand recognition is a significant financing advantage. Lenders who work with specialty truck equipment know the Altec name, know the secondary market, and have clear collateral values — making Altec equipment significantly easier to finance than lesser-known specialty equipment brands.
Financing Sources
- equipment lenders: Available through authorized Altec dealers. Best rates on new equipment. Promotional financing available periodically. Application, credit approval, and documentation through the dealer.
- equipment lenders: Custom Truck One Source's financing arm is often the best option for used Altec equipment purchased through CTOS. CTOS has 40+ locations and one of the largest used specialty truck inventories in the country. They understand the collateral deeply.
- Specialty commercial lenders: Banks and finance companies that specialize in utility equipment, commercial trucks, and aerial equipment. These lenders are preferred when equipment lenders doesn't fit — startup businesses, used equipment from private sellers, or credit situations that OEM programs decline.
- SBA 7(a) loans: For startup tree service or utility contractors who don't yet have the business history for conventional financing. Personal credit and business plan are weighted heavily. Terms up to 10 years on equipment.
Typical Financing Terms
| Equipment Type | Down Payment (Established Business) | Down Payment (Startup) | Term Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| New AT/LRV aerial trucks | 10–20% | 20–30% | 48–72 months |
| New DM digger derricks | 15–20% | 25–30% | 48–72 months |
| Used Altec (5–8 years old) | 15–25% | 25–35% | 36–60 months |
| Used Altec (10+ years old) | 25–35% | 35–45% | 24–48 months |
What lenders look for: utility service contracts (showing revenue source), municipality contracts, CDL driver on staff (shows operational capability), proof of required insurance, and business financial history. Startup tree services with personal credit scores above 680 and reasonable down payment (20–25%) can typically access Altec financing through specialty lenders.
Finance Your Altec Equipment
New and used Altec aerial trucks, digger derricks, and utility equipment — we connect buyers with specialty lenders who know Altec collateral values.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of a new Altec AT40G aerial truck?
A new Altec AT40G aerial truck (40-foot working height, 28-foot side reach) costs $72,000–$95,000 on a standard single-axle chassis. Used AT40G models (5–8 years old) sell for $32,000–$55,000. The AT40G is one of the most popular aerial trucks for tree service and municipal applications because of its combination of reach, single-axle chassis (lower operating cost), and Altec's strong parts network. equipment lenders provides OEM financing through authorized dealers.
How much does an Altec DM55 digger derrick cost?
A new Altec DM55 digger derrick (55,000 ft-lb auger torque, 15,000 lb lift capacity, 55-foot boom) costs $135,000–$178,000. Used DM55s (5–8 years old) sell for $58,000–$98,000. The DM55 is the most popular mid-range digger derrick for electric utility distribution line construction — it handles most residential and light commercial pole installation work. A CDL (Class B or A depending on chassis weight) is required to operate.
Do you need a CDL to drive an Altec bucket truck?
Most Altec aerial trucks on tandem-axle chassis exceed 26,001 lbs GVWR and require a Class A or Class B CDL. Smaller single-axle models (AT37G, AT40G) on lighter truck chassis may fall below 26,001 lbs and not require CDL — verify the specific chassis GVWR. OSHA 1910.269 certification is additionally required for line-clearance tree trimming work within 10 feet of energized power lines. CDL training and testing costs $2,000–$5,000.
Where is Altec Industries manufactured?
Altec Industries is headquartered and primarily manufactured in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Additional manufacturing facilities are located in St. Joseph, Missouri. The company was founded in 1929 and remains privately held — American-owned for nearly a century. This genuine American manufacturing contributes to the brand's strong resale values (utility companies often prefer domestically manufactured utility equipment) and wide acceptance by lenders who track the secondary market.
What is the difference between Altec AT, LRV, and AA series?
AT series: telescopic boom aerial trucks for utility maintenance, tree trimming, and telecom work. Single-person platform, boom extends straight. LRV series: over-center design specifically for forestry and utility line clearance — allows the operator to work below the unit for branch removal. Essential for commercial tree service. AA series: two-man rated (500 lb platform capacity) for utility work requiring both an operator in the bucket and a second worker. AA trucks have upper and lower controls so the truck can be repositioned while someone remains elevated.
What is Custom Truck One Source (CTOS)?
Custom Truck One Source (CTOS), headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, is the largest dealer for both new and used Altec, Elliott Equipment, and Terex aerial equipment in North America. With 40+ US locations and one of the largest used specialty truck inventories in the country, CTOS is often the first stop for contractors comparing options. equipment lenders provides financing for both new and used inventory — often the best financing option for used Altec purchases. CTOS is publicly traded (NYSE: CTOS).
See our Custom Truck & Specialty Aerial Financing guide for a complete overview of the specialty aerial market, including Altec, Elliott, Terex, and other brands. Also see our Aerial Lift Financing guide for JLG and Genie scissor lifts and boom lifts.