Altec or Hi-Ranger

Altec for ease of use and smooth boom operation.

Terex for fast boom speed, furthest rear mounted elevator unit, and open deck space.

Versalift 75' FTW!


let me eleaborate.......

Altec are beautiful smooth trucks, and very well built. They are set in FRONT of the rear axle and have a long rear deck behind the axle meaning you lose 6'-8' of setup off the rear. They also mount their elevators parallel so you lose ALL deck space for storage of wood and mats, etc. Shite design, IMO!

Terex booms move super fast. They are also very "bouncy", you get a lot of movement out of them while maneuvering through the air/tree. Especially in the elevators and lowest knuckle on the turret. They mount their units BEHIND the rear axle, giving the most reach possible when working from the rear. They also transversely mount their units giving you the most usable deck space possible for mats, tools, wood, etc.

Versalift has always made a SUPER smooth, strong, dependable unit. Their new elevator units have a slick pistol grip setup, mount transversely, and seem really nice. I have yet to fly one and these are only observations.

My ultimate choice would be a modified Altec rear mount for deck space. If you're not into that cost get the Terex.
 
Cam, We have one Versalift and three Hi_Ranger elevators and are very happy with them. They are all on INT chasis. I wouldn't buy anything else. We believe they work very smooth and are easy to operate. The Versalift is harder to be accurate especially around the powrlines and houses.
 
Our Hi-Ranger 75' lift on a forestry package (you guessed it old asplundh) is a great boom. It is really accurate where it counts, and it goes like snot when you want it to. That said, I haven't encountered too many probs running our other booms, an Altec and an old Teco. All up to the operator to keep it smooth, imo.
 
Do these units generally have the pistol grips, or sticks?

I demoed a 75'Altec elevator with a pistol, and basically did not like it at all. I'm used to sticks in a rear mount ALC, those seem so simple and easy to use, and ergonomic. Also, the front mounting of the ALC sticks allows for easy use with either hand. The Altec seemed to demand use by right hand only. I'm sure you get used to it, but initially, it was difficult.

Too bad ALC doesn't make a rear mount elevator.
 
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Big fan of the pistol grip if you have the option.

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Personally I hate the pistol grip, much rather run a four stick, thats just for buckets though, I prefer joysticks on a crane.

Thats just personal preferance though.
 
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The Versalift is harder to be accurate especially around the powrlines and houses.

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Oh boy, I bet thats fun, the worst places to be inaccurate and the boom is prone for it. Where do you operate it then?, I can't imagine a place you would need it without any obstacles.
 
I ran a ALC for about 5 years then came onto a altec. I didn't think i would like the pistle grip but after running it for 6 months i do. Not to say i don't still like the ALC but have goten use to the pistle. the only think I don't like about the altec and I don't know if its just our unit but there is a delay when you go to move.
 
I tallied up the opinions and it seems altec is slightly ahead. Altec it is! Thank you to everyone who contributed their opinions, it really did help me in my process.
 
go stuff a pig will yea
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