Live line work with Unimogs

Electricity supplier EDF Energy East owns three power networks in the UK and in its East of England network area operates a fleet of 30 Mercedes Unimogs, nine of which are fitted with insulated booms.

As part of a replacement programme, it is currently taking delivery of five new Unimogs with a mix of Altec and Time Manufacturing Versalift insulated booms. Four U400s have been fitted with Altec TA41D booms with 46 feet (14 meter) working height and 36 feet (11 meter) horizontal outreach. The fifth Unimog, a U500, is equipped with a Versalift Vst5000Mhi with 56 feet (17 meter) working height and 39 feet (12 meter) horizontal outreach.

Good outreach is important to the company and its workforce. EDF Hot glove engineer Richard Hambling says: “The Unimog may be able to handle all sorts of off-road conditions, but in some cases any vehicle is unwelcome, for instance on a garden lawn or where vegetables are growing. What is needed is a platform with long reach so that engineers can go over and round hedges and trees, and carry out maintenance work secure in the knowledge that the host vehicle and access platform are stable and secure.”