Compact machines play an increasingly important role in utility construction, particularly as urbanization grows. According to the U.S. 2020 Census 80% of the U.S. population currently lives in urban areas, up from 64% in 1950. Utility workers in urban environments not only face limited space on jobsites, but high-traffic areas can limit accessibility to projects. Contractors may also face noise and emissions restrictions.

As attendees walk through the entrance of TCI EXPO ’24 at the Baltimore Convention Center this November 7-9, they’ll get the opportunity to meet with 260-plus exhibitors – but that’s just the beginning! They’ll also get to examine every aspect of tree care and explore real-life scenarios that mirror their everyday work.

In addition to vegetables and shrubs, trees play a role in edible gardens as well. Usually a sign of mature soil and ecology, fruit trees are able to give us fruiting bounties, provide shade and also contribute to the local ecology and microbiomes of soils.

But often, trees are overlooked in the urban setting, and tree care is relatively uncommon.

The Energy and Natural Resources Ministry has set an ambitious goal to plant 100 million trees nationwide by 2025, with one million targeted for the Federal Territories alone.

While these targets are promising, ensuring the long-term care of these trees is crucial for their success and the safety of urban spaces.

As the weather starts cooling down you might not be thinking about your lawn and landscaping. But now is the perfect time to take care of the old trees in your yard.

“Fall is the perfect time for removals just because everything is in it’s dormant status. So it gives people time to prepare so that way, in the Spring, if they’re looking to do some type of, you know, new planting or re-landscaping, that kind of stuff, it gives them the whole aspect,” Phil Nystrom, lead arborist with Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals, said.

The 730 tonne reactor cavity precast pool for the Hinkley Point C project was installed with Modulift underslung beams and Big Carl, the world’s largest crane designed and owned by Sarens.

Specialist lifting equipment manufacturer Modulift is facilitating civil engineering installation works at Hinkley Point C, a nuclear power plant under construction in Somerset, UK. The 730 tonne reactor cavity precast pool was installed using Modulift underslung beams and Big Carl, Sarens’ largest land-based crane, with a capacity of 5,000 tonnes.

Potain has launched a new 1,800kg capacity self-erecting tower crane - the Igo M 24-19 - at Batimat this week which will replace Potain’s bestselling Igo M 14. The Igo M 24-19 has three jib configuration options with jib lengths of 12.3, 21 and 24 metres, with under hook heights of up to 25.4 metres with the jib luffed to 20 degrees above horizontal. At the maximum 24 metre radius it has a hook height of 19 metres at which point it can handle up to 570kg, while it has a jib tip capacity of 730kg at a radius of 21 metres and hook height of 18.8 metres.

Oz Lifting has unveiled the improved Tele-Pro — an evolution of its best-selling davit crane, designed based on customer feedback and the latest advancements in technology.

“The upgraded Tele-Pro features enhanced boom operation, better maneuverability, and a high-visibility powder coat finish. It’s all about making your lifting tasks smoother, safer, and more efficient. Stay tuned as we roll out these improvements,” the company said.

Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is a devastating fungal infection that has wiped out millions of elm trees worldwide. It is a beetle-fungus disease complex caused by the Ophiostoma fungus and spread primarily by elm bark beetles. Unlike most tree diseases, DED can swiftly kill even healthy trees, making early detection especially crucial. Let us guide you through identifying and managing Dutch Elm Disease to help safeguard your majestic elm trees!

Lineworkers face different challenges in the field when it comes to operating digger derricks or bucket trucks. That is why it is imperative to conduct a job site survey that identifies the risks so certain precautions and steps can be made. 

One item that lineworkers consider is the slope of the ground and how the slope will impact the truck. Ideally, the truck should be parked on a slope of five degrees or less; then leveled according to the units requirements. However, there are times when it is necessary to set-up the truck with a larger slope present. If only equipped with one set of outriggers or no outriggers then the tires and axles are critical components in the stability and not fully addressed here. Digger derrick capacities are determined on level ground so they will have reduced capacity if not set up level.

The IC100 Index is a KHL top list produced annually for almost the last 30 years by International Cranes and Specialized Transport (ICST). It allows us to track the development of individual crane-owning companies as well as wider trends in the sector.

Here we focus on the ten fastest growing companies, as measured by the year-on-year increases in their IC Index published in June 2024. The IC Index figure is derived from the total combined maximum load moment rating in tonne-metres of all the cranes in a company’s fleet, giving a numerical measure of a company’s growth in terms of the lifting capability (not the nominal capacity) of its fleet.

When faced with real-world conditions, using transition layers and stacking material on top of other materials can be an effective way to increase the bearing area of supporting materials under outriggers. However, like most anything, these practices are best when they are planned events and not gametime decisions.

Dutch heavy lifting and transport company Mammoet has officially launched the world’s strongest land-based crane: the SK6000. The crane was launched at an event in the Netherlands attended by Cranes Today. 

From lifting wires to electrical poles to craning to material handling, the utility industry requires numerous material lifting solutions.

Manufacturers who understand the needs and challenges of their customers are investing in research and development to create products designed to address those needs and challenges. Below are the latest developments in material lifts designed for the utilities industry.

Digger derricks are built to dig holes and set poles without requiring the operator to reposition the truck. Just like when operating cranes, understanding how to read load charts and applying that information to the operation of the digger derrick is critical. 

Did you know that a single mature oak tree can support up to 2,300 species of wildlife? That’s incredible! Welcome to your ultimate guide to planting trees for urban biodiversity. In 2024, as our cities grow, it’s more crucial than ever to create green spaces that support a wide range of plant and animal life. We’ll explore how you can make a real difference in your urban environment, one tree at a time. Ready to get your hands dirty and boost your city’s biodiversity? Let’s dig in!

In the electrical utility industry, the installation, maintenance, and repair of transmission poles and towers are critical operations that ensure the reliable delivery of electricity. These tasks, however, often present significant challenges due to the need to navigate difficult terrain, protect sensitive environments, and maintain safety standards. Ground protection and site access mats have emerged as indispensable tools in overcoming these challenges, offering benefits that enhance operational efficiency, environmental stewardship, and worker safety.

Arborists say California's "urban forest" is the most biodiverse in North America. Laurie Perez reports.

A utility worker is going to spend quite a few hours working in the dark, often amid an emergency. They have a critical job to do as quickly as possible. They don’t want to be dragging all kinds of equipment around. When it comes to lighting, they want something brighter and can be deployed faster. It’s all about safety.

The crane and specialized transport industry is embracing new eco-technologies and adopting sustainable practices. While contributing to environmental sustainability, it’s also proving to be cost-effective for companies. Niamh Marriott reports.

On the heels of a proposed federal heat standard, a new free app has been released to help employers gauge workers’ potential heat stress before starting work, as well as throughout the day.

The proposed OSHA standard would require employers, including construction contractors, to take a variety of steps to protect workers when heat indexes reach 80 degrees and above.