Equipment manufacturers serving the utility industry displayed a wide range of machines at the 2019 International Construction & Utility Equipment Expo (ICUEE) in Louisville, Ky., with products built to handle tasks as varied as vegetation management, urban construction and transmission-line service.

Terex Utilities launched three new telescopic and material handling aerial devices designed for transmission work. The series includes the TL80, TL100, and TL80/112, which provide 80, 100 and 112 ft working heights, respectively. All three models feature end-mounted two-person platforms with capacities up to 700 lb. The TL80 and TL80/112 are also available with an optional side-mounted platform having a jib capacity up to 2,000 lb. The hydraulic-powered platform rotates 180° and features self-leveling capability. The units have open-center hydraulic systems and dual hydraulic tool capabilities with flow controls.
“The new TL aerial devices deliver more options for utility fleets performing transmission work. For example, the TL80 provides a smaller compact size on a standard chassis,” said Joe Caywood, director of marketing. The TL aerial devices can typically mount on lower GVW chassis than traditional transmission units. “This affords fleet owners greater flexibility to aid in managing their budget,” said Caywood. For example, the TL80 can mount on a 33,000 lb GVW, tandem axle chassis. “Not only is this less expensive to purchase than a tri-axle chassis, it also costs less to maintain over the life of the vehicle,” he said.
Commonality of parts and reduced maintenance features additionally contribute to economical cost of ownership over the life of the equipment. The TL80 uses the same cylinder for its lower and upper booms, as does the TL100. All three models feature the same leveling cylinders. For ease of maintenance, hydraulic fittings above the rotation bearing use O-ring face seals, and adjustable wear pads are easily accessible from outside the boom when adjustment is necessary.
Compact track loader

Kubota Tractor displayed its recently introduced SVL65-2 compact track loader, further diversifying its construction equipment offerings. The new machine fits a lighter ROC weight class than its predecessors and features advanced hydraulics, a slide-up overhead front door and easy on/off self-leveling function. The introduction rounds out Kubota’s SVL line that includes the larger SVL75-2 and the SVL95-2s models.
“Its small-but-mighty size allows the SVL65-2 to maneuver easily in tight areas and is lighter weight for less soil compaction but still packs a powerful punch in efficiency, making it an ideal choice for landscapers, rental yards and small contractors,” said Tim Boulds, Kubota construction equipment product operations manager.
The new SVL65-2 features an Advanced Multifunction Valve (AMV) that provides smooth operation when using simultaneous functions such as auxiliary, boom and bucket circuits, letting operators be more productive. With the AMV Valve, the SVL65-2 makes running any attachment that uses auxiliary hydraulics even easier, especially attachments such as grapple buckets, 4-in-1 buckets and hydraulic augers. The hydraulic system is rated at 3,263 psi pressure and 17.4 gpm. A high-flow option provides 27 gpm.
The standard self-leveling feature can be engaged with the flip of a switch and keeps the bucket or forks level without the need to manually adjust the angle on the way up. Plus, multi-function levers provide fingertip control of all major vehicle and attachment operations.
A 68-hp engine powers SVL65-2. It has a wide working range including a rated operating capacity of 2,100 lb at 35% or 3,000 lb at 50%, a reach of 34.9 in and. a hinge pin height of 118.5 in. While the overall footprint is smaller, cab size matches that of the SVL75-2 and SVL95-2s. Consistent with the larger models, the SVL65-2 features an easy-open sliding front door – its signature and best-selling feature – that can be opened regardless of the position of the bucket or loader arm; plus, full machine operation is possible with the door open, if desired.
Ride-on trencher

To deal with constricted spaces and challenging environments common in urban underground construction, Ditch Witch released an updated RT80 ride-on trencher. Its compact design reportedly makes it ideal for heavy-duty trenching, vibratory plowing and microtrenching in confined urban and residential areas, where larger machines can’t freely maneuver. The machine also has a modular design that allows tires and tracks to be easily interchanged in the field – keeping work going smoothly.
The RT80 trencher is equipped with a 74.5-hp Deutz, Tier 4 diesel engine, a static load rating of 35,407 pounds and a wide-axle rating of 39,000 pounds. Its efficient three-speed, shift-on-the-fly drive system lets operators set the correct range without stopping work.
The unit features a hydrostatic drive with 30-gpm pump capacity and a relief setting of 6,000 psi. The attachment pump is rated at 35 gpm and 5,500 psi. Two additional pumps (7.1 and 6.2 gpm) for steering and auxiliary functions are set at 3,000 psi.