Abstract: A method of operating a hydraulic system and hydraulic system for raising and lowering a boom in extreme climates. When the temperature is below a low temperature the system is operated open center while a variable displacement pump providing a constant flow of hydraulic fluid. When the temperature is between the low temperature and a moderate temperature the variable displacement pump provides at least a minimum flow of hydraulic fluid to the system, and the minimum flow decreases linearly with an increase of the temperature. When the temperature is above the moderate temperature, the system is operated closed center while maintaining at least a system pressure when in neutral and wherein the variable displacement pump provides hydraulic fluid to the actuator when a control valve is actuated.

Abstract: A telescoping arm with securable pole-tilt assembly for manipulating a utility pole and comprising a pair of opposed jaws and a saddle, the arm comprising a boom and an elongate pin for selectively securing the pole tilt assembly in an operating position to the end of a telescoping boom section or in an out of operation position to an intermediate boom section wherein in the out of operation position the telescoping boom section can extend through the pole-tilt assembly and the elongate pin engages the jaws of the pole-tilt assembly preventing them from being articulated downwards towards the saddle, thereby preventing damage to the telescoping boom.

Abstract: A utility truck including a boom with telescoping segments, and pistons connected to two pivot points on a base bracket of the boom, for raising and lowering the boom. The truck includes first and second sensors each mounted at different locations on the extension bracket. Both sensors monitor deformations of the extension bracket. An average of measurements of the sensors provide a first load value representative of an axial deflection of the boom. A difference between the measurements of the sensors provide a second load value representative of a lateral deflection of the boom. A control system receives signals from the sensors and controls power delivered to the pistons based on the received signals.

Abstract: A method of operating a hydraulic system and hydraulic system for raising and lowering a boom in extreme climates. When the temperature is below a low temperature the system is operated open center while a variable displacement pump providing a constant flow of hydraulic fluid. When the temperature is between the low temperature and a moderate temperature the variable displacement pump provides at least a minimum flow of hydraulic fluid to the system, and the minimum flow decreases linearly with an increase of the temperature. When the temperature is above the moderate temperature, the system is operated closed center while maintaining at least a system pressure when in neutral and wherein the variable displacement pump provides hydraulic fluid to the actuator when a control valve is actuated.

Abstract: A telescoping arm with securable pole-tilt assembly for manipulating a utility pole and comprising a pair of opposed jaws and a saddle, the arm comprising a boom and an elongate pin for selectively securing the pole tilt assembly in an operating position to the end of a telescoping boom section or in an out of operation position to an intermediate boom section wherein in the out of operation position the telescoping boom section can extend through the pole-tilt assembly and the elongate pin engages the jaws of the pole-tilt assembly preventing them from being articulated downwards towards the saddle, thereby preventing damage to the telescoping boom.

Abstract: An outrigger is disclosed for stabilizing a wheeled vehicle having an extensible service equipment mounted to a chassis thereof. The outrigger is deployable between a stowed and a deployed position where a foot of a telescopic leg assembly comes into contact with the ground thus stabilizing the vehicle. The telescopic leg assembly is mounted to the chassis of the vehicle such that travel of the foot is initially in a horizontal direction with no downward component followed subsequently by travel in a substantially vertical direction with limited horizontal movement such that when the foot comes into contact with the ground, lateral forces are limited. There is also disclosed a stabilized wheeled vehicle comprising opposed pairs of outriggers.

Abstract: An outrigger is disclosed for stabilizing a wheeled vehicle having an extensible service equipment mounted to a chassis thereof. The outrigger is deployable between a stowed and a deployed position where a foot of a telescopic leg assembly comes into contact with the ground thus stabilizing the vehicle. The telescopic leg assembly is mounted to the chassis of the vehicle such that travel of the foot is initially in a horizontal direction with no downward component followed subsequently by travel in a substantially vertical direction with limited horizontal movement such that when the foot comes into contact with the ground, lateral forces are limited. There is also disclosed a stabilized wheeled vehicle comprising opposed pairs of outriggers.