The next generation of power restoration equipment is rolling into AEP Ohio’s service territories.

The Altec TDA58 can reach 60 feet into the air and more easily navigate soft, muddy ground and tight, confined spaces.

The Columbus Southeast and Findlay garages are now home to the Altec TDA58 — better known as the backyard bucket — a vehicle that is smaller and taller than similar models.

What makes the backyard bucket unique is its extended reach and ability to navigate tough terrain and tight, confined spaces inaccessible by bucket truck. This is especially useful in urban neighborhoods where accessing lines often requires line workers to physically climb poles or rent expensive equipment.

The backyard bucket is also able to more easily drive through soft, muddy ground. The large footprint of the vehicle’s tracks spreads out its weight and allows it to gain additional traction in damp conditions, causing less property damage than a bucket truck might.

The higher reach of the Altec TDA58 is another valuable asset: its boom reaches 60 feet into the air — considerably higher than the 37 feet of smaller backyard bucket equipment.

The backyard bucket allows us to improve response times, minimize extra equipment and continue to improve the reliability of your service. 

Columbus Southeast was AEP Ohio’s first garage with the latest backyard bucket; in fact, it was the first across AEP’s entire footprint. Other locations are considering orders but for now the use of this highly specialized vehicle won’t be commonplace — they’re expensive and will be deployed only when necessary.

This innovative new tool is just one of many ways we’re working to improve your electric service. Read more about the work we’re doing to keep your power on.

15 responses to “Meet the New ‘Backyard Bucket’

  1. It would be nice to a video of its mobility and operation. When Barbara is done with her windows, I have a few trees I’d like to get after.

  2. Seriously, I appreciate the fact AEP is keeping up with technology to meet its customers needs. My brother in law worked for an electric company in southern Alabama his entire adult life and I’m sure he would have been thankful for such a piece of equipment.

  3. This is good news. I live on a cul-de-sac where the only access to the transformer in the area is across my yard. The last time a bucket truck was needed to clear out fallen tree limbs it left deep ruts in the yard. Thanks for the innovation.

  4. A very innovative piece of equipment. There are a number of good videos available showing the lift in action. This one is is 1:25 long:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MAPP2DpGd0
    There is another one that is over eleven minutes showing how it an be leveled up to operate on uneven ground. Looks like it’s extremely versatile. I tried to find out how much one would cost just out of curiosity but you’d need to “call for a quote”.

    1. Hi Annie. Unfortunately, I don’t have that information. You would need to reach out to the manufacturer, Altec.

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