Bucket Truck Innovations that disrupt the status quo come along every once and while. Today we interviewed James Christian, Versalift Director of Engineering who has been responsible for many of these innovations over the years. In an AMA (Ask me Anything) we asked James to provide some clarity for out customers. Below you will find some of the highlights, questions & answers (Q&A) from the event
“TruGuard™2.0 – Q&A with James Christian, Versalift Director of Engineering – get the answers here!”
Why do I need a system like TruGuard™2.0?
TruGuard™2.0 represents a quantum leap in safety technology for insulated bucket trucks. As a manager, why would you not provide your aerial lift operators with the highest level of dielectric protection available today. Injury from electric shock is extremely severe and is one of the most common forms of injury or death in the electric utility industry. TruguardT™2.0 can be last line of protection between the your operator and the high voltage conductors they are working around.
Is TruGuard™2.0 high maintenance?
No. TruGuardTM2.0 is designed to need very little maintenance. There are no moving parts or links and the insulating section is protected from external damage and contamination.
Is TruGuard™2.0 the most complete upper control safety system available in the aerial lift industry?
Yes. TruGuard™2.0 provides an additional layer of dielectric protection to linemen at the platform. By completely isolating the upper controls, TruGuard™2.0 provides far more complete protection than a plastic handle can offer. With TruGuard™2.0, hydraulic tools can be safely used at the platform, allowing linemen to use the tools to which they are accustomed.
Does TruGuard™2.0 meet or exceed ANSI A92.2 standards?
Yes, TruGuard™2.0 exceeds ANSI A92.2 standards for dielectric isolation.
What are the main differences between TruGuard™2.0 and other competitors’ safety systems?
Where should I begin? TruGuard™2.0 is a true safety system for electric utility linemen. We designed and patented the world’s first system that effectively isolates the entire upper control area and tool outlets from an energized boomtip.
How does TruGuard™2.0 protect lineman at the platform?
Linemen are less likely to experience injury from electric shock because the upper control panel, and everything in and on it, are isolated from the rest of the aerial lift. With TruGuard 2.0 we’ve increased the insulation gap by more than 40%, making Versalift insulated aerial lifts the most secure in the industry.
Is TruGuard™2.0 truly the most advanced bucket truck safety system available today?
Yes it is. We have worked hard to create a way to provide a way to make your operators as safe as possible in an inherently dangerous work environment, while still providing them with the rugged dependable controls and tool system they prefer.
Is TruGuard™2.0 durable?
Yes. TruGuard™2.0 has been heavily tested in extreme pressure and temperature conditions. When we designed it, we focused on the simplest way to keep your operator safe and the equipment maintenance low. The new hermetically sealed design has increased the insulation gap and eliminated hydraulic connections thus making TruGuard™ 2.0 40% safer and virtually maintenance free.
Does TruGuard™2.0 require any special training?
No it does not affect the functionality of the upper controls as the entire TruGuard protection system is contained below the control panel. The upper control station contains the same durable metal controls which operators are used to and prefer.