Across Appalachian Power’s mountainous service territory, reaching facilities for routine maintenance and repairs can be challenging. Steep slopes, narrow spaces and challenging terrain can limit access to traditional equipment, slowing work and increasing the risk of damage to a customer’s property.
Crews say a track bucket and skid steer are changing how they tackle some of the toughest jobs. The machines help them reach remote locations, handle heavy lifting and reduce the time and resources needed to complete fieldwork, making each job safer and more efficient.
Track Bucket: Reaching new heights from the ground
The track bucket gives crews a versatile way to reach elevated work areas and locations that traditional bucket trucks cannot easily access. In many situations, employees can work from the machine instead of manually climbing poles, improving safety and efficiency. Crews may also be able to complete routine work while lines remain energized, reducing customer outages and supporting faster restoration when service is interrupted.
Additionally, the machine’s tracks distribute its weight more evenly, allowing it to travel through yards and fields with less impact on customers’ property.
Skid Steer: One machine, many jobs
The skid steer brings flexibility to areas where larger equipment cannot go. Its compact design allows it to navigate tight spaces, climb steep terrain and cross expansive fields with less risk of property damage. With a range of attachments, it can help crews set poles, pull wire, install underground service, mulch brush and small trees, and move heavy materials.
Distribution System Supervisor David Story has seen the equipment’s impact firsthand. “These machines have become invaluable tools for our crews,” Story said. “They help us reach locations that would otherwise be difficult to access, reduce the impact on customers’ property and complete work more efficiently. They also provide important mechanical support for tasks that can be physically demanding, helping crews work more safely while saving time and resources. Their versatility and reliability have made them a tremendous asset across a wide range of jobs.”
Investing in better service
Customers may never see these machines in action, but they benefit from the results: faster restoration, more efficient maintenance and reliable service. Investments in specialized equipment are one way Appalachian Power continues to improve service for customers and communities across its service territory.