Lift and Access

How can utility fleets keep equipment available when prices are rising and lead times can stretch to two years?

At the 2026 Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference, Christi Oca of JEA and Robert “Nick” Atkins of Dominion Energy, in a discussion moderated by Fortunato Gulino of Con Edison, shared practical approaches to fleet procurement and planning, including multi-year purchasing agreements, supplier diversification, standardized equipment specifications, and using utilization data to identify opportunities to redeploy assets.

Read the full Lift & Access article from Seth Skydel for a closer look at how utility fleets are adapting procurement and replacement strategies to rising costs and extended lead times ⬇️

Utility Fleets Rethink Procurement and Rightsizing JEA and Dominion Energy share strategies for fleet procurement, standardization, vendor management and data-driven rightsizing at EUFMC 2026.

Manitou in North America has introduced the MRT 4080, the largest High Lift model in its MRT Vision+ rotating telehandler lineup.

The new model offers a 131-foot, 3-inch lifting height, up to 17,630 pounds of capacity, and can operate as a telehandler, mobile crane, and aerial work platform.

Manitou Introduces MRT 4080 Rotator The Manitou MRT 4080 rotating telehandler combines three machine functions with a 131-foot 3-inch lifting height and 8,000-kg capacity.

A mat that works for a bucket truck may not be the right choice for a tracked excavator, and a system that makes sense for a transmission project may be impractical for storm response.

Utility work can take crews across pavement, fields, wetlands, and wooded rights-of-way, with equipment and ground conditions changing along the way. That makes matting selection less about finding one universal solution and more about matching ground protection to the application, equipment, and logistics.

Kris Koberg, CEO of DICA, takes a look at how utilities can approach matting selection and fleet-level planning ⬇️

Utility Matting Selection for Changing Work Sites Learn how utility crews can match matting to equipment, ground conditions, traffic, project duration, and logistics for safer, reliable site access.

What will construction leadership teams need to navigate the next four years?

As projects become more complex and issues around materials, supply chains, power availability, and multi-site growth become harder to manage, five leadership roles are becoming increasingly important: procurement directors, program directors, power strategy leaders, supply chain and supplier relationship leaders, and executives with experience scaling businesses.

This article looks at why these capabilities are becoming more central to how construction companies plan, compete, and grow 👇

5 Leadership Hires Shaping Construction Through 2030 Discover five leadership roles shaping construction through 2030, from procurement and power strategy to supply chains and business growth.

Sinoboom has introduced its Collision Avoidance Radar System (CARS) for scissor and mast lifts.

The system combines ultrasonic and LiDAR sensors to detect overhead obstacles, provide staged warnings, and restrict lift and drive movements when an obstacle is detected.

Sinoboom Launches CARS for Scissor Lifts Sinoboom's CARS combines ultrasonic and LiDAR sensors to detect overhead obstacles and restrict scissor lift movement.

There’s no single path to building a career in utility fleet — and women across the industry are finding opportunities in a wide range of roles.

In “Where Opportunity Leads,” Lift & Access Editor Maggie MacHale speaks with women across the industry about their career journeys, the value of mentorship and professional networks, and the opportunities available to the next generation of fleet professionals.

From fleet operations and procurement to marketing and leadership, their stories offer a look at the different career paths available across the industry.

Read the full article: https://www.liftandaccess.com/blog/where-opportunity-leads

When critical infrastructure needs attention, equipment reliability can directly affect how quickly crews respond.

In this fleet profile, Seth Skydel looks at how Pine Ridge Technologies supports traffic signals, roadway lighting, transit infrastructure, and electrical construction across New England, and why equipment reliability has become increasingly important as the company grows.

Read the full story: https://www.liftandaccess.com/blog/proven-choice

What should go into the decision when buying a used forklift? Condition, equipment history, and operating costs all matter.

The September-October issue of Lift & Access also looks at women building careers in utility fleets, ground protection for changing jobsites, Pine Ridge Technologies’ fleet, and vertical lifts.

Read the digital edition: https://publication.liftandaccess.com/lift-and-access-2026-september-october/0506934001789073905

Huddig has introduced the 1370 TIGON G2, the next generation of its TIGON technology.

The new model adds a larger 61-kWh battery, expanded equipment options, remote-control capabilities, and Huddig Echo fleet connectivity.

Read more about the new machine and its updates:

Huddig 1370 TIGON G2 Adds New Options | Lift and Access The Huddig 1370 TIGON G2 adds a 61-kWh battery, new equipment options, remote control, and Huddig Echo fleet connectivity.

AXCS Equipment has rolled out a new five-model TH-Series telehandler lineup in North America, with capacities ranging from 8,000 to 12,000 pounds.

The rough-terrain lineup includes three mid-range models, along with two 56-foot models, and was developed with parts commonality and rental fleet service in mind.

Read more about the new lineup:

AXCS Rolls Out New TH-Series Telehandlers | Lift and Access AXCS Equipment's five-model TH-Series telehandler lineup ranges from 8,000 to 12,000 pounds of capacity and includes 56-foot models.