Vehicles:
What type of vehicle is required?
The minimum requirement for a vehicle is a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of 9,500 lbs. The choice of vehicle should always meet the customer’s needs in terms of utilization, accessories, and regulatory safety standards. Note: If possible, always ask or check with the manufacturer prior to buying a new vehicle.
Should the vehicle be equipped with outriggers?
It depends on the type of ladder selected and the regulatory safety standards. The RH38, RH41 and RH44 models (insulated and non-insulated) do not require outriggers under normal use conditions. We adhere to stringent installation standards and routinely conduct stability tests during installation to determine whether outriggers are required.
What is the maximum height the vehicle can have?
Maximum height regulations vary by region. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance. Generally, the maximum total height permitted in North America is 13 feet, 6 inches (including the bucket and any other accessory). We recommend a slightly lower height (e.g., leave about 2 in. in anticipation of winter conditions).
Telescoping ladders and accessories:
What is the capacity of the bucket?
The bucket’s capacity is based on the carrier vehicle and determined at the time of the stability test. Our aerial ladder devices can withstand a load of 350 lbs in the bucket, but depending on the installation conditions, the bucket’s maximum load may vary.
Why do your aerial ladders appear so heavy?
RH aerial ladders appear heavy, but they are actually lightweight. Our aerial ladders are designed to reach maximum heights, fit on the smallest vehicle possible, and hoist loads
What is an aerial ladder’s service life?
RH aerial ladders are designed to provide a 30-year service life with minimum maintenance. This means that when your vehicle’s service life has expired, you can take your aerial ladder and accessories and transfer them to a new vehicle. Reconditioning is available at a low cost and is recommended to ensure that the aerial ladder operates properly on the new vehicle.
Can there be interference when two dielectric telescoping ladders (insulated) equipped with wireless remote controls work side by side?
No, interference cannot occur since each remote control emits more than 50 random signals per second. Even with 5 aerial ladders operating side by side, each remote control would recognize the equipment it is matched to.
Is a second battery required to operate the ladder?
The second battery is optional and depends on the other equipment, vehicle accessories, and utilization frequency. However, we recommend using one so that users can operate the ladder without relying on power from the vehicle’s electrical system.
How often should we perform a dielectric test on our aerial ladder to check the insulation?
Test frequency is stipulated by applicable local regulations. The Canadian standard (CSA C225-00) requires insulation testing once every three years. It should be noted, however, that other applicable regulations may require more frequent testing.
What is the dielectric strength of your insulated ladders?
In accordance with CSA C225-00, our dielectric ladders (insulated) fall under Category C, which therefore limits us to an insulation of 46kV. We perform our dielectric certification tests at 100kV for three minutes to comply with this criterion.
Can one cut a hole through the bucket to mount any accessories for example?
The answer to this question depends on your equipment. If you have a dielectric aerial ladder (insulated), you should not cut through the bucket under any circumstances, as doing so will automatically cancel out the insulating characteristics. If you have a non-insulated, telescoping RH aerial ladder, you can cut holes through the bucket. However, you should obtain instructions from the manufacturer to ensure that the aerial ladder’s structural characteristics are not impaired.
What category of insulation is offered by RH Aerial Lift Equipment?
C Category
What is the difference between the A, B and C category of insulation you would ask me?
The C category units have the coverage of a maximal voltage of 46 kV and lesser. The dielectric parts of the unit supply only secondary protection to the operator in the bucket, meaning that is the insulation stops/begins where the fiberglass starts or ends. RH Aerial Lift Equipment provides a 4-foot fiberglass (yellow) section, which allows the unit to be insulated in all position. It is located between the basket (bucket) and the aluminum section. Only the ground crew will be protected. The main coverage (primary) is intended to be supplied by other means such as; rubber gloves, appropriate insulated clothing, hot stick, etc.
The A and B category are designed to supply the main protection to the operator in the bucket beside the crew that surrounds the user. They are provided with means to control the potential electric leak with an insulating aerial device (periodic electrodes system). The unit of a C category does not require this system and that is what makes the difference.
Who could use a dielectric aerial lift equipment?
The RH insulated ladders of will meet the needs of professionals of several fields of work, such as;
- Municipalities for the light bulb change and the roads maintenance and parks;
- Pruning;
- Telecommunications;
- Signs maintenance and installation;
- Electricians;
- Amusement parks;
- Parking lot lights maintenance;
- Arenas, stages and stadiums;
- ...and many more!
This information is subject to change depending on region as well as amendments to standards, regulations, and other factors. Robert Hydraulique is not responsible for any errors or omissions (e.g., due to time constraints). We ask that you always verify the information provided above.
Note: We have drawn on a number of resources and Internet dictionaries to provide an overview of some of the terms used by the aerial device industry. This glossary is intended as an aid to understanding our activity sector. Robert Hydraulic Inc. will not be held liable if any information in this glossary is found to be inaccurate, poorly interpreted or legally false. Please note that the standards cited are continuously reviewed and updated, and as such the information presented on this site may not be current.